Coronavirus Update

Thank you for visiting this page. Information regarding the MJCC during the coronavirus outbreak is below. If you have any questions, please call us at 503.244.0111.

The MJCC is offering programs at the MJCC and At Home! Click here for our Calendar.

Updates and Letters

New Fitness Policy: July 2, 2020

We are now allowing members to sign up for two fitness time slots per day. The times can be back to back or they can be two completely different times during the day, for instance a morning time and a late afternoon time. Members are allowed to enter up to ten minutes early for their scheduled time. Here is a recap of our policy, as of July 2, 2020:

Members can sign up for their 50-minute appointment online here, or by calling the Welcome Desk.
Members can sign up for two time slots, either back to back, or at two different times during the day.
If members arrive early, they can enter the building for their scheduled time slot up to ten minutes early.
At ten to the hour, those who signed up for the previous hour time slot and did not sign up for a second time slot, will exit through the exit, and those who are signed up for an additional time slot or who have arrived early for the next hour, can continue on.
Disinfecting and cleaning is happening continually throughout the day.
We will reassess this process every 3 weeks, or as hourly usage increases, and update as needed.

July Update: June 26, 2020

Dear Members,

We are so excited that we've been able to reopen the MJCC, and we've really enjoyed welcoming back members for workouts, group exercises classes, and personal training, as well as greeting campers attending our MJCC Summer Day Camp! If you haven't been back to campus yet, we hope you'll sign up for a class, workout, or training session soon.

We are tremendously appreciative of the many members who have donated some or all of their membership dues and/or program fees during the months of April, May and June. While we do not plan to pro-rate dues for the final weeks of June, we will begin billing members for their regular membership dues as of July 1. Any members who froze their memberships during the closure should have received an email message from Kelsey Kaplan regarding the return of their memberships to active status.

We look forward to expanding our program and service offerings as permitted by Multnomah County and the State of Oregon in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to be in touch with either one of us.

Welcome back!

Steve Albert, Executive Director
Jennifer Harrington, Assistant Executive Director

June Membership Dues: May 26, 2020

Dear MJCC Members,

June is almost here, and we are working hard to plan for a safe, healthy phased reopening of our campus in the coming weeks! As we announced last week, we will be offering our MJCC Day Camp program beginning on June 22. We expect to begin offering other programs and services in June, as well. It is widely expected that Multnomah County will apply for and receive permission to move into Phase 1 of the Reopen Oregon plan at some point in the next few weeks. This will allow the MJCC to open the Fitness Center, offer group exercises classes, and provide personal training, all on a limited basis. Pools, saunas, whirlpools, steam rooms, and showers cannot be opened during Phase 1, and contact sports, including basketball, soccer, floor hockey, and racquetball, are prohibited. As the county receives permission to move into Phases 2 and 3 of the reopening plan, we will be able to expand our offerings.

We are working hard to prepare the building for reopening and to implement policies and procedures that will ensure the health and safety of our members and staff. This will include a reservation system as well as the relocation of some classes and equipment to maximize physical distancing within the building and to maximize the opportunity to use outdoor spaces. We have also enhanced our cleaning and disinfecting practices and cleaning schedules. Prior to our reopening, you will receive additional communication, including short informational videos, to help you anticipate what to expect when you return to campus.

We are working closely with Jewish Community Centers around the country to learn from their reopening experiences. This information has guided our decisions about modifications to our facility, cleaning practices, program offerings, and general procedures that will promote everyone's health and safety.

Your membership dues for June will be billed in the same manner as in May. Should you wish to make any changes – increasing or decreasing your donated dues or lifting or implementing a freeze – please contact Kelsey Kaplan at kkaplan@oregonjcc.org. Once we reopen, membership charges will return to normal, and no-cost freezes will be automatically unfrozen; dues for June will be prorated based on our reopening date. Members whose use of the building is limited to closed facilities (e.g. the warm water pool) will be given the opportunity to extend their no-cost freeze, if they wish.

We are tremendously grateful for your continued participation, engagement, and support during our temporary closure. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you back to campus in the near future, and we thank you, in advance, for your patience as we make any necessary adjustments during our reopening. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to either of us with any questions.

Warmest wishes,

Steve Albert

Executive Director

Jennifer Harrington

Assistant Executive Director

MJCC Summer Day Camp Update: May 22, 2020

Dear Camp Families and Members,

We want to thank you for your patience and support as we have been working to adapt our summer program for this year. There have been many changes over the past months and one overarching question has been, "Is summer camp happening?" Oregon's official camp guidelines were released on May 15, and our staff has spent the past week reviewing and understanding the requirements for summer programs this year. After much discussion, we are pleased to announce that MJCC Day Camp is happening, with some adaptations. Though our summer is not going to look exactly like what we had originally planned for you, we do know that children have been stuck inside for months and are longing for a day camp opportunity to connect with friends and have new experiences, whatever that looks like.

The MJCC Day Camp team has been working tirelessly to adapt our program to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our campers, families, and staff. We are committed to bringing you a quality camp and have adapted our program to follow the Oregon Health Authority guidelines for summer camps. Though this does mean that our program will look very different, we are confident that we will provide a fun and safe experience for everyone to enjoy. Over seventy-five percent of our camp team will be returning from previous summers, and we are working with our experienced team to create new activities that adhere to these new guidelines. We have added additional cleaning and sanitation trainings to our already extensive camp staff training, we are talking about supporting emotional health and what to expect from campers this summer, and we are counting down the days to welcome you back to MJCC Day Camp.

FAQ's

When will MJCC 2020 Day Camp begin and end?

Our summer camp program calendar has been adjusted to an seven-week program that will begin on Monday, June 22 and end on Friday, August 7. Camp hours will be from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are unable to offer before or after-care this summer.

Can my preschool aged child attend camp?

Oregon's summer camp guidelines strictly state that summer camp programs are only for school aged children, rising K-12th graders. Unfortunately, this mandate requires us to eliminate our camp program for preschool aged children, which is the majority of our Simcha campers, for this summer. Simcha campers who are rising kindergartners can attend camp this year.

Will Specialty Camps or the Counselor in Training (CIT) program be offered this summer?

Specialty Camps will not run this summer. We will be reaching out to all families who are already enrolled in a specialty camp to offer a refund, and, to give those families first priority to enroll in available space in our Classic Camp. That being said, many of the activities that were planned for our specialty camps will be incorporated into our daily classic program. Due to the nature of the CIT program, it cannot, unfortunately be offered onsite this year, as we do not feel we can give CIT's the experience that we have promised. That said, we are looking at the possibility of a Virtual CIT Leadership Training program over the summer, and we will be reaching out to all CIT families who are currently registered to gauge interest. For further information on this, please contact Carli Rosenthal, Camps Manager, directly.

How many children will be in a group?

We will adhere to state guidelines and maintain stable groups of ten children; each stable group will have two counselors. Groups will remain intact Monday through Friday and though the guidelines allow for groups to change weekly, we will make every effort to ensure returning children stay within the same group each week. Given these strict guidelines, our camp capacity will be much lower this summer than in the past.

What spaces will campers be using this summer?

We are so fortunate to have a large building with lots of indoor and outdoor space. We will have a good balance of indoor and outdoor time throughout the day. Each camp group will have a designated room as their home base for the week, and within that room, campers will maintain physical distancing to the extent possible. At this time, swimming pools remain closed in the state of Oregon, and until that ban is lifted, campers will not be using the pools.

Will pick-up and drop-off still be held on the Green?

We are in the process of completing our pick-up and drop-off plan and will communicate that with you in the weeks to come. Due to physical distancing mandates, we envision a carline system for both pick-up and drop-off. More details to come on this soon.

What will campers be doing this summer?

We have been working hard throughout the year to plan an amazing summer! With that, our camp team has devised a myriad of arts, crafts, science projects, outdoor activities, and games that campers will be able to enjoy. We have adapted our morning song circle and our Friday Shabbat celebration. Though campers will need to remain physically distant to the extent that is possible, they will still be able to enjoy the experience and friendships that naturally occur at camp each summer.

Will there be field trips or special guests?

At this time, there will be no field trips or special guests during summer 2020. As we continue to review state guidelines as they are released, we may be able to bring in special guests at some point during the summer, though that is unclear at this time. We will continue to evaluate and update families, if new information becomes available.

What cleaning and sanitation procedures will camp follow?

Safety is our number one priority. We have appointed a safety ambassador on our team who is overseeing all of our procedures and ensuring that we continue to observe best practices. We have worked hard to ensure the MJCC is stocked with personal protective equipment (PPE) and we are committed to providing a clean and sanitized environment. Surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day, increased handwashing of children and staff will be implemented, and hand sanitizer will be readily available to everyone. Each stable camp group of ten children will be assigned to one bathroom, and, those bathrooms will be sanitized multiple times throughout the day.

Will I be required to provide individual supplies for my child, or to pay a fee for individual supplies?

Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of campers, and we also want to be sure that camp remains affordable, especially as so many families are facing economic challenges. We are reviewing this question and will provide additional information as we get closer to the start of camp.

What if a child is sick?

As always with summer camp, sick children are required to stay home. Each day at drop-off, you will be asked a series of short questions regarding your child's health that day. In the event a child becomes ill at camp, the child will immediately be removed from their group and will stay with a staff member in an isolated room while we wait for the child to be picked up. It is our expectation that all families work with us to ensure that we keep our camp healthy and safe. Parents and caregivers will be required to take their child's temperature before dropping off at camp, and we will ask you when you arrive if your child has had a fever. Your child may also have their temperature taken by our staff during the day or at drop-off. In the weeks to come, camp families will receive more information regarding our polices and expectations, and we thank you in advance for working with us to keep our camp healthy.

What is your revised camp refund policy?

We relaxed our camp refund policy earlier this spring to allow flexibility to our families during this unpredictable time. We want to continue to allow for as much flexibility as possible while also allowing us to plan, effectively, for our staffing needs in order to ensure everyone's health and safety. For families who need to cancel camp prior to the first day of the camp week, a full refund will be given if cancellations are made prior to Noon on the Thursday preceding the start of the camp week. Once the camp week has begun, our normal refund policy will remain in place and any camper who is excused or withdrawn from camp for any reason is not eligible for a refund. Any camp that is canceled by MJCC will be fully refunded.

MJCC Day Camp is about friendships, community, connection, and fun. Like all of you, we are navigating this unprecedented time, working hard to ensure the best experience possible, and prioritizing the health and safety of campers, families, and staff members. We look forward to giving campers a unique, fun-filled experience and giving parents a bit of a break! You will receive more correspondence from us in the weeks to come as we prepare to launch camp. Until then, please feel free to reach out to any one of us if you have any questions.

Warmly,

Steve Albert

Executive Director

Jennifer Harrington

Assistant Executive Director

Carli Rosenthal

Camps Manager

MJCC Update for Members and Camp Families: May 13, 2020

We are beginning to plan for the reopening of our campus and are writing to share an update. While we do not have any information beyond that which has been announced publicly by the governor's office, we thought it might be helpful to review what we know from her press conference last week.

Gov. Brown has indicated that summer camps will be permitted to operate, as long as they comply with strict requirements to protect the health and safety of campers and staff. We are optimistic that we will be in a position to offer some form of our popular MJCC Summer Day Camp in the coming months, hopefully beginning in June or July. We are still awaiting the details of the requirements that will be imposed. Once those have been shared, we will be able to determine more about the dates, programs, size, and limits of our camp program.

In addition, Gov. Brown has indicated that gyms and fitness centers may be granted permission to open in counties which are authorized to enter Phase One of the Reopening Oregon plan. Each county must apply individually for this authorization, and the county must meet a strict set of public health prerequisites prior to applying. We do not know when Multnomah County will be prepared to enter Phase One, nor do we know what specific parameters may be imposed by Multnomah County and/or the City of Portland regarding the reopening of community centers such as the MJCC.

As we await further information and directives from state, county, and city leaders regarding when and how we can reopen our campus, we are beginning to develop new policies and procedures related to health and safety. Our top priority is the health and safety of our staff, members, and guests, and our plan for reopening incorporates the need to train employees and implement changes to our operating procedures. While we do not know which programs and services will be available first, information regarding Phase One suggests that facilities and programs that maintain physical distancing, such as the fitness center, lap pool, and group exercise classes, are likely to be among the first to be authorized.

We look forward to reopening our campus and welcoming you back to the MJCC. We will provide additional updates as we learn more in the days ahead.

Best wishes for continued good health,

Steve Albert

Executive Director

Jennifer Harrington

Assistant Executive Director

May Membership Dues: April 22, 2020

Dear MJCC Members,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the tremendous support that you have shown since our temporary closure began on March 16. Your donation of membership dues, along with additional contributions to our Annual Campaign, have enabled us to retain and compensate staff and allowed us to develop and offer a broad range of on-line programming to the community.

We are pleased to report that the MJCC has received a forgivable loan through the Payroll Protection Program. In combination with your continued support, this will allow us to meet our operational needs through June 30, the end of our fiscal year. We hope that we will be permitted to reopen in late May or early June, but we, like you, are still waiting for further guidance from the governor's office.

We hope that we can count on your support during the month of May, as we continue to expand our on-line program offerings, prepare to re-open the building, and plan for upcoming programs and events. Unless you direct us otherwise, our default plan is to process the same donation of membership dues that you authorized in May. If your situation has changed and you wish to increase or decrease your contribution, please contact Kelsey Kaplan at kkaplan@oregonjcc.org.

Again, thank you for your generous support! Please don't hesitate to be in touch with questions or ideas. We look forward to seeing you on campus in the very near future.
Warm regards,

Steve Albert, Executive Director
Jennifer Harrington, Assistant Executive Director

Day Camp Update: March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020

Dear Day Camp Families,

We hope this letter finds all of our families healthy and well. The past few weeks have been filled with uncertainty for all of us, though despite the challenges, we continue to move forward and plan for the future as best we can. The situation with the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be fluid, and we are working to respond to new and changing information. In addition to the order to close public schools through April 28, on Monday, March 23, Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order, "Stay Home, Save Lives", for Oregonians. As a result, the MJCC has suspended all of our programs and services until the order has been lifted.

What does this mean for MJCC summer camp? We believe it is important to connect with our camp families and share what we do know and what we are doing in regards to camp planning.

We are continuing summer camp planning in its entirety. We have compiled a toolbox for all camp staff to use throughout the summer. Carli Rosenthal, Camp Manager, attended the Song Leader Boot Camp conference in early February that focused on song leading, creating camp culture, and mindfulness. We have added a focus on all of those areas to our training program, which will be held before camp begins. We are ensuring that our counselors have what they need to thrive, which in turn, lets campers thrive! We received an Israel Engagement grant from the JCC Association, which gives our program additional resources to bring the culture of Israel into our camp. Some things that you will see this summer include: a day camp Maccabi games, an exploration of Israeli cuisine, an expansion of our Shabbat programming, and much more! Additionally, we are moving forward with our hiring process by conducting virtual interviews via Google Hangouts and Zoom. We have interviewed a handful of Unit Heads and counselors who are eager for summer to start. Our interviews will continue into April, with jobs to be offered in May.

As we write this, we are excited for summer camp and eager to return to daily life. What we know for sure is that when this pandemic begins to slow and things begin to return to a sort of normalcy, our children are going to need summer camp. They are going to need the connection and social interaction, the movement and activities, the creativeness and silliness, and the ability to be with their peers and to just be children.

At this time, we are encouraging families to continue to plan for summer. Summer camp registration opened in January and spaces have filled up very quickly. Our camp is just over 80% full, with some weeks at capacity. You can find information on all of our camps and registration here at oregonjcc.org/daycamp and we urge you to register while space is still available. We acknowledge that these are uncertain times as we await updates and decisions from schools regarding the plan for the remainder of the school year. For peace of mind, we are suspending the deadline to withdraw from camp without penalty to June, with a full refund, to allow for flexibility and will continue to review our cancellation policies during the camp season. As a reminder, any families interested in financial assistance should visit our website at http://www.oregonjcc.org/daycamp and fill out this financial assistance form.

In an effort to spread some joy and offer our families resources during the days, weeks, and months ahead, the MJCC camp team is providing online videos and activities to do with family and friends while at home. We hope that you will take advantage of these free, online resources found at oregonjcc.org/at-home. We will also be hosting a variety of Zoom calls and Facebook Live videos where you and your children can connect with our camp staff, listen to a story, learn how to make a craft, and much more. Visit our Live Programming at oregonjcc.org/live-events

Stay safe and well. We look forward to seeing you at camp this summer.

Warmly,

Jennifer Harrington, Assistant Executive Director
Carli Rosenthal, Camps Manager

MJCC Extended Closure: March 24, 2020

Dear Members of the MJCC,

We want to begin by thanking you for the support that you have extended to all of us at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center since our temporary closure began on Monday, March 16. When we announced that decision, we genuinely hoped that the closure would be of very limited duration and that it might be possible to resume some on-site services in April. Yesterday, on Monday, March 23, Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order, "Stay Home, Save Lives," for Oregonians. This order requires closure of all gym and fitness facilities, effective immediately and for indeterminate duration. As a result, all on-campus MJCC programs and services will remain suspended until the order is lifted.

As you know, the MJCC is a non-profit organization. Having to temporarily suspend activity at our physical facility is extremely challenging. We want to retain staff in order to continue to provide a growing range of on-line programs and services for you to enjoy while at home. We want to open our doors, when possible, to support our community during this critical time with efforts such as tomorrow's Red Cross Blood Drive. Furthermore, we are concerned about our ability to come out on the other side of this crisis in a position to serve the community we cherish. What we know for sure is that when this pandemic finally starts to slow, the programs and services we provide at the J will be needed like never before.

We cannot do any of this without your on-going membership. We are pleased to offer you three options:

1. Continue to pay 100% of your membership dues. This is the default option for our members.
2. Pay 50% of your membership dues.
3. Freeze your membership in April at no charge. We fully understand that some of our members are experiencing financial challenges and are unable to support us at this time.

Note that any dues that are paid during the temporary closure will be considered a tax-deductible donation, and we will happily provide you with a letter acknowledging your contribution to the MJCC.

Please use the online form linked below to indicate your preference. Please reply by Thursday, March 26 to allow us to plan for the coming month. Please note that if you wish to continue to pay your regular membership dues, no action is required.

Click here to submit your membership option

We recognize that this is an unprecedented request, and please know that we respect each member's individual situation. If we, as a community, can come together and do what we can, we will all benefit. Every one of you is an important part of the MJCC community, and we thank you for everything you do to help us sustain our beloved center.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you can do.

Looking forward to when we can, once again, see you at the J.

Steve Albert, Executive Director
Jennifer Harrington, Asst. Executive Director

MJCC Closure effective March 16-31, 2020

Dear MJCC Community,

We are writing to let you know that we have made the difficult decision to close the Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) effective Monday, March 16, 2020 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020. We want to reassure you that we are not aware of ANY reports of individuals who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Schnitzer Family Campus. However, the safety of MJCC members, guests, volunteers, staff and community is our top priority, and we are taking appropriate action to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Limiting public gatherings and practicing social distancing is recommended by health experts, including the Center for Disease Control, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Multnomah County Health Department. A state of emergency has been declared in both the City of Portland and the State of Oregon, and Mayor Wheeler and Governor Brown have urged all of us to reduce gatherings and limit contact. These strategies are important to prevent our local healthcare facilities from becoming overloaded. The response in our state has been broad and comprehensive. Not only have all schools closed statewide, but all indoor Portland Parks & Recreation facilities are closing, as well as many other athletic centers, community centers, and libraries. We believe this temporary closure is an essential step to take to ensure the safety of our members and staff.

Although the campus will be temporarily closed, we recognize that our mission - to create an inclusive and welcoming hub for a diverse community, fostering lifelong wellness and providing dynamic social and educational experiences, grounded in Jewish values and culture - is not limited to the four walls of our building. Accordingly, our staff is mobilizing to explore opportunities for members and the community to stay connected, active and healthy, and to identify programs that you can enjoy at home. We plan to communicate regularly and hope to have additional details about these opportunities soon.

The MJCC will be open during normal hours on Sunday, March 15. We ask that you take this opportunity to empty out any rented locker to facilitate a planned deep-cleaning during the closure. Several other maintenance projects may be undertaken during this time, and your cooperation is appreciated.

In the coming weeks, most of our staff will be working remotely. We plan to compensate our staff and to keep our employees working as much as possible, without risk to health and safety. Because our team will be working remotely, we encourage you to contact staff members via email, although everyone will check voicemail periodically. We want to thank our staff for their hard work, dedication, and flexibility and for the commitment they bring to our entire community.

Please continue to reach out to us to share your feedback and questions. Also, know that we take seriously the investment you make in your and your family's MJCC membership. We will communicate directly with you as soon as we are able regarding your membership or missed programs. As our staff is occupied prioritizing health and safety and reorganizing certain operations, we appreciate your patience and understanding during this unique and unprecedented situation.

We hope to have better news in the weeks to come. We will be in touch regarding any delay in our anticipated re-opening on April 1, and we will let you know about any adjustments to the start date of any spring programs. We are a resilient community and we will get through this—together. In the meantime, please do everything you can to stay healthy and ensure the health of those around you.

Warm regards,

Steve Albert, Executive Director
Jennifer Harrington, Asst. Executive Director
Steven Klein, President, Board of Directors

Group Exercise Class Update: March 13, 2020

Dear MJCC Community,

As we continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and in an effort to support social distancing recommendations for our area, effective today Friday, March 13, we are limiting the capacity of our group exercise classes that are held in Studios I and II to 15 individuals per class. Additionally, we ask that when you attend a group exercise class, please follow recommended guidelines and allow for 3 – 6 feet between participants, wash your hands before and after class, and use the gym wipes which we have provided in both studios.

Please understand that once the 15 person capacity is met, additional participants will not be allowed into class and this policy will remain in effect until further notice. We will continue to monitor updates from local, state, and federal public health agencies and communicate any changes as we navigate the weeks to come.

We thank you for your cooperation during this time.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Harrington
Assistant Executive Director

Update: March 2, 2020

March 2, 2020

Dear MJCC Community,

In recent weeks, the MJCC Management Team has been monitoring the status of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. We are in touch with and monitor recommendations from federal, state, and local health agencies on a regular basis, including the Center for Disease Control, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Multnomah County Health Department. I know that the recent news of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Portland metro area, along with the declaration of a state of emergency in the State of Washington, is causing unease to some. I am writing to let you know about our response at the Schnitzer Family Campus.

The health and safety of our community is always our top priority. We are increasing our usual hygiene practices throughout the campus. I have directed our maintenance, custodial, and fitness staff members to undertake more frequent cleaning of high-touch, hard surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, table tops, sinks, and fitness equipment. If necessary, we will engage an outside firm to assist with deep-cleaning efforts. We will continue to follow recommendations regarding cleaning and disinfection from the Center for Disease Control, as well as state and local agencies, and will also follow their guidelines regarding any potential temporary closures.

We will be posting signs to remind all members, guests, and employees of the symptoms of COVID-19, and urge anyone with symptoms to seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. We will also be posting signs to remind you of the steps that you can take to help reduce the spread of both the flu and COVID-19 viruses. These steps include the following:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, sleeve or elbow when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands;
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds), or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if necessary;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Avoid shaking hands with other people;
• If you or another member of your household is sick, especially with a fever and/or other flu-like symptoms, stay at home and seek medical advice;
• Maintain your immune system by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and addressing health problems when they arise.

Note that health experts believe that it is possible for an individual to carry the COVID-19 virus without showing any symptoms, making it all the more important that we follow the steps above, even if we feel healthy. The situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 is changing rapidly. You can stay up-to-date by visiting the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Oregon Health Authority
• Multnomah County Health Department

The health concerns associated with the COVID-19 outbreak can cause stress for many, and I want to remind you of our pillar behavior of B'Yachad. We usually translate it as "teamwork," but it literally means "together." We stand together as one community, and remain committed to supporting one another and treating everyone with respect, especially in the face of community-wide challenges.

Thank you for joining us in our efforts to ensure that the MJCC is a safe and healthy environment. We will continue to monitor all public health recommendations, plan for changing conditions, and communicate with you. Please feel free to be in touch if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Steve Albert
Executive Director
Schnitzer Family Campus

FAQs

Q: When will the MJCC actually reopen?

A: We are following the guidelines issued by the State of Oregon. Some programs, such as Day Camp, have program-specific guidelines that fall outside of the phased Reopen Oregon plan. Day camp opened on June 22. Other programs and services are dependent upon the phased opening of Multnomah County. As of June 19, Multnomah County entered Phase 1, and the MJCC reopened the fitness center, on-site group exercise classes, personal training, and racquetball play (single-player on the court, only).

When Multnomah County moves to Phase 2, we will likely be able to offer some aquatics programs, some low to moderate contact sports, and small to moderate gatherings for speakers and performances.

Q: What about membership dues?

A: We are enormously grateful to the majority of our members who continued to donate some or all of their membership dues and/or program fees during the months of April, May and June. As of July 1, we will resume billing regular membership dues. Individuals who wish to freeze their membership should contact the membership department.

Please note that the MJCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations, as well as dues or fees for which no services are rendered, can be considered a tax-deductible gift. We will be happy to provide you with a donation letter for tax purposes upon request, specifying the amount you have paid for which no services were received.

Q: What if I am facing financial hardship due to these challenging times and can no longer afford my membership?

A: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the MJCC offers scholarships and other financial assistance. This is one of the primary purposes of our Annual Campaign. If you are facing financial hardship, please reach out to the MJCC's CFO, Beth Germain, at bgermain@oregonjcc.org, and we will work with you.

Q: Will the MJCC continue to offer programs and classes online?

A: Yes! We are proud of the robust on-line programming that we have offered in recent months, and we will continue to offer at-home programming in the form of pre-recorded classes as well as live programming. You can find information about our wide array of virtual programs on our website. Note that virtual programs, like on-site programs, are available only to members. The exception is Arts + Culture programs; these virtual programs are open to non-members for a fee.
________________________________________

We hope this answers your most pressing questions. We will stay in active communication with you as the situation changes. Your patience is appreciated while we continue to prioritize health and safety, reorganize operations, and plan for new realities.

We want to thank our Board of Directors for their constant support, thoughtfulness, and care. And we want to thank you for being a vital part of our vibrant community. Your continued support during this challenging time is enormously appreciated.

We are resilient, and we will get through this together.

L'hitraot ("See you soon"),

Steve Albert, Executive Director
Jennifer Harrington, Asst. Executive Director

Words of Encouragement from our Community

Thank you for checking in. Just writing to let everyone at the MJCC know how much I appreciate them and hope everyone is hanging in there!

It is a joy to support MJCC even if it’s closed. It is important to the community, and to me! Thanks again

I sure miss you guys and my warm water pool. Thanks for looking out for us. It will be so good to get back and move again. Stay safe and know we are missing and loving all of you who take such great care of us. You are the best. - Jane M.

I hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe. I am well and appreciate all of the resources that MJCC is offering during these troubled times. I have paid for my membership on a yearly basis and am absolutely comfortable with the use of my dues to cover expenses during this time period.

You know Tara Atkinson is a MJCC treasure. Many of us, 20-30 a day now, are doing yoga class with her by Zoom. It is working out very well and a big comfort to those participating. Her classes are accessible daily. Thank you and the MJCC board and staff for keeping positive activities going through this incredibly disruptive time. Regards, Sarah Newhall

We miss going to work out at the J. It is by far the best place we have been to and it is a very special asset in our community. We will continue to pay full monthly fees till it opens again. - Carol Stone

We hope that this pandemic will end soon. MJCC is absolutely the best fitness center we have ever had. We miss it.

Thank you so much! Your messages are such a ray of sunshine in our new world!

Thanks for looking out for all of us. Can't wait to be back. Hugs to you all... See you as soon as it works for everyone...just know you are missed everyday... from the greeters when we push the magic button to get the back door open to the lifeguards and the people who give tours to all who would love to be a part of the programs. Thanks for hanging in there for us. HOPE to see you soon.

I hope everyone there is doing ok. We sure are thinking about our J fam and can't wait to get back there.

I just wanted to point out what a great job you and your team are doing communicating with everyone and providing guidance in these unusual circumstances.

Cleanliness Efforts

The health and safety of our community is always our top priority. We have instituted a variety of procedures to ensure the continued health and safety of all members and staff.

Anyone entering the building will have their temperature taken. No one with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be admitted. Anyone entering the building will also be asked a series of screening questions regarding contact with individuals with COVID-19 and symptoms associated with COVID-19.

All members are required to follow the one-way pathways through the building, as designated. Entrance to the facility is through the main doors, and exit is through the side entrance in the racquetball gallery, facing the Sportsplex.

All staff and members are required to wear masks at all times, while in the building. Disposable masks are available for members, at no cost, if needed. Staff members also wear face shields, as necessary and appropriate.

Hand sanitizer is available at stations throughout the building. Restrooms are limited to single use only and are cleaned and sanitized throughout each day. High touch surfaces are disinfected throughout the day. Plexiglass shields are in place throughout the building at locations where members talk with staff, including the security desk, welcome desk, and fitness desk.

Attendance at group exercise classes is limited to maintain appropriate physical distancing. Anyone wishing to attend a class, or workout using fitness equipment, must reserve a space in advance using our on-line registration system.

Exercise equipment is spaced far apart and is disinfected by staff members prior to the start of each session. We ask that members assist us by also wiping down all equipment following use. This maintains the most sanitary conditions.

Larger spaces (e.g. fitness center, gym, studios, etc.) are fogged nightly with an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer.

Membership Usage, Cancellation, Freeze Policies

Membership Usage/Refund

The MJCC does not refund memberships based on lack of use. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds due to routine maintenance closures or other closures deemed necessary by the MJCC staff will not be granted.

Membership Freeze

You may request to put your membership on inactive status or a freeze by completing an official MJCC Freeze Form, which may be obtained from the website or Welcome Desk. Your membership will automatically reactivate on the date designated on your freeze form.

Membership Cancellation

You may resign from membership by completing an official MJCC Cancellation Form, which may be obtained from the website or Welcome Desk. Be aware of what type of membership you have and any remaining commitment. The form must be turned in by the twentieth of the month in order to be effective for the first of the following month.