by Elaine Durbach
NJJN Bureau Chief/Central

April 16, 2009

As the weather warms up, the programming at the JCC of Central New Jersey in Scotch Plains is heating up along with it. Adult enrichment director Barbara Weisbart said, “We wanted to provide something for everyone, with varied events to meet their varied needs.”

The post-Passover lineup begins at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 20, with toe-tapping music performed by Odessa Klezmer. The performers, who play a number of instruments, including a mid-accordion and a clarinet, will give a lunchtime concert featuring freilachs, horas, polkas, and more. (See sidebar for details of each event.)

From freilachs to farribels (grudges): Starting at noon that same day, April 20, the age-old subject of Family Feuds will be discussed at a Lunch and Learn program. The series continues on the following two Mondays, April 27 and May 4.

Using techniques from modern psychoanalysis, Judaic scholar Dr. Devorah Smith will explore a number of the dysfunctional family relationships depicted in the Bible, and the lessons they can offer today’s families.

Then there will be more music — interactive this time — on Tuesday, April 28. Musical IQ’s Drum Orchestra will perform at the center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will combine elements of the traditional drum circle, teaming up African drums with tap dance, humor, and comedy.

The folks at Musical IQ say that making music together elicits the same cooperative skills that ensure success in other undertakings, and that drumming in particular “breaks down barriers and creates common ground, and teaches people the value of listening and learning together.”

Those caring for elderly parents often need some relief themselves. Clinical psychologist Sharon Artz will lead a six-week support group program for adult caregivers coping with stressful issues as their parents age.

She said the group is designed to provide an atmosphere of mutual support in which participants will be able to share their concerns. It will meet on six successive Wednesdays, from April 22 to May 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Weisbart pointed out that individual supporters are sponsoring specific events, as a way “to provide more and better programming.” The Odessa Klezmer program is sponsored by Dr. Bert Warren in honor of his wife Ann’s birthday. And Richard Rabkin, who has moved to Virginia, is sponsoring the Drum Orchestra program “as a gift for his friends in the Senior Program.”

---

If you take part

What: Odessa Klezmer

When: Monday, April 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: $8, $4 for JCC members, $2.50 for JCC social members

What: Lunch and Learn Series — Family Feuds in the Bible

When: Mondays, April 20, 27, and May 4, noon-1:15 p.m.

Cost: $16 ($45 for the series), $13 ($36) for JCC members, $6 ($15) for JCC social members; advance reservation required, lunch included.

What: Support Group for Children with Aging Parents

When: Wednesdays, April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $60, $50 for JCC members; advance reservation required

What: Musical IQ Drum Orchestra

When: Tuesday, April 28, 11 a.m.-1p.m.

Cost: $8, $4 for JCC members, $2.50 for JCC social members; includes lunch

Where: All events at JCC of Central New Jersey, Scotch Plains

To register: Contact Barbara Weisbart at 908 889-8800, ext. 207, or bweisbart@jccnj.org

Checks should be sent to the JCC, made payable to JCC of Central NJ, and marked attention: Barbara Weisbart.

Comment: comments@njjewishnews.com

--TOP--