Family Yoga & PJ Library Story Time
Sun., Feb. 21 – 12:30-1:30 p.m. yoga followed by storytime
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Age-appropriate yoga poses, animated breathing and soothing techniques awaken the inner-child of all participants in this light-hearted class for adults and children ages 5 and up. Open to adults without children and levels are welcome. PJ Library story time immediately follows. Members are free. Information and registration: 480.483.7121 ext. 1281 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org.
Yoga Inversions & Backbends
Sun., Feb. 21 – 2-4 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Unlock your energy and confidence! Explore inverted poses and backbends in a safe, supported way. Members: $25; Non-members: $35. Information and registration: 480.483.7121 ext. 1281 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org.
Consider Yourself Challenged Fundraiser
FREE February event at the Tucson J on February 21 challenges Tucson to give, get active, and get inspired. Proceeds benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Mark your calendars for Feb. 21 at the Tucson Jewish Community Center for the Consider Yourself Challenged event, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF,) Tucson Medical Center (TMC,) Hanger Clinic, TriSports.com, The University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics Department and the Tucson J will present a very special event designed to challenge you to give, get active, and get INSPIRED! This event is FREE to the public.
Bring your family and meet many of the inspiring athletes who will share their passion and will to overcome obstacles. Adaptive athletes from the University of Arizona will be there to share with you the specialized equipment that they need to play basketball, run a race, play quad rugby, hand-cycle, and race chair. Hanger clinic will be on hand with many of the prosthetics physically challenged people use to get on a bike, go for a run, and so much more. One of the event’s stated goals is to inspire able-bodied and physically challenged athletes alike to get active and get involved in sport.
All proceeds, primarily from raffle ticket sales and donations, for this event will benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation and be earmarked for the Tucson area challenged athlete 2016 grant requests to buy the equipment they need to participate.
Nathanial Miller, a student at the University of Arizona and a beneficiary of the CAF program says, “My thoughts of Challenged Athletes Foundation and UA adaptive athletics? Quite simply, if it were not for these two organizations, I would not be in Arizona about to complete a Bachelor of Architecture degree. CAF has allowed me to excel in the sport that has brought me to U of A, and the adaptive athletics program has supported me financially and otherwise. I have seen no student-focused facility with a fully dedicated and compassionate staff like this anywhere in my life.”
Highlights include interaction with adaptive athletes and their equipment and moving videos that will inspire both challenged and able-bodied athletes to reach new athletic/fitness goals. TMC and the Tucson J will be on hand to sign up families for their 2nd annual Family Tri which will be held on Sunday, April 17. Cyclists should be on hand to learn about some of the amazing Challenged Athlete Foundation Rides in California that help raise money and awareness for CAF. NCAA and NBA Hall of Fame Member Bill Walton is a regular on the San Francisco to San Diego ride and a spokesperson for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome! There will be an optional raffle for some exciting baskets provided by TriSports.com, TMC Wellness, Hanger Clinic and the Tucson J.
Presented by the Tucson J, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Tucson Medical Center, the Hanger Clinic and the Department of Adaptive Athletics at the University of Arizona.
About the Challenged Athletes Foundation: It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. For more information visit www.challengedathletes.org.
Crystal Bridge – Duplicate Games
Mondays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 – Noon-3:30 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Regular sanctioned ACBL duplicate games for players with less than 500 master points. Led by ACBL-certified director Maddy Bloom. Enjoy light refreshments and a friendly atmosphere. $9 per player. For information and reservations, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
Let’s Knit
Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 – 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Valley of the Sun JCC – 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 85254
Share the pleasure of knitting and crocheting. Help others with projects and patterns. Can’t knit? We’ll teach you. No reservations required. For more information, contact Harriet at 480.483.7121 ext. 1213 or harrietc@vosjcc.org.
This adult education series provides our community an opportunity to share what we know and to learn about/from others. Each week offers a different keynote speaker, followed by refreshments & socializing.
“What We Need to Know About … Islam, Mormonism & Catholicism” with keynote speakers:
Feb. 10 – Dr. Watheq Alobaidi, Muslim Community Center of Tucson presents “What is Islam?”
Feb. 17 – President Cole Thies, Mormon Church, Tucson Stake presents “Mormons: A Bird’s Eye View”
Feb. 24 – Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson presents “Brothers and Sisters in Faith”
RSVP needed by Feb. 8.
Congregation Anshei Israel presents the third annual “Wisdom of Jewish Tucson” adult education series on Wednesdays, February 10, 17 & 24, 7:00 – 9:00pm. The program this year provides an opportunity for greater understanding and for interfaith conversations. It also allows the sharing of what we know and to learn about / from others regarding their faith, traditions and what they teach about peace, compassion and respect for fellow human beings. The more we know about our friends and neighbors, the more comfortable we will be with ourselves. Open to the community, each week offers a different keynote speaker, followed by refreshments and socializing.
This year’s topic: “What We Need to Know About … Islam, Mormonism & Catholicism” with keynote speakers:
Feb. 10 – Dr. Watheq Alobaidi, Muslim Community Center of Tucson presents “What is Islam?”
A well-known scholar of Islamic jurisprudence, Imam Alobaidi will discuss the pillars of Islam, its Abrahamic foundation, the teachings of the Quran, and the importance of being kind and compassionate to our family, friends and neighbors of all faiths.
Feb. 17 – President Cole Thies, Mormon Church, Tucson Stake presents “Mormons: A Bird’s Eye View”
With the Church since 1990 and having served in several positions, President Thies currently oversees several wards (congregations) in east Tucson. In his presentation, he will outline the basic doctrines, history and organization of the Church, as well as explain daily life for its members and how being a Mormon influences one’s world view.
Feb. 24 – Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson presents “Brothers and Sisters in Faith”
Very involved in community life, youth programs and education, and social action, Bishop Kicanas is the seventh and current Bishop of Tucson. In his presentation, he will discuss our common roots and the ways that we share faith in God.
3-week series: $18 per person PLUS food donation for the Community Food Bank. Reservations needed by Feb. 8. Visit www.caiaz.org or call Michelle at 745-5550, ext. 225.
For more information about the program or CAI, call Rabbi Robert Eisen at 745-5550. Congregation Anshei Israel, located at 5550 E. 5th Street is the largest Conservative synagogue in Tucson, continuing to serve Southern Arizona since 1930.