In almost perfect coordination with the appearance of spring flowers, a new outdoor structure at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus is making its own debut. The Marty Einhorn Pavilion is rapidly taking form, with an anticipated completion of early next month.
Named in memory of Martin A. Einhorn, a past president of the Simon Family JCC and a leader in countless organizations, the Marty Einhorn Pavilion sits adjacent to the basketball court on the rear lawn of the Sandler Family Campus.
Plans call for the pavilion to be used throughout the year by the Simon Family JCC summer camp for outdoor programming, by Strelitz International Academy for outdoor learning, by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC for adult and family programming, for community events, and more.
Einhorn, who died in February 2021 at 63 years old, “shared his generous spirit, time, advice, and contributions throughout Tidewater and beyond,” says Betty Ann Levin, UJFT and Simon Family JCC CEO and executive vice president. “The Marty Einhorn Pavilion will bring joy to the entire community—including to so many children and families—just as Marty did to everyone he met.”
Growing up not far from the Jewish Community Center on Newport Avenue in Norfolk, Einhorn spent countless hours (and days) there—especially as a teenager. Serving as president of the JCC, a post his father, Bernard Einhorn also once held, was a natural progression for him.
“Marty loved the community and felt a responsibility to support it in all sorts of ways,” says Susan Einhorn, Marty’s widow. “I know he’d be proud to have the pavilion named for him and thrilled to know that it will be a meeting place for so many.”
COVID-19 made clear the need to have an outdoor space at the Sandler Family Campus, says Levin. “Having an outdoor structure that can protect from the hot sun or even a simple rain shower will be a huge benefit to so many on the Campus. COVID pushed us to act now so that we can meet and still feel safe.”
“We anticipate the Marty Einhorn Pavilion opening up all sorts of programming opportunities,” says Laura Geringer Gross, UJFT president and a past JCC president.
Ground was broken for the pavilion last month, and other than a few weather delays, construction is moving along as planned, according to Glenn Saucier, facility director, Sandler Family Campus.
The 40- by 60-foot structure will have a comfortable seating capacity of 160 people. Lighting for evening events with power and WIFI will make it flexible for a variety of uses, including setting up picnic tables for dining. The pavilion will also have ceiling fans.
The Pavilion’s budget is approximately $175,000. In addition to a Community Impact Grant from Tidewater Jewish Foundation, support from UJFT and Tidewater Jewish Foundation, and individual donor gifts, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation will provide $20,000 in matching funds once the initial $40,000 has been committed.
To contribute, contact Betty Ann Levin at balevin@ujft.org or 757-965-6130.
Photos by Steve Budman.
–Terri Denison