. . . _ . metro UNDERSTANDING THE ARAB- ISRAELI CONFUCT Something For All FLOKENCE ,11-3,TON 11111 1T IIINI-Settear,', v Bike festival is in high gear for riders, spectators, fun-lovers. Shelli Liebman Dorfman Contributing Writer y WE DELIVER ADULT JEWISH EDUCATION For a catalog of classes can 248-205-2557 or (1 7 1N . Mentoring Is Time Well Spent! The Waterford School District is inviting caring adults to become a mentor and help transform lives in our community. Mentoring is fun, easy, comfortable, and rewarding. Just one or two hours a week can make a big impact in the life of a student. Mentors report experiencing improved health, greater life satisfaction, and connections to the community. We provide all the training and support you will need to succeed! Youth who are mentored are: 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs 27% less likely to begin using alcohol 52% less likely to skip school 37%. less likely to skip a ciws Call today to register for our next information session! Teresa Bruno I 248.421.6497 I brunot01@wsdmi.org www.waterford.k12.mi.us/safeschools/mentor Waterford Oneeperneofteover.,,, mer.4 Anent Svcces. 4e0a. 1774880 22 August 23 • 2012 0u don't have to be a cyclist to participate in the fun of the second annual Birmingham Bike Festival. In fact, you don't even have to be human. Pedestrians and pets are welcome at the family event, which focuses on rais- ing positive awareness of the enjoyment, health benefits and safety of bicycling while showcasing and promoting the community of Birmingham. Presented by Fred Lavery Audi of Birmingham, the 8 a.m.-5 p.m. festival will be Sunday, Aug. 26, in Shain Park and through the streets of downtown Birmingham. Created by advanced cyclist and mountain biker Jeffrey Surnow of West Bloomfield, the nonprofit event will be highlighted by a professional bike race. "If you haven't seen a racer take a 90-degree turn at 30 miles per hour, you will be impressed," Surnow said. "You will be amazed at how fast these people go. Kids' activities are planned, along with races for families and children, team events with relays, amateur races with medals and trophies and live music, which begins at 11 a.m. A valet will guard bikes for people who ride to the event to watch. Bike inspection, merchandise and children's safety instruction will be available. Members of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan (MAW)/Wish- A-Mile Bicycle Tour's Team Alex — on which Surnow just completed his 10th three-day, 309-mile ride in memory of Alex Graham — will host an exhibitors' booth promoting MAW and seeking donations. Races include a hand cyclists' event. "These are the heroes of our society who have physical disabilities and race bikes," Surnow said. "You will come away from this race with a whole new respect for these athletes." The 20-minute Miles4Miles fund- raising parade-like ride for children Birmingham Mayor Mark Nickita, center, gives an award Aug. 2 to cyclists Michael and Jeffrey Surnow, both of West Bloomfield, for the creation and support of the Birmingham Bike Festival. and young adults at 1:05 p.m.honors Miles Levin, a West Bloomfield resident — whose inspirational blog was read worldwide — who died in 2007 at age 18 of a rare form of cancer. Miles4Miles teams collected dona- tions for funds created by Dr. Richard Keidan of West Bloomfield, a surgi- cal oncologist at William Beaumont Hospital, who rides regularly with Surnow. Monies raised will be shared by the Miles Levin Nepal Foundation for Health and Education for educational and health care projects in Khotang and the 2012 Miles Levin Miracle Fund at Beaumont Children's Hospital to assist families with children undergoing treat- ment for pediatric cancers and other serious childhood illnesses. "Funds raised for Miles4Miles will be matched by the Children's Miracle Network for up to $25,000 through William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak," Keidan said. Outgrown bikes and helmets may be brought for donation to the American Cycle and Fitness stores in Royal Oak, Novi and Pontiac until one day after the event. No items will be collected at the event. Items will be distributed by the Detroit-based social-action organization Summer in the City. Some of those who will ride at the festival are recipients of bikes from the Beaumont Health System's Center for Children's Rehabilitation program, with funds raised by Children's Miracle Network. "They provided money for building about 70 bikes for kids with disabilities, at an average cost of $1,700," said Keidan. Festival proceeds will be divided between MAW, cerebral palsy research groups at Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, the Miles Levin funds and the Royal Oak-based nonprofit Wolverine Sports Club, which provides most of the festival's volunteers. "The festival:' Surnow said, "is to encourage families to participate in bicycle-related activities together, breathe some fresh air, enjoy the city and spend more time outside." ❑ For a festival schedule, to become a vendor, volunteer, sponsor or donor, or to participate on a team, go to birminghambikefestival.org or call (248) 865-3000, ext.102. To become a donor, sponsor or to participate in the Miles4Miles event, go to http://www.crowdrise.com/miles4miles or contact Dr. Richard Keidan at (248) 318-4779.