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“My family is my biggest motivator. I want to show them they can do hard things.”

Ryan

 

Meet Ryan Cohen, a proud Marine Corps Veteran, devoted family man, and long-time Shaw JCC member. Ryan attended the Lippman School and went on to serve in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2009, completing two tours in Iraq.

 

After returning home, Ryan studied at the University of Akron and reconnected with the JCC in 2017 when his oldest son was born. Today, Ryan and his wife Ellen have three wonderful children: Calvin, Lewis, and Emma. As a family, they share deep roots at the JCC – all three kids have attended the Mandel ECE, with Emma starting her first day of school today!

 

Ryan shares his appreciation for the Mandel ECE, saying, “The ECE sets my kids up for success. The academics are phenomenal, and the teachers are very perceptive of the needs of the kids.”

 

In addition to family life, Ryan is unstoppable. Once a powerlifter, he now challenges himself in endurance sports, recently completing the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., two half Ironmans, and three sprint triathlons. He trains at the JCC, staying active in the pool and weight room, showing his kids the importance of hard work and resilience. “My family is my biggest motivator,” Ryan says. “I want to show them they can do hard things.”

"I was the chair of Purim Ball, I was on the JCC board, 3/4 of my friends were people I met at the JCC."

Leona

Happy 100th Birthday to an incredible Shaw JCC member, Leona Pollock! Leona has been a member of the Shaw JCC for 84 years. She plays Bridge here every week and says that the JCC is her home away from home.

 

Leona recalls her time at the JCC, "I was the chair of Purim Ball, I was on the JCC board, ¾ of my friends were people I met at the JCC. I remember basketball games, dances, hanging out at the snack bar (on Balch Street)."
 
Leona says that getting involved in the Jewish Community is what helped shape her into the confident person she is today. She tells younger generations to always have pride in yourself.
 
Happy birthday, Leona! May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of the community you've helped build. Mazel tov!

"The first thing Nadiia wanted to do upon arrival to the United States...was to go for a walk and exercise. I thought the JCC would be a great place to start." 

Nadiia

Nadiia came to the United States in September 2022 to seek refuge from her home in Ukraine. Her 3-day journey brought her here to Akron, Ohio. Nadiia currently lives with her sponsors, long-time JCC member Diane Kilivris and her husband, Rob.

 

Diane exclaimed that she is "thrilled that our local community is so supportive and generous. The first thing Nadiia wanted to do upon arrival to the United States, besides a much needed 10-hour nap, was to go for a walk and exercise. I thought the JCC would be a great place to start. Plus, a local bike shop donated a bicycle to Nadiia. Everyone has been so welcoming."

 

Nadiia say that she "loves cycling, nature walks, reading, cross-stitching and traveling." She is very grateful to be here with her sponsors and has enjoyed making connections through the International Institute of Akron, a local Ukrainian grocery shop, and more. She enjoys the nature in Akron, particularly the Nature Realm. It reminds her of home.

 

Nadiia tells us a great way to support her home country would be to continue talking about what is happening in Ukraine and hopes the war is not forgotten. 

"The people here are on top of their jobs, care about us, and treat everyone with great respect." 

Gloria

Meet Gloria! Gloria attends aqua classes and takes private swim lessons. "I am so excited that I am learning how to swim. I've always wanted to learn and after retirement, I started here at the JCC with Margaret." Within two months of lessons, Gloria has made strides of improvement and gained confidence in the pool. "I always say the most important thing is to keep moving."

 

But her story doesn't stop there! On January 12, 2022, Gloria came to the JCC as usual but was feeling dazed and confused as she got ready to leave. Two JCC lifeguards, Suzanne and Margaret, knew something was wrong and came to her side. They insisted she needed further medical help and convinced Gloria and her husband to go to the hospital.

 

It was then discovered that Gloria had a pulmonary embolism needing emergency surgery. Now she is back and better than ever!

 

"It was a miracle! I had a true crisis and lost my memory completely. Because Margaret and Suzanne knew me so well, they were able to advocate for me and convince me to go to the hospital. They are my earthly angels. The JCC is a lifesaver. The people here are on top of their jobs, care about us, and treat everyone with great respect," Gloria said. "Thank God I was in the right place at the right time."