Blog

(Published Feb 22, 2021) Having been a member for over 30 years, Cathy Kravitz is something of a JCC celebrity. As a daily lap swimmer who has also participated in dance aerobics and tennis programs, taught art to the kids in the Early Childhood Education program and even exhibited in the JCC’s art gallery, she has a finger in several …

(Published Jan 25, 2021) To look at Joe Johnson, you might not guess that he had a heart transplant just over 11 years ago. The way he tells it, his exercise routine hasn’t even changed that much from before the transplant: “It’s just that I can do more reps now. I got stronger.” Making sure that new heart stays healthy …

(Published Dec 28, 2020) George Heslin has enjoyed the J’s facilities recreationally for years — at summer camp as a child and more recently utilizing the gym and the pool as he tried on teaching and culinary careers before realizing they were not what he wanted. But as he embarks upon his journey to becoming a firefighter, the JCC (and …

(Published Aug 11, 2020)

(Published April 7, 2020) “Passover is a perfect way to introduce Judaism to those who are not Jewish, because there’s so much participation,” said Hannah Wipper, a lifelong JCC member who was raised proudly Jewish by her Jewish father and Catholic mother. Growing Up Multi-Faith  As a child, Hannah was exposed to both Judaism and Catholicism. She attended Hasten Hebrew …

(Published Mar 10, 2020) Jennie Carr and her family have been JCC members for almost eight years and throughout that time have come in to the facility at least five days a week. The kids have been involved in several areas of the J — early childhood, afterschool care, camp, basketball, martial arts, dance, gymnastics — but the family has …

(Published Feb 4, 2020) Between the five of them (mom Laura, dad Rotem and kids Noa, Rahm and Oren), the Calilis are at the J virtually every day: Laura and Rotem work out with a trainer or on their own, the kids participate in one of the many athletic activities the J offers, or they come in as a family …

(Published Dec 1, 2019) A year ago, the J Magazine cover story and accompanying blog post featuring Andy and Laura Gzibovskis (and their two kids, Olivia and Luke) called them “The Incredible Gzibovskis,” touting the fitness journey the family has been on since the beginning of 2018 and the 160 pounds lost between them at the time. Now? “We’re still …

(Published Oct 10, 2019) Donna Segal and her family have been members of the J for more than 50 years. From her daughters attending and later working at summer camp and as lifeguards at the pool to her and her husband using the Mordoh Fitness Center to “rebuild their strength and soul” after they each had life-threatening surgery, Donna has …

(Published Sep 17, 2019) For ECE teacher Kate O. and her daughter Miriam, the High Holidays mean a solid month of everything being sticky, thanks to Miriam’s love of dipping apples in honey, a Rosh Hashana custom. But even more than that, Kate and Miriam love the communal aspects of celebrating the High Holidays, whether that’s hearing the shofar (ram’s …