End of year giving

My husband and I were just starting to think about taxes (never did adjust our deductions for our son born in May - oops) and realized we need to catch up on some charitable giving in the next few days. But I also was looking through receipts and realized how much stuff we donated - to various clothing, food, and other collections. I am pleased to think about how many items our 3-year-old helped us carry to the JCC or to the collection sites. Besides in kind donations, we shopped at Fair Trade Winds when they were giving a portion of their sales to Our Daily Bread (a local food pantry headed by a friend), we participate in the Dine Out For Life events, and I always find a reason to buy beauty items with cause-related giving. (I make sure it's not a tiny amount that's maxxed out early - which is the case for some organizations. Others do a great job - like the Estee Lauder Companies' Mac Cosmetics Viva Glam line, or Lush Cosmetics' Charity Pot lotion, where the entire selling price is directed to the cause.) One year, we were very excited about "gifting" animals through Heifer.org and many of the recipients really loved the idea that a flock of chicks was donated in their kids' name.

I guess my message is just this: do something good! It's not about taxes, but if it reminds you, then take advantage of the reminder. Take the boots that you just realized don't fit your kids, the gloves that you got as a gift from your relatives in the frozen tundra that you've never actually worn, and maybe even use the gift card you just got to someplace you never shop to buy something for a warm clothing drive. Make a difference.

It's our fault

Well, I knew that we wouldn't have much snow from this storm that hit the rest of the country. Why? Because we managed to have both boots and sleds ready. That's how it works, right? Last year we had waterproof rain pants that my son put over thermals and jeans and he had galoshes that worked well enough. This year, we thought about snow pants but couldn't find any, but still... Last year, we considered them but hadn't quite internalized that everything can be worn by our little guy in a few years, too. Now I'm more tempted to splurge on items we might only use twice in a season because at least both boys may get a chance to wear them!

Gesher Jewish Day School Open House - January 9

You are invited to attend the upcoming Open House and Open Gym program Sunday, Jan 9th at 10:00 - supervised fun for your child in the Gesher gym, while you tour the school, visit the Kindergarten classrooms and learn about the innovative program. Gesher Jewish Day School has been teaching Kindergarteners for close to three decades. The VAIS accredited, full day program is a wonderful extension to your child's Jewish preschool years! To arrange a personal tour or to register for the Jan 9th Open Gym/Open House program, contact Debra Mendelson, Director of Admissions by phone (703-962-9216) or email .

Applications for Kindergarten 2011 at Gesher Jewish Day School are currently being accepted.

Fairfax Frostival

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. is proud to present the second annual FROSTIVAL, an exciting winter-themed family festival, with programs targeted to elementary and pre-K aged children. Celebrate Fairfax's FROSTIVAL will include interactive rides, games, attractions, crafts, storytelling, musical performances, exhibits and vendors. The fun times run from December 30th through January 2nd, 10:00am-5:00pm daily (except 12/31: 10:00am-4:00pm only) at the Dulles Expo & Conference Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

We went last year and had a blast!

Need labels? Support the JCC preschool

Just an early mention - the JCC preschool is about to embark on an exciting fundraiser. Our kids' belongings are hard to keep track of... so I'm a big fan of label makers, but those labels don't stay on forever. We're partnering with Stuck On You to offer labels that will allow the preschool to make a small commission on all sales. Information will be going home with families in the coming weeks, but anyone can go to our personalized website and order labels! Tell your friends!

Jewish Federation Challenge Grant

Double Your Impact During December
Challenge Grant – Just Announced!

Now thru the end of 2010 a new or increased gift to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s 2010 Annual Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar. The Federation will soon be making funding decisions for our partner agencies. The unfortunate reality is that once again, our agencies will have to make tough decisions due to anticipated decreased allocations from The Jewish Federation. This funding shortfall will directly impact the agencies and programs we count on to support and sustain our community.

This month, your donation will be DOUBLED by our generous Challenge Grant and enable our community partners to more fully support those in need.

This end of year Challenge Grant is made possible thanks to the generosity of Susie & Michael Gelman, Stuart S. Kurlander & David Martin and Hariette & Allan Fox.

You can make a donation online through this link.

Rocknoceros at Sixth & I Synagogue - January 16

It's hard to post information about multiple events on the same date, but here's another January 16th event: Rocknoceros performing at the Sixth & I Synagogue downtown at 10:30. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets, go to the synagogue's web site.

Tu B'Shevat event - January 16

Looking for a Sunday morning activity on a cold winter day? Join us for a fun-filled Tu B'Shevat program! We'll have crafts, activities, stories, and snacks! Tell your friends and SAVE THE DATE!

When: Sunday, January 16, 10-11:30
Where: TBD

The program is sponsored by Growing Jewish Families, Shalom Baby, and the PJ Library Program.

I'll post more information as it is made available.

Jewish Heritage Night at the Wizards - January 11

The Washington Wizards and the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning are sponsoring a Jewish Heritage Night as the Wizards take on the LA Kings (likely featuring Israeli-born player Omri Casspi) on Tuesday, January 11. The game is at 7 pm.

• Discount tickets for Jewish community
• Free Wizards yarmulka with ticket purchase (for first 1000 tickets purchased)
• Israeli flag souvenir giveaway

To buy discounted tickets, visit www.washingtonwizards.com/JHN and use special offer code JHN.

For more information, contact Jordan Schwartz at 202.292.1974 or by email.

Shalom Baby playdate - December 12

If you haven't already checked it out, you can see the new romper room at the JCC this Sunday. The room, which is ideal for kids less than 3 years, is colorful and full of mats and play equipment. Sunday from 10-11:30 it will be open. Somewhere else in the building - I'm not positive where - older kids can play with Legos with Sir Brixalot. The event will coincide with Super Sunday fundraising and leadership activities.

Chanukah Wonderland

I'm not sure how I missed information on this but as usual, Chabad Tysons Jewish Center is holding a Chanukah Wonderland. It actually started on November 25th! Sunday through Thursday, it's open from 10-6. Each morning at 10:30 and each afternoon at 3 pm, there are various craft activities. There is a room full of legos for kids to make menorahs or dreidels (or buildings or firetrucks, as my son tried - though there aren't many wheels/axles), a small store with some cute items, and Chanukah food for sale. It's at 8100 Oak Street in Vienna - at the corner of Gallows and Cedar. You can find out more information by calling 703-821-7770 or looking at the website or the calendar of events.

Gift cards for sale at the JCC

Instead of the gift card area at the supermarket, how about buying your gift card presents at the JCC? The JCC receives a portion of the proceeds. There are dozens available - many available right at the front desk to take home immediately. If you want a store or denomination that isn't on hand, the JCC will place an order on Wednesday for cards to arrive on the following Monday. You won't make Chanukah, but you may need other gifts, too.

There's a list of available cards and also instructions for ordering others.

Family Fun Day - December 19

Come to the JCC from 10-12 on Sunday December 19th for a Family Fun Day. The gym will be open and stocked with toys, there will be arts and crafts, and, as always, yummy snacks. It's getting cold to be outside for too long, but let the kids run around while we socialize!

Cost per family is $5 for members and $8 for nonmembers.

Call the JCC at 703-323-0880 for more information or to register.