May 31, 2020

Dear Springfield JCC Member,

It’s been a long 11 weeks. Thanks to our health care professionals and the good citizens of the Commonwealth, our state’s COVID-19 figures are all trending in a positive direction. The governor has introduced a phased in opening plan for which much detail is yet to be available.  I do believe that the announcement provides encouraging news that will lead to the opening of limited Springfield JCC services over the next several weeks. In the meantime, our staff and lay leadership have been planning and preparing for our eventual opening.  We are fortunate to be connected to a family of J’s across the continent from whom we can learn strategies. This will assist us in moving forward when we are given the go ahead.  We do know systems will be different and it will be critical to communicate with you clearly.  More to come in the week ahead.

During this time of physical distancing we have invested our efforts to keep you socially connected.   We have a strong community and I know that you miss us as much as we miss you.  I hear that in your emails, posts, notes and when I see you on daily walks around town.  You keep all our staff’s enthusiasm high and we are eager to see you all in 3D. 

I am so proud of our staff that has been resilient and creative.  Like you, our staff has had to make so many changes to life’s normal routine.  Throughout they have exhibited flexibility, commitment, creativity and compassion. They have learned new technology and adapted to whole new approaches to teaching. As we learn new skills we have taken the opportunity to imagine how they can be used post Covid-19 to enhance future J programming.

Among the greatest challenges we face is the financial impact we must confront. We are so grateful for the generosity expressed by our members and friends who have maintained their membership, paid tuition and contributed to our sustainability efforts. Your support has never been more crucial or appreciated.  Our leadership is laser focused on stabilizing the J now and insuring its long term success.  

We have lost many individuals over the last weeks who have been so important to the J Community through the years.  Salena Blake celebrated her hundredth birthday this year.  She was the most giving person I have ever met.  Salena volunteered at the J for decades serving meals to seniors, cooking in the kitchen for community events, processing mailings, sharing her wisdom and so much more.  Her presence lit up a room. Salena also volunteered for many of our area institutions who I’m sure have similar experiences. Salena, as well as her husband Ernie who predeceased her will always be among my heroes.

While Joe Assad didn’t pass from the virus, his death during this time didn’t allow the community to gather as we would have to mourn our loss.  Joe was a retired Springfield Police Detective who worked at the J for nearly 30 years.  He worked at the J’s control desk and was our resident painter.  He was dedicated, funny, foul mouthed and a practical joker.  Joe would do anything to assist the J and so many other community organizations.  Joe said he didn’t have anything to worry about because only the good die young.  If that is true, Joe had his age status wrong.

Bobbi Levin passed away this week, also not from Covid.  Bobbie was the J’s Senior Adult Director for more than two decades.  During that time she grew an army of hundreds of dedicated volunteers who would do anything she asked.  They knew Bobbie cared deeply for them and planned vast array of programs and services that catered to their needs and positively impacted their quality of life. Bobbi was a sought after expert resource in the broader community. She was creative and humble; a professional who stood as a model we all wish we could emulate. 

Salena, Joe and Bobbie were such optimistic people.  For me their legacy is not only the positive impact one can have on the lives they touch, but the strength and vitality one gains through the act of helping others. 

During these days many are finding ways support members of our local community.  The needs are great and the opportunities are plentiful. 

If you are able to donate, consider making a contribution to:

And/or
  • Donate blood to American Red Cross
  • Donate items to Longmeadow Loves, an interfaith effort to gather personal hygiene items. For info charlotte@st-andrews-longmeadow.org
  • Call to check in on a neighbor 

There is still so much uncertainty in the road that lies ahead.  I have no doubt that there is no limit to what we may accomplish when we work together. I eagerly wait for the time that we can again be together safely. Wishing you good health.

Sincerely,

Michael
Michael Paysnick
Executive Director