A decade's worth of dreaming culminated Sunday, Sept. 7ember 7th in the realization of that dream, as Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights broke ground on the new Barnet and Annette Ostrow Early Childhood Center.

The idea for the center was born 10 years ago, and four years of preparation and planning led to Sunday's historic event. Pearl Halegua, Judi Marcus, and Dorine Wulwick organized the festivities in which almost 300 people participated. East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz issued an official proclamation to commemorate the day.

"Your leaders saw a need and a dream was born," TBS President Susan Zelman told the gathered crowd at the groundbreaking. "Many individuals spent hundreds of hours bringing that dream to reality. Architectural, construction, legal, and financial experts have shared their expertise every step of the way. However, it is because of your support that we are here today to dig in - to break ground for the Barnet and Annette Ostrow Early Childhood Center."

Donations from members of the Temple totaled over $4 million.

"You understood the need, understood the dream, and you stepped up to the plate," Rabbi Alan B. Lucas said.

For young families, one of the most important entry points to our synagogue community is the Early Childhood Center, which is under the leadership of Director Helayne Cohen. Temple Beth Sholom set a new focus on early childhood learning, with state-of-the-art classrooms, an indoor playroom and multipurpose room, and new administrative space.

According to Mark Spector, principal architect of The Spector Group, "This will be one of the finest traditional facilities in the Roslyn Heights community." Spector's design has been approved by the Village of East Hills Planning Board and the Village of East Hills Architectural Review Board. T.G. Nickel & Associates has been retained to be the construction manager.

Another facet of the vision is the Lifelong Learning Center, which will enable Temple Beth Sholom to expand Jewish life in our community, with activities for the very youngest to the most senior members, under the guidance of Gila Hadani Ward, director of Lifelong Learning: adult lectures, film series, art workshops, and the list goes on to make sure we reach everyone.

In 1998, the idea to renovate the center was first proposed, and in 2003 an architect was retained to prepare proposals for the overhaul. Members of Temple Beth Sholom responded positively in a 2005 feasibility study, and plans were set in motion from there. Richard Levine chairs the construction committee, Steve Seltzer chairs the legal committee, and Steve Kober chairs the finance committee.

But, as with any undertaking as ambitious as the one Temple Beth Sholom has begun, there are a lot of people to credit for contributing towards the project's successful completion. First National Bank of Long Island was instrumental in providing TBS both short- and long-term financing.

Susan Zelman, TBS president said, "Today's celebration is more than just putting the first shovel in the ground. It is a celebration of you, our generous friends."

For further information on the Barnet and Annette Ostrow Early Childhood Center, call the Temple Beth Sholom office at 516-621-2288.