to view a pdf of the JCA January 2016 Alliance News

Volume 27, Number 5 • 20 Tevet 5776 - 21 Shevat 5776 • January 2016
ALLIANCENEWS
David A. Stein Jewish Community Alliance on the Ed Parker Jewish Community Campus
We love our members!
SHALOM
JCA BUILDING HOURS
Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – 6 pm
Mon – Thur. . . . . . 5:30 am – 9:30 pm
Fri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:30 am – 5 pm
Sat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 – 6 pm
The Alliance News and Program Guide
are published 10 times a year
(monthly except July and August) by the
Jewish Community Alliance
8505 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904)730-2100 P | (904)730-2444 F
jcajax.org | info@jcajax.org
facebook.com/jcajax
For additional program information,
please contact the JCA.
Adam Frisch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President
Myron I. Flagler. . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Director
Lior Spring. . . . . . . . . . Communications Director
Iman Byfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor
Shalom!
The year 2015 was a very exciting year at the JCA! You, our
amazing members, are the reason the JCA keeps growing,
and we keep striving to exceed your expectations.
Membership has flourished with the addition of singles,
Hollie Arnold
families, empty nesters and senior adults (who seem to
730
- 2100 ext. 234
have found the fountain of youth at the JCA). Through
a variety of programming and activities, we are able to meet the needs of our
diverse community. Members of all ages feel right at home here. Sadly, we
recently lost one of our long-time, active members, but at almost 100 years old,
she was still attending JCA concerts and Sit and Get Fit.
This year had so many wonderful stories of accomplishment. One member
marked a three-year fitness journey that resulted in a 129-pound weight loss.
We are happy to have helped her get in shape and maintain her ideal weight.
One couple has taken a photo at our annual Chanukkah Party for the past 17
years as part of their Chanukkah tradition. At the JCA, the celebration of a Jewish
holiday is not just a complimentary meal but a memory for your family. The JCA
is one community coming together and taking care of each other.
One of the highlights of this year was the creation of the JCA Baptist Wellness
Connexion through our partnership with Baptist Health. More than 300 members
have visited the Wellness Connexion and met with our caring wellness coaches.
I hope you are one of them! Whether you are just getting started on your fitness
journey or have just begun a fitness program, our wellness coaches will get you
on track and help you stay there!
Make visiting the JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion one of your New Year
resolutions! We love our members, and we want you to be healthy and get the
most out of your JCA membership.
If you have questions about the JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion or other JCA
programs, please contact me at ext. 234 or Lara at ext. 257 or come by and see
us. We love to chat and hear about your experiences.
Thank you for being a member!
Hollie Arnold
Membership Director
TRIBUTES
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In Memory Of…
TALIA STEINER’S MOTHER REGINA
STEINER
by Myron & Bunni Flagler
HARVEY JARCHOWER
by Michele & David Steinfeld
Nina & Neal Roth
MARTIN GELHAAR
by Myron & Bunni Flagler
LILLIAN MEIZLIK
by Michele & David Steinfeld
MARTIN KULCHIN
by Michele & David Steinfeld
Dr. Philip & Karen Adler
CULTURAL ARTS FUND
In Memory Of…
TALIA STEINER’S MOTHER REGINA STEINER
by Thelma Nied
LILLIAN MEIZLIK
by Thelma & Bob Nied
In Honor Of…
THELMA NIED FOR YOUR MANY YEARS
OF OUTSTANDING CULTURAL & ART
PROGRAMS THAT BENEFITED THE JCA &
THE COMMUNITY
by Dianna Smith
WILLIAM AND ANDREW BLOCK FAMILIES
GAN YELADIM SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor Of…
THE WEDDING OF MR & MRS. RICHARD
SISISKY’S DAUGHTER KENDALL TO SEAN
by Mr. & Mrs. Ken Jacobs
THE BIRTH OF DR & MRS ANDY BROWN’S
TWINS
by Mr. & Mrs. Ken Jacobs
HOWARD KORMAN FUND
In Honor Of…
HOWARD KORMAN
by bestbet Corporate Office Staff
STEPHANIE GREEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory Of…
MARILYN MARGOL’S BROTHER HARVEY
JARCHOWER
by Dr. & Mrs. Gary Perlman
In Honor Of…
BAT MITZVAH OF ANDREW & SYLVIA
JAFFA’S DAUGHTER ELIANA JAFFA
by Dr. & Mrs. Gary Perlman
YOUTH SERVICES
In Memory Of…
HUGH VAN SEATON
by Helen Shacter
Mark & Laurette Kessler
FITNESS & WELLNESS FUND
For a Speedy Recovery…
JEFF OLMA
by Hollie Arnold, Clint Neale, Jamie
Russell
JCAJAX.ORG
Years ago, on the grounds where the
JCA now stands, David Stein’s father
started the Beauclerc Country Club for
members of the Jewish community.
Years later, from this vision, David Stein
would come to dedicate nearly 30 years
of his life to raising funds for the Jewish
Community Alliance, an institution that
has touched the lives of thousands of
people. The JCA’s eponymous naming
reflects the importance of David
Stein’s contribution to the agency and
the Jacksonville Jewish community.
As the principle visionary behind its
foundation, Stein has helped to create
a space where any person can enjoy
the social, cultural, educational and
wellness programming offered at the
JCA. And years later, he is overjoyed in
seeing how the JCA continues to bring
people together.
Recently, while on vacation, Stein
began working with a trainer and was
encouraged by his wife to continue
his fitness progress in the building
that bears his name. This led Stein to
train with JCA Wellness Director Eiffel
Gilyana and has given him firsthand
experience enjoying the fruits of his
labor. His good work continues to
personally impact his life through
regular fitness.
“Eiffel was highly recommended and
I have enjoyed working out with him
very much,” Stein states. During his
time with Eiffel, he has seen great
improvements in his fitness levels.
Eiffel counts Stein among his most
dedicated and focused clients. “It is
such an honor to be training David, no
less in the building that he helped to
create!” he states. “He has shown such
improvement already; he has great
form and posture. He is a very detail
oriented person, and it shows when he
is working out.”
Their weekly sessions, which include
strength training and stretching
exercises, are always varied and
innovative. “We never do the same
exercise twice,” Stein notes.
This appreciation of the JCA fitness
staff’s expertise is evident, as is his
pleasure at seeing so many people
Thank You Thelma Nied
Cultural arts at the JCA has never been more
vibrant, diverse and exciting thanks to Thelma
Nied who retired in January from her position
as Cultural Arts Director at the agency after 27
years of service.
It took a team of dedicated volunteers to help
with the formation of a Jewish Community
Center in Jacksonville; Thelma was one of
those volunteers. After serving on the JCA planning committee,
Thelma became the first membership director. “There are still
charter members who only want to renew with Thelma because
she is the one who signed them up,” says current Membership
Director Hollie Arnold. After working in membership for several
years, Thelma founded the Cultural Arts Department. “I was
working as the membership director, and I realized we needed
some kind of cultural arts programming, so 19 years ago, I
started the book festival,” reflects Thelma.
Under her leadership, the JCA Cultural Arts Department has
become renowned for offering quality music, film, art and
literature programming in Jacksonville. Through programs like
the annual Jewish Book Festival, biennial Jewish Film Festival
and Young Concert Artists Series, Thelma has introduced the
Jacksonville community to world class authors, musicians and
artists.
working towards bettering themselves
in an agency he worked hard to build.
When considering how it feels to come
to the JCA every day Stein says, “I love
it. I am so proud.” He particularly notes
the diversity of JCA members, which
include people of all ages and abilities.
During his twice weekly visits to the
JCA, Stein appreciates the constant
activity in the building among children
and seniors and the opportunities to
connect with old friends.
For Stein, he could never have dreamed
that the JCA would become such
an amazing agency as it continues
to help people improve their lives
through fitness and wellness and stay
connected through community.
“Thelma has been a joy to work with! Her
wisdom, sense of humor, keen sense of
judgment and innate knowledge of the arts
will be sorely missed,” says Nancy Green, JCA
assistant executive director.
Thelma has helped staff and Board members
increase their appreciation of the arts and of
the varying personalities associated with those
in the arts. She introduced famous people
such as Eddie Fisher, Rich Cohen and Joel Segal; and many who
would go on to become famous after presenting at the JCA.
Thelma Nied’s contributions to the JCA have been limitless, and
she will be missed greatly by the entire JCA family. She helped
lay the ground work for the JCA’s future in 1986, and the JCA has
and will continue to benefit from her dedicated service.
Thelma will not be leaving the JCA completely; she will retain
a role as consultant for JCA cultural arts programming and
looks forward to spending more time at the JCA as a member,
including continuing her regular workouts with JCA Pilates
instructor Gisela Morgan.
“It has been a wonderful experience and I have made a lot of
good friends,” Thelma says of her time at the JCA. “It was always
a joy to come in to work.”
Thank you Thelma for your loyal years of service!
Thelma has requested that we honor her work through donations to the JCA’s Cultural Arts Fund.
INFO@JCAJAX.ORG
FITNESS AND WELLNESS
Fit for a King
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Alliance
News
WELLNESS CONNE ION
Cheryl and Amaris: Making the Connexion
Registered nurses Cheryl Meyer and Amaris Chrispell
consider themselves very fortunate to be involved in
the mission of the JCA Baptist Wellness Connexion.
This unique initiative, which launched last year, brings
wellness services to JCA members through a confidential
program that offers an online wellness assessment to
inform them of their current state of health and gives
suggestions for lifestyle changes.
“I feel blessed every day to be able to come to the JCA and
have people share with us; it feels like we are making a
difference,” states Cheryl. “We definitely see people taking
strides in their health.”
As JCA Baptist wellness coaches, Cheryl and Amaris are
here to serve our members and help them get on the
path to improved wellness. In addition to being registered
health professionals, both have backgrounds in fitness
and training in behavior change. Amaris worked as a
middle school physical education instructor and personal
trainer, and Cheryl is a 20-year veteran of the Navy and a
certified health coach. Through their unique combination
of skills, our wellness coaches are able to connect JCA
members with a variety of resources for better health and
wellness.
“The JCA community is a pretty healthy population to begin
with. So many members, because they come here, seem
younger than their years,” notes Cheryl. “Being nurses
in a population that is already connected to a fitness
facility makes it easy to help people and connect them
to services. Sometimes all they need is direction and to
be encouraged,” adds Amaris. The JCA Baptist Wellness
Connexion helps members make improvements to their
wellness status, even if they already have good health
practices. And for those who need extra guidance, Cheryl
and Amaris are ready to give resources and information
to get them on the way to their best selves.
In addition to guiding members of all fitness levels to
higher wellness goals, the wellness coaches are there to
make lasting connections with members and encourage
long-term wellness progress. “Building relationships is
what we enjoy. I love it when people have success—and
there have been a lot of people having small and large
successes—and they are so happy. Just to share a moment
with them that is so special, that’s really the best part,”
says Amaris.
In the short time since its opening, the JCA Baptist
Wellness Connexion continues to be a valuable resource
for JCA members who are on the path to living better and
healthier lives. Stop by and say hi to Amaris and Cheryl.
They would love to meet you!
Want to share your Wellness Connexion story? Contact
Hollie at ext. 234.
Kick off the New Year by making an appointment
with one of our Wellness Coaches! A confidential
online Wellness Assessment will help you
understand your current state of health with
follow-up recommendations. Onsite Wellness
Coaches are available to educate and motivate you
to adopt lifestyle changes and achieve your goals.
Call ext. 333 for more information.
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Feel better, live well! Begin your wellness journey at jca.ezonlineregistration.net and meet with a
Wellness Coach to receive a gift. Free to JCA valued members.
JCAJAX.ORG
MEMBERSHIP
Just Like Family
For Michelle Pargman and her family, the JCA is a home
away from home. Michelle moved to Jacksonville from New
York after graduate school and soon after met her husband
Brian, who was already a JCA member. Now, over ten years
after becoming a member herself, participation at the JCA
has come to play a major role in her and her family’s lives,
starting with the education of their children.
“A lot of the memorable moments for us center around the
preschool,” remarks Michelle, “the warmth of the teachers
and Theresa. As a working mother, I felt so fortunate to have
people that cared about my kids as if they were their own.
Because of that, I was able to work and feel comfortable
knowing my children were there. That is something I will
never forget.”
At ten and eight years old, Marcy and Brady Pargman have
long since left the preschool, but their involvement at the
JCA has continued along with the rest of the family. Both
children attend camp and participate in various programs.
Brady takes part in JCA basketball programs, an interest his
mother says he has had since he was very young. “He was
only a toddler, but he would demand to be taken to the
gym to shoot hoops,” she recalls, fondly.
Michelle and her husband each make time to work out in
the JCA fitness center and take cycling classes every week.
The family can also be found having fun in the JCA indoor
and outdoor pools; both Brady and Marcy learned to swim
at JCA camp.
Among the most important part of their involvement at
the JCA is the rich and active social life they enjoy. The
family loves to attend family days and holiday celebrations
at the JCA. The annual Chanukkah party has become an
important time to share memories with other families
in the community and make new memories. Last year,
Michelle and Brian attended their first JCA fundraiser—a
spectacular, island-themed event—and had a great time
with other JCA supporters. “We had so much fun, and we
love to dance!” Michelle exclaims. She and her husband are
looking forward to future JCA events as they never miss a
chance to enjoy good music and have a great time.
When summing up their involvement at the JCA, Michelle
says it comes down to one thing: “It’s all about family. We
really just equate the JCA with family.”
Partner with the JCA to improve
the health of your employees
and your business.
We invite you to join our corporate membership
program. Corporate membership allows your
employees to benefit from the JCA’s many programs,
including Wellness Connexion, a fabulous free
service, in partnership with Baptist Health, designed
to improve the wellness of all our members.
The corporate membership program has no cost to
your company. Employees receive corporate rates
for their dues. Earn free dues and cash bonuses by
referring your co-workers.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift?
A JCA membership gives all year long!
For more information, contact Lara at ext. 257 or Hollie at ext. 234.
INFO@JCAJAX.ORG
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Alliance
News
J INSTITUTE
Michele Katz Leans IN
Michele Katz’s family has been associated with the JCA
since the beginning. A Jacksonville native, Michele spent
a lot of time at the JCA, even during visits when she lived
away from Jacksonville for 25 years. Upon her return five
years ago, she rejoined the JCA as an old “new” member,
and she and her family were immediately welcomed
back to the JCA community. Living close to the agency
has allowed Michele, her partner Christie and their two
children to enjoy the various programs the JCA has to
offer.
“My son loves to play basketball so he comes to the JCA
for the pick-up games. Christie and I have just started
getting into Pickleball,” Michele says.
While she and her family enjoy many programs at the
JCA, Michele states that it was the J Institute Lean IN
programming that really got her involved. Resulting
from a desire to meet a new group of people, she began
attending Lean IN sessions and discovered a diverse and
supportive group of women who were eager to tackle the
multiplicity of issues facing women today.
“It was fantastic. I actually got reacquainted with friends I
had known since kindergarten, as well as met new people.
I ended up with this immediate support network. It was
a lot more than I expected, in a great way,” she remarks.
of everyday life. For Michele, this special group of women
has made a space where they can discuss those things
that are important to them, be it career, family or personal
advancement.
Michele continued her involvement in Lean IN programs
and now serves as moderator for offsite Lean IN circle
meetings. These learning groups serve as a sounding
board for women to question the challenges and passions
“I am a true believer that we all have the answers within,
and just need to be asked the right questions. Pair that
with a supportive group of women excited to learn and
grow together and you have Lean IN.”
Richard Bachman Connects at the JCA
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For retired businessman Richard
Bachman, the 30-mile drive from
Fleming Island to the Jewish
Community Alliance every week is well
worth the distance. Richard and his
wife have been members of the JCA
for the past ten years, joining soon
after they moved to Jacksonville from
Pensacola, FL.
of friends have come to see the JCA
as their place to stay in shape, stay
connected and stay young.
“I had never lived in a town that was big
enough for a Jewish Community Center,
so when I moved to Jacksonville, I said
joining the JCA was the first thing I was
going to do,” Richard says. In searching
for a place where he could make a
connection to other members of the
Jewish community and participate in a
variety of activities, Richard found that
and more at the JCA.
As a JCA Ambassador, Richard does a
phenomenal job on the welcoming
committee for his demographic,
helping to introduce new members
to the benefits of the JCA community.
According to Richard, this unique
quality of offering a wide range of
programs and activities for members
of all ages, from the very young to the
very old, is what makes the JCA special.
He notes that just among his group of
friends, the ages range from 80 to 94
years old, and they all have found a
place at the JCA.
Over the years, Richard has taken part
in various JCA programs. He was active
in tennis for a while and enjoyed
swimming before focusing more on
fitness. His wife has also participated
in various programming over the
“What makes it so nice, is that we
have a very excellent group as far
as socializing,” he says. “I would say,
between exercising my mouth and
my body and brain, it’s a complete
workout!”
years, although they both now spend
most of their time making use of the
JCA’s state-of-the-art fitness center
and enjoying the invigorating social
atmosphere of the JCA. In his weekly
visits to the agency, Richard and other
members turn the fitness lounge into
a lively social club. He and his cohort
“The JCA is an excellent facility and I
think they do an excellent job!”
JCAJAX.ORG
FITNESS
AND
WELLNESS
MICHELE
BLOCK
GAN YELADIM
Step
Beyond
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Dust
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takingLet’s
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Advance
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of their
twoday!
school
age children
and new
baby daughter.
Techno Ride
$
40 valued at
members
only | 15FAL FWSTEPUP
Wed
| 5 -most
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| Oct 7, 14,
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Grab your glow sticks and let’s ride
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dance or always
wanted to learn cycle to high intensity techno tunes.
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hope
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how to merengue, cha cha, salsa and swing! No partner necessary.
Advance registration required.
Advance
registration
required.
Ms. Megan,
a teacher
in the Busy Bee class, is one of
Mon, Oct 26 | 7 - 8 pm
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wasn’t
to consider
theonly | 15FAL FWLATIN
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15FAL FWTECHNO
became
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felt confident that they would be sending their daughter to
Our ride will take us through 29 neighborhoods to experience
the sights and
a place where she would be loved and cared for. Despite, at events, including the annual Chanukkah celebration and
sounds of one of America’s most iconic cities. Cycling instructor
and six-time
the time, living 45-minutes away from the JCA, the personal the annual JCA fundraiser, which Rachel and Kevin have
marathoner Connie Smith leads you on this visual tour through
the
streets of
connection in addition to the excellent reputation of attended for several years. “Me and my friends call it the
Chicago. Advance registration required.
Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s early childhood program led adult prom,” she jokes. “We have a blast, every year.”
Wed,
14 | 6 their
pm | Free
for valued
members
15FAL FWCHICAGO
them Oct
to enroll
daughter,
Talia, as
a Busy only
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Day to day, the Algees appreciate that the journey to school
son, Judah, followed suit.
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the guilt that can come from being
a working parent.
Tai Chi
JCA
Personal
Training
The Algees
take part
in many of the events offered at the Additionally, attending the school has instilled a love of
Sun | 10 - 11 am
JCA
trainers
can
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youcycle
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you motivated,
JCA. personal
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the variety
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learning. They aren’t made
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small
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and
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Reformer
withthrough
prices ranging
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foundational skills and other skills as well—they enjoy
withmore
the Cummer
Museum.
Furthermore,
the
entire family the gardening, the playground, the swimming. But most
For
information,
contact
Eiffel at ext.
324.
regularly joins the JCA for holiday celebrations and special importantly, they are loving education.”
Ongoing
Small Group
Training
9 Fully accredited
NAEYC, FKC, ACA, GSOD 5« rating
9 Facility with integrated
programming
9 Unique curriculum and
partnerships
Including Cummer Museum,
Jacksonville Symphony, Jacksonville
Zoo, MOSH, St. Johns RiverKeeper,
Riverside Fine Arts
Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool is open to all children regardless of race, religious affiliation or ethnic origin.
JCA membership is not required, but JCA members have priority in registration. DCF license # C04DU0213
MICHELE BLOCK
Gan Yeladim
Preschool & Kindergarten
9 Preschool/Kindergarten
12 months to 6 years
2015-16 REGISTER NOW!
LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
For more information, call ext. 235 or visit jcajax.org/ece.
INFO@JCAJAX.ORG
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Alliance
News
YOUTH SERVICES
A Family Affair
Sisters Shelley Tarbox and Marjorie
Hinchliffe have both been JCA
members for over a decade. Having
become a member first, Shelley’s
initial reason for joining was the
convenience of having a fitness
center close to home. After both
families began to have children,
the stellar reputation of the early
childhood program led them to
enroll their kids in Michele Block
Gan Yeladim Preschool. Ten years
later, the JCA After School Program
has become essential to meeting
the needs of their growing and
changing family dynamics.
Between them, Shelley and Marjorie
have eight children who attend
the JCA, with the younger children
enrolled in the JCA After School
Program. “This year at the JCA has
been especially critical for the kids
because this is where our children
ride the bus and meet after school,”
remarks Marjorie. “It really has
given us a safe place for them to all
meet at one time.”
Shelley and Marjorie’s four children
have all participated in various
programming in After School. When
Marjorie remarried, her husband’s
four children joined the JCA
family. With varying grade levels
from elementary to high school,
Marjorie feels especially fortunate
that JCA After School and teenage
programming can accommodate
the ages and interests of all their
children. “Even though some of
our older children have gotten too
old for after care, they can still
participate in other programs and
activities and not be home alone,”
she notes. Each of their children
who participate in the After School
Program have found sports and
activities to love, and the best part
is, they can explore them all in
the same place with their siblings,
cousins and friends.
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2 0 16
“Ben is in flag football. Our other
son plays basketball,” notes
Marjorie. Shelley’s son David has
also played flag football as well
as soccer and is currently in run
club. Her daughter, Sarah, was in
theatre with the excitement of
being a “moving prop” in one of
the productions, and most of the
children have done tennis clinics
and attended summer camp. As a
family, they also attend many of the
Family Fun Days and special family
events.
The JCA is like an extension of their
homes, and Shelly and Marjorie are
reassured knowing that when they
come to the JCA after school, their
children are surrounded by people
who know them and are looking
out for them. “You come in and you
know everybody; our children know
all of the youth instructors. The JCA
really is a community,” says Shelley.
“It’s the neighborhood we live in,
it’s our family and friends. But
really, it’s more than a community,
it represents the whole city of
Jacksonville.”
JCAJAX.ORG
Will Takes the Stage
“I love the characters I get to be,”
he says of his participation in the
theatre program. “I get to act, have
fun and sing all of my favorite songs.”
Will has enjoyed a host of JCA
performance arts programming,
beginning with JCA Playhouse. His JCA
Theatre productions have included
roles in Peter Pan and as Jaffar in
the JCA Theatre “Villains” production
during last year’s summer camp
season. His favorite part, however,
was his recent role as the Mayor of
Whoville in the JCA production of
THEATRE OF YOUTH
Will Barkoskie’s introduction to the
JCA came at four years old when his
parents were looking for a summer
camp program for him and his little
sister. Drawn by the welcoming
environment and ideals of the youth
programming, Will’s parents enrolled
them in camp and eventually
enrolled his younger siblings in
Michele Block Gan Yeladim. Since
then, the family has made the most
of their membership—participating
in swimming, dance, After School
and other activities—and eight-yearold Will has developed a particular
fondness for the JCA stage.
Seussical Jr. in December. In addition
to playing great characters and
having the opportunity to express
himself, Will gets to make amazing
friendships with other Theatre of
Youth participants.
“He loves it because it puts him on
a level playing field with his peers,
which for him is not always the
case,” his mother, Blake, notes. Will
is confined to a wheelchair due to
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but
the love and support of the JCA staff
and other theatre participants allows
Blake to drop Will off and not have
to worry a second more. Additionally,
Will and JCA Theatre Director Shelly
Hughes have developed a special
rapport. “Will loves Shelly,” his mother
says. “She can get him to smile as no
one else can.”
TENNIS
Holding Court
Georgia native Jerry Mahanay’s
love of tennis has followed him
throughout his life. Beginning in high
school where he played as a youth,
Jerry continued playing through
adulthood, including on deployment
in the army during the Vietnam War.
No matter where he has been, Jerry
has remained active on the courts, a
commitment that would eventually
lead him to the JCA.
“When I lived in Georgia, I played
almost every day, if it wasn’t raining,”
the current JCA men’s tennis captain
states. Upon moving to Jacksonville,
Jerry saw his opportunities for
regular play lessen since he knew
fewer people in town. Luckily, his
wife, who was enjoying the wellness
and social benefits of being a JCA
member, saw an opportunity for him
to reconnect with his passion and
convinced him to try one of the JCA
tennis clinics.
“My wife kept trying to get me to join
the JCA, but I was already a member
at another place,” he recalls. “She
finally said, ‘Well they do a free men’s
tennis clinic on Tuesday nights so at
least come out and try that.’ I came
to the clinic, and I really enjoyed it.
That was six years ago, and I’ve been
a member ever since!” Jerry’s first
tennis clinic proved to be the start
of a great dedication to advancing
men’s tennis at the JCA.
Jerry was responsible for the
expansion of the men’s tennis team.
Since then, men’s tennis at the
agency has flourished. The close
knit group has excelled in local
tennis leagues and formed lifelong
friendships amongst each other.
Currently, the team has some of
the highest participation ever, and
they are always excited to have new
players added to the roster as they
continue to excel as a team. Just
recently, they won second place in
the First Coast Tennis Foundation’s
C1 League, a moment that Jerry holds
as quite an accomplishment for the
group.
In the end, the quality of the JCA
facilities and coaches and the
camaraderie between members has
helped Jerry stay active in the sport
he loves and keeps him anticipating
future progress for the JCA men’s
tennis team. “I can say that the JCA
has one of the nicest courts in town
and two really great tennis pros,” he
says. “We have a great group of guys,
and we’ve come a long way. And now,
we are just looking forward to the
next season.”
INFO@JCAJAX.ORG
Pg
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Alliance
News
2016 JCA
SUMMER
CAMP
Only the Best
NOW ENROLLING! CALL 730-2100 ext. 228.
Visit jcajax.org/camp for more information.
LET’S
BOOGIE
THE
SAVE DATE
FEBRUARY 27, 2016
JCA’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
COMMITTEE
and
ALISON BRENT TRAGER
and
GLENN MICHAEL MILLER
and
chaired by
Alex Ackerman • Sharon Bloom • Lauren Edwards • Mary Edwards • Sue Elinoff • Adam Frisch • Pat Frisch • Sierra Frisch
Allison Jacobs • Sam Levin • Monique Miller • Debbie Parker • Kim Robbins • Dana Rogozinski • Jeanine Rogozinski
Ellen Rosner • Ryan Saltz • Shari Saye • Fran Selevan • Rebekah Selevan • Allison Korman Shelton • Kimberly Sisisky
Linda Stein • Randee Steinberg • Rochelle Stoddard • Kendall Valliere • Stacie Wilf • Chase Zimmerman
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Jacksonville, FL
Permit No. 437
Address Service Requested
David A. Stein
Jewish Community Alliance
on the Ed Parker Jewish
Community Campus
8505 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32217
(904) 730-2100
jcajax.org
Affiliated with the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville,
the United Way of Northeast Florida, and the Jewish
Community Centers of North America.
MISSION STATEMENT The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)
strengthens Jewish life, serves as a common meeting ground,
and enhances the quality of life of the entire community.
VISION STATEMENT Our vision is to provide the place in the tradition of our
heritage where all people come together throughout their lives to enhance
body, mind, and spirit, in an environment of fun, harmony and friendship.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS AT THE JCA
For more information and to register, visit jcajax.org or call 730-2100 ext. 228.
J Institute
Wellness Connexion
Vandroff Art Gallery:
The Paintings of Ted Head
Through Wed, Feb 3
Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
Mon, Feb 1-22 • 6 pm
Smart Driver Course
Tues, Jan 19 • 9 am-3:30 pm
Women’s Learning: Lean In 2.0
Tues, Jan 19 • 7 pm
Heal Yourself with Feldenkrais
Wed, Jan 20 - Feb 10 • 6 pm
Young Concert Artists Series:
The Hermes Quartet
Sun, Jan 24 • 3 pm
Painting with a Twist:
Pet Portrait Painting Party
Tues, Jan 26 • 6:30 pm
Recycle: To Use Again
Wed, Jan 27• 9:15 am
Fitness and Wellness
Balance Training with Clint Neal
Tues, Jan 19 • 12-1 pm
Michele Block Gan Yeladim
Spanish
Thur, Jan 21-Mar 10 • 1:30-2:15 pm
Tu B’Shevat Celebration Seder
Mon, Jan 25 • 1:30-2:15 pm
Theatre
Self Defense Workshop
Mon, Jan 25-Feb29• 6-7:15 pm
JCA Glee Club
Sun, Jan 17-Apr 17 • 1-2 pm
Free Weight Fundamentals
Tues, Jan 26• 6:30-7:30 pm
Youth Services
Jewish and Family Programs
Family Campfire
Sat, Jan 23 • 6:30 pm
Sports and Recreation
Babysitters Training Course
Mon, Jan 18 • 9 am-3:30 pm
Jacksonville Teens Volunteer (JTV):
Sulzbacher Center
Sun, Jan 24 • 1-4 pm
Youth Fencing
Sun, Jan 24-Feb 28 • 3:30-4:30 pm
OPEN HOUSE Sun, Jan 24 • 12 - 4 pm