By Sharon Wisch-Ray

Lynnel Bond sent me an update of the goodworks of the Tarrant County Hebrew Free Loan Association. In the past two years, TCHFLA has re-energized and put a new infrastructure in place by expanding the board, electing new officers, establishing new lending guidelines, simplifying its application process and creating a website (tchfla.org). The board currently consists of 12 members plus an advisory director from JFS, who combined have an affiliation with most of the synagogues in Tarrant County.
In general, TCHFLA is currently looking for borrowers who are of the Jewish faith and have a legitimate need. Borrowers must be at least 18-years of age and reside in Tarrant County. In addition, applicants must have one to two co-signors, preferably of the Jewish faith, located in the DFW area who are creditworthy and capable of repaying the loan.
All loan requests go through an application process and are reviewed by the loan committee with a maximum lending limit of $3,500.
All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, however, the typical borrower is needing a loan for a Jewish youth experience (e.g., Camp, Israel trip), educational expenses (e.g., books, tuition), medical expenses, someone trying to get out of high interest debt or helping someone who has just fallen on hard times (e.g., bills, rent). TCHFLA, a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans. Hebrew Free Loans have been serving communities around the world since 1890, supporting worthy persons in becoming or remaining self-supporting, self-respecting members of their community, by aid of interest-free loans.
Since 1980, the establishment of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans (IAJFL) has incorporated more than 55 individual free loans spanning North America, Canada, Israel, Australia, Argentina and beyond, which are working in a collective mission to support those in need. We are proud to be a member of this organization as it provides a wealth of knowledge and support from professionals and lay leaders with an unyielding commitment in serving their local communities.
TCHFLA is here to confidentially help individuals in our community and can be reached via email at tchfla@yahoo.com or its website www.tchfla.org.

Scholarships awarded

On Sept. 14 the Isadore Garsek B’nai B’rith Lodge # 269 of Fort Worth presented their annual scholarships to two extremely talented graduating high school seniors at the Person of the Year Dinner. The Academic Scholarship is competitive and is awarded principally based on academic achievement but accomplishments, demonstrated interests and participation in both school oriented and outside activities are also important considerations. This year’s winners are Hannah Simon, daughter Rick and Sherry Simon of Fort Worth and Nicholas Markson, son of David and Angela Markson of Arlington.
Hannah is attending the University of Oklahoma studying Dramaturgy. She graduated from Central High School in Keller this June with a 3.912 grade-point average while taking all Pre AP and AP classes. She was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and the National Honor Society and was ranked 65th of the 579 graduating seniors.
Hannah has been active in vocal choir and theater productions and dance. A member of BBG and FWFTY, she received the Beth-El Confirmation Class Outstanding Community Service Award for her work at Green Family Camp Meals On Wheels and as a Beth El Religious school aide. She has traveled to the Czech republic, Poland and Israel. She enjoys reading, movies, singing and dance. These are but a few of her accomplishments.
Nick graduated from Arlington High School this past June, where he earned a 3.553 grade-point average. Nick was named Student Of The Year in 2014. Nick has been active in ARFTY and served as a counselor at Camp Impact for three years. He was named forensic rookie of the year in 2013 and was active in Boy Scouts. Nick was ranked 47th of the 660 graduating seniors. School. He has not yet selected a college.
Hannah and Nick each were presented with checks for $1,000.Congratulations to the winners and their families. Scholarship applications are available in the spring of each year. Look for announcements in your synagogue’s newsletter and the TJP.

Daytimers enjoy Long

Genie Long, her music and commentary were the attraction at the September Daytimers luncheon. Accompanied by Brad Volt on the piano, more than 30 Daytimers, listened to, and sang along with a variety of ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s music.
This was Long’s third visit to serenade the active senior group with her mezzo soprano voice. The added commentary as she introduced each number simply added to the enjoyment. Genie opened her performance with “She Wore a Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” and had her enchanted audience standing up and participating, as you can see in the photos

Next month, Oct. 15, politics will be the subject when TCU professor Jim Riddlesperger will be the speaker. Who will be our new Governor?
Will Texas go blue or stay red? Or is there some purple coming in the term ahead? Riddlesperger will address these questions and more.
Lunch will be catered by Subway and reservations are being accepted now. You can call Larry Steckler at 817-917-2736 or go online to www.bethelofw.org to select your luncheon choice.
The rest of the 2014 schedule rounds out with Gold Tones Senior Choir with a selection of Broadway Show music in November.
In December Daytimers will celebrate Channukah with latkes, sour cream, applesauce and more.