Healthy Lifestyles for Active Adults
ADULTS ON THE GO
The Mandel JCC offers an exciting new lifelong learning program area called Adults on the Go. Keeping our minds active and engaged by pursing knowledge and experiences is essential to good health. Lifelong learning helps you stay connected and vibrant.
The Adults on the Go program offers a variety of ways to stay active and socially engaged. Programs include classes, lectures, field trips and discussion groups.
To register for any of the programs listed below call (216) 593-0448 or (216) 831-0700. Payment is required along with registration. Be sure to give us your birth date for our mailing list.
Click on a class title to view the description:
Exploring Jewish Cleveland From 1850 To 1950
Seeking escape from political unrest and economic and personal discrimination, a small group of Jews from Unsleben, Bavaria arrived in Cleveland in the late 1830’s. They found their first homes in the Public Square-Central Market area, and their first synagogue at what is now Jacobs Field. Many of the settlers earned their livelihoods as peddlers or established dry goods stores, butcher shops, and bakeries. The immigrants who came after the turn of the century found a bustling, crowded Jewish neighborhood.
Join us as we explore Jewish life in “early Cleveland”. Armed with historical facts and anecdotes, local expert Nate Arnold will take us through 100 years of Jewish life in Cleveland. We’ll board a bus and together we will explore the old neighborhoods of Woodland-55th, Glenville and Kinsman to see where our ancestors settled. We’ll stop for lunch and visit the old Euclid Avenue Temple (now a church) built in 1912 with its gorgeous Tiffany windows. We will see how our forefathers lived, earned their livelihoods and prayed. This promises to be an educational and delightful day. Fee includes bus transportation, lunch and guide. Meet by The Mandel JCC front entrance.
Tuesday, April 29 or Thursday, May 15
9:30 – 4:00 pm
$45 (includes lunch)
Registration deadline is April 20.
CWRU Presents: Women in Congress – and Maybe in the White House?
Women in Congress are making headlines daily. We are “living history” as we watch both Senator Hillary Clinton, the first women in American history to become a candidate for President and Nancy Pelosi, the first women to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Women are slowly gaining political power; both major political parties now have women in top leadership positions. What does this mean and why should we care? Are women writing new scripts for America’s future? Come discuss with instructor Lois Goulder the significance, achievements and challenges faced by women politicians. Make checks payable to CWRU.
This class will meet in the community room.
Tuesday, April 8-May 27
10:00-11:30 am
8 sessions
Fee: $55
Creating a Living Legacy: Writing an Ethical Will
The most precious items we leave behind when we die are not necessarily our material possessions, but what lies in our hearts and minds. This class will assist you in protecting and preserving your most unique assets – your wisdom, values, hopes and dreams. This is not a class to write your life story; rather we will focus on the wisdom, insights, inspirations and perspectives that you have gathered throughout your lifetime. With guidance from your instructor, Carol Anne Cohen, you will create a document that will become a cherished family keepsake for generations to come. By putting your heartfelt feelings in writing, you will gain new insights into your own life’s journey. Each class session will include time to write, and there will be a writing assignment to work on during the week. This class will meet in Small Stonehill.
Monday, January 28 – February 18
2:00 – 3:30 pm
4 sessions
$25 JCC Member / $30 Non-Member
The Art of Norman Rockwell at the Akron Museum of Art
As the United States' premier illustrator for six decades, Norman Rockwell created images that both reflected and shaped American popular culture in the twentieth century. Featuring rarely circulated original masterpieces from the Norman Rockwell Museum, this exhibit traces the range of Rockwell's art, from appealing scenes of everyday life to powerful images documenting the American Civil Rights Movement. Included are original oil paintings, which were reproduced as magazine covers for the Saturday Evening Post. Travel with us to Akron for a docent led tour of the museum, a box lunch and an audio-tour of the Rockwell exhibit. Meet at the front entrance of The Mandel JCC. Registration deadline is January 10.
Tuesday, January 15
10:00-3:00 pm
Fee: $45
CWRU Presents: Dorothy Parker and the Algonquin Round Table 
The period that followed the end of World War I was one of gaiety and optimism, and it sparked a new era of creativity in American culture. Surely one of the most profound -- and outrageous -- influences on the times was the group of a dozen or so tastemakers who lunched together at New York City’s Algonquin Hotel. For more than a decade they met daily and came to be known as the Algonquin Round Table. Members included writers, comedians, critics, editors and playwrights. The Round Table embodied an era and changed forever the face of American humor. Cleverest of them all was Dorothy Parker, whose remarks have become legendary. Texts for this class taught by Suzanne Gold include The Portable Dorothy Parker edited by M. Meade and A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York by K.C. Fitzpatrick. Class will meet in the Ante Room. Make checks payable to CWRU.
Monday, January 21-March 10
10:00-11:30 am
8 sessions
Fee: $55
Bestseller Book Club
Great desserts, new friends and great reads! Led by a facilitator from the Beachwood Library, this friendly club meets once a month on Thursdays. Come to the first class having read Ann Patchett’s Run. If you loved Bel Canto, you will love the newest offering. For the February class we will read Stone Cold by David Baldacci, an unforgettable novel of revenge, conspiracy and murder. For the March we will read Jewish themed novel Away by Amy Bloom. For the April class we will read the thriller Killer Heat by former New York Sex Crimes prosecutor Linda Fairstein. Refreshments will be provided. This class will meet in the Small Stonehill Room.
Thursday, 1/24, 2/21, 3/27 and 4/24
2:00-3:30 pm
4 sessions
$10 JCC Member / $15 Non-Member
Many Faces of Loss: A Grief Group
While grief is universal, we all grieve differently and for different reasons. For one it may be the loss of a loved one and for others it may relate to retirement, health challenges, or simply changes of life due to growing older. No matter what brings grief to us, we all want to be accepted as we are so we can move on. With that in mind, this will be a sharing and caring time. It is the intent of this course to invite you to break out of isolation, loneliness, or even privacy in this process to set energy free for growth. This class will be held in the Ante Room.
Thursday, January 31-March 13 (No class on 2/14)
1:00-2:30pm
6 sessions
No fee
Learn to Photograph with a Digital Camera
Join us for a hands-on experience to learn to take good photographs with a digital camera. We will discuss the principles of good photography and put that knowledge into practice by taking pictures and discussing the results. This is a beginning level class; however minimal experience using your digital camera is necessary. Required: A digital camera, a means of printing (commercial or at-home), a little experience using your camera, and a willingness to learn and experiment with your camera. Taught by Phil Hart, architect and photographer. Bring your camera to all classes. This class will be held in Small Stonehill. Please bring your digital camera and instruction manual to class.
Monday, March 10-31
10:00 – 11:30 am
4 sessions
$30 JCC member / $35 Non-Member
So You Want to Go to Israel: Traveling to Our Jewish Homeland
The first part of this program will be for first time travelers, the second part will be for return visitors. Find out what kinds of tours to look for and what you must see and do. Get your questions answered by Nate Arnold, who is a veteran Israeli traveler, having been to Israel more than a dozen times. He’ll explain the Israeli shekel, banking, language differences and similarities, security, tradition, and what to bring. For return travelers Nate will share his experiences of discovering little known places, hotel and restaurant deals, finding a “home base”, volunteer opportunities, study groups and much more. Class will meet in the Ante Room.
Wednesday, February 20
10:00 am – Noon
Fee: $15
Jerry Graham Presents: THE NEWS that is making the News
The world is changing so rapidly and there is always another BIG news story. How do you find the time to talk about and try to understand the news of the week? Using Time and Newsweek Magazine, this course offers you the opportunity to discuss the major news stories of the week. Instructor Jerry Graham will help us make sense of it all and put it into historical perspective. Join us for spirited discussions that might include the presidential campaign, Middle East foreign policy or whatever news that is making the news. This class will be held in the Ante Room. Make checks payable to The Mandel JCC.
Thursday, March 27-May 15
1:30-3:00pm
8 sessions
Fee: $59
Hitchcock: The Man Behind the Silhouette
Spend a fascinating day exploring the varied works of the “master of suspense.” Discover the many conventions Hitchcock employed to both thrill and delight his audiences. Find out what drove him to produce a TV series, war films, screwball comedy, comic thrillers and of course suspense films. You will see film clips from Strangers on a Train, Spellbound, Shadow of a Doubt and many more. Taught by Dr. Phil Skerry, English and Film professor emeritus from Lakeland Community College, and author of a recent book on Hitchcock’s movie, Psycho. This class will be held in the community room. Registration deadline: February 1.
Thursday, February 7
10:30am-2:00 pm
$24 JCC Member / $29 Non-member
Price includes lunch
Fascinating Jewish Women – Their Lives and their Work
Discover the outstanding contributions by Jewish women to the vibrancy of Jewish life in America beginning in the 16th century. Learn of the life work of Emma Lazarus, poet and helper of immigrants and of Henrietta Szold, creator of Hadassah and the women’s Zionist Organization of America. Meet many of today’s Jewish women changing the way we look at law, medicine, social services the arts and politics. Taught by Leatrice Rabinsky in cooperation with Siegal College. This class will meet in Small Stonehill.
Wednesday, March 26, April 2, 9, 16
Noon-1:30 pm
4 sessions
Fee: $40
Painting With Colored Pencils
Discover the beauty, magic and excitement of painting with colored pencils. This medium is ideal for capturing a range of subjects– everything from landscapes and water scenes to still lifes, flowers and portraits. Jennifer Kosarko makes exploring this fascinating medium easy by providing simple, hands-on instructions, illuminating examples and step-by-step demonstrations. Drawing experience is not necessary as we will use photos transferred onto your paper. Your instructor will discuss supplies at the first class. The class will be held in the Small Stonehill room.
Tuesday, January 22-March 11
1:00-3:00 pm
8 sessions
Fee: $45 JCC Member / $49 Non-Member
“Wicked” Returns to Playhouse Square
Sit back and relax – leave the parking, driving, buying tickets and dinner reservations to us. Sink into your first floor seat (right behind dress circle) and spend a delightful evening with two young girls who meet in the land of Oz. One is born with emerald green skin; she is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbinding new musical in years. This show has won 15 major awards, including the Grammy and three Tony awards. Trip leaves at approximately 3:30pm, you will receive an exact itinerary after you have registered. We will have an early dinner at Star Restaurant and be in our seats for a 6:30 performance. Fee includes transportation, dinner and theater ticket. Registration deadline: February 10.
Sunday, March 2
Fee: $129
Meet in front of The Mandel JCC
Calling All 64 Year Olds: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started In Medicare
If you are approaching age 65, or going on Medicare for the first time, this is your opportunity to gain a basic understanding of how Medicare works and how it affects you. You will learn what Part A, B, C, and D covers and the difference between a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage Plan. This class will be held in Small Stonehill.
Thursday, February, 21
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
or
Wednesday, February 20
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Fee: $10
Comfort Soups and Breads
Stay warm this winter with hearty soups that can be prepared ahead of time. Discover how easy it is to make basic stock and savory soups that are loaded with delicious and nutritious ingredients. Your instructor will prepare a wide variety of soups that are perfect for warming you up on cold winter days. Nothing rounds out a bowl of soup like homemade bread. From herbed and hearty to light and fluffy we will send you home with some great new ideas. This course is held at the Paganini School of Cooking, 8613 Mayfield Road in Chesterland. The fee includes cooking demonstration and lunch, so come hungry.
Wednesday, February 6
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Registration deadline: February 1
Fee: $39 JCC Member / $44 Non-Member
Looking Back/Looking Ahead: Reviewing Your Life
Looking back over your lifetime, are you happier than your parents were? Are our children happier than us? Join us for a weekly discussion group lead by facilitator Walt Glazer. We will compare our experiences as adults with that of our parents, grandparents and even our children and grandchildren in terms of health, religion, security, and opportunities. Each week you will draw on your own personal experiences, your family history and the larger historical trends of the past century. This class will be held in Small Stonehill.
Thursday, January 24-February 21
10:00am – 11:15 am
5 sessions
No fee
