By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn
Dallas Has Talent
Good wishes to Emily Shlesinger, daughter of Barbara and Fred Shlesinger, who performed the national anthem at the Frisco Roughriders game on Aug. 2. The young artist’s first single, “Goodbyes,” was officially released on iTunes June 22, 2012.
A local 16-year-old, singer, songwriter, Shlesinger has a fan base that is quietly and steadily multiplying. Emily has been a featured performer in Dallas and surrounding areas, Houston and Austin at venues such as The Hard Rock Café, The House of Blues, Palladium, House of Dereon (Houston), The Frisco Freedom Fest, South by Southwest, a plethora of local restaurants, coffee houses and country clubs. She is available as an entertainer for private parties and sings and accompanies herself on both guitar and piano — depending on the venue’s request.
At the present time, she has four original songs listed on iTunes and streaming on various other media such as Spotify Radio, and continues to write and perform whenever given the opportunity.
Emily’s additional Dallas engagements this month include 7:30-9:30 p.m, Saturday, Aug. 17 at The Kitchen Cafe after Dark; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 at Canyon Creek Country Club; and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 at Sea Breeze Restaurant in Plano.
Emily said, “My songwriting madness began about two years ago and […] it has become an addiction. I have been performing my music since I was around 9. I have always known [that] this is what I want to grow old doing. My dreams are slowly turning into reality. It is the struggles in life that are thrown at me and pushes me to grow even further as an artist. I will never stop — no matter how far I am pushed. I have so many inspirations in music; it is hard to pick just one. To name a few, I love Kimbra, Imagine Dragons, Ed Sheeran and Marina and the Diamonds. If you are fans of these wonderfully magical artists, please keep checking in for music from me. You can purchase my singles ‘Me and You,’ ‘Goodbyes,’ ‘Parallel Clouds’ and ‘Drowning in Your Love’ on iTunes. If you join my mailing list for updates, current gigs and promotions, you will receive a free download of my cover of Jessie J’s ‘Who You Are.’ Thank you guys for all of your support.”
Keep your eyes open for this up and comer. If you want to follow and know where she is next appearing, you can visit www.EmilyShlesinger.com and sign up for her fan list to get a free download of one of her songs. There, you will find links to her YouTube page in addition to Facebook and Twitter.
For booking information, please contact ClairesongLLC@gmail.com or Barbara at 972-841-2121.
Emily is also a commercial talent at The Clutts Agency and most recently shot a national commercial for Hasbro’s The New Monopoly Empire which will air in October. Additionally, she was selected as one of the semi-finalists for the Independent Music Awards International for her original song, “Me and You” which can be found on iTunes.
Mitch G’s art on display
Talented artist Mitch G, former New Yorker and Dallas resident for 42 years, will display his unusual art creations, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Crest Cadillac, 2701 N. Central Expy., in Plano.
He paints in a variety of mediums. Many of his works hang in restaurants, salons and private clubs throughout the country.
Fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Hello Israel presented in various schools in area
“Hello Israel” is a national volunteer program that has been introducing sixth graders to the country of Israel for over 25 years. This social studies lesson presents facts about Israel in an entertaining and interactive manner, supplementing the curriculum on the Middle East.
Working in pairs, the volunteer presenters teach the students about the history, geography, culture, language, politics and economy of Israel. History comes alive as they encourage students to participate by directing questions, demonstrations and through role-play.
A few days before the scheduled program, teachers are sent a 20-minute video called “The Wonders of Israel” to show to their students. The video, which follows the script, strengthens the students’ perceptions of Israel and the Middle East and gives visual enhancement to the presentation.
Also of great interest are the authentic items brought in from Israel and on display for all to see and examine. On exhibit are books, menus, coins, Dead Sea salts and everyday items such as soda cans and wrapped gum. These products all bear familiar brand names spelled out in Hebrew.
Students become participants in a mock archaeological dig, turning up “sand” (oatmeal) while searching for artifacts buried beneath. Refreshments are served, consisting of orange juice and Pita bread, foods typically served in Israel and other parts of the Middle East. The program concludes with the students learning and practicing the hora, a traditional Israeli dance, accompanied by music.
“Hello Israel” has been presented at numerous schools in the Dallas, Richardson and Garland Independent School Districts. For information about this program, please contact either, Denise Bookatz at 972-931-4848 or Dbookatz@tx.rr.com or Jo Reingold, 972-479-9856, or Jo14711@att.net.
Play mahj at the J next week
The Aaron Family JCC will host its third annual Mah Jongg Tournament from 1-6 p.m. on Aug. 25. Whether you are a beginner or advanced player, this is an opportunity to have fun and compete for cash prizes.
Space is limited and tickets must be purchased by Aug. 20. Cost is $36 and includes a box lunch. For additional information, contact Heather Cordova hcordova@jccdallas.org or 214-239-7149.
Chocolate Hebrew puts a new twist on learning
Oy! What an experience — a totally different Hebrew reading crash course will be offered at The Aaron Family JCC beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26. In 13 hours, over a five day period, this multi-sensory, non-threatening and intensive class takes the mystery out of the Hebrew alphabet and prepares you to learn both Modern Hebrew and Prayer Book Hebrew. The cost of the program is $185. For more information, please contact rweisscrane@jccdallas.org, or 214-239-7128. You too, can become a maven or a beginning maven.
JWVA Auxiliary # 256 helps TRAC program in Dallas
We love LuAnn Bergman, publicist of The Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary # 256, who is wonderful about keeping us informed about the Auxiliary’s activities. The JWVA Auxilary is always busy looking into places where their help in the community is needed most. This year, they selected The Transition Resource Action Center in Dallas as one of their Child Welfare projects.
For those who are not familiar with TRAC, they provide a “one stop” assessment/intake and referral facility for transitional living services for youth exiting foster and juvenile care in North Texas. TRAC is the regional safety net for former foster youth once they are on their own. Annually, they help over 800 of the most challenged at-risk teens make a life plan and acquire the skills they need to survive on their own after they turn 18.
The Child Welfare Committee Chair Jeanie Tolmas inquired about the needs of these young adults. Jeanie found that laundry supplies were much needed. Jeanie, along with her committee, collected over $200 worth of laundry supplies to be given to those in need.
On July 25, JWVA members, Jody Karin, Sandra Cantor, Jeanie Tolmas and its president, Jo Reingold, took a tour of the facilities and delivered the supplies.
This is a program that JWVA will continue to support and try to fill more of the needs on their wish list.
JWVA is definitely a performer of mitzvot. Stay tuned for their next project.
Just a few more thoughts …
The awe-inspiring High Holy Days are soon approaching. Many of us will spend the days immersed in prayer and looking inward to take an inventory and ask for Hashem’s guidance to search our souls and look forward to reaching out to attain a higher level of spirituality. My late parents were wonderful examples of reaching out to strangers — and not so strange strangers — to inquire about how their day was going, and to wish them a good day.
Take a minute to find out what is going on with those who have touched your lives. Many of us have relatives or friends who may be struggling with a dilemma — perhaps illness, chronic pain, challenges with their young children, difficulties or loss of any kind. Let’s try to put these people in our prayers together — that their discomforts may be eased and that their pain and struggles may be lessened.
And, as Rene said, don’t forget to say “thank you” or “have a nice day” to people around you. We can always make a difference, and a few kind words have the power to change one’s day.