It's all happening at the JCC

The Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, has something for nearly everyone going on this fall.

For example, an activity based on the popular "Dangerous Book for Boys," is open to boys and girls, ages 7 to 10, with their parents.

Children can be signed up for any or all of the sessions, with a free book given to those who enroll in the entire series. Except for the final session on November 23, classes are held from 1:30 to 3:00 pm on Sundays.

Go-Kart Building is the topic on October 19, when wood and wheels result in a great go-kart. Israel Ortiz, JCC Plant Director, will help participants create fast and fun machines, but parents must bring basic tools for construction (list to be provided). The fee is $30.

On October 26, Classic Games are the feature. Take a break from video games and enter the Golden Age of Games, where no batteries or microchips are needed. Players will create such games as coin football, marbles, cards, along with pen and paper games. The fee is $20.
Juggling is the subject on November 2, when a professional juggler heads up a fun workshop, promising impressive results that will amaze friends and relatives. The fee is $20.

On November 16, Making Stuff shows how to create amazing things, such as the best paper airplane or a battery and pocket light out of household objects. The fee is $20.

The final session, November 23, is called Space (and Pizza Bagels) and meets at 5 pm at the Yale Observatory, 111 Hilldale Road, Bethany. Guided by the Astronomical Society of New Haven, participants will visit the observatory to gaze at the night sky through powerful telescopes, check out meteorites, and be treated to an amazing presentation inside the dome. A treat of pizza bagels concludes the program. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly, as part of the session takes place outdoors. The fee is $20.

Also:
A bus trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino is planned for Tuesday, Oct. 28, from the JCC. The coach bus leaves 360 Amity Road at 10 a.m. The cost of $27 includes the bus ride, $10 food voucher, and $20 casino bonus voucher. Reservations in advance are required and space is limited. Please call the JCC at (203) 387-2522, extension 221, for reservations and additional information.

Mah Jongg classes for beginners and intermediates are starting at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven on Thursday, October 23rd, 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. The 5-week course is taught by experienced instructor Hermine Swimmer. The JCC is located at 360 Amity Road in Woodbridge, and course fees are $20 for JCC members and $25 for non-members. Call the JCC at (203) 387-2522, ex. 221, for more information.

The next program in the Classical Music Series at the JCC features guitarist Judith Handler, along with Mark Levesque, who plays both guitar and mandolin. The concert is set for Oct. 19, at 2 p.m., in the Vine Auditorium at 360 Amity Road. The program is free and open to the community.
Judy Handler is a graduate of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and the Hartt School of Music. She has given concerts and workshops at numerous venues throughout the United States and Europe. She teaches guitar at the University of Connecticut and at a private studio in Vernon, Ct. She is founder of the CT Classical Guitar Society.
Mark Levesque plays an array of guitars, as well as several types of mandolins. His versatility has given him the opportunity to play in groups ranging from duos to big bands. He started playing at age 13, has composed songs and instrumental music, worked with synthesizer orchestration, and learned the art of studio recording.
In 2003 Judy and Mark released an exhilarating live concert recording with bass and drums, called Two Guitars Live! Their 2001 release, Acoustic Blend, received international acclaim and was chosen by the Greater Hartford Arts Council as a premier gift for donors to their United Arts Campaign for 2003. They are also on five compilation CDs of New England guitarists, as well as an international virtual CD, Prelude.
For more information about the October 19 concert, call the JCC at (203) 387-2522, extension 206.