Shatkin Family Outdoor Classroom Dedication

July 10, 2014-  Doctors at the Aesthetic Associate Centre designs, plans, builds and financially support the outdoor classroom at Temple Beth Zion

Through long and hard dedication and strong commitment, the 'team' from the Aesthetic Associates Centre created an outstanding outdoor classroom for students at the day school at Temple Beth Zion. The ribbon cutting ceremony was the cap on an arduous endeavor.  Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr. (formerly on the TBZ board of trustees and his brother Dr. Todd Shatkin (currently on the Temple Board of Trustees) worked with their own hands and those of their capable staff to create a center for youth to learn and enjoy.   The center of our outdoor classroom has a large gazebo. In designing the center meeting space in our outdoor classroom, we were reminded of Abraham and Sarah’s tent. The patriarch of the Jewish people welcomed all, made strangers and friends always feel welcome, and fed his guests the fruit of his bounty. Our center “tent” welcomes all children and their families to learn, play and discover. The dedicated granite benches in the center and inscribed pavers throughout the outdoor space serve as reminders of those who came before us. We honor our loved ones, as this is a space where we honor our past, engage our present and plant seedlings for our future.

"This one of a kind outdoor classroom was made possible through the vision, generosity and hard work of Todd, Leslie, Joni and Sam Shatkin. Their commitment to PALS and Temple Beth Zion has borne a beautiful and peaceful outdoor space for learning, giving and dreaming." says Melissa Milch-Klein, Assistant Director, Play and Learn School, Temple Beth Zion

"We are delighted with the recognition from Temple Beth Zion, but most importantly, we are thrilled that we could help to provide a wonderful learning environment for the kids.  Our family has long supported TBZ and we wanted to honor our parents, by naming this project the Dr. Samuel Shatkin and Joan Ellis Shatkin Memorial Outdoor Classroom.  Our parents showed a lifetime of support for TBZ and we, as 5th generation members, are committed to keeping the temple strong. Our mother, Joan Ellis Shatkin, was the first woman president of the temple, and it is our honor to continue her legacy with this effort." says Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr.

The entire congregation was invited for the ribbon cutting ceremony.