After months of speculation that the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore might be forced to close, JCC officials announced it will stay open and launch its centennial celebration this summer.
The Jewish Community Center has been plagued by declining membership, as many member families moved to Marblehead's new YMCA. The JCC's reprieve came from a group of board members, past presidents and concerned families who raised money. The amount isn't being divulged, but JCC Board President Stephen Hamelburg says it's enough to keep things running while leaders implement changes to make it stronger and sustainable.
"We are going to position the center so it will provide high quality services for the next 100 years," says Hamelburg.
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JCC programs will run as scheduled, including summer camps, early childhood and preschool programs, exercise & fitness classes and swimming.
"Our neighborhood on the Hill will be bustling with activity throughout the upcoming months, " Hamelburg said.
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Member families are relieved to hear the news. Jodi Kadish Kerble, who attended JCC programs as a child and now has her own kids in preschool there, says she's thrilled.
"The JCC is a big part of my family's life. We are part the community there. It is like the Cheers where 'everybody knows your name.'"
The JCC will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, June 13 when new leadership will be elected. The board will then appoint a task-force to strategize fresh approaches to finances and membership. The group will also move toward greater collaboration with the larger Jewish community on the North Shore.
Community forums will be scheduled to answer questions and take suggestions.
"There is much work to be done and we need the community's input and participation," says Interim Director Julie Newburg .
Also at the June 13 meeting, the JCC will kick-off its centennial celebration. The JCC first opened in Lynn in 1911, to help the immigrant Jewish population. In 1972, it moved to its 11- acre campus in Marblehead where it became established as a central gathering place for Jewish life, learning and culture on the North Shore.
