Tuesday marks a year since a fire that destroyed part the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven.
CEO Judy Alperin said a faulty wire in the men’s sauna sparked the fire, which severely damaged the basement, and filled the floor above with smoke.
“We had about 300 people in the building,” Alperin said.
All were able to escape, but construction walls have kept members out ever since. In fact, Alperin said membership has dropped by a third since the fire, after activities were forced to move to different facilities in the region.
“We’ve been spread out far and wide. It’s been a little hard to find us,” she explained.
The JCC will hold its grand re-opening in just a matter of weeks.
Sunday, the organization celebrated its comeback. The fire was sparked the day after the JCC’s craft show last December. So, it was only fitting that they mark the milestone of being back under one roof, with this annual event.
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“This year’s extra special because we’re back with our first big community event after a devastating fire that happened almost a year ago to the day,” Alperin said.
“Every vendor who walks in the door I’m giving a hug to, I’m so excited to see them. They’re so happy to be back,” said Debbie Brander, JCC Dir. Of Community Engagement, who’s organized the craft fair for the last four years.
Vendors worried the show wouldn’t happen this year.
“This is my best show of the season so I rely on this show for good pre-holiday income, so I was worried they wouldn’t have it,” said Nancy Cowan, owner of handmade Israeli jewelry company Negev Sun.
“I was devastated because this is such a nice function, but I’m glad that they’ve worked hard all year long and here we are again,” added Susan Wernau, owner of Susan Wernau Art.
When the construction is complete, Alperin says the JCC of Greater New Haven will not only be back, it will be better than ever.
“When we come back here to our community building everyone will know that this is the place to be,” she said.
