Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/175080
Sarasota News Leader September 20, 2013 ents, including those who have not yet taken the course or who live in a city where it is not offered, the release points out. "The 'listserv' provides a supportive online community of peers from across the country to share their experiences, thoughts and questions," the release adds. Page 112 The program is free of charge and open to all grandparents whose grandchildren are being raised in intermarried homes, the release continues. Class size is limited, but space is still available. The Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI) is an independent, national, trans-denominational organization reaching out to unengaged and intermarried Jewish families, the release says. "It is helping the organized Jewish community better welcome them," it points out. "JOI conducts research, runs programs and serves as a national training institution and network for outreach professionals, guiding and supporting innovative outreach in communities throughout North America." Jewish Outreach Institute program officer Andrea LeVine, who is the national coordinator of the Grandparents Circle, explains in the release that "the Grandparents Circle provides a safe, open-minded environment where people can share their achievements, express their concerns and acknowledge their challenges. It serves the Jewish community's needs by empowering grandparents who might be questioning their role in regard to their grandchildren who are being raised in interfaith homes. But more importantly, it gives grandparents the tools to help ensure that their family's Jewish For more information, contact Temple Sinai at 924identity is carried on for another generation." 1802 or email GrandParentsCircle@gmail.com. TEMPLE EMANU-EL PRESCHOOLERS ENJOY RENOVATED PLAYGROUND New and returning preschoolers at the Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center are enjoying a freshly renovated playground, butterfly garden and "grow boxes" for planting vegetables, the Temple has announced. With the handiwork and planting having been undertaken by volunteers and families from Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood, "the refurbished playground is a labor of love and a gift to the young students," a news release says. Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center faculty member Tammy Libera expressed gratitude to the volunteers who made the playground improvements possible. "Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy," she said in the release. "You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. We are fortunate to have a wonderful community of volunteers." Coordinating Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood's efforts were president Neil Klaber and officers Uzi Baram and David Steinbach, the release notes. Leading construction on the butterfly garden and "grow boxes" were Alex Zalkin and Christian Harris. Harris is a botanist who also volunteers with Selby Gardens, the release adds. Members of Temple Emanu-El's new Green Committee served as advisors on the project, ensuring the playground renovation incorporated eco-friendly elements such as sustainable mulch, the release says. For more information about the Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center, call 377-8074. %