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Hello JCC Maccabi Games Community!

We are Hannah Sprung and Sam Sinykin and we are interning for the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games. We are excited to be working with The Games team in order to make this summer’s Games a success.  Many of you may come in contact with us throughout the summer.  We look forward to working with and being part of an incredible community!

We are excited to say that we are just 47 days away from the start of The Games! We cannot wait until we can welcome athletes from around the world as we kick off a great week of competition, service, and celebration in our community. Community members are invited to join us for the Opening Ceremonies at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee on August 2.  Until then, we will be taking the torch to some favorite Milwaukee locations. Follow the torch’s travels with the hashtag #TorchTakesMKE and let us know if there are other destinations the torch should visit!

A few weeks ago, JCC staff and volunteers visited Nicolet High School, Homestead High School, and Uihlein Soccer Park to finalize logistics for our venues. With 47 days until competitions begin, we are confident in our selections and the atmosphere of the main venues for our athletes.

Our community is continuing to grow each and every day. We are at 464 volunteers and 189 host families, but we can’t stop there. We need your help to build our community and reach our goal of 1,000 volunteers and 400 host families.  Who do you know that would be a great volunteer? The Games is the perfect opportunity!  Please pass along our website information (milwaukeemaccabi.org) to start their registration or have them call our office at 414-967-8181.

For those of you have already registered, here are some important dates to put on your calendar. During the month of July we will host our Volunteer and Host Family orientations. Every Volunteer and Host Family must attend ONE of the following dates. All orientations will be held in the Daniel M. Soref Community Hall at the JCC. To RSVP please click here!

Wednesday, July 1st | 7:00pm

Tuesday, July 7th | 9:30am

Sunday, July 12th | 10:00am

Monday, July 13th | 7:00pm

Thursday, July 16th | 12:00pm

Sunday, July 19th | 11:00am

Wednesday, July 22nd | 7:00pm

If you have any questions, please call 414-967-8181 or email at cmindt@jccmilwaukee.org.  Also, don’t forget to sign up for your volunteer shifts. Click here for the step by step guide.

Our JCC Maccabi Games community reaches beyond our volunteers.  Team Milwaukee is now at 125 athletes including 10 Israeli teens from Partnership2Gether who will join us in August.  We have athletes participating in dance, soccer, basketball, flag football, tennis and more! Our JCC All Staff Meetings have been “Maccabified” and turned into “It’s All About The Games Team Meetings”.  The entire community is gearing up for August. We can’t wait!

For the most recent updates on all things Milwaukee Maccabi, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! And be sure to like, comment, retweet, reply, or share our posts and information so we can bring more of the Milwaukee community together!

Don’t forget to #GetInTheGames!

Hannah Sprung & Sam Sinykin, JCC Maccabi Games Interns

Click here to view the whole newsletter.

By Chad Tessmer

 

It sounds like a significant endeavor — to open your home to the visiting teen athletes of the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games.

And while the impact of the experience will transcend the week of Aug. 2, leaders and organizers for the Games are hitting the streets to ensure that the community understands how accessible the opportunity is for all of Jewish Milwaukee.

“It really comes down to ‘Do you have two beds and two seatbelts?’” said Host Family Committee co-chair Cheryl Moser. “Certainly, the responsibility of housing teen athletes is real.

“But, at the end of the day, this is an incredible experience for both host and athlete — and one that doesn’t require a significant investment of time.”

The host family experience, which is largely considered one of the most important elements of any successful JCC Maccabi Games, begins the moment a family registers at MilwaukeeMaccabi.org. In the weeks leading up to the Games, the host family is matched and connected with at least two teen athletes.

“The beginning of July is when we really need host families to be fully registered. We’ll begin the matching process then, and ensure that the needs of both the host and athlete are met,” explained Host Family co-chair Neena Florsheim.

“The beauty of our community, and the community of Games participants that will visit Milwaukee, is that Jews of all backgrounds and all observation levels can feel at home,” added fellow co-chair Ronna Pachefsky. “We’ll have a diversity of options available, including providing kosher hospitality, for everyone that will call Milwaukee home that week.”

The Games begin on Sunday, Aug. 2, as visiting delegations travel to Milwaukee and make their way to the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center for check-in and orientation.

“The JCC will be buzzing with activity and overflowing with the energy of our guests, staff and volunteer teams,” said Florsheim. “Having witnessed this in Detroit last year, I’m excited to have that happen right here at our own JCC.”

Cheering them on

After the athletes have checked in, received their credentials and had their team photos taken, they will meet up with their host families and enjoy a few hours getting acclimated to their accommodations.

Later that evening, host parents will accompany — and enjoy — the opening ceremonies at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

“Short of actually being a teen athlete, I don’t know if there’s a way to get closer to the Games than being a host family,” added Moser. “It’s certainly the next best thing to being an athlete’s parent.”

Each day, the host family will be asked to provide the athlete breakfast, offer laundry accessibility and transport the athlete to Nicolet High School at the beginning and conclusion of each day.

“Once the Games have begun, it’s a fairly low-barrier experience for the host,” said Pachefsky, “and there will be a team of staff and volunteers ready to serve should any needs arise.”

Beyond having special access to the Opening Ceremonies, host families are also encouraged to attend any athletic competition during the week of the Games.

“It really becomes a special relationship, and past communities are always so proud of how seriously these surrogate families take the opportunity — and how many of them are in the stands to cheer on their ‘kids’ during their competitions,” said Moser.

The evening of Wednesday, Aug. 5, is scheduled for host families to spend time with their athletes and show them all that Milwaukee has to offer.

“Host families are already coming together and coordinating family night, and the Steering Committee is building a list of scheduled activities and events that are happening throughout the community,” said JCC Maccabi Games assistant games director Kelly Biedinger.

Closing Ceremonies will be held at the JCC on Thursday, Aug. 6, and host families will receive an exclusive invitation to participate in portions of the ceremony.

“We couldn’t possibly host the JCC Maccabi Games without all of Jewish Milwaukee opening their homes to these athletes from around the world,” said Pachefksy. “From Opening Ceremonies to Closing, our host families will have a unique seat at the very front of everything the Games have to offer.”

To learn more about the host family experience, see the list of visiting delegations or complete your registration, visit MilwaukeeMaccabi.org.

Chad Tessmer is Chief Marketing Officer of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.

1st published in the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Hello JCC Maccabi Games Community,

It seems like just yesterday the countdown clock hit 100 days until The Games.  We are now 73 days and counting.  Last week, The Games office was busy at work helping KidShare become “Maccabified.”  KidShare was a great success, and the JCC Maccabi Games were proud to be a part of an awesome JCC event.

The Games hosted a photo booth where guests took photos with fun props, the torch and the “I’m In The Games!” sign.  At the end of the night each guest took home a blue Games canvas tote bag.  Before leaving, guests were encouraged to visit the sweet dreams station where The Games had a variety of candy for everyone to enjoy.  Take a look at some of the pictures from the event and watch Facebook for more photos soon.

At our last two steering committee meetings we collaborated with one another on planning.  The outcome of this was fantastic, we heard great feedback from our committee members and will continue to schedule working meetings.

Our community is continuing to grow each and every day.  We are at 340 volunteers and 154 host families, and we can’t stop there.  We need your help to build our community and reach our goal of 1000 volunteers and 400 host families.  Who do you know that would be a great volunteer? The Games is the perfect opportunity.  Please pass along this link –www.jccmaccabigames.org/registration to start their registration or have them call our office at 414-967-8181.

For those of you have already registered, here are some important dates to put on your calendar. During the month of July we will host our Volunteer and Host Family Orientations. Every volunteer and host family must attend one of the following dates.  To RSVP please click here!

Wednesday July 1st 7:00pm

Tuesday July 7th 9:30am

Sunday July 12th 10:00am

Monday July 13th 7:00pm

Thursday July 16th 12:00pm

Sunday July 19th 11:00am

Wednesday July 22nd 7:00pm

If you have any questions, please call 414-967-8181 or email at cmindt@jccmilwaukee.org. Also – don’t forget to sign up for your volunteer shifts – Click here.

Team Milwaukee has grown to 125 athletes with the exciting addition of our Partnership2Gether region.  We will welcome 10 Israeli athletes to join Team Milwaukee.  They will be competing in both team and individual sports during the week of The Games.  Their names can be found on the Team Milwaukee boards in blue!  Help us extend a warm welcome as they join Team Milwaukee.

For the most up to date information, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Please remember to share our posts and newsletter with your friends as we continue to spread the word about The Games.

Thanks and as always,

#GetInTheGames!

Carissa Mindt, JCC Maccabi Games Coordinator

Click here to view the whole newsletter.

By Chad Tessmer

Destination: Milwaukee

As the countdown clock to the JCC Maccabi Games Opening Ceremonies crossed into double digits, planning work was well underway for the nearly 30 delegation heads who represented visiting communities during their first official visit to Milwaukee the last week of April.

“It’s an important milestone, to welcome our visiting delegations and fully introduce them to Milwaukee and begin sharing our vision for the Games,” said Kelly Biedinger, JCC Maccabi Games Assistant Director. “For many of our delegation heads, coaches, and athletes – this will be their first visit to the Milwaukee area. It’s our goal to give them an exceptional experience from day one.”

During the visit, delegation heads visited with local staff and volunteer leaders, discussed competition schedules and logistics, and visited various Games sites – including the BMO Harris Bradley Center, home of the Opening Ceremonies on August 2^nd.

“Our steering and planning committees have done an amazing job lining up all the pieces that will make these Games successful, “added JCC Maccabi Games Coordinator Carissa Mindt. “It’s really exciting to share their good work, and actually start to bring it to life with the communities who will be participating.”

Delegations competing in the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games include Atlanta, Austin, Boulder, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mexico, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Vancouver.

“One of the blessings of hosting the Games is showcasing our beautiful community to these visiting delegations,” said Games co-chair Nancy Kennedy Barnett. “Not only will these Jewish teens enjoy Milwaukee like they’ve never imagined – but our local families have the opportunity to host these athletes and learn more about their communities and Jewish life across the country.”

Israel In Milwaukee

Among the many priorities of the JCC Maccabi Games, strengthening youth connections to Israel remains at the forefront. From the Opening Ceremonies, through competitions and community service projects, and concluding with the closing celebration – Israel will be top of mind and deeply integrated into the events.

“For many of our athletes, participating in the JCC Maccabi Games will be one of the most meaningful experiences of their young Jewish journeys,” said Games co-chair Jamie Miller. “You’ll see that connection in everything we do the week of August 2^nd, and we’re proud to be a community that is breaking new ground in how we bring Israel into our Games.”

While Israel sends a delegation to every JCC Maccabi Games host city, the Milwaukee team is working to bring a second Israeli delegation to the Games and hopes to build a joint delegation between Milwaukee athletes and Israeli teens from partner region Sovev Kinnert.

“It’s an exciting idea,” added Miller, “and another way in which we can build a lasting experience for every single athlete, coach, host family, and volunteer.”

Beds, Beds, Beds

With the overall project plan in place, the emphasis for the Games leadership team is engaging as many potential host families as possible. Host families play a critical role in the JCC Maccabi Games experience, and the relationship between visiting athlete and host family is roundly considered one of the most meaningful aspects of the Games.

“When I look at everything in store for these Games, it’s clear that the hosting experience is going to play a large part in our community’s success,” said JCC Maccabi Games Director Jesse Rosen. “As someone who has spent most of his career traveling, I’m excited to bring all these communities together here in my home city – and to share that opportunity with our host families.”

With a newly designed milwaukeemaccabi.org preparing to launch, the Games team is now into the largest push to register host families and Games volunteers.

“It’s time,” said Kennedy Barnett, “for us to get as many people in Jewish Milwaukee to open up their homes for this week and this incredible experience. We’ve been asking for almost a year ‘Are you in the Games?’ Now is the time for every member of this community to say yes, visit the website, and register as a host family.”

Chad Tessmer is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.

1st published in the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Hello JCC Maccabi Games Community,

If you have been to the JCC lately, you have probably noticed that our building has officially become “Maccabi-fied” with signage and spirit.  However, nothing keeps us on track and more focused towards The Games than the countdown clock that is displayed proudly on Main Street.

Next week the countdown clock officially hits… drum-roll please… 100 days until The Games!  I cannot believe we are already there.  We have come a long way from the early planning, and I can’t wait to see what is next!

Please join us on Thursday, April 23rd at 5:45pm to watch the clock hit 100 days and celebrate this incredible JCC Maccabi Games milestone with a toast to our community!

With the 100 days in mind, our JCC Staff have shown more Games spirit than ever ,participating in the JCC Maccabi Games Staff scavenger hunt, wearing their polo shirts and spreading the word about The Games through out our halls.  We can feel our community growing!

In support of National Volunteer Week, we are proud to announce that we are 388 volunteers and 109 Host Families strong and continue to grow.  We thank each and every one of you who have already registered for The Games as a Volunteer or Host Family.  It’s because of your dedication that this dream is closer to a reality. Do you know someone who is still looking to volunteer for that special something? The Games is the perfect opportunity.  Please pass along this link to start their registration or have them call our office at 414-967-8181.

For those of you who have already registered and are waiting for the next step, the time is now!  Specific volunteer shifts are now listed on the registration site. To select your volunteer shifts now, please use the same login information you used to register. Select the blue status bar on the home page, which will prompt you to select your shifts.  Watch your email next week for “How to select volunteer shifts” instructions.

Team Milwaukee is at an all-time high since its comeback in 2013 and is still recruiting more athletes.  They are 107 strong and are holding practices weekly for several sports and continue to build team spirit. If you know a Jewish teen athlete who still needs to Get In The Games – contact Aaron Miller amiller@jccmilwaukee.org for details.

On April 26th and 27th, we welcome this summer’s Delegation Heads to Milwaukee.  Over these two days, they will go on a venue tour, see the City of Milwaukee, and learn the ins and outs of the Milwaukee Games experience.  This visit is also important for recruitment, as delegation heads will return home to their cities with new and exciting information about The Games here in Milwaukee.

For the most up to date information, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Share our posts and Newsletter with your friends as we continue to spread the word about The Games.

See you on Thursday, April 23rd and as always,

#GetInTheGames!

Thanks,

Carissa Mindt, JCC Maccabi Games Coordinator

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By Chad Tessmer

With less than 125 days before the JCC Maccabi Games open on the floor of the BMO Harris Bradley Center, the infrastructure for managing and supporting a community of volunteers, host families, participants and donors is in place.

“One of the many blessings of hosting the Games is having access to the many resources and experiences of the Jewish Community Centers of North America, past host communities, and a deep well of local talent – both professional and volunteer,” said JCC Maccabi Games director Jesse Rosen.

“As we are now fully live with our online registration system, the Milwaukee Jewish community is rallying and getting involved the Games at an impressive rate,” Rosen said.

At MilwaukeeMaccabi.org, which is currently undergoing a redesign to prepare for the final stages of the Games, the community can fully register for all aspects of the event — as a volunteer, host family, athlete, coach, or spectator.

“It’s an important step in the host community process,” added Rosen. “This will be the database we’ll use for communications, training, and Games management. It’s important that everyone — even those volunteers who have previously submitted an interest form – goes through the full registration process to enjoy the Games in the fullest way possible.”

JCC Maccabi Games co-chair Nancy Kennedy Barnett leads the teams committees dedicated to identifying and serving more than 1,000 volunteers and 500 host families. She has been involved in preparing the registration process and getting the community on board.

“For nearly two years we’ve been asking the community to ‘Get in the Games,’” said Barnett. “Today, that means going to MilwaukeeMaccabi.org and completing the registration process. Together, we can ensure the safest and most meaningful Games for everyone – whether you’re in the stands at the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, Aug. 2, or plan on volunteering at a site throughout the community.”

Meeting goals

As the Games’ clock counts down to the week of Aug. 2, the team is meeting a series of milestones. In each of the major areas of emphasis, the month of April represents a significant temperature check of readiness and a transition to making the JCC Maccabi Games come alive.

Volunteerism: Along with functional online registration, in April all available volunteer jobs and opportunities will be available for review and selection.

“We get asked a lot what it means to volunteer for the JCC Maccabi Games,” said Barnett. “Whether you have four hours or four months to contribute, we’re excited to make the full array of opportunities available at MilwaukeeMaccabi.org.”

Host Families: As a best practice, host communities aspire to have at least half its total of needed host families identified and registered by Pesach.

“We’re on pace to meet that goal,” said Rosen, “but we’re hitting the streets with force to make sure anyone who is interested in hosting a teen athlete has started the process. The host family relationship is one of the most powerful aspects of the JCC Maccabi Games, and it starts today.”

Team Milwaukee: With a goal of fielding a local team in each of the sports hosted in Milwaukee, Team Milwaukee has grown. As of press time, almost 85 local teens (ages 12-16) have signed up and are readying for competition.

“I’m so proud of the growth and the way this generation is coming together to ‘Be Milwaukee,’” said Team Milwaukee delegation head Aaron Miller. “Our coaches and teams are already training and practicing, and I’m confident this will be our best performance in years.”

April will be the final month of registration to join Team Milwaukee. A full listing of sports, both individual and team, is available at MilwaukeeMaccabi.org.

Support: Individuals and organizations are making their financial commitments to the JCC Maccabi Games and ensuring a financially sustainable community experience.

In addition to the contributions being made by families and companies throughout southeastern Wisconsin, the JCC Maccabi Games recently welcomed Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin as Official Medical Partner of the Games.

“A successful Games — both during the week of Aug. 2 and well beyond — will be the product of leaders coming together, investing in this vision and demonstrating our shared values. We can think of no better partner than Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to ensure a safe, meaningful and professional community experience,” said Games co-chair Moshe Katz.

“Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is honored to have been named the official medical partner of the JCC Maccabi Games,” said Smriti Khare, M.D., president, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Primary Care.

“This community collaboration is very much in line with our vision to have the healthiest kids in the nation and to provide care closer to home. We are grateful for the recognition of our expertise — particularly in the areas of prevention, sports medicine and community health,” Khare said.

Chad Tessmer is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.

1st published in the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Hello JCC Maccabi Games Community,

As I write this, it is officially two months since I arrived in Milwaukee to join the JCC Maccabi Games team, and what a two months it has been! I’ve had the privilege to meet and work with many of you so far, and I look forward to the coming months of continued success, hard work, and lots of exciting planning.

Each day, as I walk into the JCC, I see the countdown clock counting down until August 2nd at 7:00pm. One of the most exciting moments, as it’s a small reminder of why I am here and the goal we are all working towards. With 137 days until Opening Ceremonies, we are in full swing preparing for The Games. Our latest Steering Committee meeting was held at Homestead High School, allowing us to see another venue together as we move forward in planning. Committees are growing in size, and concepts for events, logistics, and athletics, are starting to take shape and become realities. Member Maccabi Spirit Day was a great day at the JCC, and The Games spirit was everywhere. Our staff and members had a great time dressing up as athletes, celebrating with food and games, and spending time as a community.

Team Milwaukee has a strong 85 athletes registered! We are thrilled that so many athletes are ready to #GetInTheGames. Practices and trainings have started for the athletes and coaches and will continue as Team Milwaukee grows. Registration for athletes is still active and we continue to gain new #TeamMKE members every day.

On Wednesday, during the week of The Games, every athlete and coach will be participating in our day of caring, taking part in a JCC Cares project throughout Milwaukee. We recently met with Special Olympics of Wisconsin to discuss and begin planning an event to be held during JCC Cares. It is exciting to see these projects coming together and we cannot wait to share more of them with you as we get closer to The Games and work together to build a healthier Milwaukee.

In case you haven’t heard, our national REGISTRATION SITE is LIVE! As the days count down to The Games, we continue to watch our numbers grow with registered volunteers, host families, and athletes. Register TODAY to be a volunteer or host family! If you haven’t visited the website to register as a host family or volunteer since early January or before, please go to www.milwaukeemaccabi.org and register today. Help us ensure your friends, family, and co-workers are all registered as well. Everyone who wishes to be a part of The Games, must be registered through the system. The success of The Games truly depends on the involvement of our entire community.

For the most recent and up to date information, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Share posts and information with your friends as we continue to get the word out about The Games.

Keep on the lookout for information coming soon for a 100 day countdown event and as always, #GetInTheGames!

Thanks,

Click here to view the whole newsletter.

Dear JCC Maccabi Games Community,

My name is Carissa Mindt and I am the JCC Maccabi Games Coordinator for Milwaukee. I have been working with Jesse closely on planning The Games since last July.  For those who have I have not met yet, I look forward to working with you on the best set of Games ever!

I cannot believe it is mid February already!  There are only 172 days until The Games and our office is buzzing with activity.

We are thrilled to welcome Kelly Biedinger to our staff team as the Assistant Games Director.   Kelly comes directly from the camping world with a skilled background in logistics and event planning.  We are excited to have her on our team!  You will hear more from Kelly and myself in future updates as The Games clock keeps ticking toward the Opening Ceremonies!

In the past month our steering committee has started to form cluster meetings between multiple committees and holding meetings at different venues.  To continue building the excitement for The Games, our last Steering Committee meeting was held at Nicolet High School.

Maccabi Mania was another huge success!  Our two day Maccabi Mania not only consisted of a sea of blue shirts but also was scattered with Team Milwaukee “Athletes” as well. As you will see in the photos below, JCC staff were encouraged to embrace their inner athlete.  Join us and wear your Games gear for Member Maccabi Spirit Day on Wednesday, February 18th  and don’t forget to post your photo to Facebook and Twitter.

You will greatly impact the outcome of the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games here in Milwaukee. Our success depends on the many hands of our volunteers coming together to plan a once in a generation experience for all those who participate. Our city will be vibrant and full with people who wish to connect with our community on August 2nd, 2015.  Can you feel the excitement in this community growing?

Don’t miss out – please Get In The Games and register at www.milwaukeemaccabi.org/volunteer

Thanks,

Carissa Mindt, JCC Maccabi Games Coordinator

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