40 Faces of the J is a year-long storytelling campaign highlighting members, staff, and volunteers whose experiences reflect our core values. Each month features stories that showcase the community, culture and connections at the Levine JCC. Click their name to read their full story.
#1 | Vicki & Frank Heckl "If you ask me for the one word that describes what the JCC is to me and my family, I'd have to say 'LIFECHANGING'!" |
#2 | Kevin Gobuty "JForce has given me structure and community that has helped me develop healthy lifestyle choices." |
#3 | Cheryl Murray "At the JCC, my focus is wellness — both physical and social." |
#4 | Renaldo Turnbull “Renaldo has made wellness not only possible, but sustainable.” – Mattye & Marc Silverman |
#5 | Sadie Ann “Miss Diana didn’t just teach my granddaughter to swim. She saved her life.” |
#6 | Mark Thompson "The impact of the pottery class has surpassed our wildest dreams." |
#7 | Jing Russell “In a world that often told me ‘no,’ the JCC celebrated me for who I was.” |
#8 | Emily Russell "Emily embodies the Levine JCC’s commitment to compassion and action." |
#9 | Lynn Edelstein "There are not many places in a community that bring people together in this way. The J truly does." |
#10 | Amy Lefkof "The JCC keeps strengthening the bonds between the Jewish community and every community around it." |
#11 | Sean & Leo "Two lanes, two kids, one friendship built one Wednesday at a time." |
#12 | Steve Perhla "The J gave me more than a place to work out — it gave me a network, a community, and lifelong friends." |
#13 | Todd Sato "The Levine JCC welcomes its members and guests like family." |
#14 | Andrea Cronson "Everyone has a story, and sometimes they just need someone to listen." |
#15 | Lane Ostrow “I would love nothing more than for the young people coming up today to be sitting somewhere at 65, looking back on a lifetime of belonging.” |
#16 | Cohen Family "For more than 30 years, the J has grown alongside our family, supporting each of us through every stage of life.” |
#17 | Stephen Schlussel "I am incredibly proud that I am not just driving a bus but continuing a meaningful family legacy." |
#18 | Mitch Ormand "Best. Day. Ever...It's not just something you hear. It's a promise.” |
#19 | Drew Phillips "The Levine JCC has never felt like just another gym or fitness center. It feels like a place where people truly care about one another." |
#20 | Becca Stern "The Levine JCC doesn't just create programs. It creates friendships that become family." |
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#21 | Erin & Michael Keeter “Camp Soar isn't just a camp. It's a place where friendship, acceptance, and community come to life.” |
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#22 | Matti & Scott Rieder “The staff and programs at the J have allowed Matti and I to put our wellness as our #1 priority." |
#23 | Lynne Sheffer "We’ve grown with the J for 40 years, and it has grown right alongside our family.” |
#24 | Miriam Waugh "At 81 years old, I found a new community, new friendships and a place where I am embraced for exactly who I am." |
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#25 | Kaitlin & Adam Danze “Some of our very best memories were made at the J. Now, seeing our daughter grow up here makes those memories even more meaningful.” |
#26 | Judy & Stan August “What began as a place to find Jewish connection became a community that has shaped generations of our family.” |
#27 | Rochelle Carney “While I've enjoyed so many wonderful programs over the years, my most meaningful experiences have come through volunteering.” |
#28 | The Rosen Family “We’re beyond grateful to be part of a place that has grown alongside us through every chapter of our lives." |
#29 | Alice & Gene Kavadlo “I am at the J almost every day of the week, sometimes two or three times in the same day.” |
“I love that my kids are enjoying the JCC as much as I did.” |
“Our children grew up, our grandchildren are growing up, some great-grandchildren have arrived, and we are still dancing together!” |
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