Renewing from page 10

houses are boarded up, including the
one I grew up in:'
Yet, Cook and others like her pro-
ceed with optimism and ambition.
"I see so many young Jewish people
trying to revive Detroit:' she says,
pointing to projects like the revitalized
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.
The spirit of ingenuity can prevail,
she says, regardless of residence.
"Even if they no longer live here, [they
should] try to establish ways to give
back and appreciate the city."
Where many are discouraged by the
struggles to rebuild Detroit's former
neighborhoods, Cook sees an abun-
dance of possibility. "I think there is a
real passion... and there are so many
young people doing things to improve
it."

In terms of practical planning, Cook
emphasizes the need for "reviving
[Detroit's] middle-class and ... creat-
ing more viable solutions?'
As both she and Gaddies see it, the
responsibility is in the hands of the
Jewish community. "We must preserve
[Bagley] so we don't have to lament it
later:' Gaddies warns.
"This neighborhood could be
another eyesore, or we could make it
thrive. There is so much potential:'
stresses Cook with hope.
The Jewish Historical Society of
Michigan anticipates the event as
a time for reconnection and the
beginning of efforts toward renewal.
Gaddies adds, "The hope is that nos-
talgia will pay off with real conversa-
tion." ❑

If you lived on Cambridge, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio,
Cherrylawn, Clarita, Roselawn, Woodingham, Pennington, San Juan,
Santa Rosa, Stoepel, Prairie, Monica, Thatcher, Santa Clara, Margareta,
Pickford, Curtis, London or Santa Maria streets and would like to see
your old home, send your name and former Bagley area address to
Barbara Cook at Barbarascook@gmail.com with "Bagley" in the subject
line and specify the number of people you would like to bring.
You will be notified whether the current homeowner has agreed to open
the home for the tour. For more information, visit:
www.michjewishhistory.org or call (248) 432-5517.

Elementary, My Dear Elson

D

Longacre principal earns honor.

wring an assembly for
Longacre Elementary School
volunteers on May 15, Principal
Barbara Elson was surprised with
the announcement that she had been
selected as the MEMSPA (Michigan
Elementary and Middle School
Principals Association) Region 7
Elementary Principal of the Year.
MEMSPA is an
association for
elementary and
middle-level prin-
cipals in Michigan
dedicated to sup-
porting principals
in delivering quality
educational experi-
Barbara Elson
ences. Members are
divided into 14 regional groups. Region
7 represents Oakland County.
Presenting Elson with her award
were Lanigan Elementary School
Principal Robert Kauffman, who also
serves as MEMSPAs President Elect,
and Mary Barghahn, principal at Burt
Elementary School in Waterford.
Teachers describe Elson, principal
there since 2004, as a true leader, whose
dedication to Longacre surpasses
expectations. Students and parents

appreciate her investment in the
accomplishments of her students well
beyond their elementary school years.
Elson carefully uses effective teach-
ing practices and makes them a prior-
ity in staff meetings and professional
development. She has initiated Leader
in Me training sessions, Readers/
Writers Workshops and attended
Langford Learning training, ever
improving on her skills.
Colleagues also express Longacre's
growth and progress under Elson's
direction. As a leader, she knows how
to motivate, educate and support her
staff to create the best learning envi-
ronment for children and adults alike.
She records students' positive behavior,
reporting to parents with joy, and is
seen regularly snapping photos for
monthly Pride Circle assemblies.
Based on these merits, the Longacre
community views the honor of Principal
of the Year as a well-deserved accom-
plishment for Elson's years as an excel-
lent leader, educator and friend.
"This is an incredible honor to be rec-
ognized by teachers, families and other
principals',' Elson said. "It's amazing. I
love what I do, and every day I work with
those I love." ❑

Reader's Choice
Best Local Talk Radio Host

May 31 - 2012

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