By Sharon Wisch-Ray
I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. This week, at the TJP, our art director, Becky Bierig is on her honeymoon. Pinch-hitting for Becky is a very capable UNT student, James Rambin. James is speedy, but afternoon classes and a 6:30 p.m. math test led us to a split schedule at press time. I was lamenting what I would fill this space with. We covered the “Daytimers” extensively last week (Remember next Wednesday, Dec. 11, Dr. Barry Lachman will keynote a program on genealogy). I was longing for some news, thinking back to the Around the Town columns of old when Rene worked the phones for hours and developed lively pieces that would be more than Facebook worthy today.
I picked up the phone and called Ann Bogart, aka Aunt Ann, to say “Howdy.” Jackpot!
Visiting Ann last weekend were her grandson, Derek “Bruce” Bogart, his wife Elizabeth and their trio, Sara, 21, Sasha, 17 and Louis, 5.
Ann, as I’m sure many of you know, is a spry 93. Still sewing and turning out beautiful garments, Ann said that she had other company as well. Her nephew, Ziggy Ferber, was in town for a visit. Ziggy, is Louis’ sister Helen’s son. He works in real estate in Cold Springs, New Jersey.
Before her visitors, Ann said she had a wonderful Thanksgiving at daughter and son-in-law Ruth and Ed Currie’s home. Grandson Michael was also there.
It was nice to reminisce with Aunt Ann, who filled me in on a little history. The Bogart family arrived in Fort Worth on Jan. 30, 1950, which happened to be son Sanford’s fourth birthday. Ann said that she met my parents about a week later when they interviewed her and Louis for the TJP. At that time, Ann said she lived in an apartment provided by the Federation on Saint Louis Avenue. “We went to the Temple because we could walk there, said Ann. “We didn’t have a car.” Later, they moved to a duplex on Jennings Avenue, where Ann began doing alterations. Within about three years, the Bogarts were able to open a small factory with eight employees. They strived to save money for a down payment on a house, and soon moved to Harwen Terrace not far from the Westcliff shopping center. With the arrival of Herb and Ruthie, they outgrew the home and built their current home on Hildring Court where Ann has resided since about 1960. I so enjoy the walks down memory lane with beloved friends.
Place your maaj card orders now
Barbara Weinberg will be taking orders again this year for 2014 Mah Jongg cards, to benefit Hadassah.
The price has increased a smidge with a standard card running $8 and large print, $9.
Please send orders to Barbara Weinberg, 4600 Westlake Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76132.
Please send to Barbara by mail or bring to her at home before Dec. 13 or after Jan. 4. Deadline to receive orders is Jan. 17, 2014. Please make checks payable Barbara Weinberg and she will send a check for the entire order. Thanks Barbara, for keeping the maaj mavens up to date while benefiting a worthy cause.
New Judaica store in Haltom City
Hillel Judaica opened Nov. 27 and is now open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily.
The shop is located inside Hillel Academy of Tarrant County at 5808 Denton Highway, Haltom City, TX 76148.
For more information or directions, please call 817-253-2445.
Save the Date: Jan. 11 CBI Speak Easy Casino
Congregation Beth Israel’s Brotherhood will present an elegant, adults-only cocktail party featuring traditional casino gaming, a live auction, raffle prizes, and added surprises to benefit CBI and Jewish Family Services of Tarrant County, 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14.