jews d & in the faces places Before Alexandra Graham, daughter of Susie and Bill Graham of West Bloomfield, died of bone cancer in 1999 at age 17 following a valiant battle, Make-A-Wish Michigan granted her extraordinary wish to create a public service announcement. The PSA urged others to smile, not stare, at seriously ill kids who may look different because of their medical state. Team Alex, the team of inspired cyclists formed to Alexandra Graham advance her wish and support wish-granting, marked 20 years July 27-29 cycling in Wish-A-Mile (WAM), Make-A- Wish Michigan’s top annual fundraiser. Team Alex riders were among nearly 1,000 WAM participants in the 300-mile, three-day trek from Traverse City to southwest Michigan or the 50-mile, one-day route. Both courses finished amid joyous Wish Heroes and their families at Eaton Proving Grounds near Marshall. Under stalwart captain Beth Brandvain of Farmington Hills, Team Alex grew from 14 to 125 difference-making riders. It has raised $4.5 million, enough for about 950 wishes. • — Robert Sklar, Contributing Editor The care of your varicose veins and other vascular conditions should not be left to chance. Trust the only Board Certified Vascular Surgeon in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area to guide you through all your options. We offer the most advanced treatment in our expansive, state-of-the-art office. Come see the difference that 18 years of experience makes and the personalized attention that we can deliver. Diego A. Hernandez, MD, FACS Natalie Marcus, NP 43700 Woodward Avenue – Suite 208 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248-481-2100 Susie and Bill Graham flank 20-year riders Warren and Davida Robinson of Franklin and Team Alex Captain Beth Brandvain. The Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring YOU AR E I NVI T E D Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur FREE OBSERVANCES (DONATIONS APPRECIATED) ALL WELCOME Meaningful Cultural/Secular Approach Music, Singing & Readings Seven-year rider Dale Garber of Farmington Hills and daughter/five-year rider Jenna Garber of Royal Oak with Team Alex Wish Hero Drew Sepanski First-year rider Renee Liberman of Royal Oak Ten-year rider Marcus Helman of Huntington Woods with his custom-made 2017 Randonneur model bike Team Alex ambassador/longtime team member David Schwartz of Huntington Woods with 13-year rider Dany Saar of West Bloomfield Stefan Kukurugya, pianist and Daniella HarPaz Mechnikov, vocalist Mondry Building, 15000 West Ten Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237 on the Jewish Community Center Campus Rosh Hashanah Monday, September 10,10 a.m. Yom Kippur Wednesday, September 19, 10 a.m. For more information contact: micircle1@gmail.com YOU MAY BRING FOOD FOR YAD EZRA THE WORKMEN’S CIRCLE/ARBETER RING Dedicated to Jewish Community, Jewish/Yiddish Culture & Social Justice PO Box 20985, Ferndale, MI 48220-0985 000000 64 September 6 • 2018 jn