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Tell us your JCC story ....

We've created this blog to give everyone a chance to share something special that they've experienced at the JCC. Please submit your story by selecting "comments" below. Let us know what you think makes our JCC community so special, and tell us about you special memories at the JCC. (Please note that your story may not appear right away.)

Feel free to email me your story directly if you're uncomfortable with submitting a comment through the blog, and I'll post it for you: lael@jcc-asheville.org.

 Thanks! - Lael

Swimming Lessons Turned Out To Be Great Fun for the Kids

I wanted to mention to how wonderful your Aquatics Coordinator is.  My kids, on the way to their first swimming lesson, were not happy.  They did not want to go and didn’t understand why we were making them take lessons.  Thanks to Amy, their attitude towards the lessons and swimming changed.  After the first day, not only were they happy, but they were eager to go to swimming lessons.  Amy has a wonderful way of interacting with kids, and I think that made my kids happy to swim.

- Eric Levy

Loves the Pool!

I love the pool, managed to get there yesterday, in-between two neighborhood meeting, for one hour of delicious coolness. The energy at the pool is healthy, alive, and openly expressive. Feels wonderful, I made a great investment to join JCC for the Summer,

- Joe Barrett

The Way Hanukkah is Meant to Be

Last week I had the good fortune to be able to volunteer with the JCC to deliver Hanukkah meals to some folks who were in need. Judy and Jeremiah were wonderful and made it very easy. The packages were delivered and a Happy Hanukkah was enabled for the first night. Then on Sunday the JCC held a most delightful Hanukkah meal and menorah lighting. What a joy. Many thanks to the other Judy, Natalie, the Rabbis, the wonderful staff, the caterer and all the attendees who were joyous and loving. The way Hanukkah is meant to be.

Regards,
Elizabeth LaBar

We Love Just Kids!

I just wanted to let you know how pleased our family is that we have become part of the larger Just Kids family.  Our son is participating in the Just Kids Program in the five year old room. His teachers are excellent. I never worry. I know that he is safe, cared for, and learning new and wonderful things every single day. The staff are caring and genuine folks who have the kid's best interests at heart. But beyond that, they are happy people who are happy doing what they do best. Who could ask for more? What a wonderful and loving environment you all have created. We are so lucky to be part of the JCC and Just Kids community, wish we had found it earlier.

- Eva Chazo

Three-Year-Old Is Excited to Go To School Again

I had expressed my appreciation to Sherrill for what she has done for Abbie and wanted to pass this along to you as well.
When Abbie was at her other daycare she learned a ton, academically, and I was happy with the care. What I did notice increasingly happening,were, meltdowns as soon as we were in the car. She was a pent up ball of anxiety, frustration and stress. There were a couple hours of letting her release all of this, followed by a slow decline in her happiness overall. Since being at the JCC, she is back to her carefree, light hearted, fun, happy self. I pick her up, she gets in the car, and we have the best conversations and all the meltdowns have stopped. She is excited every morning to get to school. I have seen her transform back to a positive little 3 year old, with a new interest in exploring and learning about the world around her.
Thank you ALL so much!!!

Amy White
Alpine Photography Inc

Learning About Judaism in Just Kids After School Program

I want you to know that my child who was christened in the Catholic church is in love with Judaism. Abby loves to sing the prayers and explain to me what she learns about your faith. It makes me happy to watch her grow in her faith in God.

Posted by: April Suttles @ 11:13 am

Just Kids After School Program Thank You

Thanks you guys for making after school so special for our children. It makes me feel so good to know Porter is there and it isn't just babysitting. I know it must be hard at times but you are doing such an incredible job-and I thank you very much. I feel like you are really shaping these children in the hours you have then and you can't put a cost on that.

Posted by: Jennings H. Garry @ 12:53:00 pm

JCC Is Kids' Home Away From Home

Having sent my kids to summer camp at the JCC since the mid-90's (with a hiatus in the mid 2000's), I can tell you that this year, hands down, is the BEST experience my children have ever had at the JCC and possibly any summer camp (Eli loves soccer camp equally, but other than that...). I applaud you for teaching kids about how to be good stewards of our planet, environment, and the people who inhabit it. I love all of the outdoor, nature-oriented activities, from white water rafting and camping to river clean ups. I am grateful that you take our kids into the beautiful natural playground in WNC instead of keeping them cooped up in the gym. I also applaud the counselors, all of whom seem to be very engaged, and your mentoring of the CITs (this is an outstanding experience for Joshua). I applaud you for varying the summer camp experience so that the kids stay interested. Personally, I think your camp director is insane for attending all of the sleepovers, but the fact that he cares enough about the counselors and the kids to do that is laudable. The JCC is my kids' home away from home. - Miriam Schwarz

Posted by: Miriam Schwarz @ 11:20:00 am

JFS Helped Job Seeker

I have been job-searching since my arrival in Asheville, a few months ago. A friend suggested I contact Mort Stein at the JCC, which I did. I'm sure you're aware of it, but I wanted to tell you, anyway, what an asset he is to Jewish Family Services. In no situation - and certainly not in the current financial climate - would he be expected to manufacture jobs. However, his advice, guidance and support are a source of comfort and encouragement. I think that he helps his "clients" see and take advantage of their positive attributes, while toning down and improving upon any negative aspects .... Somehow, he always manages to give people a pat on the back.

So, "chazak ve'ematz" to you, the JFS and Mort Stein.

Posted by: guest @ 3:35:04 pm

Elder Day Club Volunteers are Wonderful

I volunteer in many different venues, I am a Guardian Ad Litem, I help feed the Veterans and I help with Women at Risk. Today I attended a presentation at the Elder Day Care Club. It was given by Jill Zimerman who I was assisting. I have previously been a presenter. I have never realized until today while observing the interaction between Lauren Katz, the volunteers and the Elder Day Care Club members how comfortable and inclusive Lauren made us all feel. Everyone in that room became involved and animated. Lauren's upbeat attitude is contagious. I have decided to volunteer at the Elder care Care Club because of Lauren Katz and the wonderful feeling it gave me being their.

- Judi Goloff
Posted by: guest @ 2:59:56 pm

Bubbie Carol's Heaven

You don't have to die to go to heaven. The spirit of heaven can be found by walking through the doors of our Asheville JCC. From the moment the door opens I've always been greeted with a warm "Hello, Bubbie Carol." As I sign in and record my reason for visiting, which is to experience Bubbie Land, magic occurs.

Briefly close your eyes and picture the elevator opening and approximately 12 two-year-olds with their hands rising to the air shouting, "Bubbie Carol! Bubbie Carol!" with great joy. There can be no warmer interaction then my first group hug as they come off the elevator. By the time I get to the classroom my heart is filled with pure joy. Some visits are spent baking with Bubbie, and some are spent with all my babies getting dressed up and having a Bubbie parade, where we all march around the building dancing to Yiddish music from a boom box. Our Parades are received by the Elder Day Care as well as the entire staff who all cheer and sing along with us.

Lastly, there is always time for a familiar story such as "The Three Bears" or "Cinderella" translated into one of Bubbie Carol's versions in Yiddish. Sometime visitors and passersby stop to join us. Love, community, and a sense of belonging are in my heaven.

Love and Light
Bubbie Carol
Posted by: guest @ 9:47:25 am

JCC Pool is Our Community

Ahhh - the JCC pool. Is there a more wonderful place to laze around and enjoy? Is there a better place to catch up with some friends and cool off at the end of another hot day? No, there's not. Because once you're part of the JCC pool community, you'll always have a place for your children to safely play and see their buddies, you'll always have a spot to grill out with ten of your friends (without having to clean your kitchen), and you'll always have the perfect Sunday afternoon or Wednesday evening planned.

The JCC pool and community of friends, parents, kids, lifeguards and staff combine to create one of the happiest places in Asheville, all summer long. I've enjoyed our time at the pool more than almost anywhere and fully intend to keep on lazing away the summer days. Our 8 yr old daughter, Elizabeth, has grown up by the pool and can't remember not spending the summers there. What a wonderful place - so thank you to everyone who is a part of it and I can't wait till opening day this summer.

Trey Greer
JCC member and Pool lounge lizard and happily, grilling guy.
Posted by: guest @ 8:30:48 am

Shalach Manot Bags - A Great Mitzvah

During the recent Purim festival, Catherine Arons and 14 other CBHT congregants, packed and delivered over 80 Shalachmanot gift bags on behalf of the Tzedakah committee of CBHT and Jewish Family Service. The bags were delivered to Jewish elderly in the community many of whom are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or live alone.

Catherine wrote of one experience. "Sunday afternoon afternoon I had the privillege of delivering Shalach Manot bags to several elderly community members. One lady lives at a rest home and an attendant pointed her out to me. She was sound asleep in a chair. The attendant touched her shoulder and said her name to awaken her....not much responsee. I held the gift bag in front of her, took her hand, and said 'I've brought you a Purim gift from the Jewish Community'. The lady's eyes opened (lovely blue) and she gave me a big smile! She was still awake and smiling when I left a few minutes later. What a wonderful "thank you' that was. It made my day."

Much appreciation also goes to Lauren Bursky, Kira Bursky, Sherrill Zoller, Emily Shaw, Ellen Shaw, Lori Wasa, Linda Kavanaugh, Jody Friedman, Leslie White, Joe Goldenberg, Dan and Gloria Pincu, Barbara Stein, and Leon Rocamora. What a great Mitzvah
Posted by: guest @ 10:22:18 am

JCC & Purim Carnival Gives Meaningful Connection to Community

This story is republished from my website: http://YogaMamaMe.com.

It is, perhaps, the most remarkable change that motherhood has wrought: I looked forward to the JCC Purim Carnival for weeks before it was upon us. This is remarkable because -- although this was my first Purim Carnival -- it was certainly not my first opportunity to attend one. My only previous brush with a Purim celebration occurred my sophomore year in high school. My friend Brenda and I scored some cool 60's dresses my mother had buried in a closet (since disappeared, to my periodic chagrin) and headed out to a party for the teenagers of a congregation to which Brenda may or may not have belonged. I certainly didn't, and I know for a fact that she is the only one of the two of us who would have heard about and expressed interest in a party at a synagogue, even one at which boys might be met. While nominally Jewish myself, my entire exposure to what this meant consisted of: 1) attending a number of Bat Mitzvah's at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Tarzana during eighth grade; 2) having my parents tell me a whole lot how important it is to marry Jewish (that one plainly never sunk in); and 3) during the fall of my sophomore year of high school informing my mother that I would be taking Yom Kippur off from school to attend services with my friends and having her respond, "Take the day off if you want, but don't waste your time in services!"

So, as little as I recall of that spring's Purim party, I can say with assurance that Brenda set the whole thing up. And that it was enough to push me over the edge and away from any synagogue-sponsored activity for, well, ever, since this last carnival was sponsored by the JCC, not a synagogue.

The reason that spring of '82 Purim party so turned me off to the joys of Purim remains rooted in memory, even if all the other details of the evening have faded. Brenda and I arrived just in time for a stand-up routine by some kid consisting entirely of racist jokes. I was so horrified that, to this day, I have steadfastedly ignored Purim. Plus, I generally don't have any idea when it is, being only nominally Jewish and all.

And yet, a few weeks ago, when the announcements went up at Shalom, I was thrilled. Not only because I knew without a doubt that there would be no racist fourteen-year-old comedians at the JCC's Purim Carnival. But because I truly was looking forward to taking Jack to the celebration.

Speaking honestly, my sense of Jewish identity -- never strong -- has become less and less important to me over the years. Was it the earnest Hillel students in college who drove me away? The belonging I didn't want to belong to going to law school in New York? The moment one of my own law students rather condescendingly thanked me for canceling class on Yom Kippur, saying, "You're the only non-Jewish professor I've had cancel!"? Her face went a shade whiter when I told her that her assessment was off, though I'd like to think I would have canceled anyhow, since I obviously wasn't going to services myself or anything.

It says a lot about the world I've grown up in that I never felt a need to hold onto my Jewish identity, nor did I feel a loss in not nurturing it. I felt, in fact, that bringing it to the fore would only subject me to pre-judgments and expectations, just as any sort of label can. Sometime between law school and yoga teaching I even stopped declaring myself a feminist because I realized everyone seems to think they know what that means and no one really does. Identity, I came to conclude as I cut through the layers of it in my yoga practice, comes from within, not from labels.

Until, that is, I had a chance to get Jack into the daycare program at the JCC. Suddenly, for the first time ever on a form asking for my religious affiliation, I became "Jewish." Not that that moment was a turning point of any sort. Indeed, during Jack's first year at Hilde's House I was pretty well neutral on the whole religious component of his schooling, probably because "religious component" is a bit of an overstatement when you're talking about kids under the age of two. Playing with plastic matzoh during Passover hardly qualifies as preparing my child for his Bar Mitzvah, after all.

Over the past few months of having Jack at Shalom, however, I've found myself rather thrilled to see how much Jewish culture is integrated into the program for the older kids. Jack love-love-loves Shabbat on Fridays. While I found it pretty adorable that he used to call it "Sha-bop," I found myself equally pleased last month when he corrected my erroneous pronunciation. He brought probably the biggest bag of change in school to another holiday celebration -- even though I can't even remember the holiday or what the point of all that change was. Something to do with planting trees, which seemed like a pretty good reason to clear out the parking meter stash in my car. Nearly every day when I pick him up, he grabs the plastic challah that sits on a shelf next to his cubby and raises it over his head, chanting, "Up, up, up, challah!" I have no idea what it means, but I feel quite certain it is part of a Jewish tradition he knows far better than I.

"I'm so happy," I now find myself saying to my husband. "Jack is learning about his Jewish heritage and I don't have to teach it to him!"

So why was I the one itching for the Purim Carnival? Why did I insist on walking to it even as Jack fell asleep in the stroller -- and wandering through for long enough to awaken him to the cacophony of costume contest award announcements; kids yelling as they swooped down the big, inflatable slide; and me and my husband engaged in loud attempts at conversation with other parents we knew?

That last one has a lot to do with it: I felt like I belonged to something.

I felt a part of Jack's school, and the other kids and parents in it. After a year of struggling to "use" the Mommy connection as a way of making friends in a new town, there was no struggle. Instead, there are friends in yoga class who happen to have kids at Shalom as well. And the truly cheerful greeting of the lawyer who drafted our will as we bumped into each other picking our kids up the other day. And the moment a few weeks ago in Old Navy when Jack nonchalantly walked by a little boy we had encountered earlier in the mall playground and identified him by name: "Did he know that just from the playground?" the boy's impressed mother asked me. Equally impressed, I raised my hands in a gesture of I-can't-take-credit-for-my-child's-brilliance. "Unless he goes to school at the JCC," I said. Turns out I can't take credit for my child's brilliance because that was exactly how he knew the other boy.

In short, Saturday's trip to the Carnival was about a lovely walk on a lovely day, socializing with friendly people, watching my two-year-old earnestly throw baseballs nowhere near the target, and feeling like I was part of a really good community.

"I love that we can go to something like that and run into people we know," I said to my husband on our walk home.

"And I love that we don't know everyone," he added, pointing out that Asheville seems to be just the right size for us.

The right size, the right community. A community, it turns out, that is, in large measure, not only partly Jewish, but determindedly, importantly so. A place I want to be a part of my child's life. In other words, a community that -- at this moment for me -- allows me to let my Jewish background be a part of me as much as it is a part of Jack. A Buddhist-leaning, yoga-respecting girl from a Jewish background who's never been Bat Mitzvah-ed, knows maybe half of the standard Jewish prayer, is happily married to a former altar boy, and loves every bit of her background that shares space in her beautiful boy with the background his father brought to the genetic and cultural table as well.

Posted by: guest @ 10:15:05 am

Friends From Preschool Made My Day

Yesterday, we were at Weaver Park and half the kids there were from Hilde's House or Shalom. I was sitting on the edge of the sandbox near Ava and Alex, and they were so excited to see me outside of school (dispelling the myth that teachers live at school). They made a birthday cake out of sand and sang Happy Birthday Dear Trees and then sang the Debbie Friedman "blowin' in the wind" song. Kind of cool. It made my day!

- Tamara Cohen
Posted by: guest @ 2:57:19 pm

We Love Camp Ruach!

Julia really enjoyed Camp Ruach, but not for any one experience or event. She loved the counselors, specifically Rachel, Raj, and Sepi. She liked going on all the field trips. She was really proud of herself during Seth Olson Day, when she painted an award-winning "peace" watercolor, and when she swam a lot of laps to raise money. She especially enjoyed the Fiddler On the Roof performance, but she loves to be on stage so this was perfect for her.

Highlights for me, would be the email that I received from Heather, telling me that Julia was "rocking it out" and having a great time with an air guitar; and after trying unsuccessfully to get Julia to even attempt to take the deep water test, during camp she jumped in with a friend and easily passed. She was grinning ear to ear when I picked her up and she showed me her bracelet. What sticks in my mind is every day I would offer to take her home at 1:00pm (when I picked up Logan from the pre-school) and every day she'd hand me her wet swim suit and lunch container and say, "NO, come back later".

Alan's favorite story to tell is how one day he dropped her off a few minutes after camp had already started. When the doors closed on the elevator, they could hear "RUACH!" vibrating thru the elevator shaft. When the doors opened to the foyer, the spirit with which he saw the campers and the counselors singing was heart-warming. He knew Julia was in the right place.
Posted by: guest @ 9:53:16 am

Children's Garden Dedication

The Children's Educational Garden Dedication was such a wonderful moment for the Asheville JCC and for the entire Jewish Community. I was so thouroughly moved, that I felt compelled to write immediately.

It wasn't just the beautiful garden that moved me, or the curricular advances this will offer our community's children, but I was moved by the whole concept of our community pulling together to make this happen. Even down to the unaffiliated Jewish carpenter who made the amazing benches. The speakers all spoke wonderfully, the children singing with Penny was heart-warming, and on and on.

It's times like this when I am completely confident that Della and I made the right choice seven years ago by moving to Asheville, as I can not imagine a more hamish, more welcoming Jewish community that time after time, puts our children first.

- Mike Weizman
October 17, 2008
Posted by: guest @ 9:52:07 am

JCC Brings Us Together with Vibrant Community

My husband, Marty, and I moved to Asheville in October, 2007. We chose Asheville for many reasons, but, most importantly, for its vibrant Jewish community. The only person we knew when we moved here was our realtor, so we knew we had to reach out if we wanted to make friends.

Our first stop after settling in was at the Asheville JCC, where we met Natalie Kramer for a tour of the building and an introduction to Jewish life in Asheville. We loved her passion and dynamic personality so we joined the JCC soon after. What a great decision! We started going to all of the planned adult socials as well as the newcomer's wine and cheese events and it didn't take long to meet lots of wonderful people with similar backgrounds and similar reasons for choosing Asheville.
I feel especially proud to have been asked this year to be the chair of the JCC Gala, which is happening on August 15th. My relationship with the staff at the JCC is especially warm, and I feel honored that I can give them my enthusiasm and organizational skills to make this gala the best event ever! All in all, putting my energy toward making calls for the Jewish Federation on Super Sunday, going to Jewish events at UNCA and other venues in Asheville, meeting 'newer newcomers' and sharing my positive experiences, helps get me in touch with my Jewish soul, which, I admit, at times has been neglected in the past.

- Carol Gillen
Posted by: guest @ 7:41:49 pm

JCC Memories

The J was always a second (and sometimes first) home for the Rudow boys - Josh, Caleb and Duvey. There are many stories - from Josh as a third generation life guard (Ben, Marc and Josh) and "the power of the whistle", or Caleb as the Environmental Educator and the "Recycler Overseer." But my favorite is "How Duvey ended up in the back seat of the Police Car on his way to the J".

We live about a mile away from the J and have always encouraged the boys to walk or ride their bike to get there. One year, when Duvey was 8 or so, he headed out of the house for the crowning event of the summer - the Camp Ruach sleep over. This entailed carrying a sleeping bag slung over his shoulder. As he headed down Murdock, just past the Shul, he noticed a police car pull up behind him.

"Young man, where you headed with that bag over your shoulder?"

"I'm going to the JCC" Duvey politely replied.

"Well, we got a call from a parent that a little boy who fits your description has run away. I think you need to get in the back of the cruiser and we'll take you home." Duvey, not wanting to be argumentative with a police officer, got in the back of the car and headed back up Murdock Ave. When they pulled up to the house he thanked the officers and headed back into the house. This story is some cross between Mayberry and Chelm and an example of why living in Asheville is all about community.

- Mark Rudow
Posted by: guest @ 7:40:52 pm

JFS Elder Day Club Makes Life Easier

About two years ago my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As neither of us had known anyone with the disease, we had no idea what we were in for.

As time passed, my husband's condition changed rapidly. With no family nearby, I tried to adjust to the changes in our lives but I couldn't adjust quickly enough--his condition continued to worsen, and the stress it put on both of us was considerable. I had started my own business about a year before his diagnosis, so I was struggling to keep my business going. More and more work around the house fell on me as my husband's life was continually affected by the Parkinson's. One by one, he lost the ability to read, think clearly, enjoy simple pleasures. His posture suffered and his balance was poor.

As he grew more and more dependent on me, I found myself easily irritated and with less and less patience. I felt I could work from morning til late at night and still tasks went undone. I was in as miserable a state of mind as my husband. This changed dramatically when my husband started going to JCC's Elder Day Program. At first he refused to go, and we had several arguments about it. Ok, several BIG arguments.

Then, one day, one more time, I asked him, "Do you want to go over to the JCC and see what's happening at the Adult Program?" and this time his answer was, "ok." I lost no time and the next day I took him over and stayed for a couple of hours so I could see for myself what the program was like. I have to admit, I was afraid it would be a roomful of drooling, listless people in wheelchairs watching TV. Nothing could be further from the truth. When we first went in, the group was having a discussion about baseball--this certainly caught my husband's attention! We were then served a beautiful, healthy, gourmet lunch. I was astounded! Men and women talked and laughed and enjoyed each other's company.

Lauren, the leader, was bright, cheerful, and had sparkling eyes--we both immediately felt welcomed and like Lauren. My husband agreed to go ***one*** day a week. Then, with no effort at all, I convinced him to go THREE days a week. Many, many people have commented on how much better Tommy seems. He is more alert, livelier, and has events and people to talk about from his "Club" at the JCC. His doctor noticed and said, "This has probably added years to Tommy's life."

All the activities at the JCC Elder Day Club have interest for Tommy-- social time, exercise, speakers, trips. Did I mention the JCC bus picks up and brings Tommy home each day? And I'll have to agree--having Tommy gone three days a week has made my life so much easier. Having him around 24/7 was, well, "Wall to wall Husband!" as one friend said. Some days I thought I would scream from stress. Now that he's gone three days a week, I can do my work without feeling guilty and worried that my husband is sitting in front of the TV every single hour of the day. I have found people to help me so that all the duties that once weighed me down are taken care of. Some things I just let go. Overall, my stress level is way, way down.

Thank you Lauren! Thank you Jeremiah and Jim! Thank you everyone who has made this program possible, it is the perfect answer for me and my husband.

Nancy Shinn
Posted by: guest @ 2:52:30 pm

Son Wants to Work at the JCC

So yesterday I had the cutest conversation with Alex, my "I'll be 6 in 13 days!" son. The conversation went something like this... Mom- when I get bigger, I want to work at the JCC. To which I smiled and replied, "I think that is a great idea. You could be a helper with Just Kids or maybe even a lifeguard at the pool." Alex thought for a moment, made a very serious and pouty face and announced "NO! I want to work upstairs in the office! When Heather is too old to be the boss of the JCC, then that is the job that I want." Watch out- the youth are coming with a strong headwind.... (says the proud momma)
Posted by: guest @ 8:56:13 am

Loved Working at Camp Ruach

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to discover a new Jewish community and meet new people. I worked as a camp counselor in the summer of 2007 at Camp Ruach and it was the experience of a lifetime. That summer, the families, staff, and campers became a new home and family for me and helped me grow in ways I was not expecting.

The JCC of Asheville, NC is a warm, nurturing home for both community members and visitors. Not only does it provide incredible programming by staff whose hearts are in the right place, but it helps create a beautiful Jewish community that is accepting of all who enter those doors. After my high school graduation in May, I spent the summer months becoming close with community members and met people who were interested in the beauty of Judaism. They unexpectedly taught me the lesson of friendship.

I will never forget that summer.

I want to thank everyone of the JCC Asheville for making me and so many others feel so welcome.

Posted by: guest @ 7:48:39 pm

Asheville JCC 30 Years Ago

Wow I cant wait to share my JCC Story.

I grew up in Asheville and as a child I would spend my summers there literally everyday learning to swim, Dive. Play sharks and Minnows and make lifelong friends. This is 30 years ago or more. (whew time Flies ) My Grandmother lived on the corner of Lenox Road and Murdock and my brothers and I would stay with her while Mom and dad worked.

We would wake up in the Morning and run Barefooted up Lenox Ave and jump staight into the Pool as our Feet would be scorched from running on the White Hot Concrete Road. Grandmother has gone on now and My Folks. Emmett and Joy Wilson moved to New Mexico many many years ago. However I still have family in Asheville and always drive by the JCC just to experience the Warm feeling of the memories of JCC, Families like the Posners,The Tells. and others run through me and bring so much happiness.. We are not Jewish but it didnt matter and I learned so much about Jewish Culture and Heritage while there that I feel almost .. Jewish LOL!

Thanks JCC

Anthony E Wilson
Cedartown Georgia
Posted by: guest @ 2:17:40 pm

JCC's BBYO Chapter is Great

I have been part of BBYO for the past two years and I love it. My favorite part about joining BBYO is meeting all the amazing new people that share common interests with me. I started off not knowing much about it since we are a new chapter but since starting we have grown, 300% I have become more confident in myself and able to speak infront of large crowds and just have fun meeting new people. The best part is feeling good about myself knowing that i have more chances to help out my community by planting flowers, and bushes at the JCC, going on camping trips , and traveling to Charlotte for all the conventions.

Posted by: guest @ 10:52:49 am

JCC Welcomes All

I was motivated to join the JCC staff for many different reasons, but mainly because I wanted to be around my beloved Jewish community.

The JCC was an amazing place because it was a the place that allowed me to wear a kippah and tzit zit all day, it allowed me to respect the jewish holidays, (Shabbat, and the Chags). In the middle of the American South is hard to find a place that not only respects, but also celebrates your choice of not working on saturdays. Another great jewish aspect was its role as the central meeting ground of all the Jews of Asheville, from Secular to Chabad. From little children to the elderly, from mothers to Rabbis. People of different interest felt safe and welcomed, they could take a Kabbalah Class with the local Chabad Rabbi or a Yoga or cooking class with the greater community.

Althought the J works hard to nurture Jewish identity and community, It manages to be inclusive, welcoming and loving to people who are not part of the Jewish community. As a minority I am pleased to say that the JCC is the only place that I have personally encounter in Asheville to be absolutely color blind, where race or creed do not matter. As an employee I can also say that the unity and morale is so strong that we are indeed a family. You could walk in the JCC and not know who the Directors, teachers, or custodian staff members are, for everyone is equaly open and equaly honored. The JCC is a small bacon of light that shines upon the whole Asheville community, Im honored to part of it.

Now I have moved to Jerusalem, but it is to me as if I have never left. People say "It takes a village to raise a child", But I will tell you as a preschool teacher: "It takes a village and a JCC"

Blessings and Love from Jerusalem, Israel
Oscar Sanchez (Eliyahu Zeev)
Preeschool teacher, afterschool leader and camp counselor.
Posted by: guest @ 10:51:49 am

Preschoolers' Creative Song Lyrics

Some of my favorite moments at the JCC (and there have been many!) have been hearing the preschoolers' creative interpretations of the lyrics of the songs I've ‘taught' them.

Here are a few examples:

Original Lyric: "I've got peace like a river"
Child: "I've got peas in my liver"

Original Lyric: "Rise and shine and give God your glory, glory"
Child: "Rise and shine and give God your money, honey"

Original Hebrew Lyric: "Sim, sim, sim shalom"
Child: "Steam, steam, steam shovel"

Original Lyric: "Who built the ark? Noah, Noah"
Child: "Who built the ark? No one, no one"

Sometimes the kids' commentary on the songs also yields unexpected and unintended results. A few weeks ago, I was teaching a group of the youngest preschoolers the hand motions to the song "Not by Might". When we got to the lyric "we shall live in peace", one rather worried and puzzled looking youngster said "But I don't live in peace, I live in North Carolina"

Never a dull moment at the J!

-Submitted by Penny, JCC Music Specialist
Posted by: guest @ 12:16:07 am

Thanks JCC After School Staff!

JCC is a Excellent place! WE love the JCC this is the first year our Son has attended the Just Kids Program. He has so much fun when he goes there. He loves the Fun filled trips they go on for the full Days when school is out. We have no doubt in our minds that we chose the BEST afterschool program for our Son Jeremiah!

Much THANKS to Sepi and all the Councelors who work at the Just Kids afterschool program. Exspecialy Raj and Adam you guys are GREAT with the Kids! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!

- The Caldwell Family!
Posted by: guest @ 7:26:10 am

Loves Teaching at the JCC

I have been with the JCC for almost three years and cant imagine myself anywhere else. I love being with the toddlers as they grow from infants to fast moving into everything learning my name and forming close bonds toddlers the J is fabulous and yes we all belong here!!

Posted by: guest @ 5:51:49 pm

JCC Preschool Teacher Appreciation Speech

Here is the text of a speech I gave at a JCC teacher appreciation event in January of 2006. Although both of my boys have now "graduated" from the JCC, my sentiments are still the same:

Five years ago next month, my first child, Henry, came to Hilde's House. He was three months old. Now he is getting ready to "graduate" from Shalom at the end of this summer and begin kindergarten. What a wonderful experience our whole family has had at the JCC! When I first heard other parents referring to Hilde's House and Shalom as "school," I thought they were using the term "school" as a euphemism for "daycare." How could a tiny infant be in "school?" I soon learned how wrong I was. What makes a school a school is its teachers. Both my boys, Henry and Paul, have had excellent teachers, both at Hilde's House and at Shalom.

The teachers at Hilde's House did not just diaper and feed my boys; they stimulated them with age-appropriate toys and music, and they helped them to learn to roll over, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk. They taught them their colors, shapes, motor skills and social skills. They nurtured my boys and made them feel safe and loved, while at the same time letting them push boundaries, learning all along the way. No wonder my friends and I often refer to Hilde's House as a "womb"! At Shalom, as my boys have matured, the teaching focus has broadened, from potty training to more advanced social skills, fine and gross motor skills, pre-reading skills, art, music, culture-the list goes on. Just as importantly, though, the teachers at the JCC have taught me how to teach and relate to my own children. They have taught me about how to stimulate learning, how to discipline, how to set limits, and how to respect my children's own opinions.

Often, when I am in the midst of a difficult disciplinary situation at home, I try to stop myself and think, "How would his teacher handle this?" Usually, the teacher's method of discipline is less emotionally-charged and more effective than my first instincts! The teachers at the JCC have taught me that only when the child's expectations, boundaries, and discipline are consistent-both at school and at home-are they effective. They have taught me that the relationship between a teacher and a parent is symbiotic: Both the teacher and the parent are more credible and effective when they communicate with each other and use consistent teaching and disciplinary techniques. Although each of my boys' many excellent teachers at the JCC have had different styles, personalities, and approaches to teaching, they have each in their own way shaped our learning and relationships, and they have prepared us well to face "big school" and the exciting world that is slowly opening up to our children. Thank you, thank you, to all of the JCC teachers. You are such an integral and valuable part of our lives, and I know I speak for all JCC parents when I say how much we appreciate your hard work and dedication to our children. Although you have helped the JCC children's programs to obtain a 5-star license from the state, you have always been a 5-star program to us!

- Amy Kelso, presented January, 2006
Posted by: guest @ 4:55:22 pm