By Sharon Wisch-Ray
Next summer’s Maccabi Games open to Tarrant County teens
If your teen loves to play sports and would like to meet other Jewish teens from around the country and world, then the Maccabi Games is just the ticket. Tarrant County teens ages 13-16 as of July 31, 2014 are invited to join the Orlando JCC for the 2014 Maccabi Games to be held in Boca Raton, Fla., Aug. 10-15.
A recruiting meeting will be held for parents and teens at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17 at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 South Hulen St.
The Maccabi Games features a variety of sports. As of today, teens have expressed an interest in girls’ volleyball, girls’ soccer, swimming, golf and boys’ baseball.
Congregation Ahavath Sholom is taking the lead to launch Fort Worth and Tarrant County into this worldwide program. Teens from all over the world will be participating in the games, which began in 1982. Since there is no JCC in Tarrant County, teens have not been connected to the games. Because of an invitation to participate with the Orlando JCC delegation, local teens will have the opportunity of a lifetime. A former Maccabi athlete who won a silver medal will be at the meeting to talk about his experience. Interest information sheets will be available. A Q-and-A will help explain how the program works.
For further information, contact Robby Etzkin at RobbyE@orlandojcc.org or locally, call Naomi Rosenfield at 817-246-3908.
I’ve mentioned before that my family served as a host family in 2006 and our son participated as an athlete in Philly two years ago. It was truly a rewarding experience all around, and I encourage you to check it out.
Federation open house
Don’t forget, from 2-4 p.m., this Sunday, Nov. 3, the Federation will hold an open house at its offices at 4049 Kingsridge Road. This is a great opportunity to meet new Federation director Bob Goldberg and his family. I’m told there will be refreshments, good conversation and a few surprises. Feel free to call 817-569-0892 and ask for Cindy if you have any questions.
Marc Veasey appearance rescheduled for December
Beth-El Congregation, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, the Jewish Federation and AIPAC will host a Fort Worth community event featuring Congressman Marc Veasey at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Congressman Veasey travelled to Israel in early August with AIPAC’s sister foundation, AIEF. He plans to share his experiences.
Veasey represents Texas District 33 in the U.S. House of Representatives. He comes to Congress with over a decade of public service experience and has established himself as a strong and effective advocate who finds fair-minded and balanced solutions to problems.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Veasey serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. With over 15 major military installations in Texas, defense and scientific research and development are key industries in the 33rd District. Veasey is committed to creating jobs, encouraging economic growth, improving public education, promoting immigration reform and ensuring access to quality healthcare.
Prior to serving in the Texas House of Representatives, Veasey worked as a congressional staffer in North Texas. In both Southeast Fort Worth and Dallas, he worked on important issues dealing with transportation, economic development and higher education that benefitted the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Veasey was born and raised in Fort Worth. He and his wife Tonya live in the Metroplex area and have a 7-year-old son, Adam. He earned a B.A. from Texas Wesleyan University, where he majored in mass communication.
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