Please note: The carpet in the locker rooms is being replaced on Friday, June 5 so both the locker rooms and indoor pool will be closed that day. (By code, the indoor pool must be closed if the locker rooms are closed.)
Berg-Lieppe Adult Enrichment
MAY
Because of You: Love Songs, Just Love Songs, a Concert/Lecture Performed by Diane Cypkin, PhD
Wednesday, May 27 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
This concert presents some of the most beautiful love songs by some of the most talented lyricists and composers of the twentieth century. From the charm of Ira and George Gershwin to the wit of Cole Porter. From the foot-tapping work of Joe Young to the romanticism of Michele Legrand – all of them, and more, offer us their views on love in songs as part of this concert. Sponsored by Bob Jankowitz, in loving memory of his dear wife, Julie.
Lecture/Pianist Clint Edwards with Julie Andrews’ Broadway Career
Thursday, May 28 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Exploring the life and music of one of the theater's most beloved performers and her work in Broadway (My Fair Lady, Camelot, Victor/Victoria, etc.). Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
JUNE
Bach to Rock with Cellist Alex Prizgintas
Monday, June 1 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Alex Prizgintas is an author, historian and musician who blends his passion for history with innovative cello performances that span genres from Bach to rock. Bach to Rock combines classical works, jazz, opera, Latin tangos and 1960s rock, offering audiences both music and the stories behind it. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
Carol Simon Levin as Catharine ‘Caty’ Greene: Eyewitness to the American Revolution
Tuesday, June 2 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Immerse yourself in history celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States as Carol Simon Levin portrays Catharine “Caty” Greene, the indomitable wife of Nathanael Greene, one of General George Washington’s most valued officers and good friend to many other revolutionary notables. This program is made possible in part by a 2026 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
Spotlight on Wendy Connolly!
Wednesday, June 3 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join us for a cabaret style “night out” in the daytime – an experience of music and memories, no cocktails required. Featuring Wendy Connolly, this program spans decades of familiar tunes with torch songs, musical movie and theater favorites as well as some pop songs. Settle in, sing along and enjoy the sparkle of a night on the town before lunchtime!
Armchair Tour of Uptown Manhattan with Lecturer Paul White
Thursday, June 4 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
In everyday New York lingo, "uptown" means anything north of 59th Street…or basically the southern edge of Central Park. Join historian Paul White for a fun, armchair tour of the neighborhoods, buildings, parks, memorials and cool spots that make upper Manhattan such a marvelous place. Sponsored by Myrna Gordon and the Richard Gordon Memorial Fund.
Shalama: My 96 Seasons in China with Author Jean Hoffmann Lewanda
Monday, June 8 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Shalama didn’t think she had a story to tell. When her granddaughter arrives home from college, tape recorder in hand, the events of Shalama’s life pour forth with emotion and clarity. Born in Harbin, China, in 1928, a decade after her Jewish Russian family settled there, young Shalama enjoys the sanctuary of a Jewish community far from pogroms and revolution. At the end of Shalama’s life, an unexpected turn of events provides a final piece to the puzzle which brings closure to the incredible story of her life. Proud partner of the Jewish Book Council.
Revolutions Throughout History with Cynthia and Damon Affinito
Tuesday, June 9 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Revolutions are rarely sudden – they build over time through ideas, inequality and crisis. This lecture compares major revolutions across history, highlighting shared causes as well as striking differences in outcomes. Participants leave with a deeper appreciation of why some revolutions succeed, others fail and all leave lasting legacies. This program is made possible in part by a 2026 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
Entertainment Historian John Kenrick with Annie: 50 Years of Tomorrow
Wednesday, June 10 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY JUNE 5
How did a comic strip about a little girl and a dog inspire a musical that conquered Broadway and then the whole theatrical world? Entertainment historian John Kenrick takes us behind the scenes to learn how this unlikely show became a beloved show business phenomenon. Sponsored by The Van Winkle Foundation.
Bagels and Bingo!
Thursday, June 11 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
This isn’t your grandparents Bingo game! Let’s play creative and unique versions of the classic game while we work out our brains!
A Life of My Own: Meeting Eleanor Roosevelt with Actress Linda Kenyon
Monday, June 15 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Eleanor Roosevelt became an inspiration to people of good will all around the world. Her life and work has made our country and our world a better place to live. This play, performed by Linda Kenyon, illuminates some steps along her journey. Sponsored by Barbara and Steve Weisbart in honor of Barbara’s birthday.
Lecturer/Pianist Clint Edwards on Gower Champion
Tuesday, June 16 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Clint will provide an in-depth look at how the director/choreographer Gower Champion crafted some of the most popular musicals of the 60s, 70s and 80s (Bye Bye Birdie, Hello, Dolly!, 42nd Street, etc.). Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
Arts Educator Janet Mandel with Marcel Duchamp: The Alchemist of the Avant-Garde
Wednesday, June 17 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Open the dictionary to the word iconoclast, and you will see a picture of Marcel Duchamp. He challenged the standards and beliefs of the art world and ushered in a new era of creative license – the reverberations of which are still felt in contemporary art today. Duchamp’s imagination was aroused by elements of Cubism, Surrealism and even Pop Art, but his resourcefulness meant continuous self-reinvention and deliberate inconsistency. Come and learn about his innovative works and the shockwaves they produced and enjoy the blockbuster Duchamp retrospective that opens at the Museum of Modern Art on April 12, 2026. Sponsored by The Van Winkle Foundation.
Pomp & Circumstance with Historical Presenter Meg Wastie
Thursday, June 18 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Discover the stories and meanings behind the tradition of graduation and the symbolic clothing associated with this significant rite of passage. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
JULY
Alisa Dupuy of The Ladies of History as Betsy Ross
Monday, July 6 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
During her lifetime, Betsy Ross was more often known as Elizabeth Claypoole. She was one of thousands of average colonists whose efforts helped the American cause prevail
against the British. Flag maker, seamstress, upholsterer, wife, mother and Quaker, she helped the new nation define itself. Learn all about Betsy and her contributions to American Independence. Alisa Dupuy of The Ladies of History is a masterful storyteller who will draw you into the 18th century as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
Lecturer Jimmy Scalia with One Hit Wonders
Tuesday,July7 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
This presentation explores the lasting impact of one hit wonder songs from the 1950s-1980s - highlighting the artists who captured lightning in a bottle with a single, unforgettable hit! Jimmy examines the cultural context behind these songs and why they resonated with audiences. Sponsored by Union County Division on Aging.
Kevin Woyce with the Statue of Liberty
Wednesday, July 8 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Author and photographer Kevin Woyce explains how the Statue of Liberty was built and what she symbolizes. He also introduces some of the people involved in her creation
including sculptor Frederic Bartholdi, engineer Gustav Eiffel, architect Richard Morris Hunt, and newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer. The program ends with brief histories of Ellis
Island and Liberty State Park. Sponsored by Union County Division on Aging.
Celebration of all Summer Birthdays! Let's Twist Again: A Mix of sos and 60s Hits with Singer Maggie Griffin-Smith
Thursday, July 9 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Let's all walk and dance down memory lane with classic favorites of the sos and 60s. Sponsored by a generous grant from the Fanwood/Scotch Plains Service League.
Being Alone Does Not Mean Being Lonely with Homewatch CareGivers Director of Education, Karen Frank, RN
Monday, July 13 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join us for this important Wellness Talk - it's all about attitude. How do we change the context in order to value our alone time? Let's learn tips about taking care of ourselves from Karen and each other. Sponsored by Homewatch CareGivers.
Celebrating the 'Tennials with Damon Affinito of Speakers for Seniors, LLC
Tuesday, July 14 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
From the Bicentennial to the upcoming Semiquincentennial, America's "Tennials" mark major milestone anniversaries that shape national memory and pride. This session looks at
the parades, fashion, music, and patriotic fervor that defined each celebration. Participants will discover how these historic anniversaries influence culture, community, and our evolving understanding of the American story. This program is made possible in part by a 2026 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union
County Board of County Commissioners.
Entertainment Historian John Kenrick on Funny Ladies: Great American Comediennes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, JULY 10
Wednesday, July 15 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Women had to fight for their place as comic performers. We will trace the evolution of women in comedy from vaudeville to the present and include hilarious performances that run the gamut from Fanny Brice to Joan Rivers, and from Bette Midler to Jessica Kirson. Sponsored by the Van Winkle Foundation.
Art Project Day!
Thursday, July 16 • 11 :15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Let's get the creative juices flowing and have fun working on an art project together! No art skills required - just a desire to be creative and have a good time in the process.
The Fabric of NY: The Great American Garment District with Robbie Amodeo
Monday, July 20 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join us as we traverse through time with this Garment District program. This talk will highlight its history and the legacy of the hard work involved. Robbie will discuss the passionate determination and the rise of iconic American fashion. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
Piano Concert with Composer/Pianist Clint Edwards
Tuesday, July 21 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
We love Clint for his fascinating lectures, but he's also an accomplished pianist and composer! Today he brings us a program of light classical, jazz and Broadway in his solo piano concert. Winner of the 2019 Broadway World Award for Best Independent Album Release. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
Marklyn T. Johnson aka MisterDirect
Wednesday, July 22 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join us for an interactive experience that blends comedy, trivia, and music to create a fun, engaging, and memory driven event. Marklyn is a comedian, author, and motivational
speaker with over 10 years of speaking experience and seven years in stand-up comedy, specializing in creating high-energy, inclusive programs for diverse audiences. He combines humor, storytelling, and audience interaction to ensure every event is both entertaining and meaningful. Sponsored by Union County Division on Aging.
Join the Conversation with our Favorite Librarian, Debbie Abrams
Thursday, July 23 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Don't miss this lively and enlightening program led by a well-read, insightful librarian who brings today's most talked-about books to life - along with thoughtful takes on current culture, trends, and media. Whether you're a passionate reader or just love smart conversation, you'll enjoy engaging discussions, fresh perspectives, and a welcoming space to share your own thoughts too!
The Energy Leaks You Don't Know You Have with Jill Gordon, CNHP, MNLP, HHC
Monday, July 27 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Jill, the Health Coach, and best-selling author, will help us discover the surprising energy leaks that may be quietly draining how we feel each day - and will share a few simple, doable ways to start feeling better almost immediately - without changing your lifestyle. Jill became a best-selling author and health coach after discovering the power of food to heal her daughter from an autoimmune disease in 2005.
Florian Schantz Jazz Combo
Tuesday, July 28 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Florian Schantz Jazz Combo is back at the JCC for a Dixieland jazz program! Hear a live performance as well as group members talk about the music, composers, musicians,
instruments and techniques of the Dixieland era. The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo was formed in 2012 by then nine-year-old Florian Schantz. Now 23 years old, Florian and
his band have delighted audiences in hundreds of venues in the New York City area and in Germany. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
Social Action Day!
Wednesday, July 29 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Let's give back to our community by making sandwiches and packing lunches for those less fortunate. We'll also make cards to go along with the meals. Look for more details about how to contribute to this effort.
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist Laura Wetzler in Concert with Two Doves: Songs of Love and Hope
Thursday, July 30 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join Laura in an uplifting celebration of American favorites and Jewish song from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Sponsored by Howard and Sylvia Cohen in loving memory of their mother Helen.
AUGUST
Vocalist Dan Yates
Monday, August 3 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Dan's programs provide a unique blend of popular and classical music from Broadway, standards, operetta, opera and traditional favorites with plenty of chances to sing along. Dan also provides entertaining background information about the songs, lyricists, and composers, and the performing artists who made them famous. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
America: Songs of Patriotism, Protest and Praise with Cellist Alex Prizgintas
Tuesday, August 4 • 11 :15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Performing key hymns, noble anthems of patriotism, and tunes of solidarity as well as resistance, Alex makes this a worthy program celebrating our nation. Classically trained, Alex employs non-classical tools like distortion, delay, and the iconic "wah-wah" guitar pedals symbolic of 1960s rock n' roll bands. Accompanied by a narration that reveals some of the back stories of baroque, jazz, folk, and rock n' roll classics, he immerses his audience in a journey through musical history. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.
Movie Day!
Wednesday, August 5 • 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Comedy? Musical? Mystery? Documentary? We'll decide as a group. Popcorn included!
lmprov with Wendy Connolly and Beth Painter of Contagious Laughter lmprov
Thursday, August 6 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Laugh, play, and join the fun! Our lively improv session turns players' ideas into hilarious games, scenes and songs - no scripts, no pressure, just pure fun as we make it all up on the spot!
Why Do We Say That? with Meg Wastie, Historical Presenter
Monday, August 10 • 11 :15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Discover the meanings and background stories of some of the rather curious expressions we use in American English. Sponsored by the Union County Division on Aging.
Entertainer Richard Stillman with Hawaiian Luau
Tuesday, August 11 • 11 :15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Let's enjoy Richard's talents as he sings popular Hawaiian songs and plays ukulele and guitar. He also tap dances while spinning Hawaiian poi balls and puilli sticks! You won't want
to miss this one. Sponsored by the Fanwood/Scotch Plains Service League.
Entertainment Historian John Kenrick with Do Broadway Musicals Still Matter?
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Wednesday, August 12 • 11 :15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
With Hollywood film and network TV on the decline, do Broadway musicals matter anymore? It's no surprise that John Kenrick's answer is a resounding yes. In this talk, he explains how musicals came to be, the economic and emotional impact they have, and how they can change the lives of people on stage and in audiences. Sponsored by the Van Winkle Foundation.
Summer Finale!
Thursday, August 13 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Let's celebrate the last day of our summer program with whatever we feel like doing! Possibilities include karaoke, open mic, games, trivia ... who knows?
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.
Support those who support our JCC
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