SILVER SNEAKERS MAKE TRACKS
Seniors together FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE OPEN TO YOUNG AT HEART BY STEECIA KOFSKY For half a century, Friendship Circle has hosted weekly luncheon meetings at the Jewish Community Center followed by a variety of programs for a few relaxing and enjoyable hours. This is the place where those 50 and older have the opportunity to greet old friends and make new ones. If you are new to the group and
would like to see for yourself what it’s all about, Friendship Circle cordially invites you to come as a guest for a Monday luncheon followed by a delightful program. Dues are only $25 for the year if you decide to become a member. To learn more, call Martin Weinberg at 610-965-5045 or the JCC at 610-435-3571.
SIMCHA CLUB: HAPPY TO MEET YOU
BY JENNIFER LADER On a recent Monday morning, 20 seniors gathered in the gym at the Jewish Community Center of Allentown with handheld weights, exercise balls and water bottles. Their reason for gathering: Silver Sneakers, a fitness program designed to help seniors with a range of physical abilities. Their guide: JCC fitness instructor/personal trainer, Clarence Cook. Cook leads the group in a workout that could hardly be more full of encouragement and
socializing. Yet there is a serious purpose -- staying fit throughout the senior years. He encourages the class to “hold to where you feel comfortable … You want to feel it, then improve from there.” The JCC offers three land-based classes and two aqua classes. For information on the benefits of Silver Sneakers and on qualifying for the program, call the JCC at 610-435-3571.
BY JENNIFER LADER Simcha is a Hebrew word referring to happiness, and Simcha Club brings just that to those 70 and above. “The [club] meets the social and cultural needs” of its Jewish participants, said Rabbi Allen Juda, who recently retired from Congregation Brith Sholom in Bethlehem, where the club meets quarterly. Included are a
kosher deli lunch and a presenter. Past presenters have included the multi-talented Rabbi Daniel Stein of Bnai Abraham Synagogue, Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom and Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled of Congregation Keneseth Israel. Call 610-866-8009 for information.
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