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Bouncebackability: Annual Report 2020-2021

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Published by info, 2021-06-25 16:18:52

Siegel JCC Annual Report 2020-2021

Bouncebackability: Annual Report 2020-2021

2020 / 2021

bouncebackability

WHEN WE LOOK BACK AT THE PAST YEAR, THE WORD THAT
BEST DESCRIBES OUR COMMUNITY IS “BOUNCEBACKABILITY.”
BOUNCEBACKABILITY IS DEFINED AS THE ABILITY TO RECOVER AFTER A
SETBACK. BOUNCEBACKABILITY IS BUILDING YOUR RESILIENCE IN TRYING
TIMES. BOUNCEBACKABILITY IS JUST THE WORD THAT EPITOMIZES THE
STRENGTH OF OUR COMMUNITY HERE AT THE J IN DELAWARE.

OVER THE LAST YEAR, WE’VE HAD OUR CHALLENGES: PERSONAL,
PROFESSIONAL, FAMILY; AT HOME AND ACROSS OUR NATION. IT WAS
DIFFICULT, OFTENTIMES, TO WEIGH OPTIONS AND MAKE DECISIONS THAT
WOULD IMPACT SO MANY.

AND YET, WE BOUNCED BACK AND MADE IT THROUGH THE YEAR:

Together with JFS Delaware and Jewish Federation of Delaware, we brought our
award-winning program The Wellness Summit virtual. We expanded our reach across
the country and spent three days learning, sharing, and finding ways to cope with
mental health challenges and build resilience together.

11 members of our staff participated in Awareness in Action: Cultivating Character
Through Mindfulness and Middot, offered through JCC Association’s collaboration
with the Institute of Jewish Spirituality, to strengthen our culture of empathy, loving
kindness, and support.

Our Senior Center team prepared and delivered over 12,000 meals to community
members and provided access to the COVID-19 vaccine to hundreds of individuals.

Nearly 100 households gathered online to participate in Quiz Bash: Virtual Edition,
making much-needed social connections and raising funds for our community youth
programs.

26 children graduated from our Early Childhood Center’s Pre-K program at an outdoor
ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

We got creative with our space and implemented a multitude of safety measures to
support the health and wellness of those members who came to exercise, play, and
swim on our campus.

We painted lines on our Tennis courts to provide outdoor space to play pickleball and
taught over 100 people how to play this fun-for-all-ages/abilities sport.

We invested in capital projects to enhance the experience of all who visit our campus,
including improvements to our outdoor amphitheater, campus-wide wi-fi, the kitchen,
and the spa facility.

And that is bouncebackability.

In the following pages, we recount tales of resilience, stories of all the ways that we
bounced back.

We are so very grateful to each member of our community for being part of our J story.

Ivy Harlev, Chief Executive Officer
Danny Haas, Board President

1 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability 2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

at the J

A VIBRANT & WELCOMING

ENVIRONMENT THAT
ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO
LEAD ENGAGING LIVES OF
MEANING & PURPOSE.

our mission ivy’s mantra

THE MISSION OF THE J IS TO BE THE HUB OF KIND
JEWISH LIFE IN OUR REGION. WE STRENGTHEN TRUE
THE GREATER COMMUNITY BY NURTURING NECESSARY
JEWISH BELONGING AND ENCOURAGING SOCIAL,
PHYSICAL, AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH IN AN COMMUNITIES THRIVE ON RESPECT
ENVIRONMENT GUIDED BY JEWISH VALUES AND AND CONNECTION. OUR WORDS
CULTURE. CAN IMPACT THOSE CONNECTIONS.
BEFORE SPEAKING WE HAVE TO ASK
OURSELVES: IS IT KIND? IS IT TRUE? IS
IT NECESSARY?

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 2

2020 / 2021 leadership & awards

OFFICERS ANIKA DZWILEWSKI STEVE BIENER (10-12)
DANNY HAAS, PRESIDENT PHIL EPSTEIN SARAH BAKER ANDRUS (08-10)
BETH MOSKOW-SCHNOLL, 1ST VICE AARON GOLDSTEIN CONNIE SUGARMAN (05-08)
PRESIDENT LYNN HANNA ROBERT COOPER (04-05)
PETER LUSTGARTEN, VICE PRESIDENT KERIN HEARN DAVID BERNSTEIN (02-04)
DON PARSONS, VICE PRESIDENT STACY HOCHHEISER WEAVER AMY LEVITON (00-02)
JAMESON TWEEDIE, VICE PRESIDENT MEGHANN KARASIC RICHARD STAT (98-00)
CHRIS ALONZO, TREASURER JANELLE KREIN-SILVERS DANIEL L. KLEIN (96-98)
JENNIFER LOWREY, ASSISTANT BETHANY KUTZ ROBERT B. COONIN (94-96)
TREASURER LAUREN MARTIN *MARK J. CAPLAN (92-94)
STACY HOROWITZ, SECRETARY MATT PETRIN RICHARD D. LEVIN (90-92)
MEREDITH ROSENTHAL, ASSISTANT ANDREW REISMAN *MARTIN I. LUBAROFF (88-90)
SECRETARY RABBI STEVEN SAKS, DERECH REP JUDY LEVY (86-88)
CARYL MARCUS-STAPE, AT LARGE ALIZA SAWDON *NAN LIPSTEIN (84-86)
ALYSSA ROSENBERG, AT LARGE KIMBERLY SUTHERLAND *MARVIN SHEPARD (81-84)
BARBARA SCHOENBERG, AT LARGE YOAV TAL *DORIS MORRIS (79-81)
RACHEL WERKHEISER DAVID MELLEN (76-79)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIANE ZUTZ-CUMMINGS *FRANK CHAIKEN (74-76)
JACK BERKOWITZ, AZA REP *MARTIN YALISOVE (72-74)
LAUREN BERKOWITZ, BBG REP PAST PRESIDENTS CONSTANCE KRESHTOOL (70-72)
SETH BLOOM BRENT SALIMAN (17-19) *NORMAN SCHUTZMAN (67-70)
ASHLEY CLOUD MICHELLE SILBERGLIED (14-17) *of blessed memory
ANDREW CONINE MARTIN LESSNER (12-14)
ROSS COOPER

3 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability 2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
PRESIDENT’S AWARD LAUREN RUSSEL, ESQ.
MONA DUWELL & ROB ROGERS
HARRY COHEN LEADERSHIP AWARD COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
CHRIS ALONZO JEWISH FEDERATION OF DELAWARE
BARBARA WEINER EMERGING LEADERSHIP AWARD
ALIZA SAWDON STAFF PERSON OF THE YEAR
SENIOR CENTER TEAM: KATIE GLAZIER,
2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org DAVE RAHN & JACKIE RANKINS

The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 4

5 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability CONNECTING

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

Connecting at All Ages

BY SIEGEL JCC STAFF | August, 2020

IN JUNE, WE ASKED OUR SENIOR MEMBERS HOW COMFORTABLE Senior Center members to activities to promote connection.
THEY FELT ABOUT COMING BACK TO THE J FOR IN-PERSON
PROGRAMMING. THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE WAS “NOT” We were lucky enough to be approved for grant funding for 2020 to support
COMFORTABLE. DESPITE THEIR NEED FOR CONNECTION AND OUR engagement with our Senior Center members.
DESIRE TO PROVIDE IT, COMING BACK TOGETHER IN PERSON IS
NOT CURRENTLY IN THE CARDS. Through this grant, we will reduce barriers to connection by providing access
and expert tech support to those who need it. We hope to reach 50 inactive
Perhaps, however, one of the greatest lessons we’ve learned from the seniors by decreasing their feelings of isolation, and increasing optimism,
COVID-19 pandemic is that we can connect beyond traditional boundaries, hopefulness, and happiness.
past the walls of a building.
Our mission at the J is to be the hub of life, something that is challenging in
Since closing our doors, we’ve made it a goal to create a virtual Senior Center the time of COVID in the traditional sense.
mirroring our previous in-person offerings. We’ve moved our congregant
meal program to delivery, continued to send our monthly newsletter: virtual Our seniors are such an important part of our community, and we have been
edition, made check-in phone calls, and launched gatherings over Zoom for committed to being there for them regardless of what is happening in the
fitness, Mahjongg, discussion groups, and more. world.

Yet, access to technology, as well as usability, continues to be a struggle for Our Virtual JCC has created opportunities for connection, and this new grant
many. Enter: Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS). will enable us to extend the connection further.

We submitted an application to DHSS for their Delaware Aging Services
COVID-19 Response funding program. Targeting older Delawareans who may
be socially isolated, the Virtual Social Activities Program aims to connect

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 6

SHIFTING FOCUS

1st day of Pre-K, 2020

Shifting Focus My wishes for my son’s Pre-K school year:

BY ANNA SAUL, BRAND DIRECTOR | December 2020 A class photo in which he’s seated with his bestie since the infant room on
one side and the girl I think he’ll marry on the other
WHEN MY SON STARTED AT THE ECC AS AN INFANT, IT WAS HARD
TO IMAGINE WHAT HIS NEXT FEW YEARS WOULD LOOK LIKE. YET, Participating in club soccer while insisting he only likes basketball
AS HE GREW, SO DID MY IDEAS OF WHAT HIS “SENIOR YEAR”
WOULD ENTAIL. Walking past my office and barely giving me a wave because he’s just that
cool.
7 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability
Weekly swim lessons with his favorite coach and talking about joining swim
team over the summer

Very little about this school year is living up to the hype I built in my head,
and it’s disappointing. I learned during the Virtual Wellness Summit how

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

2021 ECC Pre-K Graduates

important it is to “normalize” conversations about feelings, so I’m saying it So, we’ll wear our masks and practice karate in the auditorium, make
out loud: this is not what I expected, and it doesn’t feel good. reservations and give our son time in the pool to work on his skills, take
advantage of the outdoor campus, and enjoy all of the pictures our teachers
I also learned during the Wellness Summit, however, that it’s possible to are taking in the classroom and sharing with us online.
re-frame those negative thoughts. Instead of being upset about cancelled
school photos, I’ll feel grateful that I won’t be spending an entire paycheck When my son graduates from Pre-K, I believe we’ll celebrate
on awkward school photos. accomplishments beyond the traditional: facing adversity with a smile,
creating a vision for the future that’s bright in a different light, and exhibiting
The reality looks a little different, and his school photos will be just the ones I newly discovered skills of resilience.
envision in my head, but what’s happening at the J is that we’re adapting the
best way possible and trying to meet people where they are.

Members are asked what challenges they’re facing, and opportunities are
being created to address them safely.

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 8

RESILIENCE

Building Resilience in 2020

BY JCC STAFF | December 2020

TIME AND LIFE ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND 2020 HAS CERTAINLY
SHOWN US THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. OVER SEVEN MONTHS
INTO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE
COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD ARE COPING WITH
STRESSORS LIKE MANY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE.
AMIDST THIS HEALTH CRISIS, UNEMPLOYMENT IS AT AN ALL
TIME HIGH, ECONOMIES ARE SUFFERING, EDUCATION SYSTEMS
ARE SCRAMBLING, AND FAMILIES ARE LIVING IN TENSION WHILE
QUARANTINED IN THEIR HOMES; UNCERTAINTY, ANXIETY,
ISOLATION, AND DEPRESSION ARE RISING AND, WITH ADDITIONAL
STRESSORS FROM A TUMULTUOUS ELECTION SEASON AND
ONGOING SOCIAL UNREST, IT’S NO WONDER PEOPLE ARE
STRUGGLING TO CARRY ON WITH ANY SENSE OF HOPE.

The Siegel JCC, and Jewish Family Services (JFS) quickly jumped into action Over the last three years, the Wellness Summit has continued to evolve and
to provide a collaborative response to our community’s cry for help and has provided a forum for sharing grief, learning about the impact of mental
connection. health, and finding ways for individuals, families, and the entire community
to cope with challenges and heal.
On October 27-29, with support from Jewish Federation of Delaware and
other community partners, JCC and JFS hosted our 4th Wellness Summit Previous Wellness Summit participants have shared their feedback and
virtually, to continue the community conversation on mental health through agree, “there is clearly a need to have actual conversations about mental
informative presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and wellness activities. health,” and, in the face of such unique adversities, there was no doubt
another Summit could help the community connect and cope.
The award-winning, collaborative program was created in 2018, in memory
of JCC staff member, Sarah Segerstrom, who died by suicide at the age This Virtual Wellness Summit, focusing on resilience during challenging
of 16. Thoughtful community partnerships with local health and wellness times, covered important mental health topics such as anxiety and coping
organizations helped our team create our vision and goals of opening up with uncertainty, navigating change, stress and self-care, suicide prevention,
honest lines of communication around mental health and reducing the isolation and loneliness, and more. Sessions and conversations were led by
stigma around mental illness. community professionals including licensed therapists and psychiatrists,
public health professionals, and community educators and advocates; our
“When we lost Sarah, our friends at JFS showed up for us,” recalled team was joined by local partners and presenters from NAMI Delaware, the
Siegel JCC Brand Director, Anna Saul. “The Wellness Summit is the joint Mental Health Association in Delaware, Nemours, Christiana Care, Minding
work of transforming tragedy into something meaningful. It is wonderful
collaborating with an organization whose mission, like ours, is focused on
strengthening community.”

9 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability 2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

THE WELLNESS SUMMIT
IS THE JOINT WORK OF
TRANSFORMING TRAGEDY
INTO SOMETHING
MEANINGFUL.

Your Mind, Albert Einstein Academy, and other nonprofit organizations and “I needed this event, these speakers, and the information they delivered,”
clinical practices. shared an enthusiastic attendee. “It felt accessible, appropriately anonymous
for those who wanted that, and had resources available at the click of a
“We are motivated—personally and professionally—to share the experts button!”
we call our friends and colleagues with the community at large,” shared JFS’
CEO, Basha Silverman. “This year’s summit was uniquely special—the virtual Our resolve in 2020 to strengthen our community, provide resources, and
offering made the topics and interactions accessible for so many people who help people thrive is stronger than ever. Our community and those we serve
may not have had the ability or courage to walk into the auditorium and raise need and want to talk about mental health—how to help family members,
their hand if it was live, in person.” friends, and themselves.

The Wellness Summit’s virtual design made it possible for people throughout Inspired by the event’s success, a passionate Wellness Summit committee
the state of Delaware, across the U.S., and even from other countries to member reminds us all, “We need to keep talking about it to make inroads
gain hopeful insights and helpful resources which may otherwise not have to ending the stigma and to give people—teens, parents, adults, educators,
reached them. Over 230 unique participants tuned in to hear the wisdom and all community members—the mental health care and support they need,
and wellness we had to share over 14 sessions; our thoughtfully planned want, and deserve.”
conversations and carefully curated resources reached a curious and grateful
audience and, due to our virtual platform and presence, remain online for
more to hear, share, and explore.

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 10

Ruth Siegel

11 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability TURNING 100

SHE HAS TRULY BEEN
THE MATRIARCH, THE
GLUE THAT KEEPS US
TOGETHER AND TEACHES
US WHAT IS IMPORTANT
IN LIFE – FAMILY. AND
WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL
FOR THAT.

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

A Community Namesake
Turns 100

BY JCC STAFF | January 2021

THE INCOMPARABLE RUTH SIEGEL, ONE OF In addition to attending secular college, Ruth’s Wilmington and was the first president of that
OUR J’S NAMESAKES, TURNED 100 YEARS father sent her to Hebrew College; he used to say, branch of Gratz College and held that position for
OLD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH. “If you educate a man, you educate one person; 10 years. Ruth was involved in Hadassah through
if you educate a woman, you educate a family.” Congregation Beth Shalom, and she was involved
This past Thanksgiving, the J felt particularly Education was of utmost importance to Ruth’s in a Mishna study group for years. Unusual for her
grateful for the opportunity to celebrate someone family; Ruth would later propagate this value to generation, she learned to read Haftorah when
so dear to our community. her own children. she was in her 50s and was a frequent reader of
Torah and Haftorah, chanting a portion at her
Born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 26, Ruth and Bernard Siegel grew up on the same grandchildren’s B’nai Mitzvah.
1920, Ruth was the oldest of three children (Elaine street in Baltimore and dated all through high
and Billy). Ruth’s father, Benjamin C. Benjamin, school and college and were married in 1941. Ruth In addition to Ruth’s four children, she has
came from Slabodka, Russia when he was a young began to work after graduating teachers’ college ten grandchildren and seventeen great
child, and her mother, Reba Lipnick Benjamin, was as a 2nd grade teacher for $15 a week. Bernard grandchildren. She has been an incredible role
also born in Baltimore. went into business in Elkton, Maryland at the end model and matriarch to all of them. Ruth is
of 1944, and in May of 1945 the couple moved admired, respected, and beloved by all. She has
At a young age, Ruth and her parents moved into a four-bedroom house in Elkton without even a reputation for trying to educate everyone, all
to Tarboro, North Carolina where her father seeing it first. Bernard promised to stay for only a of the time, as she always clipped articles and
opened a dry goods store. There was no Jewish year (because it was a small town with few Jews), mailed them to children and grandchildren. It was
community, and they had to get their kosher food but they remained in Elkton for 9 1/2 years. a family joke that everyone would get at least
from Norfolk. To this day, Ruth remembers vividly one article from Ruey (that’s what they call her)
the racial inequity and the segregation in every In time, four children were born: Miriam (1942), every week. Ruth was crowned queen of “saving
area of life. When Ruth’s paternal grandfather Roslyn (1946), Debbie (1948), and David (1952). the planet” . . . always turning out lights, recycling
passed away, the family returned to live in The family moved to Wilmington to Brandywine EVERYTHING, and lecturing her family when they
Baltimore so that her father could help with her Hills where Ruth still lives today, and true to did not follow suit. She would even cut her paper
grandfather’s business. Ruth’s non-materialistic nature, the home is towels in half so as not to waste them.
almost exactly the same!
Unlike most young, Jewish girls of her time, Ruth “Mom is always positive and pleasant. She never
attended Hebrew school. She was an excellent Staunch Zionists, Ruth and Bernard travelled to complains, is always appreciative and supportive
student and skipped two grades to graduate Israel for six weeks leaving four children home; of all of us no matter what. She greets us with
from high school at the age of 16. Ruth was the her children still kid her about that to this day. happy ‘good morning wishes’ and ends the day
only one of her friends who attended college The couple became very involved in the Jewish with laila tov and cheerio! Always with a bounce in
(Towson Teachers’ College then; they could not community in many ways. Ruth was the chair of her voice,” shares daughter, Roslyn.
afford a four-year college), which today is Towson Women’s Division of Israel Bonds. She chaired
University. Because Ruth received a teaching Torah Fund Luncheons and Sunday night Lecture “She has truly been the matriarch, the glue
degree, which in those years was a two-year Series, and taught pre-school at the JCC from that keeps us together and teaches us what is
degree, she was determined to go back to school 1968-1974. She served on both the Synagogue and important in life – family. And we are all grateful
for a four-year college degree. She returned Hebrew School boards. Ruth taught Hebrew to for that.”
to Delaware and attended the University of adults and tutored adult immigrants in English and
Delaware in the 60s and received her BA degree tutored underprivileged children in the inner city.
in 1968.
Ruth, dedicated to education in general, and
While in college, Ruth accepted a job teaching Jewish education in particular, recognized the
Hebrew school on Sundays at an ultra-orthodox need for secondary Jewish education for students
shul. They asked her if she was shomer Shabbat who had completed Bar and Bat Mitzvah and
and whether she danced with boys. Ruth, true to wanted to continue their education. She worked
herself (as she always was!) told the truth . . . and with Gratz college in Philadelphia to establish
they hired her anyway. the Gratz Hebrew High School Program in

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 12

IT PROVIDES A WELCOME
BREAK FROM SCREENS
WHERE THEY CAN GET
SOME MOVEMENT
BREAKS TO SHAKE
THE SILLIES
OUT.

MUSICAL CHILD

Music in the Life of a Child that “takes them to another place” when they haven’t been able to frequent
their familiar winter stomping grounds like museums or aquariums. It
BY JCC STAFF | February 2021 provides a welcome break from screens where they can both get “some
movement breaks to shake [the] sillies out.”
MUSIC IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS THE “UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE,” AND
AS SUCH, IT IS ONLY FITTING THAT THIS UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE ECC parents, Harris and Elisa Arch, noted that “music has been a source
HAS BEEN THE SOURCE OF COMFORT AND “NORMALCY” THAT IS of familiarity for [their girls]” . . . and for the parents! Although Silly Joe is
JUXTAPOSED WITH THE EQUALLY UNIVERSAL UPHEAVAL OF OUR no longer able to make his visits to the ECC in person, he is immortalized
WAY OF LIFE IN 2020. in YouTube and easily accessible at home to provide both entertainment
and reminiscence. While parents of the older ECC kids may have many fond
The Siegel JCC Early Childhood Center has been running weekly Havdalah memories of their children bringing home songs from school, this particular
and Shabbat music gatherings via Zoom, the remote video platform that family was pleasantly surprised by a spontaneous performance by their
many of us are far too familiar with now. In this way, live music comes into youngest, who has only attended the virtual singalongs, independently
the classrooms as they all “meet” together in the virtual community – where breaking out into “Bim Bam” at the dinner table, hand motions and all.
parents are also welcomed to join in as well. Children are encouraged to sing
along, sway, and in this way interact in tandem with the community that has This picture of normalcy—a toddler bringing home a song from school—
come together in that space at that specific time. In a period where isolation even during this not-so-normal time, can bring such relief to us as parents
has been the norm, children and families can still gather and share in song. who are trying so hard to figure out how to navigate a new normal and be a
source of comfort to our kids. But it’s a comfort for US to know that some
Music does have some kind of special power. One ECC mom, Philippa Miller, things don’t ever have to change.
described it as an “escape” where she and her child can listen to something

13 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability 2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

Visions of Camp

BY CARRIE KEE | March 2021

PICTURE THIS, PART ONE: MORNING HAS BEGUN. YOUR KIDS ARE
FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME YOU GIVE THEM (OK,
MAYBE THE SECOND, BUT NO ARGUING, SO WE’RE COUNTING IT
AS A WIN). YOU ARE OUT THE DOOR ON TIME, NO TRAFFIC, AND
YOU CATCH ALL GREEN LIGHTS. YOU PULL INTO THE J AND CAMP
STAFF GREET YOU WITH SMILES (BEHIND THEIR MASKS), THEIR
EYES SHINING BRIGHT. AFTER THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE AND
HEALTH SCREENING QUESTIONS, YOUR CHILD GOES OFF WITH
FRIENDS THAT THEY MAY HAVE FOR LIFE. YOU GO ON YOUR WAY,
FEELING CONFIDENT THAT YOUR CHILD IS IN GREAT HANDS AND
READY FOR A SUMMER OF A LIFETIME.

Picture this, Part Two: You pull up to PM carline, swarms of kids milling to
your left. Smiles and laughter abound! Staff calls out names, you show your
car tag, say Hi, and then here comes your child: smiling, happy to see you,
excited to share their day. They tell you about a new friend that joined their
bunk and how they helped them win a game of GaGa. You are handed an
“art” project that might just look like a mound of clay, but you quickly learn
that it is, in fact, the coolest tower they have ever made. You pull away, staff
says Goodbye, calling you both by name.

Another glorious day in the life of camp.

This is what I strive for with each family, each day. I want your camper to
make friends, try new things, feel proud of what they accomplished, and
leave camp already looking forward to their return.

As we look ahead to summer, we are faced with some of the same questions
that we had last spring. But we are fortunate. Fortunate to have been able
to operate successfully for ten weeks in the summer of 2020. From this, we
learned how to provide quality, meaningful experiences for our campers
while staying in compliance with the state guidelines and procedures. We
made a difference in the lives of children needing to be kids and families that
needed a safe place for them to be.

I am energized each day as I plan for a safe summer program that reflects our
Camp JCC values: Kavod (respect/honor), Yosher (honesty/integrity), Kehilla
(community/responsibility), and Chesed (kindness/caring). And returning to
tradition with program offerings such as arts and culture, sports, and nature
exploration, our values at the forefront, our summer 2021 experiences are
sure to be positive and profound . . . not to mention purely awesome!

VISIONS OF CAMP

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 14

Reflections on Passover

BY JCC STAFF | April, 2021
THE INCOMPARABLE RUTH SIEGEL, ONE OF
OUR J’S NAMESAKES, TURNED 100 YEARS
OLD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH.

HEART & HOME

The Heart of a Home

BY JCC STAFF | May 2021 department, Jackie was able to create a wish list, and Dave Tryon, Facilities
Director, made it all happen.
IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT THE KITCHEN IS THE HEART OF A HOME,
AND FOR THE JCC, IT IS CHEF JACKIE RANKINS THAT MAKES THAT With a 6-person team, the $10,000 budget, and a deadline of a week to do
HEARTBEAT. SERVING AS THE KITCHEN MANAGER AND SENIOR the renovation project, the kitchen was able to receive a complete refresh
CENTER COORDINATOR, JACKIE’S OUTREACH WORK FOR THE without major construction and keeping kashrut the whole time. More lights
SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY BECAME EVEN MORE IMPORTANT were added, equipment was repaired, a meat-slicer was installed, and all-in-
WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SHUT DOWN OPERATIONS all the space became more functional for Jackie to better utilize the space
THROUGHOUT DELAWARE, WHICH INCLUDED THE ALL-IMPORTANT she has to help streamline her process and make it more efficient. When
IN-PERSON MEAL SERVICES THAT SHE HAD BEEN PROVIDING ONE asked about her favorite part of the project, Jackie replied “Being in a nicer,
OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. updated kitchen is amazing. It makes me feel better about the job I am doing
to have an updated space to work in. I’m able to do a lot more with the new
In a quick pivot, Jackie and driver, Dave Rahn, began a meal delivery service kitchen.”
that has since served over 10,000 meals to seniors. Offering these meals was
made possible through generous donations from community members and Both Dave and Jackie agreed wholeheartedly on their main takeaway from
foundations, and as the pandemic continued, the JCC was lucky enough to this renovation experience: small donations can get a lot done and make a
have unwavering loyalty of membership contributions. big difference. For those of you HGTV addicts who have seen countless TV
homes with $20,000+ kitchen renovations, you might understand that, while
Echoing the spirit of the ‘dayenu’ Passover spirit, those donations to keep generous, it doesn’t necessarily go a long way. However, with the Facilities
the meal program going would have been enough, but the JCC was honored team’s careful reworked planning, they were able to make the donation go
to receive yet another donation of $10,000 from a community member to incredibly far. In short, it’s true that no donation is too small; everyone’s
dedicate to renovating Jackie’s kitchen space. Partnering with the facilities goes a long way in helping.

15 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability 2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

PLANTING ROOTS

Jewish Roots in Gardening

BY JCC STAFF | June 2021 helping little things grow. These lessons, learned early, are ones that will
serve our children for their lifetime.
SPRING IS THE SEASON OF NEW GROWTH. IF WE THINK ABOUT
THE JEWISH CALENDAR, JEWISH CELEBRATIONS MIRROR THE Having a garden for children to tend has become popular with many
AGRICULTURAL CYCLE, FROM CELEBRATING THE FIRST BARLEY progressive childcare centers valuing a whole child approach to teaching.
CROPS ON PASSOVER, GIVING THANKS FOR THE EARTH’S GIFTS ON However, unique to most Jewish Community Centers, having a garden for
SHAVUOT, AND MAKING AN APPEAL FOR RAIN ON SUKKOT. IN THE the younger generations to work with and on is not just another advantage
REALM OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD, EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT, to the curriculum’s inventory, but is inherently tied to Jewish roots and
THE UP-CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE HORTICULTURAL CYCLE OF values.
GARDENING PROVIDES CHILDREN WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
AND CONTEXT FOR THE MORE ABSTRACT HOLIDAY PURPOSES. And now, the Yeled children’s garden is currently in the works at the J’s Early
Childcare Center, under the supervision of ECC Director, Valerie LaRock.
In addition, Jewish values tell us that we should all be striving to do good.
Specific to agriculture, the Torah gives guidance on how to live an ethical and The name ‘Yeled,’ or ‘Child,’ was specifically chosen for the garden to mean
environmentally conscious life, first by not taking all the crop for oneself, but more than just describing its location near the ECC. It is hoped that the
instead, leaving enough to provide for our community and those outside of children, as the primary gardeners, are able to feel ownership in working on
our community. Furthermore, the lessons of Bal Taschlit (Do Not Destroy), their little piece of earth as they start to learn about and act on the Jewish
G’milut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness), and L’ovda U’l’shomra (To Work values it can instill.
and Keep the Land) are ones that are made real by caring for a garden and
And by harvesting (literally) the fruits of their labor for Kosher cooking
demonstrations and sharing in snack time, the children are working together
to build and contribute to their very own community.

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 16

Big Day Out

BY JCC STAFF | June 2021

Last year, our community was awash in fear and sadness because of the
pandemic. The Big Day Out brought us a reminder that life does continue,
strength will prevail, and we can have fun again. Working together – from
staff to volunteers to our much-devoted JCC members – resulted in our
community to begin the healing process from an exceptionally tough 2020.

The weather was perfect as our Fitness team and pickleball courts made us
sweat; the family scavenger hunt allowed exploration of the grounds and our
minds, and the refreshing Outdoor Pool was filled with families’ young and
old giggling, jumping, and splashing. Prospective members felt our positive
energy and our reinforced commitment to maintaining a welcoming and
friendly community feel.

We are human. We are meant to connect and enjoy life, and that is what
many did at The Big Day Out. The J’s hard work rendered a deep, refreshing
breath from our troubles and it was a day we will treasure for a long time.

WE ARE HUMAN.
WE ARE MEANT
TO CONNECT AND
ENJOY LIFE.

BIG DAY OUT

17 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability 2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 18

MISC FUNDRAISING JFD 2020 operating activity
253k 487k 215k
MEMBERSHIP
PURCHASE OF SERVICE 1.2m
499k GRANTS
333k

PROGRAMS TOTAL: $7,397,273
1.7m
GOV’T GRANTS
GOV’T GRANTS (COVID-19 support)
(PPP loan forgiveness)
ONE TIME
ONE TIME
1.8M
887k

PROFESSIONAL FEES
206k

SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTATION
174k 22k

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & TAXES FUNDRAISING / OTHER
689k 149k

SALARY & WAGES OCCUPANCY & UTILITIES
3.2m 1.2M

TOTAL: $5,932,722 DEPRECIATION
176k
19 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability
INSURANCE
71k

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

CJL donors

Annette Aerenson Heather & Daniel Haas Ruth Rosenberg
Felisha Marcus Alderson Matthew & Lynn Hanna Brent & Sharon Saliman
Max L. Alderson Ivy & Donna Harlev Bruce & Robin Saran
Paige Alderson Amy & Scott Harrison Eileen Sarter
Chris Alonzo Peter Hazen Barbara Schoenberg
Regina Kerr Alonzo Laurie Hazen Joshua & Gina Schoenberg
Sarah Baker Andrus Stacy & Alan Horowitz
Anonymous Robert Hronsky Donna Schwartz & Sonja
Brian & Pamela Appelbaum Berta Borgenicht Kerr Hildebrand
Amie Baker Constance S. Kreshtool Ehyal Shweiki
Ruth Balick Mark D. Kuller Bernard L.* & Ruth B. Siegel
Lori Barbanel Bethany Kutz Linda & Michael Sigman
Seth Bloom Richard & Marilyn Levin Michelle & Russ Silberglied
Alan C. Blum* Richard A. Levine Caryl Marcus-Stape
Jack Blumenfeld & Karen Amy Leviton Jeffrey P. Stape
Jacobs Sandy Lubaroff Mark Stape
Arnold Caine Amanda Lukoff Michael Stape
Diana Caine Eugene Marcus* Connie & Michael Sugarman
Benjamin Cohen Elaine Markell Seth & Sarah Torregiani
Jodi Cohen Lauren B. Martin S. Janie Truitt
Rosi Crosby Debbie Nachlis Rachel Werkheiser
Arlene* & Robert* Davis Van & Betty Olmstead Rabbi Jeremy Winaker
Jill Downard Liz Sidel O’Neil Barbara Yalisove
Ralph Downard Don & Ethel Parsons
Jill & Joel Flambaum Jonathan Perry *OF BLESSED MEMORY
Michelle Glazier Sarah Perry
Cindy Slomowitz Goldstein Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Resnick
Jan & Rob Goodman Jordon N. Rosen

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 20

2020 annual campaign donors

HERO ($3600+): FELLOW ($1080):

NORMAN & PHYLLIS AERENSON AIRBASE CARPET & TILE MART
POLLYANNA FOUNDATION ELLY & RICK ALEXANDER
LAURA RUBIN MONA & RON DUWELL
MARCI MUSKIN & RICK GEISENBERGER
CHAMPION ($1800): IVY & DONNA HARLEV
CAROLYN & NEIL HOCKSTEIN
MIRIAM & STEVEN EDELL SOPHIE & MICHAEL LONGWILL
HEATHER & DANNY HAAS MARGOT WAITZ & GORDON MANIN
MARY & DAN KLEIN MARCIA HALPERIN & NORMAN
LISA & MARTY LESSNER MONHAIT
JULIE & RODGER LEVENSON SUSAN & JOSEPH NICHOLSON
MARILYN & RICHARD LEVIN RACHEL & RYAN OVERDEVEST
AMY & MICHAEL LEVITON RUTH & ROGER PERNICK
SANDRA LUBAROFF DARCY & ANDREW REISMAN
ETHEL & DON PARSONS ROBIN & MICHAEL SACHS
MICHELLE & RUSS SILBERGLIED THEODORE ZUTZ*
CARYL MARCUS-STAPE & JEFF
STAPE PARTNER ($756):

MICHELLE & DAVID MARGULES
LAUREN & TOM MARTIN
SHANNON MORKEN
DEBBIE & DAVID ROSS
ANNA & DAVE SAUL
BARBARA SCHOENBERG
MARTY ZUKOFF

21 | The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability 2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org

SUPPORTER ($540): CONTRIBUTOR ($180):

Frances Ratner & Steve Biener Judi Feinson & Mike Bailey Philippa & Jesse Miller
Jerome Covin Wendy Berger Lisa & Matt Petrin
Jill & Ralph Downard Sheila & Julius Berman Nomi Steen & Greg Rairdan
Richard Levine Ashley & Andy Cloud Heather & Scott Reich
Jennifer & Fritz Lowrey Congregation Beth Shalom Celina & Ronald Riebman
Alison & Peter Lustgarten Marla & Ross Cooper Rabbi Yair & Marisa Robinson
Leslie Newman Diane & Silvio De Carli Meredith & Dan Rosenthal
Ellen & Gerald Resnick Anika & James Dzwilewski Aliza & Vaughan Sawdon
Christina & Rob Rogers Gregory Eng Donna Schwartz & Sonja
Robin & Bruce Saran Barbara & Philip Epstein Hildebrand
Ruth Siegel Debbie & Robert Feinson Denise Kohen & Seth Shabo
Jill & Joel Flambaum Hope & Josh Slomich
FRIEND ($360): Jan & Rob Goodman Richard Stat
Lynn & Matthew Hanna Missy & Yoav Tal
Regina & Chris Alonzo Kerin Hearn Sarah & Seth Torregiani
Karen Jacobs & Jack Blumenfeld Diane & Murray Horn Meredith & Jameson Tweedie
Jane & Gene Castellano Courtney Howe Stacy & Jake Weaver
Lena & John Elzufon Mark Ifshin Rachel & Greg Werkheiser
Cindy Goldstein Kim Sutherland & Eustace Jacobs
Leslie Goldstein Berta Kerr
Stacy & Alan Horowitz Janelle & Kari Krein-Silvers
Meghann & Matthew Karasic Constance Kreshtool
Michelle & Roger Kerzner Bethany & Jason Kutz
Kristen & Nick Messina Kateryna Karachun & Matt Lenza
Beth Moskow-Schnoll & Barry Schnoll Doris & Joe Levine
Wendy & Phil Shlossman Jean & Andrew McCuskey
Avie & Dan Silver
Arlene Simon
Roberta & Mel Woloshin

2020-2021 | siegeljcc.org The Siegel JCC | bouncebackability | 22

that's bouncebackability.

thank you to our 2020 partners

Meredith Rosenthal, Realtor
Bonnie Sherr, Broker Associate

Siegel JCC JCC Association Beneficiary Agency of
Delaware of North America


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