100th Anniversary Meeting Inspires JCC Crowd

This article was submitted by Leigh Blander of the JCC.

The JCC of the North Shore celebrated its impressive 100-year history and exciting future at its Annual Meeting. More than 150 people gathered at the J for an inspiring morning, honoring past leaders and welcoming new Board members.

JCC President Lisa Nagel highlighted a year of accomplishments that have made the J stronger and more dynamic than at any time in recent history.  A new and engaging partnership with health & wellness leader MediFit has the J buzzing with new families, new programs and new enthusiasm.

“The positive progress made at the JCC in just one year is proof that we can be successful if members of the community commit the resources and expertise to keep the J moving forward,” Nagel told the crowd. “The JCC was built for all of us.  We need to use it, support it and give back to it.  People will feel rewarded if they do.”

Nagel welcomed several new Board members to the JCC. They are: Kate Aikman, Darren Klein, Ina Lee Block and Susan Weinstein, all of Marblehead.  Other highlights of the meeting:

• Nagel gathered 14 past JCC presidents, dating back 50 years, for a Passing of the Gavel ceremony.
• Maria Samiljan of Marblehead was awarded the Samuel S. Stahl Community Service Award for her tireless work setting the JCC on a new course this year.
• A beautiful new painting honoring the JCC’s 100th anniversary was presented by artist Brenden Sanborn – a symbol of light reminding all who enter the JCC’s doors to always be looking for ways to keep the spotlight on the J and keep it a central part of our community.
• Public Relations Director Leigh Blander of Marblehead was awarded the Bea Paul Professional Staff Award.