One year ago I introduced “A new day, a new J” with the hope

that we were on a path to create a new full-service JCC. Today,

I am happy to inform you that our goal is within sight. With the

acquisition of a new facility, the former GM Training Center right

next door, we can collectively focus on creating a first-class full service community center. In the coming months we hope to engage and share with you our ideas for enhanced facilities and programs as we embark on this incredible journey.

As we put the pieces of our dream together, we will continue to build relationships with our local synagogues, deliver innovative programming and most importantly, respond to changing community needs.

The buzz about our new JCC is just beginning. Our need for motivated, savvy community minded

individuals is greater than ever as we seek the expertise of many in our community to help us plan and implement our vision.

Together we will create and build a JCC we can all be proud of.

Michael Maron, Chair, Board of Governors

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There is no question that the JCC mirrors Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, “it is the best of

times and the worst of times.” One cannot ignore the impact the economic crisis has had on many of our friends and neighbors.

I am proud to say that the JCC has worked hard to develop new initiatives as a response to

the crisis.

In conjunction with UJA-Federation of New York’s Connect to Care, the JCC, working with WJCS, has social workers available to address individual emotional and financial concerns. We have also created the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Project to provide needed childcare scholarship assistance.

Gateway is a new dual membership program with Temple Beth Abraham and Woodlands

Community Temple established in an effort to connect young families and mitigate the high

cost associated with Jewish life.

As you look through our new program guide, you will see many of the offerings that have traditionally been a part of the JCC scene. For the past 80 years, we have been here when you’ve

needed us. It is important to us, particularly in these trying times, to be able to continue to provide

you with the quality and program diversity that you have come to expect from your JCC.

Add all this to the excitement and vision of a new JCC facility and perhaps “the best of times”

is right around the corner.

Frank Hassid, MSW, Executive Director