THE
UPDATE
SCHENECTADY JCC
Fall 2014
A seasonal look at
the courses, events and community
of the Schenectady Jewish Community Center
“Forward, Not Back!”
I hate daylight savings time. Moving
clocks backward so evening starts at
5PM just doesn’t work for me. That
extra summer solar power energizes
me and our JCC. Every part of our
JCC is open in the summer and it
is amazing to see everyone using all
that we have to offer. Here’s what
happened…
➢Day Camp registration increased 9.5%
over last year, our best year ever!
➢The William and Estelle Golub Family Pool and Tennis club was
bustling with as many people as last year!
➢Fitness class attendance kept hitting record numbers!
➢For the second year in a row, we are Ranked #1 by the Albany
Business Review as the largest child care provider in the Capital
Region!
➢We won an MVP Project GO! Grant and visit by Soccer legend Abby
Wambach to raise funds for Teva Play “A Natural Outdoor Play Space
and Classroom”. The design and first construction phase are already
underway!
WOW!
But this summer wasn’t all about awards and fun. Israel was at war
with Hamas. Our JCC was reminded of this in a personal way by our
two Israeli Summer Camp emissaries (shlichim) Martin and Meytar,
who had friends and family in Israel under direct threat of rockets or
serving in the Israel Defense Forces. We remember those who have
fallen.
As we move into the fall, the JCC will be hosting our two signature
programs: Capital Capabilities “Celebrating the Capabilities of People
with Disabilities” (Honorary Chair: Assemblyman Angelo
Santabarbara + Emcee Dori Marlin CBS6) and the Robert J. Ludwig
Community Service Awards Gala honoring Eli I.Taub & Nancy D.
Bell, MVP Health Care, Niskayuna Central School District and our
own JoAnn Kress.
This all happens because of YOU: our wonderful JCC members,
board & volunteers and amazing staff who help move us forward, not
backwards all year long.
Shana Tova U’Metukah –
A Happy and Sweet Jewish New Year!
Go Team JCC!!
Mark Weintraub
Executive Director
02
Shalom!
I am thrilled to be serving as the newest President of our Board of Directors -
following a long line of
Michelle
and her
volunteers who have mini
Rock Star
supported
the Center
and its mission for more than 90 years. I’m grateful to be working with all the
incredibly talented members of our Board, with Mark
Weintraub and all the amazing people on the JCC
team. While there are many reasons I have enjoyed
serving on the Board, there are exactly two reasons
why I ended up so committed and believing so
whole-heartedly in the Schenectady JCC:
Reason #1: Our 7 and 10 year-old daughters LOVE it
here. Both found life-long friends and loving teachers in the daycare and preschool programs. Both
took dance classes downstairs, art classes upstairs,
learned to swim in the JCC’s pools and spent quality
time playing together in the babysitting room. Both
spend their summers at Camp Chavarim, and they
know every inch of the campus. They are ROCKSTARS when they walk in the building, and they walk
around like they own the place. Sound familiar?
Reason #2: I love the community created for all of us
here at the Center. Sure, “community” is in our name,
but it’s also a feeling when we sit around the pool in
the summer, hang out in the lobby between activities,
run into friends in the fitness center, and even when
we talk about the JCC when we are somewhere else. I
smile when I walk in the building and I feel welcome.
We are all ROCKSTARS at the JCC because we are
surrounded by people who care. Sound familiar?
Like many, many families, our family is a member of
the JCC because of its outstanding programming and
its welcoming atmosphere. I believe it when the sign
says “you belong here” because everyone smiling back
at me believes it too. I hope to see you on the campus
sometime. I’d love to hear why you joined and why
you love it too.
I would especially love to see you at our signature
event – the Robert J. Ludwig Community Service
Awards Gala on Saturday, November 15 at the Golub
Corporation’s headquarters – and we can celebrate
like the ROCKSTARS we are!
Michelle Ostrelich
Board President
Inside
UPDATE
4
A reminder about
about our Holiday
Schedule...
ROSH HASHANAH
Wednesday, September 24 Closing at 5:00pm **
Thursday, September 25 CLOSED - all day
Friday, September 26 CLOSED - all day
YOM KIPPUR Friday, October 3 Closing at 5:00pm **
Saturday, October 4 CLOSED - all day
SUKKOT Wednesday, October 8 Closing at 5:00pm **
Thursday, October 9 CLOSED - all day
Friday, October 10 CLOSED - all day
SHEMENI ATZERET Wednesday, October 15 Closing at 5:00pm **
Thursday, October 16 CLOSED - all day
SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, October 17 CLOSED - all day
** except child care Welcome New
Board Members
About the Holidays...
As fall approaches, the Jewish
community moves into the High
Holy Days. Although observances
may vary among households, many
Jewish families will mark the holidays
with traditions and customs of Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year,
is a time to celebrate the completion
of another year while taking stock of
one’s life. During Rosh Hashanah it is
customary to dip apples into honey
- symbolic of a wish for a sweet and
good New Year. For the New Year, we
use round challahs to symbolize the
completion of the cycle of the year.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement,
falls 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. It is
a day of prayer, fasting and repentence.
It is a time for spiritual renewal. A long
blast of the shofar, a hollowed ram’s
horn, signifies the end of the holiday.
5
Robert J. Ludwig
Community Service
Awards Gala
&
JCC Member Profile
6&7
JCC U...
What’s New To Do
8
Our Generous
Donors
9
Welcomes &
Kudos
10&11
Looking Ahead...
Glancing Back...
(What a Summer! )
&
Capital Capabilities
03
SJCC is pleased to introduce five new board members who, along with
our new Board President, Michelle Ostrelich, will move us forward to
ensure that we meet the growing and changing needs of our vibrant
programs.
n Hadas Garteiz
Hadas, an Israeli native, is a resident of Clifton Park. Born and raised in Haifa, she
served as an IDF officer recruiting people for reserve duty. After her army service, she
attended the University of Haifa where she received her Bachelor’s degree in
Sociology and Human Services. Hadas continued her studies at the Technion and
earned a Master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences and Management. In 2006 she moved
with her husband Gil and their daughter Sivan to Arizona, where their son Alon was
born. In 2012 the family moved to the Capital District and made it their home. Since
then, the family is a proud member of the SJCC, where their young son Alon attends
preschool.
“
n
Never doubt
that a
n
small group
of thoughtful,
committed citizens
can change
the world;
indeed,
it’s the only thing
that ever
does.
-Margaret Mead
“
SJCC Welcomes Five
New Board Members...
n Mona Golub
Combining the skills of an entrepreneur and an impresario, Mona Golub continues to impact the Capital Region as an Executive
with the Golub Corporation, the parent company of Price Chopper Supermarkets. As Vice President of Public Relations and
Consumer & Marketing Services, Mona oversees public relations and social media, marketing, community relations, customer
communications, market research, branding initiatives and the philanthropic endeavors of Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation for
the progressive 128-store chain. Mona has also served on many local boards and assisted numerous not-for-profit organizations in
planning unique fundraising activities. From Metroland Magazine’s ‘Local Hero’ Award to Volunteer Center of the Capital Region’s
Volunteer of the Year Award, she has received several awards and recongitions honoring her professional and commununity
commitments. Mona was born and raised in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1982. She received
a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Romance Languages with high honors from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine in 1986.
She is the proud mother of her son, Ira.
n Eileen Michaels
Eileen Michaels has been a member of the JCC for over 20 years. She previously served several terms as a member of the JCC board
and has participated as a member and chair of many committees. Eileen is a past president of Congregation Gates of Heaven in
Schenectady. Eileen has over 30 years of leadership experience in the health care field including hospital and medical group
management, planning, operations, marketing, public relations and health research. Since 2006, Eileen has been the owner of
Harris Brand Recruiting, a physician placement firm serving hospitals, medical groups and health insurance companies. Eileen earned
a BS degree in Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and MBA and MPH degrees at Columbia University. Eileen
and her husband Bob have lived in Niskayuna for over 25 years and have three children.
n Jay Rourke
Jay Rourke is the Chief Information Officer at the State University Construction Fund. He is very active in the community believing it is
important to give back. Jay has been a co-chair for the Jewish Food Festival, entertainment chair for Niska-day for the last 4 years, and
served on the JCC Technology Task Force. Jay has been married to Rachel, his high school sweetheart, for 25 years and has a daughter
starting at Hobart & William Smith Colleges this fall. The Rourke’s also believe in sharing their home and have done so for Berkshire
Farm short-term foster care, The Fresh Air Fund, and are currently hosting an exchange student from Armenia. Jay is looking forward
to helping the JCC solidify its health and wellness programming as well as continue to grow its Jewish programming.
n Sonia Rubenstein
Born in Brooklyn but raised up in New Jersey, Sonia is a graduate of Russell Sage College. She has been living in Schenectady for more
than thirty years and has four grown children and seven grandchildren. Sonia has been active in politics, worked for an accountant and
as a program director for the City of Schenectady. She is member of Temple Gates of Heaven.
04
The Board of Directors of the Schenectady JCC (SJCC) is pleased to
announce the Fourth Annual Robert J. Ludwig Community Service Awards
Gala in memory of our friend and mentor, Robert J. Ludwig. The celebration is
designed to carry on Mr. Ludwig’s tradition of community responsibility and
partnership, honoring those individuals/organizations that epitomize the spirit
of these awards. The Robert J. Ludwig Community Service Awards Gala will
begin at 7p.m. on Saturday night, November 15, 2014 at the Golub
Corporation. We invite you to join the prestigious honorary committee for the
gala and celebrate the life-long contribution of Mr. Ludwig and our honorees.
The 2014 Gala will support critical programs and services in our community. Your support will give the SJCC the opportunity to
flourish well into the future. The evening will pay tribute to long-time community leaders and celebrate the contributions of our 2014
honorees.
The Board of Directors of the SJCC is proud to present this year’s honorees:
• Eli I Taub and Nancy D Bell will be receiving the Individual Community Service Award for their significant
contributions and leadership to the SJCC and the greater community.
• Niskayuna Central School District will be receiving the Philanthropic Leadership Award for providing a critical
service to the community.
• MVP Health Care will be receiving the Corporate Partnership Award for providing major ongoing funding for
SJCC programs and significant community involvement.
• JoAnn Kress will be receiving the Employee Community Caring Award for lifelong contributions to improve our
local community.
As guests you will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres kosher catering by As You Like It,
fine wine and spirits and exciting entertainment.
Help support the JCC by joining the honorary committee or becoming a corporate sponsor.
Please contact Andy Katz at [email protected] for more details.
Bryan
Goldberger
JCC Member Profile
Bryan estimates his family has been members of the JCC for about
40 years. He went to the JCC’s summer day camp when he was a
boy and finds that the JCC still has plenty to offer him as an adult.
He now comes to the JCC to use the fitness room, the pool, and the
steam room and sauna. “I find that I feel better and much more
relaxed,” he says, “after a visit to the fitness center.”
A partner in an Albany law firm specializing in bankruptcy, labor
and employment law, Bryan keeps a hectic schedule. “The center
has evolved to meet my needs by having various cultural events,
investing in fitness equipment and programs, and maintaining
scheduled hours so that the facility is open no matter how busy
one’s work schedule is.”
For Bryan, the benefits of his JCC membership extend beyond the
facility and its programs. “Perhaps the best benefit of membership
at the JCC is meeting other members and employees of the Center,”
he said adding, “I have found Center employees to be friendly and
accommodating and that makes the experience of membership that
much more enjoyable.”
05
JCC
JCC U is offering a well-rounded selection of activities and events for different
ages, interests and skill levels. From engaging films to tasty latkes at our ECE
Chnaukah Dinner, there is something for everyone... and all are welcome!
Pick-Up Volleyball
On the Move...
MVP Drums Alive
Feel the beat of Drums Alive! This class is different
from any other workout you have tried. Drums
Alive will have you moving to motivation music and
drumming rhythms.
Wednesdays • Oct. 22 – Nov. 26
2:15-3pm • Aerobic Studio
MVP Fall Prevention
This Living Well Program is a three- part series
of fun and informative classes designed to reduce
your risk of falling through education and
balance exercises. It will help you gain awareness,
motivation, skills and opportunity to improve your
health. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Wednesdays • Oct. 22 & 29; Nov. 5
10:00 – noon • Golub Auditorium
MVP Jazz Moves
Learn the basic steps of jazz dancing. Jazz it up to
Broadway tunes while stylish moves will make you
feel like the most seasoned dancer on the stage. No
previous dance experience necessary and no partner
required!
Thursdays • Oct. 23 – Dec. 4
10 – 10:45pm • Golub Auditorium
No class 11/27
MVP Total Recall
Take a look at the mechanism of memory and
relieve the concern that changes are unavoidable
as we age. Learn easy techniques to improve your
memory and how to stimulate your brain to keep it
sharp now and in the future.
Wednesdays • Nov. 19
10:30 – noon • Senior Meeting Room
06
Come have fun with your friends.
Thursdays • Sept. 11 – Nov. 13
7-8:45pm • Schaffer Gymnasium
Music & Dance...
Celebrating the Music of Jewish Composers
Acclaimed pianist and distinguished Artist in
Residence at Skidmore College Pola Baytelman
has toured the US, Europe, China and Chile. Her
CDs are frequently broadcast in several continents.
The performance, with explanations, includes
romantic compositions and music influenced by
Klezmer, Jazz, and Brazilian music: Mendelssohn,
Schoenfield, Schulhoff, and Milhaud.
Sunday, Oct. 12
3pm • Golub Auditorium
Beginner Ballroom & Latin Dancing
Dance your way to fitness! A series of 6 Tango and
Swing classes. Singles & Couples Welcome!
Sundays • Nov 2-Dec 14
2-3pm • Schaffer Gymnasium
Country Line Dancing
Country line dance lessons and open dancing with
Kevin Richards from 100.9 The Cat.
Mondays • Sept. 29 – Nov. 10
7-8:30pm • Golub Auditorium
Poetry...
Poetry Class: Crossing Cultures – Foreign
Forms
Tuesdays, Sept. 16 – Nov. 18
7-9pm • Farber-Miness Gallery
Questions about any of our programs or events?
Special Events...
Fall Fest
Sunday, Oct. 12 • 12-3pm
Capital Capabilities
Sunday, Oct.19 • 1-4pm
Garage Sale Fundraiser
Come find some treasures and help support our child care programs.
Sunday, Oct. 26
9am - 2pm • Golub Auditorium
Robert J Ludwig
Community Service Awards
Gala
Saturday, Nov. 15
7pm • Golub Corp
461 Nott Street
Schenectady, NY 12308
ECE Election Day Bake Sale
Tuesday, Nov. 4
SJCC Lobby
ECE Chanukah Dinner & Art Show
Come look at children’s artwork!
Tuesday, Dec. 16
5:45pm • Golub Auditorium
Giving Back...
Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save a life!
Monday, Dec. 22
10-6pm • Golub Auditorium
Always here for you...
Senior Meal Program
In partnership with Catholic Charities.
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Senior Meeting Room
Films
Fill the Void
Saturday
October 11
at the
Golub Auditorium
7:30pm with refreshments
Israel, 2014, 98 min., Hebrew with English subtitles
Shira, the youngest daughter of an ultra-Orthodox family in Tel-Aviv, is about
to be engaged. When her older sister dies during childbirth, their mother, afraid
that her son-in-law may leave the country with her only grandchild, proposes
a match. Shira has to make a choice. Beautifully done, intimate story exploring
universal themes. Winner of 7 Israeli academy Awards.
Rabbi Eleanor Pearlman will lead a discussion
The Lady in Number 6 and Nyosha
Saturday
November 1 7:30pm with refreshments
The Lady in Number 6 and Nyosha
UK, 2014, 40 min., English and English subtitles
In this inspirational film, Alice Herz-Sommer, 109 year old, the world’s oldest
pianist and Holocaust survivor, shares her story on how to achieve a long and
happy life. She discusses the importance of music, laughter, and having an
optimistic outlook on life. An Oscar winning 2013 Documentary.
&
Nyosha
Israel, 2012, 12 min., No dialogue
A hand-drawn animated film about a 10-year-old girl during the Holocaust,
and how her faith and a pair of black shoes saved her life. Based on a true story.
Discussion led by Lauren Savage, LCSW
The Zig Zag Kid
Sunday
November 23 3:30pm optional supper at 5:30 pm
Belgium/The Netherlands, 2012, 95 min., Dutch, English, French
with English subtitles
A whimsical, detective escapade finds Nono Feierberg on a mission to be the
greatest police inspector just two days before his Bar Mitzvah. Adapted from the
novel by Israeli author David Grossman, this magical crowd-pleaser speaks to
adults and teens with humor, exploring self-discovery and family ties.
Discussion led by Dr. Jeffry Luria
Orchestra of Exiles
Saturday
December 13 7:30pm with refreshments
US, 2012, 85 min., English, Hebrew with English subtitles
The suspenseful chronicle of how Bronislaw Huberman, a world renowned
violinist, helped save Europe’s premier Jewish musicians from obliteration by
the Nazis during World War II. In three years he brought many musicians to
Palestine, creating the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, the for-runner of the
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
Discussion led by Prof. Peter Heinegg, Union College
Call 518.377.8803
07
2013 End of the Year Campaign
Howard & Arleen Brilliant
Keith Kline
2014 Camp Fundraising
Bimbo Bakeries
James Trauring
2014 Capital Capabilities
Schenectady County Legislature
Our Donors
2014 Golf & Tennis Event
Animal Hospital of Niskayuna
Laura Bogdanowicz
Michael & Ellen Auerbach
Cool Insuring Agency
Rabbi Matthew and Sharon Cutler
Fortitech, Inc.
Mark Friedman
General Orthopedic
Brian & Debra Gordon
Donna Gordon
Lawrence & Marilyn Gordon
Michael Gordon
Hill & Markes
Jeffrey Ikler
Eric Kerness
Harlan Harrison
Lemery Greisler LLC
Marty’s True Value
M&T Charitable Foundation
Polar Beverages, Inc.
Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation
Howard Schlossberg & Michelle Ostrelich
Robert Silverman
Assemblyman Phil Steck
Mark & Ina Weintraub
Richard & Diane Weiskopf
2014 Spring Appeal
Angelo Alfeo
John & Stella Carbone
Consul Ciancetta
Jerome & Norman Cohen
Rabbi Matthew & Sharon Cutler
Wallace C. Davis
Sumitte De Soyza
Margaret Decker
John M Gold
Ross & Debra Goodman
Alex Halakan
Eileen & Jeffrey Handelman
Joan Hegg
Eiko Helstowski
Ernest & Gloria Kahn
Linda R Kiernan
Joann Kress
Francis Kuzsman
Jennifer Lean
Margaret A Levine
Kathy & Jim Levy
Elyse Pearson
Harvey Randall
Alice Rubenfeld
Michelle Ostrelich & Howard Schlossberg
Marilyn Soffer
Peter & Jeanne Sosnow
Donald & Mary Strycker
Walter & Margaret Urbanski
Peter V Vollweiler
Keith Watkins
Mark & Ina Weintraub
John & Jean Wilkinson
Johanna M Woldring
Robert & Ellen Zirin
Thank
you
!
Teva Play Fund
Rabbi Matthew & Sharon Cutler
Josie Kivort in Memory of Stanley Kivort
MVP Health Care Project Go!
Schenectady JCC ECE PTO
Mark & Ina Weintraub
Betsy Coleman Memorial Fund
Shelley and Shel Abelson
Laura E Johnson
Helen Neufeld Preschool Fund
Bobbie & Mark Moses
Edward & Beverly Sitrin
Friends of the Arts
Sidney & Ann Cramer
Barbara Fleischer
Chris and Bernie Grossman
Barbara & Richard Preisman
Marilyn Soffer
Roberta & Don Steiner
Nancy Bell & Eli Taub
Cynthia & Clifford Tepper
JCC Friends
Anonymous
William Benson
Bonnie Cramer
Audrey Ellowitz
Debra Geer
Neil & Jane Golub
Neil Jane William Estelle Golub
Family Foundation, Inc.
Mathew Lean
Margaret Mitchell
MVP Health Care
Ann & Alan Posner
Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation
John Egan Renaissance
Corporation of Albany
Caroline Robinson
Peter Rosenfeld
Stewart’s Shops
The Arts Center of the Capital District
Richard and Alice Toll
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Wexler
Donations listed are those received since the last edition of The Update
08
Meta Rappaport
Judy Ben-Ami
Ernie Readdean
Three Staff Earn
2014 Customer ServiceAwards
Judy Ben-Ami, JCC’s Administrative
Assistant, has won the Customer Service
Award for her second time since she
began working at the Center for 10
years. Meta Rappaport, one of our Early
Childhood Education teachers, and Ernie
Readdean, the Sports and Wellness Desk
Supervisor, were also recipients of the
2014 Customer Service Award.
“Our organization is here to serve the
Personal Trainer
Jean Foti
Joins the
JCC Staff
needs of area families and it’s important
that we do our best to make sure we are
providing our “customers” with the best
service,” said SJCC Executive Mark
Weintraub. “Whether it’s something as
simple as looking up program
information or inspiring a classroom filled
with preschoolers to learn about nature,
each time our staff interacts with our
members these three JCC superstars make
it a world class experience.”
The best reasons
to choose a trainer
are results and commitment.
You will have a set schedule
of times you will meet.
No excuses!
You will have a plan.
You will see results!
With five years of experience in the fitness field, Personal Trainer Jean Foti understands
it can be tough to take time to exercise. “Members need to make it a priority and it is
hard to make ourselves a priority,” said Jean who worked as a social worker for 15-plus
years before starting in the fitness industry.
Working at the JCC, Jean has the opportunity to work with groups as well as
one-on-one. “I have worked other places but the JCC feels like home,” Jean says. “ My
children love it here, I feel lucky to instruct and train such great members!”
Meet
Budhan...
(again!)
When you meet Budhan Ramcharan
you find yourself smiling. His
enthusiasm for his new position at the
JCC is palpable.
After starting with the JCC as a physical
education teacher in 2012, Budhan then
worked on the fitness floor and desk, as
a sports specialist for camp, and as the
director of Glencliff Kid’s Time. This
past June he started as the
Membership Services Associate, a
position that gives him the opportunity
to share his extensive first-hand
knowledge about the JCC and its
programs.
With an undergraduate degree in
physical education and a Master’s
Degree in Health Education, Budhan is
enjoying his work in membership. “My
favorite task is giving tours to potential
members,” he says. “I like this because
it gives me an opportunity to meet new
people, and new faces from different
places from around the world.” Budhan,
himself, was born in Guyana, South
America and moved to New York when
he was eight.
“At the JCC we strive to create a sense
of family,” he said adding, “The JCC is
a place where our members know each
other by first name. In addition, the
excellent programming we offer to our
community.”
On a personal note...Budhan just
married a woman he has known since
he was 10 years old. “I basically married
my best friend,” he says beaming with
the enthusiasm that is Budhan.
09
“Creating a
Natural Outdoor
Play Space
would allow
our children
to interact
with a learning
environment
that is designed
to appeal to
their curiosity,
senses, and
imagination
while inviting
them to explore
the outdoors.”
Kathy Ember Levy,
Teva Play Chairperson
JCC Scores Grant to Kickstart “Teva Play,”
an Outdoor Play Space & Classsroom
The idea started with a visit from a Jewish Community Center Association Early Childhood
Education professional who talked about natural outdoor playspaces and classrooms
which are popular in Israel. Knowing SJCC has both need and space for this type of
progamming, leadership jumped when MVP’s Project Go presented the opportunity to secure
funds to move forward.
SJCC submitted the concept to MVP’s social media post and vote Project Go. The SJCC
Outdoor Play Space and Classroom was chosen as one of 10 non-profit finalists and ultimately
won the grand prize of a $2,500 grant and an opportunity to host a fundraiser with Olympic
Gold
Medalist and US Soccer Star Abby Wambach. SJCC had a second win - the priviledge of offering a soccer clinic and autograph session
with the star forward on the day of the 2014 World Cup final.
“Natural Outdoor Play Spaces and Classrooms allow for increased
opportunities for physical activity, raise childrens’ awareness of
nature and taking care of the environment, and provide additional
space for hands-on learning,” according to Teva Play project
Chairperson Kathy Ember Levy. “Because children learn through
play, this space is especially important to continue the great work
the SJCC is already doing in teaching children. Teva Play will be
used by many of the SJCC’s childrens’ programs and the pavilion
space and open lawn area can also be used for events and
entertaining.”
Fundraising continues for the natural outdoor play space .
Anyone interested in contributing to the project is encouraged
to visit http://www.gofundme.com/JCCTevaPlay
Teva Play elements
Sand/water play area
Kitchen play area
Discovery area with sensory/
discovery tables
n Musical play
n Garden areas –
bird garden, shade garden, fall, winter,
spring, and summer gardens
n Circle time area
Future elements include Cycle Track, Balance
Play Area and a Lunch & Learning Pavilion
n
n
n
• Innovative • Creative • Imaginative • Environmentally-friendly • Play-based • Sensory • Natural •
Special thanks to the Outdoor Play Space Task Force which includes: Kathy Ember Levy – Chair, Michelle Ostrelich,
Michael Auerbach, Eric Kerness, Stephen Cohen, and Karyn McCloskey. Staff support was provided by: Mark Weintraub,
Adam Chaskin, Brian Wimple, Andrea Leighton, Sarah Mandel, Andy Katz, and Tiffany Smith. Also thanks to Meta
Rappaport, Brent Stevens, and John Wells for their assistance with the Community Build and for all the members of the
SJCC who have volunteered to assist in making this project a reality.
10
Come and celebrate the
capabilities and talents of people
with disabilities through the
medium of art!
Niskayuna Town Recognizes
the Contributions of
Israeli Emissaries
Martin Abadi and Meytar Assulin stood tall before
the Niskayuna Town Council as an impressive list
of their contributions and accomplishments were
read out loud during a special Town Board Meeting
where they were presented with a Resolution.
Martin, who served for three years in the Israeli
Army where he was Paratrooper Commander,
worked as a counselor in the JCC’s teen travel camp.
Meytar, whose passion is ballet and dance, was a
counselor in the day camp. Both emissaries were
recognized by the town for, “their contributions in
enriching the lives of the children in our
community by participating in the Schenectady
JCC’s Israeli Emissary Program.”
The Israelis visited as part of SJCC’s Israeli Emissary
Program, which was established by the JCC more
than 15 years ago. They were active in the summer
camp program where they brought “insight into
what life in Israel is truly like.”
For Executive Director Mark Weintraub, the insight
came in lessons which will stay with him for a long
time. After learning a Jewish Federation Partnership
call was cancelled so that the Eshkol community
could mourn the loss of a paratrooper Martin had
served with for four years, Mark was reminded
of the connectivity of Jews across the globe. “All
of Israel are responsible for one another,” he said.
“Thank you Martin for giving me a life lesson I will
never forget.”
Free and Open to the Public
Sunday,
October 19
1– 4p.m.
Emcee:
Dori Marlin
CBS6
Partners:
at
Schenectady JCC
2565 Balltown Road
Niskayuna
Honorary Chair:
Assemblyman
Angelo Santabarbara
Schenectady JCC
Living Resources
Schenectady ARC
New York State Office for People With
Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
YWCA Northeastern New York
Center for Disability Services
Arts Center of the Capital Region
Congregation Gates of Heaven
Congregation Agudat Achim
Sponsors:
Congregation Beth Israel
MVP Health Care
Schenectady County
For more information
Please call Judy at 518-377-8803
[email protected]
www.schenectadyjcc.org
www.facebook.com/capitalcapabilities
This family-oriented event is handicapped accessible.
11
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Albany, NY
Permit No. 739
2565 Balltown Road
Niskayuna, NY 12309
(518) 377-8803
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
www.schenectadyjcc.org
What a great summer of JCC camps...
... And the William & Estelle Golub Family Pool & Tennis Club
Look for Fall Holiday Hours inside on Page 2