Executive Director News...

It has been a busy summer for the Executive Director Search Committee. Chaired by Jay Scherotter, the Committee identified and interviewed two highly qualified individuals. The candidates have also met with the Center staff who have provided their impressions of the candidates to Jay and the Committee. It is always a lengthy and detailed process to select and hire a new executive. We are committed to finding the very best person for the position; one who will provide both leadership and a smooth transition.

The Search Committee has recommended one of the candidates for hire. At press time, we are continuing the process. We hope to be able to announce and introduce our new Executive Director very soon.

George Jacobson
EVJCC President

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United Way Designated Giving

If you participate in the United Way annual campaign, please consider designating your United Way gift to the East Valley JCC #1416. Monies designated through the annual campaign directly benefits the programs and services offered at the JCC.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy at (480) 897-0588.

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Cooking with Chef Laura

Help us inaugurate our new kitchen - by attending the first in a series of cooking classes presented by Chef Laura who will demonstrate a unique "Break the Fast" supper which can be made for any occasion. Laura Slama, a graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute has her fingers, literally, in many gourmet pies. She teaches at Sweet Basil in Scottsdale as well as for small group gatherings. She provides private chef services as well as catering for up to 400 people. Between teaching and catering, Laura has found time to launch Laura's Gourmet Granola available statewide at A.J.'s Fine Foods. Her love is helping people reach their full potential in the kitchen. Her dream is to have her own cooking show. Watch out Food Channel!

You're Invited to a "Shower"

The JCC Staff is throwing a Kitchen Shower to celebrate our brand new dairy kitchen and meat kitchen. All the ancient donated cookie sheets, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, bowls, appliances, knives, etc., were donated or discarded before the move. Yea!!

We now have not one, but basically TWO kitchens to re-supply and we are asking for your help. Just like a regular shower, the JCC has registered at Target for various cooking and baking items. Please join in the celebration of our new home by helping us purchase the selected items. We promise no bows, wrapping paper, cards or silly shower games. Gift certificates are also welcome!

AROUND THE CENTER

Is That Guy on the Staff?

At any time, on any day of the week, one is likely to see a very special young man in the building. He could be checking the phone system or air conditioning, installing and protecting corner strips, inspecting the cabinets, sinks, faucets, bathrooms, flooring... you get the idea.

This constant presence is our own Michael Waxman. He has devoted COUNTLESS hours to the building project and has been involved in every stage of the way. The architecture, fittings, equipment and amenities all have benefited from his scrutiny. He has also been a major player in the fundraising so essential to our success, which included a generous pledge to the campaign from the Waxman family.

When we teach our children about mitzvot (good deeds) and tzedekah (charity) there is no better role model than Michael.

Our whole organization is better for his presence and we look forward to seeing him whenever he's around. Michael, you're a peach!

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Hooray for Hadassah!

Congratulations to Hadassah Baldinger, recently one of two woman in Arizona to receive the auspicious Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award.

Hadassah received an award of $1,000, another $1,500 to be used towards professional growth and a trip to Toronto in November where she will attend educational sessions and be recognized along with the other award recipients. For more than thirty years, Hadassah has helped young children off to a positive start in school. Many adult members of the JCC, and their children as well, have benefited by Hadassah's wise, loving and enthusiastic teaching style. She has contributed to our Judaic curriculum and programming in a huge way and her skill as a Hebrew teacher is awesome. We are so proud of Hadassah! Her presence helps make the JCC a wonderful place for children.

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EVJCC Annual Meeting

An historic Annual Meeting, the first in our new facility, was attended by approximately 85 delighted JCC members. The focus of the night was on the accomplishments of the past year, the vision for the future and praise for the men and women who directed events, programs and projects during the 2004-05 year.

Ben Benedict, EVJCC Campaign Chair, was presented with the Allen Benedict Award for Outstanding Board member in a touching tribute given by his father. The JCC Member of the Year was given to Michael Waxman in appreciation for his service on the campaign committee and in particular his role as project manager for the renovation of the new facility. Awards were presented to Board members and committees deserving of recognition for their various contributions. Meg Gabay was honored as JCC Staff Person of the Year while Hadassah Baldinger was presented with a $1000 check and award for her national selection as a recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award given to outstanding educators. Other awardees include Howard Paley, Jonathan Bodow, and various honored committees.

The Staff of the Year Award was renamed the Ilene Blau Staff of the Year Award as an honor for our out-going Executive Director.

The 2004-05 Board of Managers was elected with George Jacobson, President, Jonathon Andell, Jill Barenbaum, Ben Benedict, Julia Miessner, Howard Paley and Linda Rickel as Vice Presidents, Jesse Klein, Treasurer, and George Goffman, Secretary.

In addition, the Board of Directors includes Jodi Berke, Ben Feldman, Jonathan Bodow, Alice Finn Gartell, Joe Goldblatt, Kacey Gregson, Jon Marks, Louis (Lindy) Paul, Jody Phister, Monte Pollard, Meta Rosen, Jay Scherotter, and Sonja Trontz.

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Mensch Project

A huge thank you to Barney and Juanita Feldman for their incredible generosity to the Center. Through the many years of association with the JCC, the Feldman's have been incredibly supportive. At the Indian Bend location, all the cabinets and counter tops were provided by Barney and now in our new site all the new refrigerators, microwaves, clothes dryer, and ice maker were purchased for us by Barney. The word mensch was created for guys like him and we are most grateful.

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Super Sunday

If you are looking to achieve a super mitzvah, join us for Super Sunday! October 16th at the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, the EVJCC will be hosting a team to place fundraising calls to the community. Email Howard Paley at paleyswest@velocitus.net or call the JCC at (480) 897-0588 to join us!!

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Phoenix Komen Race for a Cure

Each year, the EVJCC sponsors a team to walk or run the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure for Breast Cancer. To join our team, call Diana Jacobson at (480) 831-6185. You may also register online at www.race4curephx.org no later than September 14, 2005. The event is held Sunday morning, October 9th.

Seniors' Terrific Tuesdays

Tuesday, September 6th at 10:30 a.m. - Please join us! Our bagels and coffee get together!! See old friends and meet new ones after a long and hot summer.

Tuesday, September 13th @ 10:30 a.m. - Our program today from the Phoenix Art Museum by docent Babette Spatz is called "The Russian Connection." Three Jewish artists born in Bellarus, Russia also called The Pale of Settlement made their way to Paris where they met and interchanged ideas with Modigilani. They were Chaim Soutine, Jacque Lipschitz and Marc Chagall.

Tuesday, September 20th @ 10:30 a.m. - "Fill your life with music." Our entertainer David Wendt plays a unique guitar and bass combination with a synthizer which allows up to five sounds at a time from his guitar.

Tuesday, September 27th @10:30 a.m. - Our first program for our series by local rabbis will be presented by Rabbi Andrew Straus of Temple Emanuel. His topic will be a reflection of the past year of our lives as we approach the holiday season of the new year Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

SCHOOL • YOUTH • CAMP

Early Childhood

Here We Go!

The 2005-2006 school year has gotten off to a wonderful start! After countless hours of our staff's dedicated work, we wound up exhausted, but happy. The rooms in the Early Childhood Department were ready to welcome new children to the first home of our own. What a thrill! Our playground is fabulous and, when the weather cools off, the children will really be able to enjoy the outdoors.

Additional furniture and school materials are arriving almost daily. We look forward to seeing the classroom lofts which will delight the pre-K and kindergarten children. Our Centercare rooms have been outfitted with new cribs, rugs, cots and playthings. Thanks to the ceaseless efforts of Brenda Wyman, the rooms were ready to receive our infants and toddlers.

All the rooms will have refrigerators and microwaves and there is a system in place which allows staff to communicate with each other or the office at any time. We welcome you all to the new East Valley JCC and thank you for your support.

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Fighting Childhood Obesity & Having a Ball!

Beginning this month, Allen Benedict, former JCC board members, president and summer camp director, will teach physical education to our preschool and kindergarten children.

Allen holds a B.A. and M.A. degree in Physical Education and coached and taught a variety of sports... tennis, golf, baseball, football, swimming, to name a few. Research indicates that young children should have a minimum of 60 minutes of active play daily. Emphasis will be on movement, exercise, coordination and agility. Our "kids" are bounds to love it!

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Classes Filling Up

Centercare and school openings are still available in certain age groups. Our infant rooms are nearly full as well as our young two's, older three's, older four's and kindergarten.

If you are thinking about adding a day or more to your child's schedule, now would be the time to consider it. When each day reaches it's maximum enrollment, it will be closed. See Cynthia or Diane if you have questions.

Day School

The EVJCC Day School started off in their own wing of the wonderful new building. Thanks to Deena, Lindi and Emily who spent countless hours and Sundays preparing their rooms and unpacking supplies in order to be ready for the first day of school.

Students were thrilled with their new location and happy to see their old friends and teachers. All the specialists this year started off the first week with art, Spanish, P.E., Hebrew and music.

The asphalt play area behind the Center was recently striped for four-square, basketball and volleyball. Our new multi-purpose room provides more room to play but we can't wait for cooler weather.

Youth

Daddy & Me and Mommy & Me

What is Daddy & Me and Mommy & Me you ask? It's a chance for either Dads or Moms to spend more quality time with their child(ren) and give your partner a day to themselves! We try to hold a Daddy & Me or Mommy & Me program once a month and do a variety of activities or go on fun outings. It is open to any Dad or Mom and their child(ren). Your child's participation each month will depend on the appropriate age level for the planned activity.

This month we are combining our Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me programs to make a Family Fun Day! We will meet at Skateland in Chandler on Sunday, September 18th. We will skate from 1:00 - 4:00pm. The cost for this afternoon of fun is $7.00 per person. This includes an unlimited pizza buffet (drinks are extra), admission and skate rental! If you would like to rent roller blades instead of roller skates there will be a $1.00 additional fee.

We must have a minimum of 10 paying participants or the event will be cancelled! Please sign up and pre pay for this event by Wednesday, September 14th. Call Lisa at (480) 897-0588 if you have any questions.

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Parents Night Out

What would you do for an evening without the kids? Go to the Movies, see a play, enjoy a quiet dinner with friends, or just stay at home and watch TV, without interruptions, trying to remember the last time your house was soooo quiet!

Well, Parents Night Out is back! For those of you who have no idea what Parents Night Out is let me tell you! This is your chance to spend an evening away from your children and leave the babysitting up to the JCC! We provide the staff, snacks and fun while you go out for a night on the town! Here are all the details!

• WHEN: Saturday, September 24th
• WHERE: East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler, 85224
• TIME: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
• COST: $3.50 per hour per child

A $5.00 Non-refundable deposit (This will be deducted from your total cost.) per child is required to reserve a space. Parents must supply diapers and formula for those children requiring them. To sign up or for more information call (480) 897-0588 or see Lisa.

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Club News

Calling all boys & girls in 1st through 7th grade! The East Valley JCC's Youth Department has 3 great youth clubs: Club 12 (1st & 2nd graders), Club 34 (3rd & 4th graders) and Teens & Tweens (5th, 6th & 7th graders). These clubs meet once a month (usually all together) to enjoy in-house events such as recreational games, obstacle courses, bingo & pizza, etc. Or, we will meet outside of the JCC for outings such as Fiddlesticks, bowling, ice skating, etc. There will a nominal fee charged for each event to cover any costs for the event. Group rates are passed on whenever possible to help keep the fees reasonable.

Moms & Dads, the great thing about these Youth Clubs is we watch the kids! You just drop the kids off at the event then come back when the event is over!

Our first event for this year will be on Tuesday, September 27th from 6:30 - 8:00pm at Fiddlesticks in Tempe. The cost is $12.00 per person. This event is open to all 3 youth clubs (Club 12, Club 34 & Teens & Tweens). Call Lisa to sign up or for more information. Deadline to sign up is Monday Sept. 26th.

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Summer Camp

Wow! Hats off to another successful summer! As usual, the campers had a great time swimming at Escalante Pool, playing on the computers and playing in our new recreation and games room, going to Arts & Crafts with Jennifer, Sports with Howard, and Israeli Culture with Dana & Atar (our summer Shlichim from Israel) and Hadassah. The campers sang lots of camp songs that I'm sure they'll be singing throughout the year like "Ride Around My Big Fat Pony", "Gigolo" and "Shake your Tuchas"! Talk about field trips - there were many... Bowling, Polar Ice, Stratum Laser Tag, Sunsplash, Skateland, and the list goes on! Our older campers went on a few away trips this summer too. The 3rd & 4th graders went down to Tucson. On the way down there they stopped off at Colossal Caves. They also spent time at Game Works, T-Rex museum and Bedroxx Bowl! Our 5th - 8th graders enjoyed two away trips. They spent a few days in Malibu, California. The group had fun on the beach and spent some time at Camp Shalom in Malibu plus they spent an entire day (they closed down the park!) day at Six Flags Magic Mountain before heading back home! Their second away trip was off to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their adventures took them to Hinkle Family Fun Center, the Rio Grande Zoo and Cliff Amusement Park.

Maccabiah week was fantastic! Both Nintendo White and X-Box Blue teams did a great job. Their scores were so close all week long that it came down to the final plaques, songs, dance etc before the score revealed a tie! This is a first ever for our Maccabiah games! Congratulations to both teams for a job well done!

Our Mitzvah Mania Week was fabulous! The kids brought in gently used clothes, toys and canned food and collected Tzedekah, which added up to a nice donation to the United Food Bank and CARE Partnership. Our PB & J day was a big hit! The parents and campers made over 500 PB & J Sandwiches that were donated to the La Paz De Christo Center.

The Annual Rock Show was a big hit! This year we held the show at Temple Beth Sholom. The Counselors and Junior Counselors worked extremely hard and boy did it show! The campers had a great time and put on such a wonderful performance! Hats off to Daniel Nemet and Jason Krell for being great emcees and to our raffle girls Jessica Teiman, Kayla & Julia Forte, Zoe Scott and Alexandra Karp.

During week 9 we added an "I Can Do It Better" afternoon for our K-8th graders. Campers and staff alike showed off their "talents", such as who can blow the biggest bubble using both soap bubbles and bubble gum, who can walk with a book on their head the farthest, juggling balls, gargling with water, burping, touching their nose with their tongue (ask Janet to show you this one!!) and find the treasure - fear factor style, just to name a few!!!

The last week of camp was crazy and full of activities, packing to move to the new JCC and, of course our last day of camp was filled with fun and sadness. Thanks to The Music Man and Doron Lapid for providing the music for all the kids (and staff!) to sing and dance to! They had a great time! A huge thanks to Hadassah (camp wouldn't be camp and so successful without Hadassah!), Howard, and all the camp staff for their dedication and for giving so much of themselves to help make camp such a success.

Don't forget to check out our Memory Books! We still have a few books left for sale. They're $10 each and have pages and pages of pictures of wonderful camp memories so your campers can remember what a great summer they had! See Lisa for more information!

Have a great school year and we'll see you next summer, but don't forget to join us during the year for our mini camps (Fall, Winter & Spring Camp, Veteran's Day and President's Day).

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Fall Break Camp

Join the East Valley JCC for another fun-filled Fall Break Camp! Camp dates are Oct 10, 11, 12 & 14. We will be closed on Thursday, Oct 13th for Yom Kippur. You may sign up for the day or week. Be on the lookout for our daily themes!

Camp hours are 9:00 - 4:00 with extended daycare hours from 6:30 - 9:00am and 4:00 - 6:00pm. The cost is $25/day or $115/week for JCC Members; $27/day or $125/week for non-members. The cost for extended daycare is $3.90 / Hour. 10% discount for the second child. Please call Lisa at (480) 897-0588 for more information.

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Wheeling On

Join the Wheeling On program designed for parents and children ages 6-10 to learn about their Jewish world. Held once a month on Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:00 p..m at the EVJCC beginning September 20th. Cost for the program is $95.00 for 8 sessions. Call Linda Feldman at the Bureau of Jewish Education at (480) 634-8050 for registration and information. No one is turned away because of inability to pay fees.