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.

