Celebrating 25 Years
Talis Family Legacy of JCC Service Continues

In 1983, the current JCC building opened at 1125 College Ave. In celebration of this 25th anniversary, CenterScene will be featuring staff and members, and their recollections of the old and new buildings. This month, Mike, Hilary and Nili Talis are highlighted.

In 1983, Mike and Hilary Talis already were quite involved in the JCC. Hilary served as the childcare supervisor and as director of Camp Ora. Mike was vice president of the JCC's Board of Trustees and served as its construction chairman, overseeing the building of the "new" JCC building.

Both - like many members at the time - were looking forward to the completion of the new building. "I was excited about the new and modern early childhood wing, and not having to use the Hebrew school rooms" said Hilary. "I also was excited about the new women's health club." Added Mike, "I especially was looking forward to having a new state-of-the-art facility that we hoped met all of the community needs."

Hilary and Mike noted that since the old building was not torn down until the new one was completed, programs at the JCC were uninterrupted by the construction. "We were able to maintain business as usual," said Mike. "And we had some great building closing programs," added Hilary.

When the old JCC building was torn down, Mike said it was the realization of a goal. "It was the realization that we actually had accomplished what we set out to do, and the construction committee did a great job of making sure that the project was on time," he said.

The Talis' daughter, Nili, - then 4 years old - already was showing signs of continuing the legacy of service to the JCC. "She already was developing strong leadership characteristics," said Hilary.

Eleven years later, Nili officially started working at the JCC in the capacity of "towel girl" for the fitness center. Today, Nili is director of the infant and toddler program at the JCC College Avenue Preschool and serves as the director of Camp Yeladim. "I feel extremely fortunate to work in an agency filled with such great childhood and adulthood memories," she said.

"Working in the JCC today always is fun and exciting," she said. "When I approach the JCC's doors each morning, and glance up at the Israeli flag soaring high in the sky, I always take a deep breath and say to myself, 'I wonder what wild adventures will we partake in today?'"

In the 14 years she has been working for the JCC, Nili said she has seen a number of major changes. "The JCC Preschool has blossomed into a top-of-the-line Early Childhood Education department, receiving NAEYC accreditation, exceeding Ohio's child care licensing standards, and being awarded a Star in the 'Step Up To Quality' initiative," she said. "In addition, the Diamond Family Fitness Center is a five-star workout facility, and I am proud to brag about all of the equipment, clases, instructors and amenities."

Nili added that she often sees elements of her parents' work in programs offered today. "My mother has a deep passion for Early Childhood education, as well as maintaining and exceeding standards, regulations and quality of care," she said. "Her natural ability to lead a team and motivate them to be the best was a legacy she passed on to leaders who remain in the Early Childhood deparment today. Her name often is referenced when we need guidance or advice for our program. As for my father, he always has been a historian and respects his heritage," said Nili.

"Perhaps the biggest element of the building today that reflects my parents work a long time ago was my ability to observe and experience their love for the JCC," she said. "Their love and committment to the JCC locally and globally directly influenced, inspired and motivated me to make a difference today - just like they made a difference back in the day.

"My parents are my best JCC committee," she added. "We discuss current programs, problem solve and have visionary meetings together...over dinner, of course."

Nili said she envisions great things for the JCC over the next 25 years. "The greatest aspect about our JCC is that the foundation and mission remains the same, with upgrades along the way," she said. "Our Columbus JCC always will have a strong sense of community, and many families always will consider it a second home. We will continue to move forward and bring in innovative programming that will continue to take our JCC to the top and remain a model for other JCCs around the world," she said.

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