Speakers Series

Valley journalism icons Kent Dana and Jerry Foster to speak at Beth Ami Temple’s Speakers Series

KENT DANA

JERRY FOSTER

BETH AMI TEMPLE’S SPEAKERS SERIES WHEN Sunday, March 22 from 3 to 5 pm WHERE Beth Ami Temple (located inside Palo Cristi Church) at 3535 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley COST Free to the public, but donations are appreciated. Reservations required. Please RSVP to Bobbi Lazarus at 602-956-0805 or bethamitemple@hotmail.com

Valley television broadcastveteran Kent Dana and Arizona’s frstnews pilot and reporter Jerry Fosterwill speak about their legendary and memorable careers in journalism as part ofthe Beth Ami Temple Speakers Series on Sunday, March 22, from 3 to 5 pm at Beth Ami Temple in Paradise Valley.

Both reporters were familiar fgures as on-air staples in broadcast journalism for decades. Dana, a veritable news icon, spent 30 years on the air, entering the feld in 1974 atKOOL-TV, then spending25 years at 12 News, before retiring in 2011 while behind the deskat KPHO-TV. Dana’s father was in the news business and Kent’s son, Joe, today continues the legacy at 12 News. Foster was the frst news helicopter pilotin Arizona when he was hired in 1971 by KOOL Radio and TV to report on trafc and weather. He became a fxture on Phoenix airwaves for decades, when he piloted Sky12, the station’s news helicopter, taking partin police chases, desert searches and dramatic river rescues. Foster is the author ofEarthbound Misft, a book that traces his long, varied and colorful life and career. Te transition from the bustle of broadcasting to the more relaxed days of retirement afords both men ample opportunity to refect upon the important roles they played in the lives of Valley residents. Now, instead of delivering the latest headlines, theyconnect with the community in frequent public appearances.

“I am pleased to be able to share my experiences after working over 35 years in television news: covering major stories worldwide, sharing the stories of interesting people and communicating those stories every night,” says Dana. “I have been blessed to be a part of this exciting profession.” Te public is invited to attend this informative and entertaining afternoon of discussion. A question-and-answer session will follow Dana and Foster’s appearance. Light refreshments will be served.

Founded in 1978, Beth Ami Temple is a boutique Reform temple for active adults seeking a spiritual connection with their Jewish roots and social involvement in a small, friendly congregation. Te Speaker Series brings to light important topics and engaging speakers that not only impact the city’s Jewish population, but the entire Valley community altogether.