Celebrating 40 Years of Leadership, Legacy & Community 

The Sandra and Leon Levine Jewish Community Center held its 39th Annual Board of Directors Meeting, bringing together leadership, staff, and community members to honor the Levine JCC’s past, celebrate its present, and look ahead to a milestone year—Season 40. 

Welcome & Opening Reflections 

Board President Gabe Mathless opened the meeting with warm remarks, expressing appreciation for the Levine JCC’s dedicated leadership, generous community and strategic vision. 
Rabbi Michael Wolk (Temple Israel) offered the invocation, setting a meaningful tone for the evening’s program. 

Honoring Those Who Built the Foundation 

Recognizing Pioneer Members 

Julie Rizzo, Chief Impact Officer, celebrated the long-standing members by recognizing their many decades of commitment and their role in shaping Shalom Park. 

Annie Keith, chief executive officer, followed the Pioneer Members’ tribute with an open and engaging welcome to over 175 people who gathered in attendance. 

Recognizing Past Presidents 

Former Board Presidents were honored for their leadership and stewardship throughout the Levine JCC’s history. This segment was led by Eric Wisotsky, board president-elect; Mark DiDonato, senior director of programming, and Anna Gunsher, senior director for Jewish life. 

Board Business & Leadership Updates 

Presentation of the 2025 Slate 

Board Director Lauren Fine introduced the recommended slate of incoming Board of Directors and Officers, as well as acknowledged and thanked outgoing Board members for their service. 

 Celebrating Staff Milestones 

• A highlight of the program was the recognition of staff anniversaries across 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, and 40 years of service, presented by Rick Hauge, chief financial officer, and Josh Steinberger, chief operating officer. 

Milestone highlights include: 

• 40 Years: Sara Frazier, Group Fitness Instructor 
• 30 Years: Stephanie Garner, Director of Athletics & Inclusion 
• 25 Years: Mitch Ormand, Director of Youth & Family
• 15 Years: Kristi Fallowes, Controller; Annette Haynes, Program Registrar & Operations Support Coordinator; Titus Jefferson, Fitness Staff Associate; Robin Stier, Member & Guest Services Associate
• 10 Years: Jane Baker, JTeam Staff; Karen Wielunski, Group Fitness Instructor and Member & Guest Services Associate
•  5 Years: Jonathan Bernstein, JTeam Staff; John Lynam, Group Fitness Instructor, JForce Coach and Personal Trainer; Deandre Priester, JTeam Staff; Emily Russell, Social Action Coordinator; Summer Simpson, Wellness Programs Manager; Kimberly Snyder, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.  

Honoring Legacy: The Butterfly Project and Camp SOAR 

Lori Semel, Butterfly Project coordinator, honored the life and legacy of Holocaust Survivor Irving Bienstock through her special presentation and recognition of his years of volunteerism in, and passion for, this crucial Holocaust program. The Butterfly Project serves as a call to action through education, art, and remembrance, using the lessons of the Holocaust to raise awareness about the dangers of hatred and bigotry while fostering empathy and social responsibility.  

Stephanie Garner, director of athletics & inclusion, spoke to honor the life and work of Bob Bowler for his instrumental and inspirational achievements in inclusion programs and for bringing Camp SOAR to its current level of caring and excellence. Camp SOAR (Special Olympics AthleticRetreat) has been housed at the Levine JCC for over 20 summers. 

Looking Ahead: Season 40 

The meeting concluded with an exciting preview of Levine JCC Season 40, celebrating four decades of service, community and Jewish cultural life. 

Board President Gabe Mathless closed the meeting with gratitude and anticipation for the anniversary year ahead. 

A Community Built by Visionaries—Carried by Community 

The 39th Annual Board of Directors Meeting reaffirmed the heart of the Levine JCC: strong leadership, committed staff, and a deeply engaged community. As the Levine JCC enters its 40th year, it continues to honor its roots while building toward a bright, meaningful future.