GERALD LANKIN has been named Tucson office director at Helix House Internet Marketing Agency. Prior to joining Helix House, he was president of Baja Nueva Design and Decorating Studio in San Felipe, Mexico. He has more than 25 years of experience in the securities and stock exchange industry, including serving as vice president of wealth management for Smith Barney – Citi Group in Scottsdale. He attended Temple University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Lankin is a past grand master of Masons in Arizona and the immediate past president of the Tucson Pima Rotary Club.
The first NOAH WAREN COHEN SCHOLARSHIPS, administered by the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, were recently awarded. A $3,000 grant was awarded to Joseph Cerato, who will be a sophomore at Southern New Hampshire University. The scholarship will help Cerato, who participates in many extracurricular activities and has several jobs to help pay for his education, to spend more time studying. A $1,000 grant was awarded to Live the Solution for the AZ Earn to Learn program, which provides eligible students with financial education, one-on-one financial coaching, college readiness training and ongoing support.
WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM of TEMPLE EMANU-EL and its “twin” chapter in Israel, Congregation Emet VeShalom in Nahariya, have been awarded the gold WRJ Or Ami “Light of My People” award for programming achievement during 2011-2013. The two WRJ chapters will be recognized at WRJ’s 49th Assembly and Centennial Celebration, Dec. 11-15 in San Diego.
LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA was honored with a Community Leadership Award from Greater Tucson Leadership. Local First, a nonprofit organization, works to strengthen communities and local economies by supporting and celebrating locally owned businesses.
Rabbi Jason Holtz, former associate rabbi of Temple Emanu-El and immediate past president of the Tucson Board of Rabbis, has accepted a position in London, England, where he will lead the Bromley Reform Synagogue.
