Can one just enter the JCC in Rockville?

[Anonymous]

I write this because I have severe anxiety but long for pleasant memories of my past. I imagine there’s a lot of security and for good reason , but facing it or questions going in will likely freak me out but security is more important than my feelings. Anyways, went to preschool there in the late 70s. We were on the bottom floor, in a big room. Haven’t been in it since. There was some building services guy who would deliver I think paper to some storage locker on that room, always smoking a cigarette. I got older and was in chaverim, atid, rishon and galil summer camps. During college I’d use the gym during summers. In one of the halls there were glass displays with things like old channukiot, Yiddish posters about signing up for ww1, etc. just was hoping that stuff is still there. Always felt comforting for me even as a young child. Oh and the atrium (played a ton of dungeons and dragons there), the social hall ( pre Shabbat songs and Barry Louis polisar would sing), and my favorite, the snack bar.

[Anonymous]

Have you called or emailed them — if that’s easier than stopping by? If you just want to visit — and revisit— I’d bet that there might e a way to arrange that. Do they have any programs like special movie showings that might make it easier for you to have a specific reason to be there? Do you have any friends who are still active there who might meet you at the snack bar as a guest?

I don’t have any information about the Rockville JCC, but I am cheering you on in your wish to revisit an environment that once provided comfort for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you called or emailed them — if that’s easier than stopping by? If you just want to visit — and revisit— I’d bet that there might e a way to arrange that. Do they have any programs like special movie showings that might make it easier for you to have a specific reason to be there? Do you have any friends who are still active there who might meet you at the snack bar as a guest?

I don’t have any information about the Rockville JCC, but I am cheering you on in your wish to revisit an environment that once provided comfort for you.

thanks. Unfortunately no everyone I knew is gone from the area. Maybe they’ll have the Zulu and the Zaida in the auditorium again and that could be my excuse. Unfortunately even my pre school teachers are all long gone.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP,

My kids went to camp there for many years and one worked there ending in 2023. I think it is has changed a lot even in the short time we were associated with it (not members, though.) I can't speak to the basement preschool room but there have been many updates and renovations over the years so it may not look quite the same. However, it is lovely and there are many beautiful things to see and you might find comfort in just being back in the same building and seeing how it has evolved over time. Yes, there is security but I vote for calling and asking for a tour or, as PP suggested, find an activity and register (one-time lecture, etc.) and then you will have a reason to be there. Don't overthink it!

[Anonymous]

So many memories. Nate leading echad mi yodea on Fridays . I’m so old now

[Anonymous]

There a lot of programs for older adults there. You could walk in, stop at the front desk and ask about programming. And then go sit on a chair with some brochures to see what’s happening and where you might want to join.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many memories. Nate leading echad mi yodea on Fridays . I’m so old now

Hope you're not feeling sorry for yourself. You're lucky to have grown old instead of having died.

[Anonymous]

OP, did you ever make your visit? I thought of this thread when I was looking at a list of events — including an art exhibition. The website said that membership is not needed to attend many of the programs and events. I hope you’ve been able to reconnect, and maybe revisit the site of some of your pleasant memories and experiences.