J Staff Intranet Blog

Ryan Evans recently assumed the role of Supervisor, Member Experience Desk.  We asked him to share a little about himself:

"I am from Clearmont, Missouri. I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University this past May with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Parks Management. I moved to Kansas City to work for the Kansas City T-Bones and made my way to The J! I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends. I also enjoy playing/ coaching basketball. That’s why I am also a basketball coach here at the J!"

Welcome, Ryan!  We're glad you're on The J Team.

 

To mark National Computer Security Day, we asked you to guess how many deny requests our firewall made on November 30, 2019.  Guesses ranged from 325 to 300,000.

The answer: 37,942 deny requests on November 30th.  That's a lot of "no's" from our protective firewall!

Rachel Bolter made the closest guess and wins a $25 gift card of her choice.  Congratulations, Rachel, and thanks to everyone who played.

Also...a big thanks to David Green, our Director of IT, for all he does to keep our systems safe, updated and running smoothly.

 

Vote for The J!

Congratulations to our Arts + Culture team for receiving nine nominations in the Broadway World Regional awards. 

We received nominations for Best Musical, Best Actor and Actress in a Musical, Best Costume Design and more.  Most J nominees are volunteer performers and contract employees who work on individual shows.  However, full time J Team member Justin Dudzik was nominated for Best Technical Direction - Light and Sound.  Way to go, Justin!

You can vote for Broadway World awards by clicking here.  Enter your email and click through the categories to vote.  The J is in the "non professional" categories.

Thanks, Arts + Culture, for your hard work and dedication.  Break a leg!

Happy work anniversary to these J Team members:

• Felice Azorsky – Development (7 years)
• David Green – IT (5 years)
• Chelsey Hopkins – Group Fitness (4 years)
• Jamie Katz – Group Fitness (17 years)
• Sarah Van Note – Child Development Center (1 year)
• Nick Petersen – CrossFit (2 years)
• Angel Lindsey – Child Development Center (1 year)

Thank you for sharing your time and talent with The J and its members!

Congratulations to Bob Hennecke and Maggie Osgood Nicholls -- the last daily winners!!  Come to Janice's office to get your gift card.  

AND OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER.......40" FLAT SCREEN TV + SOUND BAR IS................................Krisandra Spell!!  

 

Thank you to everyone who donated this year.  IT"S NOT TO LATE TO DONATE>>>no prizes, just the special prize of knowing your gift will be of help to someone :)  Once we tally up all the numbers, we'll share the final total with everyone.  And for those of you who have donated, or those that still might, be on the look out for an invitation to our Thank You Breakfast on Wednesday, December 11th.  

November 30^th is National Computer Security Day (who knew there was such a thing?).  We’re celebrating with a contest and some important reminders.

To say that computer security is important is an understatement.  Because our computers contain so much information about our organization and our members, we must be diligent in protecting them.

• Always use a strong password or passphrase.
• NEVER share your password with anyone (including coworkers and supervisors). If you are currently sharing your password with others come talk to me and we can figure out other solutions.
• Keep all work-related documents on the shared drives and not on your local computer.
• Use caution when using the internet.
• Use caution when checking your e-mail. Remember your KnowBe4 training.
• Lock your computer if you cannot see it. I frequently walk passed empty offices with unlocked computers (sigh).
• Make sure your web browser does not store or remember your passwords. Use a password manager such as KeePass or LastPass.
• Remember that you are our best computer security tool!
• If you have any question, ask your IT guy!

Contest:  Our firewall sits on the edge of our network and works hard to keep the bad guys out. Every day it denies access to thousands of requests. Most of these requests are simple “knocks on the door” to see if the door is open. Some of these requests originate in nations that are known for hacking, others are local bad guys trying to trick their way in and some are just mistakes.

Guess how many deny requests our firewall makes on November 30.  Share your answer in the Comments section by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, December 3.  The best guess wins a $25 gift card.

Congratulations to Lauren Levin and Krisandra Spell--today's daily drawing winners!  Janice has gift cards, come and claim yours!  

One more day to enter into the daily drawings and we've got a little J swag to throw in!  If you haven't turned in a pledge form, DO IT TODAY!

Thanks to everyone who has pledged/donated so far.  

Congratulations to Debbie Ball and Samantha Hammontree!!  .  Come to Janice's office to pick your gift card.  If you haven't already, please consider donating to either United Way and/or Jewish Federation.  

Brian Woeppel, J Receptionist, received a Live Up Award (which included a $50 Amazon card) at the November Staff Meeting.

Brian was nominated for working with a client of Jewish Vocational Services.  The client was working on skills needed to join the workforce and spent two hours with Brian asking questions, observing and learning.

Thank you, Brian, for helping a partner agency and a young man who is taking a big step in life!

Pictured are Alley DeWitt and Brian Woeppel.

Congratulations to Carrie Monaghan and Stacey Belzer!  Come to Janice's office to pick your gift card!  Thanks to everyone who has donated so far.

Thanks to everyone who played our Thanksgiving game!  The actual Thanksgiving meal was preferred over leftovers by a very slim margin.

The winner of our random drawing is Dawn Aronoff, Lead in our Group Fitness department.  Come to HR to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who played and enjoy your Thanksgiving...the meal and the leftovers.

Cory Bailey has joined The J Team as a Groundskeeper and Maintenance Assistant.  We asked Cory to share a little about himself:

"Having a storied background in performing arts, transportation, heavy equipment, customer service and commercial billing, Cory has decided to enjoy his life and become a team member at The J!  

Record-holder of waiting to get married, Cory recently exchanged vows with his lovely wife, Shelby. He spends a great deal of time in the garden, backyard, running to and from their children’s activities and pursuing the great outdoors.

Go Buckeyes!"

Welcome to The J Team, Cory!

Congratulations to Larry Laughlin, Manager of Campus Operations.

Larry received a Live Up Award, which included a $50 Home Depot Gift Card and recognition at the November Staff Meeting.

Larry was nominated for the way he goes above and beyond to help his team members.  Thank you, Larry!

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

 

Our first daily prize drawing has happened!  Kelly Wolf and LeAnne Nash are today's winners.

To be entered into tomorrow's drawing, complete your United Way or Jewish Federation pledge form(s) and give to Janice.

Questions?  Contact Janice Malin or Alley DeWitt.

Congrats, Kelly and Leanne!

The J, in partnership with The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah, operates a part time preschool program at B’nai Jehudah and is seeking a Site Director.

The Site Director:

• Hires, trains and supervises Teachers and Paraeducators
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with students and their families
• Manages the enrollment process by responding to requests for information, providing tours and overseeing enrollment forms and documents
• Creates and manages the employee schedule
• Manages the payroll process
• Interacts with staff of The Temple, Congregation Bnai Jehudah on issues related to the physical space
• Oversees the preschool breakfast program

To learn more and to see the position qualifications, visit www.thejkc.org/careers or visit Mary Beth in Human Resources.

According to a 2015 Harris Poll, almost eight in 10 Americans prefer Thanksgiving leftovers to the actual Thanksgiving dinner!  Let’s see if J Team members agree.

In the comments section, tell us if you prefer THANKSGIVING or LEFTOVERS.  If you prefer leftovers, add whether you make your second meal a repeat of Thanksgiving or create your own concoction from the leftover parts.

Everyone who comments will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Target card, which will be held at noon on Friday, November 22.

As we prepare for our United Way and Jewish Federation giving campaigns, which kick-off at the November 20 Staff Meeting, we want to highlight how these two agencies support The J.

Director of Jewish Experiences Jill Maidhof shared this:

"Jewish Federation funding enables the J to host visiting authors, artists and scholars who bring new Jewish insights and perspectives to our community."

This support helps our work to enhance and increase understanding of Jewish culture, history and traditions.

We hope you'll choose to support our United Way/Jewish Federation campaign when we launch it tomorrow.

These J Team members are celebrating work anniversaries this week:

• Marilyn Bruce - Group Fitness (19 years)
• Delaina Melton - Heritage Center (1 year)

Thanks to both of you for sharing your time and talent with The J and its members!

As we ramp-up for our annual United Way/Jewish Federation giving campaign, we'll highlight how the two organizations support The J.

Our Director of the Heritage Center, Sandra Greason, shared this:

"United Way and Jewish Federation funding helps subsidize lunch and transportation for over 50 individuals age 65+ who are receiving financial assistance.  We provide almost 2,000 rides and 2,300 lunches for low-income/at-risk individuals."

Our Heritage Center keeps seniors active, engaged and connected through art and exercise classes, fresh and healthy meals and social activities.

Please think about how you might contribute to our United Way/Jewish Federation campaign, which we'll launch at the November 20 Staff Meeting.

As we ramp-up for our annual United Way/Jewish Federation giving campaign, we'll highlight how the two organizations support The J.

Our Director of the Child Development Center, Machaela Whelan, shared this:

"Generous support from the United Way and the Jewish Federation make it possible for all families to attend our early childhood CDC program. Without their support, we would not have financial assistance available to help families with tuition costs. All children deserve to have access to high quality early education programs like ours, and with the support of these programs we ensure we are providing that opportunity."

Thanks to JFED and United Way, children who otherwise couldn't afford it are benefiting from our highly-respected, accredited preschool and getting a great start in life.

Please think about how you might contribute to our United Way/Jewish Federation campaign, which we'll launch at the November 20 Staff Meeting.

 

 

As we ramp-up for our annual United Way/Jewish Federation giving campaign, we'll highlight how the two organizations support The J.

Our Director of Camp + School-Age Services, DD Gass, shared this:

"United Way provides scholarship dollars for children from low-income households so they can participate in J Camp, After-School and Vacation Day programs."

Thanks to United Way, kids who otherwise might not be able to attend our great programs are enjoying Camp, staying safe after school and making friends and lasting memories at The J.

Please think about how you might contribute to our United Way/Jewish Federation campaign, which we'll launch at the November 20 Staff Meeting.

 

 

 

United Way and Jewish Federation (JFED) are important partners of The J.  Last year, we received $103,000 from United Way and $350,500 from JFED to help fund a variety of J programs and services!

To support United Way and JFED, we host annual giving campaigns and ask all J Team members to donate to United Way, JFED or a combination of both.  Donations can be big or small, one-time or out of every paycheck.  All contributions help to provide essential services in our community.

At our November 20 Staff Meeting, you’ll hear from United Way and JFED representatives regarding their annual campaigns and the funds they provide to The J and other great community organizations.  You'll also learn more about the great incentives we're offering to those who give (how about a 40" flat screen TV and sound bar?)!

For details, click here and watch J Net and email for updates.

See you at the Staff Meeting on November 20!

Your United Way Campaign Committee - Alley DeWitt and Janice Malin

 

It takes 154 Basketballs to Operate J's Winter BBall Program

Congratulations to the winners of our basketball contest - Roslyn Reiger, Barry Birkmeyer and Matt Multer.  They submitted the best guesses on the number of basketballs used in our Winter Basketball program.

Stop by HR to collect your $20 Dick's Sporting Goods certificates.

Who Has Your Back at Work?

Pop news recently featured a story about Wheel of Fortune colleagues Pat Sajak and Vanna White, who've worked together on over 7,000 shows the past 37 years.

Last week, Sajak needed emergency surgery and the show had to be cancelled.  The next day, White offered to serve as host and keep production going, which prompted news stories about teamwork, work friendships, etc.

Do you have a work buddy who has your back, whom you can count on in a crisis or whenever you need a little extra help and support?

Use the comments section to give a shout-out to your work comrade by noon on Friday, November 15.  Everyone mentioned will be entered into a random drawing for a $25 Target card.

 

 

Congratulations to Marlyn Tudhope, receptionist for the Heritage Center, for winning a Live Up award.

Marlyn was nominated by three members for her great customer service, friendliness, helpfulness and more.

If you see a J Team member demonstrating J Values and "living up," nominate him/her by clicking "Live Up Nomination" at the top of this page.

Live Up award winners receive $50 Target cards and recognition.

Pictured left to right: Sandra Greason (Director, Heritage Center); Marlyn Tudhope; and Jim Sluyter (President + CEO)

 

Happy Work Anniversary to these J Team members:

1. Lois Clayman - Group Fitness (31 years)
2. Sandy Eisenberg - Group  Fitness (15 years)
3. Jenny Arbanas - Aquatics (5 years)
4. Cheryl Kantor - Child Development Center (3 years)
5. Marla Deel - Aquatics (2 years)

Thank you for sharing your time and talent with The J and our members!

Campus Launches New Online Work Request

Rob Bolt (Director, Campus Operations) and Brenda Estell (Supervisor, Campus Operations) had a "best moment" today when they launched a new online work order request.

For non-emergency requests, J employees should use this new online system.  Here's how:

• Login to J Net
• Navigate to "Work Request" under Quick Links or Help Request
• Complete the online form and submit
• You'll get an instant response confirming your request has been received
• Requests will be responded to within 24 hours 
• Requests will be completed within 48 hours unless there are special circumstances, in which case you'll receive an update

Non-emergency requests are things like lights not working, room temperature settings, door issues, requests for moves and hanging items, etc.  For urgent requests, continue to use the phone or radio.

If you have questions about the work order system, contact Brenda in the Campus office.

Thank you, Campus, for creating a more efficient way to submit and track work orders!

Get Stronger + Boost Metabolism In a Small Group Experience

Beginner's Strength + Lifting is a class focusing on basic strength using both free weights and machines.  Participants learn the basics of movements, weight selection and rep scheme for optimal metabolism-boosting.

12 Sessions (2x per week for 6 weeks)

• Groups of 3-4 people
• Built-in support + accountability
• Training time chosen by the group
• Only $150 for all 12 sessions!

Contact Roslyn to sign up at RoslynR@thejkc.org or 913.327.8155.

Winter Basketball Programs - Build Skills + Have Fun

J Basketball features a variety of programs for a wide range of ages.

• Skill Builders
• YOUHOOP Basketball Development Program
• Basketball Camps + Clinics

How many basketballs does our Sports + Rec department use to facilitate its Winter Youth Basketball Program?

Put your answer in the comments section by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12. The best guess wins a $20 Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate.

For more information about our basketball programs contact Daniel Marklewitz at 913-327-8009 or at danielm@thejkc.org