Northbrook JCC celebrates 25 years of Bernard Weinger Center

Susan Spector of Highland Park held back tears while describing the joy she felt during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Bernard Weinger Jewish Community Center in Northbrook, which is named in honor of her late father.

More than 100 people gathered outside the JCC for food, games and fun during the event, which also included the dedication of a 35-foot tall climbing wall and high ropes course. The apparatus is the latest addition to the JCC, which has continued to grow during the last two decades plus.

"It was my father's dream to have this," Spector said. "They said there would never be a JCC on the North Shore, and my father said 'why not?'"

Spector said after her father passed away, her mother, Helen, wanted to do something to honor him, and the family made the donation to make the dream come true.

"That's what's so amazing through the years. Its growth," Spector said. "The Lustbader Center was added, which increased out ability to have gatherings in bigger spaces. The Lustbader family thought it would be just a health center, but now it has evolved into something that is a the heart of the community."

Sue Pinsky-Gardner of Highland Park said when the JCC started in 1973, gatherings were held in people's houses, including their basements. She said it took blood, sweat and tears to make what exists today a reality.

"I didn't have it so much for my kids, but I have it as a senior now," Pinsky-Gardner said. "I'm using it every day."

President and CEO Addie Goodman said the JCC serves hundreds of children through camps to early childhood to swim lessons, programs for teens and adult recreation, plus events including film and art exhibits.

"It's really a place for everybody," Goodman said.