By Amy Sams
Adult Program Coordinator

The Lehigh Valley Jewish community is invited to explore a variety of new programs and activities this fall at the JCC.

J-ARTS

This summer, the JCC's new J-ARTS series brought together adults looking to create with their hands and their minds. We kicked off the series with a writing workshop with instructor Gretchen K. Furst from Studio G in Allentown. J-ARTS continued with a hands-on art workshop, creating bracelets from healing gemstones. The mother and daughter team from Artists at Heart guided the group in making one-of-a-kind bracelets for themselves or to give as a gift. Artists at Hearts will be back at the JCC selling their wares at the JCC Artisan Craft Show on Dec. 10. We are also partnering to offer a pottery class for adults in the future.  

The six-week mosaics class with Cindy Schneider was a big hit! Participants learned how to safely handle glass and how to use appropriate glass cutting tools. A new mosaics class will begin in January, limited to eight participants.

Gretchen is back to teach a six-week creative writing class this fall. This writing class includes both creative non-fiction story writing to capture life's moments and memories on paper as well as creative fiction writing to exercise the imagination. Participants will experience weekly writing prompts and activities during class as well as "homework" writing assignments to complete during the week and to share each week in class. This is not English class! This is story writing, fun writing activities, poetry, legacy writing and sharing. It's for any writing level. The class begins Nov. 14 and is limited to the first 10 registered participants.

J-AMP

The JCC's Jewish-Focused Aging Mastery Program provides adults with an opportunity to learn from experts in the community, and find ways to live positively and enjoy life to the fullest. It is not too late to join in! There are several sessions remaining which you may attend: healthy relationships with elder life educator Wendy Scott, medication management with Vincent Hartzell, advance planning with Dr. Jenni Levy and healthy eating and hydration with Inge Mattei, RN. Rabbi Schorr will lead our final session: “Harvest Time: Living the Rest of our Lives" which explores how we develop a spiritual mission statement to guide us through life. 

J-Gourmet

Foodies looking for a unique and fun experience in our own backyard have been enjoying the JCC’s J-Gourmet series. In October, participants enjoyed a JCC-exclusive wine and cheese pairing experience at The Dime in Center City Allentown. We are going back to The Dime on Dec. 18 in search of the perfect cocktail. Attendees will get the chance to design and make an original cocktail using ingredients provided in an “Iron Chef”-style competition. Limited seats are available for this fun and refreshing cocktail class. 

J-Gourmet is partnering with J-Chefs on March 11 for a parent/grandparent and child pasta lovers cooking class! Save the date for this inter-generational afternoon of learning and fun.

J-Days

Daytime adult activities have grown at the J! J-Days provides a comfortable, safe place for adults to experience similar interests. The JCC will provide the space and light refreshments. Register for the year and participate in as many of the weekly activities as you would like. There is also an option to register per season, for those who are not in the area year-round. Weekly activities may change based on interest levels. Activities are posted on the JCC website. We are excited to offer Yiddish Club on Tuesdays, mah jongg on Wednesdays, canasta and cards on Thursdays and coloring klatch on Fridays.

J-To Go

Adults have been busy not only at the JCC, but also out and about. J-To Go offers the chance to spend time out in the community and surrounding areas. A few times a year, the JCC Yiddish Club and Jewish Family Service will partner for an afternoon of connection and outreach in the community. So far, our partnership has taken us to Country Meadows in Allentown and Atria Senior Living in Bethlehem. We will soon be visiting Luther Crest in Allentown. 

Once again, the JCC will be taking a bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 7.  The trip includes round-trip motor coach transportation and admission to the show.

Contact Amy Sams at asams@lvjcc.org with questions about Adults at the J.