Groundbreaking is Joyous Occasion for Community

by Carol Folkerth

"Blessed are you, Lord, our
G-d, king of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season."

We recite the Shehechyanu blessing for every joyous event in the Jewish life cycle. It was especially poignant being recited by the children of the JCC New Albany Preschool at the groundbreaking for the new Northeast community complex on Oct. 5.

Looking at the light in their little faces, reflected back by their parents and grandparents, one had the sense that this was just the beginning of a bright future for them, the JCC, and the community as a whole.

We were fortunate to have with us at the groundbreaking many local dignitaries including Val Moeller, president, Columbus State Community College; Jeff Meyer, president, JCC Board of Trustees; Jackie Jacobs, executive director, Columbus Jewish Foundation; Steve Tuckerman, chairman, Columbus Jewish Federation and Capital Campaign co-chair; Steven Schottenstein, past-chair, Columbus Jewish Federation; Bill Ebbing, New Albany Company; Brian Kent Jones, architect; Joyce Garver-Keller, executive director, Ohio Jewish Communities; Marsha Hurwitz, president and CEO, Columbus Jewish Federation; JCC Board member Joe Sniderman; Heather Goodman, representing Ohio Sen. David Goodman; Conrad Wisinger, Daimler Group; New Albany Mayor Nancy Ferguson, and Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown.

We also were fortunate to have families representing the past, present, and future of the JCC New Albany Early Childhood program. JCC Board Member Pam Gurwin - a former JCC preschooler herself - was there with her son, Joey, who will be attending the preschool next fall.

Kathy and Jay Worly were there with their children and grandchildren, representing four generations of family involvement with the JCC. (Their story may be found in this issue of CenterScene.)

And then there were the youngsters currently enrolled at the JCC New Albany Preschool, who stole the show by having their own groundbreaking at a nearby pile of dirt - complete with hardhats and shovels. (Be sure to visit this month's photo gallery to see a few pictures from the groundbreaking.)

The day was the culmination of a lot of hard work and shared visions, marking the commencement of construction of the new JCC New Albany Community Complex.

But there still is a long way to go.

We are so very fortunate to have Steve Tuckerman working night and day for us through the Columbus Jewish Federation's Capital Campaign.

Thus far, nearly $3 million has been raised, but we're not stopping there.

Earmarked for the JCC New Albany Community Complex, a permanent home for the JCC Northwest Preschool, improvements to the JCC College Avenue Preschool and an endowment, the campaign will raise a total of $5.5 million.

JCC families and corporations have been contacted to support us in this effort. But no matter the size of the donation, every little bit will help us in reaching our goal.

If you or your family would like to make a donation to the Capital Campaign, pledges and checks may be sent directly to the JCC, 1125 College Ave., Columbus, OH 43209. Pledges may be paid out over five years, and a donation of $1,000 and up will receive permanent recognition.

With your help, we will be able to reach our goal and ensure that the JCC continues its task of providing a bright future for generations to come.

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