The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore invites everyone to be a part of history and join the Center’s 100^th Anniversary Weekend October 14-16. Hollywood actor, director and writer Paul Michael Glaser (a Newton native) will be a special guest at several events, sharing inspiring stories from his life and his new book.

“We’re energized and proud of our 100-year milestone,” said JCC Executive Director Bob Verdun. “And we’re focused on the future, with creative new programming, events and classes.  It’s an exciting time.”

The JCC opened 100 years ago in Lynn, growing and evolving with every generation that has walked through its doors. The J moved to its 11-acre campus in Marblehead in 1972,  welcoming families (Jewish and non-Jewish) from across the North Shore.  It boasts a renowned Early Childhood program, state-of-the-art Fitness Center with NEW equipment coming this fall, after-school classes, sports teams, summer camps, cultural events and more.

The 100^th anniversary also marks a new beginning for the JCC. It has several new partners, including national health and wellness leader MediFit, bringing cutting-edge fitness and membership programming to the J. Spaulding Outpatient Center is expanding its wellness services. International Language school Berlitz is leading adult and children’s classes, and there are new music classes from popular Boston-area school, Jammin’ With You!.  An impressive three-year business plan is already exceeding its benchmarks.

It’s all great news for Jack Stahl of Swampscott, who has been a JCC member for 75 years. Stahl played basketball on the Center’s championship teams in the 1950s. Today, his granddaughter, Olivia Stahl Schuller, is at the JCC preschool.

 “There’s a renewed energy here at the J,” Stahl said. “I’m telling you… it’s THE place to be.”

The JCC’s membership is growing, too. The Center nearly doubled its Summer Membership base and is signing up new members every day.

“The JCC offers so much,” said JCC President Lisa Nagel of Marblehead.  “Most importantly, we’re a community where everyone feels at home.”

Just ask new member Barbara Tanger, whose family moved to the area this summer.

“Joining the JCC allowed us to quickly become part of the community,” Tanger said. “We feel so lucky to have our children in the preschool here. Our entire family feels welcome the moment we step into the JCC.”

So come join Paul Michael Glaser and help the JCC celebrate its big anniversary.  To reserve your spot at the following events, contact Joan at 781-631-8330, ext 129, or jlawrence@jccns.com. Also, check out JCCNS.ORG for details.

Friday, October 14, 6:30pm:  An intimate Shabbat dinner with Paul Michael Glaser.

Saturday, October 15, 6:30pm: Centennial Dinner with live music, dancing and auction. Glaser will be honored and will read from his new book.

Sunday, October 16

• 10:00am Historic dedication at the JCC’s former site at 45 Market Street
• 11:30am Centennial Celebration Program at the JCC
• 12:15pm Luncheon
• 1:30pm: Family Field Day and Community Open House with Paul Michael Glaser. Glaser will read from his new book, Chrystallia and the Source of Light. The Field Day will feature games and fun activities for the entire family.  At the Community Open House, come try one of the J’s popular Group Exercise classes, swim in the heated indoor pool, shoot some hoops or work out in the Fitness Center. Everyone is welcome!