Camp Pool Named in Memory of George Marcus

Just one year after the idea was born to build a pool at Camp Tel Noar in memory of George Marcus of Framingham, the long-time former camp director, the pool is complete and in use by campers.

Marcus, who worked in various roles for the Cohen Foundation for 43 years, had been director of Hamstead, N.H.-based Camp Tel Noar for many of those years. He died in a car crash in Walpole in 2009.

The  new George H. Marcus Aquatic Center, a pool and bathhouse, was dedicated on June 25. Marcus passed away in October of 2009.

Many alumni, staff and friends of Tel Noar gather for the ceremony Sylvia and Harold Band, who met at Camp Tel Noar 64 years ago. It was their first time back to camp since 1950, when they returned out of nostalgia on the way back from their honeymoon in Niagara Falls.

Like many of the alumni who spoke that day, the Bands felt that Camp Tel Noar helped shape them as people and as Jews.  At that time Tel Noar Lodge was a Zionist camp for young adults and it later became a traditional children’s camp.

“I remember every day and every person,” said Harold Band. His wife added,  “It was an exciting time to be Jewish.”

Many of the younger alumni feel the same way as the Bands. Steve Bearak, who with Paul Greenberg, led the capital campaign for the Marcus Aquatic Center, spoke of Marcus’s steady hand in their lives.

Bernie Goldberg of West Roxbury said, “George was a father figure to everyone. Camp is like a big coming home each summer. I still get together with eight guys from camp every six weeks.”

Jeff Goldman of Swampscott, who worked two summers at Tel Noar and now has children working and attending camp there said, “I’ve known George and Norma Marcus all my life. George made his mark on so many people here and it is nice to celebrate by coming for the opening of this pool.”

Those who supported the building of the swimming pool spoke of ways to keep Camp Tel Noar competitive with other overnights camps in this market.

Many saw any improvement to Tel Noar’s facility as a way to honor Marcus’ legacy. Pearl Lourie, executive director of the Cohen Camps, including Camps Tevya and Pembroke said, that Marcus always bent down to pick up any trash as he walked through camp. He paid attention to all the details.

“He wanted to make this the most special place for a child,” Lourie said.

Many alumni spoke to the length of their relationship with Marcus and the impact he was able to have over the course of their years spent as a camper and counselor at Tel Noar.

“It is rare to find an individual in your life who sees you grow up to be a professional and have a family while you see him grow older ,” Bearak said.  “He had a profound impact on who we are today as people and Jewish leaders in our communities.”

The pool cost $800,000 and so far $250,000 was raised from alumni and friends and matched by $150,000 from the Cohen Foundation. The camp continues to raise funds for the other $400,000.  Camp Tel Noar has also launched an alumni association.

Arnold Cohen, trustee of the Cohen Foundation, said,  “With the help of Norma, George made Tel Noar a happy successful camp which launched thousands of kids stronger in their Judaism and more secure in themselves with lots of wonderful memories and friends that will last a lifetime.

Added Bearak with an eye to this summer and the future,  “Anyone who goes into the pool and comes out will be dripping with a little bit of George’s legacy.”

Donations to the George H. Marcus Aquatics Center can be sent to Camp Tel Noar, 30 Main St., Ashland, MA 01721.  Donations of over $,1800 will be matched by the Cohen Camps on a one-for-two basis.  For more information on the alumni association, email lmarkell@cohencamps.org.