College Ties plans next get-together for July 24

College Ties had a get-together on June 12 at Starbucks, Preston and Frankford. College Ties is a grassroots effort to bring Jewish college students together during summer and winter breaks. The students sign in according to the region of the country where they attend college. There is no set agenda; they just mingle and shmooze. It’s a great way to catch up on all the latest about college life from the people who’ve just been there. The next summer event is set for Thursday, July 24, 9–11 p.m. at Starbucks, Preston and Frankford.

For more info or to be put on an e-mail list of students (or e-mail list of parents of college students), contact Susie Avnery, 469-233-0222, susiedaltx@sbcglobal.net.

Rhea Wolfram, 87, receives IECA award

Eileen Hutchinson tells the TJP that well-deserving of honors Rhea Wolfram, 87, the former director of college counseling at the Greenhill School and now an independent consultant, was awarded the 2008 Irwin J. Katz Award by the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) in recognition of her outstanding community service.

Mrs. Wolfram was one of three educational consultants to receive the award during the IECA’s spring conference, which took place May 14–17 in Minneapolis, Minn. Rhea Wolfram served as the head of college guidance at the Greenhill School for 15 years and has since worked as an independent consultant for 15 years. Additionally, she is currently a consultant to the Episcopal School of Dallas and the Winston School.

The IECA is composed of member consultants who have met the organization’s strict requirements, including a master’s degree and at least three years of admissions counseling experience, and who pledge to adhere to the IECA’s ethical guidelines on personal and professional conduct. In 1996, the IECA Foundation was established as a vehicle to connect educational consultants with students and families who would not otherwise have access to educational planning services.

Mrs. Wolfram’s long career dedicated to working with children has been a reflection of this goal. She has provided pro bono counseling to scores of students and has been delighted and amazed by the tremendous successes of these former advisees.

Along with the other recipients of the Irwin J. Katz Award, Mrs. Wolfram received $1,000 to direct to a charity of her choosing whose goals were synonymous with those of the IECA Foundation. She chose to direct her grant to the Educational Opportunity Center, an outgrowth of the West Dallas Community Centers.

Hadassah annual region conference

The Greater Southwest Region of Hadassah recently held its annual region conference in McAllen, Texas. Over 100 women enjoyed an educational and fun filled weekend.

Highlights of the conference included presentations by Katie Edelstein, national conference advisor and member of the national board of Hadassah serving in the capacity of National Hadassah membership coordinator. Katie updated delegates on the latest news in Hadassah and presented a session on communication.

The delegates also heard from Marla Gilson, national director of Hadassah’s Washington Action Office and registered lobbyist who advocates on health policy and domestic legislation as well as helping promote U.S.-Israel relations, and Judy Shereck, National Hadassah’s chair of Israel, Zionist and International Affairs.

Melissa Mendelson, associate in the Hadassah Women’s Health and Advocacy Department, updated the audience on Hadassah’s important women’s health program and also gave a detailed presentation about HPV and cervical cancer, one of Hadassah’s newest women’s health programs. Elise Passy, executive director for the Houston Chapter, presented the “GoGirlGo/GoMomGo” program to the delegates.

New officers for the coming year were installed, including incoming President Barbara Shurberg of Houston. The region bid farewell to outgoing President Laurie Werner of Fort Worth and presented her with a beautiful gift and presidential citation.

For more information about Hadassah in Dallas, call 214-691-1948 or log on to www.dallas.hadassah.org.

Bingo birthday bash held for Aarona Berger, 103

A bingo birthday bash on June 17 was enjoyed both by the residents of Golden Acres and many family members from Dallas along with those from Fort Worth, El Paso, Pittsburgh, Pa. and Colorado Springs, Colo. in honor of Aarona Berger’s birthday. Aarona was born in Cleburne, Texas on June 17, 1905 and, YES, that makes Aarona 103 years old — but if you visit her you’ll find that she is really 103 years YOUNG! Everyone enjoyed the festivities, which were highlighted by bingo games expertly called out by Sam Mandelbaum and a superb musical program conducted by Eli Davidsohn, who sang and played Yiddish tunes in a truly joyous manner. Rabbi Aryeh Rodin of Congregation Ohev Shalom spoke beautifully, and the surprise of the day was a performance by the Ohev Shalom children’s choir, who sang “Happy Birthday” in English, Yiddish and Hebrew. Aarona has an incredible spirit that translates into an unshakeable optimism about life. The secret to her long life: dark chocolate, exercise and knowing that God is in control of everything so not to worry! She is an amazing woman loved by all who know her.

Cub Scout Pack 613 hosts two other packs

Playing dreidel in June? On Sunday, June 22, the Cub Scouts of Pack 613 did! They hosted scouts and their leaders from Packs 727 and 898 at Tiferet Israel. Cubmaster Rick Vanglish led the tour of the synagogue and prompted the Pack 613 Cub Scouts to explain some fundamentals of Judaism to their peers from the other packs. Pack 613 scouts were able to show off their knowledge of important items in the synagogue. When they explained that the ark is like the one that Indiana Jones found, the guest Cubs immediately understood. The guests were also quick to catch onto playing a rousing dreidel with pennies. For a special treat each Cub Scout received a bag of chocolate Chanukah gelt, while all of the guest pack leaders discussed their questions about Judaism with Pack 613’s adult hosts. From Tiferet Israel the scouts traveled to the JCC to watch the Tzofim Friendship Caravan show together.

The newest boys to join Pack 613, now “Tiger Cubs,” are: Brooks Butler, Michael Cohen, Paul Schussler, Zachary Schwartz, Michael Uzick, Yosef Weiss and Meyer Zinn. Most of them recently attended Twilight Camp with over 400 other Cub Scouts. Pack 613 is looking forward to a picnic at Fort Farrington in July. It is not too late to join in the fun with Pack 613; see www.ourpack613.org or contact Mr. Vanglish at rickv@peoplepc.com.