As President of the SJCC I receive lots of feedback! This includes some thoughtful ideas, wish-list items, and some concerns and complaints. Occasionally though, people reach out to share how the SJCC has positively impacted their lives – like this message I received this past winter, “…the JCC is one of the friendliest places I have ever encountered. I don’t know what I would do if I did not have my membership here”. It’s this kind of message that is especially meaningful to me and to our staff. They serve as a powerful reminder of why we work so hard every day to ensure that our Centre remains a welcoming, vibrant, and important part of our community.  

For 75 years, the JCC has been so much more than a building. Today, for our 3,800+ members and hundreds of visitors, the SJCC is our home away from home, a place to focus on our health and wellness, to meet friends, to connect to our community, and to find engaging programs and activities.  Through meaningful partnerships with other agencies, cultural organizations and community groups, we create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to feel welcome and safe, to learn, grow, and belong.  

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year is a time for reflection. In the past year, the SJCC launched a Jewish Book Festival, welcomed Pizza Pita Prime our café operator, celebrated the JCC’s 75^th anniversary, grew our rehabilitative fitness program, added new programs and such as the Jewish Senior’s Choir, and continued to offer many long-time favourites. Our Summer Camps were buzzing with fun and adventure, and a fantastic staff team ensuring that every day was special.  

We have continued to invest in our facilities to ensure an exceptional experience for everyone who visits; renovations to the second-floor common areas and Social Hall are moving along, and we will be updating the sound system in the Social Hall in the coming months. Thanks to the generous donors who have made these renovations possible, ensuring that we continue to have this inviting community gathering place where friendships flourish and memories are made. 

I am filled with gratitude for the incredible staff team that makes our SJCC community such a special place. Thank you to our full-time and part-time staff, and to our seasonal staff including this summer’s camp staff, for their dedication, energy and the passion they brought to their work every day. 

Looking ahead, please check out our fall programs and classes!  

The new year is a time of possibilities, and here is my new year’s challenge for you – if you come to the SJCC just for fitness, this year try something new – visit the Library and find a good read, attend a class or a program. If you have never used our fitness facilities or it’s been a long while, come in for a class, or take a swim (don’t forget the post-workout hot tub, steam room or sauna – by far the best part!).  Finally, if you are one of those who partake in many of our offerings, good for you – now set your sights on the next challenge and try that new machine or learn something new! 

Thank you to all our members, volunteers and donors for your support! Together, we continue to build a vibrant community, and we look forward to creating even more wonderful experiences in the year ahead. 

Shana Tova U’metuka, wishing you a sweet year filled with peace and happiness. 

Sarah