ON THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 8TH, THE JUDAIC STUDIES TEACHERS-IN-TRAINING AT MELAMEDET HAD AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. UP UNTIL THIS POINT, THEY HAD BEEN WORKING HARD THROUGHOUT THE PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, TAKING COURSES RANGING FROM “TEACHING NAVI” TO ”TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM.”

They had heard from many leaders and teachers in the field of Jewish Education, observed a variety of classes, and practiced creating and giving their own classes to one another. On this meaningful night of Torah classes for the girls of our community, it was time to take everything that they had learned and start giving it all back.

The teachers-in-training were ready with detailed source sheets, positivity, love, and the desire to inspire and be true role models. Over 70 students from 5th grade all the way to high school came with enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, but what they left with was even more special. The Melamedet students gave meaningful, interesting, and vibrant Torah classes. They captured the hearts and minds of every student, keeping them engaged, involved, asking questions, and requesting that the Melamedet students offer more classes in the future. The Melamedet students left that night feeling grateful for the opportunity to give back. The community girls left with a deeper love of Torah and a beautiful connection to amazing community role models. Melamedet is blessed to be a part of the next generation of community educators in Jewish Education. We are looking forward to another amazing semester this fall!

WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE NIGHT

“The Torah classes that we had the opportunity to give made the transition from student to teacher seamless! We observed amazing teachers at work and then got the chance to give back in a beautiful and meaningful way.” Sally Choueka

“It was such an amazing night. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did! I felt so prepared, and it’s because of the personal attention Melamedet shows to each girl. It honestly got me so excited to do this more often.” Judy Sitt

“It was empowering and exciting to stand up in front of a large group of girls who were the age that I hope to teach one day. I was able to apply everything I learned from Melamedet about preparing and presenting content. I loved being in a room with all of my peers teaching with me. The mentorship and support I received throughout the whole process was unparalleled, and I’m so thankful to be a student at Melamedet.” Eileen Dweck

“It was such a pleasure and an honor to be able to teach the girls. Melamedet’s courses honed the skills I needed to hold their attention, gain their respect, and respond to their questions. We’re so lucky to be able to connect with the youth of our community over our holy Torah and its valuable lessons.” Mary Jajati

A special thank you to Bet Rachel Synagogue for hosting the event, and Rabbi David Tawil and the community morot for helping to make the night a success.

To learn more visit Melamedet.org.

AN EXCITING DAY OF TOURNAMENTS

YOU COULD FEEL THE EXCITEMENT IN THE AIR AT THE HOME OF OUR GRACIOUS HOSTS RACHEL AND JEFF SUTTON DURING THE MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH HEAT EVENT. AROUND ROOSEVELT AVENUE, CARS WERE PARKED FOR MILES, AS OVER 750 COMPETITORS AND FOUR THOUSAND SPECTATORS, YOUNG AND OLD, GATHERED FOR A GUARANTEED DAY OF FUN AND EXCITEMENT. SOME WERE THERE TO PARTICIPATE AND SOME TO WATCH THE MANY DIFFERENT COMPETITIONS, SUCH AS BACKGAMMON, BASKETBALL, TENNIS, DODGEBALL, AND SPIKEBALL.

Aside from the various tournaments, in alignment with the core values of Magen David Yeshivah, everyone congregated around the basketball court to hear inspiring words from Rabbi Joey Haber, Director of Religious Life at MDYHS. He reflected in awe at the way our community comes together in support of each other, especially after the past year when we were separated by COVID. Following his special speech, the men prayed Minha, and then it was back to the action.

The competition was fierce, with everyone giving their all, but at the end of a long day and hours of effort, the victors emerged. Congratulations to the tournament winners.

It takes very special people to make a day like this happen. We are grateful for the tremendous investment of time and effort from the event coordinators Joseph J. Sutton, Eric Setton, and Solly Spigel. The heart and soul they put into this program, attending to every detail, is immeasurable. We are also thankful for the Deal Police, Hatzalah of the Jersey Shore, and Shomrim for coming out and protecting us. Our community is truly blessed to have their unwavering support.

We would like to thank Rachel and Jeff Sutton for selflessly opening their home to our community in support of our school. Thank you also to the event sponsor OP Al Hayam, and our many corporate sponsors for their generosity: Royal Abstract, Flushing Bank, Meridian Capital Group, Signature, J.P. Morgan, Ovadia Design Group, MNC+Sons Contractors, Ouri’s, Lori Kassin Fine Jewels, Prime Cut, NASCO Stone and Tile, Parci Parla, Ziani, Cathy Ades Real Estate, T/SHirt Shoppe, Eli Cohen Insurance Agency, Inc. Vanilla Sky, Handcraft, F•A•B Starpoint, Jack Adjmi Family Foundation, and Raymond and Lauren Dayan. Thousands of children and the future of our community are indebted to your kindness.

DSN EXERCISE IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE SUMMER’S BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS. DSN’S PROGRAM STAYS CURRENT WITH EXHILARATING CLASSES AS WELL AS POSITIVE, MOTIVATING INSTRUCTORS. SIMPLY PUT, OUR COMMUNITY WOMEN RAVE OVER DSN’S EXERCISE PROGRAM.

Joy Assoulin, a DSN member who attends classes year-round, stated “DSN offers the most amazing classes with outrageous instructors who have not only become my friends but have helped me get into the best shape of my life. I am truly blessed and forever grateful to DSN for their remarkable fitness program.”

DSN kicked off the summer season with an open house on Memorial Day weekend, offering 15 minute sample classes to members and prospective members to introduce new DSN instructors. Sarah Ashkenazi, a DSN fitness enthusiast, summed it up, “The vibe at DSN is just so great!” Those who attended felt the sample classes were just the right level of challenging and got hyped up for what was to come for the months ahead.

One huge highlight this summer is the additional location of yoga classes under the large tent at the DSN Beach Club. Plus, three local studio instructors are offering classes at DSN: Dani Rubin, owner of Pilates Blast, Victoria Bond of Perspirology and Jackie Atkins, owner of Gleason’s Gym.

Cleanliness is a strong suit at DSN. With a full maintenance team routinely sanitizing the exercise studios, members appreciate that this means a healthy environment. Aura Franco stated “DSN is so clean, so nice and I love being here.”

DSN summer exercise has the ball rolling, literally and figuratively. There is no time to spare with 60 classes offered per week, starting at 7 a.m. Members feel blessed that they can always find a conveniently timed class. Sharon Carlstrom, DSN’s Fitness Director, continues to go above and beyond to ensure there is something for anyone who likes exercise or to move their body! Large classes with up to 100 participants are held in the DSN gymnasium. Those classes include the popular FeeLEEing It with Lee Zebede, 305 Fitness with Sari Abraham, BURN with Brenda Mamiye and Toning Classes with Kathleen Dunckley, Sherry Adjmi and Sarah Faks.

Studio classes are constantly at full capacity and include strength classes taught by Arielle Mishan, Esther Epstein, Mollie Sasson, Sari Valentino and Sharon Carlstrom. Cardio dance classes are always popular and taught by Liza Terzi and the latest rising star, Sara Mizrahi. Do not be mistaken, full capacity is no deterrent, as the community loves to be together to get their sweat on! Barre, Pilates and stability ball classes continue to be in high demand. Instructors Meghan Angello, Jenny Assouline, and Fortune Abadi offer varied level classes as well.

Oh, you thought that was it? That’s not all! There is no slacking when one speaks of DSN! Small boutique style workouts exist and are popular, such as: Fitness Center Circuits with Sharon Carlstrom, Wall Works Yoga class with Jacquie Tammam and indoor/outdoor Yoga with Sonja Cohen, Eleanora Zampatti and Jacqueline Oved. There is also All Cycle and Rhythm Ride classes taught by Ralph Tawil, Shirley Granger, Sherry Adjmi, Mollie Sasson and Jen Shaw.

In addition to DSN’s extremely full schedule, members are also enjoying pop-up classes with Michal Cheney, Raquel Mizrahi, Joyce Franco, Paulette Safdieh and Barbara Abraham. Kelly Shrem called the classes and instructors “top notch” and “five stars,” adding “I have a problem every day choosing what class to take!”

Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director, summarized, “After living through a pandemic, everyone now realizes that our personal health must be a priority. Hashem gives us the gift of a body—let’s take care of that gift. Our goal is to improve our community’s physical health, which research shows leads to mental and emotional health as well. I am very proud of our entire fitness staff for their passionate and hard work. They have made this an amazingly successful summer for DSN and the entire community.”

THE SCC’S ANNUAL RUTH JEROME A”H GARDEN & POOL TOUR

SOPHIA FRANCO, PHOTOS BY CAROL SEROUYA

OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES ABE JEROME HAS MADE HIS MARK ON THE DESIGN WORLD, SHAPING COUNTLESS MASTERPIECES, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOME. HIS BELIEF IN THE UNBREAKABLE BOND BETWEEN THE KEY ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE, ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN GUIDES HIM, AS DOES A LOVE FOR TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND BEAUTY. MANY SAY THAT HE KNOWS WHAT HIS CLIENTS NEED BEFORE THEY DO. HE IS THAT GOOD.

Since he was a child, Abe traveled extensively alongside his parents, Ruth A”H, and Lou Jerome. At his mother’s insistence, these trips almost always included visits to the most spectacular gardens, including the Sissinghurst Castle Gardens in England, Floriade in Holland, and the Vizcaya Gardens in Miami, among so many others.

Abe reflects, “Every week, from when I was in my twenties, I filled her house with flowers each Shabbat. It made me happy because it made her happy. My mom was convinced that there was no problem that couldn’t be cured with a bit of fresh air and a walk outside. ‘It will change your mood,’ she would say. Because of my mom, I fell in love with nature. I was drawn to landscape architecture way before I ever designed a single room. Everything else stemmed from that gift she gave me.”

When Ruth Jerome passed away in January 2019, Abe knew he would honor her memory through flowers, but could not think of exactly how. In July 2020, when he got a call from Linda Eber, director of social services at the Sephardic Community Center, he found his answer. Abe loved everything about the Center; how they reach every age group, cover every interest and are constantly creating new programming for its members. With Covid in full swing, and indoor activities out of bounds, Linda asked Abe if he could organize a garden tour of some of the interesting projects he did in Deal, New Jersey. He was super busy at the time, but his curiosity was piqued, and in just a few days he sent her a list of some of the most beautiful spots on the Jersey shore.

Sonja Cabasso, Abe’s senior designer, recalls, “Abe and his mom were so close; he was so happy to have found the perfect way to keep her memory alive. To do it for the SCC, was the cherry on the sundae. Not only is his family embedded in the very foundation of the Center, but his father, Lou, enjoys the facilities and activities offered there, to this day. It was perfect.”

Julie Sherr runs the SCC Women’s Culture Club, and has been involved in the Center’s programming for many years. This was a brand-new idea, never before tried. She posted a flyer on Instagram for the upcoming garden and pool tour in the hopes that she would get a nice response. She could never have imagined that they’d be sold out within a couple of hours. 60 people! How many could walk through a garden at once, anyway?

Michelle Safdieh, Abe’s managing director, reflects on the many years spent learning anything and everything about the design business at his side, “I had worked on fundraisers in the past, but to raise money for this event was effortless. Abe is so giving; the people and companies I reached out to said ‘yes’ before I finished the question! I truly love working with Abe. No wonder they were banging down the door to get onto the tour—it’s like dinner and a show with him. He’s truly entertaining.”

There was a fee for entrance, but Abe wanted to do more for the Center. He began to call on different vendors who worked with him on the gardens—the landscapers, lighting companies, railing people, outdoor furniture firms, and more. Very quickly Abe started a spectacular drive for his favorite cause, while encouraging a love for his favorite pastime. “Pretty gardens would always put a smile on my mother’s face,” Abe recalls. “Flowers, plants and vegetables were always part of our summers at the Shore. Mom loved her herb pot by the kitchen door and always remarked about the beauty of the lacecap hydrangeas and the Casablanca lilies growing in our garden. I could not have chosen a more fitting way to honor her.”

Last year, the garden tour was a tremendous success, even with masks on and the temperature in the high 90’s. Abe was thrilled with both the response and the support from his friends in the design industry. This year, attendance doubled, and the waiting list was an arm’s length long. The donations from the event sponsors also grew, and the money will go towards new programming in art, music and discussion groups for both the seniors and the Center Culture Club. Finally, out of Zoom and working toward in-person activities, the SCC is looking forward to a banner year!

I was lucky enough to join the tour this year, and it did not disappoint. Each garden was uniquely beautiful, and reflected the needs of the homeowners and their guests. The integration of the colors of nature and the colors of design were incredible, and it was clear that we have more than a few hidden gems behind the shrubbery that lines our little enclave here in Deal. Abe, as the day’s conductor, was funny and engaging, and gave us not only a floral guide, but some history and architectural lessons as well. He and the Center, do everything in a big way, so there was lunch, snacks, and, of course, goody bags designed especially for the occasion from Scalamandre, filled with flowers and chocolate! The whole day had a warm and inviting feeling, reminding us that Ruth Jerome A”H, was present for every moment.

Sophia Franco, 53, is a mom and grandmother who has been feeding her love of reading and writing for as long as she can remember through poetry, community journalism, and songwriting. She has written many songs with Yaakov Shwekey but the first, I Can Be, has become an anthem for the Special Children’s Center and the community at large.

THE JERUSALEM-BASED PANTRY PACKERS ONCE AGAIN HOSTED A FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING EVENT AT PHILLIPS BEACH CLUB IN DEAL FEATURING MUSIC BY CHASSIDIC RAP PHENOM NISSIM BLACK, NECHEMIA KATZ, RJ2 AND A STAND-UP PERFORMANCE BY MODI.

Pantry Packers is the volunteer food packaging facility of Colel Chabad, Israel’s longest running social services organization, since 1788. While Pantry Packers has been unable to welcome international tourists this past year, the annual fundraiser for the Jersey Shore community gave their volunteers and supporters a chance to give back to Israel’s needy and vulnerable while enjoying a fantastic night out.

“It was a great night all around,” said Fortune and David Edelstein who were among the events hosts and sponsors. “We are very proud of our team and teamwork of the committee who worked in unison, tirelessly to put everything together that helped make the night a tremendous success.”

Rabbi Sholom Duchman, Director of Colel Chabad said, “Our supporters around the world, and especially our friends in the Deal community have helped us continue to provide life-saving food, supplies and support to hundreds of thousands of families around Israel. We thank you for helping us help our brothers and sisters in Israel during these difficult times.”

“This event was spectacular in every way,” said Ricky Cohen from Deal. “It was uplifting and inspiring, bringing together a beautiful group of people from different parts of our community and other communities. Kol Hakavod to Colel Chabad and may they continue to grow and have success in everything they do.”

“What a great way to bring everyone together for a night of music and comedy while at the same time raising money for such a great cause,” said event host Raymond Zaytoune. “We are very thankful for the performers, donors and volunteers that made this a very successful event.”

Richie Chalme, who together with Joe Gindi form the Brooklyn-based musical duo of RJ2, said “We could not have dreamt that the event would have been like this. It was such a beautiful night and such a zechut to be part of it. We thank Hashem for this gift of music and for this opportunity to share it with you.”

Colel Chabad supporter Lenore Ades described it as, “Such a beautiful night. All our friends and family who came said that this is their favorite event of the summer.” Shula Abadi was proud to be part of “a beautiful event which brought people together for a beautiful cause.”

“The Holocaust Survivors Project was proud to act as a sponsor to increase Holocaust awareness in the world,” said Doug Roberts from Deal. “My late son Alex created this as his Eagle Scout project to use as an important tool to combat Holocaust denial. We are proud to partner with Colel Chabad on this important mission.”

“Even from across the globe, we feel the support of this wonderful community of supporters,” said Pantry Packer’s Director of Volunteering Rabbi Menachem Traxler. “When the time is right for all of us, we look forward to having you back with us in Jerusalem, in your Pantry Packers aprons and hairnets, packing and distributing food for the less fortunate.”

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF LAST YEAR’S INAUGURAL SEASON, CAMP SIMCHA WITHOUT BORDERS RETURNED TO DEAL FOR ANOTHER INCREDIBLE SUMMER. ON JULY 6, THE DEAL COMMUNITY WELCOMED A GROUP OF CHAI LIFELINE GIRLS WITH SERIOUS ILLNESSES FOR A DAY OF FUN, AS PART OF ITS INAUGURAL SESSION OF “SIMCHA AT THE SHORE.” THE BOYS ARE SCHEDULED TO VISIT ON AUGUST 3, AND ARE EXCITEDLY AWAITING THE DATE.

The event on July 6 was generously hosted by Jamie and Ricky Cohen, with special thanks to Lee and Lillian Cohen, Ike and Rosie Seruya, and Victor and Loraine Shalam. Campers enjoyed a range of activities, including rides in luxury cars, delicious food, and a rocking concert by Uri Davidi.

Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Simcha Without Borders was developed to safely bring the magic of Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s flagship summer program for children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses, to communities across the country. Camp Simcha Without Borders operates day camps and hosts special events in all of Chai Lifeline regions across the country.

“To provide a moment of joy in anyone’s life is something that is incumbent upon each of us,” said Ricky Cohen.

Jeff and Rachel Sutton added “For the children of Chai Lifeline, a day like this is a beacon of light in a time of darkness. It’s the least we can do to help these warriors along their journeys.”

Last year more than 1,200 children around the world took part in Camp Simcha Without Borders programming.

“It’s been a very difficult year for many kids,” said Jack Tabbush, director of Camp Simcha Without Borders. “For children with serious illness, summer—and Simcha—cannot come fast enough.”

He added, “It was really incredible to watch how the Deal community welcomed the opportunity to assist these children. The sheer exuberance and joy on the kids’ faces expressed it all. The chance to be a kid, to have fun, to have a normal childhood is most important, and I’m grateful we can help make that a reality.”

SOPHIA FRANCO, PHOTOS BY RACHEL MISHANIEH PHOTOGRAPHY

THE OTHER DAY AS I DROVE DOWN MAIN STREET IN ALLENHURST, I NOTICED A HUGE CROWD IN THE DISTANCE. AS I GOT CLOSER, I SAW THE YELLOW T-SHIRTS AND HEARD YAAKOV SHWEKEY SINGING MY SONG ON FULL BLAST. A SMILE BROKE OUT ACROSS MY FACE, WIDE AND STRONG AND REAL; FROM MY HEART.

I jumped out of the car at the Special Children’s Center Lemonade Stand and the kids ran towards me, hugging and kissing me and singing, “I can be stronger,” over and over again. This is love. This is happiness. And this is pure.
Over the years I have learned that while the care of special kids is intricate and exhausting, these amazing children need one thing to thrive. That one thing is love, and at The Special Children’s Center, they get it by the busload. During COVID, we lost so much, but stop for a moment and imagine what it was like for the families of these kids. While most of us were at home, watching Netflix and giving ourselves spa treatments in our bedrooms, the needs of these kids did not dissipate. Twenty-four hour a day care is exactly that. The powers that be at the Special Children’s Center understood this thoroughly, and did not stop for a moment.

WE RISE, LIKE THE SUN
Chaya Bender, co-founder of the Center explained, “We really never closed. Not for a minute. The first couple of weeks were so hard—we sent the families care packages, activities to do with the kids, DVD’s, DVD players, and arts and crafts. I remember that the first of these packages was sponsored by Monique Chera for the refua shelama of her father in law, Stanley Chera A”H. Marc Sitt and his friends sponsored another batch of goodies. I vividly recall standing outside a toy store, begging to be let in. No one was open; it was nuts. Yaakov Shwekey did Facetime calls with each of the kids, he gave impromptu Zoom concerts, and offered the children the love and attention they craved. We had to get creative, but we figured it out. By Passover, we realized that the moms needed some TLC; they were truly at their wit’s end. We sent beauty products, books, slippers, and a heartfelt letter validating their struggles. The overwhelming response from the parents, was, ‘Yes…yesss! Someone really understands what we are going through!’ And as soon as there was a small window visible, our doors opened once again.”

In September 2020, schools were still closed, but the Special Children’s Center in Brooklyn had their doors wide open, with Dina Grafstien at the helm. Jenine Shwekey, co-founder of the Center, explained, “There was no way these kids could stay at home even one more day; it was not a choice. The parents would not have been able to function. But finding staff was a real struggle, as many parents would not let their girls come in. Then there was so much back and forth; opened – closed – opened – closed. There were some crazy days, and that lasted all year long. The Center is really supposed to be a respite, for after school and weekends, but during COVID, when we could, we ran all day, from morning till night.”

SHOOTING STARS
At the Center, it’s a partnership between the staff and the families every step of the way. Parents drop off their babies each day knowing that they will be cared for there, like nowhere else. At the end of the day they are met with positivity, hope and growth. “She had the best day,” the teachers will say. And she did!

Today, the Center is a touchstone for special parents, and they call early on for support and understanding. The Day Care program is available for children from birth until three years old. The progress these parents see in their kids is second to no other program in the world. Shani Gross, program director described, “They come in with these tiny newborns; tense and afraid, and they walk out calm. We give them such comfort and the confidence to go home, love their babies and themselves, and live a normal life. They can say, ‘ I’m not alone—and they can breathe, sometimes for the first time in a long time.’

UNBREAKABLE
On some days, the Center will open its doors for a newborn and on others, it will be for a 30 year old. Unfortunately, it’s not that different. Jenine continued, “When a special child is born there is so much unknown, so much fear in the parent’s eyes. As these children grow, our love grows exponentially, but the fear does not go away. Each chapter is a new beginning, a rebirth, and a whole new flood of emotions. As children become adults the mothers continue to hope for something more; ‘maybe if we do more speech or more physical therapy…’ but there is a point where the child takes the lead and the hope is for an enriched life. Here at the Center we find that something amazing happens when you treat these kids like adults. We’re still coaching and helping them learn to grow, but we are focused on showing our special adults just who they are, and what they can do.”

Chaya Bender added, “We have been working so hard on every detail of getting the new building finished! And when you see what we’ve done you will understand how we’ve been growing alongside our community. Here, we are catering to the special adults. We have a huge culinary arts training center, teaching everyday skills and food prep. These are lessons that will truly serve these kids, especially in our new Café, that will be run by them and for them! Already, our team of special adults are cooking for each of our five group homes. They prepare the food, separate and label it, count it, and make sure it goes to the correct house. In this way they feel responsible and capable. With the new Café, we’ll have coffee, drinks, salads and more, and the staff’s duties will expand to stock replenishment, inventory and customer service. We believe this accountability and trust is essential for the growth of our special adults. It’s crazy; we aren’t thinking of these ideas; our community is demanding them!”

Jeff Sutton, real estate developer and loving dad of Frieda Sutton, said, “I watched firsthand as my daughter developed a sense of purpose, accomplishment, camaraderie, and self-esteem. There is nowhere in the world like this Center.”

NEW BEGINNINGS
The Special Children’s Center has become a campus; it is big, beautiful and alive, like a children’s museum. The stunning two-storied glass lobby is bright, cheerful and inviting. The lights overhead give an ombrè effect—warm, and full of soft color. And the walls are singing! They are colorful, vibrant and happy, like the children who walk between them. Jenine continued, “We look forward to a ribbon cutting very soon, and we are really almost there!” At a recent fundraiser at Vornado offices, Haim Chera, Center advocate, spoke to the donors, “This is not a choice; this building has to be finished, and it has to be finished to perfection.” These words echo those of his father, Stanley Chera A”H, who promised the completion of this project on the day he first entered the Center, almost ten years ago. “These are G-d’s children,” Stanley would say, “and it is our responsibility to love, protect and nurture them.”

Shani Gross added, “Jenine and Chaya are fundraising every day, and in between, they are choosing tiles and paint colors; buying equipment for new physical therapy rooms and mapping out floor plans for a music room that will rival any Broadway stage. Here, the children will flourish like never before!”

Jenine chimed in, “When you see the kids with Yaakov, it’s clear that every child responds to music. They will now learn beats and skills—in a professional way—in the new Adele Hanover Performing Arts Program. This is something they can all connect with, and enjoy. That, and the new Café will be the shining stars of the new building, and will make all the difference in the world for our kids. We cannot wait.”

AND FINALLY, THE CONCERT!
After a year and a half of Covid related quiet, we are all chomping at the bit for some good, old-fashioned fun. We can’t wait to get out, dance and be happy—and the time is now! On Tuesday, August 17th at 7:30 pm, join us at DSN as Yaakov Shwekey lights up the beach in Deal, New Jersey with an Electric Concert. Come early, and join the special children as we rock the house for what will surely be a magical evening. You, too, can be a part of the Center’s growth, and help to put smiles on the faces of the best kids in the world. Steve Rosenberg, Center supporter, asked this question to friends of the Center, “How many causes can you support knowing full well that your creator is giving you a standing ovation?” For more information, to donate or to buy tickets, visit TheCenterNJ.org.

Sophia Franco, 53, is a mom and grandmother who has been feeding her love of reading and writing for as long as she can remember through poetry, community journalism, and songwriting. She has written many songs with Yaakov Shwekey but the first, I Can Be, has become an anthem for the Special Children’s Center and the community at large.

MARCH 2020, AS WE ALL KNOW, SAW AN ABRUPT CHANGE TO LIFE AS WE KNEW IT. CHILDREN STOPPED GOING TO SCHOOL, THERAPY WAS CANCELED, SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WERE NONEXISTENT AND WE STRUGGLED TO CREATE SOME SEMBLANCE OF NORMALCY AMONGST THE CHAOS.

The repercussions of this on the social emotional wellbeing and development of our children was significant. Zoom sessions proved to be extremely challenging specifically for the younger population. Heavy use of technological devices with minimal social interactions caused significant social and developmental delays for many children, and the lack of structure and learning hindered normal function and progress.

As the summer came and more venues started opening up with caution, Bridge Linx was prepared to help meet the new challenges now facing the children. Schools were opening. Many new families were moving to the Jersey shore, flooding the schools and making it more difficult to meet the individual needs of these students. And many students needed help getting back on track and bridging the gaps and deficits they now faced.

Over the summer, Bridge was in full gear offering therapy services, working closely with the community schools, and evaluating many new students to set up individual plans to ensure their success transitioning into school.

Bridge Linx offers therapy services including OT, PT, Speech and Social Behavior therapy to school aged children. Therapies are offered in our state of the art facility as well as in some community schools. We work closely with the child’s parents and school to ensure the goals are carried over and met. Many mainstream and bright students are challenged with specific deficits that need to be addressed in order to succeed and thrive. Following are some examples of areas that typical therapy may cover.

Speech and Language

Much of the learning environment is dependent on good language skills. These would include being able to follow directions and to follow and comprehend an oral lesson. In addition, proper note taking, including understanding the main idea and supporting details as well as sequencing events, are important skills. Proper social interactions involve processing the environment and expectations as well as communicating appropriately and effectively. Speech and language therapy can help children struggling in these areas.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

The way a child functions and completes his daily chores involves many OT skills. These would include dressing, manipulating toys and objects, copying from a board, handwriting, tracking with the eyes and coordination. Some other areas would be core strength and sensory processing. OT services can help a child function better in the classroom by improving these skills.

Physical Therapy

PT targets gross motor movement. These would include balance and strength, coordination, safety awareness and specific muscle strengthening and movement.

Social Behavior

Sometimes children have trouble functioning in school settings for various reasons. Some of the goals and areas worked on to help them in this area would include emotional regulation, organizational skills, following directions and routines, social expectations, and problem solving. Social Behavior therapy is provided in the school setting, and coordinated with the classroom teacher and parents to ensure that the goals are followed up and met. This Social Behavior program has enabled many students to succeed in the mainstream yeshivah environment and not have to attend self-contained or public school programs in order to meet their needs.

Bridge Linx continues to grow and meet the needs of the children in the community. We are a nonprofit therapy center and work with most insurances. We also offer private scholarships as needed so that we can ensure every child gets the help they need regardless of financial ability.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO VOTE IN THE JUNE 22 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION.

VOTING IS NOT ONLY A RIGHT, BUT A CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY. THE SCF, ALONG WITH OTHER PROMINENT ORGANIZATIONS AND LEADERSHIP HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR EVERYONE TO BE REGISTERED AS DEMOCRATS SO THAT WE MAY ALL HAVE A VOTE IN THIS CRUCIAL PRIMARY.

Here is all you need to be ready:

1. You must be registered to Vote (as a Democrat).

2. If you are unable to vote in person or you will be out of town on Election Day (June 22, 2021), request an Absentee Ballot, or participate in Early Voting.

What’s “Early Voting”?

Early voting runs from June 12 to 20.
Essentially, you can vote early, in person, at a site that is set up for this purpose. You can find your early voting site at findmypollsite.vote.nyc. Your site will have its hours posted there.
Note that the link above will display both regular AND early voting sites

What’s an absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot is a way to vote without going to the polls on Election Day. It is often referred to as “voting by mail”, but you can also drop an absentee ballot off at a voting site or the Board of Elections office. You don’t NEED to mail it in.

Because of the pandemic, ANYONE can request an absentee ballot this year.
In March 2020, state lawmakers passed a law that said a voter’s concern over spreading or getting COVID-19 counts as a “temporary illness” when requesting an absentee ballot. That means that anyone can still claim “temporary illness” as a reason to request an absentee ballot, regardless of the availability of vaccines or any other factors that may have changed since last year.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

You can request an absentee ballot at www.nycabsentee.com, or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC.

When can I request an absentee ballot? (And when is the deadline to do so?)

You can request one any time before June 15 to vote in the June 22 primary.
But an important note: The deadline to request an absentee ballot may change to June 7, so best to request before then.

When can I expect to get my ballot in the mail?

Even though you can make the request right now to get an absentee ballot, you won’t get your ballot in the mail until at least the last week of May. That’s because Board of Elections officials are still determining which candidates will be on the ballot, and they have a policy to not send out ballots until 32 days before the election.

What do I need to know when filling out my absentee ballot?

You want to make sure you fill out your ballot correctly when you vote absentee. An error could get your ballot thrown out. This year, with ranked choice voting, be careful not to rank two candidates in the same column. That’s called over voting, and it makes your ballot invalid.
With ranked choice voting, you’ll be choosing up to five candidates in order of your preference. The SCF has provided our recommendations on a full page tear out in this month’s issue. To learn more about ranked choice voting, and how it works, please visit nyccfb.info/nyc-votes/ranked-choice-voting/

When mailing your ballot, keep these things in mind:

• After you fill out your ballot, put it in what’s called the oath envelope (the smaller one with the signature line). Then, sign the outside of the oath envelope and put it in the mailing envelope.

• The mailing envelope will be pre-addressed to your county board of elections office, but you need to use your own stamps.

• Campaign Finance Board officials recommend putting three stamps on just to be safe.

• You need to mail your ballot by the day before Election Day. As long as it has a postmark on or before June 21, you’re good.

But you don’t have to mail it. Here’s what to do to drop it off.

You can drop off your absentee ballot at ANY board of elections office, ANY early voting poll site or any election day poll site up until when the polls close on election day. Note: You can also drop off absentee ballots for other people, as long as they’re properly signed and sealed.

You can find your regular polling place at findmypollsite.vote.nyc

What if I decide I want to vote in person but I already requested an absentee ballot?

That’s OK! You can still vote early or on election day in person even if you requested an absentee ballot.

One more time, these are the key dates:

• Request your absentee ballot to be extra safe by
  June 7.
• Mail your absentee ballot by June 21, or drop it off by the time polls close on primary day, June 22.

Need to figure out who your current elected officials are? Visit mygovnyc.org.

OUR COMMUNITIES ARE HURTING. OUR FAMILIES HAVE LOST LOVED ONES, MANY BUSINESSES ARE ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY, SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH UNDERLYING CONDITIONS ARE STILL TRYING TO RECEIVE A VACCINE NOT FAR FROM THEIR HOMES. HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNSAFE STREETS HAVE CREATED A SENSE OF HOPELESSNESS AND CYNICISM OVER THE ABILITY OF OUR STATE AND CITY AUTHORITIES TO SUCCESSFULLY GUIDE US OUT OF THIS CRISIS.

I am running for City Council to represent the great communities of Southern Brooklyn because I am convinced that public service starts with a sincere desire to help people.

My family and I immigrated to the United States from Belarus in 1993. The very next day after our arrival, I showed up at the JCH of Bensonhurst and asked to volunteer. For the last 28 years, I volunteered as Vice President of the Holocaust Memorial Committee, served as a board member of the Association of East European Jewry, Bensonhurst Business Club, and other important non-profits.

With the help of my mother-in-law, my wife and I raised two beautiful children in Southern Brooklyn. I graduated Baruch College, City University of New York, with a Bachelor in Business Administration and worked for over 20 years as a journalist for Russian language TV, radio and newspaper. I also served as a community liaison for a US Congressman and later—for two City Comptrollers, representing them in Southern Brooklyn and helping local communities overcome the terrible consequences of Super Storm Sandy.

Since January 2020, I have been working as District Director of Operations for Councilman Mark Treyger. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I hosted multiple food and mask distributions across Southern Brooklyn, helped hundreds of people who lost their jobs to obtain their unemployment benefits, and coordinated private donations of food and PPE to Coney Island Hospital. I also supported small business owners by bringing them masks and sanitizers, promoting them on social media, and helping to connect them with Small Business Services.

In 2012, I was honored to be elected to the volunteer position of Democratic District Leader in the 45th Assembly District. Together with my partners, I founded Bay Democrats club that quickly became a strong voice for local communities. Our club hosted annual Jewish Community Leadership Award ceremonies and Holocaust memorial events, condemned BDS and the surge of anti-Semitic incidents in New York.

As District Leader representing a large segment of the Sephardic community, I supported the important work of many local non-for-profit organizations. As your councilman, I will fight to ensure that Sephardic Community Center, Sephardic Bikur Holim, Reach for The Stars, Harmony, The Morris I. Franco Cancer Center, and the Kings Highway Beautification Association are fully funded to meet the needs of the community. Also important—we need to fight in City Council and in the state legislature to provide financial relief to yeshivah families. I will always support and protect our yeshivahs.
In 2018, I endorsed the election of a highly qualified jurist, Gina Levy Abadi, to the Brooklyn Civil Court, and I am supporting her candidacy this year for her appointment as a Kings County Supreme Court Justice. Together with my friends, I hosted Israel Solidarity Rallies and have always stood up against hate and anti-Semitism.

Over the years, I have continuously supported our brave police officers and I categorically oppose the “Defund NYPD” movement. Fighting for public safety would be my priority in the City Council. I strongly oppose the construction of a new “motel” at Coney Island Avenue and Avenue T that might be easily converted into a homeless shelter. I will strongly oppose any property tax or water rate increases for homeowners. Homeowners should not be overlooked during the post-pandemic recovery. I will push the Department of Parks to commence the long overdue renovation of the McDonald Park ASAP.

It would be my honor to receive your support and your vote on Tuesday, June 22, during the Democratic Primary for City Council. Together we will overcome this terrible pandemic and its after affects—it is personal to me. I will never abandon our fabulous community and will serve you with dignity and perseverance.

Ari Kagan is a candidate for City Council in the 47th District (Coney Island, Gravesend, Bensonhurst) and Democratic District Leader in the 45th Assembly District.
Paid For By Ari Kagan 2021.