Weinstein JCC celebrates community, recognizes contributions, honors Barbara Wise at Annual Meeting
By Michael Blanchard, Senior Director of Marketing and Member Experience
The Weinstein JCC held its highly anticipated annual meeting on Thursday, May 18, at the Center’s main campus on Monument Avenue.
The event brought together community members, leaders, staff, and supporters for an evening dedicated to celebrating achievements, acknowledging outstanding service, and outlining the JCC’s vision for the future.
The meeting commenced with a warm reception in the lobby of the Center, where attendees mingled and shared their enthusiasm for the JCC’s ongoing contributions to the community.
President Greg Bishop opened the official proceedings by expressing gratitude for the attendees and emphasizing their pivotal role as the backbone of the Center.
In his speech, Bishop underscored the importance of the coming years for the JCC and its supporters. He emphasized the significance of building a strong sense of community and entrusted the Center’s legacy to the next generation. Bishop recognized the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the JCC’s ability to innovate, collaborate, and strive for excellence.
Following Bishop’s address, CEO Orly Lewis took the stage to reflect on the year’s successes.
Lewis attributed these achievements to the agency’s unwavering commitment to its mission, dedication to excellence, and the remarkable philanthropic support received.
She emphasized the integration of Jewish culture, history, values, and the state of Israel into every facet of the JCC’s work. Lewis urged attendees to embrace innovation, collaboration, and push beyond their limits in pursuit of excellence and growth.
During the evening, Bishop presented the prestigious President’s Award to David Fratkin, acknowledging his outstanding service as a member of the Center’s Board of Directors. Fratkin’s dedication and contributions were recognized as instrumental in the JCC’s continued success.
Tribute to Barbara Wise
A special tribute was paid to Barbara Wise, Assistant Director of the Center’s Early Childhood department, for her remarkable 38 years of service to the preschool.
Wise’s tireless efforts positively impacted the lives of countless children and families. To honor her retirement, the Barbara Wise Staff Award was created, with Barbara herself being the inaugural recipient.
The meeting also recognized the outstanding achievements, and contributions of three individuals through prestigious awards.
The award winners and their respective awards are as follows:
Maia Sigal Zasler: Arenstein Family Excellence in Youth Service
Maia Sigal Zasler was honored with the Arenstein Family Excellence in Youth Service Award for her exceptional commitment and service to the youth within the JCC and the broader community.
This award recognizes her outstanding dedication, leadership, and positive impact on young people, highlighting her efforts to make a difference in the lives of youth.
Jennie O’Holleran: Leroy B. Goldberg Leadership Award for emerging volunteer leadership
Jennie O’Holleran received the Leroy B. Goldberg Leadership Award, which celebrates emerging volunteer leaders who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and initiative in their roles.
This award acknowledges Jennie’s exemplary leadership qualities and her significant contributions to the JCC, showcasing her as an influential volunteer leader.
Sara Waskin: Esther, Edith, H. J. Bernstein Volunteer Leadership Award
Sara Waskin was honored with the Esther, Edith, H. J. Bernstein Volunteer Leadership Award, recognizing her exceptional commitment and impact as a volunteer leader within the JCC. This prestigious award acknowledges Sara’s outstanding leadership skills, dedication, and contributions to the JCC community.
These awards serve as a testament to the recipients’ exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to the Weinstein JCC’s mission.
By recognizing Maia Sigal Zasler, Jennie O’Holleran, and Sara Waskin, the JCC not only honors their individual achievements but also highlights the importance of volunteerism, youth service, and emerging leadership within the organization.
Additionally, the annual meeting included the election and installation of officers and board members, ushering in a fresh wave of leadership to guide the JCC’s future endeavors.
Chair Ashley Brooks, President Greg Bishop, President Elect Stuart Simon, Honorary Vice Presidents Ric Arenstein and Allison Weinstein, Vice Presidents Andy Brownstein, Shana Levy Passman, Bruce Perretz, and Cullen Seltzer, Secretary Lynn Schwartz, Treasurer Sara Waskin
Board Members Susie Adolf, Allen Cohen, David Fratkin, Chris Greenberg, Helen Griffin, Shelley Gouldin, Landis Knee, Sarah Arenstein Levy, Leeron Molloy, Jennie O’Holleran, Greg Samuels, Charley Scher, Stuart Simon, Wes Simon, Stephanie Sulmer, Sara Villalona, Bob Weisberger, and Nathan Zasler.
During the annual meeting, departing Board members Brian Greene and Melanie Grossman were honored and recognized for their dedicated service on the Board.
Their contributions and commitment to the JCC’s mission and initiatives were acknowledged with deep appreciation from the community.
The meeting concluded on an energetic note as Richmond Urban Dance took the stage to deliver a vibrant hip hop dance performance. The electrifying performance served as a symbolic representation of the Weinstein JCC’s enthusiastic leap into the new year.
The dynamic choreography and infectious beats brought a sense of joy and excitement, further fueling the attendees’ enthusiasm and setting a positive tone for the Center’s future endeavors.
The Weinstein JCC’s annual meeting served as a testament to the thriving community it has fostered for over 75 years and celebrated the exceptional individuals who have contributed to its growth and success. With the dedication and support of its members, the JCC looks forward to continuing its mission of providing a safe and inclusive space for the community to gather and build meaningful connections guided by Jewish values and culture for many years to come.
The Weinstein JCC is supported, in part, by a generous annual contribution, and programming grants from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
