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1391 Martine Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
P: 908-889-8800
F: 908-889-4070

Berg-Lieppe Adult Enrichment

Registration
  • Programs that require advance reservations are clearly marked with reservation required by date.
  • You must indicate if you will be joining us for lunch, when making your reservation.
  • To make a reservation, use the sign-up list at the JCC (at Wendy’s post) or contact Wendy at [email protected] or (908) 889-8800 x207.

Daily Schedule

  • Our in-person group will begin each program day with a snack and socializing at 9:45 a.m.
  • Our daily exercise program follows both in-person and virtually from 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
  • Our feature program is from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. both in-person and virtually. (Classes that are not available virtually are noted.)
  • Our in-person group can choose to enjoy a well-balanced Kosher-style meal after the program.

Transportation

  • Daily, roundtrip, door-to-door transportation to the JCC is available to most residents of Union County.
  • There is a $3 roundtrip fee.

Thank you to the Union County Division on Aging for their generous support of our transportation program.

Kosher-style Lunch

  • The JCC is a designated Kosher-style nutrition site funded by Union County Division on Aging.
  • Lunch is served on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
  • The suggested voluntary donation is $1.75 for Union County residents (age 60+). No one is turned away due to inability to pay. To help cover the costs to the JCC, a $5 donation is appreciated.
  • Monthly menus are published at www.jccnj.org.
  • The Kosher-style lunch program is open to the community. 

Great Ways to Access our Adult Enrichment Program

You can enjoy our Adult Enrichment programs in several ways.

In-Person

JCC Senior Adult Membership – $65/month for individuals; $92/month for couples (includes full use of the JCC facility including fitness center and pool) 
Sign up here for a JCC Senior Adult Membership. or contact Jodi Hotra, Membership Director, at [email protected] or 908-889-8800 x235.

JCC Berg-Lieppe Senior Social Membership - $38/month for individuals; $45/month for couples (includes in-person daily exercise and in-person morning programs offered through Berg-Lieppe Adult Enrichment, no additional use of the JCC facility) Sign up here for a Berg-Lieppe Senior Social Membership or contact Wendy Connolly, at 908-889-8800 x207 or [email protected].

Community Participant Individual Pick & Choose In-Person Program
- $10/program and exercise, $5/exercise only
Join us in person for an individual program, no membership required. Pay the day of the program or register online.

Virtual View

Virtual View Subscription - $22/month/household (includes virtual-only access to daily exercise and morning programs)
Sign up here for a Berg-Lieppe Virtual View subscription or call the JCC Members Services Desk at 908-889-8800 x200.

All options (except individual programs) include member pricing for our Arts & Culture programs.

Zoom information will only be shared with those who have a JCC Senior Adult Membership, a JCC Senior Social Membership or a Virtual View Subscription.

MARCH

March Lunch Menu

Odessa Klezmer Band

Monday, March 9 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY MARCH 5

Join us for a wonderful morning of Klezmer music with the Odessa Klezmer band, including the greatest traditional Klezmer and Jewish/Yiddish favorites. Sponsored by friends and family of Dolly Belfer in honor of her 90th birthday.

Register

Celebrating the History of Union County Women with John Prescott from Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs

Tuesday, March 10 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Women’s History Month is celebrated every March, honoring the remarkable achievements of women throughout our nation’s history. Union County is home to many extraordinary women whose influence has shaped both our community and our country. Join us for this inspiring program and leave with a deeper appreciation, a sense of pride and a richer understanding of their lasting contributions.

Entertainment Historian John Kenrick on Dorothy Fields

Wednesday, March 11 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY MARCH 6
Born into a celebrated theatrical family, Dorothy Fields’ extraordinary way with words made her the only woman to win a lasting place in the front rank of America’s 20th century musical theater and film songwriters. Her hits ranged from The Cotton Club to Broadway (Sweet Charity) to Hollywood (Shall We Dance). Stellar performance clips and lots of backstage lore fill this tribute to a true show business legend. Sponsored by the Van Winkle Foundation.

Register

NJ Shipwrecks with Historian and Diver Dan Lieb

Thursday, March 12 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Dan Lieb’s presentation covers various NJ shipwrecks such as the Morro Castle, the Amity and the John Minturn and covers a span of nearly 300 years. Vessels plying New Jersey waters have met their fates in a variety of ways from strandings to boilers exploding to collisions, to name a few. Many of the shipwrecks he has explored remained unidentified for decades until he and others set about to properly name them and bring their histories to light. Sponsored by Union County Division on Aging.

Lecturer Joel Farkas with Remember the Ladies – Women in the Time of the American Revolution

Monday, March 16 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join us for a discussion on how men viewed women, the expectations of women and the challenges of just being a woman during Revolutionary times. The lecture will focus on issues related to education, medicine, health and childbirth. Joel will talk about our country’s First Ladies and our country’s First Mother. Let’s listen to Abigail (Adams) and Remember the Ladies. Sponsored by Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

20th Century Women Photographers: Pushing Boundaries, Blazing Paths with Arts Educator Janet Mandel

Tuesday, March 17 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Unconventional, innovative, persistent and courageous are some of the words used to describe three outstanding women photographers whose careers spanned the 20th Century. Imogen Cunningham, Berenice Abbott and Lee Miller gave us images that record the culture and history of an era. Come and hear about the lives of these pioneering women and see some of their iconic works. Sponsored by the Van Winkle Foundation.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire with Historian Abbott Gorin

Wednesday, March 18 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 was New York City’s most deadly industrial disaster where 146 garment workers – mostly young immigrant women, many Jewish – died after a fire spread rapidly through the factory. The tragedy sparked major labor reforms, including improved fire safety laws, building codes and stronger protections for workers. Come and learn about this fascinating history.

Mental Aerobics: Let’s Play Games!

Thursday, March 19 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Let’s have fun together while keeping our minds active through a variety of engaging mental challenges. It’s a great way to stay sharp, socialize and enjoy a little brain boost to start your week! Sorry, not suitable for virtual audience.

Carousels: Then and Now with Lecturer Mario Medici

Monday, March 23 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Remember the thrill of riding a carousel with the horse bobbing up and the sound of the Wurlitzer Band or steam organ (calliope), or maybe if you are old enough catching the brass ring. There was a time when 5,000 carousels dotted the landscape of this country, today 150 remain. Where did they go? How did Coney Island go from 25 carousels to just one today? This presentation will take you from the earliest days of carousels until the present. Amateur photographer, art history enthusiast and avid researcher, Mario Medici will take you on this fascinating journey. Sponsored by the Westfield Foundation.

Passover Celebration with Cantor Jake Greenberg

Tuesday, March 24 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY MARCH 20
Cantor Jake Greenberg from Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains will lead our Passover Seder. Celebrate Passover with the warmth of community and a meaningful Seder. Traditional holiday lunch follows. Register online at www.jccnj.org or contact Wendy Connolly.

Register

Famous Israelis with Our Rishon, Yoav Silberstein

Wednesday, March 25 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join our Rishon, Yoav, for a talk about famous Israelis. Yoav will hold a Q&A for your Israel-related questions.

Cuba: A Journey through Time with Lecturer and Traveler Chris McCormack

Thursday, March 26 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure of photos, culture and exploration with our captivating travel program. Professional traveler Chris McCormack shares his immersive experience across the entire island, from Havana to Baracoa. This program is designed to transport you to the heart of Cuba’s vibrant and enigmatic world, as we traverse the island’s diverse regions, unraveling its captivating mysteries and uncovering the rich tapestry of its history, culture and people. Sponsored by Union County Division on Aging.

No Program in Observance of Passover

Monday, March 30 through Thursday, April 2

APRIL

Eleanor the Great Movie

Thursday, April 16 • 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Join us for a feel-good morning at the movies – and stay for a delicious Deli King lunch with friends!  We’re rolling out the red carpet for a special screening of Eleanor the Great, a warm, witty, and deeply touching film about resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected friendships that can change everything.

Come for the movie, stay for lunch and celebrate family, friendship, and community.

This special event is generously sponsored by The Toporek Family in honor of Jacob and his brother, Norbert, on the occasion of their 80th birthdays

Price: $10, JCC Members and Senior Social Participants: Free

Registration required by April 10

Register

Some Enchanted Evening at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse

Wednesday, April 29 • 9:30 a.m. (depart at 9:45 a.m.) - 4:00 p.m.

Experience the romance and unforgettable music of Rodgers & Hammerstein in Some Enchanted Evening – a dazzling musical revue featuring songs from South Pacific, The King and I, Oklahoma!, Carousel and more!

Price: $135, Member Price: $125 (includes lunch at Hunterdon Hills and transportation to and from the JCC)

Register by March 27

Register 

Senior Exercise

Exercise can help maintain your mobility, balance, strength and flexibility.  At the JCC, we offer light exercise classes from Monday - Thursday to help keep you fit and strong. All of our instructors are full trained to work with senior adults.  We welcome all levels and encourage you to exercise at your own pace.

Senior Exercise Schedule

Price: $5/class
Member/Senior Social/Virtual Price: Free

Exercise with Colby Sheppard
Mondays • 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
Toning exercises for muscle and bone strength and full body core strengthening to aide in mobility for the whole body are included in each class. Participate at your own pace. Chair support is offered so you can perform a variety of postures. This class is suitable for nearly every fitness level.

Exercise with Helene Baum
Tuesdays • 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
This exercise program is designed to increase strength, balance, flexibility and maintain posture. This total body workout is in seated/and or standing positions. So come join in, gain strength, better health and balance. Meet new friends too! All fitness levels are welcome.

Exercise with Jillian Shulstein
Wednesdays • 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
Boost energy and improve balance while strengthening muscles and halting or reversing bone loss. Stretching, strength training, range-of-motion and endurance work.

Chair Yoga with Karen Rosen
Thursdays • 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
Chair yoga increases flexibility, strength and body awareness. When standing, the chair is used to help with and improve balance. Chair yoga also includes pranayama breathing techniques and meditation to promote focus, mental clarity and relaxation.