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Longtime Service After 24 years,

O

n Dec. 8, Kathleen Straus
of Detroit was honored for
her 24 years of service on
the State Board of Education with a
retirement party hosted by Wayne State
University at its Tierney Alumni House.
Straus was first elected to the board
in 1992 and served three eight-year
terms, including six two-year terms as
president.
“Kathie is passionate about educa-
tion,” Patrick Lindsey, WSU vice presi-
dent for government and community
affairs, said at the event. “Throughout
her tenure on the State Board of
Education, she has been a powerful

voice for Michigan children and fami-
lies. Her commitment to justice, inclu-
sion and an excellent education for all
students has never wavered.
“Prior to her election, she fought
for positive change in our city as an
administrator, activist and community
leader, working effectively with a coali-
tion of diverse groups from across the
city,” he added.
A needs-based scholarship has been
established in her name at WSU. To
donate, go to https://cardinal.wayne.
edu/wsugiving/give.cfm or call (888)
978-4483. (Look for a JN profile story
on Straus early next year.)

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PHOTOS BY JERRY ZOLYNSKY

Straus retires from State Board of Education.

Kina Shaw of Southfield, Faye Weiner of Bloomfield Hills, Henna Surfrin of Oak
Park, Kayla Elberg of Montreal, Deborah Shaw of Southfield, and Yousef Sufrin
and Ari Brown, both of Oak Park

Latke Vodka 12

Photos by Gina Horwitz

Annual party adds something new this year.

Becky Hurvitz | Special to the Jewish News

T

Kathleen Straus addresses the
crowd with her daughter, Barbara
Straus, by her side.

Judy and Bernard Cantor with Sid Simon

he Jewish Federation’s
NEXTGen Detroit’s 12th
Annual Latke Vodka took
place Nov. 26 in Midtown Detroit. More
than 1,000 young adults came out for a
night of live music, dancing, bowling,
karaoke and a late- night food truck
rally. The event was held at three iconic
Detroit venues: the Majestic Theatre,
the Majestic Cafe and the Garden Bowl
— each offering something unique for
party goers to enjoy.
Just prior to the event was a special
edition to Latke Vodka this year, Jobs in

the D, a re-imagined job fair put on in
partnership by NEXTGen Detroit and
Crain’s Detroit. Geared for young “expats”
but open to everyone, Jobs in the D let
young professionals connect with 25 of
Detroit’s most desirable employers.
“We are hearing amazing feedback
from guests that this was the best Latke
Vodka to date,” said Brittany Karson
of NEXTGen Detroit. “We owe a huge
thank you to everyone who attended
and also to all our sponsors and our
presenting sponsor, Detroit Popcorn
Company.”

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Barbara
Mayer, Ellie
Slovitz, Sally
Schottenfels
and Jeannie
Weiner

Evan and Sarah Goldberg from
Chicago wait for their turn to bowl.

Sen. Carl and Barbara Levin

24 December 29 • 2016

Mary Ellen and Harold Gurewitz

Jen Feinberg, Amy Gross and
Mike Kaplan, all of Farmington
Hills

Marla White of Southfield, Joanne Alvin of
Royal Oak and Jillian Nathan of Birmingham
at the Majestic Theater

Sarah
Rappaport
of the band
Collision 6
sings to the
gathered.