Wellness Classes & Programs | SPRING 2025
Information: Sharon O’Brien, 860-231-6333, sobrien@mandelljcc.org
To register, call Member Services at 860-236-4571
Intervention Programs
HealthyStart
This 60-day intervention program helps individuals set health, wellness and fitness goals and then guides them to reach those goals with assessments, health coaching, a structured exercise plan, and nutrition and stress management education.
$60/$30 for JCC members
Rocky Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s
This exercise class is specifically designed to address Parkinson’s symptoms such as slow or small movements, imbalance, stiffness, flexed posture and respiratory weakness. Our scientifically based curriculum can be adapted to any level of Parkinson’s and can allow you to take control, build confidence, and feel stronger.
Instructor/Coach: Lindsey Brush
$160/$120 JCC member (once a week for 8-week cycle)$320/$240 JCC member (twice/week for 8-week cycle)Scholarships available if needed. Contact Lindsey Brush or Sharon O’Brien at
rocksteadyjcc@gmail.com or call 860-231-6333
BrainSavers – Because Gray Matters!BrainSavers is an evidence-based program and focuses on the brain and body to help create a lifestyle for seniors that can stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia. This instructor led program encompasses six lifestyle components to prevent Alzheimer’s: physical fitness, cognitive fitness, stress management, healthful nutrition, quality sleep, and social engagement.
Instructors: Stacey Safryn and Sharon O’Brien
Tue | 1:00pm | April 1-June 17 | Main JCC Studio 1
Thu | 11:00am | April 3-June 19 | Fitness Center at St. Francis
Introductory offer $150 community members/free for JCC members
Mindfulness for Stress Reduction
Learn a successful approach to dealing with stress, chronic pain, illness, and difficult life challenges. This 6-week class combines a variety of meditation techniques with gentle, mindful stretching and movement.
Instructor: Jeryl Brown, LCSW
Thu | May 8-June 12 | 6:30-8:30pm
$295/$260 JCC member
On-Going Programs (offered monthly or as a series)
Guided Meditation
Join us virtually any Wednesday and experience Deepak Chopra meditations meant to reduce tension, manage stress, and help you feel more at peace.
Wed | 11:30am | On-going
Free and open to all
Community Acupuncture for Trauma Healing
Many of us have had some type of trauma in our lives, and it can affect us physically and emotionally. Acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, calm the mind, and settle the heart following stressful experiences. The NADA protocol is a basic set of ear points widely used for trauma relief. It can address related symptoms including insomnia, body tension, pain, anxiety, and depression. It can help re-establish a sense of peace, safety, and well-being.
Provider: Jen Tartakoff
Tue | 6:00-7:30pm | Ongoing
Free and open to all
Cut Out Cancer at the J
Please join us for relaxing services designed to support and comfort cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Experience complimentary massage, acupuncture, mini facials, and/or a haircut, style or shave (please come with clean hair as we cannot wash hair), and try an art project, enjoy refreshments, and socialize with others in a safe and welcoming place. A friend or support person is welcome to join you, too.
3rd Mon of the month | 11:00am-2:00pm | Ongoing
Sound Bath for Deep Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Sink into deep body rest with sound vibrations and frequencies that can effect DNA, support the endocrine system, and allow unconditional love to vibrate throughout your body and energetic layers.
Instructor: Edie Jemiola
Wed | 6:00-7:30pm | April 16, May 14, June 18
Wed | 1:00-2:30pm | May 14
$20 per person per class
Guided Sound Meditation with Singing Bowls
Location: JCC Fitness Center at Saint Francis
Experiencing sound healing instruments like crystal bowls allows the ability of vibrational frequencies to move through the skin, fluid, and bones of the bod. This can create a full body relaxation, rejuvenation and recalibration down to the cellular level.
Instructor: Sara M. Billings, Yoga Teacher and Personal Trainer
Tue | 6:15-7:15pm | April 1, May 6, and June 3
$20/$25 day of event
Individual Classes
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Breakthrough treatment for tremorsThu. April 10, 6:00-7:00pmJoy Antonelle de Marcaida, MD
Learn about this fascinating new procedure and how it treats essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. Learn who might be a candidate for the procedure and how it differs from other treatment options.
Reiki Share
Tue. April 22, 6:00-7:30pm
Sun. April 27, 10:30am-12:00pm
Reiki practitioners are invited for a peaceful evening featuring healing energy, meditation, and good vibrations. The main purpose of our Reiki share is to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, honor, and positive energy.
Instructor: Sifu Michael Fuchs
$20REGISTER
Focus on Men’s Health
Thu. May 1, 5:30-6:30pm
Men - Don’t live your life at half speed! Learn how you can improve your wellness and learn how to test and treat low testosterone levels.
Instructor: Christopher Birdesell, APRN
Mindfulness Principles of Meditation
Tue. May 13, 6:00-7:00pm
Be introduced to the three mindfulness principles: Equanimity, Impermanence, and Loving Kindness. Learn through these principles the value of staying calm in difficult situations, always remembering that nothing stays the same, and wishing love and kindness to all beings. Please bring a pen and paper or a journal.
Instructor: Sally Gencarelli
Women’s Empowerment Retreat
Sun. June 1, 8:30am-12:00pm | Location: Camp Shalom, Windsor
A woman’s personal development is significant to her growth throughout life. Building confidence, feeling the strength of her body and mind, understanding her wants and needs, and feeling comfortable in her skin – are all hallmarks of an empowered woman. Join us for a morning of activities as we use nature’s playground to support each other, get grounded, and enhance your body, mind and spirit. Activities include a mindful walk, postural stances, ropes challenge (for all abilities), and meditation. Refreshments provided.
$50 per person
Exploring Reiki – Discussion and Energy Session
Tue. June 10, 5:30-6:30pm
Reiki is a gentle, natural energy practice that promotes deep relaxation, supports the body's own healing process, helps restore balance and well-being. Join us for an informational session where you can learn about Reiki, ask questions, and experience a group energy session. Participants new or experienced with Reiki are welcome!
Free and open to all
REGISTER
Reiki Level 1 (Shoden)
Fri. July 18, 10:00am-5:00pm
Reiki Level 1 is an introductory course that lays the foundation for self-healing and energy work. Upon completion, you will be able to practice self-Reiki and share Reiki with family and friends. While not required, it is highly recommended to continue with Reiki Level 2 for deeper practice and expanded use.
What You’ll Learn:
- The history of Reiki
- Overview of the chakra system
- Byosen scanning techniques
- Reiki hand positions
- Self-Reiki practice
- Attunement to channel Reiki for yourself and others
- Hands-on practice time
Class Includes:
- In-person class at Mandell JCC
- Digital and printed manual
- Two follow-up group sessions
- Digital Reiki 1 certificate (printed certificate available upon request)
Investment: $200
REGISTER
Reiki Level 2 (Okuden)
Fri. August 8, 9:00am-5:00pm
Prerequisite: Reiki Level 1 certification is required. Proof of certification may be requested.
About Reiki Level 2
Reiki Level 2 is the practitioner level, allowing you to ethically use Reiki in private practice—either as a standalone Reiki practitioner or to complement your current vocation.
In this course, you will attune to several symbols, including the Distant Symbol, which enables you to send Reiki energy across time and space. Even if you don’t anticipate using Distant Reiki, this powerful tool can deepen your connection to Reiki in unexpected ways.
What You’ll Learn:
- Attunement to the Power, Emotional, and Distant Symbols
- Techniques for sending Distant Reiki
- Using a pendulum in Reiki practice
- Introduction to Animal Reiki
- Understanding energetic and intuitive sessions
- Setting up a Reiki practice
- Ethical guidelines for practitioners
- Practice time for sending Distant Reiki
Class Includes:
- In-person class at Mandell JCC
- Digital and printed manual
- Two follow-up group sessions
- Digital Reiki 2 certificate (printed certificate available upon request)
Investment: $250
Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster®
Instructor: Joan Harovas, RN, BSN
People who prepare for surgery use 23-50% less medication, have fewer complications, may recover sooner, and reduce length of hospital stay. One-on-one session includes book and CD.
Instructor: Timothy Michaels
$75/$65 non members
Call for appointment 860-231-6333
Positively YOU - Life Coaching for Women at a Crossroads
Connecting with self is the most important investment you can make to living a happy and healthy life. I am here to support you through life changes – family life, health, career – creating a vision for transformation. Let’s make a plan!
Instructor: Karen Boutin, Health & Life Coach
Contact Karen at coachkab4u@gmail.com or call 860-231-6333.
Touch, Caring, and Cancer Home Visits
Learn simple techniques to offer a loved one with cancer. This is a personalized session in your home with a massage therapist trained in oncology massage. You will learn how to provide comfort and relaxation in a safe and effective way to help individuals through their cancer journey.
Instructor: Julie Olson, LMT
$40 (scholarships available)
Not currently a JCC member?
Healthy Start
This 60-day intervention program helps you set wellness and fitness goals unique to you. Whether you are deconditioned or looking to reduce health risk factors, engage with J staff to reach your goals. Program includes: health coaching, 2 wellness assessments, a structured exercise plan, nutrition & stress management education.
$60/$40 JCC Member for 60 days
JCC Health Clubs
What could be better than a visit to the adults-only JCC Health Club following a hard day at the office or a workout on the treadmill? Relax in our Women’s and Men’s Health Clubs. Ask for a tour on your next visit. JCC membership is a prerequisite.
• Adults-only locker rooms
• Overnight locker
• Laundry service for exercise clothing
• Lounge with beverages, newspaper, TV
• Towels, toiletries
• Sauna and steam rooms
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