Robinsons-May Charity Preview Day, October 16th

Join hundreds of other East Valley shoppers eager to preview the new Robinsons-May store at the Chandler Fashion Center on Tuesday, October 16 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Your $5 entrance ticket donation goes directly to the JCC and you benefit by receiving three special 15% discount coupons and a chance to win a cosmetic gift basket worth $250. Refreshments, music, clowns and balloons for the kids make this charity day special. Tickets are available at the JCC office.

Annual Rummage Sale

The JCC Annual Rummage Sale will be held this year on Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17. In past years, your generous donations of used items have raised a considerable amount of money that has been used for all those little extras that our budget normally doesn't allow for. We're hoping that this year's Rummage Sale will prove just as successful!!
All donations are welcome: clothes (children's and adult's), kitchen items, purses and/or backpacks, toys, linens, lamps, chachkees; all those items that you no longer have room, or use for. All these items may be boxed or bagged and brought into the Center beginning October 1st. Letters of donation are available for those wishing one. Larger items, such as: furniture, stoves, dishwashers, etc., will need to be delivered to the Rummage Sale site in Tempe (sorry, I only have a mini-van to transport your donations). Please see me if you will need directions.
Thank you in advance for your donations!

President's Message

The close of the summer season gives us cause to reflect on how busy and productive a time this has been for the JCC. I also want to recognize a wonderful group of volunteers who have worked behind the scenes all summer to get us a new facility. The TCJCC Planning Committee co-chaired by George Goffman and George Jacobson includes Chris Forte, Linda Rickel, Lonnie Dworkin, David Wattel, Michael Waxman, Howard Paley, Allen Benedict, Jesse Klein, Jonathon Andell, Bruce Meyers, Becky Kahn, Aaron Bernstein, Jon Marks and Michelle Carlson.
Now the exciting news. We have a proposed long-term lease from the City of Tempe for a new site for relocation of the JCC. We've hired an architect and we're developing our capital campaign strategy. With the successful completion of the lease negotiations, we will have an opportunity to create the JCC this community deserves.
After an extensive search by the Architectural Selection Committee, chaired by George Jacobson, we have contracted with Ilan Baldinger of the Baldinger Design Studio. Ilan is a long-term member of the TCJCC and has a deep understanding of the needs and values of a JCC entering the 21st Century.
In future issues of the Centerfold, I look forward to sharing with you details of our partnership with the City of Chandler, to unveil our campaign strategy, and to share in the construction campaign progress. In the meantime, we continue to need your help. Please call our Executive Director, Ilene Blau, if you have skills in development, construction, public relations or fundraising and are willing to participate in this exciting project.
From my family and the JCC family to yours—best wishes for a sweet and healthy New Year. May we be blessed in the coming year with success as we work together to build our new home and touch more lives Jewishly in our East Valley Community.

Dave Wattel

Entertainment Books 2002 and Fry's Certificates

This years Entertainment Books are available at the JCC. Support the JCC by purchasing your Value Book here!
Use Fry's Certificates to purchase your holiday needs. We have certificates in $10, $20, $25 and $50 denominations available at the JCC office. These are used same as cash. A percentage of sales helps support our JCC.

AROUND THE CENTER

East Valley Hebrew High

East Valley teens in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in a special Hebrew High Jewish Civics Initiative program. Sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education, this program in cooperation with Temple Beth Sholom, Temple Emanuel and the TCJCC meets on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the TCJCC. Curriculum is based on the Washington Institute for Leadership and Values and focuses on helping the new generation of Jews understand the value of their Jewish commitments and knowledge, to increase this passion for creating a better world. The curriculum includes guest speakers, classroom instruction, community service and a 4-day trip to Washington D.C. Call 602-234-1645 for more information.

New Mini-Melton Class Comes to the TCJCC

Beginning Wednesday, October 17 at the TCJCC, the Bureau of Jewish Education will present the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School which implements curriculum developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Adult learners pursue Jewish knowledge in a learning environment which is pluralistic and respectful of all Jewish denominations and levels of commitment.
Students are inspired to become independent Jewish learners, exploring and defining what Judaism means to them.
The curriculum is two years in duration. Students are asked to commit to one year at a time. Classes meet at the JCC from 6:50 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. each Wednesday. There are no prerequisites, levels of learning, grades, tests, or homework. All tests are offered in English. Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of Jewish Study from Hebrew University. An informational meeting will be held for East Valley residents at the home of Homer and Gitta Chernin on Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. to the Bureau of Jewish Education at 602-234-1645 for attendance and directions.

Playgroups Forming

Calling all moms of infants, toddlers, ones and twos! If you're looking for a friendly place to meet others with young children, an opportunity to make new friends, discuss common interests while your children play and just hang out one morning a week, you'll be interested in Play Group. Many past groups have resulted in new and lasting friendships among moms, couples and children. If you're interested, please call volunteer mom, Alison Deli at (480) 704-0577 for organizational information.

Singles Activities

East Valley Jewish Singles is an organization for Singles ages 35-50 sponsored by Temple Emanuel, Temple Beth Sholom, and the TCJCC. Call 480-897-0588 to receive monthly activity information.

Sunday, September 9th at 9:30 a.m. - Second Sunday Brunch - Meet at Marie Callendar's, 865 S. Dobson Road, Mesa(north of Southern on Dobson). $10.95 +tax/tip. RSVP to Joyce by September 8th at 480-759-8411.

Thursday, September 20th at 5:30 p.m. - Happy Hour - At Gordon Biersch, 420 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe. RSVP to Soo at 480-813-9450 by September 19.

Saturday, September 22nd at 7-ish p.m. - End of Summer Bash - RSVP to Soo by September 20 at 480-813-9450 for directions and bring appetizer, dessert or wine to share.

Terrific Tuesdays for Seniors

Programming for Terrific Tuesdays focuses on the active senior interested in a variety of educational and social presentations. All East Valley residents are welcome. Membership in the JCC is not a requirement for attendance.
Arrive early at 9:30 a.m. for commentary by Rabbi Green. Refreshments are served.

Tuesday, September 4th at 10 a.m. - We start our year off with a bagel and cream cheese nosh, and a musical program.

Tuesday, September 11th at 10 a.m. - Irma Feldman will speak about "TLC: Tackling Life's Challenges."

Tuesday, September 18th. - NO MEETING. Have a healthy and happy New Year!

Tuesday, September 25th at 10 a.m. - Offering us options for better health, Victoria Malinger will present "Alternative Medicine."

Tributes

General Fund

To Steven and Elizabeth Soriano
In honor of the birth of your son Kevin Jacob
From the Board and Staff of the JCC

To Janet and Mark Weiss
In memory of Janet's beloved mother
From Ena and Peter Brown

Donations

Bob Bernstein, thanks to JCC for participation in the oral history video project
by Aileen Louik and Arnold Maltz.

From Jonathon, Karen, Justin and Jared Andell
On the birth of Allen & Cynthia Benedict's granddaughter, Maya Emily

Barney & Juanita Feldman

Building Relocation Fund

To Andrea and David Cohen
In memory of their beloved fathers, Paul Sugarman and Adriel Cohen
From Diana and George Jacobso

Inge Forst
In memory of Ernest Forst
The memory of the righteous shall be blessed

Alice Gartell
In honor of Arthur Libman's 75th Birthday

Linda Rickel
Sandra Levitt
Don Tucker (Proceeds from Golf Cart @ Annual Fundraiser)
Marc Miller
Lois Rubin
Sherman Gleekel
Howard & Sharon Paley
Ilene & Alan Blau

Welcome New Members

Bill & Stacey Becker
Roy & Dawn Birnbaum
John & Cynthia Briscoe
Daniel & Kristi Chenfield
Howard & Geraldine Farkash
Barney & Juanita Feldman
Peter and Jodi Gillman
Root & Bertram Gorelick
Cheryl Grimes
Gregg & Sharon Hayes
Christopher & Gina Kevane
Shannon Manuelito
Gabriel Miller
Ephraim & Pam Morris
Jeremy & Virginie Polster
Barbara Reynolds
Emil & Mandy Rustempasic
Mark & Joy Smit
Devon & Gillian Whitney

Births

Congratulations to Ben and Kendra Benedict
On the birth of a baby girl, Maya Emily, 7/19/01

Congratulations to Ron and Ahuva Golan
On the birth of a baby boy, Ilay, 7/26/01

SCHOOL • YOUTH • CAMP

Day School News

The 2001-2002 school year is underway. I am thrilled to be a part of the East Valley Jewish Community Day School team. I look forward to continuing on Cynthia's path to build a quality Jewish community day school with academic excellence the number one priority.
Over the next month, I will be working to build a Day School Board. I am looking for individuals who have the time and interest to assist me in building the best school in the East Valley. There will be a range of positions, from an executive committee position, to community relations, etc. and I assure you that I will ask you to fill a position that will not take up more time than you have available. You do not have to have a child enrolled in the Day School to serve on this Board. I am looking for a combination of Day School parents and individuals involved in the East Valley community who are committed to seeing the Day School grow. Please contact me if you are interested in serving on this Board.

Donna S. Troisi, M.Ed.
School Director

September School Closures

During the month of September, the JCC Schools will be closed on Monday, September 3, for Labor Day; Tuesday and Wednesday, September 18 and 19, for Rosh Hashanah; and Thursday, September 27, for Yom Kippur. These days are closures for the entire JCC as well.

Meet Our Staff

This fall we welcome Pamela Morris, who is a new staff member at the JCC. Pam is the teacher for our young two's class and is ably assisted by her aide, Nicole Elley.
Pam comes to Arizona by way of New Mexico, and has lived in Arizona for the past year. She holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and has professional experience working with young children. Pam's daughter, Rachel, will be attending the JCC with her mom. Pam and her husband, Ephraim, reside in Chandler. We welcome the Morris family to the JCC.

School Enrollment Openings

Although classes filled very quickly for the current school year, openings are still available in two of our preschool classes. The younger twos (2.0 - 2.5) and older threes (3.6 - 3.11) have a variety of days open and there are two openings in our kindergarten. Financial assistance is available on an individual basis. Call Cynthia at 480-897-0588 for additional information.

Early Childhood Wish List

One refrigerator in good working condition
Little Tyke play kitchen furniture
Sturdy floor cushions for classroom use
Shelving units for storing/displaying books and toys
Hot wheels cars
Wall mountable oscillating fans

Summer Camp 2001

Hats off to another fun, successful summer! Campers had a great time during the summer swimming at Escalante Pool, playing in the lobby, cafeteria, computer room, Connolly Gym, etc, etc, etc! Our arts & crafts program with Bobbi Hertz was wonderful! Campers used different body parts (hands, feet, knees, elbows, noses, etc) to paint a parachute. They made a big mosaic picture to hang on the wall of our new JCC, and they made great Mezuzahs out of Fimo Clay.
The JOT/JCC Camp Reunion and our annual Rock Show was a big success. Wolfman Jack (Allen Benedict) hosted the show while all the groups danced to songs from years past; Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, Lollipop, Don't Worry, Be Happy, R E S P E C T, and Macho Man, just to name a few!
This years Summer Stock performance of "Snow White" had 24 cast members, all of which did a wonderful job!
Our campers went on field trips galore this summer! They traveled to Phoenix Rock Gym, Polar Ice, Sunsplash, Jeepers, the Circus, AZ Science Center, Big Surf, Playland Village, Chuck E Cheese, and the list goes on! The 5th-8th graders camped out and hiked the Grand Canyon, slid down Slide Rock, went to Universal Studios, and played on the beach. The 3rd and 4th graders spent the night at the Tucson JCC and joined their day camp in Israel Day along with the Valley of the Sun JCC's 3rd & 4th graders.
WOW! What a great summer! Don't forget to join us for our mini camps throughout the year (Winter & Spring Camp, Veteran's Day, President's Day) and please join us for our youth groups for children in first through sixth grade. Please check out some summer camp pictures. We also have a copy of the Memory Book at the front counter. If you would like to order one please let us know. The cost is $5.00 per book.
Thanks! Have a great school year and we'll see you next summer.

Summer Stock

This was the East Valley JCC's second year to offer Summer Stock, an after camp theatrical experience for children in Kindergarten through Eighth grade. This year's production of "Snow White" had 24 cast members and was written, produced and directed by Mitch and Julie Solomon. Their rewritten production added such comical humor! We can't wait to see what play they're going to perform next summer!

Youth Clubs

Our Youth Clubs, for boys and girls in First through Sixth grade, will begin in October. Be on the lookout for a flyer coming your way sometime in September.

Thanks To...

Allen Benedict for hosting the Rock Show as "Wolf Man"
Shari Davis for Chairing the JOT/JCC Camp Reunion
Glenn Davis for Videotaping the Rock Show
Kim Mason and Courtney Weintraub for putting the reunion pictures together