JCC awards

Longmeadow residents honored for work at JCC

LONGMEADOW Each year, the Springfield Jewish Community Center recognizes a group of people who help enrich the lives of others. This year's recipients were announced at the JCC's annual meeting in May.

Rayna Trietsch of Longmeadow received the Marcia Rosen Swimming Award. The award goes to an outstanding, supportive person who has made a significant contribution to the JCC Cudas Swim team. This award was established in 1972 in memory of the daughter of Harold and Belle Rosen. Trietsch began swimming at the JCC with the 8 and under Cudas swim team. As she grew older, she became a role model for the younger children on the swim team. In addition to serving as a role model, she has been an outstanding participant and officer in the JCC teen community service group, "Don't Just Sit There."

Iggy Roberts of Longmeadow received the Robert Orenstein Award, established in memory of Robert Orenstein who was a dedicated volunteer at the JCC. It is given to a senior adult who has given exemplary service to the Springfield JCC. Roberts has volunteered since 1988, setting up before events and cleaning up afterwards, collating and labeling mailings, participating in JCC theater and JCC choral group, and offering himself for any volunteer job regardless of the effort required. Iggy and his late wife, Florence, were two of the JCC's most involved volunteers. Today, Iggy continues to volunteer and has added Bingo caller and lunch provider to his JCC volunteer resume.

Matthew Grodd of Longmeadow received the Sivek Family Scholarship Award, established in 1995 as a scholarship for a college bound high school senior who has demonstrated leadership in and dedication to the Springfield Jewish Community Center. Grodd played basketball from kindergarten through high school. His leadership was evident as assistant coach for the JCC Jr. High league in 2005, head coach in 2006, and captain for the JCC High School league.

Allison Burton of Longmeadow received the Paul Smith Award established in 1961 by Mrs. Paul Smith in memory of her husband. This award is presented to a high school student who has contributed most through efforts, actions, and behavior towards the well being and betterment of the JCC. A leader amongst her peers, Burton is a responsible, motivated individual who participates in many extra-curricular activities: basketball, the high school literary magazine, Drama Studio and youth and social active groups.

She also has an active role in the JCC teen community service group, "Don't Just Sit There" (DJST). She helped DJST form a board to add more structure to DJST meetings and planning. She held the Vice President position in 2005 and the President position this year.


		Rayna Trietsch