Haley Bartel | Jewish News

Playground for Sandler Family Campus focuses on nature

Haley Bartel — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:21:16 +0000

Naturally curious creatures, children interact with the world around them through play. This instinctive engagement becomes even more pronounced in natural environments, where exploration is open-ended and sensory-rich.

As one study by the National Wildlife Federation found, children who play in nature “do so with more vigor, engagement, imagination, and cooperation than in wholly artificial environments, and the symptoms of attention deficit and depression are reduced.”

This philosophy was central to the vision behind the new playground on the Sandler Family Campus, which resembles a small woodland city more than a traditional play area.

“We wanted something much more natural than a traditional playground,” says Joe Frissora, Sandler Family Campus facilities manager.

Primarily designed to be used by Camp JCC campers and Strelitz International Academy’s students, the playground is another component of the Sandler Family Campus’ array of outdoor features – including the pool, Gaga pit, miniature golf course, tennis courts, and Marty Einhorn Pavilion.
“We wanted a playground that really allowed children to take safe risks and kind of create their own play,” says Elyssa Brinn, Strelitz International Academy’s director of the early years program. “There is no set right way to do anything, which is exactly what we wanted.”

Natural playgrounds are designed to foster cognitive, physical, and emotional growth in children while also strengthening environmental awareness. As with traditional playgrounds, they offer opportunities to climb, slide, swing, and crawl, but they also surround children with natural elements that help calm the nervous system and create a sense of ease.

“It just feels good to be out there and look at,” says Veronica Samonte, SIA assistant director of the early years program. “There’s just a calm to it.”
This shift also reflects a broader move at Strelitz toward inquiry-based learning. “Our philosophy is child-oriented and child-centered, and the play goes in the direction that the children take it,” Brinn says. “We’re just facilitators of that learning.”

One look at the new playground makes its design clear. In some ways, the layout mirrors the old space, with a fence separating play areas by age. In the section for younger children, tree stumps are hollowed out into small playhouses topped with triangular wooden roofs. Logs are arranged in varied formations for climbing—some laid side by side, others set upright with monkey bars between them. Two small slides descend from a low hill, and additional stumps double as tables for toys. Nearby, children use bowls and spoons for sand play or build with wooden blocks from a self-serve storage cabinet.

On the other side of the playground, older children pile onto large woven green basket swings suspended from timber structures. Like the younger area, it includes large sand areas but also adds a water pump and more advanced climbing features. Chalkboards and music makers offer points of creative exploration. From the previous playground, only the paved pathways and tyke bikes remain, allowing children to move through the space as they would a small town.

Children use the variety of resources at their disposal to create worlds of play at their own discretion. “They have to problem-solve to move things around and make things work a different way, and they have to work together. It’s really, really cool to see,” Brinn says.

The open-ended nature of the new playground allows imagination to run freely. “I just like watching them use their brains to play,” says Carin Simon, SIA director of advancement. “The old school playground… it told you what to do. That’s what the structure was. With this one, they get to do what they want.”

Behind the design of the new playground was a complex construction process involving multiple contractors, site challenges, and long-term planning from campus leadership. According to Glenn Saucier, the former facilities director for the Sandler Family Campus, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds was selected after reviewing several competing proposals.

What ultimately set Bienenstock apart was its clear understanding of early childhood development and the essential role of natural environments in shaping how children learn, explore, and make sense of the world around them.

Although the company was responsible for the design and installation of the play structures, the campus served as its own general contractor, coordinating multiple local teams to complete the project. “We got the landscapers, the concrete guys, the fence guys, and we coordinated all of that,” Saucier says.

From there, the project moved through design selection and into a phased construction process that stretched from early site preparation through final installation. Saucier estimates that the active build took place over roughly four months, though groundwork began earlier with excavation and soil preparation.

However, the project encountered significant infrastructure challenges, particularly related to a crack in the storm drain.

Rather than halt construction, the team adapted the design and repair strategy to keep the project moving.

Despite the challenges, Saucier describes the finished playground as a standout addition to the campus. “It’s probably the showcase around this area for a playground.”

What stands out most is not just the design of the space but the way children inhabit it. “The things that they are creating and doing… we’re surprised every single day when we go out there,” Brinn says.

Even features like the large woven swings were intentionally designed to support social development and encourage collaboration. “Not only is it allowing children to get the needs met that they need, but they also have to figure out how to work with four other children,” Brinn says.

The impact has extended beyond the children themselves. “I’ve noticed a new freedom, not just with our children, but our teachers as well,” Brinn says. “It’s really helped our teachers embrace the philosophy of watching the children and letting the children guide them rather than them guiding the children.”

Ultimately, the playground is exactly what it was designed to be: a place where imagination sets the boundaries and play is entirely their own.

Israeli medical students gain clinical, cultural insight in Norfolk exchange

Haley Bartel — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:17:22 +0000

Jewish community has long extended beyond geography, linking people across continents who often recognize a shared sense of belonging.
Liora Zerbib knows about this feeling of belonging after spending several weeks with a Jewish host family in Ghent.

Zerbib, an Israeli medical student in her final year at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University, is one of two Israeli students participating in a monthlong exchange program in Norfolk. The program was founded by obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Steven Warsof.

Through the exchange, Israeli medical students shadow obstetricians and gynecologists at EVMS, gaining firsthand exposure to American women’s healthcare while forming tight knit, sometimes unexpected connections with local physicians and the Jewish community.

“Coming here, you’re a little bit cautious, like ‘Should I be my true self, should I share this identity?’” she says, describing the uncertainty many Israelis feel when traveling abroad during a time of heightened tensions. “And then when the director of the program and the families that are hosting you make you feel like you can… you feel like you’re with family in some sort of way, even though you’re far away from your actual family.”

The program began more than a decade ago after Warsof learned about a new medical school in Safed, Israel, and reached out to establish a professional collaboration. What began as lectures and visits gradually developed into a student exchange supported by local donors.

“It’s been one of the highlights of my professional career,” says Warsof. “The relationships are real. The students gain exposure to a different healthcare system, and the host families gain meaningful personal connections. It’s rewarding on both sides.”

Warsof believes the program’s value extends beyond medicine. “People get to meet Israelis as individuals, not headlines,” he says. “They see students, future doctors, people who are living real lives. That kind of connection matters, especially now.”

Another participant, final-year medical student Anna Sirota, says the experience offers insight into both American medicine and Jewish community in the United States.

“I think this program is great, not only for our medical education, but also by bringing us here and letting us see how a Jewish community functions in America,” she says.

Sirota says she is struck by the diversity of Jewish practice she has encountered in Norfolk.

“We have a lot to learn from Jewish communities in America because they’re so open to other people’s view of religion,” she says.

Zerbib echoes that sentiment. “It’s been nice to hear their opinions and the way they see Judaism,” she says. “I’ve really appreciated their openness and acceptance.”

Dr. Steven Warsof.

Anna Sirota.

Liora Zerbib.

While long-distance community building is a central goal of the program, the students also gain firsthand experience with a healthcare system very different from their own.

“These comparisons are important because they broaden your worldview,” Zerbib says. “People think the American system is the most advanced, and in some ways that’s true.. but in Israel, preventive care is very common, and community medicine is very strong. Each system has things the other can learn from.”

Sirota says she was impressed by communication systems in U.S. hospitals and the benefits of shorter physician shifts, but noted the prevalence of chronic illness among younger patients.

“I was surprised to see the volume of patients that had very complicated background diseases,” she says. “For us in Israel, it’s relatively rare for women in their mid-20s and 30s to have conditions like Type 2 diabetes, chronic hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.”

The exchange comes as many Israeli medical students complete portions of their education amid war and instability. Sirota recalls taking exams during missile alerts.

“During those tests, you suddenly hear a siren,” she says. “You stop the test, go to the shelter, come back after 10 or 15 minutes, and then you have to continue the test.”

This reality, she says, required constant mental adjustment. “You have to change your mindset very fast. You’re in danger, and suddenly everything is okay, and you have to be focused for your test.”

Those experiences have shaped the students’ understanding of the role physicians play during times of crisis.

“During war, patients don’t always come just for physical symptoms,” Zerbib says. “Sometimes they come just to talk, to share the stress they’re feeling. The doctor might be the only person they speak to that day. The human connection becomes much more important during times of uncertainty.”

Warsof says programs like this one serve as a reminder that those connections can endure despite distance and conflict.

“Medicine, education, and community don’t stop during war,” he says. “Relationships continue. Learning continues. And those connections help strengthen Jewish communities on both sides of the ocean.”

For both students, the impact is immediate.

“It really felt like when we got here that there’s some sort of flow of connection that’s being kept through us just coming

Local nurse practitioner offers different approach to hormone health

Haley Bartel — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:09:07 +0000

From postpartum recovery to perimenopause, women experience a range of life stages that can affect hormones and overall health.

Dr. Kellie Frissora, a nurse practitioner and mother of three young children, understands how easily personal health can take a back seat during these life stages.

“I commonly saw patients for the same issue repeatedly,” Frissora says. “I heard over and over again, ‘My primary care said that my labs are normal, but I just don’t feel like myself. I don’t have the energy I once had. I’m just getting more exhausted than I usually do.’”

This reality led her to launch Frissora Functional Wellness, a fully virtual concierge functional medicine practice focused on hormone health and whole-body wellness. Frissora conducts all patient visits through virtual consultations.

Frissora worked as a nurse in a primary care setting for three years before becoming a nurse practitioner. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as a family nurse practitioner in 2019 and has since worked in primary care and medical weight loss settings. She has also completed additional training through the Institute of Functional Medicine and the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Training Academy.

Frissora says she often encountered patients whose symptoms persisted despite standard treatment. Many reported ongoing fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, anxiety, sleep issues, and other concerns – even when routine lab work appeared normal.

Those experiences steered her toward functional medicine, an approach that seeks to identify underlying causes rather than simply manage symptoms.

“Functional medicine really gives you not only the education but the desire to figure out why the patient is feeling the way they are and help get to the root cause,” Frissora says.

Unlike traditional visits that may center on a specificdiagnosis, Frissora says her approach explores multiple systems at once.

“We look at your lifestyle factors and your environmental factors, because what people don’t realize is that if they have a thyroid issue or a gut issue, or a hormone issue, it’s usually just one piece of the puzzle,” she says.

Frissora emphasizes that hormones affect people of all genders, influencing everything from brain and bone health to metabolism and stress response.
While functional medicine is sometimes viewed as alternative medicine, Frissora says her practice remains grounded in evidence-based care.

“We still use evidence-based medicine. We still use lab testing. We still go by clinical guidelines,” she says.

The process begins with a free 15-minute discovery call to determine whether a patient’s needs align with the services offered. Patients then complete a comprehensive wellness consultation, typically lasting about 90 minutes, during which Frissora reviews medical history, symptoms, and health goals before ordering individualized laboratory testing.

Services are not covered by insurance and are paid for out-of-pocket.

Depending on the testing required, results are generally reviewed within two to four weeks. From there, patients receive personalized recommendations that may include lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, and supplements or prescriptions when appropriate.

Frissora tells of an anonymized example of a patient who benefited from this approach:

A woman came in experiencing fatigue, weight gain, poor sleep, and brain fog. She had previously been told her lab work was normal, but her symptoms were significantly affecting her quality of life.

Using a functional medicine approach, Frissora evaluated nutrition, blood sugar regulation, stress, sleep habits, hormone balance, and lifestyle patterns. The patient was given a personalized plan that included targeted nutrition changes, lifestyle interventions, and evidence-informed supplementation.

Over time, the patient experienced improvements in energy, sleep quality, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

Frissora notes that while results vary, this type of approach can help identify contributing factors that may not be addressed in traditional symptom-focused care.

Frissora emphasizes that patient safety remains central to her practice.

“If I identify a condition that requires further evaluation, specialized treatment, or urgent medical attention, I coordinate care with the patient’s primary care provider and appropriate specialists,” she says. “This may include cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, mental health providers, or other specialists.”

She says she views functional medicine as complementary to conventional care, with the goal of ensuring patients receive comprehensive treatment that addresses both medical conditions and lifestyle factors.

“It’s a partnership,” she says. “I want you to be as invested in your health as I’m going to be.”

Ultimately, she says, the aim is not just to treat symptoms, but to help patients return to a place where they feel good in their bodies.

“They can still feel like themselves. They can feel good, and they can love the way they feel.”

JCC Fitness Center embraces new interactive cardio technology

Haley Bartel — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:03:41 +0000

The Simon Family JCC Fitness Center recently upgraded its cardio equipment with new treadmills, ellipticals, and rowing machines featuring iFit technology. These machines offer interactive global workouts and studio classes, with systems that automatically adjust incline, decline, and speed to match terrain or instructor guidance.

The new Freemotion incline trainers allow users to move between a -3% decline and a 30% incline, expanding the range of workout intensities.
Users can also access interactive coaching programs that simulate real-world routes, such as running or cycling through cities (the streets of Barcelona, for instance) or along mountain trails, with the machine adjusting resistance and incline in real time. For high-intensity workouts, 1-Step controls allow quick adjustments to speed and incline.

To reduce strain on joints, the machines include Freemotion’s Reflex deck, designed to absorb impact during each stride and provide added support for knees, hips, and ankles.

“The equipment is built for high-traffic use, a feature that helps improve durability and reduce downtime for maintenance,” says Tom Purcell, director of fitness and wellness.

The new machines feature 24-inch screens that, in addition to the coaching programs, offer entertainment options such as Netflix, Pluto TV, Spotify, and Google Maps, allowing users to stream content or virtually explore different locations while working out.

Members have responded positively, Purcell says, while many are still familiarizing themselves with the new features.

“There’s a learning curve with all the technology and what it can do,” Purcell notes. “It’s similar to getting a new computer or new vehicle—you have to get used to it.”

And the way to get used to it, of course, is to use it.

Dive into summer at theMetzger Outdoor Aquatic Center

Haley Bartel — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:21:44 +0000

If you’re feeling ready to beat the summer heat poolside, you’re in luck. The Metzger Outdoor Aquatic Center opened on Saturday, June 6, marking the start of the Simon Family JCC’s seven-day-a-week summer pool season.

The outdoor pool opens daily at 11:30 am, closing at 7 pm Monday through Thursday, and it closes at 5:30 pm, Friday through Sunday.

“We have a full staff of nearly 40 lifeguards, most of whom are JCC veterans,” says Tom Edwards, director of athletics. “They bring a variety of experiences and international cultures and range from high schoolers to retirees.”

The summer pool season continues through Labor Day, offering members a daily chance to cool off and enjoy the facilities. August 17 through Labor Day on September 7, hours will be adjusted to 11:30 am until 5:30 pm daily.

A new judge for Virginia Beach: The Honorable Aaron Kass

Haley Bartel — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:45:29 +0000

The Honorable Aaron F. Kass was sworn in on Friday, March 27 as a Judge of the Virginia Beach General District Court.

“Outside of being Melissa’s husband, and Jonah, Micah, and Alexa’s father, there is no greater privilege than this role,” Judge Kass said at his formal investiture on Friday, May 1 at the City of Virginia Beach Judicial Center. Together, his family assisted him in putting on his robe, an act symbolizing their support.

The opening invocation was led by Rabbi Jacob Herber of Congregation Beth El, and remarks were given by Joshua Baker of Waldo & Lyle, PC, David Lacy of Christian & Barton, LLP, and Matthew Foster of Bangel, Bangel & Bangel, LLP.

Kass formerly worked as a personal injury lawyer for Kass Law Firm, P.L.C. He is a graduate of the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary, and he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University.

In his speech, Kass emphasized the importance of recognizing that attorneys face mental health struggles, such as anxiety and depression, at alarming rates, approximately 2-3 times greater than the general population.

“I hope, that while I’m ensuring the parties on both sides, on some of the most stressful days of their lives, feel heard and achieve justice, that I never forget that those of you advocating on their behalf have stressors as well. As the saying goes, you never know what someone has going on,” he said.

Kass extended his heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, and colleagues. “To say this is a team sport is an understatement, and you all are wonderful teammates,” he said, addressing the packed courtroom.

The Kass children, Jonah, Micah, and Alexa, assist their father in putting on his robe.

The Investiture program for the Honorable Aaron F. Kass.

Delegate Michael Feggans, Senator Aaron Rouse, Delegate Andrew Rice, and Judge Aaron Kass.