By Sharon Wisch-Ray
Laurie Blum was honored as a “Mother of the Year” by Easter Seals May 7. The award was presented at the annual “Hats Off to Mothers” luncheon at Colonial Country Club, where more than 250 people gathered to celebrate.
There was a video tribute to Laurie narrated by her husband Marvin, son Adam Blum of Austin, and daughter Elizabeth Savetsky of New York. Also attending as the main guest of honor was granddaughter Stella Savetsky of New York.
Accepting the award, Laurie spoke about her recipe for happy motherhood, offering “Life Lessons from My Kitchen to Yours.” She recognized the key people in her life who make her life rich and sweet, including her mother-in-law Elsie Blum, her three sisters, her sister-in-law Lea Ann Blum, and all her girlfriends.
Laurie’s main tribute went to her mother Aimee Kriger who worked tirelessly throughout her life doing one-on-one charity, setting an amazing example of generosity and kindness for Laurie and her three sisters.
Laurie was honored to promote the cause of Easter Seals, which for 75 years has been providing hope and opportunities to advance the independence of individuals with disabilities and other special needs.
Congratulations to Laurie!
‘Beaufort’ next installment of the CAS Showtimes Film series
Congregation Ahavath Sholom will show the seventh film in its 2014 SHOWTIMES Film Series, “Beaufort,” at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, June 1 at the synagogue, 4050 S. Hulen St.
“Beaufort” takes place in the year 2000, the year of the Israeli Defense Forces withdrawal from Southern Lebanon. This film describes the soldiers’ feelings and fears, and explores their moral dilemmas in the days preceding the end of the 18-year Israeli conflict with South Lebanon. “Beaufort” has been compared to the U.S. film “Hurt Locker.”
This film is sponsored by the Southwest Jewish Congress (SWJC), and CEO, Lt. Col. (res.) Gil Elan, will lead the discussion after the showing of the film. Elan, whose Middle East Briefing appears in the TJP every week, spent many years in the IDF and he knows firsthand the Beaufort story, and CAS very fortunate to have him coming to lead the conversation about the film. His insights will be invaluable.
All of the Showtimes Film Series films are free, so are the refreshments. Everyone in the community is invited Please mark your calendars now!
Thank you to committee members Michal Bloom, Liz Chesser, Bootsie Coggan, Hedy Collins, Kim Goldberg, Lisa Laudato, Foster Owen, Dr. Jane Pawgan, Debby Rice, Reggie Rog, Jayna Sosland, Jim Stansbury, Sheila Stocker, Roz Vaden and Stephanie Zavala.
Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s 2014 Showtimes Film Series is funded by Congregation Ahavath Sholom as well as the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and their help is appreciated.
For more information please call Congregation Ahavath Sholom at 817-731-4721.
See you at the movies!
Lil Goldman ELC celebrates 20th consecutive year of formal accreditation
As of April 21, Lil Goldman Early Learning Center received official notification that its longstanding accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) has been formally approved for renewal.
Accreditation is determined through a careful analysis a school’s curriculum, assessments, professional development, communication and financial legitimacy. The Lil Goldman Early Learning Center received exceptional remarks in every category, some of which are included below for your enjoyment.
The Lil Goldman Early Learning Center is one of only two preschools in the Fort Worth area to receive accreditation from SACS. SACS is also the accreditation held by the beloved Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University.
Kudos to everyone who assisted in pulling the document together directly or indirectly as collaboration is crucial for success.
Some of the comments from the SAC included:
“The school is commended for its timely and effective manner.”
“Lil Goldman Early Learning Center has proved its effective acceptance of outside direction and the ability to work quickly and seemingly happily in order to achieve continued improvement for all stakeholders of the teaching/learning process.”
“The strategies implemented to meet the needs for the Required Action are impressive. The school is commended for the strategies implemented…Good Job Lil Goldman.”
“AdvancED is proud of the school and its affiliation with the AdvancED Accreditation Process.”
The Lil Goldman Early Learning Center is proud to be accredited by such a highly esteemed association; Cheers to another 20 years!
Larry Kornbleet Scholar-in-Residence a success
Community members turned out to hear this year’s Larry Kornbleet Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Jonathan Adelman, at Beth-El Congregation May 15. Adelman spoke about Israel’s relationship with the world outside of the Middle East and the United States. He focused on Israel’s relationships with Russia, China and India. It was an insightful presentation with a lively question and answer period after the talk. Attendees were also treated to a dessert reception with more one-on-one time with Adelman.
The event was sponsored by the Jewish Federation with financial assistance from the Larry Kornbleet Scholar-in-Residence fund. Kudos to the planning committee: Arnie Barkman, Rhoda Bernstein, Stephanie Dubinsky, Louis Schultz, and Len Schweitzer for picking such a wonderful speaker and planning a beautiful reception.
