The Centerfold

January 2002

JCC Day School Open House

Kindergarten – 4th Grade
Tuesday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Please bring friends and join us as we astound you
and discuss our incredible program!

Why a Jewish Day School?

      Attending a Jewish day school will enable your children to be a part of a vibrant and literate Jewish community while obtaining an outstanding comprehensible secular education. The growing popularity of day schools stems from the opportunity for connected learning and the strong sense of community that the students, parents, and faculty experience. Due to the low student-teacher ratios and the day school’s striving for excellence, the East Valley Jewish Community Center Day School encourages and provides students with the opportunity for individual success rather than having him/her “clumped together” in large group learning. The curriculum of our school prepares students for the individual achievement and honors and the academic skills necessary to enter into competitive college programs throughout the country. Additionally, the East Valley JCC Day School extends beyond the classroom and reaches out to the families to help connect them to Judaism and the Jewish community.
        In sum, Jewish day schools are committed to excellence in general studies, complemented by Jewish classes and an environment infused by Jewish values. The East Valley JCC Day School is an institution that supports the religious priorities of committed Jews while acquiring a high-quality secular education.
        Please contact Donna Troisi, Day School Director to answer any questions concerning exploring the day school alternative for your child(ren). Call 480-897-0588 for information. Financial assistance is available.

2002-03 School Registration Begins

      On February 1, 2002, registration for the 2002-03 school year will begin at the JCC. A deposit in the amount of May, 2003 tuition will hold a place in the appropriate age group.
        Class assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis; some classes fill quickly. Once the maximum number of students per day have been enrolled, a waiting list will be established.
        The first two weeks of February are reserved for the early registration of children currently enrolled in our school and/or their siblings. Open enrollment will begin on February 19.
        Call the JCC, 480-897-0588 for additional information.

Support Memberships

      Consider upgrading your 2002 memberships into one of the support categories: Patron $500, Silver $750 and Gold $1000. Support Membership dollars are tax deductible and help subsidize programs and services offered by the JCC. Support memberships will be posted on the JCC website (evjcc.org) and will be recognized periodically in the Centerfold bulletin. Your financial support will go a long way to help during this transition year.

January Closures

January 1st – New Years Day (JCC Closed)
January 21st – MLK Day (JCC Closed)

AROUND THE CENTER

Seniors Terrific Tuesdays

Tuesday, January 1 No program – JCC Closed.

Tuesday, January 8th at 11:30 a.m. “Let’s do Lunch,” a belated New Year celebration. Restaurant of your choice. (Note time change!)

Tuesday, January 15th at 10:30 a.m. The program, “Poetry of Shakespeare” presented by George Martinez.

Tuesday, January 22nd at 10:30 a.m. Author Daniel M. Jaffe will do a review of his book, “With Signs and Wonders, an International Anthology of Jewish Fabulist Fiction.” He is coming from California so let us show him a good turnout!

Tuesday, January 29nd at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Andrew Straus of Temple Emanuel will discuss, “Interfaith Marriages.” A current topic for us all!

Single Activities

Sunday, January 13th at 1:30 p.m. 2002 Annual Planning Event. Come have your input as to what the 2002 Singles Events will be! We will be meeting at Temple Emanuel in Tempe. RSVP to Joyce at 480-759-8411.

Saturday, January 26th at 4:30 p.m. Dinner and a movie… Meet at the new Chandler Fashion Square Mall, Harkins Theatre. We will pick out a movie and dinner location based on participant’s decision that evening. RSVP to Joyce at 480-759-8411.

Book Club

      Believe it or not but the TCJCC Book Club starts its third year this month. Members of this book group meet monthly at rotating homes to discuss the book selection of the month. If you enjoy reading and would enjoy the opportunity to discuss pre-selected books with others, please let Ilene know. New members are always welcome to this group. January’s selection is Bee Season, by author Myla Goldberg. This month’s hostess is Agnes Oblas to be held January 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Save The Date

      Now that you have your 2002 calendars out, mark the evening of Saturday, May 4th, as an event not to be missed. This evening is the date booked for the annual East Valley JCC fundraiser. Plans for this year’s event, under the guidance of committee chairperson, Maira Zanrosso, are well underway.
        This event entitled “An Affair to Remember – 30 Years and Beyond” is an evening of dining and dancing that will take place at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. The evening will honor and celebrate the 30th anniversary of JOT and the East Valley JCC. The evening’s entertainment will include cocktails, dinner, dancing to the sounds of the hot local band Gallagher and Zale, a fabulous silent auction and an exciting Grand Raffle.
        Underwriting Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels for this event. If you know of a corporation or individual that may be interested in supporting this event, please contact Maira Zanrosso to obtain an underwriting package. Any members who would like to help with the evening’s event or would like to serve on any of the events committee are welcome. Please call the JCC at 480-897-0588 or contact Maira Zanrosso by e-mail.

Tributes

To Syndi Scheck and family
On the loss of Syndi’s grandmother
From Allen & Cynthia Benedict, the Board and Staff of the East Valley JCC, and Ilene and Alan Blau.

 To Syndi Scheck and family
In memory of Syndi’s grandmother
From Ena and Peter Brown.

Building Relocation Fund

Paul and Marion Weich
George & Diana Jacobson
Bruce & Carol Meyers
Alan & Ilene Blau

Births

Congratulations to Jennifer Cunningham on the birth of her son, Isaiah Jacob Purcell, born December 1st, 2001. Jennifer is the Teacher’s Aide in Syndi’s Class. Best Wishes!

SCHOOL • YOUTH • CAMP

Hanukkah Party 2001

      Neither rain, nor wind, not cold, kept the hordes away from the Center’s Annual Hanukkah Party. All the traditional activities for children: face painting, games, dreidle, crafts, and cookie decorating proceeded in high gear. Once again the ‘eau de latkes’ wafted down Hermosa Drive, creating an oily magnet for Hanukkah revelers!
      Thanks to Mita Rosens for recreating her famous latke batter, to Amy Bley for chairing the party, and to the whole zany kitchen crew of fryers, cutters, servers and cleaners: David, Dave, Howard, Becky, Allen, Vicky, Michael, Jill, George, Deena, Roy, Teresa, Andrea, John, and Jonathon, and to all the ECE parents who helped with games, cookies, crafts, etc. Thanks also to Eileen Bayer for leading the children in song, to Rabbi Straus for lighting the Hanukkah candles and to all who helped make the third night of Hanukkah a special event.

Youth Clubs

      Join us this month for our youth club activity, as we will be “dining out” at the Rain Forest Café!

            Club 12 ~ January 15th ~ 6:30 – 8:00 pm
            Club 34 and Teen & Tweens ~ January 22nd ~ 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Call Lisa for more information and sign up.

Coffee & Crayons

      On Wednesday, January 30th, the JCC Preschool and Kindergarten will host all available dads at a morning of activities, snacks and fun.
        This annual event is traditionally well attended and a good time is had by all. School staff plans a special program for the day which allows children and their parents to interact in the classroom atmosphere.
        A similar event for moms is held in the Spring.

Daddy & Me

      Join us at an “Itty Bitty Open” Golf clinic on Sunday January 27th from 10:00am – 12:00pm at the East Valley JCC. This fun clinic is for boys and girls between the ages of 3-5, and of course Dad’s and Grandpa’s too! Your child will learn golf basics from pros and play golf on an “Itty Bitty” course while the dad’s cater (oops, I mean caddy!) for your child! There will also be a “contest” for the best-dressed kid and the best dressed Dad/kid team! The cost is $7.00 for Dad + 1 child and $5.00 for each additional child (ages 3-5). Call Lisa at (480) 897-0588 to sign up or for more information.

Parent’s Night Out

      The first Parent’s Night Out was so successful that the JCC and Tovah BBG are offering another Parent’s Night Out! On Saturday January 19th you will be able to enjoy a night on the town from 6-11pm, while we take care your children at the East Valley JCC. You must sign your child(ren) up and leave a $5.00 per child non-refundable deposit (which will be subtracted from your total bill) before you can enjoy your night out! The cost is $3.00 per hour per child. Parents must supply diapers, formula and juice for those children requiring them. We’ll supply the snacks, juice and all the fun and games your kids can handle! For more information and to sign up please call Lisa at (480) 897-0588.

New Hiking Club

      A new hiking club for teens ages 13-15 will be starting Sundays in January. Led by former camp co-director, Neal LoNigro, the format reflects Neal’s love of nature, and sharing his considerable expertise of the great outdoors with youth of similar interests.
        Limited to 12 members, the teens will select future hiking locations, and will spend time planning, dining and relaxing with clubhouse amenities. A great opportunity for exercise, building self-esteem, learning hiking and nature strategies and just having a good time. Call Lisa at 480-897-0588 for further information.

Summer Plans

      While June seems like a long time from now, the JCC Summer Camp is starting to make plans for a “better than ever” 2002 Summer Camp. We are looking for families to host our Israeli camp staff during the summer, preferably for two, three, or four week blocks. The number of staff we bring to enhance the Israel component of camp depends on available housing for these young adults. Please let Ilene or Lisa answer any questions you may have. You will find the lives of your family enriched by spending time with these splendid individuals—Israel’s best!