Honoring service, leadership, and community
Stories will be shared, meaningful awards presented, and an inspiring vision for the future unveiled at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Weinstein JCC.
Scheduled for Thursday, May 22, this event promises an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and community.
In anticipation of this special evening, several trusted and tenured staff members were invited to share reflections on their personal journeys and deep connections to the Weinstein JCC.
One such voice is Dawn Kowal, who offered a heartfelt perspective on her vision for the future of the organization:
“I hope for a continued strong and welcoming Jewish feeling in the preschool and throughout the Center. A revolving door with the younger generation coming back as adults and bringing their family to our program and taking leadership roles as they do now. L’dor va’dor, from generation to generation.”
Dawn’s journey began in the 1990s as an immigrant and a parent seeking community. Over the past 25+ years, that initial connection evolved into a lifelong career at the place she proudly calls home.
Her story represents just one of the many powerful reflections that will be shared during the evening—a celebration of the meaningful experiences that have shaped the Weinstein JCC for generations.
As part of the event, important changes to the Board of Directors will be recognized. Bob Weisberger and David Fratkin will be completing their terms, while Sharon Brager, Art Mullian, and Gary Weiner will be welcomed into new leadership roles. This moment presents an opportunity for attendees to express appreciation for those who have served and to support those beginning their journeys.
But the Annual Meeting is more than a look back. It is a celebration of individuals who embody the Center’s mission through their service, leadership, and enduring commitment to community.
This year, three exceptional individuals will be honored for their remarkable contributions:
- Kaden Staffenberg, recipient of the Arenstein Family Excellence in Youth Service Award, is a model of teen leadership within BBYO.
His impact spans four states and several Richmond-area Jewish organizations. From organizing large-scale conventions to volunteering locally with PJ Library, the Jewish Federation, and the 2024 Richmond Jewish Food Festival, Kaden represents the next generation of engaged, purposeful Jewish leadership.
- Sarah Arenstein Levy, recipient of the Esther, Edith, & H.J. Bernstein Volunteer Leadership Award, brings unwavering dedication to the JCC and beyond. As Fund Development Chair and a member of the Capital Campaign Cabinet, she plays a vital role in shaping the JCC’s future. A philanthropic advisor and fifth-generation JCC member, Sarah’s work is both professional and deeply personal.
- Devon Barnhart, recipient of the Leroy B. Goldberg Leadership Award, has shown exceptional leadership as a preschool parent and advocate for early childhood programming. She has served on the Early Childhood Committee for three years, including one as chair. Devon helped launch “Mitzvah Mania,” a kindness-focused fundraiser, and actively supports teachers while fostering community among parents.
In addition to the honorees, a special tribute will be paid to Bruce Perretz, of blessed memory, in recognition of his outstanding service as Vice President of the Board and Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. His legacy of leadership and generosity has left a lasting imprint on the Weinstein JCC. To keep his memory alive and well, the Center will take a moment to honor all he gave and the values he so deeply embodied.
The meeting will also acknowledge a dedicated group of staff members who have each served for over 25 years—a milestone that speaks to the deep culture of care and connection within the JCC.
Among them is Marianne Krumpe, who reflected on what brought her to the JCC—and why she’s stayed for 27 years:
“I was a single mom looking for a full-time job, and a safe environment for my son. The JCC was looking for a receptionist and had a preschool. WIN WIN! Having my son here in preschool while I worked gave me such peace of mind in a difficult stage of my life. I’ve stayed this long as it became quickly evident that the JCC is a very special place that is only fully understood by experiencing it.”
That deep sense of connection and purpose resonates across departments, particularly among those who have seen the organization transform over time.
Shari Menlowe-Barck, who has long worked with the JCC’s 60+ programs, shared her perspective on the Center’s adaptability:
“I think the JCC has kept up with the changing times to keep us competitive with other organizations in the community. It offers programs and a place to feel safe and make friends that no other agency offers to those 60 and over. When I first started, my members were 80, 90 and 100. Now we have many in their 60’s and 70’s who have a much younger perspective on life.”
Susan Quick, a veteran preschool educator, has witnessed an exciting evolution in how children are taught and empowered to learn:
“Our program is very different from when I first started. We were teacher-directed with a set curriculum and now we are led by the children’s interest and are more partners/facilitators. We all learn together. The learning that occurs is unique to each child and allows them to learn at their own pace. The adults are present to ask stimulating and challenging questions that motivate the children to explore and explain their world.”
Moments like these are part of what makes the JCC more than just a community center—it’s a place where real growth, understanding, and connection happen.
Orly Lewis shared a powerful memory that reflects the deep emotional and historical ties at the JCC:
“My most humbling and inspiring moments at the Center were the interactions I had with our Holocaust survivors. Their strength, and their joy and optimism left an indelible mark on me. I always thought, if they can embrace joy amidst everything they went through, then so can I. If they can rebuild their lives—so can we!”
Juanita Wilkins recalled a beautiful, spontaneous teaching moment that’s stayed with her for years:
“One of my most memorable experiences was during Covid when we were doing an art project. One of the children asked me why I was ‘brown,’ and it caught the attention of the whole class. I answered by saying, ‘This is how I was made.’ I then asked the kids what their favorite color flower was… and said, ‘If you take all the color flowers and put them in a vase, how do you think they would look?’ They said, beautiful because all the colors were together. I smiled and said, ‘That’s how people are. We’re all different colors, but when we come together, we are beautiful.’ They accepted that… and then they all drew flowers, including brown ones!”
These moments speak to the heart of the Weinstein JCC—a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences come together to learn, grow, and build a stronger community.
Gayle Smith, who has been an integral part of the Early Childhood program, spoke about the powerful values nurtured in the youngest members of the community:
“Through Tzedakah, coat drives, food drives and Lights of Love, I have seen children become more aware of their responsibilities to others. I feel incredibly honored that I have been part of their learning.”
Sharon Johnson, a longtime Judaic educator, reflected on one of the most profound opportunities of her career:
“In 2017, Jay Jacobs, who was the CEO at the time, called me to his office to share that he wanted me to be a part of the group that was going to Israel. As a teacher committed to the teaching of Judaics, he said it was time, and important, for me to see and experience some of the things I teach with passion.”
Opportunities like this allow the Weinstein JCC leadership to elevate already outstanding programs into even more personalized and meaningful experiences for everyone.
Dave Decker, who worked as a counselor at Camp Hilbert, reflected on the long-lasting impact of the camp experience:
“Many of the Camp Hilbert campers from my years there as a counselor ended up becoming JCC employees, or otherwise staying in the community, through elementary and high school and into adulthood. They didn’t just want to stick around the Weinstein JCC, they wanted to be a real part of it and have a greater purpose within it.”
Donna Peters, who has dedicated 43 years to teaching children at the JCC, shared the most rewarding aspect of her career:
“After 43 years, it’s the wonderful experience of teaching children, watching them grow up at the Center, and then returning with their own children. This has been a unique and precious experience for me. These many, many legacy families are very special, and I feel humbled and honored to experience this.
These are just a few more examples of how this community continues to support and uplift individuals throughout every stage of life—often from cradle to grave.
With such far-reaching impact, it’s no surprise that these dedicated staff members were eager to share their experiences.
The entire community is invited to gather on Thursday, May 22nd at the Carole and Marcus Weinstein JCC for this meaningful celebration.
The evening will begin at 5:15 p.m. with a welcoming reception featuring wine, beer, and heavy hors d’oeuvres—creating space to connect and celebrate.
At 6 p.m., the Annual Meeting will commence with heartfelt tributes, special recognitions, and an inspiring look at the Center’s vision moving forward.
More than just a meeting, this gathering is a true celebration of the people who make the Weinstein JCC the heart of the Richmond Jewish community. All members, families, and friends are encouraged to attend and share in the joy of this special occasion!
The Weinstein JCC is supported in part by a generous annual contribution and programming grants from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
