A true story...

Finally, Hollywood got it right! There is a new movie coming out... or is it already out? It is produced by Columbia Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox.

I refer to "The Monuments Men" starring GEORGE CLOONEY, among other noted actors.

This happens to be a true story... one I never knew about. (I think many others will not have known about it as well.)

The reason I am writing about it is this article, taken directly from the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. calendar: "Nineteen-year old U.S. Army Tech Sgt. HARRY ETTLINGER is a German born Jew.

Harry and his family had fled Germany in 1938 as Adolph Hitler rose to power. They settled in Newark, N. J., where Harry graduated from high school and was drafted into the Army. He returned to Germany as an infantryman in January 1945, and served as a translator in the Monument Fine Arts and Archives (MFAA) section as one of approximately 345 men and women from thirteen countries, who became known as The Monuments Men.

This group of art specialists and military personnel was ultimately responsible for returning more than five million artistic and cultural treasures stolen by Hitler and the Nazis.

Harry Ettlinger resides in New Jersey and is the New Jersey Department Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A."

And here is something else that's news to me...

I didn't know about Scheck Hillel Community School in Miami. Did you? Once again, directly from the JWV Calendar:

"First Lt. BEN MAGIDSON enlisted in the U.S. Army after the attacks of 9/11. He spent nearly six years serving his country, deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq and earning a Bronze Star for meritorious service while in battle.

Now Ben has a new mission... helping to mold boys into men at the Scheck Hillel Community School in Miami, a Jewish day school.

A large majority of the students are Hispanic Jews, many coming from Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, and other parts of Latin America."

(He has formed a soccer team with them)

"Each one of his (student soccer) players speaks Spanish, and they are bonded by religion, culture and soccer.

'These (boy's) families wanted to come to a place where they could speak Spanish,' Ben said, 'and freely practice Judaism.'"

We all need happiness in this world...

Sunday, Feb. 16 at the JCC Jack & Lee Rosen Campus, 11184 South Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, will provide that happiness!

A very special Vegas-style show with SUZI CRUZ and LARRY LARKIN begins at 2 p.m.

Bring your friends and relatives to enjoy the side-splitting comedy of Larry Larkin, a seasoned performer who will have you rolling in the aisles.

Always tasteful and always hilarious, Larry Larkin is a one of a kind comedian who knows how to tickle everyone's funny bone.

Suzi Cruz's musical comedy act is an amazing variety of songs ranging from Broadway's greatest hits, zany comedy, characterizations of some of your favorite singers like Judy Garland and BARBRA STREISAND, the nostalgia of the 40s, 50s and 60s and much, much more.

(Oy vay... now I know I'm getting old! I don't consider the 50s and 60s a time of nostalgia!)

There will be enough fun for everyone and you'll leave feeling uplifted and entertained.

Complimentary light refreshments, coffee and tea will be served. The cost is $12 per person and tickets can be purchased at both JCC welcome centers by phoning 407-387-5330.

I repeat... we all need happiness in this world... so please plan to attend and share a wonderfully happy day!

Remember, I write this column far in advance of publication...

Today, as I write, it is probably the coldest day ever in Central Florida... brrrrrrrr. (I phoned my granddaughter in Chicago and told her that I was freezing. She hung up on me!)

And another gal who is upset with me for freezing in our Florida weather is former Floridian, JOAN REDDITT, who recently moved from here in Central Florida to Alpharetta, Ga.

Joan, born in Ireland, has lived in the Oviedo area for many years but just weeks ago moved up to be near one of her sons and his wife.

She also has a daughter in South Carolina and children and grandchildren still living here.

Joan will be back here in town to have a huge moving sale on Feb. 14, 15 and 16 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. She has many wonderful items and furniture to sell before she returns to Georgia.

The sale will take place at the home of one of her family members at 74 East Magnolia Ave., Oviedo.

Don't miss out on the wonderful buys!

(See you there!)

Pretty Penny... pretty voice also...

I'm referring to lovely and talented PENNY D'AGOSTINO.

Being a resident at Grand Villa, a wonderful and newly renovated senior living facility, just got much more exciting because starting Feb. 11, Penny D'Agostino will entertain on a monthly basis.

Penny comes from a family of performers going back several generations. Growing up in New York (yahhhhh!) she began performing as a youngster and hasn't stopped since.

Penny knows how to entertain large crowds, singing popular music from the twenties and thirties (I repeat... yahhhhhhh!) as well as familiar Broadway tunes. Because she uses a karaoke machine everyone can see the words and sing along.

Grand Villa has been one of The Jewish Pavilion of Central Florida's generous sponsors for several years. Currently there are monthly Shabbat lunches and this second program will only enhance the relationship.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend these exciting afternoons. Penny will be performing the second Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. and refreshments will be served.

I received this email from NANCY LUDIN, executive director of the Jewish Pavilion:

"When seniors lose their independence and reside in long-term care, there is so little to look forward to. They enjoy companionship, meals and parties. The Jewish Pavilion provides all three.

CAROL STEIN and her husband, LEE WOLFSON, have been entertaining seniors for many years. They especially loved performing at Spring Hills Hunters Creek which is near their home This year, their Chanukah performance was even more meaningful, because Carol's beloved parents moved to Spring Hills Hunters Creek. (Carol's wonderful dad recently passed.)

Carol is the ultimate entertainer. She is a superb pianist. She has a terrific voice and an amazing personality. She has entertained for Jewish Pavilion Chanukah and Purim parties for the past five years.

Her warmth and enthusiasm shine through every performance. She always stays after the show to visit with the residents.

A few years ago, Lee Wolfson added his skills as a ventriloquist. He is very funny, engaging and entertaining. You cannot imagine how happy the seniors are when they hear that Carol and Lee are coming to a Jewish Pavilion party. They take the celebration to a whole new level."

(I'm not surprised in the least. I love Lee's performances... and I already told Carol that she is one of my all-time favorite entertainers!)

One for the road...

This joke comes from LAURENCE MORRELL ... and I thank him for giving me something to laugh at in this depressing weather:

Within a town there were three synagogues - one Orthodox, one

Conservative and one Reform, and all three had a problem with squirrels in their buildings. Each congregation, in its own fashion, had a meeting to deal with the problem: The Orthodox decided that it was predestined that squirrels be in the shul, and that they would just have to live with them.

The Conservatives decided they should deal with the squirrels in the movement's style of community responsibility and social action. They humanely trapped them and released them in a park at the edge of town, only to find that within three days, they were all back in the synagogue.

The Reform Synagogue had several lengthy meetings, allowing all members to voice their opinions, and finally decided to vote the squirrels in as members of the Temple. Now, they only see them on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.