| To Our Family of Members,With the countdown clock fast descending, the JCC Maccabi Games are right around the corner! For over two years, our community has been actively and passionately planning for this celebration of Milwaukee, Jewish life, and our shared values. Over the course of the week, thousands will call our community home, and in competition and social service we will collectively set a course for sustainable growth. Though we anticipate a significant increase in visitors and traffic at the JCC beginning August 2nd, we are working diligently to ensure that JCC members continue to gain full value from their membership.Below is an overview of scheduled activities and schedule modifications being developed to provide the safest, most efficient, and collaborative JCC Maccabi Games experience.
All JCC members and guests are invited to join us for this free celebration. With live music, a parade of delegations, and special appearances from community leaders – it will be an evening to remember! Credentialed participants, spectators, volunteers, hosts, and supporters will be allowed entry. If you would like to attend the Opening Ceremonies as a guest (and are not credentialed) you may obtain a FREE ticket at milwaukeemaccabi.org, or at the JCC member service desks. Monday, August 3rd – Wednesday, August 5th JCC Members are encouraged to access the JCC primarily at the South and West entrances. You will need to show your keyfob or credential to access the JCC campus the week of the Games. Special parking passes will be provided to program users to allow efficient access. The Marcus Gym, which will be unavailable for broader member use during the day (with limited availability each evening.) Click here for class locations changes August 3-6. Early Closure and Celebration The JCC is excited to host the JCC Maccabi Games Closing Celebration on our home campus! To accomplish this, the JCC will close at 3:00pm on Thursday, August 6th. Parking will be limited in the north lot throughout the day. A successful JCC Maccabi Games is the direct result of an entire community coming together in shared vision: to affirm the JCC’s place as a destination for wellness, education, and community services. We are awed by the support of our members, partners, sponsors, and community leaders – and are excited to welcome you all to “Get In the Games!” For more information on the JCC Maccabi Games, please visit: Web: milwaukeemaccabi.org, Facebook: MilwaukeeMaccabi, Twitter: @MKEJCCMaccabi15 (#MkeMaccabi) and download the Games mobile app (click here for instructions) Thank you again for your continued support, and for everything this incredible community has done to make the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games a Milwaukee experience that will never be forgotten! |
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Latest News and Updates
JCC Cares – Community Garden Build
milwaukeemaccabi July 30, 2015Since its introduction in 1997, JCC Cares remains the differentiation between the JCC Maccabi Games and any other sporting event. The JCC Cares program is an opportunity for participants to take a few hours out of their schedules to participate in a hands-on community service project.
We have ambitiously chosen four JCC Cares projects that will create lasting memories for our athletes, build upon our strong partnerships and make long term impacts on the participants and the entire Milwaukee community. In every case, our goal is to provide a meaningful experience for our teen athletes enabling them to see that they can make a difference and to volunteer in their own communities.
Community Garden Build. The JCC Community Garden will be enhanced and improved during JCC Cares to increase the amount of produce harvested. Hunger exists in every community of our country. All produce from the garden goes to our Jewish Community Pantry located in the inner city of Milwaukee where over 10,000 households are served, including Milwaukee’s most at-risk families and elderly. Over 40% of those we serve are children. In many cases, the Jewish Community Pantry is their only access to fresh produce. By providing a nutritionally sound diet, we can help families stay healthy and focused on their future.
JCC Cares – Food Pack
milwaukeemaccabi July 29, 2015Since its introduction in 1997, JCC Cares remains the differentiation between the JCC Maccabi Games and any other sporting event. The JCC Cares program is an opportunity for participants to take a few hours out of their schedules to participate in a hands-on community service project.
We have ambitiously chosen four JCC Cares projects that will create lasting memories for our athletes, build upon our strong partnerships and make long term impacts on the participants and the entire Milwaukee community. In every case, our goal is to provide a meaningful experience for our teen athletes enabling them to see that they can make a difference and to volunteer in their own communities.
Food Pack. In partnership with Hunger Task Force and the Milwaukee Center for Independence, a community resource for children, teens, adults and older adults with special needs and their families, athletes will participate in a food packing project to help combat hunger in Milwaukee. This project will help feed 20,000-25,000 Milwaukee Public School children who do not have access to meals.
Be on the lookout for future blog posts with the other three JCC Cares projects.
read moreStill wondering what to do on Host Family night? Here are some ideas to show off Milwaukee.
- Brewers Game – Watch the Brewers play the San Diego Padres at 7:10 pm at Miller Park. To receive the JCC Maccabi discount visit www.Brewers.com/vip, select August 5th as the game date, and enter the coupon code JCCMACCABI.
- The Lakeshore Chinooks – Watch the next baseball stars play at our Championship baseball venue, Kapco Park in Mequon. They will be playing against the Battle Creek Bombers at 6:35 pm. For special JCC Maccabi Games tickets click here and enter the promo code Maccabi Games in the promotions panel. Tickets must be printed by purchaser and vouchers will be mailed.
- Hy & Richard Smith JCC Water Park – Stop by the Hy & Richard Smith JCC Water Park to swim, eat, relax by the pool, play gaga, beach volleyball, basketball and more. This is a great way to socialize with the community and show your pride of being part of the JCC Maccabi Games! The water park closes at 7:30pm and will be available to all Host Families.
- Jewish Museum Milwaukee – Come Play Ball with Jewish Museum Milwaukee at this exciting and enlightening Baseball exhibit! Enrich your guests with a sense of the Milwaukee Jewish experience while exploring “Chasing Dreams: Baseball & Becoming American.” The Museum will be open until 7:00pm; entrance is free with JCC Maccabi Games credentials.
- Night Hike – The Jewish Wisconsin Initiative for a Sustainable Environment (J-Wise) is proud to offer a night hike at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. This opportunity is open to as many families as would like and admission prices have been discounted to $4. (Just mention that you are a JCC Maccabi Games Host Family.) Come experience the night like never before at the Audubon Center!
- Westown River Rhythms – For the music lovers, check out the Westown River Rhythms outdoor concert series in Pere Marquette Park, featuring local music, Five Card Studs at 6:30 pm! Bring food from a local restaurant, relax or just stop by and check out the music. Summer nights in Milwaukee are great for live outdoor music!
- nines American Bistro – River Club of Mequon – River Club of Mequon is hosting a Family Pasta Night at the nines American Bistro. This could also include night swimming, bonfire conversation, and open FREE video games. Time is flexible and space is limited. Dinner is $13.95 / person. To reserve your spot contact Neena Florsheim at rsfnbf@aol.com by, TODAY, Wednesday July 29th.
- Evolution Gastro Pong – If you’re looking to keep the competition alive, and maybe join in, check out Evolution Gastro Pong. Evolution is located in the Third Ward and has table-tennis courts on Olympic competition flooring, TVs, and a restaurant. Enjoy a fun night in Milwaukee’s downtown area.
In order to stay informed of the most up to date information during the week of The Games, please subscribe to our group texting service. For mobile alerts, text HOSTFAMILY to 41411.
read moreThank you to our Generous Sponsors
milwaukeemaccabi July 28, 2015Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors of the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games. The Games would not have been possible without your support and dedication to this process.
Milwaukee Bucks • Bruce Gendelman Co., Inc. • The Boelter Companies • Robert & Mimi Habush • Nancy & David Gruber • Moshe & Deb Katz Yellow Wood • Sue & Rick Strait • Hunzinger Construction Weld Specialty Supply Corp. • Forefront Dermatology • Catholic Financial Life Green Bay Packers • Jamie & Felicia Miller • Bruce Weiss & Melinda Steffey • United Healthcare of Wisconsin • Suzy B. Ettinger
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin • Milwaukee Center for Independence • John & Cheryl Lubotsky and Family
Komisar Brady & Co., LLP • SkinnyPop • Lorraine Hoffmann • Salinsky Program to Feed the Hungry • Shel & Danni Gendelman • Mark & Barbara Glazer • Alicia & Bryan Sadoff • Shari & Corey Shamah • Mark & Sharon Shapiro • Margaret Luck & Jesse Rosen • Sky Zone Trampoline Park • Complete Office of Wisconsin • Office 8 • Impact
BILTRITE Furniture Inc. • Betty Chrustowski • Richard & Neena Florsheim • David & Pip Lowe • Michele & Joe Ellner • Kapco • Barry Goodstein • Larry & Ronna Pachefsky • H.L. Epstein Family Foundation, Inc. Pam Kriger • Tobin Solutions, Inc. • Andi & Mike Zimmerman • Ron & Fran Meyers • Jane & Stephen Chernof Merzy & Russ Eisenberg • Martin & Gail Komisar • Brian & Judy Parrish • Micki & Bob Seinfeld • O’Desky Family Cream City Ribbons • Linda Gorens-Levey & Michael Levey • Raymond & Rosalie Harkavy • Wendy, Marc, Carly & Zach Cohen Ari & Jennifer Friedman • Ron & Susan Miller • The Rubin Family • Anonymous (3) Joyce & Albert Solochek • Marsha Denny Shannon Bernstein • Max & Cindy Rasansky • Mel & Romaine Backer • Tom & Cathy Czaja • Barbara Sable • Linda Schettle • Marilyn & Bob Teper • Howard & Diane Wagan Russ & Melanie Wasserman • Ben & Erin Stern • Family • Herman Hersh • June Wallace Brent & Kelly Arnold • Marc & Stephanie Effron • Allen Kwass • Barry Zalben • Marian K. Laev • Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Meldman • Inge Schopler • Steven & Robin Arenzon Barbara & Michael Levin • Mitch Nelles & Ellie Gettinger • Jane Chester • Marlene Tracy Miller Bakery • Freda Adashek • Mark & Cheryl Brickman • Otto Feller Mark, Jackie, Jessica & Hannah Gold • Miller Bakery • Libby Temkin • Ruth & Jon Wallace • Harriet Zale
read moreJCC Cares – Special Olympics Unified Relays
milwaukeemaccabi July 28, 2015Since its introduction in 1997, JCC Cares remains the differentiation between the JCC Maccabi Games and any other sporting event. The JCC Cares program is an opportunity for participants to take a few hours out of their schedules to participate in a hands-on community service project.
We have ambitiously chosen four JCC Cares projects that will create lasting memories for our athletes, build upon our strong partnerships and make long term impacts on the participants and the entire Milwaukee community. In every case, our goal is to provide a meaningful experience for our teen athletes enabling them to see that they can make a difference and to volunteer in their own communities.
Special Olympics Unified Relays. Based on our partnership with the Special Olympics of Wisconsin, we will welcome Special Olympians to participate alongside their JCC Maccabi peers in unified relays during a track and field event. This event breaks down barriers and allows all of the athletes to bond in a unique environment. After competing, athletes will engage in “crazy races,” conversation and activities over lunch.
Be on the lookout for future blog posts with the other three JCC Cares projects.
read moreSince its introduction in 1997, JCC Cares remains the differentiation between the JCC Maccabi Games and any other sporting event. The JCC Cares program is an opportunity for participants to take a few hours out of their schedules to participate in a hands-on community service project.
We have ambitiously chosen four JCC Cares projects that will create lasting memories for our athletes, build upon our strong partnerships and make long term impacts on the participants and the entire Milwaukee community. In every case, our goal is to provide a meaningful experience for our teen athletes enabling them to see that they can make a difference and to volunteer in their own communities.
One of the JCC Cares projects is the Walker’s Square Park Outdoor Exercise Build. We will continue growing our already strong collaboration with the United Community Center, a comprehensive social service agency serving the families of Milwaukee’s Hispanic south side, to construct outdoor exercise equipment in Milwaukee’s Walker Square Park. The addition of this equipment to the area will have long lasting effects as it addresses the issues of childhood and adult obesity, behavior problems and fragmented communities.
Be on the lookout for future blog posts with the other three JCC Cares projects.
read moreBehind the Scenes at the JCC
Deb Carneol July 27, 2015It is starting to get very busy at the JCC. Here is a behind the scenes look at our volunteers and staff getting ready for the Games in only 6 days!!! 
Volunteers working hard to get our Host Family Bags in order
We have lots of signage in house now!
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JCC Maccabi Games Mobile App
Deb Carneol July 26, 2015Did you know that the JCC Maccabi Games in Milwaukee has a mobile app? Get all of the week and day of information right at your finger tips!
Downloading the app is as easy as 1,2, 3! Just follow the instructions below to see how.
July JCC Maccabi Games Update
milwaukeemaccabi July 21, 2015Hello JCC Maccabi Games Community,
The spirit of the Games is in the air and all around us, as we are 11 days away from Opening Ceremonies at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on August 2nd, 2015.
Our team has been working diligently around the clock to prepare for the next 11 days. We have put together some great Host Family Night options (which can be reviewed in the Host Section of this Newsletter), finalized our plans for evening events, hosted five host family/volunteer orientations and are printing credentials.
Many of you have already attended a host family/volunteer orientation here at the JCC to learn about the week of the Games and our communication plans. If you have not yet attended an orientation there are still two left. Please keep in mind that this is required for all host families and volunteers.
The remaining orientations dates will be held in the Daniel M Soref Community Hall here at the JCC.
- Wednesday, July 22nd at 7:00pm
- Wednesday, July 29th at 7:00pm
Please click here to RSVP! If you have any questions, please call 414-967-8181 or email cmindt@jccmilwaukee.org.
The Games Office would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of those who are volunteering their time and opening their homes for the Games. The strength of our community shows with 800 volunteers and 245 host families. Thanks to you, we will host the best JCC Maccabi Games ever!
In order to stay informed with the most up to date information during the week of The Games, please subscribe to our group texting service.
- Text HOSTFAMILY to 41411 for host family alerts
- Text VOLUNTEERS to 41411 for volunteer alerts
We look forward to seeing each of you on August 2nd at the BMO Harris Bradley Center for the Opening Ceremonies. It is free and open to the public, so bring your friends as it will be a great night! Everyone who has a credential will be given access to the Opening Ceremonies and athletic events during the week. If you know people who would like to attend only the Opening Ceremonies, tickets are available online here and at the desks of the JCC. If you have a credential of any type, you do NOT also need a ticket.
Speaking of credentials – credentials and t-shirts are now available for pick up at the JCC. Stop by Monday through Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm or Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm to pick yours up. Please remember to bring a driver license or state ID as it will be needed at pickup.
To keep up on the latest information on the Games be sure to download the Guidebook app. View our instructions on how to download the app below. (Click image to enlarge)
Also, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Please share our posts and newsletter with your friends as we continue to spread the word about The Games.
Again, thank you for all that you do and for making our Games great! See you all on August 2nd!
Thanks and as always, #GetInTheGames
Click here to view the whole newsletter.
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