West Bloomfield Beacon | Published November 8, 2023
Detroit Jewish Book Fair set to come to The J
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The Detroit Jewish Book Fair, the oldest and largest of its kind in the United States, is scheduled to return for its 72nd Season at the JCC of Metropolitan Detroit, now known as The J, located at 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield.
The book fair was set to take place Nov. 1-12.
“With a wide range of subjects ranging from The Muppets to Costco to the discovery of DNA’s double helix, the Detroit Jewish Book Fair continues a cultural and literary tradition that showcases diverse authors, discovers new Jewish writers, features local talent, and promotes the global art of Jewish storytelling,” the release states.
More than 30 authors from around the world are a part of the scheduled lineup, according to the release.
“Signature programs and special events” are also set to be part of the Detroit Jewish Book Fair.
A typical Detroit Jewish Book Fair draws more than 20,000 people, the release states.
Events are open to the public and most are free, with the exception of events that include food.
Visit jccdet.org for more information.
Jewish Senior Life announces collaboration with rehabilitation services provider
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit, which has independent living, assisted living and memory care residential communities in West Bloomfield and Oak Park, recently announced a collaboration with Powerback Rehabilitation, one of the largest rehabilitation services providers in the United States, “to further enrich and support active, healthy lifestyles for the nonprofit organization’s residents,” according to a press release.
The collaboration began recently and includes a range of complimentary services provided by Powerback Rehabilitation, such as in-depth vitality checks and the establishment of optimal health goals for residents.
“This exciting collaboration with Powerback Rehabilitation will provide a path toward helping the older adults we serve become stronger, safer, and more active as they improve their physical functions and quality of life,” Barbra Giles, Jewish Senior Life’s executive director of strategic initiatives, stated via the release.
A Powerback wellness director will be available at each Jewish Senior Life building, and if a resident needs physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech language therapy, the wellness directors will work with the individual’s physician to set up the appropriate therapy and treatment program at new onsite therapy gyms at each residence, according to the release.
“These outpatient therapies will be covered under Medicare (Part B) as well as additional insurances accepted by Powerback Rehabilitation,” the release states.
For more information, visit jslmi.org.
Peace memorial rededication ceremony scheduled
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The Walnut Lake Women’s Club has scheduled a “Peace Memorial Rededication Ceremony” for 10:30-11:15 a.m. Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, at the former site of Walnut Lake Elementary School, located at 2075 Walnut Lake Road.
A brief history of the memorial, a poetry reading, the playing of taps and remarks from speakers are set to be part of the ceremony.
Waterford School District educator recognized
WATERFORD — Courtney Solar, who is the lead teacher at Stepanski Early Childhood Center, was selected as a HighScope Early Childhood Center Educator of Excellence, according to a press release from the Waterford School District.
The award is given to 20 early educators in the nation who are nominated by their peers.
Solar works at Waterford School District’s Leggett campus in the school’s tuition-based 3-year-old preschool program.
Chanukah festival scheduled
OAK PARK — Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park is scheduled to hold its eighth “Chanu-Con!” community-wide Chanukah festival, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12.
The festival is one of the Detroit area’s largest Chanukah-themed events, according to a press release. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public, with food and vendor gift items available for purchase.
Beth Shalom is located at 14601 Lincoln St. in Oak Park.
For more information, including a full vendor list, visit bit.ly/chanucon2023 or call Congregation Beth Shalom at (248) 547-7970.
Physicians warn against using laxatives for weight loss
METRO DETROIT — According to a press release from Henry Ford Health, amid shortages, physicians are warning people about using laxatives for weight loss.
An increased demand for laxatives is creating a nationwide drug shortage and prompting physicians to issue warnings against using them for weight loss, according to the release.
“Simply put, people should not take laxatives for weight loss,” Dr. Eva Alsheik, a gastroenterologist and the director of the Center for Mobility Disorders at Henry Ford Health, stated in the release.
Stimulant laxatives can create side effects such as cramping, gas and bloating, and are not recommended for daily use, according to Alsheik.
“Experts attribute increased demand for laxatives such as Miralax and Glycolax to an aging population, the fact that most Americans don’t consume enough fiber, and misinformation on social media about the connection between gut health, laxatives and weight loss,” the release states.
‘Charlie Brown’ production set to take place at West Bloomfield Public Library
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Michigan Stage and the Friends of the West Bloomfield Public Library are set to present “Talkin’ Broadway,” a bi-monthly play-reading and discussion group featuring performances and expertise from visiting Broadway veterans, according to a release.
On Nov. 15, Talkin’ Broadway is set to showcase “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
“With charm, wit, and heart, this musical explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang,” the release states. “This revue of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, is the ideal show for Talkin’ Broadway.”
The event is scheduled to take place 6:30-8 p.m. in the community room of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, located at 4600 Walnut Lake Road.
The free event is family-friendly, and it is organized and sponsored by the Friends of the West Bloomfield Library and sponsored by Michigan Stage. No registration is required.
For more information, email friends@wblib.com.