DJ Olsson celebrates 25 years as a staff member at the Dell JCC. Credit: Allison Teegardin

By Allison Teegardin 

Reflecting on the past 25 years of the memories made on the Dell Jewish Community Campus, several members have been a part of the Dell Jewish Community Center since day one on the Dell Jewish Community Campus. 

When asked about his earliest memories at the Dell J, Scott Pasternak said, he has made lifelong friends since starting the Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime pick-up basketball games. He also enjoyed having his daughter participate in the ballet program and “watching her dance for her BopBop and Grandma.” 

“The J provides a great place for community and activity to flourish,” Pasternak said.

Another member Alan Greenberg, a dedicated lap swimmer who swims a mile a day, said, “On top of the health benefits, we developed a community and camaraderie during the pandemic. While the J was closed for its rebuild, we often would chat while waiting for the city pools to open, in particular Bartholomew Pool. Now, a bunch of us all are friendly and supportive of one another. We’ve even had a couple of brunches together.”

What’s more, Greenberg says the Dell JCC aquatics program is a big part of his family where his daughter swam on the Piranhas (and later McCallum High School) and lifeguarded there for several years.

DJ Olsson recently celebrated 25 years as a staff member at the Dell JCC, alongside the 25-year anniversary of Shalom Austin and the Dell Jewish Community Campus.

Voices from the Podcast: Celebrating 25 Years of Shalom Austin and the Dell Jewish Community Campus