Byline: JCCGV

Celebrating the JCC’s 90th

Isabella: What do you do that makes you very happy?

Connor: I like to play with my mommy.

Isabella: Well, if you find something that makes you happy, that’s what you should do.

(photo by Jocelyne Hallé)

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As part of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver’s celebration of its 90th birthday, the centre brought together its members who are age 90 and better with children from the Karen and Gary Simkin Family Child Development Centre Preschool.

Preschool director Jennifer Trickett and her staff helped the children create and practise questions that they were curious about to ask the seniors. Questions covered such topics as “What games did you like to play when you were a kid?” and “Do you get hugs from your children?” The children also sang songs.

In addition to being interviewed by the children, the JCC members enjoyed a complementary brunch, and free portraits courtesy of Jocelyne Hallé of Jocelyne Hallé Photography.

The JCC has 25 members who are age 90 and over, most of whom are at the centre multiple times a week to exercise, socialize, learn and play. For more information about special membership pricing for adults age 65-plus, contact membership director Alexis Doctor at 604-257-5111.

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photo - Gloria, Joyce, Shiloh and Asher

Gloria: Where do you live?

Joyce: I live in a condominium.

Gloria: Well, I live in Vancouver.

Joyce: Me, too.

Shiloh: Do you come here in the car?

Joyce: I came in a car today. My daughter drove me.

Shiloh: My mommy drove me!

Asher: Do you live in space?

Joyce: Sometimes I think I do! But, mostly in Vancouver.

(photo by Jocelyne Hallé)

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photo - Sam and Danny

Sam: Do you ever hug your grandchildren?

Danny: Yes, very big ones, they’re even kissing me, too.

(photo by Jocelyne Hallé)

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photo - Grace and Milo

Milo: What did you like to play when you were little?

Grace: I liked to play baseball. How about you?

Milo (with a big smile): Me, too.

(photo by Jocelyne Hallé)

BBYO to West Coast

The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver has partnered with BBYO to provide expanded opportunities for teens around the Lower Mainland. The partnership will enhance the connections of Greater Vancouver Jewish teens and link the local community to BBYO hubs across Canada – in Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg – and in more than 30 countries around the world.

The JCC-BBYO connections were forged earlier this year at the JCC Festival Ha’Rikud closing party hosted by BBYO. With more than 80 teens from Vancouver, Miami and Israel, the JCC set the stage for fun and teen involvement. Since the party, a group of teens from Vancouver, White Rock and Richmond formed a leadership team and the JCC is looking for a professional to support them.

In partnership with BBYO, the JCC is currently seeking to fill the role of BBYO city director and JCC teen coordinator. The role will focus on programs that foster engagement and create meaningful connections among high school teens in the community. The professional will liaise with Jewish and secular community organizations working with youth, and will build BBYO chapters throughout the Greater Vancouver area.

“Each year, I get to see teens around the Jewish community grow and connect,” said Shirly Berelowitz, director of children, youth and camps at the JCC. “The JCC teen department looks forward to expanding these opportunities in our new partnership with BBYO. Our goal is to become a hub for Jewish teens to connect with each other in Vancouver and around the world. I couldn’t be more excited for the JCC to take on this role!”

This year, the JCC celebrates 90 years in Vancouver as BBYO celebrates 90 years in Canada – it is only fitting that the organizations celebrate together.

For more information on the coordinator position, contact Berelowitz at 604-257-5111 or shirly@jccgv.bc.ca.