JUNE MAY 2014
June 2014
GET IN SHAPE FOR SUMMER
Meet our New Personal Trainers Page 13
SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING
Swimmer Peter Annulis and instructor Elon Walter (cover photo) are in sync Page 2
ALL THAT JAZZ
Yotam Silberstein in Concert Page 14
ANTI-SEMITISM
Lecture presented by David Friedman of the ADL Page 17
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STORY
Where Synchronized Swimming Takes On a New Meaning Lisa says she contacted Aquatics Director Caroline Cardullo, who listened as Lisa explained Peter’s past experiences. “I remember Caroline saying, ‘I think I have someone for you,’” Lisa relates. Cautiously optimistic, Lisa enrolled Peter in swim lessons with instructor Elon Walter. While the lessons started off similarly as they had in the past, with Peter anxious about being in the water, Elon’s calm and patient demeanor instilled the confidence and trust that Peter needed in order to relax and focus on learning swim skills. According to Lisa, Caroline’s instinct to pair Peter with Elon turned out to be the perfect fit. “There just seems to be an understanding and friendship between Peter and Elon; they’re in sync.”
In a rare moment on dry land, swimmer Peter Annulis (second from left), posed for a photo with his parents Jim and Lisa (back row) and siblings (from left) Calvin, “Each week, even if things didn’t go particularly well, Elon would Natalie and David.
For most of the swimmers who participated in the JCCGW swim meet earlier this year, the event was fun and exciting, but nothing out of the ordinary as far as swim meets go. For 10-year-old Peter Annulis and his family, however, the swim meet represented his coming full circle from when he started taking swim lessons at the JCCGW almost four years ago. Peter’s brother Calvin, 12, has been on swim teams for several years and their mother, Lisa, has seen how positive that experience has been for him. Besides the health benefits, competitive swimming also helps young people by learning good sportsmanship, developing social skills and promoting self-discipline and self-confidence. Given all of these factors, Lisa decided to try to interest Peter, who has Down syndrome, in swimming. Before Lisa was made aware of the JCCGW aquatics program, she enrolled Peter in swim lessons at two other facilities. In both instances, Peter never got past his fears enough to actually learn swim skills. When it was suggested that Lisa look into the aquatics program at the JCCGW, she decided to pursue that option as a last try to get Peter into swimming, an activity that she was confident would affect his life in a positive way if he could be supported in overcoming his initial reservations.
CENTER SCENE EDITORIAL STAFF Treva Bustow Chief Marketing Officer Mauricio Garcia Production Artist/Design Andrea Kronzek Editor
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tell me, ‘Peter’s getting there,’” Lisa recalls. Peter looked forward to seeing Elon for each lesson and his swimming skills began to progress. His technique got so good, in fact, that JCCGW swim team coach Mike Karel took note and asked Peter to join the team. This culminated in Peter’s participation in the swim meet, made even more special because, as Lisa explains, “It was the first time that Calvin was stepping into a world that Peter had made his own.” Lisa talks about the support that her family has found at the Center, saying that Caroline, Elon and Mike are committed to Peter’s success. “They keep raising the bar for Peter in a positive way, challenging him with realistic goals. They help him to keep achieving so he can feel good about himself.” The JCCGW community has been open to working with Peter through each phase, Lisa asserts. “It’s a mentality that’s different from other places; not everyone is as open to inclusion.”
Lisa says that this opportunity has been a gift for her family. “It has helped me give Peter the opportunity to find something to be good at. It’s a place for him to be like everyone else, and to shine at the same time.”
Center Scene, the magazine of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, is issued monthly from September through June. The Center is a member of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America, a beneficiary agency of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
receives support from the United Way and Combined Federal Campaigns. For information on advertising in Center Scene, contact Rebecca Salzman at 301.348.3754 or rsalzman@jccgw.org. Center Scene assumes no responsibility for the kashrut status of products advertised.
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LEADERSHIP
OFFICERS Bradley C. Stillman, President
Robyn Judelsohn, Vice President for Administration/Treasurer Heidi Hookman Brodsky, Vice President for Development
Mindy Berger, Vice President for Member Services Arthur Polott, Vice President for Programming Neil Gurvitch, Vice President and General Counsel Felicia K. Gottdenker, Secretary Andrew Chod, Assistant Secretary Brian Pearlstein, Assistant Treasurer Monique Buckles, Ombudsperson EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Robert G. Epstein Matthew Weinberg Michael E. Winer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gilly Arie Helen Rubin Brent Berger, MD Andrew Sachs Robert I. Black Tracy Bloom Schwartz Nathan Bortnick Reed Sexter Andrew Bridge Darryl Shrock Brian Gaines Andrew P. Shulman The Honorable David Waghelstein Douglas F. Gansler The Honorable Jeff Amy Guberman Waldstreicher Holli Beckerman Jaffe Samantha Wasserman Randi K. Meyrowitz Sharon Zissman Adam Polsky COUNCIL OF ADVISORS Lawrence Mann Daniel H. Abramowitz Alan Meltzer David S. Bender Pamela Nadell, Ph.D. Stuart Bindeman Robert Phillips Dean Eisen Howard Ross Bernard Forseter Julie Silver Greg Friedman Kathy Sklar Eric Kassoff Marc Solomon Michael Kay Robin Taub Mark Lerner Susan Zuckerman Jeffrey Linowes PAST PRESIDENTS Morris Cafritz z”l Harry M. Linowes Marcella E. Cohen Steven D. Lustig Scott M. Cohen Philip N. Margolius The Honorable Col. Benjamin Ourisman z”l Stuart E. Eizenstat Sydney M. Polakoff Barry P. Forman Richard B. Reff, M.D. Rosalie B. Gerber z”l Leo Schlossberg z”l Michael S. Gildenhorn Burnett Siman z”l Col. Julius Goldstein z”l Beth C. Sloan Simon Hirshman z”l Charles E. Smith z”l Lesley Israel Andrew M. Stern Rosalyn Levy Jonas John D. VerStandig Edward H. Kaplan Bernard M. Weisz z”l Joel S. Kaufman Bernard S. White z”l z”l Harry King Morton H. Wilner z”l Fred Kogod z”l Donald E. Wolpe Robert P. Kogod z”l Samuel Lehrman of blessed memory EXECUTIVE TEAM Michael Feinstein, Chief Executive Officer Treva Bustow, Chief Marketing Officer Ruth E. Carski, Chief Financial Officer Tracey E. Dorfmann, Chief Program Officer Amy I. Gantz, Chief Operating Officer Tasha Museles, Chief Development Officer
JUNE 2014
Creating Impact by Building Relationships Message from Michael
As I think about this past program year, I realize it has been a year of numbers. The Pew Research Center’s Survey of U.S. Jews gave us many numbers to think about. We learned that it’s very difficult to count us; depending on how one defines Jewish identity, the Jewish population in the U.S. might be 4.2 million or 9.0 million. We learned how many of us consider ourselves secular and how many religious. Many of us individually focus on numbers like how many Facebook friends, LinkedIn connections and Twitter followers we have (although what these numbers really tell us is unclear).
To increase participation in Jewish discovery outside our walls, more than half of our 40+ PJ library programs were held throughout the county at places that people visit as part of their normal routine such as “Dreidels and Donuts,” our Chanukah program at Krispy Kreme and our Shavuot program, “Is your Dog Kosher” at PetSmart. While this type of programming in partnership with retail stores has resulted in national recognition for our PJ Library program, the true measure of success has been relationships built with and between over 350 families.
Another of our goals is to strengthen connections to Israel. This year we had the opportunity to host the CanadaMichael Feinstein, CEO Numbers also drive organizations. Israel Hockey School which is made There’s the old adage that you can’t manage what you up of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze Israeli predon’t measure. So at the Center, we focus on “how teens and teens. During their 10-day visit in March, many” a great deal. How many members? How many the 24-member team, which is split evenly between participants? How many donors? Jews and non-Jews, spent more time together here than they typically do at home in Israel. The trip helped As we plan for the coming program year and how strengthen the relationship between the Jewish and nonto serve our Jewish community, we need to think Jewish Israelis on the team. Through this exchange, we about more than numbers; we must consider impact facilitated new connections between the Israeli teens in terms of relationships built – from the relationship and teens from our JCC Maccabi program, Charles E. each person has with his/her own Jewishness, to the Smith Jewish Day School, and BBYO, as well as between communities created when we facilitate relationships the teens and their host families, and between the entire between our participants, to the relationship we have delegation and our staff. To further these connections, as an organization with our members, participants and we plan to create an ongoing exchange program. volunteers. We want to deepen relationships with those with whom we are already connected and we want to Lastly, as part of our goal to provide best-in-class build relationships with those who are least connected to programming for families with young children, we are our community. Dr. Ron Wolfson lays out a strong case for launching a new program called Arts Alive, a hands-on this relationship-building approach in his book “Relational Jewish enrichment program that is taught through the Judaism.” I deeply believe that the more we shift our arts for children in grades K-2 (see more on page 10). focus to building and strengthening relationships, the We listened to our preschool families who want to make more the other numbers — membership, enrollment, sure that their children continue to develop their own retention, participation and donors — will take care of relationship with Judaism in a familiar place with their themselves. preschool friends. Our mission is to foster the deepening of these relationships. Facilitating friendships and creating community is what the Center has been doing for over 100 years. I’d like to We also learned from the Pew survey that many Jews are share three examples of how we do this through our PJ proud to be Jewish but are indifferent to their Jewishness Library program, a recent Israel exchange program and and being part of the Jewish community. Our vision as a our plans for a new arts enrichment program. community center is to help build a welcoming, diverse and thriving community that enriches Jewish life for all. In just one year with the PJ Library program, which provides free Jewish books to families with children It is often said that there is “strength in numbers.” As between the ages of 6 months and 8 years old, almost a people, we’ve shown over the centuries that small 4,000 families in our community have signed up. But numbers can accomplish a great deal. Numbers are getting a book at home is not participating in community. important, but building and engaging our community Reaching out to people who are receiving the books and starts with one-to-one relationships. Creating those bringing them together to intentionally facilitate their meaningful connections is something we can each do relationship to their Judaism, to each other and to the every day. The next time you are at a Center program, JCCGW is what community building is about. all you need to do is introduce yourself to someone new.
Robert H. Weiner, Executive Director Emeritus
Photo by Shmulik Almany
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BEHIND THE SCENES
A Central Hub that Connects Us All
An Interview with JCCGW Board Member Matthew Weinberg, Incoming Secretary What is an area of the JCCGW that is particularly meaningful to you? I am interested in programming for adults and empty nesters. I would like to find ways to encourage those who are wondering what their next chapter will look like to visit the Center, which may have many of the activities and programs they would enjoy and gain much from. What do you enjoy in your spare time? Spending time with my family. Now that two of our kids are off to college and the last a few years away from that, we go away every summer for two weeks. We have hiked many of the national parks. Last year we went to Iceland. Spare time means 5:30 a.m. and that is when I train for triathlons with some of my friends. We recently completed a marathon, which I will never do again. I am also on the boards of JDS and BuildingSteps. Matthew Weinberg, center, with wife Robin and children David, Alysse and Michael hiking in Iceland
Please tell us a little about your family. My wife, Robin Hettleman, and I moved to this area 28 years ago. She is the cofounder of the Tikkun Olam Women’s Foundation. We have three children. Twins Michael and David are juniors at Tufts and Rochester. Alysse is a sophomore at JDS. They have never forgiven us for not getting a dog. As a consolation prize, we bought them off with some great vacations.
when school ended. They took so many classes here: chess, cartooning, soccer, ballet, fused glass. Our son participated in the JCC Maccabi Games, an experience he still talks about fondly. I am passionate about the Center because our Jewish community needs a central hub providing activities and programming that connects us all. The JCCGW serves that purpose. It has the ability to bring together and engage all the people so that they feel that they are part of something greater than themselves. In one place, we can see seniors and new parents, teens and empty nesters.
Please tell us about your professional background. I am the CEO of The Weinberg Group, the leading FDA regulatory consulting firm. My first job out of college was at AT&T. I soon realized a master’s would be more fun than work and went back to Carnegie Mellon University for an MBA. Years later, I again Being on the board of the Center went back to the classroom, completing the means having the opportunity to help Wexner Heritage Program for leadership. bring our community together. I hope that I can contribute to strengthening the My connection to the Center started Center through effective management and when, as a kid, I rode my bicycle to the programming. It also means that there is a JCC every Thursday afternoon and played place where anyone can come—be it for a rec basketball. My kids did the same thing class, a swim or a meal—and feel part of the but they walked across the street from JDS soul of our community.
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
For JCCGW Members
Free On-Site Estimate and Unlimited Packing Supplies provided on the day of the move.
Commercial, Office, Residential, Local, Long Distance & Out of State
1-888-495-4951 www.495movers.com
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JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING
JUNE 2014
Shavuot in Israel
Shavuot, the holiday that commemorates the day the Israelites received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, begins at sundown on June 3 and ends the evening of June 5. It is one of the shalosh regalim, the three Biblical pilgrimage festivals. Shavuot is not an Israeli holiday, but does have components that are typical to Israel.
According to the Midrash, Mount Sinai blossomed with flowers in anticipation of the giving of the Torah on its summit. For this reason, Jewish families traditionally decorate with plants, flowers and leafy branches in honor of holiday. In Israel, flower shops are filled with more fresh flowers than usual, and children wear flower garlands on their head and go out to fields to collect wheat. Shavuot is also called the holiday of bikkurim (first fruits). In the period of the first and second temple, the bikkurim were brought from the seven species for which the Land of Israel is praised: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Baskets would be loaded on oxen whose horns were gilded and laced with garlands
of flowers, and who were led in a procession to Jerusalem. In modern Israel, the tradition of bikkurim continues in a secular way. Kibbutzim hold celebrations and offer environmental activities, children participate in a procession in which agricultural products are carried, and donations are made to the Jewish National Fund for land reclamation. The Torah is likened to milk, as the verse says, “Like honey and milk [the Torah] lies under your tongue.” This is one of the reasons it is customary to eat dairy food on Shavuot. In Israel, this tradition is taken to the extreme: TV commercials are all about dairy products, supermarkets empty shelves to make space for new dairy products, and special TV programs feature dairy cuisine and recipes.
Rockville Town Square was packed on Sunday, May 18 as the community celebrated Israel’s 66th birthday with lively music, delicious food and fun family activities. Israel Fest was presented by the JCCGW in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
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SUPPORT
Your Chance to Do More!
Sharing Laughs for a Serious Cause
On June 19, thousands of community members will show their support for their neighbors and their communities by participating in Do More 24. Powered by United Way of the National Capital Area, this innovative 24-hour online fundraiser will raise much-needed funding for nonprofits like the JCCGW. Please support us in our efforts to provide important services and opportunities for our community. This year, United Way is offering cash awards to the nonprofits that receive the greatest number of unique individual donations and the nonprofits that raise the most dollars. For Do More 24TM to succeed, please help us by: • Marking June 19 on your calendar and bookmarking this online giving link: http://domore24. org/charities/jccgw/ and donating to the JCCGW on or by June 19. • Spreading the word! Tell your family and friends why you believe in our work and why support for the JCCGW is so meaningful. We hope you are as excited as we are about making a difference on June 19. Together, we can Do More!
Event sponsor Monty Yolles (left) tries on the tiara of Christina Denny (right), Miss Maryland 2013, for size. Miss Denny’s platform as Miss Maryland was “Special Deeds for Special Needs.”
For the first time, eight organizations within the Jewish community—Friendship Circle, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, Jewish Social Service Agency, Matan, RespectAbility, Sulam and Sunflower Bakery—joined together to host MC Live, a special evening of comedy held at the JCCGW on May 5. Proceeds from the event benefit each organization, who all share a passion for providing quality of life to individuals with disabilities.
Working Together to Help Those in Need
Making a gift by June 30 will help us reach our fiscal year goal
The JCCGW is a place that so many of you call your “home away from home.” It also serves as a vital resource for individuals and families in our community who are struggling financially. Each year, we receive requests for more than $500,000 in financial aid. We still have more than $100,000 in requests for support to meet by June 30. A contribution in any amount will help us meet critical community needs.
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With your support, we are able to provide financial assistance to hundreds of individuals in the form of: • Scholarships to families in need who otherwise could not afford to give their children a Jewish preschool education or summer day camp experience • One-on-one camp counselors for children and young adults with special needs so that they can have a fun and meaningful summer in our nationally-recognized inclusion program • Reduced-rate memberships for adults with disabilities living in group homes so that they can enjoy all that the JCCGW has to offer • Support services for senior adults, including hot kosher meals, continuing education, health & fitness programs and social opportunities, helping them to live independently for as long as possible
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Your gift, made by June 30, will make a difference in our community. With so many individuals and families counting on our support, please consider donating to the JCCGW’s Annual Fund today. Your compassion and generosity will have a tangible impact on many lives. B’yachad—together—is a core value of the JCCGW. By working together, we can help those in need and strengthen our community. Donations may be made on our secure website at jccgw.org/donate or by contacting Katya at 301.348.3855 or katya@ jccgw.org. On behalf of all those who will benefit from your generosity, we thank you.
JUNE 2014
2014 JCCGW
Honorary Chair Larry Mann Kiddush Cup 18-Hole Tournament Co-Chairs Andy Bridge | Adam Lehman
June 9, 2014 Lakewood Country Club
Elijah’s Cup Tennis Tournament Co-Chairs Harris Rosenblatt | Robin B. Taub Schedule
11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Lunch Buffet
Tennis exhibition match featuring Paul Harsanyi, Richey Reneberg, Harris Rosenblatt and Michael Scherer
5:30 p.m.
Cocktail Reception & Awards Ceremony
Golf Tournament Tennis Tournament
For more information or to register, please visit jccgw.org/golftennis or contact Jodi Shulimson at 301.348.3769 or jshulimson@jccgw.org. Presenting Sponsor
Proceeds benefit the JCCGW’s programs and services for senior adults.
Grant Helps JCCGW Serve Immigrant Seniors The JCCGW is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. The grant will support the JCCGW’s Gateways program, which offers English-language classes and support services for immigrant seniors. For information about the Gateways program, please contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES
PJ Library Celebrates Shavuot and Shabbat PJ Library is a Jewish family engagement program through which free, high-quality Jewish children’s literature and music are mailed to families on a monthly basis. For details and to sign up, please visit pjlibrary.org. The JCCGW makes PJ Library come alive through activities for families with young children. For more information, visit jccgw.org/pjlibrary or contact Tracy Newman at 301.348.3848 or tnewman@ jccgw.org.
SUNDAES FOR SHAVUOT Sunday, June 1 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Carvel (816 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg) Monday, June 2 5-7 p.m. at Baskin Robbins (7909 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac) Celebrate the holiday of Shavuot with delicious ice cream, storytelling and a craft project. Special ice cream prices for PJ Library families! SPLASH INTO SHABBAT Friday, June 6 | 5-7 p.m. Join us at the JCCGW outdoor pool for storytelling, pool games and a Shabbat sing-a-long. FREE!
ushieBABY Murals. Paper. Life.
ushieBABY
creative designs for your child’s world
www.ushiebaby.com
www.ushiebaby.com
Preschool at the JCC of Greater Washington
Mention this ad for a 10% discount on your first order! professionally designed invitations, paper party decorations, wall murals, and room design
JCCGW PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN! Our Teachers Make the Difference Our son’s teachers created a warm, nurturing, and creative environment where he has flourished. Every day he has a new story about the ‘best’ day.
• Preschool for children ages 24 months – 5 years • Half and full-day options, 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. • NEW! Full-day enrollment includes a FREE Fitness Membership for the family • Conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland
301.348.3839 | jccgw.org | preschool@jccgw.org 8
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Contact Susan Donnelly at ushiebaby@me.com
JUNE 2014
Truck Day Delivers Truck Day, held last month, is always a highlight of the year for our preschoolers. From motorcycles to back hoes to huge delivery trucks and everything in between, the children had the opportunity to learn first-hand about different vehicles. And what would Truck Day be without a visit from the ice cream truck? (Although not featured specifically in these photos, circumstantial evidence suggests that the ice cream truck was definitely here.)
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CAMP, YOUTH, TWEENS & TEENS
Center for Jewish Enrichment through the Arts Sundays • 10 a.m.-12 p.m. • September 2014-May 2015 (26 sessions)
Arts Alive
Arts Alive is an interactive Jewish educational experience for children in grades K-2 that fosters positive Jewish identity, nurtures a love for Jewish life and learning, and inspires a passion for the arts from a young age. This artsinspired experiential program will facilitate imagination, expression and creativity in a dynamic, hands-on, multi-disciplined Jewish learning environment. Children from a variety of backgrounds and levels of observance will have a multitude of opportunities to explore Jewish holidays, culture, values, language, history and traditions in a warm and nurturing environment. Register before June 15 and save! For more information and to register, please visit jccgw.org/artsalive or contact Tracey Dorfmann at 301.348.3712 or artsalive@jccgw.org.
PARKING LOT
E. Jefferson St.
Traffic Alert: Campers are Coming
SCHOOL BUILDING
No Parking Areas Camper Drop-off & Pick-up
PLAYGROUND
From Thursday, June 19 through Friday, August 8, new traffic and parking procedures will be in effect on weekdays from 8:40 to 9 a.m. and from 3:50 to 4:30 p.m., as indicated in the diagram above. Please visit jccgw.org/traffic for details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to ensure our campers’ safety.
10 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
All required forms are now due! Log on to CampMinder and click on the “Forms and Documents” tab.
DATES TO REMEMBER Thursday, June 12, 7-9 p.m. Parent Orientation (parents only) Sunday, June 22, 3-5 p.m. Family Open House (families) For more information, please send an e-mail to campjcc@jccgw.org.
REGISTER NOW
for after-school programs for the 2014-2015 school year! jccgw.org/afterschool
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JUNE 2014
SUMMER CLASSES
Registration is open! For descriptions and to register, please visit jccgw.org. CLASS
CODE
AGE
DAY
DATES
TIME
FEE mem/gen. public
AQUATICS Caroline Cardullo • 301.348.3890 or ccardullo@jccgw.org Registration for all aquatics classes is due at least one week prior to start date. Swim Lessons Waterbabies
13223
6-18 mos
Su
Jun 22-Aug 3
9-9:30 am
$66/$81
Swim Lessons Watertots
13219
1-3 yrs
Su
Jun 22-Aug 3
9:30-10 am
$66/$81
Swim Lessons Level 1
13216
3-5 yrs
Su
Jun 22-Aug 3
10-10:30 am
$66/$81
Swim Lessons Level 1
13212
3-5 yrs
Tu
Jun 24-Aug 5
4:15-4:45 pm
$77/$95
Swim Lessons Level 1
13213
3-5 yrs
Th
Jun 26-Aug 7
4:15-4:45 pm
$77/$95
Swim Lessons Level 2
13217
4-6 yrs
Su
Jun 22-Aug 3
10:30-11 am
$66/$81
Swim Lessons Level 2
13218
4-6 yrs
Tu
Jun 24-Aug 5
5-5:30 pm
$77/$95
Swm Lessons Level 2
13220
4-6 yrs
Th
Jun 26-Aug 7
5-5:30 pm
$77/$95
Swim Lessons Level 3
13221
4-7 yrs
Su
Jun 22-Aug 3
11-11:30 am
$66/$81
Swim Lessons Level 4
13222
6-14 yrs
Su
Jun 22-Aug 3
11:30 am-12 p.m
$66/$81
Early Morning Masters Swim Club
13198
18+ yrs
Tu & Th
Jun 24-Aug 7
6:30-7:30 am
$84 members only
Pre-Team Swim Club
13206
6-14 yrs
Tu & Th
Jun 24-Aug 7
4:15-5:15 pm
$117 members only
Mid-Day Masters Swim Club
13210
18+ yrs
M&W&F
Jun 23-Sep 5
12-1 pm
$163 members only
"Mid-Day Master Swim Punch Pass 10 Visits"
13215
18+ yrs
M&W&F
Jun 23-Sep 5
12-1 pm
$75 members only
BENDER-DOSIK PARENTING CENTER Lauren Dworkin • 301.348.3837 or ldworkin@jccgw.org Hot Date! Summer Playtime
13259
birth-1 yr
M
Jun 2-Jul 28
11 am-12 pm
$20/$25
Hot Date! Summer Playtime
13260
1-2 yrs
Tu
Jun 3-Jul 29
11 am-12 pm
$20/$25
Shabbat Shalom Playgroup
13194
birth-3 yrs
F
Jun 20-Aug 15
10-11:30 am
Free; registration required at jccgw.org/parenting
Story Time Morning
13200
birth-5 yrs
W
Jun 25-Aug 13
10-11:30 am
$20/$25
Story Time Morning
13199
birth-5 yrs
Th
Jun 26-Aug 14
10-11:30 am
$20/$25
Summer Shape Up
13211
13+ yrs
Su
Jun 1-Jul 27
8:30-9:30 am
$35 members only
Summer Shape Up
13246
13+ yrs
W
Jun 4-Jul 30
6:30-7:30 am
$35 members only
Summer Shape Up
13240
13+ yrs
Th
Jun 5-Jul 31
11 am-12 pm
$35 members only
Tai Chi
13203
12+ yrs
M
Jul 7-Aug 25
FITNESS Meghan Batteau • 301.348.3710 or mbatteau@jccgw.org
11:30 am-12:30 pm
$79/$119
GYMNASTICS Sarah Catanzaro • 301.348.3892 or scatanzaro@jccgw.org Tumble Tots
13229
3-5 yrs
M
Jun 23-Aug 4
3:45-4:30 pm
$77/$91
Gymnastics Level A
13228
5-8 yrs
M
Jun 23-Aug 4
4:30-5:15 pm
$77/$91
Gymnastics Level B/Level B Advanced
13226
6-12 yrs
M
Jun 23-Aug 4
5:15-6:15 pm
$91/$105
HEBREW CLASSES Rivka Degani • 301.348.3810 or rdegani@jccgw.org Intensive Beginning Hebrew
13248
14+ yrs
Tu & Th
Jun 17-Jul 31
7-9:30 pm
$300/$375
Intermediate Level Hebrew
13250
14+ yrs
M
Jun 30-Jul 28
7-9:30 pm
$125/$160
Advanced Hebrew
13251
14+ yrs
W
Jul 2-30
7-9:30 pm
$125/$160
Beginning Hebrew
13249
14+ yrs
W
Jul 2-30
7-9:30 pm
$125/$160
Lil Dragons Karate
13225
3-5 yrs
W
Jun 25-Aug 6
3:15-3:55 pm
$128/$147
Kid Tiger Karate
13224
5-8 yrs
W
Jun 25-Aug 6
4-4:45 pm
$128/$147
Beginner/Intemediate Karate
13230
7-18 yrs
W
Jun 25-Aug 6
4:45-5:30 pm
$128/$147
Advanced/Black Belt Karate
13227
7+ yrs
W
Jun 25-Aug 6
5:30-6:15 pm
$128/$147
KARATE Sarah Catanzaro • 301.348.3892 or scatanzaro@jccgw.org
MUSIC Private music lessons are offered year-round for students 5 years and older. Contact Janet Getz at 301.348.3779 or jgetz@jccgw.org.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Team Greater Washington Scores Big at Games Congratulations to all of the athletes who participated in the 2014 Mid-Atlantic Jr. Games in Baltimore on Sunday, May 4. It was a great day full of competition, fun and friendship! To see more photos, visit facebook.com/teamgreaterwashington. The Mid-Atlantic Junior Games are a one-day sports experience, modeled after the JCC Maccabi Games, for Jewish athletes age 10-12 to compete and socialize with more than 500 Jewish athletes from 15 different cities from the mid-Atlantic area. For more information about the Games, please send an e-mail to games@jccgw.org.
12 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
JUNE 2014
High Energy at the Health & Wellness Expo More than 1,000 Montgomery County seniors attended the 5th annual Health & Wellness Expo in Leisure World on May 22. Co-sponsored by Jewish Residents of Leisure World and presented by Coming of Age in Maryland, the event featured health screenings, more than 50 exhibitors, live music, demonstrations and interactive workshops, and entertainment by the Capitol Steps.
PERSONAL TRAINING
Get in Shape for Summer Make the most out of your workout with personal training. Our certified trainers will keep you motivated as you work towards your fitness goals. For more information about personal training at the Center, please call 301.348.3891. Meet the newest members of our personal training team!
GABRIEL BLOOM
“When it comes to training clients, I believe that everyone has their own needs that need to be addressed systematically. No two people will respond the same to the same program.” • B.S. in exercise science with a concentration in exercise physiology, University of Delaware • American College of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer • Certified in first aid and CPR/AED
KATY MYEROWITZ-VANDERHOEK
BRIAN ZUCK
“I couple the enthusiasm that I have for exercise with my teaching skills and motivational techniques to help clients achieve their fitness goals.”
“My philosophy is that regular exercise will improve quality of life. I am always ready to help clients reach their fitness goals.”
• B.A. in American studies, George Washington University • ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainer • Certified in first aid, CPR/AED and as a life guard
• B.A. in radio/TV and film, University of Maryland; M.S. in health/fitness management, American University • ACE (American Council on Exercise) personal trainer • JCCGW master’s swim program coach
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ARTS & CULTURE
Yotam Silberstein and Friends Tuesday, June 10 7:30 p.m. At the age of 21, Yotam Silberstein won the prestigious Israeli Jazz Player of the Year title. Since 2005, he has had a meteoric rise in the New York jazz scene where his performances receive rave reviews from critics and fans. Mr. Silberstein comes to the JCCGW with his trio to perform his unique mix of straight ahead jazz, modern, Brazilian, world music, blues and bebop. Tickets can be purchased in advance at jccgw.org/concerts for $20, or at the door for $25. For more information, contact Janet Getz at 301.348.3779 or jgetz@jccgw.org.
Presented with the Washington Jewish Music Festival
43rd Season Sundays at 7:30 pm BRIAN GANZ Piano
WEILERSTEIN TRIO
September 14, 2014
Piano Trio November 2, 2014
TRIO CON BRIO COPENHAGEN & ETTORE CAUSA
FINE ARTS QUARTET
String Quartet Piano Trio + Viola March 8, 2015 November 23, 2014
RAN DANK & SOYEON KATE LEE
Piano Solos and Duo April 12, 2015
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency which believes that a great nation deserves great art. The JCCGW is also supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, the County Executive’s Ball for the Arts, and private sources.
14 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
AUGUSTIN HADELICH & JOYCE YANG
Violin + Piano May 3, 2015
JUNE 2014
SAVE THE DATE
THE LESSANS FAMILY
ANNUAL BOOK FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 6-16, 2014 Celebrating our 45th year!
Love books? Volunteer in our Book Store! If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Smith at 301.348.3778 or jsmith@jccgw.org or Debby Goldberg at 301.348.3816 or dgoldberg@jccgw.org.
Dr. Stuart Lessans (left) with his children, Faye and Matthew, and his wife, Dr. Ellen Lessans
Author David Laskin visited the Center last month to talk about his book, “The Family.” He is shown (holding the book) with Jeff Miller of the Jewish Geneaology Society of Greater Washington, which cosponsored the event.
The JCCGW sincerely thanks Drs. Stuart and Ellen Lessans for their generosity in naming the book festival in honor of their children, Faye and Matthew, and in loving memory of Stuart’s parents, Sara and Samuel J. Lessans.
GOLDMAN ART GALLERY
Donate Fine Art to the JCCGW Do you have art that you no longer want to keep? Please donate it to Better Treasures, our annual art sale that benefits Goldman Art Gallery shows and educational programming. We are looking for donations from fine art to folk art, Judaic or non-Judaic, modern to traditional, collectibles, paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture and fine crafts, in good condition. Artwork is accepted year-round. If you have artwork to donate, please bring it to the JCCGW front desk any time the Center is open. For more information contact Phyllis Altman at paltman@jccgw.org or 301.348.3770.
The JCC of Greater Washington is a 501(c)(3) taxexempt non-profit organization as defined by the IRS. You will not receive any goods or services in return for this contribution, making it fully taxdeductible. The JCCGW does not have the ability to assess the value of donated artwork. Please consult a tax professional.
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ADULTS & LIFELONG LEARNING
Volunteer Enid Portnoy Enjoys Connecting to Community
Volunteer Director Gloria Derkay, right, says that the Center is extremely lucky to have Enid Portnoy, left, as one of our outstanding volunteers.
Enid Portnoy helps with the Center’s intergenerational technology class, during which tech-savvy teens teach seniors how to use computers, iPhones, iPads and social media. The teens earn SSL hours for community service and the seniors learn how
to communicate electronically with their families and friends. Enid also volunteers at concerts and special programs whenever needed.
where she taught for 43 years and retired as an associate professor of communication and gerontology. For her work with senior citizens, the governor of West Virginia presented Enid has been coming to the Center her with the state’s outstanding ever since she moved to this area faculty community service award. from West Virginia in 1999. She said she was looking for a Jewish The Center is not the only organization connection in her new community. to which Enid devotes her time and She taught communication classes talents. She is a volunteer tutor in and has taken ACE (Adult Center for Montgomery County Public Schools, Education) classes here. What she an usher at Round House Theatre loves most about the Center is that and Arena Stage, facilitator of a everyone is so friendly and the Center book group called “Literature and offers wonderful cultural events, Friends,” and teacher at Oasis and especially the concerts, lectures, art Holiday Park. Enid’s son is founder exhibits and Book and Film Festivals. of Kids Enjoy Exercise now (KEEN), an innovative nonprofit that provides Before she came to our area, Enid sports opportunities to children started an organization called with disabilities. Elliot received the Intergenerate which paired senior JCCGW’s Abe Pollin Humanitarian citizens with college students Award in 2005. Like mother, like son! in Morgantown, West Virginia
Make Your Voice Heard
Chorus is looking for new members The JCCGW senior chorus, directed by Frieda Enoch, is looking for new members. The group meets every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Ring House and sings songs in English, Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino and Spanish. If singing strikes a chord in you, please join us! For more information, please contact Music has been a part of Jewish Frieda Enoch at 301.348.3809 or life since biblical times, and fenoch@jccgw.org. remains integral to the Jewish religious and cultural experiences. 16 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Games People Play
There will be no July session of the mah jongg class. For information regarding an August mah jongg class or a summer bridge class, please visit jccgw.org or contact Meryl Trachtman at 301.348.3808 or mtrachtman@jccgw.org.
JUNE 2014
MEN’S CLUB LECTURE
Anti-Semitism throughout the World Presented by David Friedman, ADL Regional Director Tuesday, June 10 | 1 p.m. Free & open to the public At this special meeting of the men’s discussion group, David C. Friedman will address the issue of anti-Semitism. David is the Washington, D.C. regional director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The Washington, D.C. regional office oversees ADL’s operations in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. He
also directs ADL’s national work with law enforcement, a position to which he was appointed just two months before the September 11 terrorist attacks. For more information on this lecture, please contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
The men’s discussion group, facilitated by Toby Gottesman, meets on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. The women’s discussion group, facilitated by Nancy Simon, meets on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. For more information, please contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
VISION MATTERS 2014
Eye Research Symposium Monday, June 9 | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital
Learn how cutting-edge vision research findings impact our understanding of the prevention and treatment of eye disorders and disease. This free event will include exhibits on vision support resources and technology. The Brady Lecture will feature keynote speakers Wai Wong, M.D., Ph.D. of the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health and Suleiman Alibhai, O.D., vision rehabilitation expert. This event is cosponsored by the JCCGW; Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington; Montgomery County, Maryland; and The Beacon. To register for this free program and reserve a light lunch, contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org. 17
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Thank You for Your Support To make a tribute gift, please visit jccgw. org/donate or contact Katya Pidgurskaya at 301.348.3855 or katya@jccgw.org.
The following list reflects gifts received from April 21 through May 19. CAMP R. Andrew Helgeson “Heart of Gold” Memorial Endowment Fund for Camp JCC Counselor Awards • in memory of “our son, Andrew” by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Jennifer Helgeson by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Rita Helgeson by Jennifer and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Richard Helgeson by Jennifer and Rita Helgeson • in remembrance of the yahrzeit of Bernard Samuel Feinstein, maternal grandfather of Andrew by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • congratulations to Mona and Neal Shah on the birth of their son, Rohan, proud grandparents Hansa and Sudhir Desai by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • get well wishes to Kathleen Collins by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in memory of Edwin Shuman, husband of Donna Shuman by Rita and Richard Helgeson Dolores Polakoff Memorial Children’s Camp Scholarship Fund • in honor of Morgan Zimmer by Tracy Spatz and David Zimmer EARLY CHILDHOOD Larry Osterman Nursery School Scholarship Fund • in memory of Larry Osterman by Nancy and Richard Alpher Preschool Scholarship Fund • in memory of Harriett Merkur by Irene and Tova Kaplan GENERAL SUPPORT Annual Fund • in memory of Rabbi Aaron Landes by Arlene Mager • in memory of Elaine Mann by Ruth Carski • in memory of Marvin Winer by Ruth Carski; Suzanne and Michael Feinstein Spring Gala • in honor of Norma Lee and Morton Funger by Harriett Bobb
TRIBUTE CONTRIBUTIONS JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING Elaine S. Mann Endowment Fund for Israel Education Programs • in memory of Elaine Mann by Robin Jacobson and James Armbruster; Roberta and David Benor; Lynn and Harvey Berk; Judy and Nathan Brown; Ellen and Lee Burstyn; Pam Nadell and Ed Farber; Michael Feinstein; Marcie and Don Goelman; partners of Habonim Investment Club Aleph; Barbara and William Harkaway; Rosalyn Levy Jonas; Irene and Edward Kaplan; Felice Kornberg; Adina and Allen Linden; Claire and Adam Mickelson; Rimma Rosenstein; Hilda Rubin; Yvette and Giora Segev; Nancy and Bert Silver; Hadassah Thursz; Shulamith Weisman; Weissbarth family; Donald Wolpe
SPECIAL NEEDS Lee and Ellen Burstyn Family Fund for Campers with Disabilities • in memory of Ellen Burstyn’s aunt by Betty and Don Cahall • in honor of Ellen Burstyn by Cindy and David Soffrin
Phyllis G. Margolius Endowment for the Celebration of Israel • in memory of Phyllis Margolius by Suzanne and Michael Feinstein
Joseph and Edith Weisz Family Endowment to Benefit Children with Special Needs • in memory of Patrick Collins by Helene Weisz and Richard Lieberman
Jack and Dorothy Greif - Sam and Sarah Bohm Scholarship Fund for Jewish Children with Special Needs • in blessed memory of Robert Allen by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Greif Special Needs & Inclusion Program • in memory of Bensel Selis by Charlotte and Alfred Stein
SENIOR ADULT PROGRAMS Dr. Coleman and Sylvia Raphael Endowment for Older Adult Programs • in memory of Stanley Rubin by Sylvia and Coleman Raphael Morris and Sonia Savage Memorial Fund for Senior Adult Education Programs • in memory of Morris Savage by May Savage • in honor of Deborah Sherman’s special birthday by May Savage Senior Adult Enrichment Fund • in memory of Albert and Beatrice Parnes by Louis Parnes Senior Adult Programs • in honor of Toby Gottesman on becoming a JCCGW board member and receiving the Flora M. Stetson Distinguished Service Award by Richard Adler; Marvin Arluk; Edwin Chidakel; Lewis Cohen; DC Sunday Nite Chavarah; Mark Edelman; Enrique Fefer; David Frome; Mark Gladstone; Ben Gottlieb; Lawrence Katz; Michael Krauss; Arthur Leibman; Susan and Larry Lesser; Steven Mathis; Jack Menase; Sam Niedzviecki; Ruth and Harris Pitlick; Sharon and Lawrence Rothman; Yvette and Giora Segev; Norman Singer; George Spectre; Paul Strudler; Herbert Tanenbaum; Ellen Tillman; Lawrence Weisfeld; Michael Weiss
18 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Donate your vehicle and support three agencies. • jewish Foundation for group Homes • jewish community center of greater washington • jewish council for the aging
240.283.6000
www.car-j.org
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JUNE 2014
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUNDAY, JUNE 1 11 a.m.-12 p.m. PJ Library program: Sundaes for Shavuot. 301.348.3848 3 p.m. Dance School Recital. 301.348.3777 MONDAY, JUNE 2 3:10 p.m. “Twist & Twirl” Preschool Dance Open House. 301.348.3777 5-7 p.m. PJ Library program: Sundaes for Shavuot. 301.348.3848 TUESDAY, JUNE 3 12-3:30 p.m. Kid Koverage. 301.348.3767 3:10 p.m. “The Magic Box” Preschool Dance Open House. 301.348.3777 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 Shavuot 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. H&F hours Offices and preschool closed 9 a.m.-5 p.m. HolidayCare. 301.348.3767 THURSDAY, JUNE 5 Shavuot 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. H&F hours Offices and preschool closed 9 a.m.-5 p.m. HolidayCare . 301.348.3767 FRIDAY, JUNE 6 12 p.m. New Friends, a group for widows and widowers. 301-348-3760 5-7 p.m. PJ Library program: Splash into Shabbat. 301.348.3848 SUNDAY, JUNE 8 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Books & Fellowship for Jewish singles age 45+. Author retrospective: Philippa Gregory. 301.348.3816 MONDAY, JUNE 9 Golf & Tennis Tournament (page 7) 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Eye Research Symposium at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (page 17) 11 a.m. Hurwitz Internal Light Low Vision Support Group meets at Ring House. 301.348.3760 TUESDAY, JUNE 10 1 p.m. Lecture on anti-Semitism (page 17) 1-3 p.m. Coming of Age: Celebrate summer Hawaiian style. 301.348.3832. 7:30 p.m. Concert: Yotam Silberstein (page 14) THURSDAY, JUNE 12 12-3:30 p.m. Kid Koverage. 301.348.3767 1 p.m. JCCGW/Hadassah Book Club: “Nemesis” by Phillip Roth. 301.348.3816 7-9 p.m. Camp JCC parent orientation (page 10) FRIDAY, JUNE 13 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Kid Koverage. 301.348.3767
MONDAY, JUNE 16 12:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age Food & Fun at Brio Tuscan Grill. 301.348.3832 TUESDAY, JUNE 17 5-8 p.m. Member Appreciation Pool Party (page 13) 7 p.m. Jewish Book Club: “My Promised Land” by Ari Shavit. 301.348.3816 THURSDAY, JUNE 19 Do More 24 (page 6) SUNDAY, JUNE 22 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Books & Fellowship for Jewish singles age 45+. Discussion only of the movie: “Pursuit of Happyness.” 301.348.3816 3-5 p.m. Camp JCC family open house (page 10) TUESDAY, JUNE 24 1:30-3:30 p.m. Coming of Age movie matinee at Leisure World Clubhouse II: “The Other Son” (in French with English subtitles). 301.348.3832 7 p.m. Low Vision Support Group. 301-2997077 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Coming of Age Nina’s Dandy Lunch Cruise. 301.348.3832 THURSDAY, JUNE 26 1:30-3 p.m. History Club meets at Ring House. 301.348.3760 7:30 p.m. 50+ Singles Group. 301.348.3808 MONDAY, JUNE 30 10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Coming of Age Day @ the Ring with exercise, discussion, lunch and entertainment by Furia Flamenca. 301.348.3832 FRIDAY, JULY 4 Independence Day 7 a.m.-5 p.m. H&F hours Offices, camp and preschool closed
OUTDOOR POOL HOURS MONDAY-FRIDAY Lap Swim 6-9 a.m. Open Swim 1-8 p.m. SATURDAY & SUNDAY Lap Swim 7-9 a.m. Open Swim 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
WEEKLY ONGOING PROGRAMS
SUNDAYS 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Elie Ronen Scott Family Gym MONDAYS 7:15 p.m. Duplicate Bridge TUESDAYS 1 p.m. Women’s Discussion Group 1 p.m. Men’s Discussion Group 2:30 p.m. Chess WEDNESDAYS 10-10:30 a.m. Storytime Singalong. Age 5 and under with parent/caregiver 2:30 p.m. Men’s Discussion Group THURDAYS 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Senior Adult Chorus at Ring House 10:45 a.m. Seniors Organized for Change at Ring House 1 p.m. Scrabble 3 p.m. Drop-in Discussion in Hebrew FRIDAYS 9:30-10:30 a.m. Shabbat Shalom Age 6 mos.-3 yrs. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chess
SELMA SWEETBAUM SENIOR SATELLITE PROGRAM 301.348.3760
MONDAYS Temple Solel in Bowie Ring House in Rockville 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH Young Israel Shomrei Emunah Congregation in Silver Spring 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton THURSDAYS Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton Ring House in Rockville
HEALTH & FITNESS HOURS Monday-Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
The building closes ½ hour after the H&F Department closes.
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2014 JCCGW
JUNE 2014
June 9, 2014 LAKEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
For more information or to register, visit
jccgw.org/golftennis Proceeds benefit JCCGW senior adult programs.
Presenting Sponsor
Member Appreciation
Pool Party
Tuesday, June 17* • 5-8 p.m. *Rain date: Wednesday, June 18
DJ, music, games, food and fun in honor of our wonderful members!
For more information, call 301.348.3800. JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org
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