Our Mission 
The JCC of Central NJ is a not-for-profit social service agency committed to serving both the Jewish community and the community at large. Our mission is to provide social, recreational, educational, and cultural programs and humanitarian services for individuals and families through all phases of life. We are committed to affirming and strengthening Jewish values, fostering an appreciation of our heritage and identity, and nurturing leadership. Our JCC is a dynamic center for Jewish life. We offer a vital and welcoming home away from home for our members and our guests.
JCC Executive Committee 2007-08
President ................................. Mindy Goldberger
First Vice President .................. Scott Lazar
Vice Presidents ........................ Nan Fechtner, Debra Rosenberg, Suzanne Tucker
Treasurer ..................................Lois Essenfeld
Secretary ................................. Lisa Israel
Asst. Secretary/Treasurer ..........Ellen Zimmerman
Parliamentarian ........................ Stacie Friedman
Past President ..........................Allen Barkin
Board of Directors 2007-08
Sharon Artz, Eric Bass, Amie Berlant, Caryn Burk, Carole Chrystal, Mitchell Cohen, Debbie Feldman, Julie Goetz, Melissa Hacker, Shari Hartstein, Eric Hecht, Saul Heitner, Sandra Kenoff, Max Lazar, Mara Levy, Mark Lindenberg, Illana Margolis, Brian Margulies, Jessica Nagourney, Jeff Peris, Brian Pesin, Laura Queller, Lisa Rafal, Gary Riveles, Rebecca Rosenheck, Lisa Rouder, Jeffrey Sassoon, Renee Sherman, Julie Singer, Sandy Sobel, Scott Spector, Jennifer Useloff, Lesley Vogel, Peter Weissbrod, Jenifer Wirtshafter
Honorary Board: Toby Goldberger, Joseph Wilf
Schedule of Board Meetings 2007-08
Executive Committee: June 21, July 16, September 10, October 9, November 5, January 7, February 4, March 10, April 7, May 5, June 16
Board of Directors: July 23 (Orientation), July 30 (Training), September 24, October 22, November 26, January 28, February 25, March 31, April 28, May 27
Annual Meeting: Thursday, June 12, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.
JCC Committee Chairs 2007-08
Adult & Senior Services ..........Sharon Artz, Carole Chrystal
Annual Meeting/Volunteer Recognition .......... Lisa Rafal, Lisa Rouder
Aquatics .......... Hildie Lazar, Jenifer Wirtshafter
Athletics .......... Jeff Mayerson
Audit .......... Mitch Cohen
Blue Book .......... Sandy Sobel, Holly Simon
Board Training ..........Sandra Kenoff
Book Festival .......... Lisa Rafal
Budget & Finance .......... Mark Lindenberg
Building & Technology .......... Eric Bass, Brian Margulies
Camp .......... Caryn Burk, Stacee Miccio, Sandy Sobel
Community Relations ...........Eric Bass, Brian Margulies
Cultural Arts & Education .......... Melissa Hacker, Saul Heitner, Mara Levy
Early Childhood Education .......... Elyse Deutsch, Jessica Vierschilling
Early Childhood Program .......... Liz Isser, Lida Rouder, Jen Useloff
Fitness .......... Caryn Burk, Mara Levy
Golf & Tennis Outing .......... Barry Friedman, Sandra Kenoff, Mark Klurman, Jeff Mayerson, Robin Plattman, Craig Ratner, Gary Riveles, Brian Shlissel
Helping Hands .......... Sharon Artz, Ellen Edelman
Leadership Development .......... Sandra Kenoff
Long-Range Planning .......... Debbie Feldman, Peter Weissbrod
Maccabi .......... Scott Spector
Membership .......... Julie Goetz, Lisa Rafal
Personnel .......... Debbie Feldman, Gary Riveles
Public Relations..........Sandra Kenoff, Rebecca Rosenheck
Super Raffle .......... Scott Spector
Teen .......... Laura Queller, Lesley Black-Vogel
Winter Fundraiser .......... Illana Margolis, Renee Sherman
Youth .......... Melissa Hacker, Ilana Margolis
JCC Program Staff
Senior Adult Chef: Nona Bernaba
Fitness Program Coordinator/Rhythm & Motion Dance School Director: Debi Price ext. 225
Youth & Teen Services Director: Dana Brenner ext. 203
Hours of Operation
Monday through Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday through November 2 : 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday beginning November 9 : 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Closings for Fall and Early Winter
Labor Day
Monday, September 3 Open 8:00 a.m. – Noon
(recreation only)
Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, September 12 Early Closing at 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 13 Closed
Friday, September 14 Closed
Yom Kippur
Friday, September 21 Early Closing at 3:00 p.m.
Sukkot
Wednesday, September 26 Early Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 27 Closed
Friday, September 28 Closed
Shemini Atzeret
Wednesday, October 3 Early Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 4 Closed
Simchat Torah
Friday, October 5 Closed
Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 22 Closed
Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 25 Open 8:00 a.m. – Noon
(recreation only)
New Year’s Day
Tuesday, January 1 Closed
JCC of Central New Jersey Policies
Access: All members, guests, and visitors are required to check in at the Reception Desk. The minimum age is 13 for use of the pool, gym, and fitness room unsupervised. Additionally, written parental permission is required for people ages 13–17 to use the fitness room and pool unsupervised. Parents and caregivers must supervise children not under the direct supervision of JCC staff at all times.
Capital Reserve Fund: The Capital Reserve Fund is a one-time obligation for new JCC members to be paid in the first fiscal year. This obligation is deferred until the next fiscal year for first-year camp families and members joining after June 1. This contribution is tax deductible. Automatic monthly payment is available. Exempt: noted membership categories and returning members who contributed to the Builders’ Fund.
Community Participants: Most JCC programs are open to the community at community rates unless otherwise noted. Tuition-based programs available to the community (i.e., Kid Zone and Kindergarten Kids) will have a $100 annual Community Enrollment Fee. All community participants will be issued a JCC keytag that must be scanned at the Reception Desk. Community participants are not entitled to use of the facility outside of their program. The Ellen Geller Drop-In Center and babysitting will be available to those involved in any JCC program.
Guests: Guest passes are $5 per visit for adults and children ages 3 and older. Guests must be accompanied by a JCC member unless arrangements have been made in advance. The same guest may use the facility a maximum of five times per year. Guests will be asked to present photo ID, as available, and sign a participation waiver. Guests ages 13–17 using the recreation facilities require a parental signature. The JCC reserves the right to limit the number of guests using the facility.
Insurance: JCC members are covered by group accident medical insurance. Coverage is secondary to the member’s primary health coverage and subject to a $100 deductible and a $7,500 accidental and medical limit including a $1,000 dental limit.
Kashrut: All food products brought into the JCC, or eaten on JCC property, must be kosher. An approved list of kosher caterers for parties and other events is available from the JCC Administrative Office.
Keytags: Keytags must be presented and scanned at the Reception Desk upon entry. Lost keytags can be replaced for $5.
Medical Freeze: Membership dues and privileges may be frozen for medical reasons once a membership year for at least a 2-month period. A medical freeze is for the entire membership unit, not for individuals. Credits will be given upon the next renewal. A medical note is required. Freezes are granted at the discretion of the Membership Director.
Membership: The JCC of Central NJ membership year is September 1–August 31. New members receive a prorated rate based on the month they join in their first year of membership. All renewals are due by September 1. Renewing at any time in the membership year will be at the annual membership rate. Membership is neither refundable nor transferable. Only JCC members in good standing will have membership privileges such as access to facilities and member rates on programs. Members must notify the JCC of any changes in membership status, including: extenuating circumstances, decisions not to renew, changes to contact information, or intent to change membership category. Membership may be suspended or revoked if a member has intentionally damaged or attempted to damage JCC property or has demonstrated inappropriate behavior.
Parking/Traffic: For the safety of JCC members, children, and guests, please drive slowly through the parking lot, obey stop signs, be alert at crosswalks, and park in designated parking spaces. Do not park in handicapped spots without proper permits. Reserved spots are only for Benefactors and special event donors.
Program Payments: Program payments may be made by mail or at the Reception Desk via cash, check, debit card, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Any bank fees incurred for returned checks will be charged to the program participant. Most program payments may also be made online at www.jccnj.org.
Program Registration: Registration is processed in order of receipt. After a maximum class size is reached, a waiting list will be maintained in the event that space should become available. Classes must have a minimum number of participants to run. Minimum and maximum class sizes vary according to department policies.
Reciprocity: Many JCCs will offer short-term reciprocity to our members. Our JCC will extend a courtesy membership for up to two weeks to members in good standing of a JCC that is 25 miles or more away. Please contact the Membership Director at ext. 236 or mitzkin@jccnj.org for details.
Refunds & Cancellations: The JCC reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient registration and return a full refund. Participants who want to cancel a registration should send a written cancellation request to the program’s director. Requests received before the first class meeting will result in a 90% refund. There are no class changes (drops/adds) or refunds after the first class session. There are no refunds for special events or performances unless unusual conditions exist.
Rentals: Meeting rooms, classrooms, lounges, the gym, the pool, and the aerobics studio are available for meetings or celebrations. Please contact the JCC Office Manager at ext. 210 or the appropriate department for details.
Scholarships: The JCC of Central NJ is committed to helping those in need of financial assistance. Scholarships are available for Membership, Preschool, Kindergarten, Kid Zone, and Camp Yachad. Please request a confidential scholarship form from the JCC Administrative Office, or download one from www.jccnj.org. Scholarship forms must be submitted for each fiscal year.
Smoking: There is no smoking allowed in the JCC.
Visitors: Visitors are required to sign in at the Reception Desk, present a photo ID, be announced to the appropriate staff person, and carry a JCC visitor pass.
Weather Closings: For news on weather-related closings, cancellations, or delayed openings, visit www.weatherclosings.com or www.jccnj.org, or call the JCC at 908-889-8800. Please note that the Aquatics, Athletics, and Fitness departments may be open even if the Preschool is closed.
Department-specific policies are outlined in their sections within the JCC Program Guide. For further clarification on any policy, please contact the appropriate Department Director or the Membership Director.
Support the JCC
Looking for ways to give your JCC membership more meaning? There are many leadership opportunities and ways to be philanthropic. Here are a few ideas:
Volunteer and Make a Difference! Helping is rewarding – all it takes is a little time on a regular basis. Leadership opportunities abound; for more information, contact the Special Events Director at bweisbart@jccnj.org or ext. 209. You’ll be glad you did!
Upgrade Your JCC Membership. Receive complementary services, deep discounts, or reserved parking privileges. Learn more about Philanthropic Membership categories on the Membership page of this website.
Establish a Targeted Endowment Fund. The generosity of a family and/or an individual will be honored or memorialized through an event or project. For more information, contact the Executive Director at bhermann@jccnj.org or ext. 202.
Support JCC Departments. Giving can be twice as nice when funds support the programs here at the JCC. Purchase a beautiful set of note cards designed by JCC senior adults. Give the gift of wellness with gift certificates for massage, personal training, or fitness classes. Buy fresh challah for your Shabbat dinner through the Preschool. Get your swim goggles, swim caps, and swim bubbles through the Aquatics Department and support the Barracudas Swim Team. For more information, contact the Reception Desk or department director(s).
Gift Boutiques. Did you know that shopping at the JCC Gift Boutiques supports the Senior Adult programs? Gift Boutiques are held regularly; please check the Special Events section for specific dates and times. Items for sale include jewelry, hair accessories, handbags, children’s clothes, gift items, and Judaica.
Send a Tribute. Tributes are a wonderful way to acknowledge a significant event. A contribution of $15 or greater will be acknowledged with a personal letter and a listing in the JCC Update. Tribute cards are available for $6 (10 for $50); for more information, contact the Office Manager at coley@jccnj.org or ext. 210. Proceeds from Tributes help support the JCC’s many endowment funds, including:
Aquatics Fund: To enhance the Aquatics Department through the purchase of new safety equipment and programming.
Bea and Marty Barkin Fund: Contributions support adult cultural and educational programming.
Capital Reserve Fund: Contributions go toward maintaining our facilities.
Ellen Geller Drop-In Center Fund: To enhance the program that flourished under Ellen’s loving care.
Executive Director’s Discretionary Fund: For “special situations” and “needy” JCC members; such situations are handled in a confidential manner.
Fitness Fund: To enhance the programs through the purchase of new equipment and/or the addition of new services.
Larry Goldberger Scholarship Fund: To provide financial assistance for Camp and Preschool/Kindergarten.
JCC Past Presidents’ Israel Teen Scholarship Fund: To enable deserving teens to spend a summer in Israel.
Literacy Fund: To purchase Judaic books for children and adults.
Richard Corman Israel Advocacy Fund: To support programs that educate the community about and instill a love for Israel.
Sarah Shapiro SWIM Fund (Seniors With Inquiring Minds): Assists in funding educational workshops from the arts to academia for ages 60+.
Senior Adult Fund: Monies to enhance the Senior Program.
Technology Fund: To enhance technology at the JCC.
Teen Fund: To enhance the lives of Jewish teens through teen programming and the JCC Maccabi Games.
Teen Jewish Continuity Endowment Fund: Provides funds to foster Jewish teen leadership experiences, such as Panim el Panim.
Tree of Life: The Tree of Life Wall Sculpture provides the opportunity to signify life’s special occasions. The cost for each leaf is $100. A limited number of rocks are available at $500 each.
Youth Fund: To provide funding for youth programs (Grades K-5), including special events and scholarships for Kid Zone.
Parties at the JCC
Kosher catering is available on-premise or choose your own kosher caterer. All rentals include setup and cleanup.|
Whom to Contact:
Sports Parties Joanne McKeown ext. 208
Swim Parties Ed Soder ext. 219
Dance Parties Karen Rosen ext. 224
General information, room reservations and pricing Connie Oley ext. 210
Event Suggestions:
• Birthday parties for children
• Dance, sports & swim parties
• Customized theme parties
• Sweet Sixteens
• Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
• Weddings & Sheva Brachot
• Bridal Showers
• Brit/Baby Namings
• Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations for adults
DDirections to the JCC of Central NJ
Wilf Jewish Community Campus
1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
908-889-8800
From the Garden State Parkway Heading South:
Garden State Parkway to Exit 135. Stay in right lane to Westfield (Target on left, Shop Rite on right). *Make first left turn onto Raritan Road. Continue on Raritan Road for four traffic lights. Make right turn onto Lake Avenue. Continue on Lake Avenue for approximately four traffic lights. (Lake Avenue changes into Martine Avenue). One half mile before the JCC, you will see Union Catholic High School on left. The next light is Cooper Road. The JCC is a half block after this light on the right hand side. Parking and entry are in the rear of the building.
From the Garden State Parkway Heading North:
Garden State Parkway to Exit 135. Stay in left lane to Westfield. Go around the circle and get off on Central Avenue. (Target on left, Shop Rite on right). Make first left.*follow directions above.
From Route 22 Heading West:
Exit right at "Scotch Plains, Berkeley Heights" just past McDonald's). Continue to first light, make left turn and go back over Route 22; bear right onto Park Avenue (Pantagis Restaurant on right). *Stay on Park Avenue through center of Scotch Plains (At the Dunkin Donuts, Park Avenue becomes Martine Avenue). Go through Fanwood Center. Continue on Martine Avenue. You will see the YM-YWCA on right. A few feet after the YM-YWCA, you will see the JCC on the left. Parking and entry are in the rear of the building. (Total distance from Route 22 Exit - 2 ½ miles).
From Route 22 Heading East:
Route 22 to "Scotch Plains" Exit (Pantagis Restaurant on right). *Follow directions above.
From the NJ Turnpike North
Take Exit 11, Garden State Parkway North. *Follow directions above from Garden State Parkway North
From the NJ Turnpike South
Take Exit 14, Newark Airport, 78. Follow signs to Route 22 West. *Follow directions from Route 22 West above.
From Lincoln Tunnel, NY:
Take NJ Turnpike South. Exit at Newark Airport (Exit 14). Follow signs for Route 22 West.
Follow above directions from Route 22 West.
From Holland Tunnel, NY:
Go to Route 78 West (NJ Turnpike Extension). Follow through to Route 22 West (near Newark Airport). Follow to the Garden State Parkway South. Get off at Exit 135. Follow above directions from Garden State Parkway Heading South.
From the Goethels Bridge
Stay in right lane when getting off the Goethels Bridge, drive straight to rte 1 & 9 south. Take 1 & 9 south to Stiles Ave. and make a right on Stiles. After you pass Linden Lanes, make a left on to St. Georges Ave (rte. 27) . Travel several miles and make a right on to W. Lake Avenue. Stay on Lake Avenue for many miles, it will turn in to Martine Avenue. When you are close to the JCC you will pass a golf course on your right. Go through one more traffic light. The JCC will be on your right 1391 Martine Ave.
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