And now let's get along to happier news. Ashdod, if you haven't heard, is considered by its residents to be to best and safest city in Israel. This comes to us from the results of a recent poll taken among residents of various cities.

Be PROUD!

For reservations PLEASE NOTE! For every event listed here there are five more that we simply have no room to note. Call up or go to the matnasim to get the whole picture. Below is just a sampling.

EVENTS IN THE CITY!

 Of course, there are always activities going on in town. Have you seen a play? Listened to a lecture? Gone to watch a special movie? If the answer to all these questions is NO then you are not participating in all the wonderful things that our city has to offer. Here's just a few suggestions:

Ashdod Museum of Art: Derech Eretz 8. They have music and movie exhibits.
Call 08-8545180 or 08-9528285; www.ashdodartmuseum.org.il for information.

Museum of Philistine Culture: HaShayatim 16 St. Learn about the culture of the
ancient Philistines with kid-friendly multimedia. Call 08-6224799; www.phcm.co.il

Arie Klang House: Exhibit of wedding accessories of all types, musical performances
Yair 2 St. (near the lighthouse). Call 08-9221883.

Tarbut B'Shleikes (Culture for seniors) in the "City Square" in front of the Mishkan.
From 16:30 – 18:30 on the following dates: July 17, August 14, Sept. 4, Oct. 30, Nov. 20.
Music, dancing, activities for the whole family.

Shabbat-tayarut (Shabbat tours) – Free guided tours around town on Fridays and
Saturdays. Register at 08-8545210, 08-8545815 or on Facebook : Visit Ashdod

And don't forget to visit Park Ashdod on Moshe Dayan Blvd.opposite the Mishkan.
The lake is beautiful and the skateboard park is thrilling to watch when the kids are out in force. Stroll along the paths or take advantage of the gym machines to have a little workout while enjoying the wonderful view. There's a pair of high-power binoculars on the highest point that bring everything right to your fingertips. Pick a sunny day and have a stroll.
Call the Municipal Activities
Department for more details.

In addition you can find answers to all your questions about what to do and where to do it at
the following numbers:
MishkanOmanyot: 08-9568080; www.mishkan-ashdod.co.il
Municipal Activities Department: 08-8545841; 08-8545141
"Kivunim" Activity Center: 08-8604028
Beit Yad L'Banim: 08-8545833/4

You can also download the "Ashdodit" application for up-to-the-minute information.

ASHDOD YAM PARK

The park is on Moshe Dayan Boulevard running from Rogozin Street south to the "Sails" sculpture. Enjoy viewing the sea from the hilltops or have a snack at one of the cafes. There's even a lake! Six evenings a week there is a display of dancing fountains bathed in colored lights and accompanied by music.
The times of the shows are:  Sunday through Thursday at 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 10:15 pm.  Saturday night at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm.

Don't forget to bring the kids! There is a shaded playground, a couple of basketball courts with baskets at all heights (chooose the best for you!), an exercise area with cool equipment, an area with picnic tables and paddleboats on the lake.

And there is more to do in the park:
Zumba: Mondays from 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Hebrew sing along on Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.
Pilates on Wednesdays from 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Folk-dancing  on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Note:  all activities are in the evening.

MUSEUMS

The City's Museums open their doors for FREE visits and guided tours the first Shabbat of every winter month.Feb. 3 - visit from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; guided tour at 11:00 a.m.

CORINE MAMAN MUSEUM

It's a treat for kids young and old alike. Their new interactive exhibits are worth a visit. You get an electronic guide free of charge. Pensioners get in for half-price (about NIS 15).  They are open most mornings (not Wednesday). Call them for precise hours.

RUSSIAN MUSEUM OF JEWISH VALOR AND THE HOLOCAUST

Those of you who have not visited the Russian Museum of Jewish Valor and the Holocaust on Rehov Saifan 5 in Azor Het should do so. It is captivating. Exhibits are in Hebrew and Russian but there is a film with English subtitles. Call 054-5551740 or 050-7528030 to arrange a guided tour. Entrance is free.

MONART ARTS CENTER

Piano forever! For five days during Hanukkah come and feast your ears – free – at a national competition for gifted pianists age 8-28 years old. The competition ends with a gala concert featuring the winners. Always thrilling and not to be missed. Call 08-8545135/9 for details.

KEEP MOVING!

One way to keep steady and fight the blues is to be active. So don't forget tai chi on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. and yoga Fridays at 6.10 p.m. Both are taught in the park at the corner of Herzl St. and Menachem Begin Blvd. (opposite the Central Bus Station). If it's cold or rainy the yoga moves to the Go Active gym in the Sea Mall on the -2 floor, studio 2. You can always go for a walk along our gorgeous seashore…it's all free!

WALKING...

There are several walking "clubs" around town, Monday being their walking day. Matnas Daled sets out at 8:00 a.m., Matnas Diuna at 8:30 a.m. and Matnas Hartzit (Azor Het) at 6:00 p.m. Choose the place and time most convenient for you.

FOR WOMAN ONLY

Try Matnas "Ma'alah" in Azor Zayin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. Mondays at 10:00 a.m. there's action for all at Sweatstar Center (or for women only by telephone appointment at 052-8519055).

AND FOR SENIORS

"Beth Tamar" club on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. So many choices! For more information and updates call the City Sports Department at: 08-8545080/1.

For information about theater and more music go to the Mishkan Omanuyot website: www.mishkan-ashdod.co.il, call 08-9568111 or drop into their office.