J Life Magazine - Jan-March 2018 JLifejan2018_web | Page 2

Letter from the CEO HAPPY NEW YEAR! of the work we are doing. For example, in April we gathered a group of volunteers who painted and landscaped transitional housing units at the Pio Decimo Center. And over the holidays we did a pick-a-gift project where members of The J collected and wrapped 100 gifts to be given out this holiday. As the calendar turns to 2018 I am filled with excitement and hope about all that is happening here at OUR J! OUR J is ever expanding. Our facility has grown, our membership has grown, and our programming continues to evolve and grow. Last year, The J adopted a new service pledge to guide our promise of excellence: We create community based on Jewish Values by providing the highest quality programs and services in a safe and secure environment for ALL people of ALL ages. Todd Rockoff Chief Executive Officer/President (520) 299–1904 or [email protected] During 2017, we worked every day to fulfill that pledge by creating a welcoming environment that builds a sense of community through new activities and opportunities for engagement. Our dedication and continued effort has resulted in a surge of interest in OUR J, including requests for financial support to participate in our summer and winter youth camps and our childhood education program. Meeting the needs of ALL people takes a community effort and we are leading the way. We have a collective responsibility to care for our neighbors, to educate our children and to build a community that reflects our values. Together, we feed the hungry, we teach the young, and we strengthen the mind, body and spirit. OUR J is a place that is founded on principles that live inside Jewish ethics and values, we live the values of kavod (respect), tikkun olam (repair the world) and tzedakah (justice). We successfully launched our Tikkun Olam initiative whereby we focus on using the power of our collective staff and membership to make a difference in the community. We are proud OUR J is committed to partnering with agencies and organizations from the Jewish and the General community – along with synagogues – to build a healthier and stronger Tucson. We actively seek out and invite all people to join us in our collective effort to grow and strengthen our community. OUR J is like a tent open on all four sides, we welcome all people to come in, to participate, and to be a part of the community at The J. I encourage you to take part in the good and important work that is in front of us. Volunteer for one of our Tikkun Olam projects, give to OUR J by participating, making a donation or volunteering for one of our many committees or projects. It’s a place where we can all Live Up to our goals, Live Up to our dreams, and Live Up to our aspirations — small or large. Our tradition teaches that one who is wise is the one who learns from everyone. I want to hear from all of you with your ideas and thoughts about how we can be the best J that we can be! I promise you that we are listening. All of us will always have a place in OUR J. Please feel free to call me at 520-299-1904 or write me at [email protected]. J STAR AWARD FOR STAFF EXCELLENCE Sponsor AUGUST: SEPTEMBER: MIKE MALONE, FITNESS CENTER COORDINATOR ADRIAN MAIURI LEAD TEACHER, J-CARE OCTOBER: DALE GREEN, DIRECTOR OF BUILDING SERVICES IN THIS ISSUE LETTER FROM THE CEO...............................................................................................................................2 TUCSON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE.....................................................................3 WELCOME NEW STAFF/TRIBUTES............................................................................................................4 UPCOMING JEWISH LIFE & LEARNING EVENTS...................................................................................5 95: HENRY KOFFLER ART............................................................................................................................6 A PEEK INSIDE THE TUCSON J’S SCULPTURE GARDEN....................................................................7 BUILDING BRIDGES: THE J & THE HACIENDA AT THE RIVER...........................................................8 WATERCOLOR FUN AT THE J.....................................................................................................................9 SUGAR: WHY DOES IT GET A BAD RAP?.............................................................................................. 10 TAGLIT: COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING................................................................................................ 11 HOURS OF OPERATION............................................................................................................................ 12 HOLIDAY HOURS......................................................................................................................................... 12 2  October 2017 | J Life Magazine  The Tucson Jewish Community Center is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. The Tucson J is a member of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America. J Life is published four times annually by the Tucson J.