DURHAM -- The public is invited to an open house hosted by Kol Haskalah: A Humanistic Jewish Congregation, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday at Murphey Hall on the UNC Chapel Hill campus.
Kol Haskalah is the Triangle's only Humanistic Jewish congregation and focuses on Jewish history, holidays and ethics in a secular and intercultural Jewish environment. Interfaith families make up a significant part of the membership.
"We were looking for a fun, secular Jewish education for our kids and, at the same time, for a community that encouraged a contemporary, rational approach to the world," says member Jenn Sessler. "I would strongly encourage anyone who feels the same way to come see what Kol Haskalah is all about."
Visitors will learn about Kol Haskalah's twice-monthly Sunday School program (leading to Bnai Mitzvah) and other aspects of the congregation, meet returning families and teachers and hear about upcoming plans for the High Holidays.
For more information, visit www.kolhaskalah.org or call (919) 968-7888.
Committee meeting off
DURHAM -- Durham's Joint City County Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Sept. 1 has been canceled, a county spokeswoman has announced.
Back-to-school event slated
DURHAM-- Fairway Outdoor Advertising has donated an advertising package valued at $5,000 to promote a back-to-school workshop by CAARE, Inc., and Durham Public Schools from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 28, at 214 Broadway St.
The event aims to educate parents and students about various community programs offered by DPS and CAARE, Inc. Donations of new backpacks and school supplies from visitors would be appreciated.
Needy participants will receive free backpacks and school supplies.
Darents interested in meeting recently named DPS Superintendent Eric Becoats should arrive between 10 a.m. and noon Participants are asked to RSVP -- including information about donations of school supplies -- to Sharon Elliot-Bynum at (919) 683-5300.
Community Day set Sunday
DURHAM -- The Full Gospel Deliverance Center, in partnership with the Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church, will host its annual Community Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1606 Liberty Street.
The free event will include food, music by local school bands, singers and artists, health screenings, vendors and school supplies. City and county elected officials are expected to be on hand as well.
For more information, e-mail Tracy Brewer at mrsmom2cjc@yahoo.com.
Luau planned for Sept. 11
DURHAM -- The Edison Johnson Community Center, 500 W. Murray Ave., will host an Hawaiian luau from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 11.
The event will feature Polynesian crafts, island games, a limbo contest, prizes, great music, food and fun. The center's pool will be open for water activities, so participants are encouraged to bring swim suits.
The event is free and open to the public and all ages are welcome. For more information, call (919) 560-4270.
Meet-the-artist event is on tap
DURHAM -- Outsiders Art & Collectibles, in partnership with Hemphill Fine Arts of Washington, D.C., will present an exhibit of fine art prints by internationally recognized outsider artist, Mingering Mike.
Outsiders will host an artist reception with Mingering Mike from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at its 718 Iredell St. location.
This event is free and open to the public.
Music will be provided by Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos and The Wigg Report, and food by Parker Otis and Only Burger.
The exhibit will remain on display at Outsiders Art Collectibles through September.
Contact Mark Donovan at mdonovan@heraldsun.com or (919) 419-6655. E-mail items of interest to our readers to news@heraldsun.com.
