[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE SCRANTON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER ON ITS 100TH 
                        ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2009

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the 
Scranton Jewish Community Center on its 100th anniversary celebration.
  The Scranton Jewish Community Center, or JCC, was founded as the 
YMHA, or Young Men's Hebrew Association, on September l2, 1909. The 
YMHA humbly began in the rear of a candy store on Penn Avenue. However, 
not long after holding its first meeting, membership grew rapidly. The 
group, under the leadership of the first president, Mr. A. Freedman, 
rented bigger rooms on Wyoming Avenue.
  Less than four years later, the Ladies' Auxiliary was established 
forcing the group to look for a more permanent location--resulting in 
the first resoundingly successful fundraising campaign of the YM-YWHA.
  After raising over $50,000, under the direction of A.B. Cohen, the 
association purchased the Matthews Homestead and was able to officially 
open on December 5, 1915.
  With its growing success and its growing membership, larger 
facilities were again needed. Myer Davidow donated $50,000, which was 
matched by the building committee to remodel the existing property.
  Between 1934 and 1938 the club system had reached the apex of 
function and success. The YM-YWHA provided various programming 
benefiting the entire Jewish community of Scranton.
  Between 1946 and 1949 the ``Y'' programs continued to prosper and 
another successful fundraising campaign began. Also, a new constitution 
was adopted renaming the organization the Jewish Community Center.
  On May 15, 1953, Judge Brady granted the organization's plea to erect 
a new center on Jefferson Avenue. The JCC was given $200,000 over a 
ten-year period as well as $450,000 and collected out-standing pledges 
resulting in an additional $400,000 for the building project.
  Between 1955 and 1979 JCC programs expanded to include theater, art 
and film festivals, camps, dances and balls, cultural and women's 
affairs under their new roof on Jefferson Avenue. Meanwhile, a $750,000 
revitalization project helped establish a fitness center for JCC 
members.
  In the 1980s and 1990s, an emphasis was placed on community 
cooperation and coordination. The JCC collaborated with area agencies 
including the YMCA and United Way.
  The Golden Agers made their way into JCC programming with senior-
focused tours, trips and clubs.
  In 1998 the Capital Campaign chaired by Steven Seitchik set a goal of 
$400,000. They exceeded their goal receiving pledges totalling $666,208 
of which 99.9% was collected.
  Since 2000, the Scranton JCC has continued to expand and perfect its 
programming for the community as it provides for the needs of members. 
Also available are ``Teen Trips to Israel'' which offers lowered costs 
to those participating.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Scranton Jewish 
Community Center on 100 years of success. The Scranton JCC has set an 
example in Scranton of an organization focused on its members' needs 
spiritually, mentally, physically, socially and educationally. Their 
work in the community has provided innumerable benefits for Scranton 
and has improved the quality of life throughout the region.

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