By Melissa Hakim
JCC Senior Services Coordinator

Jewish Senior Life Connection is proud to introduce PrimeTime, an exciting new programming division of the JCC of Allentown geared towards the 65 plus age group.

PrimeTime will engage Lehigh Valley residents in various cultural, recreational, social and educational activities both at the JCC and throughout the Lehigh Valley. Diverse activities will cover a broad range of interests and levels of ability to enable this significant segment of our population to participate in the many offerings found in our community. The full PrimeTime schedule will begin this month.

PrimeTime at the J will bring several new and invigorating exercise classes to the JCC. There will be a walking club and a low-impact exercise class with Clarence. The sport of pickle ball will also be coming to the JCC. Pickle Ball is a craze that has been sweeping through retirement communities across the United States. We expect it to be a hit here as well.

PrimeTime is also hosting an eight-week class called “A Matter of Balance” through a partnership with the Allentown Health Bureau. This program will follow a nationally based curriculum and be taught by trained facilitators. Participants will face their fear of falling while learning strategies to prevent falls and exercises to improve balance. Educational classes such as this promote healthy and safe aging, which benefits the whole community.

PrimeTime will be more than just recreational activities. There are various programs designed to be both social and educational. Mitzvah Knitters will convene in February to knit or crotchet blankets for distribution to shelters throughout the Valley. PrimeTime will also host a monthly current events group. Yiddish Club will be returning to the JCC for the winter. 

Participants can attend these as single activities, or they they can be grouped together to create a day of programming at the JCC.  For example, on Tuesdays one can begin the day at 10 a.m. with “A Matter of Balance,” followed by a catered lunch at 12 p.m., and then off to Yiddish Club. Wednesdays can include PrimeTime with Clarence, Kosher lunch, and PrimeTime Games with tables for Mah Jongg, canasta, poker, or whatever game you desire. Lunch will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a nominal fee.

Fridays are special for PrimeTime at the J. Once a month, individuals over age 65 can participate in the “grandbuddies” program, which pairs the JCC’s vibrant Early Childhood Education students with a grandbuddy to share challah, songs and the blessings of Shabbat and friendship. Select Fridays will also feature various educational programs including lectures on trending topics and opportunities to explore the Gallery at the JCC with resident artists.

And PrimeTime will travel. On Wednesday, March 4, PrimeTime is going to the Philadelphia Flower Show. The bus will leave from Temple Covenant of Peace, stop at the JCC and travel to the Flower Show. The trip includes round trip transportation, admission to the Flower Show, and kosher wine and snacks on the way home. Seats will go fast, so those interested are encouraged to sign up early. This is the first of many trips that PrimeTime has planned.

Register for all PrimeTime events at the JCC Welcome Desk or online through the JCC website, www.allentownjcc.org. Contact Melissa Hakim at mhakim@lvjcc.org or 610-435-3571 to learn more or visit the Jewish Senior Life Connection Calendar. There is no better time than PrimeTime.