J Staff Intranet Blog

A Focus on the Greater Good

The Kansas Department of Health + Environment has specifically requested that our Child Development Center stay open during this time.  Why?

It is critical that our community's medical professionals and first responders have childcare so they can do their jobs.

In response, we have kept our CDC open for "critical care" only, which balances the needs of our community with our desire to limit the number of staff members onsite.  CDC administrators have created a rotating schedule that allows the program to stay open, but with most employees at home on any given day.

THANK YOU, CDC teachers and staff.  You are living J Values and it is noticed and appreciated.

Staying Connected While We're Apart

The J's building might be closed (except for critical care in our CDC), but we're still connecting with and serving our members.  Through creative thinking, technology and a rapid response mentality, J Team members are quickly finding ways to adapt during the temporary closure.

• Group Exercise hosted and posted several virtual workouts yesterday.
• The Heritage Center sent a YouTube message and links to online fitness to HC members.
• Encore! has scheduled virtual classes using Zoom.

We'll continue to highlight people and departments who are finding creative ways to connect.  We can learn from and be inspired by each other.

Thank you!

We asked you to share what inspires, comforts or humors you during these unusual times.  Felice Azorsky responded:

"I am inspired by all the emails about free resources from yoga classes to access to Broadway shows. I also saw this meme last night and it made me laugh: "Day 2 without sports. Found a lady sitting on my couch. Apparently she's my wife - she seems nice."

Thanks, Felice!

Links to free online performances by John Legend; Katharine McPhee and David Foster; Hunter Hayes; the Metropolitan Opera and more.

Links to five free workouts including yoga.

What Inspires and Encourages You?

As we pull together during this uncertain time, let's use J Net to share inspiring, encouraging (or just funny) words.

What quotes or sayings or memes are you finding to be helpful or humorous right now?

Share in the Comments section or email Mary Beth and we'll post something each day

Thank you!

 

 

Alley DeWitt's name was pulled in the random drawing for this week's J Net contest.

Congratulations, Alley.  Thanks to everyone who played along.

Mazel Tov to Hannah Rank

Congratulations to Hannah Rank on the birth of her son, Thomas James Martin, who was born on March 2, 2020.

The Hebrew phrase mazel tov literally translated means “good luck.” In practice, mazel tov is usually said to mean “Congratulations!”

One can expect to hear people shout “mazel tov” at Jewish weddings just after the groom breaks the glass, at brit milah (bris) ceremonies, and at bar/bat mitzvahs. Mazel tov is an appropriate response to any good news, from an engagement to a graduation, a new job, a new house, or any other honor or milestone.  From MyJewishLearning.com

There's a lot going on at The J and we want our members, guests and J Team members to have current information about events, classes, promotions and more.

Marketing Communications publishes "J Journal" to ensure everyone knows about the amazing programming going on at The J.  There are three versions to better target the demographics of our audiences: Adults; Heritage Center (senior adults); and Families (with young children).

We try to represent all departments throughout these bi-monthly communications.  We also highlight community events.  Click below to see the latest editions. 

J Journal for Adults

J Journal for Heritage Center

J Journal for Families

We all procrastinate.  It's part of being human.  For a serious examination of why we put off important tasks (with a self-quiz), take a look at this article from Psychology Today.

For a not-serious moment, share with us either what you procrastinate about the most OR what you are willing to do to avoid doing what you should.  When it's time to gather my tax info, I suddenly feel the urge to organize my spice drawer, for example.

Share your answer by noon on  Friday, March 13th and be eligible to win a $25 Target card.

Purim, which begins today at sundown, is considered one of the most joyous and celebratory holidays in Judaism, as it marks the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia around 2,500 years ago.

According to legend, Haman, who was prime minister of Persia at the time, had a plot to kill all of the Jews, "young and old, infants and women," in just one day. He convinced the King to issue a decree to have all Jews murdered on the 13th day of Adar.

But Haman did not know that Esther, the King's wife, was Jewish. When Esther revealed her identity to her husband the King, he ordered Haman be hanged and Esther's cousin Mordechai was named prime minister in his place. The Jews then spent the day killing their enemies before they finally rested on Purim, the 14th day of Adar.

Many Jews celebrate the holiday by:

• Reading the Book of Esther
• Giving donations to the poor or gifts of food to friends
• Swapping Purim baskets with cookies, cakes, bagels, fruit, nuts and wine
• Holding parades (our CDC has a Purim parade tomorrow at 9:15 a.m.)
• Making loud noises in synagogue, stamping feet, whistling and booing
• Celebrating with food and alcohol
• Making and sharing hamantaschen - triangular-shaped cookie  shaped to resemble Haman's 3-cornered hat and traditionally stuffed with sweet fillings made of poppy seeds, dried fruits, or fruit preserves .

From Newsweek

One of our members recently shared this feedback, which confirms that our J Values are noticed and appreciated!

"Modern, clean, friendly, professional, supports the community, strives for continuous improvement, and connects the Jewish religious experience with being a physical being and how being physical strengthens being Jewish. It's written on the walls by the running track to motivate you. The J is a happy healthy positive place open and respectful to all."

Thanks to everyone in Fitness + Sports + Aquatics for making sure our members feel welcome and have opportunities to enrich mind, body and soul!

Purim , or the Feast of Lots, is a joyous holiday that recounts the saving of the Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian period (539-330 BCE). The story of Purim is told in the Book of Esther, and Esther plays the leading role in saving her people. The holiday is traditionally celebrated with wild abandon and with the giving of gifts to friends and the poor.

The story of Purim takes place during a time when many Jews were living in Persia. A young Jewish woman, Esther, rises to be Queen of Persia under the tutelage of her guardian Mordecai. All, however, is not right. The Jews have enemies, and a certain Haman, the grand vizier, plots the Jews’ destruction.

Even though Esther has hidden her Jewish identity from all, Mordecai prevails on her to risk her life by revealing her true identity to the king. She does this and denounces the evil Haman’s plot. At the end of the story, the Jews are able to turn the tables on their enemies, who are then punished in place of the intended victims. This story is one of the most beloved in the Jewish community, because of the hope that it gives a minority living in an oftentimes hostile majority culture.

Purim begins the evening of March 9 and ends the evening of March 10.

From myjewishlearning.com

Do you Know a Talented Teen?

The J’s annual fundraiser is KC SuperStar - an “American Idol” high school singing competition -  raises money for financial assistance and programming at The J.  SuperStar is an amazing opportunity for young singers to become better performers, make new friends, and have a shot at winning $10,000.  There is no fee to audition or participate.

Please help spread the word. For more information www.kcsuperstar.org

As part of 2020 Severe Weather Awareness Week, Johnson County will run a TEST activation of the outdoor warning sirens and a test of the NotifyJoCo mass notification system on Tuesday, March 3rd at 10:00 a.m.

This test is a great reminder for all J departments to discuss their tornado safety plans, including tornado refuge areas, routes, communication plans, etc.

For more information about Johnson County's notification system and to create a NotifyJoCo account, click here.

 

 

Nearly every four years, we add an extra day to the calendar in the form of February 29, also known as Leap Day. These additional 24 hours are built into the calendar to ensure that it stays in line with the Earth’s movement around the Sun. While the modern calendar contains 365 days, the actual time it takes for Earth to orbit its star is slightly longer—roughly 365.2421 days. The difference might seem negligible, but over decades and centuries that missing quarter of a day per year can add up. To ensure consistency with the true astronomical year, it is necessary to periodically add in an extra day to make up the lost time and get the calendar back in synch with the heavens. 

People born on Leap Day are called 'Leaplings'  There are only about 5 million people in the whole world who were born on February 29, with the odds of being born on Leap Day standing at about 1-in-1,461. Of The J’s 485 employees, only one is a Leapling.

From History.com

Congratulations to Kathleen Cuddy, Director of Marketing Communications, for winning this week's random drawing.

Thanks to everyone who shared what he/she would do if CEO for a day!

(J Dog, J Dog, J Dog...)

There's a lot going on at The J and we want our members, guests and J Team members to have current information about events, classes, promotions and more.

Marketing Communications publishes "J Journal" to ensure everyone knows about the amazing programming going on at The J.  There are three versions to better target the demographics of our audiences: Adults; Heritage Center (senior adults); and Families (with young children).

We try to represent all departments throughout these bi-monthly communications.  We also highlight community events.  Click below to see the latest editions. 

J Journal for Adults

J Journal for Heritage Center

J Journal for Families

Camp + School-Age Services is Welcoming + Inclusive

As part of Jewish Disabilities Awareness + Acceptance + Inclusion month, we are highlighting our inclusion program, which provides Paraeducators for children who need additional support and accommodation to fully engage in J offerings. The J After-School and Vacation Day programs support a limited number of youth with disabilities. The After-School and Vacation Day staff provide the pre-arranged additional support needed in order for the child to participate in group activities.  

We appreciate all of our staff who work to make sure our children feel included.

Congratulations to Felice Azorsky and Stacey Belzer, who won Live Up awards.

Felice and Stacey were nominated for demonstrating J Values when they jumped-in to help with a special event.  When a co-worker became ill and couldn't work the event, Felice and Stacey volunteered to help.  They did a lot of heavy lifting - literally - and helped to ensure Pooch Palooza was a success.

If you know someone who demonstrates J Values in an "above and beyond" kind of way, nominate him or her using the link above.  Winners receive recognition and $50 Target cards.

Pictured are Felice Azorsky, Jim Sluyter and  Stacey Belzer.

Contagious diseases like the flu and coronavirus are in the news.  We can increase our chances of staying healthy at The J by doing a few simple things:

Know the symptoms of the flu and coronavirus.

Use common-sense precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose promptly
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Wipe work surfaces frequently

Stay home if you have a fever over 101 degrees; are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea; or have a sore throat with a fever.

Please inform your supervisor if your work area needs tissues, sanitizing wipes, etc.

Congratulations to Sandi Sandborn for winning a Live Up award, which includes a $50 Target card.

Sandi was nominated for demonstrating loving kindness toward a family holding a memorial service at The J.  The family wanted to play special music, but we weren't able to provide it.  Sandi took it upon herself to find a way to honor the family's request.

Thank you, Sandi, for living J Values.  If you know someone who "lives up" to J values, nominate him or her using the "Live Up Nomination" link at the top of this page.

Pictured are Deb Ball and Sandi Sandborn.

CEO For A Day?

I was walking to my car last week and spotted a J name tag on the ground - Jim Sluyter's name tag, to be specific.

I pinned it on and decided I'd be CEO for a day, and that got me thinking...

If I was CEO for the day I'd hire a Golden Retriever to be our J Dog.  He'd make rounds each day, dispensing dog hugs and unconditional love (and dog hair).

What would YOU do if you were CEO for a day?  Share in the comments section by Thursday, February 27 at noon to be entered in a drawing for a $25 Target card.

The MED is now offering kosher turkey sandwiches on your choice of white or wheat bread with mustard and/or mayo on the side for $5.00.

Thanks for the new kosher lunch option, MED!

Thanks to everyone who shared a random act of kindness given or received.  Shannon Riordan, webmaster, won the drawing.  Congrats, Shannon!

Walking The Talk Has Impact

We talk about J values, wear the shirts and highlight them whenever we can, but does having organizational values really make a difference?  YES!

We received this comment today through our "Listen 360" customer feedback program:

"I really love the classes and the friendly nature of everyone who is there.  I love that my neighbors, who are in their 80's, go to yoga classes and are being social because of the great teachers and welcoming and inclusive attitudes."

Wow!  To hear a customer reflect our own J Values phrase back to us is heartwarming.  What we do and say is noticed and does make a difference.

Thanks for everything you do to demonstrate J Values.  It is noticed and it matters.

One of our J Values is V’ahavta – showing loving kindness to those around us.  Nationally, this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week – a great reason to call attention to the power of giving and receiving kindness.

Health professions say there are benefits to demonstrating kindness to others:

• Fuels personal energy and self-esteem
• Makes you happier
• It’s good for your heart
• Helps you live longer
• Decreases harmful chemicals in your body

It’s easy to show a little extra kindness this week:

• Smile at strangers
• Say “hello” to people you pass in the hallways
• Hold the door for someone
• Let that other driver into your lane
• Buy the coffee or soda of the person behind you in line
• Leave a note for someone with a kind word

We’ll show one J Team member a little kindness this week in the form of a $25 Target card.  To be in the drawing, use the comments section to share how you've given or received a random act of kindness.  Drawing is 5:00 pm on Friday, February 21, 2020.

As part of Jewish Disabilities Awareness + Acceptance + Inclusion month, we are highlighting our inclusion program, which provides Paraeducators for children who need additional support and accommodation to fully engage in J offerings.  Today, we are proud to introduce Iwen West, who shared why she enjoys working as a Paraeducator at The J:

“I love being a Para at the CDC.  To see the children smile and watch them grow makes me so happy!  And the hugs, they are just so genuine and affectionate.  I look forward to the hugs each day!” 

As part of Jewish Disabilities Awareness + Acceptance + Inclusion month, we are highlighting our inclusion program, which provides Paraeducators for children who need additional support and accommodation to fully engage in J offerings.  Today, we are proud to introduce Judy Kass, who shared why she enjoys working as a Paraeducator at The J:

“Working as a Para is an ever-changing experience.  It is learning something new every day, whether it be about your particular kiddo, or yourself.   In addition to providing support for your kiddo, a Para also ensures that the classroom teachers can give the needed attention to all the students in the class.  So, as a Para, always hope for consistency, but be prepared for the unexpected.” 

 

As part of Jewish Disabilities Awareness + Acceptance + Inclusion month, we are highlighting our inclusion program, which provides Paraeducators for children who need additional support and accommodation to fully engage in J offerings.  Today, we are proud to introduce Robin Wahlquist, who shared why she enjoys working as a Paraeducator at The J:

“I love being a Para because of the relationship I get to build with the children I work with every day.  My favorite part of my job is watching the kiddos progress through the year.  They grow and change so fast at this age!” 

New Director of Marketing Communications

The J is happy to welcome Kathleen Cuddy as its new Director, Marketing Communications.  Kathleen shared a little about herself:

"I am excited to join The J team as the Director of Marketing Communications and the opportunity to promote The J’s mission for health and wellness. Most recently, I had my own communications consulting business working with a variety of agriculture clients. Prior to that, I worked at the Midwest Dairy Association helping promote dairy foods and dairy farmers. I also worked at the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross. I live close to The J in the Red Bridge area (where I grew up) with my husband Mike. We have two sons, John and Danny, and a beloved beagle, Cash. We enjoy going to the lake, watching KC sporting events, cooking and walking Cash."

As part of Jewish Disabilities Awareness + Acceptance + Inclusion month, we are highlighting our inclusion program, which provides Paraeducators for children who need additional support and accommodation to fully engage in J offerings.  Today, we are proud to introduce Alicia Cordova, who shared why she enjoys working as a Paraeducator at The J:

“Since paras work with children who need a little extra support on a one-on-one basis, I love when we have moments of connection. The sparkle in their eye or the radiance beaming from their smile speaks volumes of gratitude and reassurance louder than words can relay which makes me feel content that I’ve helped them, in a small way, to have a better day.”