the full annual report.

Everything is better when you add a J.
Annual Report 2014
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum
Jewish Community Center
Message from our Executive Director & President
Dear Friends!
This past year we’ve developed a deeper understanding about who we are and our aspirations to build an engaged
community now and for future generations. This understanding has driven new and exciting initiatives including
an expanded Special Needs Department, Creative Holiday and Israeli Programming, new Fitness Programs,
expanded Jewish Education classes and a host of other programs.
We continue to provide exceptional programs and services for individuals and families that create meaningful
memories, connections and personal growth.
We take care of those who need our help the most... individuals in need of financial assistance, people of all ages
with special needs, older adults, families with loved ones with medical issues, and families at risk.
We are grateful for the support we receive from throughout our community… from donors, volunteers, foundations and programs/services partners that enable us to fulfill our mission to provide quality programs and
services.
To live up to these accomplishments, in the coming year we must continue to recognize that the “J” in JCC is what
makes us unique, and the diversity of the “J” is what makes us a center for the entire community. We must uphold
our Jewish values as we strive to be an outstanding Jewish Community Center, and practice those Jewish values
as we welcome and engage members and non-members alike into our Center.
As we embark on another successful year, we all should look forward to it being filled with the same Ruach (spirit)
that makes us an integral part of this community.
We know that there is truly something about this place!
Laura Friedman
Executive Director
Ken Bernstein
President
JCC Professional Staff
Laura Friedman
Executive Director
Connie Adamo I Bookkeeper
Andrea Berkow I Chief Financial Officer
Cindy Elgrably I Graphic Designer/Marketing Associate
Jamie Fawcett I Receptionist
Deby Goldberg I Receptionist
Debbie Golden I Special Projects & Marketing Director
Carol Goldstein I Administrative Assistant
Eli Goldstein I Youth Services/Afterschool Director
Stacey Herman I Co-Director of Camp Ruach/Family/Judaic Programming
Stephanie Johnson I Aquatics Director
Ken Kaus I Web/Social Media Manager
Caryn Kenin I Grants Writer
Jolee Klugherz I Swim Team Administrator
Lisa Kopman I Adult & Senior Director/Swim Club Co-Manager
Ellen McCloskey I Membership Associate
Lauren Paniccia I Co-Director of Camp Ruach
Sarah Pollak I Membership Director/Office Manager
Daryl Regazzini I Seniors Program Assistant
Carol Sacca I Accounting/Payroll Mananger & Camp Registrar
Jinny Strawderman I Accounting/Billing Manager
Rinat Turel I Jewish/Israeli Program Coordinator
Dawn VanNess I Dance School Director
Michelle Waiser I Babysitting Coordinator
Carole Webb I Sports & Recreation Director/Swim Club Co-Manager
Ward Weiland I Swim Team Director
Robert Wojciechowski I Maintenance Director
Paige Silberfein
Associate Executive Director
Fitness Center Staff
Joy McIntyre I Fitness Director
Jay Kellogg I Assistant Fitness Director
Laura Brathwaite
Shari Pollak
Aviv Wagner
Maintenance Staff
Pete Giraldi , John Hudson, Maribel Melendez,
Joe Roehrich
Welcome Center Staff
Mordechai Duchin, David Kemp, Carol Laputka
Bea Ormond, Frank Remondelli, Jim Sala
The Blaustein Early Childhood Center Staff
Linda Weiss I Director
Elana Schwartz I Administrative Assistant
Lia Malatesta
Carol Ballow
Jackie Marshall
Crista Ballow
Jackie Melnick
Allison Buchholz
Michele Tucker
Jillian Cahill
Amy Weinstein
Trish Duplay
Laurie Weitz
Jackye Feagan
Beverly Woodruff
Diane Hengesbaugh
Stacey LaRue
Mandi Perle, PTA President
Debby Lubliner
The JCC recognizes the following staff members for their long-time dedication and service.
10 Years: Jackye Feagan, Ken Kaus, Shari Pollak
5 Years: Andrea Berkow, Laura Brathwaite, Jay Kellogg, Caryn Kenin
&
Slate of JCC Officers
Board of Directors
2016 - 2018
President
Richard Skydell
President Elect
Seth Geldzahler
1st Vice President
Geoff Feinstein
2nd Vice President
Josh Leibner
Vice President at Large
Steve Saperstein
Immediate Past President
Ken Bernstein
Secretary
David Bernstein
Assistant Secretary
Bruce Levinston
Treasurer
Richard Hirsch
Assistant Treasurer
Jerry Zweig
Past President at Large
Doron Steger
Past Presidents
Doron Steger
Alvin Levine
Harriet Blank
Barry Ages
Addie Kluger
Peter Horowitz
David Bunevich
Ken Bernstein
Teen Board Member
Teen Board Member
Jack Levinston
Teen Board Member
The JCC appreciates the dedication and commitment of
our Board & Staff who enhance our lives each day.
We welcome our new Board Members....
Michael Bloomstein
Michael is a native of New York City and has lived in Bridgewater since 1976. He received
his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his doctorate from Northwestern
University in Molecular Biology. Michael worked for more than 35 years in the
pharmaceutical industry. He was a Director of Quality Assurance at Hoechst Roussel
Pharma, and Director of Quality and Regulatory at Bristol Myers Squibb. Later, he was a
Senior Director of Biologics Regulatory Affairs at Sanofi Aventis Pharma in Bridgewater.
Michael and his late wife, Cheryl have two sons, Dan (and Kirscha) Bloomstein of
Branchburg with grandsons Jacob and Jack, and son, Doug (and Laura) Bloomstein of
Morristown. Michael is a member of Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough. He became very
active at the JCC upon his retirement and enjoys a variety of fitness activities, most
especially kick boxing.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Howard and his wife, Beth, have resided in Bridgewater since 1983. Howard is a
Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court and specializes in
complex commercial, land use and federal religious land use litigation in the Federal
and New Jersey Courts. The Cohens have three children and four grandchildren. They
are members of Temple Sholom and have been active in the Jewish community for
over 30 years. Howard is a past President of Temple Sholom, spearheaded the synagogue’s addition completed in 1995, and over the years has chaired various events.
Howard and Beth have been honored by Israel Bonds. Howard joins his son, Josh on
the JCC Board and is delighted that Josh, his wife, Hadas, and their three children are
active members of the JCC.
Howard Cohen
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mark and his wife, Ronni, have resided in Martinsville since 1992. Mark is the Director
of Strategic Technologies at Atlantic Health System, where he is responsible for
mobile technology and web presence, project management office, business
intelligence, the integration group, technology oversight for the ACO and information
technology strategic planning. The Ledermans have three children, Hillary (and David
Weller) of Norfolk, VA, Jodi of New York City, and Eric, a sophomore at Northeastern
University in Boston. They are members of Temple Sholom, where Mark served on the
Board for two years. Mark previously served 13 years on the Board of Golda Och
Academy in West Orange (formerly, Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and
Union) including two years as President, and just completed chairmanship of the ad
journal for Jewish Family Service.
Mark Lederman
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Natanya was born in Northern Virginia and moved to the suburbs of Philadelphia
where she graduated from Akiba Hebrew Academy. Natanya is a graduate of the
University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in American Civilization and holds an M.A. in
Education with certification in Elementary and Special Education from LaSalle
University. She served for three years as Director of Pupil Services at the Solomon
Schechter Day School of Nassau County. Natanya is married to Dr. Jason Levitz, an
Oncologist and Hematologist, who has been an active player in the Men’s
35-and-over Basketball League. Natanya considers her greatest accomplishment
over the past 10 years to be her role as the very proud mother of three beautiful
daughters – Jessica (10), Hannah (8) and Rebecca (5) – all of whom have attended
Camp Ruach at the J for many years. The Levitz’s live in Far Hills and are longtime
Natanya Levitz
members of Temple Har Shalom in Warren. You can find Natanya just about every
day at the J participating in Group Fitness classes.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jack Levinston has been a member of the JCC since he was born! He considers himself
a strong leader and has been involved in a number of leadership activities through
school and his synagogue, Temple Beth-El, Hillsborough. Jack enjoys working with
children and loves volunteering at the JCC Purim Carnival. He looks forward to helping the JCC and the community, and in planning events to help raise funds for the JCC.
When asked which Jewish value he would chose to describe the JCC, Jack chose
Kehilah, "community", as he feels the JCC is the heart of the community. Jack will be
entering his sophomore year at Rutgers Prep this fall. He looks forward to joining his
father, Bruce, on the Board and to working with his fellow Teen Board members.
Jack Levinston
(Teen Board Member)
Your J by the Numbers...
4,000: Individual Members who call our JCC their “home away from home”
1,450: JCC Membership Units
575: Swim Club Units
5,000: Slices of Pizza served at Camp Ruach
586: Campers at Camp Ruach
58: Fruit and Vegetable Plants in the JCC Community Garden
14: Babies born to our Blaustein Early Childhood Center Families
Hundreds: Hours of Adult Learning
218: Family members who “Kvelled” at the JCC Dance School Recital
2 Shlichim & 24 Gesher Teens: Visited our JCC from Israel
16: Jewish Holidays observed
52: J-Crew After School Kids
Hundreds: Birthday Candles wished upon
63: Kids on a JCC “Spring Adventure”
200: Celebrate Israel attendees
575: Weekly Group Fitness participants
755: Fitness Warriors in the Fitness Center weekly
4,000: Personal Training Sessions scheduled
52,000: Miles swam collectively during the Tide Fall/Winter Season...
equivalent to 9 round trips from New Jersey to California!
5,464: Races swam by the Bridgewater Tide athletes during the
Fall/Winter Short Course Season
911: Facebook Likes
939: Twitter Followers
78,000: Website Visitors
65: Men’s Basketball League Players
100: Private & Semi-Private Swim Lesson provided each week
125: Weekly Group Swim Lessons taught
400: Lap Swimmers who use our pools each week
Countless...:Number of Friendships made at the J!
Millions of “THANK YOU’s” for Supporting our J!
We gratefully acknowledge the following donors for
their generous contributions.
Over $500 Supporters in 2014
Active Disposal Services, Inc.
Abby & Barry Ages
Ameriprise Financial Services,
Alan Zevin
Anonymous
Associated Radiologists, P.A.
AT&T United Way/
Employee Giving Campaign
Barker Bus Company, Inc.
Andrea & Randy Berkow
Bonnie & David Bernstein
Dawn & Gary Bernstein
Kenneth Bernstein
Linda Bernstein
Binsky & Snyder Service, LLC
Harriet & George Blank
Adele Blumberg (z”l)
Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital, P.A.
Bridgeway Senior Healthcare
Lisa Nierenberg and David Bunevich
Business Gift Company
Camp Bow Wow
Castle Fire Protection, Inc.
Ray Catena Infiniti
Chadler Solutions
Choice Cabinetry
Cornerstone Home
at Somerville Lumber
David Crystal
Deli King of Linden
Direct Energy
Edgewood Properties
ERS Charitable Fund, Inc.
Adena & Geoff Feinstein
Cheryl & Richard Fialkoff
Laura & Brett Friedman
Liz & Steven Fuerst
Gannett Foundation
Amy & Seth Geldzahler
Rose & Steven Goldberg
Robyn Achtel & Eli Goldstein
Roberta Goorno
Nancy & Joseph Gorrell
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Jeff Gropper
Judy & Larry Gross
High Tech Landscapes, Inc.
Andrea & Peter Horowitz
Linda Jerrow
JK Electric
Hal Kamine
Kaplan, Williams & Graffeo
KDC Solar
Keller Williams Towne Square Realty,
The Michele Klug Team
Caryn & Jeff Kenin
KF Mechanical
KRA Insurance Agency, Inc.
KRE Group Inc.
Jill & Eric Lavitsky
Amy & Eric Lazar
Josh Leibner
Judith Hersh & Andrew Lesser
Jeffrey Matthews Group
Merrill Lynch, Josh Cohen
Merrill Lynch, Michael Saul
Mid-State Lumber Corp.
(The Bernstein Family)
Money Mailer
Neighborhood Builders, LLC
New Jersey Door Works, LLC
Wendy & Stephen Offen
On The Court Basketball
Peapack-Gladstone Bank
Pieros Construction
Protiviti Inc.
Prudential Foundation
Raritan Building Services
Raritan Valley Orthodontics, P.A.
Regency Heritage Nursing
& Rehab Centers
Remax, Lynn Levine
Bruce Rodgers
Rosa International Group
Rosenberg, Rich, Baker,
Berman & Company
Betty & Arthur Roswell
Zella Rubin
Alison & Steven Saperstein
Janet & Eugene Schenkman
Elaine & Stephen Shapiro
Jill Gropper & Gary Shiman
Paige & Jason Silberfein
Monica & Richard Skydell
Marjorie & Jonathan Slass
Gloria Slass
Somerset Pediatric Group, P.A.
Somerset Valley Urgent Care
Somerville Aluminum
Step Ahead Wellness Center
Strategic Commitment Group
Staples Foundation for Learning
Sherry & Doron Steger
StrikeForce SportsWear
Lillian Swickle
T&R Landscaping, Inc.
Benjamin Tandowski
Tarheel Kennels
Goldie Taub
TD Charitable Foundation
The Bank of America
Charitable Foundation, Inc.
The Chelsea of Bridgewater
The PNC Financial Services Group
The Provident Bank Foundation
Verizon Foundation
Karen Kasnetz & Joseph Weinstein
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage,
Brenda Giordano & Harlee Hatoff
Wells Fargo Securities,
Peter Horowitz
Oscar & Ella Wilf Campus
for Senior Living
Mona & Eric Yorke
Suzi & Jerome Zweig
We can’t thank you enough for your support!
Secure our Future Campaign Donors
Ameriprise Financial Matching Gift Program
Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Janet & Kalman Barson
Bella Foundation
Andrea & Randy Berkow
Bonnie & David Bernstein
Kenneth Bernstein
Marsha & Mark Chazin
Dolly Choudry
David Crystal
Susan & Steven Darien
ERS Charitable Fund, Inc.
Adena & Geoff Feinstein
Amy & Joel Fischer
Alissa & Jim Fox
Laura & Brett Friedman
Liz & Steve Fuerst
Amy & Seth Geldzahler
Marc Geller
Nancy & Joseph Gorrell
Sharon & Sid Granetz
Judy & Larry Gross
Joan & Steven Handel
Andrea & Peter Horowitz
Linda Jerrow
Addie & Larry Kluger
Sandy & Harold Krawitz
Jill & Eric Lavitsky
Josh Leibner
Judith Hersh and Andrew Lesser
Lynn & Alvin Levine
Roxanne & Bruce Levinston
Irene & Steven Lieberman
Wendy & Stephen Offen
Nicole & Keith Oringer
Prudential Foundation Matching Gift Program
Elizabeth and Arthur Roswell Giving Foundation
Alison & Steven Saperstein
Christine & Michael Saul
Carrie & Robert Saul
Jill Gropper & Gary Shiman
Edie & Steven Sitrin
Monica & Richard Skydell
Sherry & Doron Steger
Lillian Swickle
Goldie Taub
Israel Wachs
Jessica & Joshua Wang
Karen Kasnetz & Joseph Weinstein
Robin Wishnie
Mona & Eric Yorke
Paula & Alan Zevin
Suzi & Jerome Zweig
There’s Something About This Place.
Income and Expense Summaries
Income Summary
January through December 2014
Income Summary
Fund Raising : 2.1
Income : 5.5
Employee Benefits : 7.8
sing : 7.6
Other Expense : 14.8
Income Summary*
January - December 2014
Program Fees___________65.5%
Membership____________21.4%
Fundraising_____________7.6%
Other Income___________5.5%
Program Expense : 14.8
* Unaudited Financials
Program Fees : 65.5
Expense Summary*
January
- December
2014
Personal
: 46.6
Personnel_______________46.6%
Occupancy______________18.9%
Program________________14.8%
Other___________________9.8%
Employee Benefits_______7.8%
Fundraising_____________ 2.1%
* Unaudited Financials
Occupancy : 18.9
Testimonials
My daughter, Ariel, absolutely loves attending school every day at the JCC Blaustein Early Childhood Center. Everything about the
school has far exceeded my expectations. Her classroom is always full of excitement and new lessons such as the rain forests, the
planets and butterflies. She also has a deeper understanding of the Jewish faith, holidays and traditions. She knows why we celebrate and what makes each holiday important. Ariel really looks forward to every Friday morning for Shabbat when the entire
school gets to sing and "set the table." She is receiving an excellent education and the school is full of love and warmth. We are
always treated like family and the first and last thing Ariel does each day is to give big hugs to her teachers and friends! She has
established so many wonderful relationships and now has the confidence she needs to enter kindergarten next year. The school
has the perfect balance of a nurturing environment with the right amount of academics. Ariel writes her name beautifully and she
is so proud of her accomplishments. Her teachers are incredible assets and are so dedicated to the children and have tremendous
love for their jobs. We are always greeted with a smile!
Nicole Calicchio
Preschool Parent
Let me start off by saying I am no fitness guru. As a member of the JCC since 2000, I would call myself a perpetual treadmill walker.
Occasionally I would walk by the group fitness room and peer in thinking that's not for me. I wasn't fit enough, wasn't strong
enough and certainly wasn't coordinated. A little over a year ago (with Joy's encouragement), I tried my first body pump class. The
equipment was intimidating and everyone seemed to be veteran “pumpers”. But at the end of class I felt stronger and proud of
myself. Thereafter I tried different group fitness classes and fell in love with exercise. The JFit staff and instructors are so
supportive and motivational. I decided to take personal training sessions and with consistency and determination, I achieved
fitness goals I'd never thought imaginable. Now when I see someone curiously peering in during a class, I give them a wink and
a nudge. Give it a try. You just may surprise yourself and unleash the “fitness warrior” in you.
Cindy Tseng
“Fitness Warrior”
We are so grateful for all the fun we had at JCC Camp Ruach this summer! A daily helping of activities and excitement! I had kids
in three different groups…from the oldest to the youngest, they would always come home tired, but so happy about the day they
had. As a father I was so proud that they were being taught Jewish values and rituals throughout their activities. The memories
they have still come bubbling to the top in their daily lives in moments of "do you remember........at the JCC"…as a smile emerges
on their face and they go about their life. For me it made a lasting impression forever in their hearts that cannot be anything less
than the best summer of their lives...so far.
I want to thank the JCC staff for their unimpeded help and attention to any question I had. The youth counselors were awesome
and the adult counselors attentive and knowledgeable. Thank you Camp Ruach for an awesome summer. Our family can’t wait for
year after year of fun in the sun that shines on the little patch of our earth.
The Wentzel Family
Looking Ahead...
Annual Golf Outing: Monday, June 8
Mah Jongg Tournament: Thursday, June 11
Billy Joel Cover Band Concert: Saturday, July 25
Membership Appreciation Concert: Thursday, August 13
4th Annual Dog Day: Sunday, September 20
Open House: Sunday, September 20
Annual Phone-a-thon: Sunday, September 20
Raffle Drawing: Sunday, September 20
Texas Hold’em: Thursday, October 29
Prom for Adults with Special Needs: Saturday, November 21
Dancing with the Stars, Season 4: Saturday, December 5
Special Needs Symposium: Friday, December 11