Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center

I was playing with my son during open gym hours and got kicked off because of the children program had to use it due to weather. That was fine, so we went o the other side to play basketball and kids were also taking over that side. It was over crowded, and I did not want to take a chance to hurt any children. I ask the crew and they said due to weather, I had to give up the gym time, which I scheduled for my son and myself to enjoy.

This morning was my first time at the JCC and it was great! The woman who checked me in was kind and helpful, the facility was clean and bright, and I took Jane’s Body Pump class with a friend and it was fantastic! She is an excellent coach - great energy, fun and enthusiastic, gave helpful cues for each movement, and made sure we were properly prepared for each phase of the workout. I would absolutely come back for more classes at this JCC and definitely take another of Jane’s classes!

What a positive impact the JCC has had on me since I joined 6 months ago! I started coming to WW last April and another WW member told me about the membership drive this past Nov. I joined JCC and now attend water aerobics 4-5 times a week. A huge shoutout to Jess and Vivian who are incredibly motivating! Everyone I’ve been in contact with, whether staff or members, are so friendly. I’m very glad I joined this fabulous community!!

The teachers and caretakers realllllly care about our daughter and it is VERY clear to see! They also do a lot more activities than other daycares like splash pad, taking them for walks, and painting. The room being large is great for nap times as well as eating times. The teachers are on board with our approach to our daughter feeding herself. The teachers don't just shove a pacifier in her mouth (like our previous daycare did), nor do they just put her in the crib for her to nap when they (teachers) need a break. There are also a lot more 'play areas' in the infant room and mobiles, play mats, ball pit, just a lotttt more toy options. I can say this with full confidence because our daughter was at two daycares simultaneously when JCC only had one day available and we could see the difference between the two on the days she spent at JCC and days she spent elsewhere (and both were comparable in price). I don't think it was the teachers fault at the other place, they just seemed very overworked. So I believe things like more toys, more play stations, bigger room, and of course having additional help from the younger kids makes a BIG difference and I hope that never changes at the JCC!!!

My husband and 14-year-old daughter just finished their 1st supersprint triathlon at the JCC.

PROS:
- For anyone who wants to dip their feet into triathlons, this experience is fantastic. There were elementary school kids, seasoned triathletes, and grandmothers who learned to swim 3 months ago so they could do this with their sons (congratulations again Debbie!!!). It's almost inspirational, and the energy of the whole place was more than my girl and husband could ask for.
- JCC's staff and volunteers made this such a joy. From the director Jessica who gave hugs and greeted us with a big wave and smile. To the kind volunteer Norman who explained the sequence and checked in with us during and after the race to make sure we were okay. And to the volunteers at the end of the race that made sure everyone got a big family photo at the huge finish arch.
- Overall, this experience is well run by welcoming people.
- The pool is salt water, clean, and warm.

CONS:
- If you are a novice and want to get that complete 400m swim and 10k bike of a supersprint, you probably won't be able to complete it given the time restraints the facility naturally has to put in place. Because you're using top of the line stationary bikes instead of bringing your own and biking outside -- so they have to time limit everyone (5 min swim and 15 min bike for supersprint) or else there would be a line to get onto a bike if people are slow (like me). But I imagine that any indoor triathlon has to have this protocol -- so we'll take it!

Please keep offering this great experience JCC Bridgewater -- at least 6 of us in our family are going to be signing up for 2025!