The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades will hold “Winter Wonderland,” its annual Big Night Out celebration, on Thursday, December 8, 7 p.m., at the Palisadium, 700 Palisadium Drive, Cliffside Park, New Jersey. In keeping with its theme to recognize remarkable women in our community, the event will celebrate the accomplishments of three visionary women who have made substantial contributions to both the JCC and the community at large: Dianne Nashel, Tara Jagid and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle.
The evening will feature cocktails and an exquisite dinner reception in a captivating winter wonderland scene at the Palisadium, which will offer guests sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. Proceeds will support annual scholarship assistance, enabling hundreds of children, families and seniors-in-need to benefit from JCC programs and services. In the Jewish tradition of tzedakah, we rely on the support of the community to ensure that no one be denied services for financial reasons. Support of Big Night Out helps the JCC give back to those in need.
“The women we are honoring at Big Night Out are inspired and passionate leaders with the kind of vision that truly makes the world a better place,” says JCC CEO Jordan Shenker. “Inspired by their example, it is our great honor and privilege to dedicate the evening to them, as they epitomize what it means to be strong women and inspiring role models with the will to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
Dianne Nashel — one of only six people currently serving on the JCC Board of Advisors – joined the JCC back in 1971 when her oldest daughter was 3 and attending nursery school at the original site in Englewood. Shortly thereafter, Dianne was asked to serve on the JCC Board of Directors and over the years went on to chair many JCC departments, including the Leonard & Syril Rubin Nursery School, Neil Klatskin Day Camp, the Judaic Department, the Therapeutic Nursery, Singles and Adults. An innovative and creative thinker, Dianne also initiated Shabbat and Jewish holiday celebrations to engage nursery school families at the JCC; developed after-school enrichment programs to extend member involvement as their children grew; and launched successful adult programs, such as the very popular art tours with Tobi Kahn. Dianne has served as a JCC Vice President, and was a respected member of the Executive Board for years. Active in the Jewish community at large, Dianne is involved in Temple Sinai in Tenafly and Jewish Family Service. She and her late husband, Howard, who was a lawyer, founded & edited The Journal of Psychiatry & Law. She has three daughters, three sons-in-law and seven grandchildren.
Tara Jagid joined the JCC when her first child was just old enough to take a Mommy and Me class, and ultimately enrolled her two children in the JCC’s Leonard and Syril Rubin Nursery School, making the “J” a true home away from home for her family. Tara joined the JCC Parent Association, where she served as chairperson of the Chesed committee, and has chaired the Spring and Fall Boutiques, which raise funds for nursery school programs. Tara has also served as Vice President and President of the JCC Early Childhood Executive Board. In 2011, she joined the Play Fore! the Kids auction committee where her drive, heart and leadership led her to chair the auction over the past few years. The auction raises funds for JCC programs that improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs in our community.
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, appointed Deputy Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly in 2015, has served on the Assembly since 2005. Her connection to the JCC began with her mother’s participation in the Senior Adult Department, where she thrived. Her family is also an ongoing supporter of the Rubin Run. Ms. Huttle also served on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 2001 to 2007, chairing it in 2003 and 2004. Dedicated to the people and laws governing our state, Ms. Huttle is currently committed to her fourth term as Chair of the Assembly’s Human Services Committee and Vice Chair of the Transportation & Independent Authorities Committee, where she is a member of the Tourism, Gaming, & the Arts Committee. A true social activist, she has endorsed several important landmark laws, including the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, the Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act, and the prohibition of investing pension and annuity funds in companies that boycott Israel or Israeli businesses. She resides in Englewood with her husband, Mayor Frank Huttle III. They have two daughters, Alexandra and Francesca.
The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades welcomes all and cultivates the social, intellectual, physical and spiritual well-being of the entire community. Support Big Night Out to ensure the continuation of vital programming and services for our diverse membership base. To register and place an ad, visit www.jccotp.org/bignightout. For additional information contact Michal Kleiman at 201-408-1412 or [email protected].
