Raven DiSalvo-Hess

People are living longer and longer, which means more people are or will be in the place of taking care of a parent, spouse or other relative as they age. While caring for a loved one is often fulfilling, it can also be an overwhelming task that puts strain on the caretakers and creates a maze of family dynamics as everyone’s roles shift. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Recognizing the ups and downs of caregiving, the JCC has put together a 5-week lecture series in which you will learn about resources you and your givee may be eligible for, how to handle the hard moments and the ways to find fulfillment in this role. Whether you have just begun your caregiving journey or are years in, you are invited to join us to the below presentations. Each presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A as well as time for attendees to ask one-on-one questions to the speakers and mingle with each other. Visit jccsyr.org/cp to see the full list of topics and speakers.

Event Description Join the JCC for a Book Talk by Dr. Michael Gordon on his book, The Book of David which shares his experiences and life lessons learned from caring for his special needs brother. "Caring for a sibling with special needs presents families with a gauntlet of challenges and responsibilities. But while the downsides of sibling caregiving understandably take center stage, few books consider how managing the less-than-perfect among us can also enrich us all-individually, within our families, and across the community at large. This "memoir as self-help" book addresses what goals and principles we should set for ourselves and our special needs siblings. With humor and affection, the author uses his brother's life history to address issues that arise around education, employment, health care, family functioning, and religious observance. Dr. Gordon, a child psychologist, parlays his extensive clinical experience to explore the many trials and triumphs that can arise when one sibling cares for another."

De-stress with the art of Zentangle at the JCC! Bring your creativity and join the JCC for a two-hour introduction to Zentangle, a relaxing and meditative ink drawing method that transforms simple patterns into works of art. No artistic experience is required. This class will be given by Linda Markell, a Certified Zentangle Teacher and retired public health educator. Linda has previously taught Zentangle at the Marcellus Library and the Womens Retreats at Chautauqua Institute.

Join the JCC as we show the 1973 French-Italian comedy The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob.

Love a mystery? Then we have the book club for you! Delve into classic who-dun-its, new thrillers and everything in between. This group meets the First Wednesday of the month, 12:45-1:45 pm. Visit jccsyr.org/book-clubs to see the monthly book selection.

Join us at the JCC as we welcome Ann Callaghan Allen for a presentation on her book Holocaust Refugees in Oswego, which explores the harrowing narrative of how Oswego became the only city in the United States to give shelter to Holocaust refugees. Book will be available for purchase and signing.

Love a mystery? Then we have the book club for you! Delve into classic who-dun-its, new thrillers and everything in between. This group meets the First Wednesday of the month, 12:45-1:45 pm. Visit jccsyr.org/book-clubs to see the monthly book selection.

Everybody loves them, everybody wears them: Jeans are no doubt an iconic garment and they tell the legendary story of the American West. But did you know that they were made world famous by an adventurous Bavarian-Jew who combined his marvelous business sense with German ingenuity? Join German Historian Anette Isaacs, M.A. who will Zoom into the JCC, for a fascinating journey into the days of the Gold Rush and learn about Levi Strauss and his amazing life!

Miss your summer camp days? Join the JCC and NextGen for a day of summer camp crafts, acitivites and food!

Love a mystery? Then we have the book club for you! Delve into classic who-dun-its, new thrillers and everything in between. This group meets the First Wednesday of the month, 12:45-1:45 pm. Visit jccsyr.org/book-clubs to see the monthly book selection.