Teen group expands its outreach, initiatives
Havurat Tikvah’s Mizvah in Action (MIA!) teen group has been undergoing a lot of changes and expansion since its inception two years ago.
As a way to maintain a stronger teen participation within congregational life, as well as a Jewish identity, MIA! decided to merge with the teens of Kol Ami to provide a broader approach. There was strength in numbers with both groups working as one. Kol Ami did not have an organized group, and welcomed the opportunity.
Carol LeBaron serves as the group’s advisor and has assisted in its expansion recently. Leaders include: Meara Waxman, youth leader; Sydney Feinglass, treasurer; Lea LeBaron historian and blogger; and Kayla Kaplan, book club coordinator.
The first merged meeting was held on Oct. 14, where MIA! set out to develop a calendar of activities, meetings and community service projects and outings. Included in these activities is a book club, which has already seen a great deal of success on the Havurat Tikvah side. They also had a bit of fun baking challot from dough contributed by Great Harvest Bread Company owners and Havurat Tikvah members Janet and Jeff Ganoung.
On the horizon, they plan on collecting gloves, scarves, socks and backpacks for Urban Ministry’s Room at the Inn. Collection boxes will be set up at all congregational services and events to accept donations. Additionally, they are coordinating a Hanukkah party with Kol Ami’s Torah Tots, a pizza and bowling social event, Hamentschen baking, as well as a trip to the Charlotte Children’s Theatre.
They will collectively volunteer their time at the Purim carnival at the Jewish Community Center in February, serving as floaters to shore up areas that need support instead of staffing a single booth.
Membership is $20 per year and is open to teens within the Charlotte metropolitan area.
For more information, email miateens@havurattikvah.org or visit mitzvahinaction.info.
Friends Run to Benefit Jewish Family Services
Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte will honor U.S. veterans with a charity Friends Run on Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. at Shalom Park, 5007 Providence Rd.
The chip-timed 5K and one-mile family walk/run will mark the second year that Jewish Family Services (JFS) has sponsored a run, formerly called The Falafel 5K. It serves as a fundraiser for JFS, with proceeds directly benefiting the non-profit agency that helps members of the community who struggle with issues related to aging, parenting, illness, job loss, disability and poverty. It services are available to people of all ages, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.
Registration and packet pick-up is from 6:30-7:30 a.m. Kick-off is at 7:45 a.m. with a salute to veterans, including a patriotic color guard presentation, poem reading and singing of the National Anthem by John Crane. Stacey Simms, host of NewsTalk 1110 WBT Charlotte’s “Morning News,” will emcee the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue apparel. The family fun run begins at 8:30 a.m.
“We are encouraging families of all ages to join in the Friends Run together. Our annual 5K is a healthy, social way for Charlotte to become aware of what Jewish Family Services offers to our community,” said Jennifer Collman, 2012 Friends Run Event chair.
Participants are encouraged to enjoy the post-race party featuring refreshments, TCBY frozen yogurt, free day passes to the Levine Jewish Community Center, swimming under the pool bubble (first 200 participants), post race stretching and chair massages.
In an effort to allow greater participation, babysitting will be provided to race participants through the center for a nominal fee. Reservations are required through Nov. 4 by calling 704-366-5007.
Additional registration pick up will be held on Nov. 10, 12-5 p.m., at Charlotte Running Company, 5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Suite 300, in the Promenade
Fees for 5K runners are: through Oct. 28, $25; Oct. 29-Nov. 9, $30; and $35, race day. Fees for the mile run are: through Oct. 28, $10; Oct. 29-Nov. 9, $12; and $15, race day. All entry fees include Friends Runs T-shirt and goody bag.
Those who want to support JFS, but do not wish to run, may sign up as a “ghost runner” and receive a shirt and goody bag.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners overall.
To register or for more information, visit friendsrun.com.