On Sunday, April 23 at 11am, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island hosted the 14th Annual Nancy Avis L’Dor V’Dor Awards. The event honored five local women for their accomplishments within the JCC as well as in the Staten Island community. The award is named in memory of Nancy Avis, the first female president of the JCC’s Board of Directors.
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During the event, Fern Aaron Zagor, Rosalind (Roz) Kurland, and Susan Klein-Perel received the First Generation Award. Felicia Holtzman Otto received the Next Generation Award. Carol Bullock received the Bridge to the Community Award.

“My mother-in-law, Nancy Avis, changed my world and the world of those around her. We are so proud to honor Nancy’s memory by celebrating these amazing women,” said Kim Avis, Event Chair.

“Through her efforts, first as a dedicated volunteer and later as the first female president of the JCC’s Board of Directors, Nancy Avis provided a tremendous example of leadership,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC. “Although she is no longer with us, Nancy’s legacy lives on through this year’s L’Dor V’Dor honorees, who not only make a difference in our Staten Island community, but inspire other women to do the same.”

Funds raised at the event benefit the JCC’s programs and services.
 
Bios of the honorees are below:
 
Fern Aaron Zagor
Fern Aaron Zagor exemplifies a deep commitment to social justice and Holocaust remembrance. She has been involved in many initiatives that focus on combating anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred and racial injustice, including at schools such as I.S.2. She has co-chaired the ambitious effort to establish the first permanent Holocaust Center on Staten Island, the WCHC Holocaust Education and Action Gallery, which opened in early April 2022.
 
Rosalind (Roz) Kurland
Roz Kurland has been involved with the JCC’s Center for Lifelong Development since its inception in 2012. She presently serves on their Advisory Board and is a member of the Arts & Culture, Education and Nominating Committees. She is also very involved at the JCC as a committee member of the Dr. Esther Grushkin Center for Arts + Culture. She feels strongly that the JCC and these two important programs provide the best of everything for the community.
 
Susan Klein-Perel
Susan Klein-Perel has worked in clinical practice, and has done consulting and supervisory work on Staten Island as a social worker for many years. Susan has also been involved with the JCC of Staten Island for over 20 years. She has been a member of the board, as well as several committees including the Camp and Youth committee and the committee for People with Disabilities.
 
Felicia Holtzman Otto
Felicia Holtzman Otto is a co-President of Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island, where her mission is to ensure that all congregants find peace and joy within the congregation as their spiritual home. Recently, she has been working in collaboration with the JCC on how the JCC and Temple Israel can best partner together to serve the needs of Jewish families on Staten Island.
 
Carol Bullock
Carol Bullock, the Executive Director of the Pride Center, focuses on relationship building and development, as she leads the staff in living up to the values of the Pride Center – Community, Brave Space, Inclusion and Allyship. She has been instrumental in creating visibility and community support for the Center, as well as advocating federally, state-wide and locally for equality and inclusion for LGBTQ people and families.
 

​The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island is celebrating Black History Month with special community events and learning opportunities.
 
On Wednesday, February 22, from 4 to 7pm, the JCC will partner with New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and the Richmond County Black and Minority Chamber of Commerce to host a Black Business Expo at the Gerard Carter Center. The expo will feature vendors and networking opportunities, as well as entertainment and an awards presentation.
 
To register for the expo, visit https://tinyurl.com/bhmbbe-rsvp or contact [email protected] for more information.
 
During the Central Family Life Center’s 18th Annual Staten Island Black History Town Hall on Saturday, February 25, the JCC will receive the Nelson Mandela Award for its work serving Staten Island youth through its Cornerstone afterschool programs at the Gerard Carter Center.
 
Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC, said, “We are proud of the important work we do at the Gerard Carter Center to uplift youth in the North Shore community.”
 
On Tuesday, February 28, the JCC’s Beacon program at I.S. 49 will present Black History Through Time & Sound, which celebrates the journey of Black history from Africa to the Americas through music, dance, and film. During the event, attendees will enjoy dance and step performances by the Beacon program’s dance team, as well as a percussion performance by students in the JCC’s SONYC program at Eagle Academy. The program will also feature music by DJ General Tactics, live jazz instrumentals, a spoken word performance, African drumming, and a marketplace showcasing Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
 
The JCC’s Beacon program, which is funded by the Department of Youth & Community Development, is pleased to partner with Roc-a-Natural Cultural Foundation, Inc., the JCC Beacon Advisory Board, the YMCA, the Central Family Life Center, and other North Shore community-based organizations.
 
Black History Through Time & Sound will be held at I.S. 49, located at 101 Warren Street, from 6pm to 9pm. The event is free and open to individuals of all ages. For more information, please contact Desiree Scott at [email protected].
 
Lender said, “We’re excited to work with our partners to bring together Staten Island youth and their families for this special celebration of Black History Month.”
 
Throughout February, students in the JCC’s afterschool programs across the island will also participate in learning opportunities for Black History Month.
 
Students in the JCC’s COMPASS program at P.S. 65 researched prominent African American figures—such as Thurgood Marshall, Ruby Bridges, Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, and more—before collaborating on a mural to adorn their hallway.
 
Students in the JCC’s Explorers program at the Bernikow JCC also studied important cultural contributions made by African Americans and completed art projects inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
 
Dedicated to serving and encouraging harmony throughout the Staten Island community, the JCC is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across its programs. The JCC recently added Chief Experience Officer Daisy Olivencia, whose work supports the agency’s efforts in this arena.
 
Olivencia said, “Part of my role is empowering staff and the communities we serve across the island to bring together their unique experiences, talents, insecurities, hopes, fears—all the things that make us who we are. I’m proud to be part of this important work to create a space where we all belong.”
 
She added, “This Black History Month, we’re honored to bring Black stories to the forefront for our youth and community to learn from and celebrate.”

On Saturday, November 19, over 150 guests joined the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island for a celebration of the Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute’s Golden Anniversary.
 
Recognizing the need for a high-quality music school in the Staten Island community, the JCC’s Music Institute was founded in 1970. Since its inception, the Music Institute has offered private and group lessons taught by exceptional faculty members to students of all ages. Many of the Institute’s graduates, such as Emmy-nominated musician Ingrid Michaelson, have gone on to pursue music professionally.
 
Saturday’s Golden Anniversary celebration, long delayed due to the pandemic, was a special moment to honor more than half a century’s impact and the two women who made it possible, founders Bertha R. Mandel and the late Dorothy Delson Kuhn.
 
During the program, guests were treated to performances by current Music Institute students and alumni, as well as Viva Voce Winds, featuring Nicole Auriti, Dorothy Darlington, Dan Kelley, Barry Nudelman, and Carolyn Clark, and the Community Jazz Ensemble under the leadership of Ray Scro.
 
The event also served as a fundraiser for the Foundation for the Music Institute, which helps ensure that promising students continue to pursue their passion for music, regardless of financial hardship.
 
Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC, said, “Music is a gift that touches so many lives and we’ve seen that firsthand here at the JCC’s Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute. We are so proud to celebrate the history of our music school, which has given that gift to hundreds of talented students, and we look forward to a bright future ahead.”
 
Watch the video history of the Music Institute here.

The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island will host a bocce tournament on Thursday, September 22 to benefit the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island.
 
Now in its second year, the tournament promises a day of friendly competition in one of Staten Island's fastest growing sports. New and returning players will also have the opportunity to participate in a golf chipping contest. The event will feature a beer tasting by Flagship Brewery, a "Taste of the Mediterranean" cuisine, music, and raffles.
 
All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, the JCC's free day camp for children with cancer and their siblings. A proud member of the Sunrise Association, Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is the only camp of its kind in New York City and gives back the joys of summer to children who need it most. The camp proudly serves families from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and nearby New Jersey on a non-sectarian basis.
 
Recognizing the extraordinary financial demands that a child's chronic illness can have on a family, up to seven weeks of summer fun are provided completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of community donors. 
 
This year, the JCC is proud to honor Brandon Sturman, Executive Vice President of Home Team Mortgage, and Vincent Malerba, President of Angelina's Group, for their continued support for Sunrise Day Camp.
 
Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC, said, "Brandon and Vincent reflect the strong community spirit that allows us to make Sunrise Day Camp a memorable experience for our campers. We just finished another amazing summer season and you could see the joy on their faces every single day of camp."
 
She added, "We're excited to see everyone out on the bocce courts, having a great time while we support these deserving kids."
 
The event is co-chaired by Solomon Chemo, Cory Schifter, Bob Cutrona, and Brian Lincer. 
 
The tournament will take place on the lawn at the Bernikow JCC, located at 1466 Manor Road. Players are asked to check in at 11am, before the tournament begins at noon.
 
To purchase tickets, click here.

The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island will host “To Life!” a concert celebrating intercultural connections, on Thursday, May 12th at 7pm. The concert, which is presented in collaboration with the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, will take place at the Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road.
 
“To Life!” represents a celebration of life and friendship among three people brought together from different worlds by a passion for music. Zalmen Mlotek is an internationally recognized authority on Yiddish folk and theater music as well as a leading figure in the Jewish theater and concert worlds. He will be joined by Tony Perry and Elmore James, two prominent African American singers.
 
Orit Lender, JCC CEO, noted, “We are so proud to showcase diverse performances through our Dr. Esther Grushkin Center for Arts + Culture. We look forward to a wonderful evening celebrating the shared experiences of Jewish and African American communities.”
 
Tickets to the concert are $18 per person. For those who want to mingle with the stars afterwards, a VIP Dessert Reception costs $54, which includes a show ticket.
“As soon as we started rehearsing this show,” Tony Perry said, “We felt that love, that feeling of this being so much bigger than each of us can be separately. There’s so much power in us coming together!”
 
The group has performed across the globe to enthusiastic audiences. “To Life!” which celebrates life, love, and hope, was born out of the stress of the pandemic.
 
“Making music with Tony and Elmore has always been exciting for me,” Zalmen Mlotek said. “I can't believe, after all of our various concerts together, it has taken us this long to finally come together and put this particular program together—full of passion, gorgeous singing, and a genuine love for each other and the material.”
 
“We must never be afraid of going into each other’s ‘cultural neighborhoods’ and singing each other’s ‘songs!’” Elmore James said. “When we do, we sing with a common humanity. This is why I do these concerts. Through the power of music, we come together in the celebration of love, life and our hopes for a better world.”
 
Tickets can be purchased here.

On Sunday, May 15th, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island will present its highest honor, the Allan Weissglass Distinguished Leadership Award, to David Sorkin and Stephen J. Blumert. The event will begin at 6pm at the Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road).

The gala, which is named for the late Allan Weissglass, honors individuals who have supported the mission of the JCC and served as leaders in the Staten Island community. This year’s honorees, David Sorkin and Stephen J. Blumert, have a long history of leadership within the JCC. Sorkin is the JCC’s CEO Emeritus and Blumert is a longtime JCC board member and prominent attorney.

“We are so proud to be able to recognize David and Stephen with this prestigious award. Both of them have been instrumental to the success of the JCC over the past few decades. David and Steve far exceed the criteria for receiving this award for their dedication, leadership, and generosity to the JCC and the community-at-large. They truly exemplify Allan Weissglass’ legacy of service and are most deserving of this award,” said Orit Lender, JCC CEO.

The proceeds from the gala will support the JCC’s Memory Loss Programs—Rosemary’s Place and My Place. These programs are vital to assist those with memory loss and their families as they provide in person services for individuals in need. Both program options allow for individuals to participate in programming that best meets their needs outside of their homes and allow caregivers to receive respite in order to attend work or other activities.

“My grandfather held both David and Steve in such high regard,” noted Allison Cohen, the JCC’s Director of Marketing & Communications and Weissglass’ granddaughter. “Our family could not think of two more appropriate people to honor in his memory. We hope the community will come together to recognize these two distinguished honorees and this important cause by supporting the event.”

Watch videos below about each of our honorees:

​This week, we mark the celebration of Purim, which commemorates the story of Queen Esther. Esther was a strong female leader, using her position for the good of her people. In the story of Purim, Esther hid her Jewish faith from her husband, King Ahasuerus. The king’s trusted advisor, Haman, had a plan to kill all the Jewish people in the Persian Empire. Esther had a choice—to stay silent or tell the truth in order to save her people. She acted courageously, risking her life for the good of the Jewish people. During Purim, we celebrate Esther’s heroic actions that saved the lives of so many others.
 
We have many strong women in our community, like Queen Esther, who have used their power and standing to help others who are less fortunate. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is important to acknowledge their contributions to our JCC and the community at large.
 
One of the most inspirational stories in the JCC’s history belongs to Nancy Avis. Nancy was a barrier-breaking woman who cared deeply about Staten Island. Like many other women interested in making a difference in their community, Nancy began volunteering her time for JCC initiatives close to her heart—namely children’s causes. She became involved with our Camp Committee and took a lead role in the formation of the JCC Nursery School in 1961. As the Women’s Division President, she encouraged and inspired other women to get involved as well. In 1986, Nancy made history as the JCC’s first woman Board President and led the agency through significant expansions. While Nancy is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the generations of women leaders at the JCC—including our strong female Board Members and Presidents.

Every year, we present the Nancy Avis L’Dor V’Dor Awards to honor women who have made an impact on our community. L’Dor V’Dor, which means “from generation to generation,” recognizes women who have carried on the legacy of those who came before them, while also inspiring the next generation to make the world a better place.
 
This year is particularly special, as we are honoring Nancy’s granddaughters Sydney, Samantha, and Morgan Avis with the “Nancy Avis Legacy Award.” These three young women are continuing the legacy of their grandmother Nancy through their community service and advocacy of social justice issues. It is so beautiful to see the next generation getting involved and giving back.
 
Alongside them, we are so excited to be able to recognize other female leaders in our community. The “First Generation Award” will be presented to Allison Romeo, a Speech/Language Pathologist in our Early Childhood Education program, and Stephanie Mizrahi, a CLLD board member. Just as we honor women whose years of service have benefited our community, we will also honor an up-and-coming leader in our community, nine-year-old Maddie French, with the “Next Generation Award.” The “Bridge to the Community Award” will be presented to Dr. Ginny Mantello for her work advocating for health and wellness throughout Staten Island. Each of these special women have made their mark on Staten Island, and we are so proud of everything they have done to improve life in our community.
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You can learn more about the L’Dor V’Dor honorees and register to watch the virtual ceremony on April 3rd here.
 
We are so proud to have a history of strong female leadership at our Jewish Community Center and in the larger Staten Island community. Women like Nancy Avis inspired me in my journey to becoming the first female CEO of the JCC. I am blessed to be surrounded by these strong women leaders, on our board, throughout our organization, and in our local community. I hope that women continue to feel empowered to raise their voices and make an impact. We honor them not just during Women’s History Month, but throughout the whole year.

​-Orit Lender, CEO

On Sunday, April 3rd at 10am, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island will host the 13th Annual Nancy Avis L’Dor V’Dor Awards. The virtual event will honor seven local women for their accomplishments within the JCC as well as in the Staten Island community. The award is named in memory of Nancy Avis, the first female president of the JCC’s Board of Directors.
 
At the event, Allison Romeo and Stephanie Mizrahi will receive the First Generation Award. 8-year-old Maddie French will receive the Next Generation Award. Dr. Ginny Mantello will receive the Bridge to the Community Award. Sydney, Samantha, and Morgan Avis will be receiving the Nancy Avis Legacy Award.
 
“My mother-in-law, Nancy Avis, changed my world and the world of those around her. We are so proud to honor Nancy’s memory by celebrating these amazing women,” said Kim Avis, Event Chair.
 
“We are proud to be able to honor the memory of Nancy Avis, who paved the way for so many women in our community,” noted JCC CEO Orit Lender. “Our seven distinguished honorees truly represent the best of Staten Island through their tireless work serving the community. We are especially excited to honor several young community leaders, including Nancy’s granddaughters, who are continuing her legacy in our community. We look forward to celebrating all our honorees at our L’Dor V’Dor event!”
 
Funds raised at the event will benefit the JCC’s programs and services. Tickets are complimentary, but preregistration is required.

Learn more about the event and register here.

The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island hosted Kids Front and Center, a virtual event, on Sunday, October 24 at 10am. The livestream supported JCC programs that help kids find new beginnings academically, socially, and emotionally during and after the pandemic.
 
At the event, the JCC recognized three outstanding community leaders, Lt. Rafet Awad, Rose Kerr, and Miriam Prat-Jerez, for their work benefiting children.
 
“I’d like to acknowledge and thank our honorees, Lt. Rafet Awad, Rose Kerr, and Miriam Prat-Jerez, for their tireless work serving children in our community. We are proud of your work and thank you for everything you’ve done to improve life for our children,” noted Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC.
 
Recognizing the toll the pandemic has put on children and families, the JCC has created programs to help children struggling with schoolwork and social interactions. Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, the JCC hosted five Learning Bridges sites to provide in-person support for families during remote school days. These programs mirrored a normal school day by offering academics, socialization, and recreation, allowing children to thrive as if they were in a normal school setting. The organization also provided in-person after school programs, camp, sports, and music classes throughout the past year.
 
Lender continued, “The funds raised this morning will support the JCC’s kids programs. Over the past year and a half, these programs have provided a lifeline to so many families on Staten Island. We’ve served thousands of children during the pandemic, providing in-person opportunities for education and recreation through a variety of programs, including Early Childhood Education, camp, Learning Bridges, sports, and music. With your help, we can continue to help kids find new beginnings through the next stage of the pandemic and beyond.”
 
Jozette Carter Williams, Bryn Biren, and Linda Brill were the event co-chairs. 
 
For more information or to view the live stream, click here!

The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island will host Kids Front and Center, a virtual event, on Sunday, October 24 at 10am. The livestream will support JCC programs that help kids find new beginnings academically, socially, and emotionally during and after the pandemic.
 
At the event, the JCC will recognize three outstanding community leaders, Lt. Rafet Awad, Rose Kerr, and Miriam Prat-Jerez, for their work benefiting children.
 
“We are so proud to honor Lt. Awad, Rose, and Miriam for their transformative work with children. Their tireless efforts have improved the quality of life for so many kids and families in our community,” noted Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC.
 
Recognizing the toll the pandemic has put on children and families, the JCC has created programs to help children struggling with schoolwork and social interactions. Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, the JCC hosted five Learning Bridges sites to provide in-person support for families during remote school days. These programs mirrored a normal school day by offering academics, socialization, and recreation, allowing children to thrive as if they were in a normal school setting. The organization also provided in-person after school programs, camp, sports, and music classes throughout the past year.
 
Lender continued, “While many others were forced to close their doors, we were able to serve hundreds of children with in-person programs throughout the past year and a half. Our programs were a lifeline for families of essential workers struggling to find childcare options. Kids Front & Center will benefit our programs for kids and will make sure we can keep them running throughout the rest of the pandemic and beyond.”
 
Jozette Carter Williams, Bryn Biren, and Linda Brill, are the event co-chairs.  Virtual tickets are complimentary, but preregistration is required. Raffle tickets for the event are also available. For more information, visit sijcc.org/kidsfc.htm