The Jewish Community Center held its Annual Meeting on June 5. “The evening was a meaningful celebration of the JCC’s mission and the strength of its vibrant community,” said event organizers. “The presence and support of so many distinguished guests and members contributed greatly to the event’s success, making it a truly memorable occasion.”
Susan Walker, outgoing president of the JCC, presented several awards to volunteers who went above and beyond in helping the JCC provide quality services to the community at large and for caring enough to make a difference. 
The JCC’s Tikkun Olam Award was given to Rabbi Rachel Esserman for 24 years of service to the community through her tenure on the staff of The Reporter. Tikkun olam is a core principle in Judaism, centered on the idea that humankind is collectively responsible for healing and improving a broken world. 
The Dr. G. Clifford and Florence B. Decker Foundation was presented with a JCC President’s Award for providing the Center with a major grant that enabled it to make the repairs necessary to fortify the facility and bring the building up to code.  
Dan Brown, president of Dan Brown Construction, LLC, received the Bricks and Mortar Mensch Award (mensch is a Yiddish word referring to someone who embodies compassion, humility, reliability and moral strength) for helping the Center renovate the facility through a series of projects by donating his time and expertise. 
The JCC’s Chai Award, which is given to staff members who have dedicated 18 years of service to the JCC, went to Harry Cohen, a graduate of the JCC’s preschool, who is presently serving as the Center’s arts and culture director and as interim camp director.  
The Harvey R. Singer Scholar/Athlete Memorial Award, set up by the Singer family in 1998 to honor the memory of Harvey Singer, is presented to a college-bound teen who has demonstrated excellence in athletics and scholarship together with the human qualities of caring and integrity embraced by Singer during his lifetime. This year’s recipient was Vestal High School senior Shayna Foreman. 
John Rozzoni, director of the Tri-Cities Opera, was recognized for the opera’s contribution to this year’s Early Childhood Center’s Literacy Day event. The opera was a sponsor for the event, participated in the vendors exhibit and brought its production of “The Ugly Duckling” to the stage at the JCC. 
The evening concluded with a presentation honoring Walker for her service and dedication over the past six years as president of the JCC Board of Directors. Following the tribute, Justin Salkin, a partner at the law firm of Levene Gouldin and Thompson, LLP, was officially sworn in as the new board president. 
The slate of officers for the JCC Board of Directors was presented to the membership for a vote and passed unanimously: President Justin Salkin, Vice President Rachel Priest, Past Presidents Susan Walker and Carrie Wenban, Treasurer Jeff Platsky, Asst. Treasurer Jay Green, Federation Liaison Mark Walker and Recording Secretary Bonnie Brown. Other board members are Lisa Berk, Charles Gilinsky, Jeffery Loew, Glenn Alenik and Andrea Brown.