30 | AUGUST 11 • 2022
OUR COMMUNITY
Three generations of
Jewish Jazzercisers:
Allison Weinmann,
Ronit Szczotka and her
daughter Orli.
continued from page 29
ciously and double check, “Did
you go to Jazzercise today?!”
That is exactly what
McNamara loves best about
her job. “We really change
people’s lives for the better, not
necessarily just their bodies,
but internally, their healthy
outlook.
”
There’s also a tremendous
sense of community and cama-
raderie between the people who
attend Jazzercise classes.
“It’s judgement-free … such
a welcoming feeling,
” Szczotka
said. Before she got married
in 2019, one instructor hosted
a Beyonce-themed wedding
sendoff for her family and
friends. “It was the perfect way
to begin my wedding weekend
and a memory I will always
cherish.
”
The enthusiastic Jazzercise
community is eager to pass on
their positive vibes. Every year,
the instructors pool their gently
used workout wear, which sells
for up to $5 a piece. The raised
funds are usually donated to a
cancer-based charity. One year,
the proceeds were given to a
Jazzerciser mom who had left
an abusive marriage and was
left with nothing to support her
kids.
“That money helped her
start over,
” McNamara said.
The grateful mom painted the
beautiful canvas that still rests
on her desk today, a reminder
of the power and support of the
Jazzercising community.
This year, the $1,700+ of
raised funds were donated to
Teen Clean Closet, a one-wom-
an operation that provides basic
hygiene products for Royal
Oak students who are unable to
afford them.
There are 52 classes offered during a
typical week at the Royal Oak location.
All genders and ages 18+ are welcome.
For more information, call (248) 398-0111.
THE DALE CARNEGIE PROGRAM®
Do you know a teen looking to build confidence,
public speaking and other life skills?
Frankel Jewish Academy, through the generosity of the
William Davidson Foundation, invites students in
grades 9-12 to participate in this 8-week program worth
two college credits and a lifetime of experience.
WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022
FRANKELJA.ORG/DALECARNEGIE
“That’s the most important degree I have”
— Warren Buffett on the Dale Carnegie Course
6600 West Maple Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48322
248-592-5263
*You do not have to be an FJA student to attend.