May

Sixty-Plus Dining
Give yourself a break from shopping and cooking and join us for a hot kosher meal in the company of friends.
All meals are under the supervision of the VAAD HaKashruth of the Capital District.
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45pm
Suggested Donation: $5 per person (60 years and over)
Guest under 60 pays $8.

Transportation is offered to and from the Sixty-Plus Dining Program. Suggested donation is $1.75 round-trip, $1 one-way.  Requests will be honored based on existing transportation schedule.  Reservations must be made by calling the senior adult office, 438-6651 x112, not after 9:30am the day of the meal.  

YOU CAN HELP-                                   
DONATE NON-PERISHABLE/NON-BREAKABLE FOOD ITEMS FOR ST. VINCENT'S FOOD PANTRY/900 MADISON AVENUE
Collection boxes located in the Senior Center entryway and in the Early Childhood lobby. 
As a community we can make a difference. 
Thank you for your support.

BOOKENDS -FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION-
Seniors reading to young children at the Albany JCC-cooperative effort of the Senior Adult and Early Childhood Departments-Volunteer to read to a child. 
Call the senior adult office, 438-6651 x112, to sign up.

Ongoing Classes

Strong Bones Plus - Strength Training   
$1 suggested donation
Mondays 1:30pm – 2:30pm and Wednesdays – 10am – 11am                        
Leaders:  Nancy Remick, Emma Rivera, Madeline Santulli                              
Participants must attend both days.                   

Line and Circle Dancing from Eastern Europe and the Near East                $1 suggested donation                                                                         Mondays  3pm -4:30pm  Instructors:  Ken Grau and Don Treble                   Learn dances from Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Turkey.  No partners needed.    Most dances are done holding hands in one circle.                                                                                                                                                                                    Yoga for Seniors                                                                                           $1 suggested donation                                                                              Tuesdays  9:30am -10:30am    Instructor:  Herb Vener                                 Class requires that you can lie down on the floor and stand on your own.       Bring a mat for comfort.                                                                                                                              Rediscovering Yiddish                                                                                $1 suggested donation  Tuesdays  10:30am -11:30am                                      an opportunity to speak, read, and sing in Yiddish-                                          All levels of Yiddish fluency welcomed. fluency                                                  Leaders: Shirley Cohen, Phyllis Ross, Ruchelle Weitz                               SESSIONS RESUME APRIL 15, 2008                                                                                                                                                   Mah-Jongg and Cards
Wednesdays – 1pm –4:30pm                                                                                                                           Fitness to Broadway Tunes                                                                         $1 suggested donation
Thursdays 10:15am -10:45am                                                          Instructor:  Richard Feldman                                                                        fun, gentle exercise                                                                                                    Eye on the World                                                                                        $1 suggested donation                                                                      Thursdays  11am -12:30pm                                                                     current events discussion group with guest moderators

Senior Chorale
$1 suggested donation
Thursdays – 12:45pm – 2:45pm                                                                 Director: Carol McGowan                                                                                   Must be able to follow directions and carry a tune.                            Performances scheduled in the community on Thursday afternoons.
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ENJOYING OPERA                                                                                   a series of opera lectures with videotapes of complete performances     presented by Gloria Streisand   1:30pm -3:30pm                                           $1 suggested donation   2008 SEASON:  Beverly Sills and Carmen Too          Friday, June 13, 2008 Donizetti's DAUGHTERS OF THE REGIMENT                      Friday, October 17, 2008  Donizetti's ROBERTO DEVEREUX                         Friday, November 14, 2008  Bizet's CARMEN 

HEALTH AND SERVICES FAIR FOR SENIORS/ADULTS               co-sponsored by Congregation Beth Emeth and the Albany JCC Sunday, May 4, 2008  10:30am -2:30pm at the Albany JCC                         FREE: HEALTH SCREENINGS, INFORMATION BOOTHS, REFRESHMENTS, DRAWING PRIZES, THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE, BOX KOSHER BRUNCH (10:30am -noon, while supplies list), MINI-MANICURES

32nd ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO VOLUNTEERS                            generously sponsored by Citizens Bank                                             Wednesday, May 28, 2008   3:45 -6pm  Albany JCC auditorium                 $11.50 per person   Prepaid reservation required by May 9th.                    Concert of Songs from the Great American Songbook ... and more                Ralph Gunderman, vocalist    David Lahm, piano accompanist                   Chicken Marsala dinner follow the concert.

2008 JULES AND PAULA STEIN                                             LIVE AND LEARN LECTURE -MEAL SERIES                                        JCC Member:  $12 per lecture -meal or $44 for all 4                                           NonMember:  $13 per lecture-meal                                                          Prepaid reservations required in the senior adult office.                                 Sponsored by:                                                                                               David Phaff & Associates at Realty USA                                                              Residence Inn by Marriott Boca Raton                                                   Thursday, May 15, 2008   11am -1pm                                                           Topic:  SUDDENLY JEWISH:  JEWS RAISED AS GENTILES DISCOVER THEIR JEWISH ROOTS                                                                                   Speaker:  Barbara Kessel, Director of Administration, Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York                                                                                       What is it like to find out you are not who you thought you were? Kessel interviewed close to 200 people who discovered in adulthood that they were of Jewish descent.  Hear about the aspects of Jewish identity she uncovered in the process.  Book sale/signing follows.  Kosher apricot chicken lunch included.     Thursday, June 5, 2008  11am -1pm                                                         Topic:  THE USE OF JAZZ AS PROPAGANDA DURING THE THIRD RECIH   Speaker:  Harold Lieberman, Professor Emeritus of Music                                This audio-video presentation includes authentic films and recorded music performed by "Charlie and His Orchestra," a group of Europe's best jazz musicians employed by the Nazis as a means to circulate anti-Semitic and racist propaganda designed to demoralize and defeat US and Allied Forces.          Kosher beef brisket lunch included.                                                      Thursday, June 19, 2008   11am -1pm                                                      Topic:  STRANGE HAVEN:  A JEWISH CHILDHOOD IN WARTIME SHANGHAI   Speaker:  Sigmund Tobias, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Scientist, Institute for Urban & Minority Education, Teachers College, Columbia University               Learn how Dr. Tobias' family and other Jewish refugees found safety from the Holocaust in Shanghai during WWII.  Two documentary films: "Shanghai Ghetto" and "The Last Refuge" are based on his book.  Book sale/signing follows.       Kosher baked salmon lunch included.                                                   Thursday, July 24, 2008   5 -7pm                                                               Topic:  JEWISH FOLKLORE:  THE STRUGGLE AND TRIUMPH OF JEWISHNESS   Speaker:  Josepha Sherman, author of "A Sampler of Jewish-American Folklore"   -a look at the vast body of Jewish folklore, which emphasizes ethical behavior and survival through cleverness, kindness and, above all, humor-                  Book sale/signing follows.                                                                         Kosher boneless breast of chicken cacciatore included.

2008 BOOK MAVENS   book reviews/discussions                             Wednesdays  3pm -4:30pm   $1 suggested donation per session                        May 7, 2008  Book:  THE YIDDISH POLICEMEN'S UNION                          Author:  Michael Chabon                                                                  Moderator:  Rabbi Susan Gulack, Chaplain, NYS Dept. Corrections, CDPC, Stratton VA                                                                                                   By a Pulitzer Prize -winning author, this gripping whodunit novel and love story imagines if Alaska, not Israel, had become the Jewish homeland after WW II.   July 2, 2008  Book:  SARAH'S KEY  Author:  Tatiana de Rosnay               Moderator:  Rabbi Beverly W. Magidson, Dir., Chaplaincy Services, UJFNENY and Religious Coordinator, Daughters of Sarah Senior Adult Community                  This historical novel offers a compelling portrait of France under Nazi occupation.                                                                                            August 13, 2008 Book: SCHLEPPING THROUGH THE ALPS  Author: Sam Apple  Moderator:  Don Cohen, Prof. Emeritus, School of Social Welfare, Univ. at Albany  A non-fiction account of a journey into the life of a man struggling to reconcile his existence with his country's past, this one-of-a-kind book is an insightful mix of memoir, humor and discovery.                                                              September 10, 2008  Book: THE SINGING FIRE  Author:  Lilian Natel    Moderator:Faye Silton, Director, Activities/Community Relations, The Massry Residence                                                                                                   This novel is set in a historic Jewish community -the bustling alleys of London's East End in the late nineteenth century.                                                 October 29, 2008  Book: OUT OF EGYPT  Author:  Andre Aciman        Moderator: Charlotte Goodman, Prof. Emerita, English, Skidmore College            This richly colored memoir chronicles the exploits of a flamboyant Jewish family, from its bold arrival in cosmopolitan Alexandria to its defeated exodus three generations later.

TUESDAYS WITH LUNCH a casual lecture- lunch series                       Tuesdays  11:30am -12:30pm $8.50 per person                                              Prepaid registration is required by 9:30am the Friday prior to the program.          May 20, 2008                                                                                 CULTURAL DIVERSITY  -17TH CENTURY STYLE                                Speaker: Gloria Waldron -Hukle, author of MANHATTAN -SEEDS OF THE BIG APPLE                                                                                                        June 24, 2008                                                                                           THE FBI TODAY                                                                                 Speaker: Richard Licht, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Albany Office, FBI 

MINI-COURSES

ONE STROKE PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS                                              Tuesdays   3 -4:30pm  April 1, 8, 15, 22    Instructor: Cindy Dott                    $1 suggested donation  Learn the one stroke painting technique using Folk Art water-based acrylic paints, which allow you to blend, shade and highlight in one stroke.  Request a flier with supply list.

WATERCOLOR CLASSES FOR BEGINNING AND CONTINUING STUDENTS     Wednesdays  1:30 -3pm  May 14, 21, 28, June 4                                Instructor:  Diane E. Bollman-Buyer, watercolorist                                           $8 for the series of 4 classes   Prepaid registration due in the senior adult office.  Request a flier with supply list.

COOKING -FOR -ONE DEMONSTRATIONS                                          presented by Sandra Varno, MS, RD, CDN, Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Albany    $3 per person per session                                          Wednesday, July 30, 2008   2 -3pm Senior Center Lounge                                Easy Summer Salads and More  -register by July 14th.                       Wednesday, September 24, 2008  2 -3pm Senior Center Lounge                Healthy Comfort Foods -register by September 8th.

BEGINNER/REFRESHER BRIDGE -part 2                                                Tuesdays 1 -3pm  2008   May 13, June 3, 17, 24 and July 1                   Instructor:  Rhoda Kratenstein -2 time national champion                                   JCC Member:  $49   NonMember:  $54  nonrefundable/prepaid                       This 5-session course continues the basic concepts of bridge:  preempts, overcalls, penalty and takeout doubles, slams and the Blackwood convention.  Students will reinforce good techniques of bidding, play and defense -using sample hands with hand records.  The "Elementary Text for Five-Card Majors" will be used (as used in Beginner Bridge course); additional copies will be available from the instructor at the first class (cost $5).

INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE                                                                        Wednesdays   10am -12pm  2008  August 20, 27 and September 3, 10, 17, 24   Instructor:  Rhoda Kratenstein -2 time national champion                               JCC Member:  $55   NonMember:  $60  nonrefundable/prepaid                           Class intended for students who have completed both Beginner Bridge -part 1/part 2 or for those with equivalent experience and knowledge.  Course includes:  competitive bidding, overcalls, cue bids, third seat opening bids, balancing and weak 2-bids.  Booklets available from instructor at first class:  "Bridge at a Glance" -$10, "Intermediate Student Text for 5-Card Majors" -$5 and "Advanced and Duplicate Bridge Student Text" -$5

BEGINNER/REFRESHER BRIDGE part 1                                             Tuesdays  1pm -3pm  2008   September 2, 9, 16, 23 and October 7   Instructor:  Rhoda Kratenstein -2 time National Champion                              JCC Member:  $49   NonMember:  $54  nonrefundable/prepaid                           Learn to play bridge and have fun at the same time!  Emphasis is on play and understanding the objectives of the game.  Learn the concepts of bridge and think about the right things while playing.  Basic bidding is introduced.  -a great refresher for those who played bridge years ago and want to play again-      Bridge text will be available from the instructor at the first class (cost $5).

DAY TRIPS                 

Sunday, May 18, 2008  Hartford Stage -Hartford, CT                                   Academy Award winner OLYMPIA DUKAKIS                                               in Tennessee Williams' THE MILK TRAIN DOESN'T STOP HERE ANYMORE    This trip is filled.

Sunday, June 22, 2008   Taconic Opera -Yorktown Heights, NY                    Verdi's OTELLO  in Italian with English supertitles                                                                                              11am champagne brunch   Crystal Bay Caterers -Charles Point Marina, Peekskill  2pm matinee performance                                                                                            Depart Albany JCC:  8:20am   Return to Albany JCC:  approx. 7pm                $106 per person                                                                                      Prepaid reservation required.                                                         

Wednesday, July 9, 2008                                                                              THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE -by Gilbert & Sullivan                               performed by Lake George Opera -Spa Little Theatre, Saratoga Springs   11:30am  Lunch -Bailey's Cafe -downtown Saratoga Springs              Select Entree:  salmon burger, hamburger or grilled chicken sandwich   1pm  Pre-Opera Talk   2pm Performance                                             Depart Albany JCC:  10:30am   Return to Albany JCC:  approx. 5:30pm  $110 per person  Prepaid reservation required.                                           

Thursday, August 21, 2008                                                                      THE SOUND OF MUSIC                                                                                Rodgers & Hammerstein's enduring classic                                            Mac -Haydn Theatre, Chatham, NY                                                        12pm Lunch  Cottage Restaurant, E. Chatham                                     Select Entree:  veggie burger, hamburger or haddock fillet burger          2pm Performance                                                                                 Depart Albany JCC:  11am    Return to Albany JCC:  approx. 5:15pm        $71 per person     Prepaid reservation by May 8th -or before trip fills. 

 

OVERNIGHT TRIPS

VERMONT -NEW HAMPSHIRE GETAWAY                                      Wednesday, July 16 -Friday, July 18, 2008                                              Trip package includes:  round-trip deluxe motorcoach bus & use during 3 days of activities,          2 nights' stay -Hampton Inn, White River Junction, Vermont, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (Friday's lunch is on your own)- all meals have fish or vegetarian option, musical theater matinee: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA -Weston Playhouse, visit to: Robert Frost Stone House Museum, Stratton Mountain Inn, Hartness House Inn, Vermont Country Store, King Arthur Flour Store, Dartmouth College's Hood Art Museum, Enfield Shaker Museum, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, shopping in Woodstock, VT- and presentations at the beautiful Cardigan Mountain School in Canaan, NH:  THE NATURE OF CHOCOLATE -by Dr. LaVonne Batalden, Prof., Biology -Colby-Sawyer College and WELFARE BRAT, a memoir of her struggle growing up in poverty in the Bronx in the 1960s- by Dr. Mary Childers                                                                    Depart Albany JCC:  8:20am Wednesday, July 16                                       Return to Albany JCC:  approx. 6:15pm Friday, July 18                                   JCC MEMBER:   Double  $507   Single  $615                                     NONMEMBER:   Double  $526   Single  $634

2008 LIFETIME LEARNING PLUS  -NJ -Y Camp's                                          KISLAK ADULT CENTER - LAKE COMO, PENNSYLVANIA                                in the Pocono Mountains  Thursday, June 26 -Tuesday, July 1, 2008           5 nights/6 days  $475 -$575 per person -all inclusive                              Trip package includes:  round-trip bus transportation departing Albany JCC @ 8:30am on Thursday, June 26th and departing Kislak after breakfast @ 9:30am on Tuesday, July 1st, 3 Kosher meals daily, snacks, traditional Sabbath meals and vegetarian options, evening entertainment, daily housekeeping, air conditioned Cottage Double and Single rooms, motel -style Deluxe Double rooms and Private Single rooms -all rooms are fully carpeted with private full bathrooms and individually controlled heat, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM:  The Jewish Heritage of the American Musical- presented by (Albany's own) Richard Feldman and THE JEWISH AMERICAN EXPERIENCE -by Lois Cohen, plus exercise, dance, art/crafts, swimming at this lovely setting                Contact the Albany JCC's senior adult office for registration materials.