The serenity and peaceful nature of the summertime gives us all a chance to take a step back and relax for a few months. With that in mind, Magen David’s PTA coordinated three summer events that were uplifting and enjoyable.
First, the Magen David PTA held its second annual couples bowling tournament at the Bradley Bowling Alley. With almost 80 couples participating, the tournament was a smash hit!
The tournament had a simple concept. Each team consisted of three couples, and designated a specific candy as a team name. Each group played two games. The teams with the highest combined scores were the winners and were awarded trophies for their efforts.
The first place winners were: Geri and Richie Chalme, Laura and Joe Tawil, and Joe and Janet Gindi. Second place winners included: Stephanie and David Shamah, Lisa and Elliot Elo, and Barbara and Jimmy Levy.
Benny Cohen was the high scorer amongst the men, and Stephanie Shamah should be applauded for obtaining the highest score of the women (and most of the men)!
The participants truly enjoyed the night. In addition to bowling, delicious food was provided by Adelicacies. Raffles were drawn, including an iPhone. Each couple was given a complimentary challah for participating.
The evening would not be possible without the organization and commitment of Linda Sasson, Ruthy and Nathan (a new PTA addition) Mann, Sally Franco, Sarina Sabbagh and the many members of the Magen David PTA. Magen David would also like to acknowledge its sponsor AKADEMIKS.
Next, Magen David held its annual canasta and mah-jongg tournament at the beautiful home of Adele and Ralph Dweck. With a different twist, this year’s tournament was held at night and was an impressive success. Over 200 women gathered to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner and an evening of games.
With all events, many hours of careful planning and organizing are essential for a successful tournament. Jacqueline Franco, Adina Sahalon, Frieda Shama, Marcy Sued and Adele Dweck organized this event beautifully, along with many members of the Magen David PTA.
In addition to the canasta, mah-jongg tournament, and elegant dinner, everyone enjoyed the gorgeous weather. The Chinese Auction table was artistically displayed by Marlene Bibi and Shannon Wahba, with many exciting prizes to bid on.
The PTA would like to graciously thank all their sponsors.
The third event, ‘Once Upon a Time,’ stressed the importance of reading to children. Parents who read stories aloud to their children provide a strong, positive influence and build a foundation for a lifetime of significant benefits.
Using bookmarks as flyers, many members of the PTA spent several hours promoting and organizing a wonderful evening for the children. Everyone was rewarded with not only a spectacular program, but a beautiful day as well. Many activities took place for children of different ages. Cheryl Scoles read to the children using interactive storytelling. Dorothy, a talented music teacher, used her expertise to read with the aid of music. Mothers and children read in different areas. Pizza was served, and best of all, admission was free for all to enjoy! A wide array of Judaica books and popular children’s books were sold.
The importance of reading to children is significant in child development, and reading books to children at an early age is essential. Reading with your children is a wonderful bonding experience, and plays an integral part in raising our children to be readers. It builds listening skills, increases a child’s attention span and develops the ability to concentrate at length.
In conjunction with ‘Once Upon a Time,’ the PTA sponsored a wonderful book program this past school year. Each child is given a brand new book on his or her birthday, inscribed with his or her Hebrew birthday. Exquisitely wrapped, each book is hand delivered. The program has received rave reviews throughout the past school year.
The PTA committee did a marvelous job emphasizing the extreme importance of reading to our children and devoting attention to this important subject. Special thanks to Lauren Mizrachi, who chaired the event. Magen David Yeshivah PTA was glad to sponsor the event. The PTA is planning more storytelling sessions throughout the school year.
It was an excellent opportunity for the Magen David family to socialize together during the summer months. There will be many more PTA functions throughout the year to look for. The beginning of the school year is a great time to get involved!
________________
Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine
