Out-going JCC Board President Jeff Meyer
Passes Gavel to Incoming President, Marc Fishel

The JCC's Annual Meeting on May 26 marked the end of the two-year term for Board of Trustees President Jeff Meyer, and served as an introduction to incoming president Marc Fishel.

Prior to officially passing the gavel, Meyer expressed his gratitude to the JCC staff, committees and board for their assistance in helping to maintain the JCC as the "center of the community."

"Although the two years since I became president have passed quickly, there have been many changes inside and outside the JCC," said Meyer during his farewell address. "Many people have lost jobs and money, but the JCC has maintained its services and community support. In fact, the JCC has enhanced its services and facilities."

"As an example, the JCC has increased the amount of scholarships and senior lunches it provides to its members," he said. "In addition, the JCC has recently added state-of-the-art facilities, including the Zusman Center, used primarily for camp and after-school programs; the SprayGround, a 1,600 square foot water park donated in memory of Bessie and Herschel Baker; the William A. Barkan Memorial Sports Court; renovated baseball/softball fields; Kinesis workout equipment, and a new JCC New Albany Preschool, among others. These upgrades have and will provide JCC members with superior services and facilities for their use," said Meyer.

However, he said, "The JCC is facing numerous financial challenges due to the economic environment. The JCC is losing some of its funding from our government and non-profit funders. The JCC Staff, Committee Chairpersons and the Budget Committee have spent hours determining the appropriate cuts to the JCC's budget."

"I hope JCC members will understand and appreciate the budget cuts that are necessary to maintain a balanced budget. Hopefully, the economy will improve sooner than later and these budget cuts can be restored," he said.

"The JCC is truly the 'center' of our community and offers services to all ages, from infants to seniors. Now, more than ever, the JCC will be asked to provide services for our community," said Meyer. "This meeting serves as an illustration of the numerous programs and services the JCC provides; of the help and care we give to our members who need it; and to the one Jewish community agency that provides a roof under which EVERYONE in the community can participate and feel at home."

The JCC involves more than 25 active committees translating into hundreds of volunteers working to make our JCC the best it can be. With your continued commitment our JCC has had another year of membership growth, exceptional programming and quality services to Central Ohio's Jewish community and the community at large," he said.

"I am confident that my successor, Marc Fishel, will help to maintain the JCC's quality programs and services. With your support, our JCC will continue to go from strength to strength," said Meyer.

Fishel said he is "very honored and humbled" to begin his two years of service as the JCC president. "I have such passion for the JCC and all that it does and I am anxious to get started," he said after the meeting. "I feel this passion as a result of those around me at the Center. We cannot ask for a more talented and dedicated staff. Their commitment to the JCC is inspiring. I know that I cannot thank them all in this short time, but I ask you to take the time to show your appreciation as you visit the Center."

"As I gave some thought about what it means to be the JCC president, I am reminded of ideas and wisdom expressed in the book I am Jewish; Personal Reflections Inspired by the Last Words of Daniel Pearl. This book contains the thoughts of more than 150 Jews about Daniel Pearl's last words. Jews from all walks of life were interviewed. From children to Ehud Barak; from Richard Dreyfuss to Alan Dershowitz. These are Jews who range from orthodox to agnostic. And while there were various views, there was a common theme; that of community and responsibility. L'Dor v'Dor. The idea that we owe thanks to those who came before us and responsibility to those who will follow us," he said.

"We are blessed at the JCC to benefit from those who had a vision; the men and women who have given their time, money and energy to the Center. At the JCC's annual meeting, we were reminded of this in the awards named in honor of leaders who paved the way for us. At the same time, there were 16 high school seniors who stood as nominees for the Erkis/Berliner Scholar Athlete award. These people were reminders that I, along with our Board and members, are at the fulcrum of this responsibility. It is time for us to honor those who have come before us with our own hard work, dedication and commitment to the JCC. While we are fulfilling that responsibility, we are also laying the groundwork for those who will come next. I hope you will accept this challenge so we can honor those who provided for us and create the foundation for those who will come next," he said.

As with many other non-profit organizations, the JCC has challenges. But I am confident that we will be able to continue to thrive. We have such wonderful role models and the awesome responsibility to now become those role models for future generations. I am looking forward to taking this journey with you," said Fishel.

Also at the meeting, retiring board members were recognized for their service to the JCC, and newly elected board members were welcomed. Those retiring from the board are Andrea Adkins, Andy Blank, Ron Erkis, Julie Block Glassman, Brad Kastan, Miriam Portman, Melanie Schottenstein, Melva Schottenstein, and Mike Turoff.

Newly elected board members are Gary Cheses, June Frankel, Cari Kass, Rachel Lichten, Carrie Madison, Gayle Rosen, Julie Saar, Chuck Shenk, Andrew Smith, Laurie Worly, and Greta Zidel.

They join Vice Presidents Karen Bokor, Joe Sniderman, Jennifer Cammeyer, and Lisa Newmark; Treasurer Ben Zacks; Secretary Jennifer Wasserstrom; and Board Members Rick Barnett, Cheryl Bendis, Marilyn Cole, Cathy Cory, Marc Dunn, David Fishman, Julie Friedlander, Denise Glimcher, David Goldstein, Pam Gurwin, Neal Hoffman, Bob Keidan, Shana Levin, Jeff Levy, Stan Lewis, Michael Littman, Fred Luper, Rick Meizlish, Sid Miller, Dan Rosen, Mike Schlonsky, Karen Shore Meyer, Susan Steinman, Connie Tuckerman, Laura Weiser, Richard Williams, Jim Winnegrad, and Jonathan Young.