Peninsula Jewish Community Center Your Center for Life! Summer 2011 Tammuz / Av / Elul 5771
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CenterView His Prescription? A Balanced Life After 37 years as a physician, Jack Bernstein may be retired, but only as a doctor of endocrinology and internal medicine. Today, the San Mateo resident is busier than ever, from kayaking to hiking and biking. “As we age, we want to broaden our exposure, not limit it,” says Bernstein, who is also an avid wildlife photographer. “The worst thing we can do is let ourselves get bored!” A Center Member since 2004, Bernstein enjoys a history with the PJCC that dates back to his children’s preschool days. “They learned to be Jewish at the Center,” he shares. He also reveals his medical expertise when sharing the real reason behind all his exercise. “So I can eat!” he laughs. “Seriously, exercise is an important
part of living. It’s a great anti-depressant, plus it helps maintain a positive body image by controlling weight.” A vigorous 74, Bernstein enjoys swimming and doing
the treadmill to help build endurance for his weekly 100-mile bike treks. “Diversity in exercise is important,” he says. “You need balance in all stages of life.” And he finds that balance at the Center. “I love getting a good workout, then sitting outside by the pool to read the The New York Times and relish a grilled cheese sandwich from the café,” he says. “He’s a gem, that chef Rafael. He’s part of the total picture. I like working out, knowing that a delicious, healthy reward awaits me.” Family is another part of the total picture that Bernstein appreciates. “The Center allows families to exercise together,” he observes. “No matter where you are in life, you’ll find your niche at the PJCC.”
PJCC and Kaiser Permanente Share Common Goals walking program. Kaiser Permanente also Since 2008, the PJCC has been proud spirit.” “Our collective goal is to provide provides two health resource centers at to call Kaiser Permanente Redwood City residents with easy access to health Medical Center our partner in health, providing wellness programs free of charge to the entire community. Subjects have included diabetes nutrition, falls prevention, stress reduction, women’s health, heart health, osteoporosis, smoking cessation, and skin health, with new topics slated for the future. One of the PJCC’s Guiding Principles is shlemut, or “wholeness of body, mind and
education and preventive care resources,” says Jane Post, PJCC Associate Executive Director. “In addition to wellness lectures, we’re taking creative steps to introduce healthy lifestyles in fun and creative ways.” Post is referring to the recent Family Health and Fitness Day, an annual event that drew over 2,600 enthusiastic participants. And last year, the PJCC hosted Kaiser’s popular 10,000 Steps®, a
the PJCC. “This summer, as part of the PJCC Wellness Initiative, we’ll be working with Kaiser to provide nutritional information and healthy eating guidelines for kids at the PJCC’s summer camp,” Post adds. “Kaiser’s focus on wellness complements our own and establishes the PJCC as a place to enjoy a well-rounded workout in mind, body and spirit.”
What Song Evokes Your Best Summer Memory? Wendy Dougherty, Center Member since 2010 “Sailing by Christopher Cross takes me back to 1980 when I was 11 years old and attended Camp Kanata in North Carolina. It was the ultimate camp experience.” Read additional summer memories inside!
Summer Jewish Holidays Tu B’Av A Day of Love
Shavuot
Day of New Beginnings June 8 – 9, 2011 (6 – 7 Sivan, 5771) Shavuot (shah-VOO-oat) simultaneously commemorates the reaping of the spring wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah (Bible) to the Jewish people. We are encouraged to cherish our freedom and observe the holiday by eating dairy products, decorating one’s home, synagogue and Jewish Community Center with flowers and greenery, and holding all-night study sessions.
August 15, 2011 (15 Av, 5771) Tu B’Av (TOO-bay-ahv) is the Jewish holiday of love and intimacy. During ancient times women wishing to marry would dress in white and dance through vineyards, hoping that potential mates would dance after them. Today this holiday is marked with the exchange of roses, chocolate and romantic gestures.
Say привет (Hello) to Vova Ekhilevsky
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hile most eight-year old boys are concerned with baseball, bugs and teasing their little sisters, Vova Ekhilevsky had more pressing issues: learning English. That’s because the Leningrad, Russia native was just eight years old when his parents migrated to the United States. “They wanted to provide my sister and me with more opportunities,” says the PJCC’s new Athletic Center Director. “With the 2
help of the Jewish Community Federation, we were granted permission nine years after my dad applied for the visa. I found the whole move a great adventure. What eight-year old wouldn’t like traveling on trains with armed guards?” The family eventually made their way to South San Francisco. “I didn’t speak a word of English when I began second grade,” Vova remembers, “but within four months I was fluent.” Later, when the family moved to San Jose, Vova attended San Jose State University where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Business. In the fitness industry for over 20 years, Vova is excited about cultivating an environment at the PJCC where people can change and improve their lives. “Winston Churchill said that, ‘success is not final, failure is not final, it is the courage to continue that counts,’” Vova shares.
“I’m inspired by people who overcome adversity and push forward.” Far away from cold Russian winters, today Vova lives in sunny Los Gatos with wife Jennifer, nine-year old son, Jack, and rescue Shepherd mix, Spencer.
The Joy of Summer by Scott Maltz, President, PJCC Board of Directors
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love long summer days, warm weather, flip flops and barbecues. But what I like best is that the kids are out of school. I relish this opportunity to slow down from the busy school year and enjoy more time together as a family. Whether your plans involve “planes, trains and automobiles” or you’re keeping it local with a “staycation” in our beautiful Bay Area, your family can count on the PJCC to provide a summer of fun. There’s the PJCC’s award-winning camp for the young ones and our fabulous outdoor pool for everyone to soak up the sun. In July, savor the sounds of Hawaii with international music sensation, HAPA, and in August discover local talent with our new Something’s Brewin’ at the J talent series. Maybe this is the summer you’ll explore a new exercise
ng o s t a h W
program. I just recently started Pilates and never thought a machine could make me work so hard. I’m using a PJCC personal trainer and discovering that his expertise makes all the difference. He inspires me to work harder. Perhaps personal training can help you reach your goals, too. One last note: I hope you were able to attend our recent Annual Benefit, Seeds to Success. It was a fabulous event that included a special tribute to Preschool Director Judy Garb and her 25 years with the PJCC. She epitomizes what makes the PJCC so special. Thank you for your support of this worthy cause. Your generosity is what allows the PJCC to continue offering our wonderful array of programs all year round.
evokes your best summer me mory?
Lynnea Mackey MiCHAEL HAYWOOD Member since 2011
Center GUEST
“Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi “Summer of reminds me of driving down ’69 by Brian the 405 in Long Beach with my Adams best friend. We were college always takes freshmen and me back to the summer whenever of 1984 when I was 16. that song My friends and I would came on, cruise down El Camino we’d roll down the Real and hang out in the windows, stick our arms out and Taco Bell parking lot, then sing at the top of our lungs!” go to Lyons Restaurant before it became a sushi bar”.
Ted Leash
Center member since 2007
“My wife and I tramped through Europe during the summer of ’68 and heard Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf everywhere we went. We always joked that our version would have been called Born to be Mild because that was more our temperament.”
Hoang do
& son, Eeann, member since 2007
wendy Riedel
PJCC Online Marketing Manager
“I remember “Summertime by Will taking a road Smith is trip to San a ‘feel Diego with good’ my college roommates song that always and hearing Boys of triggers the start Summer by Don Henley. of summer for There were five of us me. Even when crammed into my I hear it in the friend’s old Chevy wintertime, it Nova. We pooled our makes me want dollars for gas money to fire up a barbecue grill.” and munched on cheap junk food. It was a great trip!”
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In Appreciation to Our Donors for their Gifts and Contributions February 1 – April 30, 2011
PJCC Programs Adult Jewish Community Endowment Fund Anonymous in honor of JCCSF Carol Lloyd in honor of Susan Ammons Annette Weiss in honor of Susan Ammons’ retirement In Kind Donation Jean Lee
Camp
Brenda & Gary Berke Linda & Peter Gardner Edie Kissko & Matt Casamassina Rebecca Ryan in memory of Patty Korbus Sarah & Andrew Ryan Kaye & James Slavet Myrna Vega & Fredrik de Mare
Early Childhood Education Morris Stulsaft Foundation Jacquelyn & Andrew Cleeland Fundraising Partners Banana Seed Books Lunardi’s Mollie Stones Piazza’s Safeway
Get Up & Go
Larisa Alexander
Anonymous Ruth Aron Regina Dombeck Sylvia Friedland Leonor Luna Nancy Oxley Beth Springer & Paul Rosenblum Grace Schultz Allegra & Stanley Sockol Bonnie Taubman Marie Thorell
Sports & Recreation Koret Foundation For Maccabi Games
Youth and Family
In Kind Donations Simonian Rug Cleaners Michele Solomon
United Way
Anonymous
General Operating
Pola Abram in memory of Avner & Frankie’s son Central Peninsula Church Sylvia Chan in honor of Susan Ammons’ retirement Roger Fisher Vanessa & Marty Friedman in honor of Sharon & Scott Hartley chairing the Gala Sookey & Louis Glassman in honor of Joyce Strauss’ birthday Dinah Haken & Harold Meshel in honor of Joyce Strauss’ birthday
Kaiser Permanente Community Giving Campaign Jane & Jon Post Dr. & Mrs. Marshall Rotterman in memory of Dr. Basil Meyerowitz Jane Tan & Kenneth Schwartz Beth Springer & Paul Rosenblum Rebecca Wixon Merle Wolfe
PJCC Funds Annual Appeal Gifts
Melissa & Jeff Hessekiel The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Kristin Byrd & Jeff Peachin Leslie & Bob Reisfeld Anne & David Sipes Anne & David Steirman
Annual Appeal Gifts for Children, Youth & Family Anonymous Google Matching Gift Program Lois & Paul Levine
Annual Appeal Gifts for Senior Bus Fund Anonymous Katherine & Roy Bukstein Elina Kaplan & Daniel Lipkin Lois & Paul Levine Nancy Shaw Cecile Winton in honor of Susan Ammons
Annual Benefit donors will be listed in a future issue of CenterView. 4
A New Voice By Lavey Derby, Director of Jewish & Family Life What is the essential mission of the colorful story. What makes the PJCC such PJCC? To celebrate and share Jewish a stimulating environment is that it invites life together and with the broader PJCC community. Jewish Peoplehood is a sense of connection to previous and future generations, locally and around the globe. It makes no difference whether one is a religious or secular Jew, an Israeli or Diaspora Jew, an Ashkenazi or Sefardi Jew. This isn’t an important distinction. We all belong to one people and share a rich and
Jews of different backgrounds and people of all cultures to meet and connect with one another. It doesn’t matter whether your interest is in working out, Jewish education or socializing with friends. From perusing the latest art exhibit, attending a world music concert or participating in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), the PJCC is a special
Congratulations Michelle Klafter and Sandeep Goel!
community; here, we are invited to be part of an ongoing discussion about Jewish life and to share our Jewish stories. By doing so with people of all faiths and backgrounds, we become more connected, engaged and enriched, and help Jewish Peoplehood to grow. We hope you’ll be part of the conversation.
Something’s Brewin’
Patio Series Wednesdays
August 17 – 31, 2011 5:30 – 6:30 pm Hamlin Garden
“Biggest Winners” Michelle Klafter and Sandeep Goel both agree the fitness challenge introduced welcome changes in their lives. “This program provided me with motivation and guidance to be fit,” says Sandeep. “Life became more enjoyable at all levels, in mind, body and spirit.” Adds Michelle, “the challenge has given me renewed strength and energy, but— most important of all—I feel happier from within.”
Unwind with live entertainment at this new social hour featuring local talent! Free for Members.
“ … the most successful Hawaiian music group in recent history.” —The New York Times
Wednesday, July 20 · 7:30 pm • Outdoor Pool $12 Members • $15 Public • $17 Door Hang ten by the outdoor pool and savor the rich melodies of Hawaii’s most beloved band, HAPA. Wiki wiki (hurry, quick) … tickets are on sale now. Call 650.212.PJCC (7522). Aloha!
“Masterful … ” Stephen Stills, Crosby, Stills & Nash “They blew my mind!” Peter Fonda, actor 5
5 Ways You Can Make Time for Exercise By Michael O’Shea, PARADE Contributing Editor
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o matter what type of exercise you prefer, the trick to sticking with it for the long haul is planning ahead and staying flexible when life gets in the way. Pick and choose from these simple strategies to find out what works best for you. Your body—and mind—will thank you. Block it out Sit down with your calendar on Sunday and try to figure out the best times in the week ahead to exercise. Perhaps it ends up being two lunchtime workouts and an early-morning walk. Then write it down on your calendar. Treat your exercise date as an appointment with a business associate you would not dare dream of canceling on. To round out your week, aim for a slightly longer workout on the weekend. Try a Lunchtime Workout Some companies without the space for an on-site gym help pay for memberships at local gyms or clear out meeting rooms once a day for a fitness or yoga class. Many
gyms also offer 30-45 minute classes at lunchtime. If you keep a gym bag packed and ready to go at the office, you should be able to fit this in at least twice a week. Another option is a 30-minute walk in the neighborhood at lunchtime—with friends or alone. Not only is this a good long-term health move but you’ll also have far more energy in the afternoon.
motivate you to show up, and having company will keep you from getting bored. Commit to one morning or evening walk a week with your spouse or a buddy. If the weather is bad, head to a mall. One of the best things to do for yourself and your family is to get in the habit of going out for an after-dinner walk together. It all adds up to an active, healthy life.
Break it Up Can’t fit in 30 consecutive minutes? Break it up into smaller bits. Instead of firing back an e-mail to your co-worker, stroll over and talk. Make a habit of walking—outside or around your office—when you’re on the phone. Take the stairs instead of an elevator. When you’re at your kids’ games, hoof it around the soccer or baseball field. Wear sneakers when you travel, then roam around the airport while waiting for your flight.
Take Commercial Breaks The next time you settle in to watch one of your favorite shows, why not sneak in some fitness intervals? Make a promise to yourself that every time a commercial comes on, you’ll get up and move during the interlude. Some activities you might try: simple squats, jumping jacks, ab crunches or even marching in place. Keep a set of light weights next to the TV and grab them for a quick set of easy bicep curls. Choose a different exercise during each commercial break to work out various parts of your body.
Grab a Buddy Exercising with a friend at a set time will
Reprinted with permission from the February 25, 2007 issue of PARADE Magazine. 2010 Parade Publications. All rights reserved.
Learn how you can find time for workouts that are easy, quick and effective. Talk with a PJCC personal trainer at 650.378.2775.
What Will Your Legacy Be? By Art Wolf, Director of Development Jewish tradition teaches us that we create meaning by the Bay Area over the next 18 months to hold conversations about connecting ourselves to something greater, such as our common legacy giving. Our tradition calls us to continue the work of our values, community, and practices like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). In 1949, when a group of pioneering volunteers formed the PJCC in a small home in Burlingame, they built upon this long-standing tradition by creating a community institution dedicated to the common good. Today, the PJCC continues to work toward the common good, developing programs and services to meet evolving needs and interests. Two recent examples are the “Treehouse @ the J” after school program and Get Up & Go escorted senior transportation program. Recently the PJCC joined with the Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School and 16 other core institutions to participate in the Community Legacy Project. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Federation, the Project will reach throughout 6
forebears, building for future generations. Taking part in this tradition is easy and very different from other charitable gifts. Simply name the Peninsula Jewish Community Center in your will, or add the Center as a beneficiary in your IRA, life insurance policy or retirement plan. There are also opportunities to make a charitable donation now and receive a lifetime income. I welcome you to contact me for a confidential conversation about a legacy gift to the PJCC and the other institutions you care about. You can reach me at 650.378.2759 or awolf@pjcc.org. You can also speak with one of our trained volunteer leaders. Your investment in our common future will bear fruit for lifetimes ahead.
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Curator’s Corner
by Kimberly Gordon, PJCC Cultural Arts Director “The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.” — Deuteronomy 14:5
Capturing Animals with a Brush The PJCC is always a year-round family characteristics of each subject and destination. But during the summer, with painted with this composition as more than 500 children enrolled in Camp Keff and various Specialty Camps, kids rule! And some of them paint too, which is why we’re handing over the palette and paintbrush to campers enrolled in Emerging Artists. This customized oneweek curriculum mirrors the creative process of Israeli artist, Tamar Assaf, whose exhibit Animals of the Bible, is on display in the PJCC Art Gallery from July 6 – September 21. In 2008, Assaf traveled throughout Israel to photograph animals, cited in the Bible, from various angles and perspectives. She then cropped the photos to reflect the distinguishing
inspiration. Assaf explains, “My paintings are my interpretation of those distilled qualities of the animals.” Our 3rd – 6th grade campers won’t be traveling overseas. They will, however, journey to CuriOdyssey (formerly Coyote Point) in San Mateo to photograph creatures with fur, feathers and scales native to the Bay Area. Following Assaf’s technique, our young artists will then use these photos to base their future masterpieces. Keep an eye out for their work: throughout August, the PJCC will feature a special Emerging Artist art exhibition in Conference Room A.
Emerging Artist Camp, July 25 – 29, 2011
Do you know a 3rd – 6th grade emerging artist? A few slots still remain in this specialty camp. Call 650.378.2704 today!
PJCC Teacher Turns Inventor
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enter Member Lori McLaughlin always dreaded clipping her young baby’s nails. “I didn’t like using a sharp clipper next to Zachary’s delicate skin,” the young mom remembers. ”Once, I actually cut his finger!” The Belmont resident knew there had to be a better way to groom young nails. When she couldn’t find one, she took matters into her own hands and invented the Butterfile, a convex rounded nail file in the shape
Thank you, eScrip Merchants Many thanks to these local merchants for their eScrip support: Bianchini’s Markets, Lunardi’s Markets, Mollie Stones, Piazza’s Fine Foods, Safeway and Trag’s Market. Learn more at www.escrip.com. Bring-a-Friend Friday June 24 · July 29 · August 26 Seeking local talent ages 18+ Can you carry a tune, tell a good joke, play the harpsichord or pull a quick sleight of hand? Share your talents in our new talent series from August 17 – 31. To submit your act, visit www.pjcc.org/arts/arts-events.html or call 650.378.2751. Your Center @ Work for You: • Replaced lobby furniture • Added four new umbrellas in Hamlin Garden • Re-graded temporary parking lot • Installed four informational digital monitors • Installed additional security on the Koret exterior door • Installed an energy-saving spa cover • Installed permanent art easels at the ECE • Added additional recycling and compost containers • New carpet throughout downstairs Byer Athletic Center
of a butterfly. The gentle, easy-to-grip file won the 2010 “Mom Invented®” California product search and is now sold at www.mominventors.com and Anna’s Linens stores. “This is my first invention, but I have another idea in the works,” says McLaughlin, who also teaches at the PJCC Preschool. “I live by the quote, ‘Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re probably right,’ because it’s true. And I can!” 7
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID San Mateo, CA Permit No. 822
Peninsula Jewish Community Center 800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404
brought to you by the PJCC!
R E T S FO
CITY
Balclutha Drive between Foster City & Shell Blvds. Adjacent to the PJCC 800 foster city blvd.
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– novem m 0 b 9: r i l
Top Ten Reasons to SHOP the Foster City Farmers’ Market: 10. Support our state and local economies. Farmers’ Market produce is grown in California—so the money remains in our community and stimulates the local economy. 9. Learn about the produce you buy. Ask farmers where it was grown, what variety it is and get cooking suggestions. 8. Discover different varieties of produce. Produce that’s bred for flavor, not its ability to travel. 7. Support local farmers. Farmers’ Market farmers get the whole dollar (vs. commercial farmers, who get just .25 from each dollar’s worth of produce sold). 6. Reduce your carbon footprint. Purchasing locally grown produce saves fuel and resources otherwise spent on long distance shipping. 5. Enjoy delicious fresh produce. Picked ripe and sold within a day or two. Supermarket produce can travel up to two weeks, which compromises flavor. 4. Help preserve open spaces. Working farms do this without using tax dollars. 3. Connect with your community. Visit with farmers, mingle with neighbors and meet new people. 2. Enjoy the beauty (and variety!) of fresh flowers. The types of flowers at Farmers’ Markets vary with the season, but they’re always beautiful.
and the #1 reason to shop the Foster City Farmers’ Market: 1. Farmers’ Market produce always yields tasty results! CenterView is published by:
Byer Athletic Center Holiday Hours • July/Aug/Sept 2011
Monday, July 4 Independence Day 8:00 am – 5:00* pm Monday, September 5 Labor Day
8:00 am – 5:00* pm
*Pools close 30 minutes prior to the close of the Byer Athletic Center.
Peninsula Jewish Community Center 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 P 650.212.PJCC (7522) • F 650.378.2799 www.pjcc.org A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. A proud member of the North Peninsula Jewish Campus.
Family Favorites! Fitness Center and Swim School