Looking back on the year

Joint annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties and the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center

By Seth Mandel

The Jewish State

Celebrating success can be most effective when the success can speak for itself -- or, in the case of the Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties, himself.

Outgoing Federation board member Ramin Saeedian spoke to the audience at the joint annual meeting of the Federation and the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center June 12, explaining that he joined the Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Board of Directors in order to give back in some way to the Jewish community. Saeedian spoke about his family, Iranian Jews, who have been helped by the Federation's outreach, rescue, and resettlement programs. He added that if not for the Jewish Federation, he would not be standing here in America today and ended by saying that when people are thinking about the face of the Federation, to think of him.

"If you are looking for something tangible, look at me," Saeedian said.

Saeedian represents one of the many accomplishments the Federation and JCC recognized at the meeting, held at the JCC in Bridgewater.

Federation President Kal Barson said the Federation continues to meet the needs of those in the local community, the tri-county area, in Israel, and around the world through its allocations and support for the JCC, Jewish L.I.F.E. (Learning is for Everyone), Jewish Family Service, the Ohr Tikvah Jewish Healing Center, Rutgers University Hillel, scholarship programs, synagogue support, and more.

"Our Holocaust and genocide Learning Through Experience program educates thousands -- and I mean thousands -- of middle and high school students, and our sponsorship with the Raritan Valley Community College resulted in another successful Make A Difference event," Barson told the audience.

He said the Federation just wrapped up another year of the successful matching grants program, and the annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon branched out to a second location this past year.

"Please join us to help us do better," Barson said. "We have accomplished a great deal; we can, and we must, do more."

Saeedian and outgoing Federation board member Doron Steger were honored with community service awards during the program as well. Steger said that he and his wife spend only half a week in New Jersey, and just don't have the time for him to stay on the board.

"It's with a heavy heart, really, that I have to leave," Steger said.

Steger also said that there have been many accomplishments of the Federation over the years, but one of special import to him is the construction to and planned additions of the JCC.

"The one that of course I'm most proud of that the Federation did is right here in this building," Steger said. "The Federation actually conceived of, designed, and built this facility, so in many ways, that, to me, was one of their great accomplishments among many. And I thank the Federation for the opportunity; it's been wonderful."

JCC President Addie Kluger said that, looking back over the past year -- her first as president -- she tried to gauge the organization's progress during that time.

"This year has been one of growth, of movement, of significant changes, of many challenges, of some heartache, and of much celebration," Kluger said.

She said this year the JCC has added the Silver Sneakers Program, innovative fitness classes for all ages, weight loss programs, the additions of sports and teen programs, senior trips and entertainment programs, a cultural arts committee, and educational speakers and films, as well as its participation in the Purim Carnival, Jewish L.I.F.E. programs, the Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration at the Flemington Jewish Community Center, the Israel Day Parade with Temple Sholom, the Maccabi Games, and the Maccabi Arts Festival.

"All of this is accomplished with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, and although the budget projections are on target for the year, educating the community about the JCC and fundraising remain our most important challenges," Kluger said. "I cannot thank the board enough for their belief in our Jewish mission, for their effort, dedication, hard work, and support for the JCC and of each other."

JCC Executive Director Susan Ferbank told The Jewish State after the ceremony that the JCC has had an "extraordinary" year of improved services and added programming.

"The most exciting news at the JCC, of course, is our expansion," Ferbank added. "The new Blaustein Early Childhood Center will be opening in September. We know our preschool families will be thrilled with our new and expanded facility. We look forward to the additional enhancements to the JCC so we can better serve our members and guests."

Ferbank also acknowledged the tri-county Jewish community, the JCC board, and the JCC staff.

"Their commitment to our mission shows in everything we do here at the JCC, every day," Ferbank said.