Make a Splash at the J This Summer Congratulations to the 2010 JCC Barracudas Swim Team! As in past years, we have much to celebrate at the conclusion of our regular swim season competition. Our team was undefeated in the Mid-Atlantic Swimming League (MASL) competition and took second place in the MASL championships. Four Barracuda swimmers qualified to compete in the Maryland State Championships and one swimmer qualified to compete at Junior Nationals! See a complete list of swimmers and awards in on page 12.
OM Sprayground Set To Open Memorial Day Weekend! Construction is well under way for our exciting 4,500 foot Sprayground at the Shapiro Rec Park in OM. This new interactive water wonderland is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. It will be named “Esther Ann’s Fountain,” a tribute to Esther Ann Adler, beloved wife of JCC Past Chairman of the Board, Arthur Adler.
May 2011
Nissan/Iyar 5771 Jewish Life.................................... 2 FYI................................................ 3 Jewish Hall of Fame.................. 4-5 Children & Youth........................ 6-7 Teens......................................... 8-9 Adults......................................... 10 Arts & Culture ............................ 11 Aquatics................................ 12-13 Associated Corner....................... 14 Staff News.................................. 14 Fitness........................................ 15
Register for Summer Barracudas Practices start Tuesday, May 31 and run thru Thursday, July 21 Individual Championships will be held on July 28 Members Only, Ages 4-18 Rosenbloom OM JCC
We are now accepting registrations to try out for the Summer Swim Team. This year, the Barracudas have been accepted for full membership into the Central Maryland Swim League, and we have a full slate of Swim Meets! $125 per person June/July Swim Meet Schedule is on page 12. For practice schedules visit www.jcc.org/aquatics. To register, call Brendan at 410.559.3530 or email swimteam@jcc.org.
Jewish Life Passover Isn’t “Over” Rabbi Geoff Basik We can happily put away our Pesach dishes and all things made with matzah meal. It would be understandable if you don’t want to see another piece of matzah until next year. Pesach has come and gone. You might breathe a sigh of relief. But it would be an unfortunate mistake if Pesach were gone and forgotten. In fact, the story we told and re-experienced at our seder, this “master narrative” to which we belong, is only the opening act and there is more to come, more to be done. Like earthquake aftershocks, Passover has huge reverberations. For one thing, if we leave it at this – another seder dutifully attended, another afikomen found and re-united with its other half – we miss the point. The liberation from Egyptian bondage was/is not the ultimate objective; there was a bigger reason to “Let my people go.” Once won, once political emancipation has been achieved, we are left wondering, “OK, now what?” The purpose of the Exodus, of the escape from bondage, was, in Moses’ words to Pharaoh, “that we may serve God.” The fulfillment of Passover comes with Shavuot, the Sinai experience and the receiving/accepting of Torah. But “fulfillment” is not the right term, exactly. Even with the Torah blueprint for a meaningful life and a just society, we know that we remain “on our way” toward these ideals. As we re-lived our Exodus experience, and were sensitized to freedom, we know that we also live in the realm of the “not yet.” There are freedoms and rights not yet won, current Pharaohs, and the work of Redemption still to be done. Hopefully, the Passover experience helps us renew in ourselves certain ideals and purposes and commitments. At our seder we proclaimed, “Thank God we are free.” We recited, “We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt,” and had we not been liberated “we would still be enslaved.” We remember, and are grateful. But we also say, “Now we are slaves. Next year may we be free!” We are still engaged in the struggle to be free. That is the human condition. We celebrate, but with that comes responsibility to continue the work. Passover isn’t “over.” Rabbi Geoff Basik is the Rabbi of Kol Halev Synagogue. He can be reached at gbasik@comcast.net.
A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
Center News The monthly newsletter of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg JCC 5700 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 410.542.4900 410.578.0102 fax
Ben & Esther Rosenbloom JCC on the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Campus 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue Owings Mills, MD 21117 410.356.5200 410.581.0561 fax
www.jcc.org MD Relay: 1.800.735.2258 Eric Nislow Chairman of the Board Buddy Sapolsky President Dale Busch Executive Vice President Ken Karsh Senior Vice President, Finance Phil Miller Vice President Ron Siegel Vice President Gail Zuskin Vice President Marty Cohen Membership/Marketing Chair Robin Rose-Samuels Marketing Director Esther Apt Center News Editor The Jewish Community Center is an educational, cultural, and recreational agency supported by The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.
Partners In Torah at Me Latte Café Sunday, May 1-May 22; 10:00
Get a taste of Etz Chaim’s Partners in Torah (P.I.T.) program. P.I.T is part of a national program that services over forty cities and thousands of students. Designed for Jewish adults, this program carefully matches a handpicked mentor with someone who is interested in exploring his/her Jewish heritage in a comfortable and informal environment. To register and for more information please call Mrs. Toby Friedman, director of Partners in Torah at 1.800.STUDY.42 x303, or email tfriedman@partnersintorah.org.
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
For the most up-to-date information — visit www.jcc.org
FYI Yom Hashoah
You Asked, We Listened!
Monday May 2; 11:00am-1:00pm Weinberg PH & Rosenbloom OM JCC Lobbies
New Reduced Rates for Ages 65+ In recent years we’ve been hearing from our older members that our limited health & fitness membership was no longer meeting their lifestyle needs. Many of you are still working, actively volunteering, or helping out with grandchildren and don’t have as much free time during weekdays. In response to your feedback, our JCC Board of Directors recently voted to retire our limited health & fitness membership for ages 65+, replacing it with a full access membership that is only $110 more per year for couples and $40 more per year for individuals age 65+. For those couples and individuals who wish to keep their limited membership they are welcome to do so, however they are also welcome to upgrade to full access upon renewal. For those members 65+ who were previously paying for full access membership you will be happy to learn that we have reduced your annual fees by a third (effective on your renewal).
Join us for a reading of names to commemorate those who died in the Holocaust on this important day. Contact Lisa Shifren at 410.500.5903 for details.
Share the Summer & Save! Offer expires May 22, 2011
• If your friends join the “J” this summer you get ONE FREE MONTH • If they join for the YEAR they SAVE $50* • New Summer Members can SAVE $50 on Camp Milldale** These discounts can not be combined with other offers. * Annual Membership offer is valid for new full paying members. Applicant cannot have belonged to the JCC in the past 12 months. ** Camp Milldale offer is valid for new campers only who sign up for 4 weeks or more of camp. For more information, contact Membership at Owings Mills, 410.559.3506 or at Park Heights, 410.500.5910.
Annual Meeting Thursday, May 26; 5:00-6:30pm The Gordon Center For Performing Arts
The installation of Officers and new Board members of the JCC of Greater Baltimore will be taking place this month. For more information please call Nancy Goldberg at 410.559.3509.
OPEN HOUSE The Meyerhoff Early Childhood Education Center Weinberg Park Heights JCC
Tuesday, May 10 8:00am-12:30pm and 3:00-6:00pm
Visit our outstanding education center, meet the Director, ask all your questions and see the teachers and children in action! For details, contact Jodi Fishman: 410.500.5936 or jfishman@jcc.org
Our new price for Full Access Membership for adults 65+ is as follows: Couples 65+ $525 Individuals 65+ $385 Contact our membership coordinators to upgrade your membership to full access or for answers to any questions you may have. At Park Heights call 410.500.5910. At Owings Mills call 410.559-3506.
Extended Friday Hours at OM JCC In response to member requests, the Rosenbloom OM JCC will extend its hours on Fridays until 7:00pm, effective Memorial Day thru Labor Day. • OM Indoor Pool and Shapiro Rec Park - open until 6:30pm • OM Fitness Center and gyms - open until 6:45pm Calling All Snowbirds! We are trying to get an understanding of how many of our members are away during the winter months. Please send an email with “snowbird” in the subject line to gzuskin@jcc.org.
Dealing with Autism Reception with author Mark Osteen Sunday, May 15; 12:00-2:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
The JCC Special Needs Department invites you to a reception and reading by the author from his book, One of Us: A Family’s Life With Autism. Meet the Mr. Osteen and mingle with other parents and find out about existing resources. Complimentary mimosas & cheese will be served For more information and to RSVP contact Lara Wellerstein: 410.559.3547 or email lwellerstein@jcc.org
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Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame
2011 Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame Honorees The JCC’s Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame was created to honor exceptional Baltimoreans who have made an impact on the community at large through their life’s work. In this issue, we wrap up our spotlight coverage on the honorees chosen for induction in the Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame. We congratulate them, as well as the honorees we mentioned in last month’s issue: Rosalie Silber Abrams • Harry Greenstein • Bernard Manekin • Brenda Brown Rever Lainy LeBow-Sachs Lainy LeBow-Sachs moved to Baltimore as a young wife and mother. She cultivated her love of art volunteering as a Baltimore Museum of Art docent and attending performances of the Baltimore Symphony. In 2006, she was named as a Vice-President to the BSO Board. She also currently sits on the Board of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, Baltimore Jewish Council, Vice President, BB&T Advisory Board and the Cal Ripkin Foundation. Lainy has previously served on the Boards of the House of Ruth, the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland Zoo, and the United Way of Central Maryland, and was the first woman chair of the United Way campaign. Lainy has had a front-row seat at the blossoming of Baltimore since 1979 when she assisted in William Donald Schaefer’s mayoral campaign. That first job turned into a 17 year political career that carried her to Annapolis as Schaefer’s key right-hand person. It was Schaefer who became her mentor and helped to mold her professional life. After Schaefer left the Governor’s mansion, she took a year off to pursue her dream of learning Hebrew. And, in 2003, she received her Bat Mitzvah, an event she calls her proudest achievement. She sits on the Board of Beth Am Synagogue and is one of the people responsible for bringing their new Rabbi to Baltimore in 2010. In 1996, Lainy became the Executive Vice-President of External Relations for the Kennedy Krieger Institute, a job that she refers to as “the love of my life.” Lainy has received the Maryland Democratic Party 2000 Distinguished Award, Maryland Democratic Party 2008 Life Time Service Award, an award from the House of Ruth for Outstanding Leadership, has been named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women on 3 occasions, Woman of the Year 2001 from Hadassah of Greater Baltimore and received the United Way’s Clementine Award, just to name a few. She is also a Mentor for the Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Program. An 8-time marathoner and admitted exerciseaholic, LeBowSachs has 2 children, 3 step-children and 9 grandchildren and married Leonard Sachs in 1993.
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Carole Sibel Carole Sibel is a professional volunteer whose community participation has made her name familiar to the entire Baltimore Metropolitan area. The Baltimore Sun once described that her boundless energy, leadership skills and involvement with so many organizations made her seem like “her own United Way”. Carole’s accomplishments are numerous and wide-spread. She was Chair of the Board of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore from 2002-2004 and over a period of 20 years has provided leadership to a myriad of The Associated’s committees, programs, and projects including Chairing the 1996 Annual Campaign. She is also a former president of The Associated’s then called Women’s Department and Chair of its Human Resource Department. Carole has been president of the Jewish Vocational Service, and founder and chair of Chizuk Amuno’s Cultural Arts Institute. She is the Chair of the 2010-11 Campaign for the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, as well as serving on their Board of Directors. Mrs. Sibel was the founder and president of Fans of Baltimore School for the Arts. Carole was president of Lifesongs for Aids from 1996-1999; and, has chaired a number of legendary Baltimore galas including LifeBridge in 2000 and 2004, the Steven Kaufman AIDS Outreach 10th Anniversary, Maryland Public Television’s anniversary, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Gala, Pets on Wheels, College Bound, Health Care for the Homeless, the Baltimore Opera Company, Symphony Rocks, and the Sexual Assault Recovery Center. She chaired Zoomerang for the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. In 2006, Carole assisted in creating and developing the first-ever JCC Maccabi ArtsFest in Baltimore. In 2010, she co-chaired the first-ever JCC Maccabi Experience – a combination of Sports and Arts. Carole has been honored by many organizations some of which are: The Hilda K. Blaustein Award by the American Jewish Committee, the Israel Bonds Golda Meir Honoree, the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of Jewish Women and Maryland’s Top 100 Women, as well as receiving the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year award from the National Society of Fundraising Executives. Carole is married to Hanan (Bean) and has three children and seven grandchildren.
Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame Leon Uris
Hy Zolet
1924 – 2003
1927 – 2004
Leon Marcus Uris was born in Baltimore, the youngest child of Wolf William Uris and Anna Blumberg, both Polish-Jewish immigrants. Leon’s father spent a year in Palestine after World War I. This connection to Palestine would figure in Leon Uris’s later writing career. When he was seventeen and in his senior year of high school at Baltimore City College, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Leon immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Coming out of the service, he began writing for a newspaper and submitting various articles to magazines. In 1950 when “Esquire” Magazine bought one of his articles, he began to devote himself more seriously to writing. Drawing on his experiences in the service, he produced the best-selling novel “Battle Cry”, and assisted in scripting the movie. For his second novel, Uris wrote “The Angry Hills”, dealing with the British campaign in Greece during World War II, which he based on the diary of his uncle who had been a member of the Palestine Brigade. This book was brought to the screen in 1959, followed by his film “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.” Uris began his most challenging project, returning to another aspect of his family’s history, to research what would become the book, “Exodus”, telling the founding of the State of Israel. He spent two years traveling 12,000 miles within the tiny country conducting thousands of interviews. The book was a worldwide best seller, translated into dozens of languages, and made into a feature film in 1960 starring Paul Newman and directed by Otto Preminger. He later said, “I had no Jewish background. I had no Bar Mitzvah. I only know places of Jewish history. I wanted to know more about what happened to my people. Writing “Exodus” was a catharsis.” Other works of Uris include: “Mila 18”, which dealt with the Warsaw Ghetto uprising against the Nazis by Polish Jews in WWII, “Armageddon: A Novel of Berlin”, “Topaz”, “Trinity”, “Redemption”, and “A God in Ruins”. In 1970 he wrote “QB VII”, a novel about the role of a Polish doctor in a German concentration camp. The book was based on a lawsuit filed against Uris by a Polish doctor over his mention in the book “Mila 18”. Leon Uris said, “The anchor in my life was the Holocaust. It fueled my desire. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my kids being thrown into a furnace. Every time I think about it, it makes me mad as hell.” Uris was married three times and has five children. He died of renal failure at his Long Island home on Shelter Island in 2003.
Hy Zolet was born Hyman Zlotowitz (he later changed his name to Zolet) on March 16, 1927. He attended Forest Park High School where he received the McCormick Unsung Hero award for his gridiron performance and was named to the all-state team. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1951, he began his long career in teaching and coaching by returning to his alma mater, Forest Park. In 1964, he became the Forest Park Athletic Director. In 1974, he was named the Athletic Director at Patterson High School, a job he held until his retirement in 1990. During those years of teaching, he made a huge impact on the lives of his students. His kind and gentle demeanor allowed him to provide criticism effectively. He didn’t just coach those teens about the sport – he coached them about the lessons of life. He didn’t just touch lives – he turned lives around. He taught anyone he came in contact with to look for the goodness in people, to show respect, to learn the value of building trust by being true to your work, to know the importance of being there for others and to have the courage to never quit! His love of sports came second to his dedication to helping young people, as well as family and friends, to attain their full potential. He worked for the benefit of all kids of all races, creeds and colors. Hy always took great pride in his Jewish culture, and served and supported his synagogue and community with great humility and reverence. In 1990, he was inducted into the Maryland Athletic Directors Hall of Fame. The Baltimore Touchdown Club honored his lifetime achievement in school sports in 2000. And he was recently inducted into the Patterson High Hall of Fame at the Geppi Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. Upon his death, hundreds of former students sent letters to the family relating how Hy Zolet had influenced their lives. Hy Zolet was married for 50 years to Hulane, and had 2 sons, David and Morry.
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Gordon Center For Performing Arts Thursday, June 16; 7:30pm
Proceeds from this event will provide needs-based scholarships for children and teens to participate in JCC programs including Early Childhood, JCC Macaabi Experience, Special Needs and Camp Milldale. For tickets and more information, contact Nancy Goldberg: 410.559.3509 or ngoldberg@jcc.org.
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Children & Youth Pee Wee Pizza & Play
Fun and Fit Family Picnic
Rosenblooom OM JCC Tuesdays, May 3; 12:00-1:00pm
Wednesday, May 25; 6:00-8:00 pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Join us for pizza, dessert and open gym time. Invite other families with young children to join you for an hour of fun! Extra pizza for parents can be ordered at $2 a slice or $13/pizza pie. $6/Member $9/NM per pizza eating child.
Rockin’ Tots
6 mos to 3 yrs old Thursdays, May 5-June 2; 9:45-10:30am Weinberg PH JCC
This year’s annual ECE family picnic will focus on family physical fitness and the JCC’s Healthy Choices program. Join us for children’s games, face painting, a tasting station of fruits and vegetables, Drums Alive®, ZUMBA® and more! Families can bring a blanket and picnic dinner and we will supply a healthy dessert. $10 per family with advance registration and $12 at the door. For more information, contact Ellen Olson at 410.559.3555 or email eolson@jcc.org.
A fun music and movement class for toddlers and their mommies, grandmas, etc. Have fun as you experience music through singing, dancing, and playing with musical instruments. $40/JCC Member $50/NM
Tot Shabbat
Ages 0-36 months
Calling All Twins!
(5 years old and younger, siblings welcome) Sunday, May 15; 10:00-11:30am Rosenbloom OM JCC Parenting Center
Join us for this informal gathering of twins. You might be surprised to find out that there are multiple multiples! Free Please RSVP to Sharon or Linda at 410.559.3524 or email parenting@jcc.org
Fridays, May 13 & June 3: 11:15am Rosenbloom OM JCC Fridays, May 20 & June 10; 11:15am Weinberg PH JCC
Save the Date!
Bring your little ones each week for a program full of Shabbat spirit, songs, candle lighting, Kiddush, and challah snack. Free with Parenting Center Pass $5 NM For more information on these programs, contact Sharon or Linda at 410.559.3524 or email parenting @jcc.org.
Indoor Flea Market Sunday, June 26; 8:00am-12:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
We are now accepting reservations for Vendor Tables: We are also accepting new and gently used treasures from your basement or garage for our Parenting Center Table. For more information, contact parenting@jcc.org.
Live, Learn & Play Downtown Share the fun of your favorite JCC classes with friends downtown – invite them to join you for these events! NEW! Baby Groove & Family Karate Canton Locations
Hello Baby & Infant Massage Tuesdays, May 24-July 19 Federal Hill and Canton
Tot Shabbat Fridays, May 6, 13 & 20 Jewish Museum of Maryland & Enoch Pratt Library
Get all the details on our downtown programs at www.jcc.org/offsite or email Cindy at cneuman@jcc.org or Kim at kjacobsohn@jcc.org.
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Children & Youth Parent Resource Fair Parents and kids had a chance to peruse the many resources available in the area including, pediatricians, JCC camps, educational toy distributors and more!
Student interns from Towson University and the JCC Parenting Department put together an exciting Parenting Resource Fair on April 10.
Tour Camp Milldale May 15; 4:00pm 5425 Mt. Gilead Rd. Reisterstown, MD. 21136
Join Dori Zvili, Camp Milldale Director, for an informative walking tour of camp. Learn about the programs, staff, facilities, and see for yourself the beautiful camp environment Camp Milldale offers!
Rosenbloom Religious School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
RSVP for a tour to Dori Zvili at dzvili@jcc.org.
Kindergarten - 7th Grade
Cub Scout Pack 18 Summer is almost here, and Cub Scout Pack 18 is gearing up for fun! Whether its serving as Color Guard for an Aberdeen Ironbirds Minor League Baseball Game on going fishing On the Chesapeake Bay , we can’t wait! For more information, boys in grades1-5 who are interested in Cub Scouts can contact David Green at 410.602.2622 or email dgreen@btfiloh.org.
May 2011 A Nissan / Iyar 5771
Sign up now for Fall 2011 www.chizukamuno.org/rrs
Alex Weinberg, Director Please call for a personal tour. 410/486-8641 Chizuk Amuno Congregation 8100 Stevenson Road Baltimore, MD 21208
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Teens
JServe Close to 250 Jewish teens from all over the Baltimore metropolitan area came together for Jserve on April 10 to address issues like homelessness, hunger, the environment, children with special needs and more. Teens collected and organized gently used prom dresses for the JServe Prom Dress Boutique at the Rosenbloom OM JCC. Hard at work on another JServe project, the group below is planting trees.
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Teens Middle School Programs
BBYO Council Convention
Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
Friday, May 27 thru Sunday, May 29 Camp Louise
Saturday Night Dance May 7; 8:00-11:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Regional Closeout
A great way to hang out with your friends and make new ones! Join us for dancing, an awesome DJ, open gym and snacks. Middle School ID required. No one will be permitted without an ID.
This pool party for the entire BBYO region includes Baltimore, DC and Northern Virginia.
TNT-Limited Spots Available for Session II
Check out all of the great BBYO summer experiences at www.bbyo.org/teens/experiences/summer
Saturday, June 4
For teens entering grades 7 & 8 Camp Session II: July 18-August 12 Rosenbloom OM JCC
For more details and updates, email Mitch at mliebeskind@jcc.org
SAT & ACT Prep and Admission Assistance
Teens who have an interest in working with children will have the opportunity to earn community service hours while gaining leadership and communication skills. Afternoons offer electives including: fitness classes, sports, leadership seminars, drama and arts classes. For more info, contact Amanda at 410.559.3548 or amax@jcc.org.
Jr. Maccabi Games May 22, 2011 • Cherry Hill, NJ
The Baltimore delegation will be competing in Boys Basketball & Soccer; Girls Basketball; and Coed Swimming, Tennis and Table Tennis. Good luck athletes!
Need help with the college timelines, applications and your essay? Get one-on-one tutoring for both SAT and ACT tests. Schedule an appointment with Esther at 410.559.3550or email egunter@jcc.org.
Host a Camp Shaliach and Bring Some Israeli Flavor Into Your Home We are looking for families to open their homes to our 2011 Camp Milldale Shlichim. Shlichim are our talented 18-25 Israeli counselors who spend the summer as camp specialists working to bring Israeli culture and flavor to camp. They undergo intensive screening and training to prepare for this experience. As a Host Family, you will get a chance to make a Shaliach part of your family for three weeks this summer. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your connection to Israel, make new friends, and do a wonderful mitzvah at the same time! If you are interested or would like additional information on hosting, please call Dori Zvili at 410.559.3510 or email dzvili@jcc.org.
National Aquatic School - Summer Swimposium May 1-June 17
Teens – get prepped for a summer job by the pool! Classes available in our summer session include CPR/AED, Lifeguard Training, Fundamentals of Instructor Training (FIT) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI). There are also several aquatics management classes including Certified Pool Operator and Lifeguard Management. Get all the details at www.jcc.org/nas.
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Adults Adult Life Spring Trips Eastern Market in DC & National Arboretum
Summer 2011 LearnInn Experience
Sunday, May 15; 8:30am-6:00pm Meet at Weinberg PH JCC at 8:30am
Spend the day with us touring in Washington D.C.. We’ll visit the National Arboretum and the historic Eastern Market. Feel free to invite your grandkids! $35/JCC Member $52/NM
Monday, June 13- Friday, June 17 Best Western Conference Center Westminster, Maryland
Older Adults won’t want to miss this learning vacation. Join us for some cultural enrichment through Jewish topics, a day trip, exercise, nightly entertainment, kosher food and warm camaraderie-all in deluxe accommodations! For more details on this program, visit www.jcc.org/learninn.
National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, PA Wednesday, June 22; 7:30am-6:00pm
Travel with us to the new National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Experience the rich culture of Jewish heritage covering 25,000 square feet and three and a half floors of the Museum’s new building. $52/JCC Member $78/NM
Remember When Series Weinberg Park Heights JCC Mondays; 1:00pm
May 9 - Eli Schlossberg – Remembering Old Time Baltimore May 23 - Miriam Botwinick – Learn how to Write Your Memoirs June 13 - DVD Screening of Dr. Fotuhi’s, Fight Alzheimer’s Early: 6 Steps to Keep Your Brain Young $1/JCC Member $2/NM
This year’s programs will include: • Exploring Black/Jewish relations with author, Anterro Pietila and Towson University Professor Valerie Thaler • AIPAC Involvement: Ensuring a Safe and Secure Israel” with Tara Brown • Potential effects of Middle East unrest and Israeli Concerns/Interests with Ellen Ginsberg • Magic and Miracle-Workers in Jewish Tradition with Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg, Beth Am • The Triangle Fire at 100: Lessons and Legacies with Valerie Thaler • Jewish Concepts in Agriculture with Jakir Manela • Opera and Art Song with Alexis Tantau of the Maryland Opera Studio • Musical entertainment by Bruce Fagan • Baltimore Klezmer Orchestra • Jewish music from around the world: Guitar performance by Vladimir Fridman • Movement and Meditation with Jen Lake • Zumba Gold with JCC instructor Lynn Rosen-Stone • Trip to the beautiful Longwood Gardens For more information on these adult programs, contact Lisa Shifren at 410.500.5903 or email lshifren@jcc.org.
Summer 2011 LearnInn Presenters
Antero Pietila 10
Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg
Valerie Thaler
Jen Lake
Lynn Rosen-Stone
Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Arts & Culture
Hazamir
Concert at the Gordon Center Sunday, June 5; 4:00pm Gordon Center For Performing Arts
HaZamir Baltimore will present a concert for the entire community. Stay tuned for ticket and sponsorship information!
Jewish Theatre Workshop Presents:
For more information, contact Conductor Erika Schon at erikaschon1@comcast.net or 443.831.4205.
Brooklyn Boy by Donald Margulies & Directed by Brad Norris Straus Auditorium Weinberg Park Heights JCC
Novelist Eric Weiss, critically celebrated but unsuccessful, “arrives” when his new, autobiographical novel becomes a bestseller. An outsider all his life, he is suddenly on the inside of everything: town cars, television studios, and the Sunday book review. But as his career takes off, his personal life suffers. Performances: Sunday June 19; 2:00pm Tuesday June 21; 7:00pm Sunday June 26; 2:00pm Tuesday June 28; 7:00pm
For more information contact www.jewishtheatreworkshop.org.
10% Discount to New JCC Clients. Offer valid thru 6/9/11.
Photo Contest – Second Place Congratulations to William Weiss for the fine photo below which won second place honors. The first place winner (featured in the Aprill issue of Center News) is on the Arts & Culture page of our website, www. jcc.org. You can view all the winning photographs in the Meyerhoff Gallery in the Gordon Center For Performing Arts through June 22, 2011.
THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore funds programs at your JCC.
Support your JCC. Support Jewish Baltimore. Make your gift online at www.associated.org/donate. 410.727.4828
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Aquatics Barracudas Awards Congratulations to the following Barracuda swim team members on end-of -season Team Awards! Spirit Award: Justin Burnette Spirit Award: Molly Schneider Rookie of the Year: Aaron Sorkin Rookie of the Year: Dana Abigail Medija Team Momentum: Gerard Whalen Team Momentum: Sabrine Todd Outstanding Junior Barracuda: Jennifer Sorkin Outstanding Junior Barracuda: Alan Cherches Performance of the Year: Nolan Plant (2011 MASL Championships) Performance of the Year: Julia Shpigel (2011 MASL Championships) Most Valuable Swimmer: Katherine Warfield Most Valuable Swimmer: Kevin Whalen Swimmer of the Year: Adam Todd Swimmer of the Year: Jensen Friedman
Summer Barracuda Swim Meet Schedule Stay tuned for outdoor lap pool closures during home meets. Time Trials Thursday, June 16; 8:30pm Shapiro Rec Park Lap Pool
Maple Lawn @ JCC Sunday, June 26; 1:00pm Shapiro Rec Park Lap Pool
Millford Mill @ JCC Thursday, June 30; 6:00pm Shapiro Rec Park Lap Pool
JCC @ Worthington Valley Wednesday, July 6; 6:00pm Worthington Valley Swim Club
Swan Lake @ JCC Sunday, July 17; 1:00pm Shapiro Rec Park Lap Pool
JCC @ Piney Orchard Sunday, July 24; 1:00pm Piney Orchard Swim Club
Straehle Invitational CMSL Individual Championships Wednesday, July 27; 9:30am Four Seasons
2011 Carroll County Junior Championships Thursday, July 28; 5:00pm Westminster Riding Club
Lauren Brooks
Julia Shpigel
Kirill Shats
Aaron Sorkin
Photo credit for all Barracuda photography: David Brooks
Nolan Plant
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Aquatics Get ready for Summer at the Rec Park with Pool Safety & Etiquette We want all of our members to enjoy a safe and pleasant summer at the pool. While all of our Pool Rules are important, the following bear repeating each year. • Children ages 8 and under must be actively supervised by an adult or guardian within arms reach • Bathers should rinse off in a shower before entering the pool • Running, dunking, pushing, or throwing is not permitted. • No horseplay, riding on shoulders, excessive splashing or dunking allowed. • Non-swimmers must stay in the shallow water • Look before you leap! Diving is only permitted in water deeper than nine feet. • Prolonged underwater swimming or breath holding is not allowed. For more information on these Aquatics programs, contact Bill Kirkner at or bkirkner@jcc.org
May 2011 A Nissan / Iyar 5771
Indoor Pool Improvements at OM Each summer, we close down the indoor pool to perform needed maintenance tasks. Our hope is that we can minimize the disruption to our members by doing these repairs while there are many outdoor options for swimming at the Rosenbloom campus. Starting in mid-July, the indoor pool at Owings Mills will be closed for approximately eight weeks so the water heating and air circulation systems for the pool can be completely replaced. While we aim to maintain steady water temperature of 84 degrees at our indoor pools, our current system at Owings Mills has experienced occasional failures. Given the age and condition of our current systems, it is urgent that we make these repairs. Our hope is that by doing this work during the summer while our other pools are open, we will minimize the impact on most of our members. For most members, the biggest impact will come in the form of a need to share space with programs and activities that would normally be scheduled in the indoor pool. We will be setting aside lap lanes in the Family (or “Z”) pool to accommodate the fact that we may need to use lanes in the upper lap pool for lessons or water fitness activities. Some “general swim” space in the Instructional Pool and the Family Pool may need to be used on occasion for other programs, and “lounging” space in the lap pool may need to be reduced or limited to one side of the pool. We thank you for bearing with us and look forward to seeing you poolside!
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Associated Corner There’s Something Good Happening Here – The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership It no longer feels like two communities with a common project. It is one community, sitting on two sides of the ocean. This is the way that many Baltimoreans and Ashkelonians speak of the effects of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership – as two cities, one community. THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore has invested a lot, both in terms of time and resources, over the years to encourage and enhance our sister city relationship. Why do we have a sister city in Israel? When there are so many challenges on a local level, why invest abroad? There are many reasons: Jewish identity, making a difference, taking care of one another and building relationships that demonstrate to our children that the Jewish people stems far beyond the Baltimore community; we are part of something vast and valuable. Late last year, our community dedicated the Stewart & Marlene Greenebaum Volunteer Center in Ashkelon. The building has become a nucleus for dynamic volunteer opportunities – for Ashkelonians as well as Baltimoreans visiting Ashkelon. In even a short visit to Ashkelon, one can see the impact of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership and our more than $7 million allocation from THE ASSOCIATED’s Annual Campaign and take pride in the programs we support through our strategic partners, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and World ORT. In Ashkelon, our relationships and our dollars have bettered the lives of children, immigrants and seniors, as well as the general community. Roz Jorno, a former Israeli Diller Fellow, tells the story of his good friend, Shelley. “She was in a bad place. She comes from a singleparent home in a poor area. Everyone around her is using drugs, on the street. It’s not easy to make it out of there,” he said. A friend connected Shelley to AMEN, the JDC Ashkelon youth volunteer program, heavily influenced by the Partnership. Now, she heads the Ashkelon Youth Council. “This is an example of how volunteering can make a difference,” said Jorno. “AMEN brings together teens from all backgrounds and schools and make them better people.” As one new Israeli Partnership Committee member said recently, “There’s something good happening here.”
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Staff News Employees of the Month - February
Membership Coordinator, Melanie Schatten, has gone above and beyond her duties to get everything done efficiently in her department. She is an excellent example and leader to her team. Kudos to Melanie for always being available to go the extra mile. Recently, the OM ECE was short staffed due to unforeseen circumstances. Ellen Olson, ECE Associate Director, put in additional hours and provided extra assistance during this time. She deserves to be commended for ensuring that the department run smoothly.
Snow Angel Awards
Accounts Receivable Supervisor Lynn Benton and Lara Wellerstein, Children’s Services Director, both get a special “Snow Angel Award” for volunteering to staff the building at various times during bad weather. This was something they took on themselves and they deserve to be recognized.
Employees of the Month – March
Parent Infant Toddler Services Director, Sharon Seigel, proved to be a true hero to an older gentleman who was confused and needed help finding someone who lived in Weinberg Village. She stayed with him while he phoned and located his friend. This is a true example of customer service at its best. Rona Gusler, Network Administrator for The Associated, gets a huge thank you for all of the help and support she provided during the change of phone systems. Rona is always patient and helpful until the job is done and we thank her for her constant support.
ECORIDE 2011 Pedal, Plant and Party to Support Kayam Farm at Pearlstone
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Te ECO xt R to 69 IDE 866!
Register to ride or join a team by logging on to:
WWW.ECOBIKERIDE.ORG $36 for adults; $18 for children under age 16. We bike rain or shine!
ECOFAIR 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
ECORIDE Shabbaton
$5 per person; $20 for the whole family. Live music, entertainment, moon bounce and more!
Meet other bikers, eat yummy organic produce and enjoy the Saturday night bonfire.
www.ecobikeride.org/ecofair
www.ecobikeride.org/shabbaton
Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Fitness 2011 Mini Indoor Triathlon with Relay Sunday, June 12; 12:00-2:30pm Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
A Member Discovers Health for Himself Jeff Welsh has been a member of the Baltimore JCC for 49 years and has participated in many of our fitness programs including Pro-Fitness, Kickboxing classes and the JCC’s Biggest Loser. In the past, injuries had led him to a lack of exercise and weight fluctuations. However, with the help of a JCC trainer and the new Discover Health program Jeff is now on track. “My doctor convinced me to get serious about weight loss and that’s when I started Discover Health,” says Jeff. “I’m down 21 pounds and about two pant sizes so far! We are learning portion size and quality.” Jeff finds the Calorie Intake Food Log on the Discover Health website very useful in determining the foods that work for him. He also really likes the informative tips that the site provides. In terms of his Health and Fitness goals for the future, Jeff is aiming to lose another 30 pounds! Discover Health is a program at both JCC locations. Free to JCC Members. For more information contact Amy at 410.559.3534 or Jackie at 410.500.5919.
JCC’s Healthy Strides & Strokes May 1 – June 11
Log onto the JCC’s free Discover Health website at www.gbjcc. livepurewellness.com and join the Healthy Strides & Strokes Challenge. Your goal is 250 minutes of exercise per week. Log your weight, track your measurements and get help creating your own customized diet and exercise plan!
ShalOMM Yoga
Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
Join these 90 minute sessions designed for beginner to advanced levels of yoga. Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself Saturday, May 14; 3:30-5:00pm
Experience love and non-judgment during the practice of yoga. Rest: Cathedral in Time and Space Saturday, June 11; 3:30-5:00pm
Finding the “letting go” in every moment. The importance of rest in Judaism and on the yoga mat.
Q & A with JCC Trainer, David Van Dinter Q. Where did the idea for the Mini Triathlon come from? A. This is a chance for runners, swimmers and people in cycling classes to broaden their horizons and improve their overall conditioning. Q. Is this something that beginners can participate in? A. Yes! This is something that is great for people at all levels. We are also offering a relay which will allow people to participate as a two to three person team. Q. What will be happening at the triathlon ? A. The triathlon will consist of 15 minutes in the indoor pool, 35 minutes a the bike in the cycling studio and 25 minutes on the indoor track. There will also be a relay. Included in the participation fee is a special tech T-Shirt and beverages. Don’t miss out on this challenging opportunity to experience something fun and new! For more information, email David: dvandinter@jccorg.
Interested in Male Only Fitness at PH? We want to hear from you! If you are have an interest in participating in MALE ONLY fitness classes. Please contact Jackie Foreman at 410.500.5919 or email jforeman@jcc.org.
Chess for Adults & Kids May 1-June19 Ages 7-15; 3:00-4:00pm Ages 18+; 4:00-5:00pm Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
In response to many requests from members, we are expanding our Chess Club to include adults. Beginning in May we will have two sessions, one for ages 7-17 and another for ages 18+. FREE/JCC Members; $25/NM For more information, contact Roman Gertsovich: 410.559.3542 or email rgertsovich@jcc.org.
For more information, contact Amy at 410.356.3534 or email aschwartz@jcc.org.
May 2011 A Nissan / Iyar 5771
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Eden Café
at the Weinberg PH JCC
MAY HOURS
Phone: 410.542.5185 eden.cafe@hotmail.com
Sunday 7:00am-7:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am-6:00pm Mon.-Thurs.: 9:00am-8:00pm Friday: 9:00am-3:00pm
Monday-Thursday 5:30am-10:00pm Fridays 5:30am-6:00pm*
Me • Latté
at the Rosenbloom OM JCC Phone: 410.559.3531 www.melatte.com Sunday: 7:30am-5:00pm Mon.-Thurs.: 6:30am-8:00pm Friday: 6:30am-2:00pm
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Community Center
Saturday – Owings Mills 1:00-6:00pm
5700 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215
*Closing at 7pm in OM starting in June
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Baltimore, MD Permit No. 885
Memorial Day HOURS
Owings Mills Building: Sat., May 28: 1:00-6:00pm Sun., May 29: 7:00am-7:00pm Mon., May 30: 8:00am-6:00pm
Owings Mills Rec Park: Sat., May 28: 1:00-5:30pm Sun., May 29: 10:00am-6:30pm Mon., May 30: 10:00am-5:30pm
Park Heights Building: Sat., May 28: Closed Sun., May 29: 7:00am-5:00pm Mon., May 30: 8:00am-5:00pm
Family Discover Health Fair & Open House Sunday, May 22; 12:00-3:00pm Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
See our & Save Summer . e h t e r a Sh page 3 offer on
• Moonbounce for kids For the latest updates on activities, visit www.jcc.org/healthfair or contact Amy Schwartz at 410.559.3534 or email aschwartz@jcc.org.
JCCs of North America
This FREE Health Fair is open to the community: • Take part in a 1-mile Family Fun Walk • Sample Group Fitness & Martial Arts Classes plus Small Group Personal Training sessions • Find out about our Aquatics offerings • Learn how to do your part to improve the environment • Get safety tips on outdoor activities • Meet local vendors specializing in health and wellness • Purchase healthy food offerings from Me Latte