FIGHTING CANCER ONE BEARD AT A TIME — HBHA senior Joel Gutovitz has launched a novel way to collect money to fund research for several different kinds of cancers. He feels “personally obligated to eliminate” cancer for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that both of his grandfathers died from cancer. His zayde, Abe Gutovitz, fought lung cancer, while just last year his maternal grandpa, Sylvester Sher, battled colon cancer.
Joel has recently grown a beard and through Dec. 26 he will be collecting donations (cash or check only) to support four areas of cancer research — lung, colon, prostate and breast. The category of cancer research that raises the most money between now and Dec. 26 will determine the fate of his “furry face for at least one week.” Here are the options:
• For mutton chops, donate to lung cancer research.
• For mustache and goatee, donate to colon cancer research.
• For stripes, donate to prostate cancer research.
• For polka, donate to breast cancer research.
Or better yet he says, donate to the category of cancer research that has most directly impacted your life or the life of somebody you love. Donations will be collected at HBHA through Dec. 19. He will also collect donations at BBYO Winter Regional Convention on Dec. 26. You can contact Joel through HBHA and mail checks to HBHA, 5801 W. 115 Street, Overland Park, KS 66211, Attn: Gutovitz Cancer Fund. Checks should be made payable to American Cancer Society and specify which category of cancer research you would like to donate to.
Swastika wrapping paper or Rorschach test?
(JTA) — Can you find the swastikas in the picture on the left?
Don’t worry if it took a few minutes to find them — they can be hard to spot in the midst of the wrapping paper’s intricate design.
Earlier this week Walgreens announced that is removing all rolls of this wrapping paper, produced by Hallmark Cards, Inc., from its shelves nationwide after a woman from the Northridge community of Los Angeles complained Sunday about the swastikas in the design.
According to Reuters, Hallmark issued an apology on Tuesday and said that the blue and silver wrapping paper was designed to represent a type of vessel, and any similarity to a swastika was unintentional. The company said the pattern has been in the company’s reference archives for several years.
Reuters also referred to a Hallmark statement on the matter:
“As soon as we were made aware of the situation, we began taking steps to remove the gift wrap from all store shelves and we will ensure the pattern is not used on any product formats going forward,” a company statement said. “We sincerely apologize for this oversight and for any unintended offense.”
Shapiro’s experience brings up a larger issue: how close to a swastika should something look to be considered offensive?
The wrapping paper is only the latest in a series of swastika products spotted on the market in recent years. In October, Sears apologized profusely for selling a ring with a swastika on it in its “men’s punk rock style” jewelry collection. In 2013, a clothing line called “Spiritual Punx” began putting colorful swastikas on clothing, stickers, and accessories. In 2007, Zara was caught selling a handbag that featured four green swastikas next to an array of flowers.
SPIN IT ON SUNDAY — I don’t know where you plan to be at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, but I plan to be at the Jewish Community Center ready to spin a dreidel along with 1,000 of my closest friends in the community. I’m excited because I’ve never been a part of a record-breaking anything before. The family-friendly event actually begins at 4:30 p.m. with games, food and giveaways. The first 1,400 in attendance will receive a special dreidel designed especially for the event. For more information, contact the J at 913-327-8000.
L’HITRAOT, SHARI STIMETZ — Jewish Federation President & CEO Todd Stettner reminded us in his blog last week that Shari Stimetz, Federation’s assistant executive director, is set to retire after 34 years of service before the end of this month. Over the years she has supplied me with a variety of quotes and statistics about some of Federation’s most important endeavors, including providing emergency funds for people who hit a snag and couldn’t make ends meet due to unexpected medical bills, etc… Over the years she has never failed to greet me, and others, with a smile and a helpful attitude. So Shari, enjoy your retirement and l’hitraot!
