November 2001
CULTURAL ARTS SERIES:
Evolution of Jewish Humor in America
The Cultural Arts Department of the TCJCC will present a three part lecture series, which explores the cultural roots and evolution of Jewish American Comedy. Presented by JCC members and ASU faculty, Esther Romelyn, assistant professor of the Interdisplinary Humanities Program and Jack Kugelmass, director of the ASU Jewish Studies Program and a Professor of Humanities, the series will be held in the three successive Tuesdays in November at 7:00 p.m.Part I - November 13th - Immigrant Humor: 1890-1920. This lecture discusses the immigrant encounter with the New World and how those experiences become the subject of late 19th and 20th Century American humor.Free for TCJCC members, $5.00 per lecture for non-members. Reservations required at 480-897-0588.
Part II - November 20th - At Home in America: 1920-1950. Explores the use of immigrant and Yiddish culture as the source of the comic routines of Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker, Molly Pecon, Micky Katz and others.
Part III - November 27th - Laughter as Heritage: 1960's - Present. Examines the link between patterns of immigrant comedy including dialect humor through more contemporary comedians such as Mel Brooks, Joan Rivers and Carl Reiner.
Jewish Book Month
Please join us to celebrate Jewish Book Month with your 3-6 year old on Sunday, November 18th at 2 p.m., when we will welcome Sylvia Rouss, author of the popular Sammy Spider stories, to the JCC.Sylvia will read Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah and her most recent publication, The Littlest Pear. She will be available to autograph books afterward.
The literary portion of the program will be followed by a snack of cookies and milk and a craft to take home.
Reservations and a pre-paid fee of $5.00 per child are required by November 14th. Call us at 480-897-0588.
Safety Precautions at the East Valley JCC
Dear Members,There has always been a focused effort at the East Valley JCC to maintain a high level of safety awareness and preparedness. However, in light of recent world events, we have taken action to further enhance the security of our center.
Last month, the JCC brought in a local security consultant and an officer from Tempe Police Dept. to perform security reviews of our building. Both experts provided us with valuable recommendations to help ensure our safety. We have incorporated their suggestions into a new emergency response plan, and are in the process of completing a comprehensive emergency response handbook for JCC staff.
The center also recently held a staff in-service in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. During this program, specific emergency response procedures were reviewed with our employees, and we covered policies and procedures for improved overall security at the JCC.
Small hardware additions have positively impacted center safety. We purchased new walkie-talkies for staff when outdoors with children. These handsets are a reliable means of communication between playground and front office, and can access help quickly in the event of a safety emergency. Secondly, peepholes were installed in all doors leading from classrooms and common areas to the building's exterior. As a result, we can view and identify activity outside a door without having to open it.
Let me stress that these new security measures are strictly precautionary, given that today's world is different from yesterday's. What is certain is that the safety of our children, staff and members is our first priority. As such, I welcome your security-related questions or comments, and will keep you informed as any additional enhancements to our safety program are made.
Sincerely,
Ilene Blau
Executive Director
Important Dates
November School Closures (JCC and All Programs)
Monday, November 12, Veteran's Day - JCC School / Day School Closed Mini-CampThursday and Friday, November 22 & 23 - JCC Closed for Thanksgiving
Save These December Dates
December 11th - JCC Hanukkah PartyDecember 15th - Community Hanukkah Concert, "An Evening of Jewish Music"
Men's Club
November 18th, 9:30 a.m.
Cardiologist: Dr. Andrew Kaplan
"A Heart to Heart Discussion"
Bagels & Lox breakfast $6.50 each.
Reservations required to 480-897-0588.
AROUND THE CENTER
Seniors' Terrific Tuesdays
Tuesday, November 6th at 10:30 a.m. Our favorite movie critic Julian Reveles will present a program on "Hispanic Films and Actors." Care for Mexican food afterwards???Tuesday, November 13th at 10:30 a.m. ASU Librarian Marilyn Wurzburger asks that you bring a copy (or name) of your favorite book for her discussion on "Books Worth Collecting."
Tuesday, November 20th at 10:30 a.m. Entertainment by musician Bernie Stein. Join along, sing, dance, clap your hands to the beat (BEAT).
Tuesday, November 27th at 10:30 a.m. Cathy Wolfe, Jewish Community Council Relations representative, from the Jewish Federation will update us on the latest from Israel and its impact on the Jewish Community. Please join us!
Singles Activities
November 11th - Sunday Brunch at Copeland's Restaurant, 10:30 a.m. RSVP to Sheri at 480-893-8104. Copelands of New Orleans proudly presents the New Renaissance Quartet - Live, Swinging, Accoustic Jass. Order off their special Sunday jazz brunch menu with prices ranging $8.95 - $12.95, or order from the lunch menu with sandwiches, etc, starting as low as $5.95. Copelands is located at 7151 Ray Road in Chandler, just East of the I-10 on Ray Road on the South side in the Casa Paloma Shopping Center.November 17th - Arizona Jewish Theatre, "The Chosen," 7:30 p.m. Please join us in a memorable evening of theatre. "The Chosen" is a play adapted by Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok from the novel by Chaim Potok. Two boys, two fathers and two very different Jewish communities - five blocks and a world apart. A story of friendship, family and difficult choices that we must all make on the path to understanding, respect and reconciliation. Please RSVP to Joyce by November 7th at 480-759-8411. $20.00. Checks payable to East Valley JCC (by November 7th) in order to participate at the group rate.
Annual Book Fair and Gift Sale
Thursday and Friday, November 8 & 9 are the dates of this years Book Fair and Gift Sale.Vendors will be at the JCC from 9AM-3PM Thursday and 9AM-2PM on Friday. This year's vendors include:
- Discovery Toys - Lynn Tofaute
- Scholastic Books - Susie Boland
- Silhouettes - Judith Housel
- A Touch of Israel - Fern
- Tidings of Love Angel Pins - Faith McNaughton
- Total Con-Fusion - Jackie Beckman
- Tupperware - Pam Morris
- Ceramics - Bobbi Herz
- Beanie Babies - Meryl Buckman
- Personalized Children's Books, etc - Melissa Singer
- Challah Covers and Quilted Hebrew Letters - Robin Manelis
Come start your holiday shopping at the JCC.
Annual Garage Sale
On Friday and Saturday, November 16 & 17, the annual rummage sale to benefit the Early Childhood Department will be held at the home of Administrative Assistant, Diane Umeda.Donations of all clothing, housewares, small electronics, furniture, etc, are still being accepted. Large items must be taken directly to Diane's home. Help on the 2 days of the garage sale would be great! See Diane for specifics or call her at 480-897-0588.
Tributes
In memory of Steve SchwartzBy Allen & Cynthia Benedict
Tributes have been made in memory of Solomon Cukier from the following:
Ilene and Alan Blau
Allen & Cynthia Benedict
Soo Braunstein and Rose Wright
Chris & Ellen Forte
Jonathon and Karen Andell
Arlynn & Daniel Bock
Thelma Gilbert
Jill & Mark Barenbaum
Thomas & Francine Donnelly
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Linda Rickel
From Jill & Mark Barenbaum
Donations to the JCC
Synthia Scheck (computer)Barney Feldman (misc)
Thank You
A big thank you to Suzy Pollard who volunteered at the Robinsons-May Charity Event on behalf of the TCJCC. Also thanks to those who purchased tickets and attended the Event on October 16th.Births - Mazel Tov!
Congratulations to Rob and Debbie Adelberg, on the birth of their son, Benjamin Heinrich on October 20th. Big sister Rachel attends the JCC preschool.Best wishes to the JCC gymnastic instructor Rochelle Schroeder, husband Carl and their two boys, Jake and Tyler, on the addition of Danielle Marie, born October 24th.
Congratulations to Richard and Marcy Patterson and their sons, Aaron, Dylan and Spencer, on the birth of their fourth son, Ian Clay, born October 27th.
Mitvot of the Month
Our thanks to Don Zanrosso and Jeff Klein who donated their time, talent and tools to install nine door viewers (peepholes) in exterior doors around the building and to the Zanrosso family for donating all materials for the project which will enhance the safety of our center.A big thank-you to Mandy Grossman, a professional photographer and mother of two-year-old Denzel Rustempasic, for taking pictures of children and staff for our 2002 School Calendar. Her smile alone could light up your day! Thanks, Mandy.
November Book Club
Ahab's Wife by Ena Naslund
November 26, 2001 at 7:00 PM
Hosted by Lisa Wright
Call 480-897-0588 for information
SCHOOL • YOUTH • CAMP
Day School News...
Now that the haggim (holidays) are behind us, we are thrusting forward. Our children have learned so much in our morning tefillah (prayers). We encourage anyone who wishes to join us, to be here at 8:40 AM any morning. The classes have gone on several field trips already and they have all been a great success. There is so much learning and enthusiasm in our classrooms. A personal thank you to the Day School teachers and aides for everything they do!We received a grant from the City of Tempe Cultural Services. Jill Bittinger visits our school every week (for ten weeks) and works with three Preschool classes and one Day School class. It is a multicultural dance and music program. Jill's class allows our students to begin the process of appreciation of diversity through learning of the people, their stories, music, regalia, and dances from various cultures to include: Africa, China, Latin-America, Eastern India, Native American, Irish and present day USA as a multicultural blend. We are thrilled to have her!
Our school board met for the first time last month and we are looking forward to working together to make the East Valley JCC Day School the best it can be. There are still some openings.on our School Board. If you are interested (you do not have to have a child in the school), please do not hesitate to contact Donna Troisi.
Daddy & Me
Lets go explore the Arizona Science Center! We will be at the Science Center on Sunday November 18th from 10:00am - 12:00pm. The cost is $7.00 per person. Children under 3 are free. We must have a minimum of 15 paying people to get the group rate. Call Lisa by November 15th to RSVP.Mommy & Me
Mom's, grab your child(ren) and join the East Valley JCC's Youth Department at Gymboree on Sunday December 2nd from 10:00 - 11:30am. The cost is $6.00 for Mom + 1 child and extra children are an additional $3.00 per child. Please call or see Lisa for more information!Parents Night Out
Mom's & Dad's - enjoy a night on the town!Be on the look out for information on how you can drop your child(ren) off at the JCC on Saturday Night, November 17th! Or call Lisa for more information!
Youth Activities
Club 12
Wednesday November 14th - 6:30 - 8:00pm
Pizza & Movie at the JCC
RSVP no later than November 13th
Call Lisa at (480) 897-0588
Club 34 and Teens & Tweens
Tuesday November 20th - 6:30 - 8:00pm
Fiddlesticks
1 hour unlimited rides and Miniature Golf
RSVP Lisa (480) 897-0588 by November 19th
MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 10 PEOPLE
New Toddler Room Staff
Please join us in welcoming Elissa Cooper to the JCC Early Childhood Staff! Elissa's first job as a young girl was as a junior counselor at summer camp in 1979. Small world, isn't it?Now the mother of three children; Ariel 13, Sammy 6 and Benji 3 (who attends JCC preschool), Elissa is also a real "find" to plan and facilitate programming in our Toddler Room.
Elissa has earned a B.A. in Education and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at ASU. She has been a primary grade teacher in the Murphy and Kyrene school districts and a special needs preschool teacher. She has also taught a parent/toddler class where she found a great deal of enjoyment in working with toddlers and their parents. Elissa has lots of great activities planned for our toddlers and looks forward to getting to know them and their parents. Elissa, husband Dan (a school principal) and their three children live in Gilbert.
Veteran's Day Mini Camp
When: Monday November 12th
Camp Hours: 9:00 - 4:00 pm
Extended Daycare Hours: 7:00 - 9:00 am and 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Cost: Camp - $25.00 / JCC Members and $35.00 / Non-Members
Daycare - $3.15 / hour
Registration is due by Thursday November 8th
We are offering 2 camps
3 year olds (potty trained) - Kindergarten
Join us for a day of arts & crafts, sports, cooking and just a whole lot of fun!
1st - 6th grade
We're off to the Wildlife World Zoo to visit the largest collection of exotic animals in Arizona! Space is limited to 13 kids, so reserve your spot today!
For more information call Lisa at the JCC.
Welcome Back!
Who says you can't go "home" again?! Barney Feldman's two sons, Ben and Jonah, attended the JCC preschool and kindergarten years ago; we won't say how many, but Cynthia was Ben's kindergarten teacher at the former JCC location on Baseline Road and Hadassah had Jonah.So look who's back in the field; Barney and his wife, with their two grandchildren Natalie and Michael Radzick.
Within the first few weeks of school, the Feldmans had made a very generous donation to the Early Childhood Department, bought an ad in the 2002 School Calendar and donated a brand-new refrigerator to replace an "oldie" that was on its last leg.
We welcome Barney and Juanita Feldman and their family and thank them for their amazing generosity.