EVJCC GROUNDBREAKING

About 100 people attended the launching of the East Valley Jewish Community Center's $7.5 million dollar groundbreaking at the JCC's new location at 908 North Alma School Road in Chandler, Arizona.

Local dignitaries included developer Michael Pollack, Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn, who welcomed the JCC to Chandler, Senator Harry Mitchell, Tempe Councilman Ben Arredondo, Queen Creek Mayor Wendy Feldman-Kerr, Gilbert Mayor Steve Berman, and several Chandler Council Members.

Community Rabbi's, Bonnie Koppell of Temple Beth Sholom, Andrew Straus of Temple Emanuel, and Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, as well as Adam Schwartz, Jewish Federation Executive Vice President and Fred Zeidman, Assistant Executive Director were also in attendance.

Key campaign figures including Ben Benedict, Campaign Chairman, Michael Waxman, Building Chairman, and George Jacobson, EVJCC President, addressed the attendees along with Jewish Federation President, Lanny Lahr.

At the ceremony, Ben Benedict recounted the history of the EVJCC which was founded 32 years ago as the Jewish Organization of Tempe. Ben was a graduate of the first preschool class.

Plans for the Capital Campaign include the lease-purchase of a 25,800 sq. ft. existing building and 4.4 acres of land directly adjacent to that building which will provide space for future expansion. Renovation activity will begin in December with August 2005 scheduled as the target month when school will open at the new location.

AROUND THE CENTER

SENIORS' TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

Join us, bring along a friend, and enjoy!! Please join us, bring along a friend and contact someone who has not been coming lately and remind them that the presentations are interesting, intellectually stimulating and just fun!!

Tuesday, December 7th at 10:30 a.m. - In celebration of Chanukah we present the music of Bernie Stein accompanied by his vocalist. Holiday foods to nibble on and enjoy!

Tuesday, December 14th at 10:30 a.m. - The topic for Phoenix Art Museum Docent Carolyn Park is the artist, "Cezanne." Join us.

Tuesday, December 21st at 10:30 a.m. - Our continuing monthly "Mitzvot" discussion will be conducted by Rabbi Irwin Wiener of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

Tuesday, December 28th at 11:30 a.m. - NOTE TIME CHANGE! The final meeting for the year 2004, so please join us for our early "New Year's Eve" celebration lunch at a local restaurant.

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Pirates of Penzance

Got Tickets? We Do!!

Orchestra tickets to the January 9th, 2005 matinee performance of Pirates of Penzance at the Herberger Theatre are available from the EVJCC at the group rate of $42.

Limited seats are available for this Gilbert and Sullivan musical, one of the most popular of all time.

SCHOOL • YOUTH • CAMP

Staff Attend NAEYC Conference

Four members of the Early Childhood Department staff recently attended the NAEYC Conference in Anaheim, CA. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the premier lobbying agency for the welfare of young children and a resource for educators. NAEYC accreditation is voluntary for early childhood centers. The JCC Early Childhood Departments have been accredited since 1993.

Brenda Wyman, Centercare Supervisor; Janet Weiss, Pre-Kindergarten teacher and her assistant, Tammi Wyman, and Kindergarten assistant, April Hauser, had a wonderful time at the conference, attending classes, perusing the gigantic vendor fair, networking with colleagues and collecting ideas and materials which can be used in our classrooms.

We wish we could send our entire staff to this special event for people who work with young children!

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Early Childhood Openings

As we move toward the second semester of the school year, time is flying by. The "babies" who started school in August are already showing how much they have learned and grown. This applies to our threes, fours and fives as well. We're very proud of their progress. Although our kindergarten and a two's class are full at this time, our other age groups, as well as infant-toddler care, have a variety of days available. If you would like to add to your child's current schedule, please get in touch so we can see what will work. You can add days any time as long as we have the space. Give us a call at 480-897-0588.

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Direct Your Tax Dollars

Arizona residents have the unique opportunity to contribute for scholarships to Jewish Day Schools. Our own East Valley Day School and JCC Kindergarten students are eligible to receive funds generated by the School Tuition Organization (STO). The amount you contribute simply reduces your state tax liability by the amount you donate up to $625. What a tremendous opportunity to direct your tax dollars toward Jewish Day School education. Envelopes for easy mailing are available at the front desk. Contributions may also be made by credit card.

WINTER BREAK CAMP

2 Camps: 3's - K, & 1st - 8th Grade
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the winter break with us!
We are having 10 awesome days of winter camp fun!
DAILY OR WEEKLY REGISTRATION

Mon Dec. 20th - Space, The Final Frontier - Learn about Space, the Sun and the Moon today. "Star Gazing For Everyone" will be here to tell us all about it!

Tues Dec. 21st - String 'em Along - Who would have thought that a piece of string could be so much fun!

Wed Dec. 22nd - What Dreams Are Made Of - Come dressed in your favorite pajamas and let's get cozy! Today we'll play, make dream catchers and watch a movie. 1st - 8th graders are off to the movies - yes, in your PJ's!

Thurs Dec. 23rd - Candyland - What a sweet way to spend the day at the J! Don't worry, we won't send them home too sugared up!

Fri Dec. 24th - Old MacDonald - It's sure a zoo out there! At least it will be today as we turn the JCC into a petting zoo!

Mon Dec. 27th - I'm Flying - How high can you fly - your rocket or glider that is?! Make your own and see how high they go!

Tues Dec. 28th - Just Hangin' Around - A good old-fashioned day at camp.... games, arts & crafts and lots and lots of fun!

Wed Dec. 29th - Fan Fair - This is our annual sports day! 1st - 8th graders are off to eat lunch and play at Jillian's in Scottsdale.

Thurs Dec. 30th - Winter Wonderland - SNOW DAY! Wear your warm clothes, jackets, gloves, etc... but don't forget to bring your dry clothes (even socks, shoes and underwear!) to change into.

Fri Dec. 31st - Dance To The Music - Come celebrate the New Year with us! Our annual New Year's Party! Our countdown ends at noon instead of midnight! Sorry, but you're on your own at night!

Early Registration: Sign up before Dec. 17th $24/day or $112/week for JCC Members $27/day or $127/week for Non-Members Late Registration: After Dec. 17th $26/day or $124/week for JCC Members $29/day or $139/week for Non-members Extended Daycare Fees are $3.70/hour for both members and non-members Daycare hours from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

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Disney On Ice - Monsters, Inc.

Please join the EVJCC on Wednesday, January 26th at 7:30pm at America West Arena. We have purchased 20 tickets for the "Monsterrific" event Disney On Ice - Monsters, Inc! Tickets are only $13.50 (Reg. Price: $22.50) per person for lower level seats (Sec.106)! Buy your tickets today! Call (480-897-0588) or see Lisa for all the details!

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Membership Time Again

Statements for 2005 memberships will be mailed soon. Membership is due by January 31, 2005 and is required for school attendance. Remember that membership for those families who joined mid-year will be pro-rated for the coming year. To receive any tax benefits for 2004, be sure your membership is received by the end of December!

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