Whether we are saying “thank you” or “good riddance” to 2014, one thing for sure is that 2015 is a year to welcome opportunity and change.
According to Steven Spielberg’s Back to the Future II, we should be hovering around the electric sky in flying cars, and wearing self-lacing Nike hi-tops and a talking bubble jacket. Instead, we have smart phones so smart they tend to occupy more of our time than actual human interaction.
This New Year at the Alper JCC, we have all the tools and activities to educate, motivate and help you disconnect from that sensation of needing to grab your phone. Of course, we can make exceptions should you choose to Instagram or Tweet what an awesome day you’re having at the “J”.
To start your year off right, our winter class registration is open and accepting people of all ages. Explore our user-friendly online class guide to find what suits your interest or necessity. Whether you fancy sports, Hebrew or art, it’s no mystery as to where we derived one of our more commonly used quotes, “We’ve got it all!”
Registration has begun for basketball.
The program ranges from classes for preschoolers and children to competitive leagues for children and adults. For ages 4- 18, check out our Rookie Basketball Clinic, Biddy Basketball, Youth League and Middle School or High School Basketball. In the “Run ‘n Gun” Basketball League, adults 18 and over bring their own team of 8-10 adult players and compete in professionally refereed games. Jerseys are provided and trophies are awarded to the winners. For more information give Doug Buckley a call at 305-271-9000, ext. 292.
Danny Berry’s Kendall Little League, Diamondbacks Baseball and Flag Football are now accepting children ages 3-18. We have full-size baseball fields with batting cages and a food stand. Tennis classes and tournaments provided by Jane Forman, are held on our lit-up tennis courts for kids and adults. Kung-Fu for ages 5 on up, Tai Chi, Martial Arts and Krav Maga are also all offered in our training dojo. If dry sports aren’t your thing, we also offer swimming classes for all ages provided by Swim Gym in our heated junior Olympic-sized pool.
We also provide classes for your creative side. Our vibrant advanced Hebrew class is for students who converse in only Hebrew.
You will read current events and articles in Hebrew from the Israeli newspaper “Yanshuf”, solve crossword puzzles in Hebrew and use the book Hebrew From Scratch Part 2. For adults, Brilliance of Enamels will have you explore traditional and experimental techniques of enameling, an ancient art form, working in limoge, cloisonné, sifting and more. Here you will create pieces for framing, jewelry and more. H20 Colorists is a watercolor painting class for students of all levels that are excited by the beauty of watercolors and love experimenting with water and paint. For children and teens, our ceramics classes will explore the fun of creating imaginative objects with clay using a variety of techniques.
While on the topic of art, join us for Natural Pastels art exhibit. Natural Pastels celebrates the work of talented Miami artists working with soft pastels, a vibrant material used since the Renaissance to depict landscapes, still life and portraits. Savor a delicious brunch at the 11 a.m. opening reception on Jan. 11 as you experience the elegance and versatility of pastels on paper. Gallery is open Sundays, 1-4 p.m. No charge.
Don’t forget to carry out your New Year’s resolutions in one of our fitness classes or just stop by and take a free guided tour of our sprawling campus. For more information on our classes and programs, call 305-271-9000 or visit our website at www.alperjcc.org.
Have a successful and healthy 2015, Miami!
