DESIGNS IN DECORATOR WOOD & LAMINATES, LTD. It Doesn't Have to COst A fortune. Metro ke it! JCC Exec Retires Leslie Bash leaves lasting legacy in Ann Arbor. Halye Aisner Special to the Jewish News Ann Arbor Complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling as well as furniture and installations including granite, wood and other materials. Lois Haron Allied Member ASID 248.851.6989 In Home Cleaning* Rooms 9999 Rooms when you bring them to any of our drop-off centers. Or, 25% off pickup & delivery Sofa or 5999 5999 Rug Care Centers & Showrooms Birmingham • Oak Park • Novi • Utica • Ann Arbor www.originalhagopian.com I4N DEVERS 419-824 251 Vinous 5570 °urge St•Toledo, OH .ate www.vindevers.com . *39 mo. lease, 10,000 mi/yr. allowed with 250 over limit. $3,274 total due at signing plus tax & fees. On approved credit. Offer expires 5/3/11. 10 March 24 • 2011 A fter almost 10 years as executive director of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, Leslie Bash will retire this spring. She will be honored at the JCC 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala and Auction on Sunday, March 27. "It is with mixed emotions that I retire from my position at the JCC:' she said. "I have loved working with all the wonderful staff and lay lead- ers at the Center; together we have accomplished a great deal to help create a strong Jewish community in Ann Arbor. "I have been privileged to have spent the last 30 years serving the Jewish people. It has been a long trip full of growth, enjoyment and impor- tant work. I feel very proud to be part of a movement that makes such an impact on Jewish life in America. I am now entering a new chapter in my life with more leisure time to travel and spend with family and friends." While Bash was in Ann Arbor, the JCC experienced significant growth and expansion in programming and utilization of the facility. The bud- get grew from $1.2 million to $2.2 million, and many programs were established including the Jewish Film Festival, a major expansion of the Jewish Book Festival, the Florence Melton Adult Mini School and the JCC Film Discussion Group. Under Bash, the JCC facility received many improvements pro- vided by several successful fundrais- ing projects. The JCC gymnasium was completely renovated and the Maas Lounge was converted into a beautiful, versatile all-purpose room. A pilot program involved the instal- lation of geothermal heating and cooling. Also, a new conference room was constructed at the front of the build- ing, and the Federation and Center offices were reorganized and reno- Leslie Bash vated. In the last two years, funds were raised for the installation of a new roof for the entire building, and the Newman Gelman and Levine Lounges were renovated and redeco- rated. The JCC "Fund for the Future" endowment was established in 2008 when Chuck and Sharon Newman were honored at a JCC Gala. This fund now has almost $500,000 with additional funds still promised, and it is bringing interest revenues into the general operating budget each year. Bash's JCC career began in Bridgeport, Conn., where she served first as the membership director and finally as assistant director. After 10 years in Connecticut, her family moved to Metro Detroit. She became director of the Oak Park Jewish Community Center, where she oversaw a complete renovation of the building and the addition of a health club and swimming pool. She later became assistant and then associ- ate director of the Metro Detroit JCC, including Oak Park and West Bloomfield, before coming to Ann Arbor as executive director. Ann Arbor JCC President Seth Penchansky said, "Leslie has been a great asset to the JCC, and we will miss her enthusiastic leadership and guidance. We wish her the best of luck in her retirement." To make reservations for the JCC Gala Anniversary Auction honoring Leslie Bash at 6 p.m. March 27, call the JCC at (734) 971-0990. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner. Sponsorships are also available. Li