CEO Letter 3.11.22

By Jenn Ross

Being a part of the JCC community has been a source of strength and energy throughout this pandemic. Our staff, volunteers, and members have continuously built community as an alternative to isolation. Even those who have continued to remain at home have been touched by our numerous ongoing virtual opportunities.

There is so much energy here at the JCC these days! Numerous daily activities bring people through our doors.  Congratulations to all the swimmers and youth basketball players on a successful season.  Our members have been active attending classes, using our fitness center, swimming, and playing basketball or racquetball.

Our senior lunches resumed in late August and participation has far exceeded our pre-COVID attendance.  Senior Club Officer Roberta Krieger keeps us apprised of all of their exciting activities in her column.  Our Sixth Annual Senior Artist in Residency launched earlier this month with yet another exciting creative curriculum.

The Silver Academy always is doing something exciting and meaningful. It was wonderful seeing a large turnout for their “Taste of Silver” Open House in February and hope to see many new students next year. It is a pleasure hearing students practice for their end-of-year musical.

I have been particularly blessed this past school year spending significant time at the Brenner Family Early Learning Center. Our JCC has not been immune from the staffing crisis and other impacts of the pandemic.  I’ve been involved to ensure we fulfill our critical mission of serving our families in partnership with an incredibly hardworking team.  It has been an honor and a pleasure interacting with our parents, getting to know our students, and working directly with our amazing teachers.  Although it has been challenging at times, ultimately it has been among my proudest accomplishments and has brought me considerable joy.

As you can tell from this column, there are so many fulfilling and inspirational events and activities happening in our JCC community every day, week, month, and year – sometimes it’s difficult to acknowledge them all in a limited space! We’re currently celebrating many of these programs on social media as part of our Spring Into Giving initiative to promote the ways that JCC/Federation makes an impact and the programs that you support through the Annual Campaign. Follow us on Facebook and support our community through the Annual Campaign at jewishharrisburg.org/give.

I hope you are finding ways to recharge and feel connected to community.  If I can be of any assistance, I can be reached at 717-236-9555 x3104 or j.ross@jewishfedhbg.org.

P.S. Happy Purim! I look forward to seeing families join us this year in person for the Purim Carnival on March 13.  And don’t forget to sign up for JCC Summer Camp at Green Hills – learn more at jewishharrisburg.org/summer-camp!