IMPACT
Bridgewater
A COMMUNITY BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS June 2017
A Message from your Outgoing JCC President So you may wonder, “What’s it like to be the President of the SSBJCC?” You don’t become the President for fame, glory or notoriety. When walking through the JCC as many times as I have over the past few years, most people do not recognize me or know who I am and what I do at the JCC. When you have a board and staff as talented and dedicated as ours, the position of President is little more than a title. They let you run meetings and sign checks and in the rare case of a board tie, you get to cast the deciding vote! Now that’s not to say there isn’t an occasional late night or weekend call from Laura or an emergency or two that comes up along the way, i.e. this year’s multitude of uncredible bomb threats to JCC’s across the United States. But as a whole, the SSBJCC runs like a well-oiled machine and that’s thanks to the quality of its people. It has been my honor to serve as JCC President for the past two years and I look forward to continuing as a JCC board member for years to come. It’s all about the people -- including members, staff, volunteers and the board. Together they make up the JCC family and like all families, there will be disagreements and misunderstandings. But in the end we all want the same thing, which is to see the family grow and prosper. And over the past two years that’s just what has happened. Thanks to the generosity of the Betty & Arthur Roswell and the entire community, we no longer have to pay the monthly mortgage from the operational budget. We have also finished the second floor expansion above the Early Childhood Center. This gives us dedicated space for the highly successful JCrew After School Program and two much larger rooms for community gatherings and programs. In addition, during my tenure, we have increased security both inside and outside the building, we constructed a new Welcome Center, we have renovated both the indoor and outdoor pools, we have enhanced our Camp Ruach facilities, we have put into action the phase two renovations which include expanding our fitness facilities, and we have expanded our special needs programs, positively impacting this very important segment of the community. There are many other accomplishments of which we are extremely proud. I leave my position as President with even higher hopes for the future. Seth Geldzalher is a natural born leader and has a deep understanding of the needs of this community. I look forward to aiding him in any way that he requests. Together with our JCC family, we will continue to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the local Jewish community and beyond.
Richard Skydell
A Message from your Incoming JCC President I am so very excited to be assuming the role of President of the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC Board of Directors. I am thrilled to have this honor, and I share the enthusiasm and devotion shown by all of my predecessors. As I write my first message as the new President of the JCC, I am sitting in my hotel room in Jerusalem spending an amazing 12 days with my wife, Amy visiting our daughter, Hannah (studying a semester abroad at Tel Aviv University) in Israel. I was asked by Laura to write a few words about what I hope to accomplish as your next President. Two weeks ago I would have simply said my four main goals and objectives are the following: 1. To help to maximize the use of the beautiful expansion that we recently completed by encouraging additional programming and seeing through the expansion and renovation of the fitness center. 2. Encourage the feasibility analysis and implementation of the detailed strategic plan prepared with the upmost in dedication over the past six months by a committee of both JCC members and staff, and recently adopted by our Board of Directors. 3. Continue to make sure that the J is a place where members and guests both feel and are safe and welcomed. 4. Foster partnerships with local synagogues - exploring models of other communities of joint memberships so that the JCC can be “the place to be” for the entire community to interact. However, after spending time in Israel, I must emphasize and include the expansion of our already wonderful “Israel-themed” programming. It is a critical time for everyone in the States (and we can start with just Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties) to get to know the true Israel, warts and all. I will lead and encourage staff and lay leaders to work together and with other local, national and international Jewish agencies to continue to bring the high level educational and informative events to our community - with an emphasis on encouraging increased attendance. And, I cannot forget that we have to have fun!! As has often been said, the J is the “happy place” for many members and the community at large, and I want that to be the feeling for every member and visitor who walks through our doors. I want to thank Richard Skydell for all he has done during his presidency, especially in delivering our wonderful expansion. I look forward to his continued guidance as Immediate Past President. I also look forward to working with Laura and her entire staff along with the Executive Board and full Board over the next two years.
Seth Geldzalher
A look back...
18 years in Bridgewater
Then
Now
By the Numbers
2016 Income &Expenses
2016 Annual Report
J Build Your Capital Campaign Dollars Working Hard!!
Ready to go!
November
September October
January December
Framing goes up!
We are thrilled to complete the expansion of the JCC’s Second Floor new, beautiful space features a large Community Room, and will be “upstairs” houses additional classroom space for the Blaustein Early program, new offices for members of our JCC staff, as well as an offic
There have also been a number of renovations and enhancements to and others you may not be aware of. We have resurfaced both the in the Indoor Pool, and we upgraded to LED lighting in the Indoor Po
THANK
ON... O S G N I COM
Phase 2: A New Fitness Center Spin Room & Group FItness Studio Plumbing & Flooring!
March February
Walls & Ceilings are up! April
May
r. We thank all of the donors who made this become a reality. This e the new home to the J-Crew After School Program. In addition, the Childhood Center, space for JCares Adults with Special Needs Intern ce suite for the Jewish Federation.
o the main JCC building and our grounds – some of which are evident e indoor and outdoor pools. The sliding doors have been replaced ool, Gymnasium, throughout the main building and the Parking Lot.
K YOU!
Almost Done!
Special
Besty Zalaznick
I
contacted Laura Friedman, JCC
The Special Needs programs are designed to prov for children and adults with Special Needs, Auti fers an inclusive environment that is open to all r
Executive Director, to inquire about the possibility of creating an adult internship program at the JCC. To say the reception during that first conversation was positive is an understatement. I got off the telephone and felt like I had spoken to someone who “gets it.” Apparently, Laura felt the same way. Fast forward five months…happiness is coming to the JCC to pick up your daughter at 3 pm and you are greeted with smiles and waves from everyone -- the security officer, Jamie at the Welcome Center -- and then you hear about Kate’s day at the JCC. Lisa shares how helpful Kate was with preparing the lunch for the seniors, Sarah updating me on Kate’s mailing/label project, Korene telling me how Kate is using the kick board in the pool, and Mike sharing with me that Kate is lifting weights in the gym! We hear about Kate’s productivity in the kitchen -- baking sugar cookies for the seniors and blueberry muffins for the pre-school. Ellie, I cannot say enough nice things about you…you are an amazing coach to your staff. We feel so lucky that there is such a warm, friendly community at the JCC. It sounds so “corny”, but the community really creates this special environment. Organization’s philosophies are established and set by the leadership. It is clear that there will be endless opportunities for Kate to gain independence and grow in her new JCC home. With sincere gratitude for helping to set a life-changing agenda.
Program opportunities improve quality of life, en development, cultivate friendships and provide The JCC believes all communities should open th
J CARES is the JCC’s Adult Intern Program that p adults with Special Needs, Autism and Develop meaningful structured programming that prom interns are supported/mentored by trained staf ational activities.
The J ZONE’s mission is the gift of time. Our resp fun to children with special needs, and offers a from the daily challenges of childcare.
J-CONNECT provides social programs and opport the Prom, Spring Fling, Pasta Dinner, Bingo and
Camp Chaverim is our summer camp program de to experience a typical summer camp and integr
The JCC offers Special Needs Adaptive Swim Less ing Tide Special Olympics Swim Team. As part o Area 10, the Team practices weekly and compet We provide an enriching and welcoming environ and up.
Linda Voigt
As a family with children demonstrating problems with attention, emotional regulation, impulsivity, and sensory processing, we look forward to Sunday afternoons at the JCC Respite Program. Here, our children participate in and enjoy a wide range of activities, from swimming to sports and outdoor games, closely monitored by caring, patient, experienced staff. Because we trust the watchfulness of the caregivers and the security of the site, we feel great relief from the stress of getting things done on the weekend. For two hours we can focus on our needs, knowing the children are safe! We truly appreciate this gift of time.
Cares
l Needs
vide social, educational and recreational choices ism and Developmental Disabilities. The JCC ofregardless of race, gender or religious affiliation.
nhance physical well-being, social and emotional opportunities to integrate into the community. heir hearts and doors to everyone.
provides social and recreational opportunities to pmental Disabilities. Our objective is to provide motes a feeling of independence and value. The ff and participate in an array of social and recre-
pite program provides two hours of recreational a well-deserved break to parents and caregivers
tunities for Adults with Special Needs, including more.
esigned for campers with special needs who wish rate with peers.
sons, and is proud to be the home of the JCC Risof Special Olympics New Jersey Somerset County tes in three swim meets throughout the season. nment for swimmers with special needs ages 10
Jennifer Miller
My son, Michael, age 24, began attending the JCares day program for adults with special needs in March of this year. He previously attended another day program, however, it was not stimulating enough and he no longer wanted to go. I reached out to as many community contacts as I could think of in order to find a new day program for Michael, and the JCC responded to me immediately. They told me about the program that they had just begun at the end of January and I scheduled an in-take session as quickly as I could. Michael attends the J-Cares internship program two days per week and he absolutely loves it! The participant’s day is tailored to their likes and their needs. They participate in all different types of activities -- projects, work-out in the Fitness Center, swim in the pool, cook and have lunch with the seniors or the children in the preschool. Michael loves Pokémon so they go Pokémon hunting. Michael expressed how much he looked up to law enforcement, so he also now assists the security officers with keeping an eye on the front doors. They have picnics outside in the nice weather and will be going on day trips in the summer. Every day is something different. As a parent we want the best for our children. It is extremely hard for the parent of a young special needs adult to find a safe, fulfilling place for their child to be while they are at work. Now, Michael comes home happy (and exhausted!) and cannot wait to go back the next time. I am blessed to have found this program for my son and I cannot say enough about the JCC and the wonderful mentors who run this program. It has enriched my son’s life and given him something to wake up to each morning and it brings tears to my eyes to see him so happy. Thank you JCC!
Connect
$7133...
Doing Good Deeds Raised and Donated!
doing good de MARCH doing good deeds TM
USHER 1F COLLABORATIVE
MADNESS
TM
USHER 1F COLLABORATIVE
The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC recently completed its 3rd Annual March Mitzvah Madness initiative. March Mitzvah Madness was created with the purpose to involve JCC members and members of the community in performing “mitzvahs” or “good deeds”. The staff of the JCC sponsors activities throughout the month of March that raise funds for other non-profit agencies located locally in our community and in Israel. This year, the JCC raised funds for Team Liberty, NJ Sharing Network (Designer Handbag Bingo event); Special Olympics Somerset County (Pasta Dinner); The Lone Soldiers Center in Jerusalem and Usher 1F Collaborative (Bake Sale). The total dollars raised through March Mitzvah Madness 2017 was $7,133. In addition to these fundraising events, the JCC staff and membership collected socks and toiletries for teens residing at Visions and Pathways, a group home located in Bridgewater. In additional, the staff baked challahs for local seniors so they could enjoy a Shabbat tradition in their homes.
It is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes all the difference in the world. Pirke Avot
Impacting the
Locally and Globally
Community Adler Aphasia Center
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County
Cancer Community Support Brahma Childcare Community House Solutions Central NJ
Su
pp
NJ Blood Services Lone Soldiers Center, In Memory of Michael Levin
or
Circle of Hope
Friends of the IDF
Haifa Foundation (Fire Relief)
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
g
tin
c a p
tin
Im
g
Caring
Helping
Usher 1F Collaborative
United Way of Northern NJ
Safe & Sound
Bridgewater
Samaritan Homeless Interim Program
Somerset County Office of Youth Services
Zarepath Christian Church
Visions and Pathways
Mt. Bethel Village
Somerset County Regional Animal Center
Home School Network
S
Special Olympics, New Jersey
n he
t ng
e tr
g in
Team Liberty NJ Sharing Network
The Lyons Veteran’s Hospital
Em
po we r
in
The Dept. of Children & Families, NJ
g
The Food Bank of Somerset County
The Resource Center of Somerset County
The Midland School
Your JCC enhances the lives of so many in our community and living in Israel, including impacting those less fortunate right here locally. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and nondiscrimination facility for all to enjoy. Our doors are always open and we host many community groups, providing them with courtesy meeting and activity space.
J Story The Hyman Fam
ily
It had been ve ry easy this su mmer getting my kids up each morni ng. They were so excite d about their plans for their day at Ca mp Ruach. The staff at Camp Ruach makes an im pact on everyone they come in contac t with. The counselors are fantastic, fr iendly, fun and most of all engaging . From the bottom of my heart I th ank you all for giving my children a camp they can call ho me. A place to run to when school le ts out. A place where they can be th emselves beca use they know they are embraced rega rdless. They are alread y planning to return next year. I love having th e confidence while I’m at work that th e children are able to be active an d social in a safe and fu n environment. I wish every child in th e world could be lucky enough to have a Camp Ruach experience! Thank yo u for all that yo u have done for us.
Alexis Sellas, LSW, Residential Youth Program Coordinator The scholarships awarded to families in our Safe & Sound programs are an enormous asset to their path of healing. The children were able to participate in amazing day camp program that afforded a sense of normalcy, and most importantly, fun, amidst the upheaval that they are experiencing. I have heard from the grateful parents whose children participated in the programs and they have expressed the immense joy their children had in the programs. Children need the time to play and engage in recreational and educational activities in order to grow. This is especially crucial after experiencing trauma and crisis. The JCC Camp Ruach programs provided these invaluable opportunities to our families. Additionally, the staff’s sensitivity and generosity towards our clients were present in all aspects of our process of working together. On behalf of myself, the agency, and the clients we represent, we thank you!
Donna ,G Gabrie ianni and lla Ma zzeo eviden t
It was beyon to me d, and in that the peo from camp vo p o ing Ca lved in the le who are b rientation and mp Ru e d h a ind t y toach so they d great i day operat he scenes o and io s beca want t specia use th n of makom l ey love in goo for each ch ake every s wha in ild d picked hands ever . I knew m gle day of ca t y day up unt from t y children mp il staff m he tim were ade m the time the e th from d y y ay one children an were dropp ey were ed Giann d as par ic t of th me feel so off. The great e ould not ha e welcom J C Cf ve gon x e e to ca amily. Gabi of the perience ha mp or and d it no spons t h o the va a been f rs who or the d such a lu genero the co es the JCC believe in t he JCC shares mmun sity ity. v with t heir fa ision and milies and
Leigh Ann Panas Childhood The JCC Blaustein Early t of our par Center has become years – it r fou family over the past . In our me ho is truly our second parents, ng rki family with two wo e comtak we our days are long and ting get are y the fort in knowing that le ilab ava ion the best early educat en ldr chi the from the ECC. Every day play and learn about new things, ess to acc e hav exercise. They also oughthr ies ivit other wonderful act and im sw a, yog out the day, such as music! positives However, out of all those is more ng thi about the ECC, no chilthe e lov important than the rs che tea ir the dren are shown by is ECC The . day and staff every single exhad we at wh above and beyond y thankful pected and we are so ver ool and sch ul erf to have this wond t have tha s nd the community of frie tthew Ma t tha e come with it. We lov and ues val ish is learning about Jew so all It’s . ple peo how to treat other you at wh r tte ma very important, no few years believe in. We still have a ke their ma to and children left t it will bu , ECC course through the family as Pan the be a sad day when ly! dai doesn’t visit the ECC
Jeff Schw ar tz
Yom H a’A awesom atzmaut was e!! You to guys did tally an amaz ing job. such Conside commun ring our ity has nev an event before, it er had such expectat was bey ond all ions. Y ou shou proud of ld all be the work you did.
Tzedakah Active Disposal Services, Inc. Abby & Barry Ages Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Alan Zevin Arbor Glen/Greenbrier Adult Living Barker Bus Company, Inc. Janet & Kalman Barson Bella Foundation Andrea & Randy Berkow Bonnie & David Bernstein Dawn & Gary Bernstein Nancy Bisignano & Kenneth Bernstein Linda Bernstein Bill Vince’s Bridgewater Acura Binsky & Snyder Service, LLC Harriet & George Blank Michael Bloomstein Laura & Lee Brathwaite Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital, P.A., Roxanne & Bruce Levinston Bridgeway Assisted Living, LLC Lisa Nierenberg & David Bunevich Cindi & Bruce Butler Paul Butler Camp Bow Wow Care One at Somerset Valley Carlaina, LLC Miriam & Michael Carson Castle Fire Protection Inc. Chadler Solutions Marsha & Mark Chazin Alisa & Martin Chotiner Dolly Choudry Beth & Howard Cohen Hadas & Josh Cohen CohnReznick Advisory Group Community Foundation of New Jersey Cornick Family Periodontics, Faith & Peter Cornick David Crystal Deli King of Linden Direct Energy ERS Charitable Fund, Inc. Adena & Geoff Feinstein Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Nicole & Keith Oringer Amy & Joel Fischer Laura & Brett Friedman Liz & Steven Fuerst Amy & Seth Geldzahler Gillen & Johnson, PA Rose & Steven Goldberg Debbie & Paul Golden Nancy & Joseph Gorrell
Traditions Jeff Gropper Judy & Larry Gross Florence & Bryan Grossman Joan & Steven Handel Harold Grinspoon Foundation High Tech Landscapes, Inc. Jill & Richard Hirsch Andrea & Peter Horowitz Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates Hunterdon Healthcare/ Hunterdon Medical Center Jeffrey Matthews Group Linda Jerrow JK Electric Kamine Technology Group, LLC KDC Solar Keller Williams Towne Square Realty, Michele Klug Caryn & Jeff Kenin KF Mechanical Kluger Family Foundation, Addie & Larry Kluger Darren King KRE Group Inc. Sandy & Harold Krawitz Marianne Kurman La Pizzeria Landmark Retail Jill & Eric Lavitsky Ronni & Mark Lederman Nancy & Arthur Lee Judith Hersh & Andrew Lesser Natanya & Jason Levitz Irene & Steven Lieberman Josh Leibner Manhattan Bagel Westfield Merrill Lynch, Josh Cohen Merrill Lynch, Michael Saul MetLife Auto & Home Mid-State Lumber Corp. Money Mailer New Jersey Spine Institute Wendy & Stephen Offen Oscar & Ella Wilf Campus For Senior Living, Inc. Peapack-Gladstone Bank Pieros Construction PNC Bank Prudential Foundation Rainbow Painting Raritan Building Services Roger’s Paving Rebecca Rome
Caring Rosa International Group Rosenberg, Rich, Baker, Berman & Company Betty & Arthur Roswell Zella Rubin Allison & Steven Saperstein Christine & Michael Saul Carrie & Robert Saul Eugene Schenkman Schneider Electric North America Foundation Jill Gropper & Gary Shiman Paige & Jason Silberfein Sandy & Dov Simons Monica & Richard Skydell Skydell Contracting Inc. Marjorie & Jonathan Slass Smart Trust Unit Investment Trusts Somerset Orthopedic Associates Somerset Patriots Somerset Pediatric Group, P.A. Somerset Valley Urgent Care Somerville Aluminum Somerville Lumber, The Deck Center Sherry & Doron Steger Strategic Commitment Group Strike Force SportsWear Sugarman Law, LLC, Kate & Barry Sugarman Lillian Swickle T&R Landscaping, Inc. Tarheel Kennels Temple Sholom Cemetery Association The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Breeze The Chelsea at Bridgewater The Vein Institute of Hunterdon Tino’s Construction Edward Tolman Toshiba Business Solutions University Radiology Group, Inc, P.C. Verizon Foundation Jessica & Josh Wang Sara & Jeffrey Wasserman Karen Kasnetz & Joseph Weinstein Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Brenda Giordano & Harlee Hatoff Wells Fargo Securities, Peter Horowitz Robin Wishnie Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Mona & Eric Yorke Dee & Wally Yosafat Paula & Alan Zevin Terri Zucker Suzi & Jerome Zweig
We gratefully acknowledge the following $500+ donors for their generous support of the JCC in 2016. Your support means so much to us and helps us to accomplish our mission in helping and serving our community.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF Laura Friedman
Stephanie Johnson
Paige Silberfein
Christine Juechter
Executive Director
Associate Executive Director
Connie Adamo Bookkeeper
Membership Director/Office Manager
Swim Team Manager
Accounting/Payroll & Camp Registrar
Web/Social Media Director
Accounting/Billing
Assistant Fitness Director
Jewish/Israeli Program Coordinator
Ken Kaus
Jay Kellogg
Andrea Berkow
Chief Financial Officer
Cindy Elgrably
Graphic Designer & Marketing Associate
Jamie Fawcett
Caryn Kenin Administrator
Lisa Kopman
Director of Adult & Senior Progams/Relationships
Receptionist
Jolee Klugherz
Deby Goldberg
Swim Team Administrator
Receptionist
Debbie Golden
Jill Hoffman
Geoff Feinstein President-Elect
Josh Leibner
1st Vice President
Richard Hirsch
Vice President-at-Large
Doron Steger
Past President-at-Large
Robert Wojciechowski
Maintenance Staff Daniela Escamilla, Peter Giraldi, Maribel Melendez, Joe Roehrich, Hugo Antesana
Lauren Paniccia
Camp Director of Operations & Programs
Tim Pino
JCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Recreation & Sports Director/Swim Club Director
Ellie Willoughby
Security Director
Administrator
Seth Geldzahler
Fitness Associate/Personal Trainer
Carole Webb
Joy McIntyre Fitness Director
Camp Director & Family/Judaic Programming
Aviv Wagner
Special Services Director
Membership Associate
Stacey Herman
Rinat Turel
Ellen McCloskey
Youth Services/After School Director
Special Needs Mentor
Jinny Strawderman
Maintenance Director
Special Needs Mentor
Michael Gray
Carol Sacca
Korene Lichtenwalner
Special Projects/Marketing Director
Eli Goldstein
Sarah Pollak
Aquatics Director
Richard Skydell
Immediate Past President
Steve Saperstein Treasurer
Jerry Zweig
Assistant Treasurer
David Bernstein
Secretary
Bruce Levinston
Assistant Secretary
Michael Bloomstein, David Bunevich, Howard Cohen, Josh Cohen, Nancy Gorrell, Judy Gross, Bryan Grossman, Peter Horowitz, Linda Jerrow, Mark Lederman, Natanya Levitz, Didi Shapiro, Dov Simons, Jonathan Slass, Josh Wang, Joe Weinstein Teen Board Members: Adam Bernstein Jack Levinston, Brett Wolin
Past Presidents
Doron Steger, Alvin Levine, Harriet Blank, Barry Ages, Addie Kluger, Peter Horowitz, David Bunevich, Ken Bernstein, Richard Skydell
BLAUSTEIN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER STAFF Sara Wasserman
Early Childhood Director
Dawn Van Ness
Assistant Early Childhood Director
Mandi Perle PTA President
Crista Ballow • Samantha Ballow • Jackye Feagan Elizabeth Hatos • Kelsey Kirchner • Stacey LaRue Debby Lubliner • Lia Malatesta • Jackie Melnick Rebecca Reich • Jessica Shelus • GiannaMarie Slader Corey Spero • Kyla Stewart • Michele Tucker Amy Weinstein • Laurie Weitz • Beverly Woodruff
Annual Campaign Vision The Annual Campaign will shape the future of your Birnbaum JCC by allowing us to meet the changing needs of our growing community for many years to come. Our hope is that your J will continue to be the leading community center in Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties, not just for your family today, but for many generations in the future.
Donate Today! ssbjcc.org/donate