By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn

Israeli Friendship Scout Caravan to perform Sunday, July 13 at JCC

Once again, the Tzofim — the Israeli Friendship Scout Caravan, will treat Dallas residents to a phenomenal performance. For 2014, this group is dubbed Assif. The talented youngsters are canvassing the United States sharing their song and dance routines and spreading good will.
For almost 20 years, I hosted at least one of the scouts in my home. The first year, my oldest daughter, Amy, was 5 years old and captivated by the music and the joy that the group brought to Dallas. As each of my four children got older, they could not wait to be the same age as these talented kids. One of them, (anonymity required) had dreams of going to Israel to open a falafel kiosk with one of the young female scouts.
We created many rich memories of each of the years spent with the Tzofim, and welcomed them into our home.
This year’s performance will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 13, at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center. You do not need to have tickets to attend the performance; however, a picture ID is required to attend the show, which is certain to delight community members of all ages. The melodies will remain with you for years to come. Donations to the event are welcome, but not necessary. For additional information, contact David Abrams at 214-669-3033 or at davidabrams18@gmail.com.
This is an awesome way to bring a taste of Israel to the heart of Dallas and to show our support of these young Israeli teens.

Plano firm receives woman-owned business certification

Hot Flash Communications, LLC, a Plano-based writing company, has been certified as a woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) by the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA). Certification allows Hot Flash Communications to submit proposals to NCTRCA member entities such as Baylor Healthcare Systems, the City of Dallas, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the City of Fort Worth.
“We’re looking forward to exploring the new opportunities certification offers us as a woman-owned business,” said partner Amy Hite. “We’re hopeful that we will benefit from the programs offered by NCTRCA members.”
Amy Hite and Meredith Marmurek are the brains behind Hot Flash Communications, a company specializing in all aspects of writing.
What exactly does that mean?
They have mastered the power of persuasion and the art of getting results. They can write words that mean something to you, and more importantly, speak to your prospective as well as existing customers. They’ll put words in your mouth… and onto your website, brochure, print ad, script, newsletter or whatever media needs copy.
The following is information from the women’s biographies:
“In 1971, 5 year old Amy Susman wrote a short story about a worm who lived in an apple. It wasn’t the greatest story ever written, it wasn’t the most creative story, it wasn’t even the most accurately spelled, but it did have one special characteristic. It inspired her to one day become the world’s greatest writer. Today, after years of blood, sweat, tears and a few gray hairs, Amy Hite enjoys a full-time career as a freelance writer (although some will dispute that self-proclaimed “world’s greatest” title).
“In the fall of 1997, after 3½ years at MBRK followed by another 3½ years at DDB Needham, Amy ventured out on her own to pursue a freelance career. Since then, she has written ads, videos, radio spots, direct mail, brochures and newsletters for American Airlines, American Golf Corporation, Blockbuster, Corner Bakery, Cozymel’s, FedEx, Frito-Lay, I2, Insignia, Nickelodeon, Nokia, Pepsi and Tivoli, just to name a few. Amy now focuses her creative energy on her own company, Hot Flash Communications, LLC, a marketing company that specializes in all aspects of writing.
“Amy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the University of Texas and has won numerous awards including a Bronze Addy Award from the Dallas Advertising League in 2010, seven East Texas Addy’s, including Best in Print in 2002, and was a Finalist for a 1995 Telly Award. She’s come a long way since that little “apple” story, but she has never forgotten her roots… so to speak.
“Meredith is a big fan of the written word, despite possibly being known more for her mastery of verbal communication. Meredith is a partner at Hot Flash Communications, LLC, a marketing company that specializes in all aspects of writing. Before becoming a business owner, she spent more than 20 years in marketing, public relations and training development with companies including Mary Kay Inc., Robertson Schwartz Agency and BeautiControl.
“Meredith is a founding member and past president of the board of directors of National Charity League, Inc. — Preston Bluebonnet Chapter.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.”
Both Amy and Meredith are members of Temple Shalom. Amy, a member since childhood, has served on the board and is a dedicated member of Sisterhood and volunteers in many areas. Meredith has been a Temple Shalom member for more than 10 years, and has served on both the board and executive committee. She is a former membership committee chair, and also volunteers in many capacities.
For additional information about these ladies, visit www.hotflashcommunications.com.

Temple Shalom kicks of Mommy & Me program

According to our sources at Temple Shalom, the July 7 Mommy & Me kick-off event at Temple Shalom was a huge success. Moms and babies enjoyed a nice shaded area on the Temple Shalom lawn. While some babies slept and others enjoyed watermelon, moms made new friends, caught up with old friends and shared their new baby stories.
“Mommy & Me is the perfect way to bond with your baby while meeting other moms and allowing the babies to socialize,” explained Melinda Hepworth, Mommy & Me coordinator. “We’re all going through this incredible stage of life together and having friends who you can share these experiences with means everything.”
While the first event was just for moms and babies, the program is open to dads, nannies or grandparents in the community with babies ages 0-3. For more information, contact Hepworth at mommyandme@templeshalomdallas.org or 214-632-2386.

JCC takes ‘downward facing dog’ literally with canine yoga class

The J will go to the dogs with the introduction of a dog yoga class from 2-3:15 p.m., Sunday, July 13 at the J campus, 7900 Northaven Road in Dallas. The class is free, however, reservations are required by calling 214-239-7137or e-mailing tarends@jccdallas.org.
Inspired by the book “Doga: Yoga for Dogs” and led by two professional yoga instructors, Dog Yoga is an opportunity for humans to interact with their furry friends while tapping into the animal’s natural yoga tendencies including the ability to “be in the moment” and, of course, inherent flexibility.
A dog behaviorist will also be in attendance to assist attendees in connecting with their pet via mind, body and spirit.
“The idea of Dog Yoga isn’t just a class full of people and pets in the same poses at the same time,” says Terri Arends The J’s Group Fitness director. “It’s more about teaching people how to connect with their dog and to further strengthen the bond and inner peace pet owners share with their four legged friends.”
Yoga mats and towels will be provided. All dogs must be brought to the class on a leash. Dog Yoga is open to all breeds; however, all attending dogs must be non-aggressive and well socialized. In order to ensure maximum connection between human and pet, attendees may only bring one dog each to the class.
Learn more about Dog Yoga by contacting Arends at the email address listed above.