Mittleman
Exclusive updates for our donors and supporters from your MJCC
Jewish Community Center
Spring 2017
at the Schnitzer Family Campus
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 | 503.244.0111 | oregonjcc.org
New Outdoor Summer Concert Series Portlanders love their outdoor summer concerts! During the warmer (and drier) months, you can be assured that lines are forming and parking lots are filling up across all quadrants of the city to enjoy live music of all genres. Last summer, the JCCA Association announced a Centennial Celebration grant opportunity called “Making Music Happen” to celebrate the JCCA’s 100th anniversary and to encourage individual JCCs to honor the past and future of Jewish life in JCCs across North America through music. Innovative projects were sought, and we decided to capitalize on the keen local interest in outdoor concerts by creating the new “MJCC Summer Concerts on the Green” series, inviting people to come to our campus to enjoy music in an outdoor setting. We have the space, we have the parking, and we can find the talent! We secured a grant from the JCCA and have since applied for and received
two additional grants: one from the Leonard & Lois Schnitzer Charitable Supporting Foundation and another from the Holzman Foundation. We continue to seek additional funding for this program in order to provide the best possible sound equipment and to secure high-caliber, talented musicians to perform. Our first-ever outdoor summer concert series will showcase talent ranging from family concerts to jazz to pop — all of this through a Jewish lens connecting our community through culture. We look forward to hosting a series of three live music concerts this summer on “The Green” for the whole community to enjoy. Concerts will be held during June, July, and August. Be a part of this exciting endeavor! To become a sponsor of this new program, please contact Saul Korin at 503.452.3427.
Our New Summer Concert Series Begins in June! Watch for announcements on musicians and summer dates! Monthly concerts will be held on Sundays outside on the lawn.
Sponsored by JCC Association’s Making Music Happen Centennial Grant Initiative, funded by a grant from Marvin J. Pertzik and the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation. Additional support provided by the Holzman Foundation and the Leonard and Lois Schnitzer Charitable Supporting Foundation.
Welcome to the MJCC Linda Huseby Human Resources Director
Joe Seitz Fitness Program Manager
Linda Huseby joined our team in October as our Human Resources Director for the MJCC and PJA. She is a native Oregonian and a graduate of Oregon State University where she met her husband, Craig. They have three active kids who keep them busy driving to and from various athletic practices and games. Linda enjoyed coaching her daughter’s lacrosse team the last three years. She has a diverse HR background including previous positions at US Bank, KOIN-TV, Albertina Kerr Centers, and The Hello Foundation. Linda views Human Resources as a customer service-driven role and is happy to help with any questions or concerns!
Joe Seitz, with a B.S. in Fitness Management and a minor in coaching, is the new Fitness Programs Manager for the MJCC. Joe has lived in the Portland for 50 years. He attended Jesuit High School and graduated from the University of Oregon, where he enjoyed athletics and met his wife of 29 years, Heather. After school, he began his career as a personal trainer and was eventually promoted to manager at several local fitness clubs in the area such as Nautilus Plus, Gold’s Gym, Bally’s, Function Dynamics, and VillaSport. He also managed the Shane Company for several years. He is the father of four children, three boys and one girl, who have all been raised in Hillsboro where they attended the same grade school, middle school, and high school.
We asked Linda a few questions so we can all get to know her better. What would we catch you doing on a Sunday afternoon? Probably watching one of my kid’s games, but wishing I was at the river on my SUP (stand-up paddleboard). What book are you currently reading? Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. What is your favorite food? Italian. And Sushi. And a good burger. And fish tacos. (Can we just say anything that goes well with my favorite IPA? I love food!) What do you enjoy most about working at the MJCC? The variety. Every day is a new adventure.
We asked Joe a few questions so we can all get to know him better. What would we catch you doing on a Sunday afternoon? After church, we like to be together as a family on Sunday, whether it is an athletic activity, working in the yard, or just getting out to explore our beautiful state on a sunny day. What three words best describe you? Loyal, honest, and positive. What is your favorite food? Any kind of seafood. What do you enjoy most about working at the MJCC? The amazing community of members and great staff have made this a special opportunity to work in my field of interest with outstanding people!
Announcing New Membership + Guest Services Manager Kelsey Kaplan has been appointed and promoted to the role of Membership and Guest Services Manager. She will be replacing Elliott Saunders, who is relocating to Boston with his wife. Kelsey began working at our Guest Service Desk in June of 2014, while she was finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and Liberal Studies at Portland State University. She is energetic, an excellent problem solver, highly organized, and is passionate about the MJCC’s mission to enrich Jewish life by providing for the social, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of our entire community. 2
Grand Opening of our New Art Gallery and Exhibit Space In the fall, we were notified that we were awarded a 2017 Cultural Development Grant of $5,000 from the Oregon Cultural Trust. The grant supports a new cable art hanging system in our lobby, that will allow us to feature a variety of rotating, high-quality art exhibits. Artists will gain exposure in the community, while members and visitors will have the opportunity to view carefully curated works of art. Funding has also been generously provided by the Kostiner Cultural Education Fund for the MJCC. We are pleased to announce that the gallery space will open to the public on Tuesday, May 16 and will feature the work of Fred Harwin, Director of the Center for Ocular Prosthetics, LLC in Portland, Oregon. With his unique medical background and artistic skill, Fred creates highly detailed, custom ocular prosthetics (artificial eyes), for the young and old alike. He devotes the time necessary to assure the highest quality result with concern for comfort and realism. A private showing will be held prior to the opening for our donors and close friends.
Upcoming Events Mussar with Rabbi Joshua Rose Mondays, April 24, May 22, June 12 2:30 - 3:25 pm Free and open to the community. In partnership with Congregation Shaarie Torah
Georgia On My Mind by Fred Harwin
Yom HaZikaron Sunday, April 30, 8:00 pm Free and open to the community.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Monday, May 1, 5:00 - 8:30 pm at the MJCC In partnership with PJ Library and JFGP
MJCC Art Gallery Grand Opening to the Public
Artwork Donated to the MJCC
Naim Hasan Photography
Last fall, the MJCC received a terracotta relief that was designed by local artist and long-time MJCC member, Lorraine Widman, of Portland. The relief, which hangs in the corridor beyond the Guest Services Desk is visible from the courtyard and depicts a family. The symbols on the relief reflect the Judaic mission of the MJCC to serve individuals and families, as represented by the family and the tree/menorah which forms deep, community roots. The relief was dedicated in memory of William Gordon. He came to the MJCC in 1953 as the “Activities Director.” Bill retired twenty years later, in 1973, as the Assistant Executive Director, after the J had relocated to Hillsdale. Bill was inspirational in his energy and creative leadership and is remembered fondly by many within our community.
Tuesday, May 16, 7:00 pm This project is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust. Additional support comes from the Kostiner Cultural Education Fund for the MJCC.
Butterfly Project Installation Ceremony Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 pm
Shavout Cheesecake Bake Off Tuesday, May 30
Borders Define and Divide Us Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 pm Cost: $5
Jewish Pride Greater PDX Sunday, June 18
MJCC Day Camp Summer Kick-off Party! Thursday, June 22, 4:00 pm
Jewish Heritage Night at Portland Thorns Wednesday, June 28, 7:00 pm at Providence Park In partnership with JFGP For more event info, pick up the Arts + Cultual guide in the lobby or go online to oregonjcc.org/arts-culture 3
Friends of the Center Brunch 2017 Our third annual Friends of the Center Brunch was a huge success! On Sunday, March 5, the MJCC Ballroom was full of smiling faces, some familiar to our Center and others joining us for the first time. We learned valuable lessons from our keynote speaker, Yosef Abramowitz, that together we have the power to bring light to the world, create change, and make a difference. Yosef shared the work he has been doing to bring solar power to unserved communities throughout Israel and Africa. Feedback on the day has been extremely positive with comments ranging from “inspirational speaker” to “best food at the Brunch yet!” and more. We are excited to share that together we raised over $115,000 for the J, which allows us to continue offering vital support in our community, including day camp scholarships, financial assistance for membership, subsidies for teen athletes and artists to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest®, and so much more! Thank you for supporting our community! If you were unable to join us for this year’s event and would like to contribute to the MJCC’s annual campaign, please contact Saul Korin at 503.452.3427 or donate online at oregonjcc.org/donate.
Left to right: Ellen Lippman, Mara Rosenberg, Steve “Rosy’’ Rosenberg, guest speaker Yosef Abramowitz, Board Co-President Jonathan Glass, event emcee Sarah Glass, Executive Director Steve Albert, and Board Co-President Andrea Sanchez
Event Co-Chairs, Jeff and Anne Nudelman
Oregon Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Gary Rubin (center), with his parents, Mark and Leah Rubin Left: Oregon Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Committee member, Glen Coblens, congratulates Harry Glickman Scholar Athlete, Jacob Adler
Right: Emcee Sarah Glass pictured along with Board Co-Presidents, Jonathan Glass, and Andrea Sanchez
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Harry Glickman Scholar Athlete Award Winner, Claire Rosenfeld
Become an Annual Corporate Sponsor The Mittleman Jewish Community Center’s Corporate Giving Program provides your company with an innovative menu of philanthropic opportunities designed to accommodate a variety of marketing plans and budgets. We recognize that your company has unique needs and our program(s) can be tailored to meet those needs, while ensuring that your generosity directly impacts vulnerable populations in our local community. Our Corporate Giving Program offers exposure to our extensive network of loyal donors and community members! As an Annual Corporate Sponsor, your company will receive year-round exposure in multimedia, including the materials for each of the events. This will include marketing opportunities in the MJCC’s premiere communication vehicles as well as direct networking at our largest events. Annual Corporate Sponsors help fund crucial services for people in need here in the Greater Portland area. VISIONARY - $20,000 Visionary sponsor level for all included programs and an opportunity to name either the Israel Film Series, Author Series or Concert Series.
MJCC Legacy Society The MJCC Legacy Society is a group of dedicated community members who have made the extraordinary commitment to remember the MJCC in their estate plans. We are deeply grateful to these individuals for their ongoing support and their dedication to ensure the long-term sustainability of our Center. If you are interested in becoming a Legacy Society member, contact our Executive Director, Steve Albert, at salbert@oregonjcc.org or 503.535.3592. Anonymous Steve Albert and Janie Goldenberg Bruce Abrams John Arnsberg Stacy Barna Barry and Karla Benson Amy and Doug Blauer Gerel Blauer Milton Carl Edith Dorsen Becky and Greg Ewer Howard and Jen Feldman John and Beth Germain Robert E. and Lesley G. Glasgow Jonathan and Sarah Glass Merrill and Perry Hendin Lisa Katon and Noah Kressel Eric and Anna Kodesch Eric and Robin Kornblit Tony and Priscilla Kostiner Jordana and Ryan Levenick
Howard and Wendy Liebreich Gail Mandel Jeff and Anne Nudelman Stacey L. and Marshal R. Oller Sue Perkel Robert and Rita Philip James E. Richman Bert and Laurie Rogoway Gayle and Paul Romain Steve Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman Stan and Madelle Rosenfeld Bunny and Jerry Sadis Stephen and Becki Saltzman Andrea Sanchez and Benjamin Drucker Lois and Leonard z”l Schnitzer Sandra Schnitzer Gary and Linda Singer Les and Martha Soltesz Tom Stern Kenneth and Jennifer Zeidman Jason Zidell
INNOVATOR - $12,500 Innovator sponsor level for all programs. GROUNDBREAKER - $5,750 Groundbreaker sponsor level for all programs. ADVOCATE - $2,500 Advocate sponsor level for Fitness Palooza, Friends of the Center Brunch, JCC Maccabi Games + ArtsFest. Event sponsorships available for: Fitness Palooza Friends of the Center Brunch Author Series MJCC Day Camp Summer Outdoor Concert Series JCC Maccabi Games Israel Film Series Please contact Saul Korin at 503.452.3427 or skorin@oregonjcc.org.
Zelda’s Garden Update For over 50 years, Zelda Springer kept fit with her rigorous three-day-a-week routine in the Mittleman Jewish Community Center’s Warm Water Pool.
After Zelda’s passing, an anonymous donor made a significant contribution toward the twofold purpose of honoring Zelda’s memory and enhancing the neglected garden area at the MJCC Warm Water Pool entrance. Thanks to this gift and to additional donations that were made by Zelda’s friends and MJCC members, we are in the process of improving the garden area between the outside pool lobby and the parking lot. The garden will feature three boulders that represent Zelda’s perseverance, continuity, and endurance. A balance of native grasses and shrubs will fill out the space. The project is underway, and we have made strides towards completion. We are improving signage to make it easier for drivers to find the entrance, and we have landscaped the area accordingly. Look for a date for a dedication of the new space sometime in May. 5
MJCC Department News Day Camp New MJCC Day Camp Manager Ready to Welcome Campers for a Summer of Fun MJCC Day Camp has a long history of providing summer fun for youth in Southwest Portland. With our two pools, our indoor Sportsplex, our gymnasium and fun outdoor spaces, including the expansive playground and Gaga pit, 400+ campers enjoy everything our campus has to offer. Our summer camp is unique as it includes an in-depth structured aquatics program, where our certified swim instructors work to enhance children’s swimming abilities. Our highly-trained staff make sure that camp is a fun and safe experience for everyone. Under the direction of Scott Reese, the MJCC’s new Sports, Recreation and Camp
MJCC DAY CAMP Swim Lessons Included!
Open to Everyone! Ages 3-11 June 19 - September 1, 2017
Manager, our campers are again poised to have an awesome summer. Scott and his staff are busy preparing new and exciting activities for our Classic Camps and Specialty Camps and look forward to meeting campers when they return in June. We are fortunate that many of our counselors return year after year and they enjoy seeing how returning campers have grown in the past year. They also very much enjoy meeting new campers and introducing them to songs, games, and activities that have become MJCC Day Camp traditions. While Scott is new to the J, his experience as a Youth Activities Program Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, as well as his prior experience with the Boys and Girls Club and his teaching and coaching background, ensure that he has the know-how, energy, and passion to work with our campers to guarantee a fun and fulfilling summer. Scott is excited about taking the helm of MJCC Day Camp, a place where parents can relax knowing their children are in a safe and fun environment for extended hours, if need be. He is also thrilled by the expansive nature of our campus, taking advantage of both the MJCC and PJA facilities, which allows us to offer a wide range of programs. Scott is getting his feet wet by jumping into Vacation Day Camps this spring and has already enhanced the program with his organization, fresh ideas, and infectious positive attitude. In just the short time that Scott has been on campus, he knows he is taking over the reins of an “all-inclusive camp that teaches the important of respect and the importance of community through our actions.” Please give Scott a warm welcome when you see him around campus. He’s hard to miss at 6’6”!
Full + Partial Day Options
7:30 am - 6:00 pm all summer long.
REGISTER TODAY!
503.452.3436 503.244.0111
oregonjcc.org/daycamp Mittleman Jewish Jewish Community Community Center Center || 6651 6651 SW SW Capitol Capitol Hwy., Hwy., Portland Portland Mittleman
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Apply for Summer Day Camp Positions Do you know someone who wants to have fun this summer working for MJCC Summer Day Camp? Positions include: counselors, specialists, unit directors, and more. Check out all of the detailed descriptions at oregonjcc.org/ about-us/employment.
Sports + Arts Portland Teens Will Head to Miami for the 2017 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest™ Last summer, the MJCC was fortunate enough to bring 20 teen athletes to St. Louis, MO for the JCC Maccabi Games. It was truly inspiring to see teens from Portland represent our state on a national level. It was evident that the Games had a long-lasting impact on each of them. We are delighted that at least two Portland-area student athletes are playing on the USA national basketball team at the Maccabiah Games in Israel! This year, we not only plan to bring student athletes to the Games once again, but we also hope to have a few teen artists join for ArtsFest. The 2017 Games and ArtsFest will take place in Miami, FL on August 6-10, 2017. For those unfamiliar with this powerful program, the JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® is a week-long sports and arts event where thousands of Jewish teens ages 13 - 16 meet, compete, and have a great time, creating memories that last a lifetime. The energy and excitement of the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest make this a unique and unforgettable experience for each participant and give our teens the opportunity to be a part of a larger Jewish community. As we continue to grow our program, we are looking to YOU for support! The program is expensive, and we subsidize the cost for all participants, in addition to providing additional, need-based aid. We are very grateful to The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and the Holzman Foundation for their strong support. Many individuals in our community have also provided financial support, and we hope you will consider joining them. For further information about the JCC Maccabi Games or other youth activities, please contact Len Steinberg at lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org or 503.535.3555.
Aquatics Stingrays Swim Team Having a Successful Season The MJCC Stingrays swim team has been having a great season! Every competing swimmer has posted personal records at each of their five meets so far, and multiple swimmers have made Oregon B times (the second-fastest time standard for the state). Meanwhile at home, swimmers have been improving stroke mechanics and racing techniques every day and having a great time with their teammates. Head Coach Jennie Condon reports that, in terms of both participation and hard work, this is the most successful season since she started coaching the Stingrays in 2012. All three levels are filled with swimmers who are not only doing a first-rate job today but also have enormous potential for the future. Everyone is looking forward to a strong conclusion to the regular season in May and a fun summer season in June and July. Go Stingrays! Please note: Anyone interested in trying out for Stingrays should be able to swim 100 yards each of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke and should contact Jennie at jcondon@oregonjcc.org.
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Mittleman Jewish Community Center
Schnitzer Family Campus 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 503.244.0111 | oregonjcc.org
MJCC Staff is Here For You!
MJCC Board of Directors
Steven Albert, Executive Director
Co-Presidents
503.535.3592 | salbert@oregonjcc.org
Jonathan Glass
Beth Germain, Chief Financial Officer 503.535.3593 | bgermain@oregonjcc.org
Jennifer Harrington, Assistant Executive Director 503.535.3541 | jharrington@oregonjcc.org
Linda Huseby, Human Resources Director
Andrea Sanchez Board Members Avi Ben-Zaken Barry Benson Amy Blauer Joyce Evans
503.535.3632 | lhuseby@oregonjcc.org
Steven Klein, Treasurer
Becky Ewer, Marketing + Creative Director
Robert Philip
503.535.3533 | bewer@oregonjcc.org
Erik Richmond
Len Steinberg, Program Director 503.535.3555 | lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org
Gail Mandel
Gayle Romain, Secretary Channah Rose Steve Rosenberg
Saul Korin, Development Manager
Stan Rosenfeld
503.452.3527 | skorin@oregonjcc.org
Jonathan Singer
Lisa Katon, Donor Relations + Grants Specialist 503.535.3532 | lkaton@oregonjcc.org
Carrie Wynkoop Jason Zidell, Vice President
We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and our community for their support of the MJCC. Supported by
Linda Singer, Community Concierge 503.535.3539 | lsinger@oregonjcc.org
www.jewishportland.org