By Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharonw@texasjewishpost.com

Though it seems rather quiet in Cowtown, as folks unwind from the big Israel trip and look toward the High Holidays and back-to-school approaching quickly, many community members are starting to hustle as they plan big upcoming programs.
Marla Fleishman Owen tells me that at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, community members are invited to gather on the Ahavath Sholom “Back 40” for the first of a series of Concerts in the Gan Den. The first installment will feature well-known Fort Worth country musicians Josh Michael and the Hawkes Band.
You can purchase tickets on site for concessions, beer, soft drinks, kosher brisket sandwiches and hot dogs. No outside food or drink will be allowed.
Advance reserved tables of eight can be purchased for $20 per person. Lawn passes are $10 at the gate or in advance and you can bring your own chairs. Children 4-10 years old are $5.
There will be activities for the children including a bounce house and water play. Children under 4 are free.
For tickets or more information call, 817-731-4721. The Back 40 is located behind Ahavath Sholom at 4050 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth.

Isadore Garsek Lodge Person of Year Dinner

Also on the move are the men of the Isadore Garsek Lodge of B’nai B’rith as they plan their annual Person of the Year Dinner, always a highlight and, as I’ve always said, the best-kept secret of the year.
This year’s event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18 at Mira Vista Country Club. The Jewish Person of the Year will be revealed and the student scholarships will be announced.
Special guest speaker will be Daniel Agranov, the deputy consul general of Israel to the Southwest United States. Agranov, whose post is in Houston, was deeply affected by recent flooding there and he and his family had to relocate to a hotel while their home is being repaired.
Agranov has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over five years. Prior to his current mission, he helped establish the Consulate of Israel to St. Petersburg, Russia, as deputy consul general. His previous posts include the Economic Office at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ main consular division and missions to Angola and Kazakhstan.
Before joining the Ministry, Agranov worked several years as a manager in the loan division at Israel’s Postal Bank after his service in the army.
Agranov holds a bachelor’s degree in economy and biology and a master’s in business administration in finance and marketing, both from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Agranov is married to Nurit, and together they have three daughters.
Cost is $36 and kosher-style food will be available if ordered in advance. A cash bar will be available. To make reservations, contact Harry Kahn at hskdsk@charter.net or 817-926-6566; Alex Nason at   alexnason@charter.net; or last year’s honoree Marvin Beleck at marvinbeleck@aol.com. Send Person of the Year nominations to Isadore Garsek Lodge, 4420 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107.