Happiness Lives in these Halls It hits you as soon as you enter the building and it sinks in as you spend some time walking around: there is something really special about this school. If you ask any parent, they’ll surely agree. There is truly something special about Bnos Malka Academy of Queens. You can see it on the faces of first grade girls listening raptly as their Morah tells a parsha story. You can see it in the interactions between 7th grade students working in groups on a major project. You can even hear it in the voices of enthusiastic teachers who create new excitement for learning in their classrooms every day. As one person aptly described Bnos Malka, “It is clear that happiness lives in these halls.” In honor of BMA’s 17th anniversary, this year’s annual dinner on April 30th will honor a number of very worthy in-
dividuals in our community who have devoted much time and resources to the school throughout the years. The theme, “Chinuch for Generations,” clearly describes the value that Bnos Malka places on its sacred task of educating our children. This year’s honorees are: Mr. Mark and Mrs. Stephanie Kirschner Guests of Honor Rabbi Bentzion and Mrs. Rachel Chait Parents of the Year Mrs. Ayelet Goldberg Eishes Chayil Award Professor Robert Leder Educator of the Year To take part in this crucial campaign, contact the school at (718) 268BNOS or dinner@bnosmalka.org. You can also contribute online at BnosMalka.org.
Sweatin’ for Friendship Circle by Mordy Sternman This summer I plan to bike across the country with “Bike4Friendship.” You may have heard of the wonderful organization, “The Friendship Circle,” an organization staffed by volunteers, under the auspices of Chabad. The Friendship Circle puts smiles on the faces of children with special needs. Some of the programs that The Friendship Circle runs are the Sunday Circle, Shabbat Parties, Judaica Circle, and many other special events like carnivals, trips, winter break camp and holiday programs. It is absolutely outstanding how the Friendship Circle and their teenage volunteers are making children with special needs happier and happier with every one of their programs, in the Five Towns and all across the United States. I have a special appreciation for The Friendship Circle because my sister, who has special needs and experiences seizures, benefits from a lot of their programs. These programs have made my sister’s days exponentially more exciting. Most of my 12th grade friends at DRS Yeshiva are into the popular sports teenagers love; basketball, baseball, and hockey. The sport I spend most of my time doing is biking. Cycling has been a passion of mine throughout all of high school. The combination of exercise, thrill, and rush of excitement has made cycling a great before and after school outlet for me. Sweat rolls down my neck as the
Mordy with his sister
70th mile ends. Keep on pushing. Keep on biking. The goal for today’s training is 90 miles, and the pedaling won’t stop until that has been reached. The motivation is born from the knowledge of what I am training for: A cross-country bike tour to benefit The Friendship Circle. On Bike4Friendship we will be bike approximately 3,300 miles with an average of 80 miles a day. I’ll be staying in Friendship Circle locations and raising awareness throughout the entire United States. To go on this adventure, which means so much to me, I must raise $5,000 for The Friendship Circle. Please contribute what you can towards this wonderful cause. Every cent donated will go towards making the lives of special needs children, like my sister, so much more meaningful and joyous. Read my story or sponsor a mile at www.sponsor.bike4friendship.org/ mordy. Everything counts.
NEWS
Community In the Heart of Cedarhurst: A Jewelry Line for the Times
ELIEST, a family owned company since 1998 based in the heart of our community, has over 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry. As the economy has toughened, the nature of gold has changed, and the all-around concept of spending a fortune on a luxury item has stopped. ELIEST has tweaked and changed their outlook on production to accommodate to the new times, creating the same gorgeous jewelry in the finest care. Instead of obligating the average customer to spend too much, or not have a piece of jewelry at all, they made their casted pieces of jewelry in the finest sterling silver. To ensure the look of the jewelry does not change, they layer their line in a thick platinum finish or 18kt gold. ELIEST uses a very high quality of lab created stones and semiprecious stones, also ensuring the best quality of jewelry, without compromising the most beautiful look of jewelry there is out there on the market.
Those customers that have already had the experience with purchasing a piece of jewelry from ELIEST will vouch that they have stood behind their quality guarantee policy. All merchandise from men’s, ladies’, and children’s products, are all made with pride and stand with a seal of quality, which ELIEST provides. The look and quality almost make you wonder which is real and which is not. All must see to believe what is an unbelievable piece of jewelry. Definitely worth a visit—you will not be sorry. Now conveniently located in the heart of our shopping area, ELIEST will be a great source for gift items for anyone. 403 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst N.Y. 11516, (516) 218-2626. Mon-Wed 10-6, Call for late evening hours, happily accommodating Thurs 10-8, Fri 10- 4, Sun 11-6
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