9/11 Remembered at the JCC

Over 1,000 people participated in honoring the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, a federally recognized observance, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Mid-Westchester, in conjunction with UJA Federation of New York, presented A Day of Chesed (kindness), Service and Remembrance on Sunday, September 15.

Although the Day paid tribute to police, firefighters and military personnel who sacrificed their lives to rescue 9/11 victims and fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, there was an affirmation of the future as JCC Board of Directors and UJA Board member Karen Spar Kasner (of Scarsdale) cut the ribbon of the eponymous Karen Spar Kasner Play Center, a state of the art playground.

Officials attending the ceremony included County Executive Rob Astorino; New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson; Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and New York State Senator (NYS) Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

There were over 20 agencies represented at this day of service, including, letter writing to children at Hadassah Hospital in Israel, a blood drive, bone marrow registration, pet rescue adoption, clothing drives, food collections. Over 160 teen volunteers helped in many projects, including running a car wash which raised over $500 for bone marrow donor registration, and some children ran a lemonade stand raising money for Sunrise Day Camp. The rooms were overflowing with seniors from the community who were treated to a luncheon. AJC and WJC board member Mark Reisman said, "I was moved to be in the presence of so many people of all ages and backgrounds enthusiastically taking part in the Mid-Westchester JCC's Day of Chesed. Coming on the heels of Yom Kippur and springing from the ashes of a horrific national tragedy, the Day of Chesed, helped me translate contemplation and sadness into inspiration and positive action. Congratulations to all whom sponsored and participated in this terrific day!"

The JCC serves over 20,000 individuals annually with programs such as our well-known dance program, senior activities, day camps, adult programs, community-wide events, pre-schools, special needs programs and scholarships.