A crowd favorite! The Horsemen ride their reindeer into Sherman for their annual Holiday show and Fundraiser.

Join the Horsemen: David Ray, Mike Latini, Dave Goldenberg and George Mallas at this fun event!

A large portion of the proceeds will be donated to local charity Anns Place. Please consider bringing an unwrapped toy / gift item. Ann’s Place provides help and hope to those living with cancer and to their loved ones. Our clinical social workers, facilitators and wellness experts provide a host of services aimed at improving quality of life during and after cancer. Ann’s Place relies on the generosity of donors to be able to continue providing these services free of charge. For more information on Ann’s Place please visit, https://www.annsplace.org/about.

All donations are greatly appreciated and will go to a family in need this holiday season.

Every Friday morning at 7am our All Levels Yoga class will meet together for a 75 minute yoga practice. This practice is intended to not only increase flexibility in the body, but in the mind as well. Yoga brings wellness and unity to the entire being, mind body and soul.

While we do recommend some foundational yoga experience, all are welcome to join this class as props and modifications can be used to make this practice accessible for all!

Oliver Tobin will lead the class through pranayma (breathwork), dhyana (medittion), and asana (physical yoga postures) with an upbeat attitude and an open heart. Oliver Tobin is a former dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, where he performed leading roles in Appalachian Spring, Clytemnestra, Diversion of Angels, El Penitente, and Embattled Garden, among others. Oliver graduated from the American Musical & Dramatic Academy, The Sivananda Yoga Institute, and Empire State College.

Mondays & Tuesdays at 1:30pm.

Please bring your own mat and any props you might need!

This 1 hour class is appropriate for all levels, beginner to advanced. Alternates, modifications and advancements are available for every pose offered in this class to keep it both enjoyable and beneficial for all!

This class is donation based or, “Pay What You Can.” Pay what you can is exactly what it sounds like, you can attend this class & contribute what you can; from paying nothing, to a dollar, to five dollars, to twenty-two dollars & anything in between.

YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

In this talk, Anita Raja will present what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is and what it is not. She will share a brief history of AI research and  explore its transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across sectors, focusing on its applications in medicine and infrastructure.  She will then address the broader societal implications of AI, highlighting the importance of responsible AI development, transparency, and bias mitigation. Through real-world examples, Anita Raja will demystify AI's capabilities and limitations while emphasizing its potential to benefit humanity when designed responsibly.

Join us for a night of Jazz music you’ll want to dance the night away to!

Dave Wonsey - Drums

Drummer/Percussionist Dave Wonsey is an active Jazz & Rock drum set player, having worked with Jazz artists Eddie Bert, Carmen Leggio, & Ed Hiques, and Rock artists Joe Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult, & Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper Group). He recently retired from The Ridgefield Symphony in CT, where he held the positions of Principal Timpanist & Principal Percussionist for 28 years. Dave also recently retired as a Music Educator, where he taught adjunct also for 28 years at Norwalk College, Wooster School, Kent School,Marymount College, & Fordham University. He is a World Champion Bagpipe band style Snare Drummer, and an accomplished African Djembe player, having studied with Babatunde Olatunji, M’Bemba Bangoura, and Michael Markus.

Phil Forbes – Guitar

Phil Forbes has been a professional guitarist since 1991. With a full teaching roster of private guitar instruction he has taught 1000's of students to play over the years and continues today both in person and online all across the country. Phil has studied with many masters which include Sal Salvador, Ritchie Hart, John Abercrombie, Joe Diorio and Oz Noy to name a few. He plays many styles including Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Country. Phil is also an author of 2 guitar instruction books: Seven String Chord Book and Guitar Concepts for the Beginner. He has also released a CD of original compositions. Today Phil is busy playing and teaching in the local Connecticut area. More info, videos, etc are available at www.philsguitarshop.com

Kevin Callaghan – Bass

Kevin Callaghan is Principal Bassist of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. He has performed at the Blue Note, CBGB’s, The China Club, The Ritz, Birdland West, ACT of Connecticut, and The Westchester Broadway Theater and has appeared with such notables as The Shirelles, Yes, Peter Cetera, Judy Collins and the Irish Tenors. The Kevin Callaghan Quartet performed for over 10 years at the Jazz Lunch Series at Lasdon Park. Kevin was a member of the rock group Mondo Boffo, which produced several records and a video broadcast on MTV. He works with jazz ensembles ranging from duos to big bands and freelances playing shows and classical concerts. Kevin earned his Master’s degree in bass performance from Manhattan School of Music.

Experience the combination of acupuncture & sound healing in a community setting. Feel the relaxing, yet rejuvenating effect of a few needles realigning your body’s energy, while the vibration of crystal singing bowls washes over your body. There will also be soothing background music, Koshi chimes & vocals through a singing drum to add to the sound-healing experience.  

Please bring your own mat, pillow(s) and blanket(s). We do have a few mats available for use as well. Wear loose, comfortable clothing & you may want to bring a pillow for under your knees, as well as for your head. 

*acupuncture needles are optional; magnets are available instead of needles as well 

Your Guide:

As a licensed acupuncturist since 1999, Melanie has dedicated herself as a practitioner to bring healing and balance to her patients, utilizing many different modalities. 

She graduated from Bastyr University with a Master of Science Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.  

She is also skilled in massage, Reiki, and does some craniosacral therapy work. Her additional training includes years of Intuitive Healing, energy work & Chinese Face Reading.

Melanie has worked to combine her knowledge of Eastern and alternative practices with Western medicine, and used to direct the Integrative Medicine Program Department at Columbia University, which was created and run by Dr. Mehmet Oz at NY-Presbyterian Hospital. This program provided massage therapy, energy work & music therapy to post-surgery cardiac patients.

Please join us on Saturday November 18th at 7pm : John Denver Musical Tribute Concert featuring Nancy Walsh, Al Burgasser, Rob Brereton, Charlie Stokes, Susanna Marker, and Dave Wonsey

Nancy Walsh  grew up on the east end of Long Island near the water.  She began playing guitar and singing in church at the age of 13. It was the music of John Denver that inspired her to branch out from Christian worship songs.  Nancy now resides in Sherman, CT and performs the music of John Denver, Nanci Griffith, Kate Wolf, and other folk singers.  She has also written several songs about family and the New England coast. Nancy performs weekly at the JCC open mic and has played at local events/venues like the Bridgewater Fair, Merryall Center, and the Painted Lemon.  She was also involved in co-hosting the Sherman Song Swap for many years. Nancy is excited to be celebrating the music of John Denver in this second tribute concert at the JCC!

Al Burgasser,  a resident of Sherman, CT has a long history as a respected singer/songwriter as well as performing in a wide variety of venues in the western Connecticut area.  

Al has also been very active in promoting public events including hosting Open Mic nights at the JCC in Sherman, co-hosting the Sherman Song Swap (also at the JCC), teaching songwriting and music lessons in local adult education venues, providing performances and lessons to Sherman Seniors (you should hear them play their Boomwackers!), and promoting and/or participating in many fundraising benefits and community activities over the years.

Rob Brereton, is an accomplished musician with a degree in music theory and composition. He is also Director of the Merryall Center for the Arts in New Milford, CT. Rob is internationally recognized for his skill on the mountain dulcimer and also sings and plays guitar. In addition, he composes, arranges and directs several choirs in western CT and is a music teacher in New Haven, CT.

Charlie Stokes  got his first guitar when he was 14. A year later he was in his first folk-singing group. In college he recorded a record and toured across the country with ‘The Folk Sound’ performing his first John Denver Songs, ‘Jet Plane’ and ‘For Baby, For Bobbie.’ A life-long John Denver fan, Charlie now sings with Pat Walker in their group, Cover to Cover. 

Susanna Marker  is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She has been part of several local bands including Lumos, Red Dirt Road and The Red Dirt Girls,and has also performed as a solo artist.

Dave Wonsey  Drummer/Percussionist Dave Wonsey, recently retired Music Educator, taught adjunct for the past 28 years at Marymount College, Fordham University, Norwalk College, Wooster School, & Kent School. Again for 28 years, he also held the positions of Principal timpanist & percussionist with Ridgefield. He is a World Champion Bagpipe band style Snare Drummer, and accomplished Jazz & Rock drum set player.

Join us for a night of music and dining Friday November 8th!

Menu:

• Green Salad

• Mezze Platter

• Pita with Tzatziki & Tahini

• Chicken Souvlaki

• Cedar Plank Salmon

• Toasted Orzo

• Lemon Roasted Potatoes

• Coffee, Tea, & Dessert

New Middle Class

Playfully serious, heartfelt and slightly bent middle class acoustic pop. The award-winning music of Barbara Borok (lead vocal) and songwriter Mike Borok (guitar/vocal) has been played on over 60 radio stations world-wide. They were grand prizewinners in the Music To Life song contest at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival, and were featured in the Emerging Artists Showcase at the 2023 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

NMC returns to the JCC in Sherman stage, where they played the dinner/concert with Don Lowe in May 2024. This concert will be the Connecticut debut of their new album!

They will be joined by bassist Bill Strohm.

"Great melodic songs, full of warmth, wit and truly delightful and surprising turns of phrase" - Fast Folk

“This classy duo clearly knows how to make a song work on all levels...The vocals here are superb... Here are some lovely personal stories, some social commentary. It''s easy to understand why these songs win awards" - SoundBytes

Music & videos at newmiddleclass.com and streaming on all platforms.

Please join us for this important presentation on Sunday November 3rd. Due to the nature of this discussion we ask that you please pre-register online first. Please provide valid ID at the door.

Stacey G. Sobel, is the Director of ADL’S (the Anti-Defamation League’s) Connecticut Office and is passionate about ADL’s mission of fighting hate for good. For nearly a decade, Stacey was the executive director of Child Advocates of Connecticut, which serves the needs of abused and neglected children. A lawyer by training, earlier in her career Stacey was in private practice and served in the General Counsel’s office of Continental Can Company.

Law school: Boston University School of Law

MIKE LATINI has been writing, performing, and recording his songs for many years. He’s played countless bars, concerts, coffeehouses, private events, conventions, fairs and festivals all over New England and New York, with occasional ventures into the heartland. His immediately accessible music, engaging performance style and unique lyrical perspectives enable him to ride the rails from the sublime to the ridiculous, and make all the stops in between

SUSANNA MARKER is a unique singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her songs run from joy to sorrow, from love to loss, and shed light on what it means to be truly human. She has been part of several fine area bands including Red Dirt Girls, Red Dirt Road and Lumos, and also performs as a solo artist.

Please join us at The JCC in Sherman on Friday November 1st at 7pm as we welcome The Funk Express

Grab your family and friends and don't forget your dancing shoes!

The Funk Express will knock your socks off with their fantastic music! This will be an evening of great dancing featuring musicians from all over CT and NYC.

Musicians: Chris Carlone, Steven Trinchillo, Wesley Marchena, Steve Clark, Tim Lewis, Gary Fiandra, Mark Patrick and Rob Patrick

Join Amber Vlangas of Mindful Art and Sound for an Immersive Sound Experience

What To Expect:

• Guided Meditation  & Visualization

• Vibrations of Crystal & Tibetan Singing Bowls, Chimes and more.

• Release, Relaxation & Balance

Participants should wear comfortable clothes, bring their own yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye covering and anything else to make themselves comfortable. This Sound Bath Sunday session will take place from 1-2pm.

About Your Sound & Meditation Guide:
Amber Vlangas, MAT is an artist, certified Meditation Specialist, Mindful and Meditative ArtTeacher, Restorative Circle-keeper, and Sound Healer. She has always had a heart for holding space and helping others. Her work is grounded in the truth that every person has the ability to access their power, potential, and creativity when given the safety and encouragement they need to do so. She invites people into accessible and mindful art activities, guided meditation, music making, and sound journeying to help them relax, renew, and open pathways to enhanced mind-body connection, imagination, self-awareness and overall balance. Amber holds certifications accredited by the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance, The Mindful Art Alliance, The Meditation Organization and the Complementary Medical Association.

WANDA & THE HBH BAND ft. George Potts, (JAZZ)

Celebrating their 18th year together, HBH is a collective effort of talented musicians from NY, CT and MA who musically travel the spectrum of the American Songbook. They deliver unique yet respectful interpretations of the "Standards" whether Broadway, Pop, R&B, Blues or Country from a Jazz perspective.

Innovative and interpretive the group is lead by the stirring and soulful vocals of Wanda L. Houston, the solid percussive piano/keyboard rhythms of Scott Heth and the swinging driving drums of Jay Bradley. By adding the foundational bass of George Potts, there is a quartet representing over 40 years of professional experience. Each performer has played across the country and abroad. Currently, they play throughout the tristate area, but can often be found performing at The Fife & Drum for dinner and for NYE. For more info go to wandaworld.biz

The JCC in Sherman welcomes author Julie Canepa for our Sunday Speaker Series event on Sunday October 6th at 1pm. Join us for a movie showing followed by a discussion about the film her novel THE MISSING STAR, based on the lives of Vladimir and Kitty Monk.

Julie Canepa is a writer and speaker based in New York. In 2014, she met Czech Holocaust survivor Vladimir Munk, whose friendship changed the trajectory of her life. She is the writer and producer of the Regional Emmy® Award winning streaming documentary Return to Auschwitz: The Survival of Vladimir Munk and author of The Missing Star, available at all major booksellers.

Return to Auschwitz: The Survival of Vladimir Munk (Running time: 56 minutes)

A moving documentary of Czech Holocaust survivor and retired U.S. professor Vladimir Munk. The film follows Munk in 2020, at age 95, as he returns to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp, where he was held prisoner during World War II.

WINNER Regional Emmy® Winner - Historical/Cultural Long Form Content

WINNER IndieFEST Film Awards Best Documentary Short

WINNER IndieFEST Humanitarian Award

FINALIST Berlin International Art Film Festival

Official Selection Lake Placid Film Festival

Official Selection Montreal Independent Film Festival

The Missing Star

After their comfortable childhoods are shattered by the illegitimate Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, Vladimir Munk and Kitty Löwi are deported to the Terezin ghetto, where they meet and fall in love. When Munk is forced aboard a train bound for Auschwitz, Löwi is left behind. Will they overcome all odds and honor their pledge to reunite in a less complicated world? Based on a true coming-of-age story of love and loss, hope and survival, “The Missing Star” is a story about the resilient heart.

Sunday Speaker Series events are Free. All donations are greatly appreciated!

Please click on the ticket link to RSVP for this event. You will not be charged.

Please join us on Saturday October 5th at 7pm as we welcome Louise Mosrie and George Mallas to the JCC in Sherman!

Louise Mosrie grew up in McEwen, TN on a cattle farm - riding horses and writing poetry. She began writing songs after college while working in TV/radio in Knoxville.

Louise started writing songs about the South – what she knew and where she grew up. In 2008, she began working on a new album eventually to be called “Home” because she’d come full circle in her “voice” as a writer. The album was a mix of bluegrass, country and folk and as she weaved in lush stories and songs about southern life.She ended up winning top awards at Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower! Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. “Home” debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ charts in January 2010 and went on to be one of the most played albums that year for that chart. In 2014 she released her second album, 'Lay it Down.' An album of love, loss and surrender and produced by Cliff Eberhardt.

George Mallas is a Singer/Songwriter based in North Salem, NY. Having been a student of the piano since age 6, the instrument is a natural extension of who he is. His experiences in life, love and family have profoundly inspired his songs, his style, and his passion for playing.George was influenced by some of the great singer/songwriters of his youth, namely Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Cat Stevens. His songwriting started at this time during his early teen years.

After a hiatus from writing while his two sons were young, George has recorded three full length albums of original music since 2015 and is currently in the process of recording his fourth titled 'Within These Walls.' George writes of love, longing and redemption amongst other subjects.

George has graced the stages of The Bitter End, The Towne Crier, Uncle Cheefs and Cafe Lena to name a few. His melodic piano based songs touch the heart strings.

Join us on Saturday September 21st at 7pm as we welcome Caledonia : Thistles and Shamrocks, featuring Caroline Bennett and Al Burgasser with special guests Rebecca McCallum & Dave Wonsey .

Caroline Bennett and Al Burgasser, both with family ties to Scotland, honor and share their heritage by performing Scottish and Irish music together as the duo Caledonia.

They are excited to be joined this evening by Rebecca McCallum on fiddle and vocals, and Dave Wonsey on percussion.

Caroline will share her original compositions in Gaelic - currently being featured on the BBC Radio nan Gàidheal - as well as ancient Gaelic songs of the sea and songs that tell of the lives of working people. Enjoy haunting melodies, toe-tapping mouth music, songs of longing and exile, and humorous ballads and stories.

Together, Caroline and Al bring rich harmonies and a special connection to the music that they love, enhanced by the fiddle and drumming contributions from our award winning guest performers.

Join us for Dinner & Music on Friday September 13th at 7pm featuring dynamic duo Missy Alexander & Bill Petkanas!

Missy Alexander & Bill Petkanas have been playing music together for nearly 40 years. Their eclectic repertoire traces the path of their musical journeys from musical comedy to country swing. Missy’s early years were spent performing in summer stocks and dinner theaters (mostly in Pennsylvania). Her favorite role was Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, but she loved the chorus roles, too, where she honed her singing harmony skills.

Bill spent several years on the road with the Ulstafarians, who played their special blend of blues, rock, and reggae. A better dance band has never been found. Together they have played with Red Dirt Road and Blue Martini Revue and, of course, as the duo Missy & Bill.

Their duo performances feature jazz standards, pop hits, country, blues, and some originals. You can expect an event of music that spans 100 years of great songwriters, or what they call The New American Songbook.

Menu

• BBQ Pulled Beef Brisket served with Brioche Buns

• Herb Grilled Chicken

• Baked Potato Bar with Toppings

• Farmer's Market Pasta Salad

• Garden Salad

• Coffee, tea, & dessert

The JCC in Sherman presents the T.J. Thompson Trio Jazz Band on Saturday September 7th at 7pm!

Join us on for an evening of live jazz! The T.J. Thompson Trio will be playing the Soul, Blues and Jazz of New Orleans, Memphis & more!

T.J. Thompson, piano ~ Eneji Alungbe, bass ~ James Allen, drums

Sound Bath Sunday with Amber Vlangas on August 25th at 1pm

Participants should wear comfortable clothing, bring their own yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye covering & anything else to make themselves comfortable.

Cost: Member $25 | Non-Member $30 | Student (ages 16-25) $20

Amber Vlangas, MAT is an artist, certified Meditation Specialist, Mindful and Meditative Art Teacher, Restorative Circle-keeper, and Sound Healer. She has always had a heart for holding space and helping others. Her work is grounded in the truth that every person has the ability to access their power, potential, and creativity when given the safety and encouragement they need to do so. She invites people into accessible and mindful art activities, guided meditation, music making, and sound journeying to help them relax, renew, and open pathways to enhanced mind-body connection, imagination, self-awareness and overall balance. Amber holds certifications accredited by the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance, The Mindful Art Alliance, The Meditation Organization and the Complementary Medical Association.

The Pears are thrilled to bring a reunion performance to the JCC in Sherman after a 10 year break from the local music scene. From 2010-2014, The Pears delivered an energetic, acoustic mix of rock, country, pop, folk, R&B and various other genres of music to many of the local Western CT establishments. Performing upwards of 50 gigs annually, The Pears created a strong following in the greater New Milford area.

Members:

• Nancy Janutolo – Percussion/Vocals

• Angela Cahill – Vocals/Guitar

• Chuck Cundari- Guitar/Vocals



Movie & Discussion with the film’s producer Fred Zollo

Mississippi Burning (rated R)

Running time: 2 hours 8 minutes

Shake Your Soul : An exploratory movement experience for all ages and abilities! Come join the fun on Wednesday, August 14th at 6pm.

This FREE class is being offered by Deborah Dayal.

Deborah is a Shake Your Soul Teacher, Somatic Therapist, Yoga teacher, Montessori Teacher, mother, grandmother and friend. She values building healthy relationships with self and others through movement and creative process.

Please RSVP via the ticket link, by email, or by phone. Thank you!

You can read more about Deborah @ www.riverrhymesmovement.com

Join us on Saturday July 27th at 7:30pm for Chicks and Friends featuring Nancy Setzler, Maggie Meriwether & Susanna Marker, with special guests Al Burgasser & friends!

The JCC in Sherman presents a special screening of WE WILL DANCE AGAIN, followed by a short Q & A with executive producer Terence Wrong.

Friday July 19th at 7:30 pm

We Will Dance Again is a shocking documentary about the October 7th Hamas terror attack on the Nova Music Festival that left more than 400 dead and dozens kidnapped. This is an original documentary including interviews with survivors, and exclusive footage of the ambush from festival-goers that will launch exclusively on a major network in the U.S. this fall. See it before it airs, here at the JCC in Sherman!

Join us for the 5th Annual Steve Bennett Memorial Comedy Show at the JCC in Sherman!

Friday July 12th at 7:30pm

Laugh along with some of the freshest comic voices on the stand-up stage, in keeping with the raucous comedy events our longtime resident Steve Bennett organized over the years!

This year’s lineup:

Lindsey Barnes (co-Host) ~ Sean Conrad ~ Katie Finn ~ Ben Rosenfeld ~ Amy Veltman (co-host) ~ Tayler Yarish

Film & Book Discussion with Melinda Elliott

The JCC in Sherman welcomes Melinda Elliott for our Sunday Speaker Series event on Sunday July 7th at 1pm.

Join us for a viewing of the film Home of the Brave : When Southbury Said No to Swastikas, followed by an in-depth discussion about Melinda’s research & her book No Swastikas in Southbury.

Sound Bath Sunday with Acupuncture on June 30th with Melanie Fernandi, L.Ac

Join us on Saturday June 29th at 7:30pm as we welcome Holley McCreary and special guests Ham Bagby and Mamie Lew for a Southern Songwriter Showcase!