Teachable Moments Seeing a rainbow against the morning sky. Travelling a bit further and watching it arch across the landscape. Catching the vibrant hues in the trees, noticing how they align with the rainbow’s spec- trum. Having an unexpected ‘wow’ moment to start the day. Can you imagine how a moment like this could change your day? Face it– life is hectic.We run from Point A to Point B, trying to keep our kids safe and healthy, our relationships enriched, our homes organized and our professional lives efficient. In the midst of it all, we strive to reach a balance for our own physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. It is rare to be able to pause, look around and embrace wonder. The parenting journey itself provides numerous opportunities to experience awe. We witness the prenatal develop- ment of a child, the birth process, the physical, cognitive, social and emotion- al development of our children. What greater sense of wonder and awe is there than bringing a child into this world? It is so hard to step back and appreciate these moments- we blink and they are gone. We intend to record them, put them in the baby books with the first lock of cut hair, school pictures and a first lost tooth. But the busy-ness of life gets in the way of this happening. How can we, as parents, embrace the moments to experience wonder and awe? What are we sharing with our children, so their wonder can also be ours? How can we model to them the impor- tance of taking the time to appreciate life and to wonder with us? I recently had the opportunity to attend a conference which tied together the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach to early childhood education, along with “Seamless Judaism”—and how do we, as Jewish educators, incorporate Reggio Emilia in a seam- less Jewish context? The language of the conference and the ensuing days unfolded before me, and I was constantly engaged with the theme of awe. I was reminded of the concepts of wonder, awe, and dis- covery, and how we might bring these alive through our department’s offerings and the experiences for families with whom we are engaging. While our children are discovering their environments through explo- ration and experimentation, we have the opportunity to see the world through their eyes. There is unlimited potential to engage with the wonder and the awe that children experience every day. By stopping to look at a bug, a flower, a cloud formation or a rainbow, by taking the time to cre- ate a masterpiece of dance, art or music with our children, we are opening up learning experiences for them and from them that are priceless. And with these, we are opening ourselves up to learn- ing, wonder and awe as well. (continued on page 2) CONTENTS 02—03 Introduction 04—05 Move & Learn Schedule 06—07 Jewish Family University 08—09 Winter/Spring Calendar 11 Celebrations & Events 1 2—13 South Metro 2011 Wonder and Awe…. TEVET – SIVAN 5771 VOL 4, ISSUE 1 a publication of the JCC Family Programs department Chai lights WINTER /SPRING — By Melanie Gruenwald Awe is an intuition for the dignity of all things, a realization that things not only are what they are but also stand, however remotely, for something supreme. Awe is a sense for transcendence, for the reference everywhere to mystery beyond all things. It enables us to perceive in the world intimations of the divine.... to sense the ultimate in the common and the simple: to feel in the rush of the passing the stillness of the eternal. What we cannot compre- hend by analysis, we become aware of in awe. — Abraham Joshua Heschel
Transcript
Teachable Moments
Seeing a rainbow against the morning sky. Travelling a bit furtherand watching it arch across the landscape. Catching the vibranthues in the trees, noticing how they align with the rainbow’s spec-trum. Having an unexpected ‘wow’ moment to start the day. Canyou imagine how a moment like this could change your day?
Face it– life is hectic.We run from Point A to Point B, trying to keepour kids safe and healthy, our relationships enriched, our homesorganized and our professional lives efficient. In the midst of it all,we strive to reach a balance for our ownphysical, social, emotional and spiritualneeds. It is rare to be able to pause, lookaround and embrace wonder.
The parenting journey itself providesnumerous opportunities to experienceawe. We witness the prenatal develop-ment of a child, the birth process, thephysical, cognitive, social and emotion-al development of our children. Whatgreater sense of wonder and awe is therethan bringing a child into this world?
It is so hard to step back and appreciatethese moments- we blink and they are gone. We intend to recordthem, put them in the baby books with the first lock of cut hair,school pictures and a first lost tooth. But the busy-ness of life getsin the way of this happening.
How can we, as parents, embrace the moments to experiencewonder and awe? What are we sharing with our children, so their
wonder can also be ours? How can we model to them the impor-tance of taking the time to appreciate life and to wonder with us?
I recently had the opportunity to attend a conference which tiedtogether the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach to earlychildhood education, along with “Seamless Judaism”—and howdo we, as Jewish educators, incorporate Reggio Emilia in a seam-less Jewish context?
The language of the conference andthe ensuing days unfolded beforeme,and I was constantly engaged withthe theme of awe. I was reminded ofthe concepts of wonder, awe, and dis-covery, and how we might bringthese alive through our department’sofferings and the experiences forfamilies with whom we are engaging.
While our children are discoveringtheir environments through explo-ration and experimentation, wehave the opportunity to see theworld through their eyes. There is
unlimited potential to engage with the wonder and the awe thatchildren experience every day. By stopping to look at a bug, aflower, a cloud formation or a rainbow, by taking the time to cre-ate a masterpiece of dance, art or music with our children, we areopening up learning experiences for them and from them that arepriceless. And with these, we are opening ourselves up to learn-ing, wonder and awe as well. (continued on page 2)
CONTENTS02—03Introduction
04—05Move & Learn Schedule
06—07Jewish Family University
08—09Winter/Spring Calendar
11Celebrations & Events
12—13South Metro
2 0 1 1
Wonder and Awe….
TEVET – SIVAN 5771VOL 4, ISSUE 1
a publication of the JCC Family Programs department
Chai lightsW I N T E R /SPRING
— By Melanie Gruenwald
Awe is an intuition for the dignity of all things, arealization that things not only are what they arebut also stand, however remotely, for somethingsupreme. Awe is a sense for transcendence, for thereference everywhere to mystery beyond all things.It enables us to perceive in the world intimations ofthe divine.... to sense the ultimate in the commonand the simple: to feel in the rush of the passing thestillness of the eternal. What we cannot compre-hend by analysis, we become aware of in awe.
— Abraham Joshua Heschel
02 WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS
Volume 4, Issue 1Winter/Spring 2011
Tevet – Sivan 5771
Chailights is publishedthree times a year by theRobert E. Loup JewishCommunity Center
350 South Dahlia Street,
Denver, CO 80246
www.jccdenver.org
Family Programs
Family Programs DirectorMelanie Gruenwald, (303) 316-6325
Family Programs CoordinatorJill Katchen, (303) 316-6336
South Outreach CoordinatorMelissa Combs, (303) 316-6318
Rose & Robyn LoupChild Care & Nursery Center
(303) 316-6301
Early Childhood Center(303) 316-6377
Chai lights One of the principles of the Reggio Emilia philos-ophy is that parents are partners in their child’slearning experiences. We are partners in ourchildren’s engagement with wonder. Throughtheir eyes, we might experience the same kind of‘wow’ moments each day. The Family ProgramsDepartment reinforces this principle through ourprograms and ongoing classes, which engage theparent in discovery with the child.
Our pre-natal offerings, Move and Learn classes,Shalom Baby and Shalom Family programs andexperiences are designed to meet the child in theirplace of wonder. We are creating a context whereyoung families can experience music, art, cultureand traditions in a Jewish context. Our children’sminds are not only being enriched, we are alsocreating Jewish friendships for their lifetimes. Theexpectant parents who participate in Jewish BabyUniversity are, often unintentionally, steppinginto a journey of lifelong friendships for them-selves and for their children, as well.
As the professionals who work to support you onyour parenting journey, we are constantly reflect-ing on your needs, interests, and our opportunitiesto engage you in wonder, awe and to create oppor-tunities for you, as parents-as-partners in yourchildren’s learning.
We are aware of the increased need for program-ming in the South suburbs and are presenting adiverse offering of one-time and ongoing eventsfor the families who live in the South. Please takenote of these opportunities and join us for holi-day celebrations, pre and post-natal classes, PJLibrary Nights and more!
We know the journey of learning continues throughparenthood. Our Jewish Baby University, JewishFamily University and Moms’ Night Out events areintended to create meaningful engagement with theadults in our community and, of course, give us theopportunity to wonder a bit more, as well.
As we watch our children grow, engage with themin this process and create more opportunities forthem to pause and experience wonder, we, too,will have the opportunity to experience wonderand awe with them and through them. And younever know, one day you might pause in yourhustle and bustle of life and have one of those‘wow’ moments, with your child by your side. Itwill be a rich moment to enjoy together andreflect on as your child grows.
The Family Programs Department looks forwardto welcoming you to this WONDER-filled andAWE-some quarter of events. See you soon.
The Early Childhood Centeris celebrating its 75th yearof Growing Our Future!
Over the course of the year, the ECC will host a varietyof events and offer a number of ways in which the com-munity can get involved and help acknowledge thismilestone. We are looking for the names and contactinformation of alumni, past teachers and past directors.Please email [email protected] with this informationor request to be involved in our celebration!
Growing Our Future
JCCEarlyChildhoodCenter
Years
(Wonder and Awe.... continued on from page 1)
WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS 03
What’s New?Register online for all Shalom Family programs! Pre-registra-tion and payment for all Shalom Baby and Family programs isavailable online at www.jccdenver.org, under “families.”
Move and Learn SpecialsEarly Birds
Receive $15 off of the total registration fee when registering forboth winter sessions by Jan. 3. Please see the Move and Learnschedule for class dates, times and costs.
Welcome BackIf you have not participated in one of our programs since Jan. of2010, we would like to say “Welcome Back” by offering you oneFREE week of class in one of our winter sessions. This discountcan only be used one time.
Sticky Fingers Cooking ClassesJoin Sticky Fingers Cooking and Shalom Baby for a few weeks offun in the kitchen with your 2–3 year olds and learn how to take thefrustration out of dinnertime. See page 4 for more information.
ABCs of Financial PlanningWhether you are expecting a child for the first time or you thinkit’s time to reevaluate your current financial plan, this is thecourse for you! Please see page 6 for details.
Mom-a-lates starts in JanuaryShalom Baby and the JCC Pilates program introduces a new eight-week course specifically designed for those “moms to be” or thosewho are six weeks post-natal to introduce you to Equipment-basedPilates. Benefits include: core muscle stabilization, improved pos-ture, increased energy and flexibility, and weight loss, if desired.For more information please see “Pre-natal classes” on page 6.Please also see South Programs for our new pre-natal “Yogalates”classes being offered on Tuesday mornings.
Bagels and Blocks Presents... Miracles IIA four-week support group for new moms, with Dr. DeborahFishman, PsyD, creator and facilitor of the JCC pre-natal classMiracles and Mayhem. Starting Jan. 25, we invite our new momsto a wonderful space for professional and community support,friendships and self-care. Meet with other new moms to discussthe realities vs. expectations of motherhood, breast-feeding, bodyimage, marriage, balance and more...the moms set the agenda.
04 WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS
Shalom Family Move & Learn Classes
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday
Jan. • Feb. • March • April • May
Babies8 weeks— pre-crawling
Boogie Babies11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m.
Bonding with Baby11:45 a.m.—12:30 p.m.& 5—5:45 p.m.
Mommy & Me Yoga/Baby Massage10:45—11:30 a.m.Newborn—pre-crawling
ToddlersCrawling—17 months
Jammin’ Tots9:30—10:15 a.m.
Mini Tumbling9:45—10:30 a.m.
Toddlers18 months—3 years
Artistic Tots15—35 months9:30—10:15 a.m.
Sticky FingersCooking!2—3 years11 a.m.—noon
Jammin’ Tots10:30—11:15 a.m.
Maxi Tumbling10:45—11:30 a.m.
.
Mixed-AgeNewborn—4 years
Talk and Tumble10:30—11:30 a.m.Makin’ Music10:30—11:15 a.m.
PJ5:30—7 p.m.Jammin’ Tots
Tales fromThe Jungle10:30—11:15 a.m.
Makin’ Music10—10:45 a.m.
Pre-natal Yoga5:30—6:30 p.m.
Class Descriptions
PARENT/CAREGIVERPARTICIPATION CLASSESAll classes require pre-registration and payment. There are no refunds formissed classes, butmake-ups are available if you choose to attend one of ourother classes.We offer discounts for multiples and siblings, and have “drop-in” or single-class pricing for the class price plus $5, if the class already hasthe minimum number of participants needed to run the class. Reservationsare required to attend a class, in order to limit class sizes. Please call theFamily Programs Department for specific days, times, and pricing at (303)316-6336 or register online at www.jccdenver.org under “families”.
Sunday—FridaySession I: Jan. 9—Mar. 4, 8 weeksSession II: Mar. 13—May 22, (no class April 18—29 and May 8), 8 weeks$96/8 week session/JCC; $115/8 week session/non-members
(New) Sticky Fingers Cooking!Children 2—3 yearsTuesdays, 11 a.m.—noon$120 plus $15 for a child’s knife to use in class and take home!/JCC$144 plus $15 materials fee/non-membersSticky Fingers Cooking comes to the JCC....Sticky Fingers is a local cook-ing school where young children can whisk, julienne, and fold to theirhearts content, and parents don’t have to clean up the mess! StickyFingers Cooking enthusiastically believes that kids who are involved intasting flavorful foods and are a part of preparing what they will put intheir mouth, will develop into well-rounded, adventurous eaters. Weinvite parents and their kids to cut, fix, nibble and share their creationseach week. Participants will receive healthy recipes to try at home.
TUMBLINGInstructor: Tal Kamien
Bonding with BabyChildren ages 8 weeks–pre-crawlingThursdays, 11:45 a.m.—12:30 p.m. or 5—5:45 p.m.Parents and caregivers will discover newways to bondwith their babies whileenjoying the support of other adults in a comfortable, safe environment.Wewill explore each child's individual development levels and discover fun waysto foster growth and happiness. This special timewith your child will include
WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS 05
Move and Learnsongs, bubbles, stories, puppets, free play and great exercises and stretchingdesigned for your little one. This is a great way to introduce early socializa-tion skills and meet other families in the community.
Mini TumblingChildren crawling—17 monthsThursdays, 9:45—10:30 a.m.
This class focuses on gross motor development for children who are invarious stages of walking. Wobblers to confident movers explore ourtumbling equipment, including balance beams, trampolines, tunnels,balls and more.
Maxi TumblingChildren 18—30 monthsThursdays, 10:45—11:30 a.m. or 4—4:45 p.m.
For the older toddler who is a confident mover and shaker, and needs someextra room to explore. Cooperative games with children of a similar age areintroduced with parental/caregiver support, as well as different movementconcepts – “under/over/through,” crawl/walk/jump, backwards/forwards, etc.
Boogie BabiesChildren 8 weeks—pre-crawlingMondays 11:45 a.m.—12:30 p.m.Created for pre-crawlers and their parents, this class provides new andfun ways to bond with your babies using singing, finger-plays, nurseryrhymes, instruments and movement. Come and nurture your baby’s nat-ural musical abilities in this fun class.
Jammin’ TotsChildren crawling—36 monthsWednesdays 9:30—10:15 a.m. or 10:30—11:15 a.m.
This class is designed for parents and their children who are on the move.Parents/caregivers support their children as they explore and discover theirown abilities to sing and move to a beat. Activities include singing, danc-ing, instrument play, creative movement, rhythm exploration and purefun. Due to the popularity of this class, it is offered at two different times.
Babies love to watch older kids, and older kids love to be leaders in thisfun mixed-age class. Parents/caregivers support their children as theyexplore and discover their own abilities to sing and move to a beat.Activities include singing, dancing, instrument play, and rhythm explo-ration. Play with egg shakers, rhythm sticks, bells, drums and more. Thisis a great class for siblings of different age and ability levels.
YOGAInstructor: Casey Feicht
Mommy and Me Yoga/Baby MassageMoms with children newborn—pre-crawlingFridays, 10:45—11:30 a.m.A calming and restorative experience for mom and baby, this class focus-es on unique yoga postures designed to help moms get back in shape. Eachclass is filled with calming, nurturing ways to enhance bonding whilemom exercises, and gives opportunities to socialize with other newmoms.
ARTInstructor: Lorie Savinar
Artistic Tots... a whole body experience!For children 17 months–3 yearsMondays, 9:30—10:15 a.m.Explore the world of textures, colors, shapes and self-expression in thisintroductory art class for parents and their young children. Caregiversand children can relax and have fun while participating in experiencessuch as body painting and play dough art. Be ready to make a mess thatyou don’t have to clean up at home!
*Special Fee – There will be an additional $15 materials fee for each session.
All Move & Learn classes are eligible for a Mazel Tot discount atwww.mazeltot.org.
WARM WELCOMECongratulations onyour new baby!We know there’s so much for you to do and learn.Let us help…we offer caring support, a connectionto community resources, a way to meet other newparents, and a gift basket that includes informationon child development and parenting skills, books andCDs, and a complimentary JCC one-year membership. This is all delivered toyou by a trained volunteer. There is no charge for this service. Call Melanie toregister at (303) 316-6325.
Warm Welcome is available for Jewishbabies, age six months or younger.
06 WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS
Jewish Family UniversityParenting ProgramsSHALOM BABYPRENATAL CLASSESPre-registration and payment are required for all Shalom Baby Classes, (303)316-6336 or www.jccdenver.org under “families.”
Pre-natal YogaSession I: Wednesday, Jan. 5—Feb. 9Session II: Wednesday, Feb. 16—Mar. 23Session III: Wednesday, Mar. 30—May 4Session IV: Wednesday, May 11—June 22 (no class June 8)JCC Yoga Studio, 5:30—6:30 p.m.$48/S&F; $72/JCC; $86/non-membersRelax, stretch, and come meet other expectant moms. Instructor, JennyFleming has been teaching pre-natal/post-natal yoga since she was preg-nant with her first child nine years ago. She has been trained in Iyengaryoga and is a massage therapist and a registered nurse. This is a yoga classwhere expectant moms can do yoga knowing that the poses are safe andchosen specifically for their needs. Sessions will be six weeks long.
Mom-a-lates(Pre-natal/post-natal Pilates)Shalom Baby and the JCC Pilates program introduces a new eight-weekcourse specifically designed for those “moms to be” or those who are sixweeks post- natal (Per doctor’s release) to introduce you to Equipmentbased Pilates. After graduation from the “Fundamentals” of Pilates, youwill be able to attend the equipment based Pilates classes here at the JCCfor a nominal fee. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.Program is non-transferable and non-refundable. Any session missedmust be made up in the form of a Pilates Private session at regular pri-vate price. Times and dates are to be determined. For more informationcontact Lisa Tanguma, Pilates Director at [email protected]
Jewish Baby UniversitySession I: Seven Tuesdays, Jan. 4—Feb. 15Session II: March 14, 16, 21, 23, April 6, 11, 136:30—9:30 p.m.$150/coupleRose Medical Center and the JCCDesigned for first-time parents, this innovative program combines child-birth education with an exploration of the Jewish traditions and ritualsconnected with pregnancy, birth and parenting, and provides an opportu-nity to create lasting friendships. Instructors Rabbi Jeffrey Kaye (Judaic)and Sue Geissler (Prepared Childbirth), lead this program created by theColorado Agency for Jewish Education and co-sponsored by the JCC andRose Medical Center. Please note: participants join the Boot Camp forNew Dads and Miracles and Mayhem classes. Enrollment also includes aJCC Family Membership.
Jewish Baby University Plus$225/coupleJewish Baby University seven-week course, PLUS Breast Feeding, Baby Safe,and ABCs of Financial Planning all in one great package with a cost savings.See class details below. Enrollment also includes a JCC Family Membership.
While breastfeeding is a natural process, it is mostly a learned art. Themore you know the fewer challenges you might face. After attending aclass you will be aware of the obstacles that can occur in the first days andweeks and know how to handle them. Instructor Donna Brown, R.N.,IBCLC discusses the advantages of breastfeeding, how breast milk is pro-duced and how to get off to a good start.We recommend taking this classin the last trimester of pregnancy.
Join local pediatricians from Southeast Denver Pediatrics as they prepareparents for situations that include difficulty in breathing, choking,seizures, dehydration and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You’lllearn how to perform infant CPR, how to “baby-proof” your home, andhow to respond to burns, cuts, bruises, head injuries, high fevers andmore. Instructors also provide valuable information about the issues newparents often face during the first few weeks of their baby’s life.
Boot Camp for New DadsSession I: Tuesday, Jan. 18Session II: Monday, Mar. 21JCC, 6:30—9 p.m.$30/session/JCC: $36/session/non-member
Join us for a lively and informative evening of discussion and hands-onlearning about the many challenges and delights of first-time fatherhoodled by trained instructors. This interactive class features the best adviceveteran dads (along with baby) have to offer expectant fathers.
Miracles and Mayhem: The Realities of MotherhoodSession I: Tuesday, Jan. 18Session II: Monday, Mar. 21JCC Board Room, 6:30—9 p.m.$30/session/JCC; $36/session/non-member
New mothers will find a safe and nurturing environment created byinstructor Deborah Fishman, Psy.D, for discussing the challenges of cop-ing with motherhood. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore theways in which your identity will change and how the changes will affectyour relationships. This interactive class also features the experiences andadvice from women who have themselves just become moms.
WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS 07
Jewish Family UniversityABCs of Financial PlanningSession I: Thursday, Feb. 17Session II: Thursday, April 14JCC, 6:30—9 p.m.$40/session/JCC; $48/session/non-member
Diapers, bottles and gear-- oh my! Becoming a parent is one of the mostrewarding experiences you will have, yet also one of the most expensive.It can be overwhelming to understand the changes required to your sav-ing and spending patterns to plan for the everyday costs of having a child,planning for preschool/grade school and for many parents, saving forcollege. It's also critical to plan for how your children will be taken careof in the event of a loss of a family member. Seth Davis is a CertifiedFinancial PlannerTM who spends much of his time working with youngerfamilies. He will provide a solid overview on the financial topics you needto know about and answer any questions you may have.”
JCC Family Programs Parenting ClassesPre-registration and payment are required for all Classes, (303) 316-6336 orwww.jccdenver.org under “Families”.
Parents’ Night Out: Wine Tasting and Book DiscussionWednesday, Jan. 196—8 p.m., Water 2 Wine (9608 East Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, 80112)$15/personLearn about wine making, do a little wine tasting and chat about thebook “Blessing of a Skinned Knee” at Water 2 Wine. “Blessing of aSkinned Knee” byWendy Mogel, PhD, is a parenting book about the day-to-day challenges of raising self-reliant children. Rabbi SalomonGruenwald will facilitate a discussion about this book following an introto wine making and wine tasting. (Reading the book prior to this discus-sion is recommended, but not required.)
WoMeN (Working Mothers Network)Thursday, Jan. 27Location: Le Central, 6—8 p.m.$15/person
Leave the whine at home, and share some wine with us. Dr. ToniBackman, PhD will facilitate a conversation on managing the work-lifebalance. Wine and conversation included.
Moms Night Out! Passover CookingTuesday, March 15, 6:30—8:30 p.m.Location: TBA$20/personMake passover a true “Festival of Freedom” this year with tips and tech-niques for seder preparation and implementation. Recommended winepairing with the seder menu will be offered.
Mahj, Moms, and MargaritasThursday, May 5JCC Perlmutter Room, 6:30—8:30 p.m.$15/person
Either you’re playing mahj jongg or you want to be…. This is theperfect place to get a taste of the traditional game with the ladies andour moms. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, margaritas will be served.
Talk and Tumble – Open GymFor moms with newborns and older siblingsMondays, weeklyJCC, room 20110:30—11:30 a.m.FreeBring your new baby and/or your toddlers for open play time in our tum-bling room. Get out of the house, meet new friends and have fun with oldfriends. This is an excellent chance to enter a “yes” zone with multiples,siblings and other little explorers. The JCC tumbling room is a great, safeenvironment for toddlers to explore and get out extra energy, especiallyon those cold winter days!
Bagels and BlocksParents with children newborn—pre-crawlingSession I: Tuesdays, Jan. 18—Feb. 15 (Dr. Debbie Fishman)Session II: Tuesdays, March 15—April 12Session III: Tuesdays, May 31—June 28JCC Room 203, 11 a.m.—12:30 p.m.$12 per class or $50 for all five/JCC;$14 per class or $60 for all five/non-membersReservations required
Lifelong connections are forged in this parent discussion and playgroup,which meets weekly over a bagel snack. Moms and dads discuss parentingwhile their babies play beside them. Facilitators will guide the discussionfor the 1st hour, and then the last ½ hour will be left open for chatting andplaying. Our speakers represent the vast array of local expertise availableto your family and include pediatricians, nutritionists, financial planners,psychologists, fitness teachers, education specialists, clergy and more.
*Pamper days for mom... the first week of each session. Manicures, pedi-cures, head and neck massage will relax and re-energize you.
Tales from the Jungle - FREE storytime!Fridays, Jan. 7—June 2410:30—11:15 a.m.The Reading Jungle (Room 205)Stories come to life every week through wonderful tales from the PJlibrary, fun songs, and expressive dancing. Great for children ages 1–5.This entertaining program is free of charge, but reservations are request-ed. Call Jill at (303)316-6336.
A Community-wide Festival for Families with Children Newborn–Age 8
MAY 22, 201110:30 a.m. — 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate!
FREE Community Festival
Live music, petting zoo, bounce castles, train rides, face painting, great food, dozens of artisans and vendors and much, much more await youat this fun-filled FREE community-wide festival. Hours have been extended this year and special activities including live music will mark thecelebration of Lag B’Omer.
If you have your own business and would be interested in being a vendor at this year’s event, please contact Dani Wynn at [email protected]. Takeadvantage of this wonderful opportunity to promote your business with more than 1800 people expected to attend.
Family ProgramsCelebrations and Events
To register for all Family Programs please contact Jill Katchen,(303) 316-6336 or [email protected], or register online atwww.jccdenver.org under “families.” Advance registration andpayment are requested for all programs, in order to plan accord-ingly. Participants who show up at the door, will be chargednon-member pricing which is 20% higher.
Tu B’Shevat: Plant, Explore and Learn!Children ages 2—8 and their familiesSunday, Jan. 23JCC, 10 a.m.—noon$8/person (ages 2 and up)/$32 max per family/JCC;$10 (ages 2 and up)/$40 max per family/non-members or day of
Join Shalom Family and Ekar to celebrate the New Year of Trees.Participate in hands-on educational and fun activities appropriatefor children ages 2–8.
2010 Jewish Baby University ReunionSunday, February 6JCC, 10 a.m.—noon$20/family
Meet up with your JBU community! This is a great chance toreconnect and bring your children together to make some morememories.
Passport to PurimChildren 2—6 and their familiesSunday, March 13JCC, 3—5 p.m.$8/person (ages 2 and up)/$32 max per family/JCC;$10 (ages 2 and up)/ $40 max per family/ non-members or day of
Bring your family to celebrate Purim while learning about themitzvot of the holiday. Enjoy creative activities, eat hamantashen,and hear the story of Purim.
Passover Festival: Seder Samplings, Art, Music and MoreChildren ages 2—8 and their familiesSunday, April 10JCC Phillips Social Hall , 3—5 p.m.$8/person (ages 2 and up)/$32 max per family/JCC;$10 (ages 2 and up)/ $40 max per family/ non-members or day of
Gain a new perspective on Passover during this Shalom Family cel-ebration, featuring Storah Telling. You will have the chance to learnnew ways to engage your family in the seder experience. Both chil-dren and adults will bring home tips and tools to enjoy Passover.
Mahj, Moms, and MargaritasThursday, May 5JCC Perlmutter Room, 6:30—8:30 p.m.$15/person
Either you’re playing mahj jongg or you want to be…. This is theperfect place to get a taste of the traditional game with the ladies andour moms. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, margaritas will be served.
Celebrate Family!For children ages newborn—8 and their familiesSunday, May 22JCC Parking Lot10:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Family! with Shalom Family’s signature event. ThisFREE community-wide festival will offer music, fun activities forall ages, food, retail vendors and more. Vendor and exhibitiontables are available. Contact Jill Katchen at (303) 316-6336 formore information.
Stories from Sinai: A PJ Library Shavuot “Camp-In”Children ages 1—6 and their familiesMonday, June 6JCC Reading Jungle, 5—7 p.m., Finer Terrace$8/person (ages 2 and up)/$32 max per family/JCC;$10 (ages 2 and up)/$40 max per family/ non-members or day of:
Step back in time to when we were all together at Sinai…. This isa perfect way to end a day at camp, and share in some meaningfulstories and creative arts with your children, and learn about thefestival of Shavuot. Pizza will be served.
All Family Programs are eligible for a MazelTot discount atwww.mazeltot.org
WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS 11
12 WINTER/SPRING CHAILIGHTS
Thanks to a generous grant from Rose Community Foundation,the JCC will continue to expand its family programs to SouthMetro Denver to accommodate the growing population of familieswith young children who live in this area. We hope you find pro-grams that interest you and your family! Pre-registration and pay-ment are required for all south programs. To register, please contactMelissa Combs at 303.316.6418 or [email protected] oronline at www.jccdenver.org.
Parents’ Night Out: Wine Tasting and Book DiscussionWednesday, Jan. 196—8 p.m., Water 2 Wine(9608 East Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, 80112)$15/person
Learn about wine making, do a little wine tasting and chat aboutthe book “Blessing of a Skinned Knee” at Water 2 Wine. “Blessingof a Skinned Knee” by Wendy Mogel, PhD, is a parenting bookabout the day-to-day challenges of raising self-reliant children.Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald, Associate Rabbi at CongregationHebrew Educational Alliance, will facilitate a discussion aboutthis book following an intro to wine making and wine tasting.(Reading the book prior to this discussion is recommended, butnot required.)
Moms’ Night Out Shabbat Cooking & Wine Tasting ClassMonday, Jan. 31, 6:30—9 p.m.South Location TBD$20/personInstructors: Dede Schuringa and Melanie Gruenwald
Relax and enjoy a night of cooking and wine tasting withfriends. Everyone will bring home recipes and family-friendlyShabbat activities.
PJ Library Pajama and Pizza PartyChildren ages 1—6 and their familiesWednesday, Feb. 95:30—7:30 p.m., Monkey Bizness(9950 E. Easter Ave., Suite 200, Centennial, 80112)$8/child
Children have an opportunity tomonkey around atMonkey Biznessin their pajamas, eat pizza and listen to a bedtime story from the PJLibrary collection. Playtime and entry are $8/child. Pizza is availableto purchase fromMonkey Bizness.Dessert will be served by the JCC.Limited to the first 50 kids.
Mishloach Manot for PurimSunday, March 63—5 p.m., South Location TBDFREE
One of the four Purim mitzvot (charitable acts) is “MishloachManot” – gifts of food and drink – to ensure everyone has enoughfood and drink to enjoy the Purim feast. Children and parents willhave an opportunity to work together to create gift baskets filledwith hamantaschen, fruits, nuts, candy and juice to donate to alocal organization.
Chocolate SederThursday, April 1410—11:30 a.m., South Location TBD$18/family and $5/additional person
The Passover Seder is a time to retell the story of the hardshipsthat were faced as the Jewish people escaped slavery to seek free-dom. Savour the sweetness of freedom by joining us for aChocolate Seder. Children will have an opportunity to decorateseder plates and participate in a fun seder program using a“chocolate” haggadah.
Shavuot SchmearSunday, June 53—5 p.m., South Location TBD$18/family and $5/additional person
On Shavuot it is customary to eat dairy foods to remember enter-ing the land of “milk and honey.” The JCC will set up a creamcheese bar where parents and children canmix their favorite ingre-dients to customize cream cheese to fit their taste buds’ delight.Bagels and refreshments will be provided.
Pre-Natal YogalatesTuesdays, Noon—1 p.m.CenterStage Starz Theatre and Dance Studio$112/session, 8weeksInstructor: Tal Kamien
General stretching and toning has been proven effective in helpingpregnant women feel better during pregnancy, during labor, andafter delivery. Our Certified Pre-natal Yogalates instructor willguide you through gentle movements, incorporating both matwork exercises from Pilates and yoga poses that will help strength-en and tone. Classes traditionally end with deep relaxation andmediation. These practices will improve your body’s functionalityduring your pregnancy and labor experience. You must submit anote from your health care provider prior to beginning class.
Session I: Jan. 11—March 1Session II: March 15—May 17 (no class April 17—29 for Passover or May 8)
South Metro Denver Programs
South Metro
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The Reading JungleEnjoy some family time in room 205.Open the door and discover a great placeto spend time with your young children atthe JCC. The Reading Jungle is ourdelightful family library filled with Judaicand mainstream children’s books, parent-ing and teacher resources, CDs and toys.With Tales from The Jungle, Open Play,and Playgroup Gatherings, we’ve createdmany opportunities for you to come andenjoy this wonderful space.
Tales from the JungleFREE Story timeFriday mornings, 10:30 a.m., Room 205
Storytellers, face painters, musicians andmore will spin wonderful tales, share sto-ries from The PJ Library, and thrill chil-dren ages 1–5 with fun surprises. Thisprogram is FREE of charge but reserva-tions are requested. Please visitwww.jccdenver.org to view our Tales fromThe Jungle schedule.
Hang TimeMonday—Friday1—4:30 p.m., Room 205Come enjoy our space and hang out withyour kids, read some books and socializewith friends.
Playgroup GatheringsAre you looking for a new place to holdyour next playgroup? The Reading Jungleat the JCC is the perfect spot. Just call toreserve the room and we’ll do the rest.We’ll even provide snack!
Contact Jill Katchen at (303) 316-6336 [email protected] for questions andreservations.
Stories come to life in the
Reading Jungle
Storytime fun with Storyteller Nancy Avalon.
Mixed-Age Music: Makin’ MusicChildren 8 weeks—4 yearsSundays, 10—10:45 a.m.$96/session, 8 weeksCenterstageStarz Theater and Dance Studio
Babies love to watch older kids, and older kids love to be leadersin this fun mixed-age class. Parents/caregivers support their chil-dren as they explore and discover their own abilities to sing andmove to a beat. Activities include singing, dancing, instrumentplay, creative movement and rhythm exploration. Play with eggshakers, rhythm sticks, bells, drums and more.
Session I: Jan. 9—March 4Session II: March 13—May 22 (no class April 17—29 for Passover or May 8)
South Metro Denver Programs
South Metro
Tammie C. Hand, M.D.S. Andrew Tucker, M.D.Lisa Schwartz, M.D.Daniel Miga, M.D.
Vicki Myers, C-PNP, M.S.Delores L. Marrs, C-PNP, M.N.Patricia Connor, PA-C, M.S.
Southeast Denver Pediatrics, P.C.
Phyllis & Ernest AbramsonMike AltenbergJill & Joel AsraelJennifer & Alan BezozaJill & Stuart BombelTobey & Justin BorusCarley & Dan BrooksCaron Blanke & Dirk ByrdJoAnn CohenDrs.Goldie & Joel CohenDana & Harvey EckoffKim &Dr. Jonathan FishmanStacey &Matthew FleishmanRabbi Jordan &Shayna Friedman
Rosie & Harold GrueskinStuart HellerBetsy Mordecai HeymanKaryn & David Huberman
Judge Lynn & Bev KarowskyFlorrie & Bruce KatchenJill Katchen & Steve BrodskyHannah Katz & Craig KornbluthHenny & Donald KaufmannRabbi Jeffrey & Rhonda KayeCarla & Jay KutnickAlise & Scott LawrenceCindy Long & Jason SindlerMaggie Miller & Doug GertnerDr. Brad & Sara NiederDr.Marcus & Heather OginskyLisa & Jonathan PerlmutterYana & Leo ProfiletBarbara & Stuart Raynor
Jamie & Andrew ResnikKareen & Hal ShapiroMichael ShinbeinSusan &Andrew SilverBettina &MelvinWeinbergDani & JasonWynn
Chai Chairs 2010The JCC Family Programs Department would like to offer a heartfelt“thank you”to everyone who helpedmake Chai Chairs 2010 a fun and successful event.The Shwayder Theater was alive with 300 adults and kids rockin’ out to the outrageously hip kiddie pop band, Shir La La.A great time was had by all.
A special thank you goes to the following:• Event co-chairs,Carla Kutnick, Jamie Resnik and DaniWynn, for their tireless energy, dedication and attention to detail.• Chai Chairs event committee members Carley Brooks,Alise Lawrence,Kareen Shapiro and Sara Nieder, for their time, creativity and ongoing support.• To all of our generous donors who helped us raise over $34,000 at this year’s event and provided Shalom Family with the support and funds necessary
to continue offering our valuable programs to the community.We would like to recognize the following people for their 2010 Chai Chairs donations:
Expecting a Baby this Spring?Jewish Baby University is the right choice!• Meet other expectant parents• Get prepared for childbirth• Learn what Jewish tradition teaches about parenting• Form lifelong friendships with your classmates
Call now for more information and to register!(303) 316-6336 or register online at www.jccdenver.org
Now offering JBU PLUS — JBU, Babysafe, Breastfeeding
and ABCs of Financial Planning. The complete Package!
$10 off Move & LearnCaregiver/Child Classes forAges Newborn—3 years
Tumbling, Music, Art and YogaCall (303) 316-6336 for schedule, prices & to register
JEWISH BABY UNIVERSITY
MOVE & LEARN AT THE JCC
*Donations as of 11/12/2010 we apologize for any omissions
Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center350 South Dahlia St.Denver, CO 80246
