2013 ushers in change for JCC

Rena Shkolnik, Executive Director of the JCC of the Five Towns for the past 11 years, will be retiring effective June 30th.

Under Shkolnick’s tenure, the JCC grew extensively, offering programs serving the wide spectrum of the community from six month old babies to 100 year olds. Her devotion to the organization and the Five Towns made it a priority for Rena to handpick her successor, Joel Block, of Merrick. Block, a yeshiva parent, has served as Executive Director at the Suffolk JCC in Commack for the last 18 years and “wanted to find new challenges,” according to newly installed JCC President Arnold Waldman. At press time, Block was unavailable for comment as he is traveling during Yeshiva break.

Additionally, according to Waldman, “the JCC is actively pursing a new location and is in the process of bidding.” Unable to comment more than confirming that it is a site in the Five Towns, “We are happy with the location,” expressed Waldman.

The JCC recently submitted a bid to purchase the vacant #6 school on Peninsula Boulevard but wasn’t chosen, as their bid was the fourth highest.

“We are healthy and our programs are flourishing. The next five months will be business as usual and we expect a smooth transition with the incoming executive director, “ added Waldman.

The JCC will be honoring Rena Shkolnik for her exemplary work and commitment to the community at their upcoming annual dinner on May 1.