fTHE UPDATESCHENECTADY JCC

Winter 2015

A seasonal look at the courses, events and community

of the Schenectady Jewish Community Center

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Mark Weintraub, Executive Director

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….

It is the quality of our staff, our team. It is their abilities and ex-pertise. 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 respectivefields.

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.

SHARING OUR TRADE SECRETS

In the words of the late, great Joan Rivers: “Can we talk?”

So, we’ve got lots to be excited about in 2015!!!!Go Team JCC!!! 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.

lthe JCC has you covered!

Fun or Work...

Contact Budhan Ramcharan 377-8803 ext 237

budhanr@schenectadyjcc.orgfor more information!

Have A Birthday Party at the JCC

orRent Meeting Space

in the Weinberg Center 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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Passover ClosingsApril 3, Friday..........Closing at 4:45pm**April 4, Saturday......Closed all dayApril 5, Sunday........Closed all day

April 9, Thursday.....Closing at 5pm**April 10, Friday........Closed all dayApril 11, Saturday....Closed all day ** except child care

InsideThe

UPDATE 4&5

Around the JCCand

JCC Member Profile

6&7 JCC U...

Winter timeEvents, Classes & Films

8 & 9Our Amazing Staff...

Hello & Goodbye

10Our Generous

Donors

11Looking Ahead...Glancing Back...

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lBe In The Know...

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

JCC Text AlertsStay Up-To-Date with closings and changes!...

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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 build-ing 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”!

SJCC Hosts Delegation of Israeli Leaders from Eshkol Region

Maor Rosenberg arrived recently from Israel as the new Shaliach (emissary) to Northeast-ern 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, Maorserved 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 IsraelFebruary 9 & March 9 from 10:15-11:15 am

Connecting With Israel...

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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JCC Member Profile

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.

Cycle for Good...

A Workout WithAn Added Benefit

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 toTeach Relativity to Your Dog (2012) and Eureka: DiscoveringYour Inner Scientist (2014).

“The first two explain modern physics through imaginary conversations with our German Shepherd mix, Emmy,” said 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.”

Photo by Matt Milless (Conversation bubbles by Chad Orzel!)

Chad Orzel

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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!

Questions about any of our programs or events?

JCC

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Special EventsMid-Winter Summer BlowoutSponsored by MVP Health CareGreat 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.Sunday • February 112 – 3 pm

Early Childhood EducationTu B’Shevat FairCome celebrate the New Year for Trees with Early ChildhoodWednesday • February 4Golub 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 26Doors open at 5:30 pm, Show at 6:30 pmThe 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 ProgramIn partnership with Catholic CharitiesMondays, Wednesdays & FridaysSenior Meeting Room

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Family Dance/Fitness Family Double-Dutch Jump RopeSundays • Feburary 8-221-1:45pm

Family ZumbaSundays • March 1-291-1:45pm

Senior Programming presented byDrums AliveFeel 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.Tuesdays • February 17 - May 51:15 – 2:00 pm • Aerobics Studio

Jazz MovesLearn 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 requiredThursdays • February 19 - May 7 10:00 – 10:45 am • Golub Auditorium

Dance/FitnessCountry Line DancingCountry line dance lessons with Kevin Richards from 100.9 The Cat.Mondays • February 2 – April 277 – 8:30 pm • Golub AuditoriumBasic Beginner • February 2 – February 26 Level 2 Beginner • March 2 – April 27

ZumbaThe 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 amMondays & Thursdays • 5:30 pm

Winter TriathlonSunday • February 1 • 8:00 am

07Call 518.377.8803

Films at the Golub Auditorium

Paris-Manhattan: An Obsession with Woody AllenSunday February 1 3:30pm with optional supper at 5:30 pmFrance, 2012, 78 min., French w/English subtitlesWoody 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 CollegeCo-sponsored with Hadassah Capital District

Bethlehem: An Israeli Spy ThrillerSunday February 22 3:30pm with optional supper at 5:30 pmBelgium/Israel/Germany/UK, 2013, 99 min., Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitlesThis 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’ JourneySaturday March 14 7:30 pm with refreshmentsIsrael, 2013, 90 min., Russian and Hebrew with English subtitlesSuitable 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

Café IvritA 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 27:00 – 8:00 pm • Farber Miness Lounge

The Israel DiscussionAn interactive look at what is going on in Israel led by Israeli ShaliachEmissary) Maor Rosenberg. Light refreshments will be served.

Monday • February 9 & March 910:15 – 11:15 am • Farber Miness Lounge

AJewish Culture

Presented by

Judy Steps In...

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Irit Magnes & Judy Ben-Ami

Andy Katz, Program Director

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 administra-tive 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.

Irit Retires...

“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

JCC

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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.”

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 Coordi-nator 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 beauti-ful 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.

“I am looking forward to my retirement and having more time to spend with my family,

enjoying my garden and art.”

“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.”

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Tiffany and Val Move Up...Tiffany Smith has been work-ing 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 Ser-vice 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.

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 educa-tion 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.”

As Valerie Krawczyk settles into her new role as Camp Director there will be much about the pro-grams 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 De-gree in Literacy from The College of Saint Rose.

School-Age Director, Tiffany Smith

Valerie Krawczyk, Camp Director

“I like being able to visit all of the after-school programsand see the creative differences that are implementedimplemented at each particular site.”

“I’m excited to take on this role and lookforward to a wonderful summer with manyreturning families and staff.”

Sara Moves In...

Luis is Promoted...

Luis Novoa,Facilities & Safety Director

“I like working with the staff and making the JCC better for everybody - our staff and the members.”

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 posi-tion, 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.

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Donations listed are those received since the Fall edition of The Update

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Our Donors2014 End of Year Appeal continuedMark & Ina WeintraubJohn W. & H. Jean Wilkinson

Friends of the Arts & Jewish ProgramsNancy Bell & Hon. Eli TaubRaymond & June BenensonLouise BluesteinSidney & Ann CramerRabbi Matt & Sharon CutlerBarbara FleischerRuth FrasterMarvin GarfinkelChris and Bernie GrossmanAlex & Betty HallensteinErnest & Gloria KahnJosie KivortBette & Stuart KrautLeague of the Schenectady Symphony OrchestraIrit & Gerry MagnesRichard & Lois MendelsonHarvey & Arlene MendelsonNeil Jane William Estelle Golub Family FoundationIrving ParisBarbara & Richard PreismanHerbert & Hildy ReichSonia & Alan RubensteinAlvin & Pauline SchwartzMarilyn SofferRoberta & Don SteinerSanford & Gail SternsteinJames & Margo StrosbergCynthia & 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

Teva Play Natural Outdoor Play Space and Classroom Fund Michelle Ostrelich & Howard Schlossberg

2014 RJL GalaMr. & Mrs. Richard AlbenEllie, Richard & Libbie Alexander Michael AlfieriAnonymousThe Late Fred Bartz & Maria SardellaBimbo BakeriesJoseph & Evalyn BasloeNancy Bell & Hon. Eli TaubRita S. BellOlga & Elmer BertschVirginia & Ron BianchiLeslie & Dan Blumenthal and FamilyJoan & David BrownConsul Ciancetta Dr. David & Stacy CohenConnie ColangeloCool Insuring AgencyJanet Conti Sumitte & Irene DesoyzaEastern Heating & Cooling Inc.Malka EvanDr. Martin & Susan FarberFederated Clover Investment AdvisorsJack & Marsha FirestoneMr. & Mrs. Larry FriedPhyllis Fried & Steven GoldenbergGalesi GroupMarvin GarfinkelDebra & Robert GeerBernadette & Bernie GilliganGary & Deborah GoldsteinDavid & Andrea GolubMona GolubJane & Neil GolubRoss & Debra GoodmanDr. & Mrs. Brian GordonGreenberg TraurigHarlan & Helen HarrisonDr. Gerald & Karen HauslerMadelynn Heintz & Nicholas DavyJoel & F. Julia HelfmanHon. Karen JohnsonShelley & Stephen JustaJP Morgan Chase BankErnest & Gloria KahnGerald & Renee KaufmanEric & Ellen KernessJoann KressFrancis & Shirley KuzsmanJames & Katherine LevyRabbi Theodore Lichtenfeld Rabbi Miriam LichtenfeldHon. Guido A. Loyola

2014 RJL Gala continuedJohn & Katherine LuBrantPhyllis & Bert LudwigM&T Charitable FoundationLaw office of Monique B. McBride, Esq. Christina W. Meier, Esq.Bob & Eileen MichaelsDr. Eric & Gilah MosesMutual of AmericaMVP Health CareNigro CompaniesRabbi Eleanor B. PearlmanRosemarie Perez Jaquith Rabbi Ellen & Dr. Martin PildisMichael & Susan PodhurstPWC Sheila & Harvey Randall Vincent & Linda Reilly Peter & BJ RosenfeldJudith Roth Joseph Rourke & Rachel Gershon-RourkeAlan & Sonia RubensteinThe Salmon Law FirmLawrence H. SchaeferMichelle Ostrelich & Howard SchlossbergRichard Seiden Peter D. SemenzaDon & Roberta SteinerFloyd & Martha Simone Deanna Stephenson Sam & Este Sylvetsky The Trizetto CorporationThe Vincelette Law Firm- Daniel Vincelette, Esq. VirtusaMark & Ina WeintraubWRGBJohn YagielskiEllen & Robert Zirin

2014 End of Year AppealConsul R. CiancettaGeorge & Katarina CurtisMichael A. DiCerboJohn FioreJohn GoldAlex HalakanErnest & Gloria KahnJames & Katherine LevyGinny & Marc RosenbloomLynn SchnellMarylin SofferNancy StoneDr. Richard & Alice Toll Thank

you!

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Assemblymember Steck Secures Grant for Our JCC

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.

Hon. Eli I. Taub & JoAnn Kress

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 pro-vide 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.

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2014 Robert J. Ludwig Community Service Gala

(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.

John Yagielski Interim Superintendent Niskayuna School District

Jerry Golub President and CEO Golub Corp. & Denise Gonick President and CEO MVP Health Care

Honorees & Presenters

2565 Balltown RoadNiskayuna, NY 12309

(518) 377-8803

www.schenectadyjcc.org

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDAlbany, NY

Permit No. 739

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Cooking Demonstrationwith AssemblymemberAngelo Santabarbara &

Dori Marlin of CBS6

Community Quilt

Challah baking with Rabbi Jonathan Rubenstein

from Temple Sinai

2014 Capital Capabilities Event