Join Your Friends
And Family at the JCC

by Carol Folkerth

Open any newspaper, go online or watch TV and you're immediately bombarded with ads about products that are designed to make our lives easier. Or, about the perfect gift for the perfect someone in your life. Each at an incredible price and incredible value but only if you act right now. Sound familiar?

In any event, all of this started our staff at the JCC thinking about the current economic cycle that we're all in, the challenges it is posing and how we define "value" not just in our personal lives, but also in terms of membership at the JCC.

The majority of us are making real changes in our daily lives. We are constantly making choices about things that used to be inconsequential, like whether or not we have an evening out, or make an "extra" trip to the store - perhaps even re-defining what a "need" is versus a "want." We are looking for more value in our investments, in our time, and in our lives. Everyone is concerned about keeping things balanced in the present and having a solid financial future. We are just more concerned. Period.

To many, the value of being part of the JCC is in being part of this community. It's the community of friends who come to work out, to take educational classes, to enrich their lives and the lives of others. It's a network of people, young and not as young, enjoying Jewish cultural activities, a great kosher meal and community wide events. It's in the outreach programs that provide assistance and resources to all. It's the children learning, laughing, growing, singing and sharing in our classrooms. It's our youth who have a safe and fun place to go after school. It's the friendships that are made in our senior lunch program or playing in the men's basketball league. It's the quality and access to annual programs like the Jewish Bookfair and Jewish Film Festival. It's the entertainment value of a Gallery Players' production in our theatre. It's in the heart, mind and soul of everyone who enters our doors. It's the value we put into the JCC, and the value that the JCC offers each and every member and visitor to our facility.

So during these tough economic times, please remember the value of the "J." If you haven't been in for a while, come in soon. Bring your friends. Stay a little longer. This is your "J." It's here for you and it's here because of you. Take a swim, shoot some hoops, get a massage. Relax. Consider the JCC a place for your "staycation!" Our programs are here to provide joy and most of all - value to your life.

Your friends and family are at the JCC. Join us.

Carol

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