Wellness Classes & Programs | Fall 2026
Information: Sharon O’Brien, 860-231-6333, sobrien@mandelljcc.org
To register, call Member Services at 860-236-4571
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PLEASE NOTE: Fall registration is now open for JCC members! Registration will open to all on Tuesday, August 18 at 9:00am. |
Intervention Programs
BrainSavers – Because Gray Matters!
BrainSavers is an evidence-based program and focuses on the brain and body to help create a lifestyle that can stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia. Includes six lifestyle components: physical fitness, cognitive fitness, stress management, healthful nutrition, quality sleep, and social engagement.
Tue | Sept 8-Dec 1 | 1:00pm | Main JCC
Thu | Sept 10-Dec 3 | 11:00am | JCC at Saint Francis
$150 Community Members/Free for JCC Members
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Mindfulness for Stress Reduction
Instructor – Jeryl Brown, LCSW
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.
Thu | 6:30-8:30pm | Sept 24-Oct 29
$295/$260 JCC Member
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s
Specifically designed to address the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, such as small movements, imbalance, stiffness, flexed posture and respiratory weakness, our scientifically based curriculum can allow you to take control, build confidence, and feel stronger. No experience necessary for this non-contact exercise. All levels welcome and an assessment is provided prior to beginning.
Mondays & Wednesdays, 11:00-11:45am; Fridays, 11:15am-12:00pm
COST per class: $20/$15 for JCC Member
Punch cards available in 10 or 20 class amounts:
10 classes - $200/$150 for JCC members
20 classes - $400/$300 for JCC members.
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Scholarships available if needed.
Cut Out Cancer at the J
Join us for relaxing services designed to support and comfort cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Experience massage, acupuncture, mini facials, a haircut, style or shave, an art project, and enjoy refreshments while socializing with others in a safe and welcoming place.
Mon | 11:00am-2:00pm | Sep 14, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21
To register contact Sharon O’Brien at sobrien@mandelljcc.org or 860-231-6333.
NEW! SMART Recovery Meetings
Instructor: Teresa Campbell
Mondays at 6:30pm
A science-based, self-empowering recovery support program that helps participants build and maintain motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and behaviors, and create a balanced life. Open to individuals seeking support for addictive behaviors of all kinds. Meetings are guided by a trained facilitator and help participants strengthen motivation, manage urges and cravings, live a balanced life, and better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Free and open to all. Registration required.
www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Meetings start October 19 and will continue throughout the year.
For more information contact: Kasi Friedman at 860-231-6311 or kfriedman@mandelljcc.org.
Individual Classes
An Intro to Meditation & Mindfulness for Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremors, & Care Partners
Tue. Aug 11, 4:00-5:00pm
Instructor: Sharon Gutterman, PhD
Are you ready to learn how meditation and mindfulness techniques can ease symptoms and enhance your overall well-being? This introduction will help you discover how you can easily integrate these tools into your daily life to dial –down stress and increase resilience.
Free and open to all
Sunshine, Support and Recovery Picnic
Sun. Aug. 23, 12:00-5:00pm
Join us for a special family and friends gathering at the JCC Swim and Tennis Club to celebrate connection, support, and the journey of recovery. Enjoy a relaxing day filled with swimming, tennis, mini-golf, basketball, and meaningful fellowship. This event is an opportunity for individuals in recovery and their loved ones to come together, strengthen relationships, build community, and create lasting memories while celebrating the power of support and shared experiences.
Cost: Free – Made possible through West Hartford Prevention Partnership
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
An Invitation to Meditation and Mindfulness for Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremors, Care partners
Instructor: Sharon Gutterman, PhD
Research shows that mindfulness techniques can help those with tremors and PD better cope with emotions, stress and depression, as well as improve cognitive and motor function. This 4-week course will introduce concepts and provide techniques to help you practice mindfulness.
Tue | 4:00-5:00pm | Sep 8, 15, 22, 29
Cost: $50
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Kitten Therapy For Cancer Survivors
Fri. Sept 14 | 2:00pm
Brought to you by Cancer Survivor, Michelle Carter. Supported by Mandell JCC. Sponsored by Cat Nip Village.
Join us for some levity and support through your personal cancer journey in a special session of kitten cuddling. By providing comfort and physical affection without the need for words, animals can be powerful tools for healing. Persons with allergies are advised not to attend.
Free and open to all. Space is limited. Registration required.
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Recovery Storytelling Circle: Finding Meaning in the Stories We Carry
Wed. Sept 9, 6:30-9:00pm
Instructor: Ephi Stempler & Kasi Friedman
Recovery is rarely a straight line, and every person's story is different. Join us for a warm, welcoming storytelling circle designed for anyone who identifies with the idea of recovery in its broadest sense. No one will ever be required to share. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and an open mind.
Free and open to all adults. Registration required.
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
For more information contact: Kasi Friedman at 860-231-6311 or kfriedman@mandelljcc.org.
Trauma-Informed Yoga for Recovery
Tue. Sept 15, 6:00-7:00pm
Instructor: Brittany Seltzer
Designed with sensitivity to the impact of trauma, this gentle yoga practice emphasizes choice, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation. Participants will learn techniques to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of safety and connection.
All levels are welcome.
Free and open to all. Registration required.
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
For more information contact: Sharon O'Brien, 860-231-6333, sobrien@mandelljcc.org
Let’s Chat About Menopause
Sept. 16, 5:30-6:30pm
Instructors: Farrah LaPorte, Kim Foster, Sharon O’Brien
A relaxed, no-pressure program offering practical tips, laughs, and support for navigating hot flashes, mood swings, mystery aches, and other surprise “gifts” of menopause. Think of it as a survival guide—with less sweating over the details (hopefully).
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Surgical Spotlight – A Saint Francis Hospital education series empowering patients through knowledge and care.
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm | Hybrid classes
Sept - Advance in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer, Dr. Ryan Dorin
Oct - TBA
Nov - TBA
Compassionate Transitions: What is an End-Of-Life Doula?
Thu. Sept 17, 5:30-7:00pm
Instructor: Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD
An end-of-life doula is a non-medical, holistic professional who can complement hospice or palliative care workers. They provide companionship, lead life review or create legacy projects, provide bereavement support, sit vigil with those who are actively dying, as well as assist family members in a supportive role. Come learn about this compassionate role.
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
DIABETES 101 – “A path to better health!”
Tue. Nov 17
Instructor: Dave Oliver
Join Dave Oliver, founder of Diabetes Plus with Dave and author of DIABETES—Now What?, for a practical, easy-to-understand conversation about diabetes management and healthier aging. Learn how education, nutrition, exercise, and consistency can support better blood sugar, increased energy, strength, independence, and a healthier future—with questions welcomed throughout.
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Nervous System Regulation through Movement: Qigong for Recovery
Thu. Sept 24, 5:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD
Qigong is a form of energy work derived from traditional Chinese medicine. These simple and accessible exercises are designed to decrease nervous system dysregulation and increase general feelings of wellness and balance. Through intentional focus, breath, and movement, physical and emotional harmony is fostered. Qigong can be done seated or standing and requires no special equipment or clothing. Prior experience is not necessary!
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Acupuncture for Recovery
Mon. Sept 28, 6:00-7:30pm
Provider: Jen Tartakoff, LAc
Acupuncture is a powerful system to support during acute detox as well as long-term recovery from substance use. It can help curb cravings, rebalance the internal systems for greater physiological stability, and heal the underlying emotional wounds that contribute to addictive patterns. Join us for treatment in a group setting, to help reconnect with a sense of peace, comfort and wellbeing as you move forward on your recovery journey.
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster ™ Overview |Hybrid
Tue. Oct 6, 5:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Mary Jo Conti
Come join us for to learn about the 5 steps to prepare for surgery by Peggy Huddleston. With these mind-body techniques people feel more peaceful before surgery. After surgery they have less pain; use less pain medication; and heal faster. This overview will cover the basics of the 5 steps and include a short relaxation session.
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Bittersweet: A Community Conversation on Death, Grief, and Dying
Thu. Oct 8, 5:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD
Please join end-of-life doula, Judith, and Bright Spot Therapy Dog, Molly, for a gentle and playful session focusing on autumn and letting go as we gather wisdom from seasonal changes. This session is meant for people 15 and older. Please bring your favorite poetry on autumn, letting go, or mortality!
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Power of the Pause: A Journey Through the Seven Chakras
Thu. Oct. 22, 6:00-7:30pm
Instructor: Debra Borrero
Women often carry the emotional, mental, and physical demands of caring for others while neglecting their own well-being. Power of the Pause offers a restorative experience designed to help participants slow down, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate practices that support resilience, balance, and overall wellness.
Cost: $30
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
No Laughing Bladder
Wed. Oct 14, 5:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Coby Ibarra
When your body has a mind of its own, it can be frustrating. Join us to understand common pelvic health changes and what actually helps alleviate them.
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Women’s Wellness Event
Thu. Oct 29
Hartford Healthcare Providers
5:00-5:30pm - Appetizers and Networking
5:30-6:30pm - Panel Discussion
Healthy women contribute to healthier families and communities, and influence health trends and policies. Join us for an empowering evening of education by women physicians for women, and learn something new to keep your health on the right track.
Free and open to all adults
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/empower
Transitioning from Military Careers to Civilian
Tue. Nov 3, 6:00-7:30pm
Instructor: Yvonne Alston
Learn how to better translate your strengths, leadership, and experience into language employers understand.
Cost: $25
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Sharing Our Strengths and How We Cope: A Multigenerational Conversation with Veterans in Our Community
Thu. Nov 5, 5:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD
If you are a veteran or would like to learn from one, please consider attending this session where we will explore our coping strategies and create a list together of suggestions on how to turn difficult situations into opportunities to grow and learn and thrive.
Free and open to all
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Pleasure Happens
Thu. Nov 12, 6:00-8:00pm
Instructor: Carissa Darcy
In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore why pleasure is not a luxury but an essential ingredient of being human, and how to reclaim it through savoring, mindfulness, and the simple moments of beauty that surround us every day.
Cost: $25
Register at www.mandelljcc.org/tix
On-going programs
Guided Sound Meditation with Singing Bowls
Instructor: Sara M Billings
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.
Fri | 3:00-4:00pm | Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, Dec 11 | JCC at Saint Francis
Preregistration $20 - day of event $25
Sound Bath for Deep Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Instructor: Gina Ferrara
Experience a deeply restorative sound healing and Reiki energy session. Through the vibrations of a variety of instruments and calming vocal guidance, you will be guided into a deep state of rest for body and mind.
Wed | 6:00-7:30pm | Oct 21, Nov 18
$25 per person per class
Cut Out Cancer At The J
Join us for relaxing services designed to support and comfort cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Experience massage, acupuncture, mini facials, a haircut, style or shave, an art project, and enjoy refreshments while socializing with others in a safe and welcoming place.
3rd Mon of the month, 11:00am-2:00pm On-going | Lounge and Study Room
Contact Sharon O’Brien to register, sobrien@mandelljcc.org
Guided Meditation (Virtual)
Take time for YOU with 15 minutes of relaxation. Join us virtually any Wednesday and experience calming meditations meant to reduce tension, manage stress, and help you feel more at peace.
Wed | 11:30am | On-going beginning Sept. 9
Free and open to all
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