JCC Allentown Blog

As you may know, it’s one of the best times of the year right now (or at least I think so)…MARCH MADNESS!  The stage has been set, and the Final Four teams are headed to New Orleans for epic battles of team pride, sportsmanship, and basketball!

In the final four airing on Saturday, March 31, we have University of Kentucky Wildcats and University of Louisville Cardinals playing in an inter-state faceoff.  Following that game, The Ohio State University Buckeyes will be challenging the University of Kansas Jayhawks in a battle of number two seeds.  The winners of those two games will play each other for the title of National Champion on Monday, April 2.

So who will be the winner?  I checked in with a few of the JCC of Allentown staff members to get their predictions!

Name: Cheryl Wenhold
Position:  Assistant to the Executive Director
Started Working at the J: February 2010
From: Born & raised in Allentown, and after a brief move to Mesa, Arizona, I’m still in Allentown
Education:  1974 Graduate of William Allen High School
Family: Have a daughter, Rebecca
Favorite Part of Working at the J:  the friends I’ve made and daily contact with members
Hobbies: working in and attending community theatre, NYC theatre, going to movies, and getting to know my new, soon-to-be step-grandchildren
Favorite quote: You wanna know why I wear these stupid red boots?  Because it makes my toes feel like ten friends on a camping trip, that’s why!

Name: Sheryl Block
Position: ECE Director - This is my 3rd year, and though I am very busy, I really love it!
Started Working at the J: I began working at the JCC in 1984.  I began by working with Linda Krisch and Monica Lemelman in the predecessor to Klub Ked,  our  “Kids Extended Day” Program.  My career teaching was with the three year olds for 20 plus years and 2 years with the toddlers.  Teaching fulfills me.  I love children and feel a profession that helps them reach their highest potential is the most rewarding.
From: I was born in Forest Hills, New York.
Education: I attended Kutztown State College, now Kutztown University.  I majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood.  An additional major was my then boyfriend, Rance.  My education at Kutztown,  my husband Rance, and working as a teacher at the JCC have prepared me for my current position as ECE Director.
Family: My husband and I have 3 children, Andrew, Beth, and Josh.  We have 2 grandchildren, Joseph and Caroline, which make us beam!
Why I Enjoy Working at the J: My favorite part of working at the JCC is the family component.  The staff members are like family and will always lend a hand to help or listen.  This is priceless and the most wonderful benefit of all.
Hobbies:  I don’t specifically have a hobby, but I love cooking, entertaining and having family and friends together for holiday celebrations…including the superbowl! (I am only interested in the commercials)
Fun Fact: I am about the same age as the JCC building, so I have something in common…understanding the aging process!  But “It is what it is” is  a saying I say often.

Name: Brenda Finberg
Position: Director of Children’s Services
Started Working at the J: I started working here 24 years ago and I am still loving it!  I have worked in every department from Pre-School to Camp JCC.
From: I am from Havertown, Pennsylvania, which is located in Delaware County, the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Education: My degree is in Dental Assisting from the National School of Health and Technology in Philadelphia.  I have a specialized CDA School Age diploma from Northampton Community College.  I also taught at Temple Beth El for 10 years for 1^st and 2^nd graders.
Family:  I am married to a wonderful man Ed for the past 32 years, and I have 2 wonderful boys – Brad, who is 31 and is married to Robyn.  They have a beautiful little girl Brie who is the joy of my life, and a little one on the way. It’s a boy!   Brad lives in Macungie and owns his own computer business.   My other son Jason, 27,  lives in Connecticut and works for ESPN in their audio media department.
Why I enjoy working at the J:  I love helping out the children with their homework after school.  I get to talk with them and see how their day was.  School age children always have something to talk about or discuss with you.   I also love planning new trips and activities for children ages 1-17 years of age.  This is a great place to work, play with the children and watch them grow.  I truly love my job!
Hobbies:  I love spending time with my granddaughter and my children whenever I can.  I love just being home with my husband and relaxing on a Saturday afternoon.

Name: Deb Goldberg
Position: Day Camp Director, Camp JCC in Center Valley
Started Working at the J: November 2009, first summer was 2010
From: Born in Boston, MA; Raised in New City, New York
Education: B.S./B.A. in Accounting and Finance, Boston University
Family:  Son, Eric, 21, graduating Penn State with a degree in Finance (and has a job!); Daughter, Stephanie, 18, attending Princeton studying Engineering; Husband, Paul, also a camper for many years.
Why I enjoy working at the J: I love camp and children, and I want parents to feel that they can give their child what will probably be one of the most significant and wonderful experiences of their childhood.
Hobbies: Being a Mom, cooking for friends and family, watching Steph and the Tigers play Field Hockey
Favorite quotes: “Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm.  As you get older, remember you have another hand: the first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.”  And “There is no crying in baseball.” – from the movie A League of Their Own
Fun Facts: 20 years in camping and still counting, and my kids attended the same overnight camp that I did.