DSN Community Center Celebrates10 Years by Honoring Its Staff

“A decade ago, on December 1, 2014, we opened the doors to the DSN Community Center with the dream of transforming community life on the Jersey Shore. Today, we can proudly say that dream has come true!” That is how DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt, who has been leading the Community Center from day one, summed up his feelings. Sammy credits the Community Center’s success over the years to his staff, whom he calls the “DSN Dream Team”.

The milestone anniversary celebration began on Monday, December 2, with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the staff. A special “Happy Anniversary” cake was presented from the DSN Seniors to the DSN staff, in recognition of their unwavering commitment. Next, Sammy introduced each of the staff leaders to the Seniors. “I want you to meet the heart and soul of our Center, the people who work every day to build our community.” The staff, many of whom have been at DSN since it opened, were overwhelmed. Each of them spoke to the gathering of nearly 100 people.

David Belhassen, DSN’s Building & Facilities Director, working with DSN for nearly 15 years explained, “Working at DSN doesn’t feel like work. It feels like being with family. Watching DSN evolve has been the most beautiful experience, and I’m grateful to contribute to the smiles we bring every day.”

Marcella Missry, DSN’s Finance Director, also with DSN for nearly 15 years, reflected on the journey. “It’s been an honor to see the incredible growth of both DSN and the community. First with my very own children and now with my grandchildren, I’m proud to be a part of it and excited for what’s next.”

Sharon Carlstrom, DSN’s Fitness Director, shared her sentiments about the occasion, remarking “I am so happy to be celebrating DSN’s 10-year milestone! The fitness and group exercise program has grown tremendously since its establishment, and we couldn’t have done it without the commitment of members and the hard work of our team.”

Other leading staff who spoke at the gathering included Frieda Betesh, DSN’s Membership Director, Jon Entel, DSN’s Sports Director and Frieda Shamah, DSN’s Youth Director.

The DSN Community Center building was decorated to honor the anniversary. Visitors were greeted by a festive balloon arch at the entrance and a walk-through history. A stunning display of 10 posters lined the hallways. These posters illustrated key moments from the building’s history, from its groundbreaking construction to cherished memories of the first programs and events. A continuous slideshow played in the lobby, offering a nostalgic look back at a decade of achievements.

DSN’s Youth Department brought their trademark creativity to the festivities. Children in after-school programs received custom cupcakes, while Club Friday featured a special session with Sara Chehebar, where kids decorated 10th-anniversary cupcakes and crafted snow globes featuring the DSN logo in art class. The activities highlighted the importance of engaging and nurturing the next generation.

The DSN organization was born in 2007, seven years before the Community Center opened. It came about from a collective need identified by young parents to provide extra-curricular and Sunday activities for the community’s children. Before DSN existed, parents sought to enroll their children in after-school programs and sports leagues, but options only existed outside the community and on dates that conflicted with the Jewish holiday calendar. DSN was envisioned as a solution: an organization where everyone could come together within our own community, protected and secure, while being true to our traditions. However, without its own building, DSN relied on renting local facilities to provide its programming. Eventually, the demand from the community for more programming necessitated DSN finding its own building, which it did in 2013. One year later, the Community Center opened.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, a decade ago, attended by esteemed community Rabbis and led by Chief Rabbi Saul Kassin A”H, symbolized the beginning of a new chapter. That chapter has since unfolded into a story of resilience, connection, and growth. Since then, the Community Center layered on programming, so that it currently caters to all ages from little infants to our most-respected Seniors.

“DSN is a pillar of community growth. Without DSN, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said DSN’s Adult Director, Caleigh Silvera. “It’s easy to see that DSN is not just a center; it’s a cornerstone of our identity and lifestyle.”

As the DSN Community Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, the focus remains forward-looking. DSN continues to innovate, expanding with programs and opportunities that bring people together and foster Jewish pride. It has become a beacon of community, inspiring all who walk through its doors.

Sammy puts the past 10 years in perspective. “Talk about growth. Before we opened our building, we were a startup company with 4 full-time employees and a vision. Today, we have nearly 100 employees at our Community Center, all who have contributed to get us where we are today. This 10-year anniversary is a testament to their passion, as well as the dedication of our amazing executive board, and of course our countless volunteers. With Hashem’s continued help, the future is very bright for DSN and the entire Jersey Shore!”