The Connection Bridgewater-Somerville Edition April/May 2018

www.theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 54 & % $ ## & % $ !$% "! Follow Us On Twitter www.Twitter.com/connectionsnj 903-1799 ww.theconnectionsnj.com o Shop Somerville Changing Lives Everyday Special Events Sunday, April 29, 10:30 AM - 1 PM In 1936, German-Jewish track & field athlete, Margaret “Gretel” Bergmann, was barred from competing in the Olympic Games despite being considered amongst the best in Germany. Nina Meredith award winning documentary Director of The Margaret Lambert Story will share her 23 minute internationally acclaimed documentary, along with her personal experiences as a track and field recruit, photographer and now, directing and producing shorts in “Foul Play,” a series of documentary films on controversial topics in the world of sports and the Olympics. She will share her experiences with Margaret Lambert shortly before her death in 2017 at the age of 103. $36/person includes Kosher luncheon LGBTQ: Everything YouWanted to Know but were Afraid to Ask Wednesday April 25, 2018 at 7:00 pm Presenter: Phoenix Schneider, MSW, is a Trans activist and social worker with Keshet, a national organization that works for full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life. Phoenix will present an overview of the LGBTQ community and ways to promote culture shifts towards full acceptance and inclusion of everyone. Co-sponsored with Jewish LIFE. Events held at Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater, NJ For more information and to register contact JFS at 908-727-7799 or admin@JewishFamilySvc.org or www.JewishFamilySvc.org As we watched the Olympics in Korea this year, it was hard not to be impressed by the stories of the years of hard work the athletes and their fami- lies put into reaching the goal of partic- ipation in this remarkable international event. Some fortunate ones were able to take home to their country bronze, silver, or even gold medals. Eighty-two years ago, in 1936, the Olympics were in Germany. A month before the Olympics were held that year, a young German woman known as Gretel Bergmann, tied a German high jump record of 5 feet 3 inches, enough to win a gold medal. In 1935 she had won the British high jump competition. But shortly after that high jump record, she received a letter from Nazi officials which said “Looking back on your recent performance you could not possibly have expected to be chosen for the team.” Her accomplishment was removed from the record books. Gretel Bergmann was Jewish, and in Nazi Germany that was reason for exclusion from participation in the Olympics. In 1937 she emigrated to the United States, where she continued to excel in women’s high-jump and shot-put, win- ning the United States championships in 1937 and 1938. As she prepared to try out for the 1940 U.S. Olympic team, war started in Germany. Her efforts turned to rescuing her parents, which she eventually did. Although the Nazis erased her accomplishments in 1936, they were not erased from her memory. Shortly before her death in 2017, at the age of 103, Margaret (Gretel) met War- ren native and award winning docu- mentary film maker, Nina Meredith, who ensured that her experience lives on in The Margaret Lambert Story. Find out more about both of these intriguing and accomplished women at the JFS Annual Spring Lunch Event, Sunday, April 29th 11-1pm at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC. This event is open to the community. A fee of $36 includes a buffet lunch. Advance registration is requested by calling JFS at 908-725-7799 or email- ing us at admin@jewishfamilysvc.org In 2009, Ms. Lambert’s German national high jump record was restored. JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social service agency serving the needs of individuals and families in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and offers a continuum of programs and services. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual, couple and family counsel- ing as well as geriatric assessments, sup- portive counseling and case manage- ment services for home bound elderly. The Family Mentor Program recruits, trains and matches volunteers with vul- nerable young families or with elderly persons for friendly, supportive, in- home visits. Families with children with special needs are assisted through social groups, parent groups and through the Family Mentor Program. Career Counseling helps individuals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services offers presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual coun- seling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. Many programs are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learn- ing more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at 908-725-7799, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org, like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. SETTING RECORDS By: Ruth Edelman, LCSW