Adult Enrichment

Our summer program takes place at Congregation Beth Israel, 1920 Cliffwood Street in Scotch Plains.

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 $4 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 – $69/month for individuals; $97/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 Senior Social Membership - $38/month for individuals; $45/month for couples (includes in-person daily exercise and in-person morning programs offered through Adult Enrichment, no additional use of the JCC facility) Sign up here for a Senior Social Membership or contact Wendy Connolly, at 908-889-8800 x207 or [email protected].

Community Participant Individual Pick & Choose In-Person Program - $12/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 - $24/month/household (includes virtual-only access to daily exercise and morning programs)
Sign up here for a Virtual View subscription or call the JCC Members Services Desk at 908-889-8800 x200.

Summer Virtual Program - Exercise only

July/August
Price: $24/month
Sign up here

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.

JULY

July Lunch Menu

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

Please reserve lunch for this program at least 24 hours prior to presentation
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

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, JULY 24 at 4:00 p.m.
Please indicate if you will be staying for lunch.
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

August Lunch menu

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?

OCTOBER

A Beat of Our Own – a Bhangin' New Musical – at the McCarter Theater in Princeton

Thursday, October 22 • Bus departs JCC at 10:45 a.m. • Matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. • Arrive back at the JCC at 5:00 p.m.

A Beat of Our Own is a new musical comedy about rivalry, friendship, and the power of dance. After winning a college bhangra championship, teammates Mary and Preeti clash
over the future of their team, leading Mary to form a new squad made up of inexperienced but enthusiastic dancers. With help from a former Bollywood star, she sets out to turn a group of loveable misfits into national contenders. Filled with humor, heart, and high-energy choreography, the show celebrates community, creativity, and finding common ground.

Price: $145, Member Price: $135 (luxury coach bus and hot buffet lunch included)

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.