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Fundraising & DevelopmentAnita Bruckmeir, Development Director 718.475.5234 abruckmeir@sijcc.com

TributesIn Honor of Alice Diamond receiving the Mayor’s Award for Art andCulture- David Sorkin, Susan Sappin & the Board & Staff of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island

In Memory of the beloved grandmother of Heather Katz- Your friends, Michelle, Sharon, Ellen, Jonathan, Khrystal, Linda & Ilene

In Memory of Lew Werb, beloved husband of Florence Werb- Fay Schiff

In Memory of Edith Neidenberg, beloved mother of John Ruskay- David Sorkin, Susan Sappin & the Board & Staff of the Jewish

Community Center of Staten Island.

To honor or remember someone in this way, please contact ChanaCilento, Development Associate at 718-475-5243 orccilento@sijcc.com.

JCC Honors Three Amazing Volunteers

Surrounded by friends, family, staff and board members are SallyCarp (extreme left side), Paul DeMarco (tallest in the back row), andEthel Calitri (seated in front). Each was honored at the first SINFPA(Staten Island Not For Profit Association) Awards Breakfast at theHilton Garden Inn along with other honorees representing differentnot for profits. Sally, a long term tutor who has helped literally hun-dreds of youngsters achieve success, Paul who works with the JCCBasketball program as a coach, and Ethel, who supervises our SouthShore reception desk and is Sheila Lipton’s right hand woman wererecognized as behind-the-scenes volunteers and staff who make won-derful things happen at the JCC.

Camp may be over but the fun never ends! “Fun is Our Tradition” withcampers and counselors year round at the JCC

Camp ReunionDon’t miss out on spendingtime with your favorite campstaff and friends, dancing toDJ Coach John, ice creamsundae bar, all new Carnivalwith inflatables and incrediblecamp slideshow featuringYOU! Teen Travel Campersget their own private party upin the lounge/game room!Bernikow JCC.$10 per child, includes all activities and pizza lunchSunday, January 8, 1:30–4:30pm

CAMP REUNION SUPER SAVER DEAL!Want to show off camp to a friend or two- Bring a friend(s) along withyou to the Camp Reunion who did not go to camp last summer and youboth pay half price admission!

It’s not the same old Camp Night- check out this Camp Late Night!

Camp Late Night(UPK–6th grade)Meet up with your JCC camp friends at this camplike night which in-cludes sports, crafts, cooking gameroom and swim and stay and playuntil 10pm! Bernikow Fees: $15M//$25NM (Siblings pay half)Saturday, December 3, 7–10pm

Camp Sunday Funday (UPK– 6th grade)It is always summer at the J with the best camp offers with choicessuch as cooking, crafts, basketball, dance, swim and more!Bernikow JCCIn Advance: $20M/$30NMSunday, December 11, 1:30–4:30pm

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Sell your ProPerty for 1% commiSSionFind out how at dealsbyauction.com (718) 673-6005

Visit dealsbyauction.com for upcoming

auction dates and hot new deals!

Get your

property

deal!!!

School’s Out!When school is closed we are open!Kids in grades K – 8 may join us as we travel and explore!Monday, December 26 “Soil to Oil” hands-on program to learn to make oil for the menorahat the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn, NYTuesday, December 27 “Double Fun” with a visit to Funplex Indoor Amusement Center andDiamond Gymnastics in East Hanover, NJ.Wednesday, December 28 “Jumpin’ Around” takes us to BounceU in Paramus, NJ with 7 giantinflatable bounce stationsThursday, December 29 “Junior Scientist” let’s conduct the coolest experiments at LibertyScience Center in Jersey City, NJ.Friday, December 30 “Strike em’ and Reel it in” ends the week with bowling at Show-place Lanes and the newest flick at the UA Theater on Staten Island.

Programs run from 9am – 5pm with extended hours from 8am – 7pmFees per day: $45 Kidz Klub/$50M/$70NMExtended hours: $5 per hour

Youth/Teens/Camp Glenn Wechsler, MSW, Youth Director 718.475.5231 gwechsler@sijcc.com Stephanie Feldman, M.S., Ed., Asst. Youth Director 718.475.5232 sfeldman@sijcc.com

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Breathe EasierASTHMA Management Program

Adolescents & Adults

Our Program is different BECAUSE

With our comprehensive team approach, WE CAN...

• Reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

• Meet your personal lifestyle goals.

• Coordinate your care.

• Provide additional services you may need.

Dr. Frank L. Acerra

Board Certified PulmonologistDirector of Respiratory Disorders

1050 Clove Road – 718-816-6440

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Early Childhood718.475.5286

In the parent gathering area at the Avis/South Shore JCC is a shadow box. Every other month, two classes get together and collab-orate on creating a display for all to see. For November, Miss Bernice’s 4 year olds, and Miss Sylvia’s 4 year olds created a Fall scenecomplete with scarecrows, leaves, and a pumpkin patch. The children had a great time working along side each other, and the shadowbox looks FALL-TASTIC!Check back next month to see where the spotlight shines next.

Miss Sylvia and Miss Jacki’s Class

Miss Sylvia and Miss Jacki’s Shadowbox

Miss Bernice and Miss Sandy’s Class

Miss Bernice and Miss Sandy’s Shadow box

Spotlight on Avis/South Shore

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Russian CultureBella Smorgoskaya, Director 718.475.5286 bsmorganskaya@sijcc.com

Vladimir FridmanRussian and Hebrew speaking Israeli star introducing his new musical program “Oh Life, Don’t Fly Away So Fast”A film star in over fiftyIsraeli films, Mr Fridmanwas awarded “Man of theYear 2004” and “Best Israeli Actor-2006”.Tickets: $20m/$25nmThursday, December8, 7:30pm

Learn ChessDo you want your child to play chess? Just sign up with Michael Laevskiy tomake this great first step! We’ll start this class in December!Fridays, 3:30pmEach session $15

We wish everyone a great holiday season, filled with joy, love and happiness!

Russian Tea Club “Мечеть Парижской Богоматери”See the great documentary by V.Sinelnikov, in Russian, followed by anopen discussion. This film was presentedduring the week of Russian cinema inNew York and now we’ll have this greatopportunity to share it with our JCCfriends.Date TBA

Nutcracker SuitesJoin the Brighton BalletTheatre as they dancescenes from the Nutcrackerby Tchaikovsky. Fun for the whole family.Tickets: $12m/$15nm; Light refreshments will be servedSunday, December 11, 3pm

The Youth Department & Americorp are sponsoring 3 collections this month

As always we collect and distribute Kosher food

WINTER

CLOTHINGgently used coats,

sweaters, gloves, hats, etc.

TOYSnew and

unwrapped

DRESS FOR

SUCCESSgently used men & women’s

business clothes

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Jewish Life & Learning Yaffa Schonbach, Jewish Life & Learning Director 718.475.5228 yschonbach@sijcc.com

Free WorkshopsMock Interview A mock Interview is one of the very best ways to prepare for an ac-tual employment interview. It will help you to learn what is expectedin a real interview, and how you can improve the way you presentyourself.Wednesday, December 7, 10am

Mortgage BasicsBecause the tax code heavily favors homeowners, this workshop willhelp attendees understand the importance of home ownership, andprovide a step-by-step map of how the purchase process works.NYLAG financial counselors will also detail how to apply for the "Mak-ing Home Affordable Loan Modification Plan" including discussingeligibility and steps, and talking points for approaching your lenderto discuss negotiating rates, and understanding steps to facilitatepotential modification and refinancing. Monday, December 19, 10am

Social Group for Single Senior Adultssponsored by Partners in Caring (PIC); led by Barbara Fried. If you are interested in finding out more about this group please joinus for the Orientation Session. Bernikow JCC Wednesday, December 21, 10am

Making Strides

Team JCC proudly joined thousands of Staten Islanders in thisyear’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk sponsored by theAmerican Cancer Society on October 16th. A combination of mem-bers and staff raised money to help eradicate this disease. The JCCoffers the Pink Program at the Bernikow JCC, a fitness and exerciseprogram specifically designed to meet the needs of those recover-ing from breast cancer. For information, please contact JaniceSalerno, jsalerno@sijcc.com

Community Programs

The Acrobatic TwinsAn acrobatic entertainment for the whole family. Their performanceis amazing, with all kinds of professional and acrobatic tricks you’venever seen before. Perhaps their greatest feat is combining theirserious learning seder with their ability to entertain crowds. Whoare these boys? Where are they from? How did they learn to dothese tricks? It's a Twin Twin situation.For more information please contact Sara Cohen, 718.475.5242 orsacohen@sijcc.com.Wednesday, December 21, 7:30pm

8th Day Band 8th Day's fresh and unique sound is complimented by their catchylyrics (mostly English with some Hebrew and Yiddish mixed in) andtheir spirited vocal harmonies. Their mega YouTube hit "Ya'alili" wasrated one of the top videos in Israel, the US and Australia. They haveplayed hundreds of shows across the globe, including LincolnCenter, American Airlines Arena in Miami, Universal Studios inHollywood, Hong Kong, Montreal, South Carolina, and many more.Bernikow JCCFor more information please contact Sara Cohen, 718.475.5242 or sacohen@sijcc.com.Saturday, December 24, 7:30pm

Happy Birthday Bernikow JCC!

Can you believe that January 15 will be our 5 year birthday?How the time flies! We hope that the JCC has been able tohelp you reach your goals. Whether it be physical, educa-tional, cultural, social or any other type, the JCC has plentyto offer for anyone’s needs. Thank you so much for being apart of the J. We look forward to sharing 5 more wonderfulyears with you!

• Watch for Special offers and events throughout the year

• Membership Appreciation Day January 15, 2012

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Bernikow FitnessEileen Yard, Director of Wellness Services 718.475.5211 eyard@sijcc.com

December is National Handwashing Awareness MonthHow can hand washing help protect my family and me?Food-borne illness outbreaks often are caused by poor hygiene, usuallyunwashed or poorly washed hands on the part of the food handler.Many diarrheal illnesses (salmonellosis, hepatitis A, shigellosis) can bepassed from person to person when someone doesn’t wash his handsafter using the bathroom and then passes it along to someone else byhandling food, shaking hands, or touching something. The organismgets into the other person’s mouth and the person becomes sick. Un-washed or poorly washed hands are responsible for 1 in 4 food borneillnesses.Hand washing is the single most important way of preventing thespread of infections, according to the U. S. Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC). People must take personal responsibility for de-veloping the hand washing habit. Parents should teach their childrenthe proper way to wash their hands. Children should see their parentsand other caregivers washing their hands frequently. Consumers needto let restaurants, day cares, doctors, hospitals, and nursing homesknow they are concerned about personal hygiene and infection controlin their facilities.

Benefits of Foam RollingFoam Rollers are for myofascial release and massaging tight muscles. The foam roller not onlystretches muscles and tendonsbut it also breaks down soft tis-sue adhesions and scar tissue. Byusing your own body weight and acylindrical foam roller you can perform a self-massage or my-ofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia whileincreasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues. Myofascial release is a body work technique in which a practitioneruses gentle, sustained pressure on the soft tissues while applying trac-tion to the fascia resulting in softening and lengthening of the fasciaand breaking down scar tissue or adhesions between skin, muscles andbones. This has been shown to relieve various muscle and joint painssuch as IT band syndrome and shin splints as well as improving flexi-bility and range of motion. Try a foam rolling sampler with one of our personal trainers Thurs-day, December 15, 7-9pm in the Sports and Wellness lobby.

JCC Fitness and Wellness Services Free to JCC Members

New Members Introduction to JCC FitnessIncludes Par-Q Activity Readiness Questionnaire; Body Composi-tion Evaluation; Cardio and Weight Training Equipment Orientation

All Members

Mobility and Stability Assessment through

Functional Movement ScreeningMobility is the combination of muscle elasticity, joint range of mo-tion and the body’s freedom of movement. Stability is the abilityto maintain posture and control movements freely.JCC Personal Trainers are available to assess your mobility andstability through a simple 5 step assessment. After performing thismovement screen they will share with you their findings and makerecommendations for simple stretch and strengthening exercisesto restore your function and to help you perform optimally.

Mini TRX SessionTake advantage of this opportunity to experience our newest func-tional training system to strengthen your core while benefitingyour whole body.

Free Functional Training WorkoutWork with a Personal Trainer and experience this bodyweight work-out which can be geared for any fitness level. Take the challenge,learn some new exercises and have a great session.All sessions by appointment only.

Personal Training SpecialsBuy 5 One hour sessions for only $275

SpaWinterize your handswith a deluxe manicureonly $15

Buy a gift card forsomeone special andreceive one TRX sessionor a manicure for yourself.

Footloose SpinFootloose is back and we’re cuttingloose at the J. Come enjoy songsfrom the soundtrack and scenes fromthe movie! This month’s theme spin isgoing to be a blast!Sunday, December 18, 9:30am

Latke Louie Says...

Make a video - submit a recipe -

have fun creating a Community Cookbook

go to sijcc.org

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Avis FitnessMelissa Kraker, Health & Fitness Director 718.475.5274 mkraker@sijcc.com

Dear Fit Pro’s: How do I keep my caloric intake in check during the festival of food…and lights this Chanukah?Signed: Chanukah Hog

Dear Chanukah Hog,The Festival of Lights is a time of joy and celebration, but it’s not al-ways so joyous to read the calorie counts of some of the oily-heavydishes traditionally served during this holiday. Not to worry, there aresome lightened up but still flavorful versions of Chanukah favoritessuch as brisket, latkes with applesauce and even doughnuts. For ex-ample, the preferred way to prepare briskets is with long, slow cooking.Brisket is a pretty high-fat meat, but you can make it leaner by trim-ming off all the visible fat before cooking and save over 500 caloriesand 20 grams of fat right there. Also try to bake your latkes instead offrying them and using unsweetened applesauce in order to dramati-cally reduce fat and sugar content. There’s an old Jewish joke: Some-one asks a rabbi, “What’s the essence of all the Jewish holidays?”. Hethinks for a minute and says, “They tried to kill us, we won , now let’sEAT”. Eating is central to the Jewish culture and these symbolic foodsat Chanukah generally are ‘just another way of praying to G-d’. Theonly difference is with a lighter version you don’t have to pray to loseweight too!

Carol’s CornerA personal message from Carol this month:“ Hello everyone, as most of you know and those who do not, in May Isuffered an extreme break of my left foot which required surgery, plac-ing a metal plate and screws in my foot. As I am still recovering I wouldlike to thank all my friends and co-workers at the JCC who have ex-tended their concerns and warm wishes for me. I miss everyone thereand wish to return to my classes as soon as I am able to use my footproperly again. I also would like to thank those who participated in theSenior Olympics with Connie Tabbitas and Diane Sclafani and thankthem for their dedication to the senior adult members and our won-derful senior department! Hope to see you all in the New Year - Carol”.

We would like to welcome back Agnes to our evening line up of exer-cise classes! She will teaching Body Bar Express at 6:30pm and Yo-glilates at 7pm Wednesdays. For those of you who don’t know Agnes,her extensive fitness background and array of certifications speaksvolumes. Plus she has her own weight loss story of success that aidsin her motivation and passion for the fitness industry.

Member Spotlight: Jamie Vento, age 27 Jamie works as a Size Analytics Asso-ciate at Macy’s but her newest and fa-vorite job of all time is a labor of lovewith her newborn baby girl Emury. Hercontinuous hard work at the gym preand post pregnancy has made Jamiethe poster child for shedding all herbaby weight. This new member hasbeen a member of the JCC for a yearand a half. Her daily exercise routineconsists of 30-50 minutes of high in-tensity cardio and then free weightscombined with some mat exercises andabs. Her healthy diet consists of proteins, low fat dairy, vegetables,fruits and nuts and she can afford to indulge in a sweet treat after hergrueling workouts. She continues her membership because the JCChas so much to offer. (Her husband Brett is a permanent fixture at theBernikow Fitness Center). As a new mom, she hopes that in the yearsto come her family will be able to participate in everything that theJCC has to offer and would like to introduce Emury to the Jewish com-munity through our memberships.

Fitness Updates• Holiday hours on Christmas December 25 & New Year’s Day January 1 are 8:30am-12:30pm. There will be no group fitness class on Christmas Day. On New Year’s we will be offering two calorie burning classes at 8:30am and 9:30am with Rosanna to get you on the running track…for those New Year resolutions.

• We now have Yoga blocks to use during our Pilates, Yoga and or Yogalates classes. These purple blocks are designed to provide additional height and support to perform poses safely and effectively. They are also lightweight, durable foam, comfortable and have a beveled edge. We hope you enjoy them during your favorite group exercise class.

• In an effort to challenge and improve core stability, posture and strength as well as improve range of motion, flexibility and balance, we’ve added an additional foam roller at our Fitness Center.

Gift Cards Give the Gift of Fitness and Wellness with a JCC Gift Card which are available atthe Avis and Bernikow Reception desks.

Dance FactoryThis is the last month to enroll in our fun filled weeklydance classes at the JCC. Dance classes are atthe Bernikow on Mondays from 4-5pm throughJune. Please stop by the reception desks inall buildings and pick up our Dance Fac-tory Information folders with all the infor-mation you need for classes, schedules, dress codeand much more!! Also check out our Dance Factoryinformation at sijcc.org or contact Melissa Kraker atmkraker@sijcc.com.

Community News

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Sports & RecreationMike Reape, Sports & Recreation Director 718.475.5212 mreape@sijcc.com

Ruffminster Dog ShowThe first annual Ruffminster Dog Show and Fair was held Sunday,November 6 drawing more than 100 people and dogs in all breeds andsizes. Coordinator Alice Marino, a certified dog trainer and animal be-havior specialist, was joined by Mike Reape in hosting the charity eventthat sent donations to the Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare(SICAW) and P.L.U.T.O., an animal rescue group. "We have a great turnout," said Ms. Marino, as a number of dogs pa-raded in a circle to show off their costumes. "This should be real fun.This is what everyone's been looking forward to all day." Dog owners were thrilled to see the dogs in action. They participatedin competitions and contests throughout the 11am-3pm event. Trophiesand ribbons were awarded. "Everyone's loving it," said Mike Reape whose 16 month old IrishWolfhound took first place in the 2 years and under “Boot Camp” com-petition. Ms. Marino, added that the number of attendees far surpassedher expectations. "It's fabulous." Chris Scanna of Dongan Hills said the event was extremely fun, and shehopes it's coming back next year. "It was absolutely adorable," Ms.Scanna said. "It's nice because you get to bring your dog out and theycan socialize with people and other dogs," she said. "He's a little timidwith people, but he loves other dogs." The vendors included a dog photographer and a dog sculptor. For thekids there was face painting and a dog balloon artist.

JCC Birthday Parties Welcome our two new Sports and Rec Birthday party hosts TheresaThorpe and Alma Gloznek. Theresa will also be part of our Fitnessteam as a Member Service Rep. Both Theresa and Alma are reception-ists at Avis/South Shore and have extensive experience with customerservice. For further information about our JCC Birthday parties, pleaseemail Melissa Kraker at mkraker@sijcc.com.

Tennis Due to popularity of the class and the instructor Dmytro, we are offering another series of Tennis classes in February. Please email Melissa Kraker for further information at mkraker@sijcc.com

Prenatal Yoga & Baby Boot CampComing in January with instructor Michele Pizzoand offered at both JCC locations. Michelehas her Masters in exercise physiology andis a NSCA certified personal trainer and anAFAA certified fitness instructor.She specializes in triathlon train-ing, marathon training, Mat & Reformer Pilates andpre/post natal classes. For further info please contact MelissaKraker at mkraker@sijcc.com

KarateWe will be offering youth karate in January at both JCC buildings after

school. Please contact Melissa Krakerfor further info at mkraker@sijcc.com

Femcho We are offering another series of Femcho forteen and pre-teen girls this winter. Pleaseemail Melissa Kraker for further information atmkraker@sijcc.com.

Temple IsraelFriday, December 2, 7:30pm - Family Services Sunday, December 4- Annual Temple Israel Chanukah & Gift Fair Friday, December 16, 6pm - Tot Shabbat Sunday, December 18 - Chanukah PartyFriday December 23, 6pm - Chanukah dinner: reservations a mustFor information call Temple Israel Reform Congregation, 315 ForestAvenue at 718.727.2231

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Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music InstituteEla Seeley, Music Institute Director 718.475.5263 eseeley@sijcc.com

Announcements: Although the Fall semester began in September, the registration ison-going (providing there are spaces available in the particular pro-gram). Look for details in the Music Institute brochure or call Ela,718.475.5263 for more information. Our new website is going to beready soon! Please look for announcements.

Introduction to Music- NEW!Are you interested in trying an instrument or buying someone a holi-day gift of music?New introductory package will offer 4 weeks of classes Fees: 1/2 hr lesson: $105M/$125NM; 3/4 hr lesson:$150M/$170NM; 1 hr lesson: $190M/$$210

A Puppet Musical: “Guess Who Signed the Constitution?”Find out in an original puppet mu-sical about the great constitu-tional debates. Through the eyesof a little boy named Adam and hisGrandfather, we see the portraitsof the past come to life and watchAdam's grandmother throw in afew revolutionary ideas of herown. The rebuild of Guess WhoSigned the Constitution is supported by a generous grant from the Na-tional Endowment for the Arts. Bernikow JCC. Fee: 10M/$12NM. Sunday, December 4, 2pm

After one lesson with Piano Teacher Tatyana Cherepinskaya,Natalia Czajka, age 7 and a student at PS 58 was inspired tocreate a drawing showing her happiness learning the piano.

Music Theory for Youth starts December 7Wednesdays, 5:30pm

For a schedule of early childhood classes please visit sijcc.org or contactEla Seeley at 718.475.5263 or eseeley@sijcc.com

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“We give you the place to come to when you need

the help you never thought you would need.”

Call 718.475.5228 to begin services

“The Jewish Community at Work for You!”

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