Bagel Run this Sunday morning

This Sunday is the 25th Annual Dallas JCC Bagel Run. “We expect a record number of runners and rabbis to compete,” said Mark Kreditor, chair. There will also be a Kids K, the 5K and the 10K all starting at the JCC, 7900 Northaven Dallas at 8 a.m. On Sunday May 15, the JCC Bagel Run will break open the lox and really have a party. We feed you, we entertain you and every year the infamous “Bagel Man” is dressed in costume to play with the kids. For more information call the JCC at 214-739-2737. Race Day registration is at 7 a.m. and costs $25 for Adults, and $8 for the Kid’s K.

Dallas Jewish volunteer wins National Tennis Championship

Cheryl Halpern, longtime Dallas Jewish community volunteer and vice president of Jewish Family Service, recently won the National Tennis Championship in USTA 8.0 Senior Mixed Doubles. Cheryl’s team previously won the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Texas titles before advancing to the national tournament in Surprise, Ariz. At Nationals, which featured some of the nation’s best mixed doubles players over the age of 50, Cheryl’s team went undefeated, winning all four of their matches. In a thrilling finals match, Cheryl and her partner, former NFL placekicker Skip Butler, won in a third set tiebreaker 11-9, after being down 0-5 and 3-8. Congratulations to Cheryl on winning the National Championship.

North Branch JCC Class of 1999 reunites

Recently, the 1999 Kindergarten class of the North Branch of the Dallas JCC reunited for a photo shoot.  The original class of 13 has stayed connected over the years, with only one member that could not be reached.  Even Michelle Wildman flew in from Colorado to take part. “The class was always close, thanks to the efforts and connectedness of the parents,” said co-teacher, Judy Oved. “I remember the freezing January registration when parents began lining up at 2:00 in the morning, sharing hot chocolate and donuts,” said teacher Connie Heise. Both teachers agreed that after seeing the students that they all retained their unique smiles and personality that were evident in kindergarten.
The students, now seniors at local high schools, still see each other at various BBYO and school activities.  Michelle moved to Colorado right after kindergarten but returns often to visit her family and friends. Two missed the photo shoot, and only one, Edva Cohen, has been impossible to find after moving to Israel after kindergarten.
It is a lovely example of what is possible as children in our community continue to participate in camp and BBYO and maintain important friendships. Parents’ roles are also important to give a foundation for such lasting relationships.