Three Generations Share JCC Experiences

Shana, Samantha and Shari Canter - daughters of former JCC President Mike Canter and his wife, Vicki - shared the childhood experience of attending JCC preschool. As the girls grew, the JCC remained central in their lives as they attended summer camp, participated in Maccabi Games events as athletes and coaches, and becoming members on their own. Now their children are attending JCC preschool, and Shana currently serves on the JCC's Board of Trustees. Recently, they gathered with their families at the Canter home to reminisce and talk about their experiences at the JCC. Their collective answers to interview questions make up this month's article in our ongoing series celebrating the center's 25th anniversary in this building.

Q. How long have each of you been members of the JCC?

Our parents have been members since 1972 and we all joined at various times after college.

Q. What does being a part of the JCC as a family mean to you?

It is a wonderful and special place to experience many of the life cycle events and unique occasions and activities with each other and with the larger Jewish community.

Q. What has been your best JCC experience to date? (Preschool activities, special event, cultural program, etc.)

This is a hard question to answer because we each have so many, but to name a few...Preschool, Tot Shabbat (specifically, Marc Rossio), Maccabi (we've participated in so many different capacities - from housing, coach, athlete, and assistant games director - it's been a significant part of our lives), and each of us girls remember the Camp Ora song, so that must have made an impact.

Q. What is your favorite memory of the JCC - either in the current building or in the old building?

See question 3.

Q. What do you most want your children to learn from their experience at the JCC?

1)Jewish values, history and a sense of community.
2) Appreciation for being part of a special Jewish community.
3) To have a Jewish experience in a fun, welcoming, and warm environment.

Q. What would you recommend most about the JCC to a prospective member?

The preschool (specifically the two-year-old, half-day program). The Kaleidoscope after-school programs and camp. The Diamond Family Fitness Center, along with the indoor pool. The JCC as a place to feel connected to the larger Jewish community. And the JCC staff - they make the JCC what it is...a very special place!

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