Weekly CenterScene

It’s not every day that the JCC gets to celebrate turning 100. Come join the merriment on Sunday, January 6, 2013, from 2-4 p.m. We’ll be kicking off a year of celebration with festivities, music, cake, ice cream, and more.

All ages are invited to attend our biggest birthday bash yet, when we will be opening the JCC Time Capsule and drawing for fabulous raffle prizes, like free tickets to Gallery Players’ Fiddler on the Roof.

The Columbus Jewish Historical Society JCC 100 Exhibit Timeline will also be on display. We will have entertainment, storytelling with the PJ Library, and arts and crafts activities. The celebration will also be an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming 2013 camp season and all that it will offer, and to sign up early for the best payment options.

It wouldn’t be a birthday party without a “Happy Birthday” sing-along led by Marc Rossio, followed by cake and Graeter’s ice cream. Pick up your schedule of the many 2013 JCC 100 events and join us as we mark the start of a very exciting year.

We would love to include you in our birthday wishes and celebrate your participation in the life of the JCC. Please RSVP to Nancy Rosen at (614) 559-6250 or nrosen@columbusjcc.org.

You may have noticed all the bulldozers, excavators, and other construction equipment around our parking lots lately. Outdoor construction has begun.

The first phase of construction is in full swing. The digging and debris removal continues, even in the snow. The Corna Kokosing Construction Company has already removed the exterior supporting wall next to the courtyard. They’ve also begun digging a hole to make room for the two-story addition. The tennis courts are being modified to accommodate more space for parking, as well.

Thank you for your patience with this short-term disruption as we improve your JCC for the long-term.

Please remember:
•  The south lot will be closed during construction
•  Parking will be only in the north lot
•  We are moving staff parking so members have enough spaces
•  Please abide by the 5mph speed limit
•  Please be careful and follow all traffic signs

Do you have a friend who is thinking of joining the J? Now is the time for them to join. For the month of January, new members who sign up for an annual membership will qualify for a discounted registration fee. Whatever day you join, pay that much for your registration fee. For example, join on January 2 and pay only $2 for your registration fee!

Refer a friend and receive a JCC gift card. Annual members who refer a new annual member will receive a $25 JCC gift card. For more information, please contact JCC Member Services at 559-6227 or 559-6229.

View full-size flyer (PDF) »

Interested in sending your child to a Jewish camp this summer? We have just the event for you! Representatives from Goldman Union Camp (GUCI), Camp Livingston, Emma Kaufmann Camp, Camp Wise, JCC Day Camp, as well as Columbus' Camp Scholarship coordinator, Alyssa Russell, will gather at JCC New Albany on Sunday, January 13, for a Jewish Camping Fair.

This is the perfect opportunity to speak with camp staff and determine which camp is the best fit for your family.  This free event will be held Sunday, January 13, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Please feel free to come and go to this Open House informational event as is convenient for you!

Contact Becca Nitzberg for more information or to RSVP at bnitzberg@columbusjcc.org or (614) 559-6215.

Recently, the JCC partnered with 1st Choice Physical Therapy to provide seniors with information on a very relevant health topic: how to prevent falls. The “Falls Prevention” lecture was led by Jonathan Hartstein, P.T., president of the 1st Choice Physical Therapy. “Older adults are encouraged to seek the advice of a physical therapist to reduce their risk of falls through balance and strength training, and other programs designed to keep seniors active and safe,” said Hartstein.

Research shows that a combination of many interacting factors increases fall risk. Age is one risk factor for falls, but does not have to be accepted as a normal consequence of aging. But adults aged 80 and older do have a higher risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of adults aged 65 and older fall each year in the U.S. Falls are the leading cause of deaths due to injuries and the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma for the aging population.

"An important component in falls prevention is making one's home safe," said Hartstein. The home is the primary location for non-fatal, unintentional falls. "Removing throw rugs, rerouting electrical cords, improving lighting, and installing handrails are simple ways to make a home safer. These modifications are especially critical for older adults who use walking aids."

Seniors are encouraged to participate in the many activities offered for them at the JCC including the daily, Kosher nutritional lunch, weekly speakers, trips, swim and exercise classes, and more.  For information on all that we offer, contact Debbie Vinocur at (614) 559-6214 or dvinocur@columbusjcc.org.