A history of Chanukkah at the Y

A big thank you to Avigail Oren for taking on this project. Avigail poured through records of meeting minutes to put this story together. We are delighted with what she shared with us. Click the link below to read this incredible story.

Happy Hanukkah!

http://www.avigailoren.com/blog/2014/12/16/chanukah-at-the-ym-ywha-of-washington-heights-inwood

Congratulations Jon!

JCC Association’s Merrin Center for Teen Engagement has selected 15 professionals working with teens in affiliated JCCs and camps in North America to participate in the acclaimed Merrin Teen Professional Fellows Program. Our very own Jon Zeftel is one of the people selected.

"I'm so honored to have been selected as a Merrin fellow" said Jon. "I've heard so much about the program from my supervisor, Alan Scher, who is a past participant. To have been selected fulfills a goal I've had since starting at the Y. I'm really looking forward to meeting other JCC professionals from around the country, sharing some best practices in the field of teen and youth engagement, and -- of course -- going to Israel next October!"

The program will feature five seminars held over 14 months, with the first gathering in New York City in January, 2015. This selective professional development program focuses on developing their leadership and management skills, learning how to serve teens more effectively, planning their career paths in the JCC Movement, and deepening their Jewish knowledge. One of the seminars is held in Israel. 

The Merrin Teen Professional Fellows Program was started in 1999, with the support of Seth Merrin and Anne Heyman. Their partnership with JCC Association initiated this exceptional program to give those working with teens the skills to better serve a critical sector of the Jewish community. The program has enhanced the profile of those working with teens in their respective organizations and throughout the JCC Movement, enriched and deepened their Jewish identities, and built a stronger professional network of teen service providers across North America. 

The Merrin Family Foundation has since deepened their commitment to the JCC Movement and Jewish teens by helping to establish the Merrin Center for Teen Engagement. This integrates the resources for teens provided to the field, including the JCC Maccabi programs (JCC Maccabi Games®, JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® and JCC Maccabi Israel®) and camping services.

Campaign for Summer Jobs Lobby Day

"I had the opportunity to join the Campaign for Summer Jobs coalition to lobby for summer jobs last Wednesday, October 22. We met with New York State leaders in Albany to discuss the importance of getting more funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Some of the points mentioned were: the increase of minimum wage and how that affects the number of participants we serve and the numerous participants that apply but are left out because there’s not enough funding. We met with a number of Assemblyman and Assemblywoman Representatives. I had the pleasure of meeting with the Staff Director of Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell, Jr (the assemblyman for our district), he was very happy to see someone from the community. We shared some statistical information with him, showing how the SYEP program needs more funding to continue. I also had the opportunity to share the touching stories of our SYEP participants and how we changed their lives with the program.

Overall it was a really good experience, the staff were all very supportive of the program."

- Karina Munoz, SYEP Director

Medieval Festival 2014

We were so excited to see so many of you at the Fort Tryon Medieval Festival this year. The weather was perfect for the event, and all the creative costumes made it even better. Take a look below for some pictures from the event.

Putting the “camp” in campaign

                Every year, parents inevitably think about summer plans for their children. The questions then become “where will my child go?” and “how will I pay for it?” For Sharonica Williams, the first question was easy to answer. After a successful summer in 2013, her 9 year old son Julian had his heart set on the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood’s (The Y) Camp Yomawha. As for the second question, Sharonica and Julian came up with a more creative answer.

                “Julian attended camp Yomawha last summer for the first time and he loved it” says Sharonica, and Julian had his heart set on returning for a full summer. He was eager to participate in some of his favorite camp activities like swimming, nature walks, and more. Julian was especially excited for Camp Yomawha’s new 3-day overnight adventure where day campers get a taste of sleep-away camp life. Unfortunately, a full-summer camp program can be out of reach for a single mom working hard to provide for her family even with generous scholarships, but that wasn’t going to stop them from making Julian’s dream come true. “I became determined to make it happen.” Sharonica began to explore new ways to raise the funds for Julian, and her search led her to crowd-funding. “A colleague told me about Indiegogo so we decided to try it.  I created the campaign through the website and Julian and I created ‘perks’ or incentives to encourage people to donate to his summer camp fund.” Sharonica was skeptical, but she knew it couldn’t hurt. Julian got very excited about the project. “I thought it was a great idea because we have tons of friends!” No one could have predicted what happened next.

                Through social promotion among friends alone, Sharonica was able to send Julian to Camp Yomawha for the entire summer. She was even able to purchase Julian a brand new bathing suit and camp necessities like towels and sunblock. “It exceeded my expectations” said Sharonica. “I was humbled and feel so blessed that people came together to help us.” With the help of community-wide donations and a single private donation of $1,000, Sharonica was able to raise over $4,000 for Julian. You can see the progress Julian made on his campaign here:  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-send-julian-to-camp-yomawha-for-the-summer/x/7925114

                “Julian is clearly a camper that loves camp” says Adam Benmoise, Camp Director at Camp Yomawha.  “You can see it in his face every morning when he runs for the bus, and throughout the day at activities.  The fact that he took this incredible initiative on his own to make this summer happen for him is absolutely remarkable.  It's an incredible example for other campers and staff as to what one individual is capable of when they care enough about something.” 

"As an institution committed to youth engagement, our goal is annually to provide as much in the way of scholarship as possible to our families” said Alan Scher, Managing Director of Youth and Family Services at the Y. “Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we are able to assist many families who are struggling financially to participate in our programming, but there is always unfortunately a limit. We hope Julian’s inspirational story can provide a template for future philanthropic investment from our incredible community."

Random Acts of Kindness

What goes around truly comes around. 

Rosie (16, Beacon High School) and Sasha (16, Stuyvesant High School) are both members of the Random Acts program, with a mission to "encourage people of all ages to perform their own acts of kindness wherever, and whenever, possible." "I saw a lot of people on Tumblr participating in Random Acts so i decided to join" said Rosie. "It was really fun so this year I convinced Sasha to join with me."

"It's a mixture of a few silly tasks but also more going around and helping your community and seeing people in need and helping them out" said Sasha. For this particular activity, participants were encouraged to deliver flowers to local senior citizens. When deciding on a venue, Sasha knew just the place.

"I basically grew up here." Sasha has been coming to the Y since nursery school. After graduating, she continued with music lessons, and was a part of our teen program. She also helped serve Sunday lunch at the senior center. Sasha's sister also attended the Y nursery program. "When I saw random Acts was delivering flowers to senior centers, I thought this place would be a good place to do it."

When we see people like Rosie willingly giving back to the Y, we can't help but think we are doing something right. We work hard to instill the values of community and kindness into our youngsters, and Sasha proved just that by giving back to our seniors. The look on the unsuspecting faces of our members receiving flowers during coffee hour proves just how far a small act of kindness can go.

The Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y thanks Sasha and Rosie for their thoughtful gesture, and we hope to see them again soon.



 

I ain't afraid of no ghost bike!

This week, the Uptown Collective  posted a story from a 2009 New York Times article about the mysterious Washington Heights "Ghost Bikes". Do you remember seeing one? Ever wonder what it was? Take a look at this article to find out.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/a-ghost-bike-mystery-in-washington-heights/

The UJA-Federation recognizes one of our own

On 4/24, the UJA-Federation held its annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. This year, our very own Linda Salmon was recognized among 36 volunteers across the city. We are proud of the work that Linda does each and every day here at the Y.

She teaches an exercise class that includes stretch, balance and strengthening.  She is a member of the Advisory Council for the Center for Adults Living Well.  She helps in the dining room and in general is willing to do whatever is needed and always with a smile. 

To read about all of the honored volunteers from this year's ceremony, click here.

To read an article that describes UJA-Federation’s volunteer recognition efforts and highlights Thursday’s ceremony, click here.

Congratulations Linda!

Linda Salmon (L) with UJA Director of Volunteer Services Alaine Waldshan

Check Out Those Moves!

Gloria Clavijo, runner and long-time practitioner of Iyengar yoga, poses with some of the props she recently donated for classes. Gloria is a popular and engaging volunteer teacher whose posture-based classes are appropriate for all levels. She teaches 10 to 11 a.m. each Wednesday.

Earth Day 2014

Another Earth Day has come and gone. Thank you to everyone who came out, including our members, our friends, and our vendors.

A Teen Story

It is always the season of giving! Below is a letter from one our very own teens Jennifer. Jennifer was so inspired by our programming, she decided to offer to give back to the Y.



Hello Abraham,

My name is Jennifer. I'm a student at City College Academy of the Arts and I participated in last year's SAT Prep program. I'm very thankful to have had that opportunity and without it I couldn't have gotten into some of the great colleges that accepted me this year.

Because of this, I would like to give back to the community through the YM & YWHA by sharing my skills. Last summer I learned how to build websites and make computer programs. I enjoyed it and for a while, I taught my sister how to make websites at home. 

Will there be any technology programs this summer that I can help out with? If not, would it be possible to start a Web Development Club at the YM & YWHA? Please let me know if this is possible so that I can speak to you about what I can offer.

Thank You, 

Jennifer

We asked Jennifer to share her experiences at the Y with us, and here is what she had to say:

1) How did you hear about the Y? When I was looking to register for a class to prepare for my SATs, my guidance counselor told me about the SAT Prep course at the Y.

2) How did you enjoy your experience here? The SAT Prep course helped me improve my SAT score tremendously.

3) Would you recommend this program to friends? I enjoyed the SAT Prep class very much. Being a teen in this neighborhood, there isn't much free programming available to us. The Y is the only place in the community where teens can come and enjoy free activities.

4) Do you have any memorable stories from the program? Talking with my peers and teachers after the SAT Prep class and reviewing the material was beneficial and fun!

The Y's free teen programming is design for people like Jennifer: to give our future leaders the skills and tools to be able to give back to our community.

Our Teen Program Coordinator Abraham pictured above with Jennifer

Challah Braiding with the PJ Library

Our Jewish Program Coordinator Cyndi Rand has recently attended Song Leader Boot Conference in St. Louis, MO designed to enhance her engagement and leadership skills as a Jewish Educator. She came back with renewed energy, tools, connections and passion.

Immediately upon her return, she organized and held a highly successful event “Beauty of Braiding Challah” with twelve local Jewish families in attendance. For twenty four years Cyndi had no successful mentoring of how to braid challah until she located a YouTube video of a bread baker in England who artfully described the easy way of braiding challah. She learned and shared her newly acquired knowledge with the families. Cyndi combined this skill with reading a PJ Library book on Shabbat celebration, celebrating the beauty of Judaism, creating connections and inspiring them to continue being part of the Y family and the greater Jewish community.

Thank you Peggy

Below is a letter written by one of our members at the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y. She describes her journey in our program with one of our beloved instructors Peggy Levine. Peggy teaches our Balance & Strength class effecting the lives of so many in our center, and this member wanted to share her story. Thank you for all that you do Peggy!

January 20, 2014

"You've probably heard the joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall” and the answer is “practice, practice, practice.”  Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not a joke, it’s a fact and it applies to everything.  Whatever you want, whatever you hope to accomplish, you have to work to get it.  It doesn't matter if it’s big or small.  If it’s important to you, it’s important to you.

Sometimes we do nothing making the assumption that, given time, things will fall into our lap and all will be well.  Other times we strike out and go in many directions only to discover we’re getting nowhere except in making ourselves nuts.  It’s usually at this point when we realize that moving steadily in the direction of our goal is what is going to reap the benefits we desire.  And that’s what happened to me.

Almost two years ago, I injured my lower back and legs.  Over time and with the help of a very good chiropractor, I was able to get around.  But just getting around was not my goal.  Walking the way I wanted to walk was my goal. 

So in 2013, after hearing the name Peggy Levine enough times to realize it might be in my best interest to check out her class, I did.  It didn't take past the first class for me to realize Peggy knew her stuff and she knew it well.  Over time, I noticed things were happening.  Naturally, when one sees positive results, what do they do?  They keep doing what’s bringing those positive results.  So twice a week, I walked into Peggy’s class knowing somehow that I was in the right place.  Sometimes an exercise was challenging for me but I knew doing it would prove beneficial and Peggy, in her compassion, would say “I know this is hard for you.”  I always appreciated that although I probably didn't say it.

Usually when one struggles to arrive at a certain point, there are quantum leaps and/or breakthroughs.  On January 17, 2014, I experienced one of these.  With Peggy’s help in doing a particular exercise correctly, I realized something big had occurred.  There was an immediate shift in my condition.  I could bend my right knee again further than for many months and with no pain and – drum roll please – my right leg felt stronger and I was able to walk like a person who didn't have to rely on poles as much.

Now this might not sound like a lot to some people but it was a lot to me as I have been struggling with this conditions for way too long as far as I was concerned and having this happen was a remarkable experience for me.  I was struggling between bouts of frustration and depression. 

I want you to know that I am firm believer that we are all led to our good by a benevolent Spirit when are open to receiving it and, in that regard, I truly believe I was led to this Center.  I mean, I moved directly across the street.  Really?  How could one question such things? 

So I want to thank the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y for their incredible programs and to the person who had the wisdom and foresight to bring Peggy into its operation. 

And to Peggy, “Thank you my friend.  You are the best.”

In gratitude, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  This means more to me that you will ever know or could ever imagine."  

- Marian

Tu B'Shvat with the Park Rangers!

"Planting a tree is like raising children. When we plant a young tree , we nurture it to grow to be strong and healthy, just like our children" Pamela S. Nedav,  L'Mazeltov: Your Personal Guide to Jewish Childbirth Education (http://www.lmazeltov.org/).

The Y celebrated Tu B'Shvat yesterday with the PJ Library and Central Park Ranger Mara Pendergrass.

Tu B'Shvat is known as the Jewish Arbor Day. Literally the name means "the 15th day of (the Hebrew month of) Shvat". This date acts as a reassurance that the harsh winter months were finally coming to an end and that spring was around the corner.

In following with the ancient tradition to celebrate this day with planting, families planted kidney beans in coconut growing medium, studied tree bark, discussed the Park ecosystem,  and joined together as one unit to create parts and sounds of a live tree. There was fresh herb salad prepared with raisins and seasonings,  hummus with a variety of natural chips and an assortment of Tu B'Shvat dried and fresh fruits and vegetables. Children also examined pepper seeds and "planted" them in cups prepared with moist sponges. We ended the day with a book reading of Pearl Moscowitz's Last Stand, a truly meaningful and humorous PJ Library Tu B'Shvat book. A great time was had by all!

-Cyndi Rand, Jewish Program Coordinator and PJ Library Coordinator 

Broadway visits the Y

In December, the Y was paid a very special visit. Erin Jackman, Executive Director of the Brooke Jackman Foundation, brought Kimberly, a performing artist from the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG), to visit the children of our Literacy Program. Kimberly recently was on tour with the popular Broadway show Book of Mormon. Kimberly read and performed several favorite books of the children. At the end of the program, the Jackman Foundation donated brand new books to each Literacy Program family.

This event is the beginning of a partnership between the Y's Literacy Program and SAG's and bookPALS. BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) is a national program to help children learn to love books by bringing the talents of performer volunteers into classrooms, hospitals, shelters, and other venues.

Would you like to meet an actor or actress? Performing artists will be joining our Literacy Program director Andrea at local schools for classroom readings through the bookPALS program. Make sure to join our free Literacy Program so you can take part in exciting events like these. The program is completely free with no registration required and free dinner available to all. Sign up today!