By Sharon Wisch-Ray
I guess everything happens for a reason. I was searching for items for the column at the 11th hour. You can see, it’s a big issue this week, and I’ve been “up to my _ _ _ in alligators,” as my beloved dad of blessed memory would say just about every paper day. I picked up the item about JWI’s book drive from the Beth-El bulletin and inserted it in the column. I wanted to double check the facts with Edythe Cohen, who spearhheaded the project for the Simcha Chapter, so I phoned her and left a message. Luckily, she called back just before we shipped the paper to the printer, because as it turns out, the book drive ended last Friday. Edythe shared with me how she became interested in the project, by reading in JWI’s national magazine and learning that the organization was trying to help women’s shelters build their libraries. Combatting domestic violence is one of JWI’s core missions. Edythe realized that SafeHaven, Tarrant County’s largest women’s shelter, would be a great beneficiary of the book drive project. When she contacted them, SafeHaven explained that what they really needed were children’s books. SafeHaven makes a point to give children books of their own when they arrive and when they leave. Not satisfied to just collect books from community members, Edythe contacted Half Price Books’ headquarters in Dallas. They were more than happy to help and shipped 500 books to their Hulen Street store. Added to the books dropped off at Beth El, Edythe was able to deliver more than 600 books to SafeHaven last week. Yasher Koach Edythe, and thanks for getting back to me with the full scoop!
Allen will join distinguished group of panelists, Sept. 9
Jeremy Allen, son of Cantor Sheri and Richard Allen, will be among the featured panelists from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, when the UNT Health Science Center presents “Miss Representation,” a documentary by Jennifer Seibel Newsom. The film will be screened at the UNT Health Science Center, Met Auditorium, Room 124, 1000 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. This interactive conversation and documentary will engage and challenge you to understand ways in which different forms of media impact and influence our roles as health care consumers and providers specifically addressing issues of sex/gender, race, ethnicity and social constructions of self. In addition to Jeremy, who is a photo editor with Vogue, the panel following the film will include, Joanne Green, Ph.D, professor and chair in the department of Political Science, past chair, Women’s Studies at Texas Christian University; Dorothy Bland, MBA, Dean at the Mayborn School of Journalism at University of North Texas; and Dr. Salvatore Giorgianni, PharmD, BS, CMHE, chair, Men’s Health Caucus Constituency of the American Public Health Association, Men’s Health Network and advisor to Pharmacist Partners. A free dinner will also be served, but reservations are necessary by today, Sept. 5. You can register at http://unthscmissrepresentation.eventbrite.com/.
Murder Mystery Dinner on the horizon Sept. 28
Angie Kitzman tells us you can “jazz it up” at the 1920s era Murder Mystery Dinner at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at Beth-El Congregation.
The Young Adult Group invites the entire community to a mysterious night of intrigue to enjoy a 1920s inspired murder mystery dinner. You may be a gangster, a villain or a dolled-up flapper. No matter who you are, the party will be the bees knees! Tickets are $25 per person with table options also available. This is an adult event, but there will be complimentary babysitting onsite. You can make your reservations online at www.tarrantfederation.org or by calling the Federation office at 817-569-0892 or emailing Angie at a.kitzman@tarrantfederation.org.
It is sponsored by the Young Adult Group of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation.
L’shanah Tovah Tika Tevu. Alex, Benjamin, Sam, Jimmy and I wish each of you good health and happiness in 5774. May you be inscribed.