JCC 'Centerwarming' Sukkot Picnic

Sunday, September 22
5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Come appreciate a Sukkah decorated by our students and staff, and help us inaugurate the new "J" with an exciting evening of food, fun and live Jazz for the whole family in celebration of Sukkot, the festival of Tabernacles.

Volunteers needed!

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Ben Yehuda Mall Comes to The East Valley JCC

Tuesday, October 29 - 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The East Valley JCC, in conjunction with Action Israel, The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, and several Southeast Valley Jewish organizations, will host a "Made in Israel" shopping fair in support of Israeli businesses hard-hit by the decline in tourism and the economy. Encouraged by several hugely successful events across the US, Israeli vendors will be sending a wide selection of arts, crafts, jewelry and other products for sale. Staffed totally by volunteers, profits directly benefit individual businesses participating in the "Ben Yehuda Mall". Delicious catered Israeli food will be available for purchase at the event.

Volunteers needed!

Note from the Director

Dear Members,

As the High Holidays approach and we prepare to welcome in a sweet New Year, the East Valley JCC is putting the finishing touches on our sweet new home!

On July 8th, 2002, we packed up and relocated operations from a site we had occupied since 1983 to a 23,500 square foot facility located one and a half miles up the road at 1521 S. Indian Bend Road. For those of you who haven't yet been by, the new center is situated north of Broadway, in a quiet cul-de-sac directly off of northbound Price Road.

As expected, this larger, more space-efficient building is successfully accommodating all of our program offerings. The second half of our summer camp session opened without a hitch on the new grounds, thanks to the relentless efforts of loyal staff and volunteers to move camp equipment and materials over one short weekend! Daycare, preschool, kindergarten and day school are underway, and the children and staff are thoroughly enjoying their new surroundings.

The Indian Bend property, which had been occupied by a charter school, has undergone substantial renovations to meet licensing requirements for childcare programming and to create a safe, welcoming environment for JCC programs and services. We installed a playground and grassy area, added fencing, a security gate and security system. We also undertook extensive painting, electrical work and upgrades to plumbing fixtures, cabinetry and flooring.

The new campus houses JCC administrative offices, classrooms and daycare facilities, as well as art, drama and multipurpose rooms and a remodeled kitchen. Beyond its' immediate benefits, the site offers ample room for growth in school enrollment and community programming, and is proving to be a delightful interim solution until our vision for a permanent home becomes a reality.

As I write this greeting, eager young voices are infusing our center with joyous holiday melodies and the vibrant sounds of Jewish life in the Southeast Valley. L'Shana Tova to you all. Please do visit our sweet new home in the sweet New Year!

Sincerely,

Ilene Blau
Executive Director


Front Page   |   Around the Center   |   School • Youth • Camp

AROUND THE CENTER

Terrific Tuesdays for Seniors

Are you ready for a season filled with interesting and mind stimulating speakers and presentations? We are, and know you will be too!
      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. The cost is $1.50 for JCC members or $2.00 for non-members. Please Join Us! Refreshments will be served. Our schedule for September is as follows:

Tuesday - September 3rd - NO MEETING.

Tuesday - September 10, 10 a.m. - Our brunch social. Please join us and bring along a friend.

Tuesday - September 17, 10:30 a.m. - We start our new season off with a stimulating presentation by Vince Huffman, Anthropologies, and Senior Program Director at S.C.C.

Tuesday - September 24, 10:30 a.m. - For our enjoyment, a musical presentation by singer, Jay D. David.

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What a Deal for East Valley Seniors

The Arizona Jewish Theatre company is happy to offer a special theater package for patrons from the East Valley. You can attend all four performances of the new season for only $72, including bus transportation to and from the theater. Pick-up spots are at the new TCJCC facility and in Sun Lakes. Performances are Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the Playhouse on the Park in Phoenix. Season tickets without transportation are $64. The season's schedule includes:

      Awake & Sing - November 10
      Door to Door - January 5
      Old Wicked Songs - February 16
      King Levine - April 6

Call the AJTC office for additional information at 602-264-0402.

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Singles

Single and Jewish? Looking for a place to meet other 35+ adults? We will be having a kick-off Happy Hour on Sunday, September 22nd. Please call either Soo 480-813-9450 or Joyce at 480-759-8411 for information and to get on our exclusive mailing list!

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Flu Shots

Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about flu season and flu shots. For your convenience, the TCJCC will offer two opportunities on Tuesday, October 22 for person's who wish to receive the vaccine. Agnes Oblas, Adult Nurse Practitioner, will be available Tuesday morning from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday afternoon from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Call Agie at 602-525-4035 if you have questions or wish to RSVP. Cost is $15 for flu shots and $20 for the pneumonia vaccination.

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Calling All Men

Join this informal group of guys who meet one Sunday morning a month to nosh on bagels and lox and listen to a fantastic speaker to discuss a variety of interesting topics. Beginning the 14th successful season, the JCC Men's Club has a long tradition of quality programming.

Membership in the Men's Club is $20 for JCC members and $35 for non-members. Bagels & lox breakfast is $7.00 and reservations are required. Call 480-897-0588 for additional information. The JCC Men's Club is open to the community.

Tributes

To Bruce & Debby Lubitz
In memory of Debby's father, Jack Sager
From Alan & Jodi Stoken
  Daniel & Alison Deli
  Peter & Ena Brown
  Alan & Ilene Blau
  Allen & Cynthia Benedict

To Jonathon & Renee Fox
In memory of Renee's father, Marvin Krasnow
From Allen & Cynthia Benedict
  Alan & Ilene Blau

To Brian and Joan Leshner and children
On the recent loss of Joan's father, Gordon B. Emont
From the JCC Book Club

To Terry Carr & Family
In memory of Gloria Cohn (mother of Terry Carr)
From Richard and Linda Rickel

To Terry Carr & Family
From Board & Staff at the East Valley JCC

RELOCATION FUND

Richard & Linda Rickel

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Charles & Natalie Cavaleri
Sara Ball & Tim McNally
Jing Li & Jian Ding
Joseph & Carrie Zebas
Sharon Witherspoon
Regina Villalobos
Seamus Kelly
Rena McCormack
Deanne Holder
Brian & Freda Chaban
Alan & Elva Schlar

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BIRTHS

Samuel & Jacob Benedict were born July 28, 2002. Proud grandparents are Cynthia (ECE Director) and Allen (Previous Past President of JCC Board) Benedict. The beautiful and healthy twins were born to David & Lisa Benedict.

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Thanks!

A heartfelt thank-you to those who graciously donated the funds, materials and manpower to make our relocation effort possible:

• Lisa and Jim Wright for donating proceeds of the sale a home to start our Relocation Fund.
• Members of the '00-'02 JCC Board of Managers for $50,000 in donations to the Relocation Fund.
• JCC and Community Members for responding to our Relocation Fund initiative.
• JCC Planning Committee for orchestrating the relocation effort.
• Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix for a $50,000 special allocation towards our relocation.
• Michael Pollack Investments for coordinating the renovation project and contractor network.
• Barney and Juanita Feldman for donating new cabinetry for our kitchen and ECE classrooms.
• Ilene and Alan Blau for donating new JCC exterior sign.
• JCC Staff, Board and Member Volunteers for their endless time and energy packing up the old building, cleaning, unpacking and setting up the new facility.
• Lonnie Dworkin for wiring and installing the center's security system.

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2002 Spring Fundraiser: Truly 'An Affair to Remember'

For months, a dedicated team of JCC volunteers led a tireless campaign to ensure that this year's Spring Fundraiser, heralding the 30th Anniversary of our center, would be celebrated with the pomp and circumstance it deserved. As "An Affair to Remember" began to come together, committee members raced to secure underwriters and auction donors. They searched frantically for an elegant Tempe venue that could accommodate a Kosher function. They taste-tested menus, compiled extensive event programs and auction catalogs, stuffed and stamped 1500 invitations, classified auction items, bagged party favors...

On May 4th, as 230 guests streamed into the ballroom at the Tempe Mission Palms and caught their breath at the magical sight to behold, each weary committee member knew that theirs was a job well done.

George Cohen and Howard Paley, prominent Jewish community leaders with strong ties to JOT and the JCC, played Masters of Ceremonies for the evening. The two navigated the crowd effortlessly through an action-packed schedule that included a delectable sit-down dinner, dancing to the rhythms of local songsters Gallagher & Zale, portraits courtesy of Glenn Davis Photography, two exciting raffle drawings and a dazzling silent auction.

One of the Gala's most memorable highlights was a touching multimedia retrospective chronicling the history of JOT and the East Valley JCC. Produced by Jodi and Alan Stoken of Synthesis Media, with video footage shot by Glenn Davis of Glenn Davis Photography and Video, the piece successfully encompassed the founding of JOT and the East Valley JCC, the vibrancy of today's center and its vision for tomorrow.

A thousand Thank You's to 2002 event underwriters, auction and raffle donors, guests, and committee volunteers for making "An Affair to Remember" such a memorable event.

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New JCC President

Elections for the new TCJCC Board of Directors were held at the Center's annual meeting on June 3. Elected to a new two year term were officers George Jacobson, New JCC President, Jesse Klein, Treasurer, Becky Kahn, Secretary, David Wattel, Past President and George Goffman, Jill Barenbaum, Alice Gartell, Howard Paley, David Cukier, and Linda Rickel. New additions to the Board include Jodi Stoken and Ann Rethaber.

Awards were also presented to recognize outstanding individuals and committees for the 2001-2002 year. These include Henry Stein as Member of the Year and Howard Paley as Board Member of the Year. Additionally, Jill Barenbaum and David Wattel were recognized for outstanding leadership. The Rookie of the Year Award was given to Maira Zanrosso who co-chaired the Center's fundraiser, "An Affair to Remember," which was also named Committee of the Year." Janet Weiss was recognized as Staff Person of the Year.

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JOIN OUR TEAM

2002 Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure
Sunday, October 13, 2002

Join the East Valley JCC Team for an inspiring, fun, easy, 3 mile walk or run to show support for breast cancer research. Our JCC contingent will wear team shirts with the option of wearing names of those women we would like to remember or honor. A $5.00 donation for each printed name will be given to Race for the Cure. Call Diana Jacobson (Team Captain) at 480-831-6185 and she will take the name of those honorees, your t-shirt order, and answer any questions.

Register on-line at www.race4curephx.org or Diana can register you. Cost is $18.00 for walkers and survivors, $23.00 runners, $10.00 for children under 12 years. T-Shirts are $6.00. Meet at the TCJCC at 7:00 a.m. for carpooling opportunities. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this event dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, a disease which strikes 1 of every 8 women.

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ART LOVERS!

The Phoenix Art Museum will present a special art appreciation series for adults on the second Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. at the East Valley JCC. This informative series is presented by master docents from the Art Museum, and focuses on a variety of subjects as well as artists.
October 15   Food for Thought   Judy Wagman
Travel through 19th century France and visit with artists and their world as depicted by food for the subject matter of their painting.

November 12   You Are Invited   Judith Washor
In an unusual format, both entertaining and informative, we meet great artists of the world, from Durer to Warhol.

December 10   Studio Glass & Glass Art   Marlene Smeed

SCHOOL • YOUTH • CAMP

Summer Camp 2002

Wow! What a "moving" summer! We started our summer at the "Old J" and ended our summer and the "New J"! Everyone made the transition easily and adjusted to our new home quickly. The campers, as usual, had a great time swimming at Escalante Pool, drawing and coloring the walls and doors at the Old J, playing basketball and other sports at Pueblo Gym and in our Multi-Purpose Room, etc, etc, etc! Our annual Rock Show was a huge success (with both the campers and parents!) The groups danced to songs that dealt with traveling or being "On The Road Again". Some of the songs were; Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, Flying, What About Now, Locomotion and Come On, Ride The Train, just to name a few! Field Trips, Field Trips, and more Field Trips! Our campers traveled to oodles of places including Phoenix Rock Gym, Sunsplash, the Circus, Gazinka's Backyard, Makutus Island, and saw a few Play's (Winnie The Pooh and Annie). This years away trips took our 3rd & 4th graders to Colossal Cave, Arizona Sonoro Desert Museum and the Tucson JCC. Our 5th - 8th graders traveled to Las Vegas where they visited the Shark Reef (at Mandalay Bay), played at Gameworks, spent the day at Wet-N-Wild, and checked out Hoover Dam. Their 2nd away trip was to Long Beach California. They ate dinner on the beach, went to The Museum of Tolerance, and spent the day at Knott's Berry Farm.

Thanks to everyone for making this such a fun, memorable summer. We look forward to seeing everyone again next summer.

We have a copy of this years Memory Book at the front counter for you to look through (and a few extra behind the counter for you to buy!). If you would like to buy one the cost is only $6.00 per book. The Memory Book is filled with lots of great pictures taken throughout the summer.

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Summer Stock

Hats off to another successful production. This year Julie & Mitch Solomon (the writers, producers and directors) chose to do a rewrite (with their twist of comical humor of course!) of the Disney classic "Pinocchio". The set was spectacular and all the actors were fabulous! We're excited and can't wait to see what's in store for next years Summer Stock Production.

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Youth Clubs

Calling all boys and girls in 1st through 7th grade! The East Valley JCC Youth Department has 3 great youth clubs! Club 12 (1st & 2nd Graders), Club 34 (3rd & 4th Graders) and Teens & Tweens (5th, 6th, and 7th Graders. These clubs meet once a month and enjoy either in-house events such as recreational games, obstacle courses, bingo & pizza parties, etc. Or, we will meet outside of the JCC for outings such as Fiddlesticks, Bowling, Ice Skating, etc. There is a membership fee (JCC members - $15.00 and Non-Members - $20.00) that ensures each child is placed on our computer mailing list and sent all the pertinent information on the many activities and events planned for their age group. Prospective youth members can attend 2 meetings/outings before paying the annual membership. There will be a nominal fee charged for each meeting/outing to cover any additional costs. Group discount rates are passed on whenever possible to help keep the fees reasonable.

Our Youth Club Program will begin in October, so be on the lookout for a flyer sometime this month! Call Lisa at (480) 897-0588 if you have any questions.

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Calling All Teens

Reznikoff AZA and Tovah BBG, teen groups which meet at the JCC most Wednesday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. are recruiting new members. Boys and girls who are currently in high school are eligible to join BBYO, the largest and oldest Jewish teen organization in the world. Teens participate in a variety of activities throughout the year. Membership in the JCC or affiliation with any congregation is not a requirement. Please call Zack at 480-966-7652 to find out how your teen can get involved.

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Annual Rummage Sale

Every year in early November, the Early Childhood Department holds it annual rummage sale. Diane Umeda (who is all things to all people!) holds the sale at her home. In order for this project to be a success, WE NEED YOUR CAST-OFFS, GIVEAWAYS, OUTGROWNS, etc. Housewares, small electrics, furniture, clothing for adults, children and babies (clean and in gently used condition, please), sheets & towels, sporting goods and more. Toys and baby equipment are great sellers for us! All these are welcome and will be sold to purchase additional equipment for our playground.

Bring your discards in anytime from now on and we will store them until the weekend of the sale.

Many thanks!!!

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JCC School Wish List

• Shabbat candleholders
• Challah cover
• Kiddush cup
• Kitchen utensils, etc.
  • Tupperware containers with lids
  • Pots and pans with lids
  • Mixing cans
  • Non-electric can openers
  • Heavy duty cookie sheets
  • Non-stick muffin tins
  • Aluminum or plastic mixing bowls
• Rubbermaid outdoor storage shed for sand toys
• Sturdy bench for the playground
• Picnic table; child or adult size
• Refrigerator

Early Childhood Education at the JCC:
30 Years and Stronger Than Ever!

In 1972, a small group of determined families started a preschool program that would provide the first educational steps for hundreds of children over the years. What began as a half-day preschool program for a handful of children in the Southeast Valley has blossomed over three decades. Today, Early Childhood Education at the East Valley JCC includes:

Two's Preschool (Toilet training not required)	9:00 - 11:30 AM
Three's Preschool (Toilet trained only)	9:00 - 11:30 AM
Half-day Pre-Kindergarten	9:00 - 11:30 AM
Full-day Pre-Kindergarten	9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Full-day Kindergarten	9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Before School Care	7:00 - 9:00 AM
After School Care	11:30 AM / 2:30 PM - 6 PM.

Our Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Classes are staffed with dedicated, experienced and creative teachers and aides. The curriculum for each group is age and developmentally appropriate, and includes math and language arts readiness activities, science, meaningful playtime, art, music and outdoor play. Three's through Kindergarten classrooms feature computers with educational software to enrich academic activities. Children enjoy frequent field trips for cultural enhancement in conjunction with study units, holidays and seasons.

Throughout the year, holiday celebrations and Judaic programming play an important role in each child's experiences at the JCC. On Rosh Hashanah, we bake honey cake to celebrate a sweet New Year. On Sukkot, the children build a sukkah at the center. We hold a flag parade on Simchat Torah, make latkes and tell the story of Hannukkah, and plant trees at Tu B'Shevat. Children and staff stage a hilarious Purim spiel and a lovely family Passover Seder. Jewish values are introduced through bible stories and the concepts of Tzedakah, Mitzvot and Tikkun Olam. Kindergarten students also receive Hebrew instruction. Each week is highlighted by a special Kabbalat Shabbat service complete with challah and juice, joyful singing, prayers and candle lighting to welcome the peace of the Sabbath.

The East Valley JCC offers a multitude of extra-curricular enrichment activities to complement our Early Childhood programs, including weekly sports, fitness, music, art and cooking classes.

For further information about Early Childhood Education at the JCC, contact us at 480-897-0588 or email us at eastvalleyjcc@aol.com.

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Early Bird and Lunch Bunch

These are our before- and after-school daycare programs. Available from 7-9 AM before school and 11:30-6 PM after school, these programs are available to all children registered at the JCC School (must be 2 1/2 and completely toilet trained).

Children will participate in quiet and active play, interest centers, arts & crafts, dramatic play, indoor and outdoor play. At 2 PM there is an hour for rest/nap, after which a nutritious snack is served.

Daycare is provided on a reservation basis with flexible hours to accommodate busy parents.

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Day School News

We welcome the new Day School director Sharon Shelton. Sharon has been involved in Jewish Education for many years. She attended Hebrew Day School at Akiva in Nashville, Tennessee and has been Pre-School Director of the Greater Phoenix Jewish Community Center as well as Religious Education Director of Congregation Or Ami. She has recently come from Private Industry in the fields of Training and Safety.

Sharon is very excited about being here at the JCC. She has been working closely with the teachers to enrich the curriculum. Alexis Feldman will begin to teach computer classes as well as Sharon will start beginning Spanish with the children.

We are thrilled with the addition of our Fourth grade class this year. They are being wonderful mentors to our new students with our Shacharit services in the morning as well as orienting them to their new school environment. Mrs. Zappa has many new and exciting projects planned for them this year. Mrs. Charnofsky's room is buzzing with lots of new things including two little creatures.

Please come and enjoy Shacharit or Kabbalat Shabbat with us—we would love for you to join us!

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PlayGroup

Calling all parents with infants and toddlers! We are interested in organizing a playgroup for moms n' tots one morning a week at the JCC. There will be no fee to join; all you have to do is show up to meet new friends with common interests and provide a socializing experience for your child.

Interested? Call Cynthia at 480-897-0588.

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Centercare

Centercare is designed for children aged six weeks through 2+ years. Our staff provides a warm, nurturing environment and a variety of activities to fill your child's day. Children are cared for by experienced, caring staff whose first priority is the safety and welfare of your child.

Low staff-to-child ratios, age appropriate materials and flexible scheduling make the JCC's Centercare program a perfect environment for our youngest children. Centercare is open year-round, from 7 AM-6 PM.

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Training Wheels at the JCC

For children 2 1/2 to 6 and their families
Instructor: Sternie Deitsch
      Learn to celebrate the Jewish holidays in a creative and fun way. Arts and crafts, songs, stories, snacks and more makes this special program meaningful for children and adults. Classes meet at the TCJCC Thursday nights from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m once each month to learn about the Jewish holiday celebrations. Sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education and Hadassah, the family registration fee is $80.