Under the category of ‘egg on my face … ’

I’ve been promoting the first meet-and-greet of “outlier” Jews on Oct. 30. And, as luck would have it, we have to unfortunately postpone the event. I’m looking on the calendar to see when a good time would be that won’t conflict with things like Dallas Cowboy games, holidays and (ahem) high school basketball tournaments. My apologies to those who have marked this on their calendars — we’ll get back to you with another date soon.

And congratulations …

I’m going to insert a personal note in here, but I’m pleased to report that Dave Sorter is taking over editorship of the Joshua Star community newspaper effective late November, if not sooner. Dave’s colleague, Brian Porter, who currently edits the Joshua Star, will head up sister paper Burleson Star at that time.
Dave has been editing the Crowley Star for close to two years. While they’ll miss Dave in Crowley, he’s excited to be writing for, editing and building a newspaper in the community in which he lives.
The last time we both had the opportunity to do this was during the late 1990s, when we wrote for (and he edited) The Colony Courier, located in The Colony, TX.
Okay, enough about me and mine. Now on to other news.

Amy and Andra in Concert …

Amy and Andra of the group Visions will be live in concert on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. The event will take place at Congregation Ahavath Shalom, 4050 S. Hulen in Fort Worth and it’s free. Amy and Andra are known for their wonderful and inspiring traditional and contemporary songs that are sung in Hebrew and English.
The event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County with financial support from the Dan Danciger/Fort Worth Hebrew Day School Supporting Foundation. Questions? Call the Jewish Federation of Tarrant County at 817-569-0892 or log on to www.tarrantfederation.org.

An Education about Hell’s Half Acre …

The recent Daytimers luncheon event featured author Richard F. Selcer, who regaled participants with stories from his book “Hell’s Half Acre.” He was introduced by his good friend, Fort Worth historian, Hollace Weiner.
Through his extensive research and during the presentation, Selcer uncovered interesting stories about Fort Worth history, and he also debunked several myths that are supposedly “common knowledge” in the lore of our community.
Following the presentation, he was peppered with questions from the enthusiastic audience, and many in the group gathered around afterward to purchase several of his six books about Fort Worth and Texas history.
Next month’s Daytimers’ luncheon will honor U.S. war veterans. Paul Boller, emeritus professor of history from TCU, will be the guest speaker, and he’ll talk about his experience as a translator for the Navy, during which he was assigned to the department of psychological warfare. Boller helped prepare leaflets that were preemptively dropped on Japanese cities before they were bombed, warning citizens to evacuate.
This is all very interesting stuff and certainly worth attending. Lunch will be catered by Potbelly Sandwich Works. Lunch is $9, or guests may attend for just the program for $4 each. For reservations, call Barbara Rubin, 817-927-2736, or mail checks to Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, or reserve for yourself at www.bethelfw.org/donations.

It’s not too late to take advantage of JLI …

Some weeks ago, I wrote about the Jewish Learning Institute’s upcoming course entitled “Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism,” which is being offered through the Chabad of Fort Worth/Tarrant County and Chabad of Arlington. I also mentioned this would be the first year during which Chabad of Arlington is offering the JLI courses.
Well, now Chabad of Arlington tells us that the first class on this topic is free to try. As my grandmother would say: “Such a deal!”
For more information, access the Jewish Learning Institute site at www.myjli.com or contact Chabad of Arlington at 817-451-1171 or at www.arlingtonchabad.org.
Both programs at Chabad of Fort Worth and Chabad of Arlington are supported by the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. I’m not trying to wave the JLI flag or anything, but these are wonderful adult education courses that provide great interaction and learning.

From Beth-El Congregation’s Caring Committee …

Carol Minker has kindly sent us the following information. When you have a moment, please wish these individuals well in your thoughts. Felix Oshman had heart surgery in Dallas, came through it successfully, and his chest has been closed. His doctors think he’s doing wonderfully well, which is outstanding news.
Fort Worth historian and TJP friend Hollace Weiner is having knee replacement surgery — my mother, too, has gone through this procedure (with BOTH knees) so I know what Hollace is going through. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope she’ll be back to dancing in no time.
Ellen Mack has undergone neck and back surgery — but from what Carol said, she apparently had a minor setback. All of our prayers go to Ellen as she moves through this trial and gets back on the right track.
Debbie Bowden at Beth-El’s office will be out of pocket during the next couple of weeks due to some surgery she also had. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Debbie — the congregants will miss you!
Finally, Carol wanted to extend a HUGE “thank you” to Larry McGee and Gary Steinberger for raising their hands when the request went out to volunteering to drive Simon Oderberg to his weekly rehabilitation sessions.
Carol said Gary raised his hand first — but she (and the Oderbergs) are thankful that BOTH of these gentlemen stepped up when the need was great.
Thanks, also, to Carol for adding me to her CCC list — as I receive updates about members of the community I’ll be happy to list them.
Along those lines, if anyone else is going through an illness, surgery or other medical scenario, please e-mail me at awsorter@yahoo.com. Prayers and positive thoughts do a great deal to assist in the healing process, and I’m more than happy to put this information in Around the Town.

From Fort Worth Hadassah …

The Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah will host its “Champagne & Chagall at SiNaCa: A Hadassah Happening!” which will start at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 at SiNaCa Studios at 1013 W. Magnolia Ave. in Fort Worth. The cost for this event is $10 per person, $18 per couple.
Questions? Debby Rice will be happy to answer them. Contact her at 817-346-2944 or debbyb@sbcglobal.net.