Update from the Telfed Maale Adummim Regional Committee

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UPDATE FROM THE TELFED REGIONAL COMMITTEE OF  MAALE ADUMMIM - NOVEMBER 2011
 
Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe that the families who came this summer have already settled in and that pilot trip season for summer 2012 has begun! Families from South Africa, the US, Australia and Canada have contacted the municipality and will be coming to MA in the upcoming months to plan their aliyah experience.

Here, the rains have started and although the weather is colder, there are still plenty of beautiful days for oudoor activities. MA is changing and developing at an amazing pace. The new road and recreational area ( lake ) will be opening up in January-February as will the brand new music conservatory . The mayor is embarking on a series of fundraising trips in order to raise money for other city projects including the performing arts center. New stores and restaurants are opening up continually. Our mall now hosts 2 new banks, a rental car business, a new cafe, an Asian and Sushi Take Out as well as new clothing shops and hiking equipment store. Activities such as lectures, shows, music performances, trips, and city events are available for all ages! This week, A Beatles Tribute show will be playing at the Castel Art Museum.

We look forward to seeing you and your families here in MA taking part in our community-building adventure!

Kol Tuv,
Shelley Brinn -  English Speaking Aliyah Coordinator   klita_ma@mam.org.il  

and

Lesley Kaplan

Telfed Regional representative            

 lesley@zahav.net.il

What's New in MA?

Keren Kayemet Lake and Recreation Area
This beautiful new recreational area has been slotted to open it's gates around February in coordination with the opening of the new road entering MA from Jerusalem. The area will include exercise paths and activities, paddleboats, a cafe and an ampitheatre for ceremonies and performances.

Moshe Castel Art Museum
The Castel Art Museum has continued its cultural programming for the benefit of the entire MA community. Among the programs offered are international musical performances,as well as Israeli speakers, authors and comedians. This week's program is a Beatles Musical Tribute Show!

New Building in Nofei HaSela
The Hadar Building Company is building the final 5 projects in  the neighborhood of Nofei HaSela. Model apartments are available and are of the highest quality. This project begins at the price of 1,450,000 shekels for a 4 room apartment and includes a huge garden and balcony, plus a separate adjacent storage room ( the size of a bedroom) which can be made into a room inside of the apartment. This project is finished and purchasers can move in immediately. The other projects will be ready in one and a half years.

Developments at the MA Mall
The mall in the center of MA has been flourishing with new stores and services being added on a continual basis. New cafes, clothing stores, car rental services, banks and a camping store are all new additions.

Bus Fare Reduction
The price of a monthly bus pass from MA to Jerusalem has been reduced by 70 shekels. The price for a one-time bus ride has also been reduced significantly.

Baseball in MA
Because of the number of American Olim now living in MA, a number of families turned to the city in order to get use of one of the fields for the development of a baseball team. This team will join the ranks of the IBA ( Israel Baseball Association). Children from ages 10-14 are invited to join. Mordecai Frist,  the coach, has begun practices on Mondays from 4-6.
 

What's Happening with our Olim?

Adult Ulpan
Over 20 olim from all parts of the globe have begun learning Hebrew in the Ulpan which takes place in the Community Center. Having a local ulpan is a great benefit for olim coming to MA!
 

The "Red Tour Bus" Trip for Olim
About 80 olim participated in a fun outing on the "red double-decker tour bus", visiting the sites of Jerusalem and listening to explanations of each one from multi-language headphones .
 

Children's Pizza Party
The elementary aged olim participated in a pizza party at the local pizzeria in which they talked about their aliyah expereince, what they like in Israel and what they miss.A Treasure Hunt in Hebrew followed.

Follow-Up Meeting at Aroma
All new olim families attended a follow up meeting at the local Aroma cafe in which they discussed their aliyah accomplishments and what they still needed to achieve. In addition to helping each other with practical advice, the olim had a chance to bond with each other.

Personal Announcements
Beth Raz, pre-school specialist, and olah summer 2008 from Michigan, has opened her doors to a private gan for 2-4 year olds. The gan is in the Klei Shir Neighborhood and is bi-lingual with activities in both English and Hebrew. To contact Beth directly, e-mail:
gan@raz.net

Tehila Hessler, olah 2008 , a professional technical writer , webmaster,and marketing specialist, will be revamping and developing the city's English web site, making it user friendly for all seeking information about the city.

MAZAL TOV to Annette Berger, Olah 2011from Teaneck, N.J., for beginning work at the Psychological Services Dept here in MA as school and gan psychological consultant.

MAZAL TOV to Rachel Diamond on her recent aliyah to MA from LA.

MAZAL TOV to Rivkah Adler, olah 2010 from Baltimore, on organizing two successful book swaps in Mitzpe Nevo.

MAZAL TOV to Tamar and Naftali Kalfa, olim 2010, on the birth of their new daughter, Eden.