Summer is Here

Summer is here and, with it, some new-found freedoms. With the high number of Americans now vaccinated, we are finally starting to reclaim some sense of normalcy. I’ve even started going into some stores without a mask on, although I do feel a bit naked doing it. One thing I fantasized about during the height of the pandemic was going to watch a movie in a movie theater, on the big screen with surround sound and the smell of popcorn. I’m not really one of those people who goes to movies that frequently, but that was my pandemic fantasy. I plan to go to a movie in the theater soon.
 
Since restrictions are easing up, we have decided to restart some smaller programs here at the J. Games Day will begin this month, back on our old schedule, so set aside your Tuesday afternoons to join your friends for good conversation and fun games. Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi is returning as well. Join me this month for a delicious, homemade lunch and an interesting discussion led by Rabbi Josh Pernick from Beth Israel. I am so excited to start having programs back here at the J and look forward to seeing all of you in person again. I miss you!
 
The Alzheimer’s Care & Enrichment (ACE) program is an amazing program offered at the J for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia related illnesses. ACE has been a foundational program at the JCC for about 30 years. We kept it running through the pandemic with weekly music programs over Zoom and regular meet-ups in the park with a movement therapist. Thankfully, the ACE program will return to the J in July. Part of the success of this program is its volunteer network. If you are looking for meaningful work after this tough year at home, please contact me. It is only a four-hour commitment twice a month. I promise your time will not only make a difference to the participants, but will make a difference in your life as well.

Remember to hydrate and wear a hat now that summer is upon us. I cannot wait to see you!!

Live, love, laugh and enjoy! - Rachel
ONGOING PROGRAMS
BETTER BALANCE
Wednesdays | 10:45 - 11:45 AM
No charge members / $2 non-members

Balance exercises, along with certain strength exercises, can help prevent falls by improving one's ability to control and maintain body position, whether you are moving or still. Join us for this invigorating, low impact class.
GAMES DAY
Tuesdays | 12:00 - 3:00 PM
No charge members and non-members

Games Day is back! Once you are vaccinated, please come and join us for mah jongg, Rummikub or bridge. Challenge your brain, meet new people and spend the afternoon with friends. Bring your lunch, dessert and coffee will be provided.
COMING EVENTS
LUNCH & LEARN
Thursday, June 3 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM
$3 members / $5 non-members

Lunch & Learn is in person at the JCC. Now that the CDC says it is safe for vaccinated people to gather inside, we are slowly restarting our onsite programs. We cannot wait to see you, share a meal and learn together!
 
Join us for our monthly Lunch & Learn as we discuss interesting topics with a local Jewish leader. This month it’s Rabbi Josh Pernick from Congregation Beth Israel. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to Rachel by Monday, May 31.
THE BIG BEAUTIFUL CHEESE BOARD
Friday, June 11
2:00 - 3:00 PM
No charge members and non-members

Los Angeles chef, Andrea Ruth (yes, my sister-in-law,) will spend an hour discussing cheeses and the various condiments that go nicely with cheese and other delicacies that make up a beautiful grazing board. We will arrange and display our cheeses, dips, vegetables, pickles and condiments artfully with breads, crackers, and a few homemade accompaniments that will upgrade your board from ordinary cheese plate to extraordinary grazing board.

Andrea will demonstrate how to make crostini, quick jam and roasted garlic confit. You are welcome to make them along with her.
MORRIS BART, SR. LECTURE SERIES
The Statues Tell the Story
Monday, June 14
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
No charge members and non-members

"The Statues Tell the Story" covers Bernardo de Galvez of Spain; Simon Bolivar of South America; Benito Juarez of Mexico; Francisco Morazan of The Central American Republic (Honduras); Jose Marti of Cuba and Chep Morrison (the Louisiana politician who understood the importance of our Spanish Heritage). Each statue (and the countries) has a story and connection to New Orleans. This is the basis for The Friends of the Cabildo (FOC) Spanish Heritage Program for Spanish classes in local schools. The program is designed to provide local historical and cultural relevance to students learning Spanish.
 
Robert Freeland is vice president of the Friends of the Cabildo, the volunteer organization of the Louisiana State Museum. He is a tour guide and the project leader for the FOC Spanish Heritage Program for Spanish classes.
MUSEUM OF THE SOUTHERN JEWISH EXPERIENCE
Thursday, June 24 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM
$13 members and non-members
Off-Site

Join us as we visit New Orleans' newest attraction, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience. This museum explores the many ways that Jews in the American South influenced and were influenced by the distinct cultural heritage of their new homes. The exhibits are interactive with a vast collection of artifacts and are designed to be self-led. Due to the pandemic we will not meet for lunch first, but will instead meet at the museum to enjoy the group rate of $13 per person for entry. RSVP to Rachel by Monday, June 21.
Senior Chair Exercise
Mondays, 10:45 AM
Instructor: Peggy

Tuesdays, 10:45 AM
Instructor: Monica

Thursdays, 10:45 AM
Instructor: Brittany

Fridays, 10:45 AM
Stay Fit
Instructor: Patricia
SENIOR CHAIR EXERCISE

We are back in person at the Uptown JCC three days a week for some exercise.

Designed for seniors at all levels and abilities, this class involves stretching and strength training. Either exercise from a chair or standing, according to your comfort level.

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

If you are not ready to join us in person, check out our virtual offerings. The most important thing is to take care of yourself, and keep moving!
RACHEL'S RECIPES
Roasted Tomato Basil and Feta Orzo
ACTIVE ADULT DONATIONS

A donation to the Active Adult program is a beautiful way to let someone know that you have remembered them or a loved one, and in turn you help defray the costs of our programs. Acknowledgements of your remembrance are sent to whom you choose along with a tax deductible confirmation to you. Donations can be made online at nojcc.org,
by mail to 5342 St. Charles Ave, NOLA 70115, or by calling (504) 897-0143.

JCC SENIOR CLUB FUND

KRIEGER SENIOR CITIZENS TRANSPORTATION FUND

Hoolyse Davajian

In honor of Phyllis Loubier's Birthday
Dena Grenell
CONGRATULATIONS!
We're sending all of our best birthday wishes for a year of health and happiness!

Cornelia Whitlow (June 1)
Lisette LaPrairie (June 7)
Jackie Fajkowski (June 12)
Jane Crowell (June 19)
Irene Hirsch (June 21)
BETH'S FUN SECTION
One liners…just for fun!     

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

I was going to wear my camouflage shirt today, but I couldn't find it.

I like long walks, especially when they're taken by people who annoy me. 

The grass may be greener on the other side but at least you don't have to mow it.
 
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
 
Is it wrong that only one company makes the game Monopoly?

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
 
If you keep your feet firmly on the ground, you'll have trouble putting on your pants.
 
Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.
 
I'll bet you $4,567 you can't guess how much I owe my bookie.
TRIVIA

Which President signed a law declaring “In God We Trust” to be the official U.S. motto?

a. Dwight D. Eisenhower
b. Lyndon B. Johnson
c. Ronald Reagan
d. Richard Nixon
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
I hope you are enjoying the monthly crossword puzzle.

Please let me know if you feel they are too hard, too easy or if you have suggestions for other games or puzzles to include. - Beth
New Orleans JCC | Uptown 897-0143 | Metairie 887-5158 | nojcc.org