Stars of David

November 25, 2009 - Michael Elkin, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Linda and Norman Garfield

A special Thanksgiving "Stars" -- stuffed with the goodness of local achievers and do-ers -- and not a turkey among them! AMIT, an org dedicated to helping the lives of Israeli youngsters, notably those considered "at risk," gives thanks this time of year to many, but especially to Linda and Norman Garfield of Wynnewood, who will be honored for all their work on Dec. 2 when the group's annual fundraiser is set for Fuel. This Old City spot better get ready for some high-octane guests as they come to honor the couple. Make book on it? Linda Garfield knows from such things as well; the honoree and author has just come out with Behind the Scene/Seen, described as "an artistic response to the Holocaust."

Did Pittsburgh pirate away one of our very own "Stars"? (Sorry, still heartbroken about the Series.) No -- just for the day, as rising local politico State Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-District 153) participated in a panel discussion of health-care reform in the Steel City at its Rodef Shalom Congregation. The topic is obviously close to his heart as Shapiro is one of the "White House Team of State Legislators for Health Reform."

State Rep. Josh Shapiro

Some Enchantment evening? Make that the afternoon when the Enchantment Theatre Company inaugurates its Eden Award, named after the late Judith S. Eden, an attorney whose influence as an arts activist, as well as an urban advocate, has been felt way beyond the region. Her husband Avi will accept the honor on her behalf at ceremonies scheduled Dec. 2 at the Prince Music Theater. Son Ami, editor-in-chief of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, is former news editor of the Jewish Exponent.

Putting the "ha!" in Hadassah these days is comedian Joel Chasnoff, set to laugh it up for the Newtown and Doylestown Hadassah, when he entertains as part of a benefit on the eve of Dec. 19 at Shir Ami in Newtown. Nothing new as far as the venue's concerned; Chasnoff's a fave of Hadassah, having performed at their national conclave among his many funny gigs.

Three times the charm? Fans of TV's short-lived "Jericho" have much thanks to give this holiday season: The apocalypse then-themed-show is coming back for a third season -- as a comic book, hitting stands with nuclear force on Nov. 25. Give the devil his due? Well, Devil's Due Publishers has teamed up with CBS' consumer division in this graphic novel attempt at resurrecting a series, with original Melrose place -- actually, Melrose Park -- buddies/"Jericho" collaborators Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz associated with this project. More comic relief for Steinberg; as previously reported, his comic book-based "Human Target" is targeted for next year on Fox, filming even as we BAM! POW! speak.