Winter 2015 Issue

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f
THE
UPDATE
SCHENECTADY JCC
d
Winter 2015
A seasonal look at
the courses, events and community
of the Schenectady Jewish Community Center
l
Fun or Work...
SHARING
OUR TRADE
SECRETS
In the words of the late, great
Joan Rivers: “Can we talk?”
Let me tell you a secret --- the secret to you having a quality
experience at our JCC -- (and our JCC’s success). It isn’t just the
great programs we run, our amazing fitness center, our 25-acre
campus or the large number of really cute children we take care
of on a daily basis in Early Childhood, After School (at the JCC
or at Niskayuna Schools) Camp, or our educational & cultural
programs….
Have
A Birthday Party at the JCC
or
Rent Meeting Space
in the Weinberg Center
the JCC has you covered!
Contact
Budhan Ramcharan 377-8803 ext 237
budhanr@schenectadyjcc.org
for more information!
It is the quality of our staff, our team. It is their abilities and expertise. But most importantly, it’s the way they engage everyone
who comes into the building in conversation. We know this from
JCC National Association research and make a conscious effort to
hire and retain folks like this. Someone said to me once: there is a
great vibe and feeling here. It is not by accident.
So here is our simple formula for success: Your quality experience
at the JCC is directed related to the quality of the JCC staff. By
the end of 2014, five JCC employees were promoted to positions
of increasing responsibility. We also said goodbye to two of our
team: Irit Magnes who is retiring after 27 years of service to the
JCC and Adam Chaskin who has become the Executive Director
of the Albany JCC. The JCC is investing in staff, whether it is
through national training conferences or local seminars so they in
turn can provide you with the best service in their respective
fields.
Go Team JCC!!!
Mark Weintraub, Executive Director
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We are also investing in our capital infrastructure, looking for
ways to improve our center to keep it at the quality level you
appreciate. This includes a $125,000 New York State Grant that
has been awarded to our JCC through a recommendation of
Assemblyman Phil Steck to finance energy efficient upgrades
to our facility. Our capital investment strategy also includes the
Weinberg Center, for which we are looking to spread the word
about as a destination for parties and corporate meetings.
So, we’ve got lots to be excited about in 2015!!!!
Henry Roberts tells his mom Stephanie about the
trains he’s been playing with in the babysitting room
while she was swimming laps and her husband was
working out in the fitness center.
Be In The Know...
JCC Text Alerts
Stay Up-To-Date with closings and changes!...
7 Simple Steps to Register:
1. Visit: Rainedout.com
2. Search: Schenectady JCC
3. Click On: Schenectady JCC link
4. Enter: Your 10-digit phone number
5. Get: Your four-digit validation code
sent to your phone
6. Enter: Your four-digit validation code
7. Select: The groups you would like to join
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Inside
The
UPDATE
4&5
Around the JCC
and
JCC Member Profile
6&7
JCC U...
Winter time
Events, Classes & Films
8&9
Our Amazing Staff...
Hello & Goodbye
10
Passover Closings
Our Generous
Donors
April 3, Friday..........Closing at 4:45pm**
April 4, Saturday......Closed all day
April 5, Sunday........Closed all day
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April 9, Thursday.....Closing at 5pm**
April 10, Friday........Closed all day
April 11, Saturday....Closed all day
** except child care Looking Ahead...
Glancing Back...
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03
Connecting
With
Israel...
Maor Rosenberg arrived recently from Israel as the new Shaliach (emissary) to Northeastern New York. Maor serves both the Jewish Federation of NENY, and Hashomer Hatzair
youth movement.
Maor was born in Israel. He served as a soldier and commander in the Special Forces in
the IDF, and worked as an educator and coordinator in youth movements. Last year, Maor
served as an Israeli Shaliach in Los Angeles.
Maor states, “As a Shaliach of the Capital District area, I have two missions. First of all, I want the Jewish community to feel related to
its heritage and roots. Second, I’m here to bring Israel to you – the tastes, smells and the special Israeli warmth. There’s nothing like it.”
(source: http://www.jewishfedny.org)
Free Drop-In Programs
at the JCC
with Maor
Cafe Ivrit...A Monthly Conversational Hebrew (a basic knowledge of speaking Hebrew required)
January 26 & March 2 from 7-8 pm
The Israel Discussion Group...A look at what’s going on in Israel
February 9 & March 9 from 10:15-11:15 am
SJCC Hosts
Delegation of Israeli Leaders from Eshkol Region
Six members of the Eshkol Region’s Partnership2Gether (P2G)
Steering Committee participated in a goodwill visit to the
Capital Region from Oct. 29- Nov. 2. The delegation, led by
Chairperson Yardena Visoker and Eshkol P2G Director
Doron Rubin, capped off its whirlwind tour at the Schenectady
JCC for a community reception. Delegation participants shared
with the over 125 people attending personal stories about life
in Israel and how the conflict has affected each of them.
This visit was part of Partnership2Gether’s main goal of building bridges between the Eshkol Region and the Capital District
Jewish Community. In the words of Executive Director Mark
Weintraub, the idea is to change “Esh –Kol” to “Esh – Cool”!
The Schenectady JCC wishes to thank the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York for bringing the delegation to the JCC and
their continuing support of the P2G program.
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A Workout With
An Added Benefit
The SJCC was one of many JCCs across North
America to participate in Cycle for Good.
The event offered participants an opportunity to get
a great workout while helping to raise funds for
Etgarim, Israel’s Association for the Disabled.
One participant was pleased to be part of an event
that she felt, “looks at the bigger picture of the
devastating, cross-cultural impact of war.” She also
commended the JCC for doing an event like Cycle
for Good and applauded the participants who took
time during the very busy holiday season to support
Etgarim. The three-hour event raised $350 and gave
participants a great workout.
Chad
Orzel
Cycle
for
Good...
JCC Member Profile
Chad will tell you, “This is far and away
the strangest thing that ever happened to me,
but it’s worked out very well...”
Of the 50,000 Boing Boing readers who saw Chad Orzel’s post
in 2007, one happened to be an agent who contacted Chad and
suggested that he turn his blog into a book. In 2009 Chad’s book,
How to Teach Physics to Your Dog was published. Over the course
of the next five years, Chad published two other books How to
Teach Relativity to Your Dog (2012) and Eureka: Discovering
Your Inner Scientist (2014).
“The first two explain modern physics through imaginary
conversations with our German Shepherd mix, Emmy,” said
Photo by Matt Milless (Conversation bubbles by Chad Orzel!)
Chad. “They’ve been published in something like a dozen different
languages. The third, just released this month, deals with scientific thinking in everyday life. In it, I argue that many everyday activities
that people who don’t think of themselves as scientifically inclined actually make use of the same thought process used for great
scientific discoveries. This is illustrated with a bunch of examples, comparing activities such as stamp collecting, playing bridge, and
even sports to great historical discoveries in science.”
Chad, a professor at Union College, joined the JCC in 2008, a few months after his daughter was born. They had visited a number of
day care centers and the JCC was “our clear favorite.” In 2011 their son David was born and Chad says both of his children have had
“wonderful” experiences at the JCC. “The teachers have all been wonderful, and both kids have enjoyed day care, preschool, and ASEP
tremendously,” Chad said, “The summer camp program is wonderful as well-- Claire really loves it, especially getting to swim twice a
day,” he said, adding, “And we regularly use the pool on weekends in the summer.”
05
JCC
JCC U is offering a well-rounded
selection of activities and events
for different ages, interests and skill
levels. From lively discussions about
Israel to Country Line Dancing there
is something for everyone.
...and all are welcome!
Family Dance/Fitness
Family Double-Dutch Jump Rope
Sundays • Feburary 8-22
1-1:45pm
Family Zumba
Sundays • March 1-29
1-1:45pm
Senior Programming
presented by
Special Events
Feel the beat of Drums Alive! This class is different from
any other workout you have tried. Drums Alive will have
you moving to motivational music and drumming rhythms.
Great fun for the whole family! Escape the cold
winter air and spend the time before the Super Bowl
playing games and eating delicious tailgate-themed food.
Drums Alive
Tuesdays • February 17 - May 5
1:15 – 2:00 pm • Aerobics Studio
Jazz Moves
Learn the basic steps of jazz dancing. Jazz it up to
Broadway tunes while stylish moves will make you feel
like the most seasoned dancer on the stage. No previous
dance experience necessary and no partner required
Thursdays • February 19 - May 7
10:00 – 10:45 am •Golub Auditorium
Dance/Fitness
Country Line Dancing
Country line dance lessons with Kevin Richards
from 100.9 The Cat.
Mondays • February 2 – April 27
7 – 8:30 pm • Golub Auditorium
Basic Beginner • February 2 – February 26
Level 2 Beginner • March 2 – April 27
Zumba
The fusion of Latin and international music and dance
forms create a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system.
This class is a great way to stay active and will give you a
full-body workout.
Sundays • 10:00 am
Mondays & Thursdays • 5:30 pm
Winter Triathlon
Sunday • February 1 • 8:00 am
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Mid-Winter Summer Blowout
Sponsored by MVP Health Care
Sunday • February 1
12 – 3 pm
Early Childhood Education
Tu B’Shevat Fair
Come celebrate the New Year for Trees with Early
Childhood
Wednesday • February 4
Golub Auditorium
Comedy for a Cause
Spend the evening laughing and supporting your JCC.
Proceeds from this event will benefit early childhood,
youth and senior adult programming.
Thursday • February 26
Doors open at 5:30 pm, Show at 6:30 pm
The Comedy Works, 500 Northern Blvd. Albany, NY
Purim Festival
Sponsored by MVP Health Care
March in a costume parade led by community Rabbis, eat
delicious food, play games at the carnival and so much
more.
Sunday • March 1
Always Here for You…
Senior Meal Program
In partnership with Catholic Charities
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Senior Meeting Room
Questions about any of our programs or events?
Films
Presented by
at the
Golub Auditorium
Paris-Manhattan: An Obsession with Woody Allen
Sunday
February 1 3:30pm with optional supper at 5:30 pm
France, 2012, 78 min., French w/English subtitles
Woody Allen’s wisdom and seductive Paris scenes are the set for this warmhearted romantic comedy
about a beautiful but loveless 30-something Jewish Parisian looking for her dream guy. Mr. Allen finally
cures her obsession with him, helps her to decide about the right guy, and makes a cameo appearance.
Discussion led by Prof. Judith Lewin, Union College
Co-sponsored with Hadassah Capital District
Bethlehem: An Israeli Spy Thriller
Sunday
February 223:30pm with optional supper at 5:30 pm
Belgium/Israel/Germany/UK, 2013, 99 min., Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles
This gripping spy thriller centers on the complex relationship between Razi, an Israeli Shin Bet
(Secret Service) agent, and Sanfur, his hot-headed teenage Palestinian informant, whose terrorist
brother Ibrahim is on the run. 2014 Israel Oscar Entry, Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Please note this film is for an adult audience only.
Discussion led by Prof. Ethan Bloch, Bard College
Igor and the Cranes’ Journey
Saturday
March 14
7:30 pm with refreshments
Israel, 2013, 90 min., Russian and Hebrew with English subtitles
Suitable for adults and teens.
In a beautiful tale an estranged father and his son, Igor, are reconciled through following the migration
of a young crane from Russia via Israel to Africa. Igor also progresses in his life journey finding friends
and hope in his new home in Israel (some animation). Please note this film is suitable for adults and
teens. Discussion led by Chris Grossman
A
Jewish
Culture
Café Ivrit
A monthly conversational Hebrew program led by Israeli Shaliach (Emissary) Maor Rosenberg. A basic knowledge of speaking of Hebrew is required.
Light refreshments will be served.
Monday • January 26 & March 2
7:00 – 8:00 pm • Farber Miness Lounge
The Israel Discussion
An interactive look at what is going on in Israel led by Israeli Shaliach
Emissary) Maor Rosenberg. Light refreshments will be served.
Monday • February 9 & March 9
10:15 – 11:15 am • Farber Miness Lounge
Call 518.377.8803
07
JCC Staff Growth & Change
Irit Retires...
In her own words...
I worked at the Schenectady JCC for 26 years. I began as an art teacher at the
after school program and was later hired full time as Jewish Cultural Coordinator and Youth Advisor.
During the years I have seen many changes. We added the family park, more
kids’ playgrounds, extension and renovations on the building and beautiful grounds. Membership grew and so did the JCC staff. I focused on Jewish
cultural programs and with dedicated committees, we presented festivals,
exhibits, concerts, theater, and community wide events.
I have fond memories of seeing toddlers pass by my office who are now adults.
Irit Magnes & Judy Ben-Ami
Judy Steps In...
“I am looking forward to my retirement and having
more time to spend with my family,
enjoying my garden and art.”
Judy Ben-Ami put her Horticulture and Science Education degree to work when she started with JCC 10 years ago as a
Nature Specialist for the summer camp program. After working in the camp program, Judy moved into an administrative assistant position where she learned a great deal about community programming. A two-time recipient of the JCC’s
Customer Service Award, Judy has been promoted to Director of Jewish and Adult Programing where she will assume
responsibilities formerly held by Irit.
In addition to her work at the JCC, Judy is active with Congregation Agudat Achim where she has served at President
of Sisterhood as well as a member of the executive Board and the Adult education and Holidays committees. Judy has
also been teaching for 10 years at the Agudat Achim religious school.
“I am very excited about continuing the excellent Jewish cultural program that the JCC
already has, as well as bringing new & vibrant programs and classes to the community.”
Andy Moves from Children’s
to Program Director
Born and raised in Niskayuna, Andy has worked at the JCC since he was
15 years old. He received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and
Leisure Studies from SUNY Brockport and went on to earn his Masters
in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College.
Andy started as the School-Age Director in 2004 and added on the
responsibility of Camp Director in 2006. When Andy started, the
JCC was only running three after school programs. The JCC has since
expanded to six programs with the launch of the most recent at Glencliff
Elementary School. Andy has two children Michaela, age 7, and Bryce,
age 5. “I am also engaged to the beautiful and lovely Rachel Fleury.”
“I am enjoying being an integral part of ensuring our
programs are the best they can be and that we continue to
grow – offering programs and events that really do meet
the needs and interests of our community.”
08
Andy Katz, Program Director
Tiffany and Val Move Up...
School-Age Director,
Tiffany Smith
Tiffany Smith has been working with children for many years.
Before working as a JCC Kid’s
Time Counselor in 2008, she
held positions that ranged from
promotions assistant with Radio
Disney to serving for a year with
AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) as an
afterschool/volunteer coordinator
for a non-profit called Beans and
Rice. She became the Assistant
School-Age Director for the JCC
in 2011 and has recently earned a
promotion to the Director of the
program. Tiffany holds a Bachelor
of Science Degree in Recreation
Management and has earned her
Masters in Social Work.
“I like being able to visit all of the after-school programs
and see the creative differences that are implemented
implemented at each particular site.”
Valerie Krawczyk,
Camp Director
As Valerie Krawczyk settles into
her new role as Camp Director
there will be much about the programs and people she supervises
that will be very familiar. After
all, Val has worked at the JCC for
12 years and filled many of the
roles she will now supervise.
A first-grade teacher at Red
Mill Elementary School in East
Greenbush, Val started working
as an after-school counselor at
ASEP and was an art specialist
during her first summer working
at JCC day camps. Val earned
both her Bachelor’s Degree in
Childhood Education/Special
Education and her Masters Degree in Literacy from The College
of Saint Rose.
“I’m excited to take on this role and look
forward to a wonderful summer with many
returning families and staff.”
Sara Moves In...
Sara Dewitt first began working with children at the New York State Museum after school
program. There, Sara engaged with children through a variety of roles including: mentoring,
tutoring and programming. After working at the Museum, Sara continued her work with youth
at Harriet Gibbons High School where she co-facilitated weekly support groups to promote
leadership development and support behavioral needs. She has supervised the ASEP and MASEP
programs since September and has truly enjoyed getting to know all the children.
An Albany native, Sara attended the State University of New York at Albany, where she obtained
her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health. Sara graduated from Columbia University in
May with a Master’s of Science degree in Social Work. She specialized in programming there, and
has assisted in the development and implementation of multiple programs throughout her education and career. She has over four years of experience working with youth.
Sara Dewitt,
ASEP Director
“ASEP is a place where friends are plentiful, imagination ignites creativity,
and fun is never-ending.”
Luis is Promoted...
Luis Novoa has been promoted to Facilities and Safety Director. Prior to this position, Luis
worked for the JCC as a Maintenance Technician. Luis moved to the area from New York City
where was the Building Superintendent for a 265-unit, three-building complex. Prior to that position, he specialized in kitchen and bath renovations. Luis lives in Schenectady with his wife and
three boys who range in age from 6 to 14.
“I like working with the staff and making the JCC better for
everybody - our staff and the members.”
Luis Novoa,
Facilities & Safety Director
09
2014 RJL Gala
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Alben
Ellie, Richard & Libbie Alexander
Michael Alfieri
Anonymous
The Late Fred Bartz & Maria Sardella
Bimbo Bakeries
Joseph & Evalyn Basloe
Nancy Bell & Hon. Eli Taub
Rita S. Bell
Olga & Elmer Bertsch
Virginia & Ron Bianchi
Leslie & Dan Blumenthal and Family
Joan & David Brown
Consul Ciancetta
Dr. David & Stacy Cohen
Connie Colangelo
Cool Insuring Agency
Janet Conti
Sumitte & Irene Desoyza
Eastern Heating & Cooling Inc.
Malka Evan
Dr. Martin & Susan Farber
Federated Clover Investment Advisors
Jack & Marsha Firestone
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Fried
Phyllis Fried & Steven Goldenberg
Galesi Group
Marvin Garfinkel
Debra & Robert Geer
Bernadette & Bernie Gilligan
Gary & Deborah Goldstein
David & Andrea Golub
Mona Golub
Jane & Neil Golub
Ross & Debra Goodman
Dr. & Mrs. Brian Gordon
Greenberg Traurig
Harlan & Helen Harrison
Dr. Gerald & Karen Hausler
Madelynn Heintz & Nicholas Davy
Joel & F. Julia Helfman
Hon. Karen Johnson
Shelley & Stephen Justa
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Ernest & Gloria Kahn
Gerald & Renee Kaufman
Eric & Ellen Kerness
Joann Kress
Francis & Shirley Kuzsman
James & Katherine Levy
Rabbi Theodore Lichtenfeld
Rabbi Miriam Lichtenfeld
Hon. Guido A. Loyola
Our Donors
2014 RJL Gala continued
John & Katherine LuBrant
Phyllis & Bert Ludwig
M&T Charitable Foundation
Law office of Monique B. McBride, Esq.
Christina W. Meier, Esq.
Bob & Eileen Michaels
Dr. Eric & Gilah Moses
Mutual of America
MVP Health Care
Nigro Companies
Rabbi Eleanor B. Pearlman
Rosemarie Perez Jaquith
Rabbi Ellen & Dr. Martin Pildis
Michael & Susan Podhurst
PWC
Sheila & Harvey Randall
Vincent & Linda Reilly
Peter & BJ Rosenfeld
Judith Roth
Joseph Rourke & Rachel Gershon-Rourke
Alan & Sonia Rubenstein
The Salmon Law Firm
Lawrence H. Schaefer
Michelle Ostrelich & Howard Schlossberg
Richard Seiden
Peter D. Semenza
Don & Roberta Steiner
Floyd & Martha Simone
Deanna Stephenson
Sam & Este Sylvetsky
The Trizetto Corporation
The Vincelette Law FirmDaniel Vincelette, Esq.
Virtusa
Mark & Ina Weintraub
WRGB
John Yagielski
Ellen & Robert Zirin
2014 End of Year Appeal
Consul R. Ciancetta
George & Katarina Curtis
Michael A. DiCerbo
John Fiore
John Gold
Alex Halakan
Ernest & Gloria Kahn
James & Katherine Levy
Ginny & Marc Rosenbloom
Lynn Schnell
Marylin Soffer
Nancy Stone
Dr. Richard & Alice Toll
Donations listed are those received since the Fall edition of The Update
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2014 End of Year Appeal continued
Mark & Ina Weintraub
John W. & H. Jean Wilkinson
Friends of the Arts & Jewish Programs
Nancy Bell & Hon. Eli Taub
Raymond & June Benenson
Louise Bluestein
Sidney & Ann Cramer
Rabbi Matt & Sharon Cutler
Barbara Fleischer
Ruth Fraster
Marvin Garfinkel
Chris and Bernie Grossman
Alex & Betty Hallenstein
Ernest & Gloria Kahn
Josie Kivort
Bette & Stuart Kraut
League of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra
Irit & Gerry Magnes
Richard & Lois Mendelson
Harvey & Arlene Mendelson
Neil Jane William Estelle Golub Family Foundation
Irving Paris
Barbara & Richard Preisman
Herbert & Hildy Reich
Sonia & Alan Rubenstein
Alvin & Pauline Schwartz
Marilyn Soffer
Roberta & Don Steiner
Sanford & Gail Sternstein
James & Margo Strosberg
Cynthia & Clifford Tepper
JCC Friends (Unrestricted)
Nina Ben-Amoz
Michelle Ostrelich & Howard Schlossberg
Elyse Pearson
Miriam Hallenstein Tikun Olam Fund
Alex & Betty Hallenstein in honor of
Sue Ann Grosberg
!
Thank
Teva Play Natural Outdoor
Play Space and Classroom Fund
Michelle Ostrelich & Howard Schlossberg
you!
Assemblymember Steck
Secures Grant for Our JCC
Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced he
successfully secured a Community Capital Assistance Grant
of $125,000 for the Robert and Dorothy Ludwig Jewish Community Center of Schenectady (SJCC). The grant will be used to make the
SJCC facility more energy efficient and reduce energy waste in the SJCC’s operations.
“The Schenectady Jewish Community Center is an integral part of our community that offers invaluable programs for our families,”
said Assemblymember Steck. “This grant will allow the SJCC to make essential energy-efficient upgrades so that it can continue to provide our community with vital services for many years to come.”
The largest childcare organization in Schenectady County, the SJCC provides a range of community programs that include childhood
education, after-school care, wellness and fitness.
With construction having been completed on the main building in 1967, an update is necessary to bring the SJCC facility in line with
modern energy efficiency standards. The plan will help to reduce operational costs and improve building comfort for employees and
customers. The SJCC plans to invest in energy-saving measures and updates in several areas, including interior and exterior lighting
and controls.
2014 Robert J. Ludwig
Community Service Gala
John Yagielski
Interim Superintendent
Niskayuna School District
Honorees & Presenters
Hon. Eli I. Taub
& JoAnn Kress
(Left to right), Congressman Paul Tonko, Steve Manny Director of Development
The Community Hospice, Dori Marlin News Anchor/Reporter at WRGB-TV/
WCWN-TV, Assemblymember Phil Steck, Nancy D. Bell, Hon. Eli Taub, JoAnn
Kress, Denise Gonick President and CEO MVP Health Care, Mark Weintraub
Executive Director SJCC, Patricia Lanotte Niskayuna School Board President,
Michelle Ostrelich President SJCC Board of Directors, Paul Losavio Key
Account Executive Freihofer Baking Company.
&
Jerry Golub President and CEO Golub
Corp. & Denise Gonick President and
CEO MVP Health Care
On November 15, 2104, the Fourth Annual Robert J. Ludwig Community Service Awards Gala, hosted at the Golub Corp.
headquarters, raised more than $74,000 for JCC programming. Awards were given to Eli I. Taub and Nancy D. Bell (Individual
Community Service), MVP Health Care (Corporate Partnership), Niskayuna Central School District (Philanthropic
Leadership) and JoAnn Kress (Employee Community Caring). The title sponsor of the event was MVP Health Care.
11
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Albany, NY
Permit No. 739
2565 Balltown Road
Niskayuna, NY 12309
(518) 377-8803
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
www.schenectadyjcc.org
2014 Capital Capabilities Event
Community Quilt
Cooking Demonstration
with Assemblymember
Angelo Santabarbara &
Dori Marlin of CBS6
Challah baking with Rabbi
Jonathan Rubenstein
from Temple Sinai