Teresa Knecht | Jewish News https://jewishnewsva.org Southeastern Virginia: Chesapeake • Norfolk • Portsmouth • Suffolk • Virginia Beach Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:54:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 Design a JCC Youth Basketball team jersey https://jewishnewsva.org/design-a-jcc-youth-basketball-team-jersey/ Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:54:27 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=35724 For more than 60 years, the Simon Family Jewish Community Center has offered a dynamic youth basketball league that engages young athletes and their families. In recent years, one of the league’s most anticipated traditions has been the annual unveiling of team jerseys, each featuring creative themes, names, logos, and designs that bring added excitement to the season.

 For the upcoming 2026–27 season, the JCC is expanding that tradition by inviting children in grades K–5 to take part in the creative process – encouraging them to design original team names and logos for the league. 

 A panel will review the entries and select a group of finalists. Those designs will be presented for a public online vote beginning September 1. Winning designs will be announced in October and become the official team names and logos for the season. At least eight winners will be selected, giving multiple young designers the opportunity to see their work featured on the court.

Participants are asked to create original designs that include a team name, clear and readable text, a cohesive color scheme, and a logo that visually represents the team.

 Submissions are open through August 14, 2026.

 Submit designs at JewishVA.org/Contest. Contact Tom Edwards, Simon Family JCC athletics director, at TEdwards@SimonFamilyJCC.org or
757-321-2308 for more information.

]]> JFiT unveils fitness boosters for 2026 resolutions https://jewishnewsva.org/jfit-unveils-fitness-boosters-for-2026-resolutions/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:03:29 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34352 With New Year’s resolutions known to drive gym crowds, Simon Family JCC’s JFiT gym got in shape early to offer three unique, budget-friendly services to kickstart sustainable routines without hassle or high costs. And, while JCC membership offers myriad benefits and is recommended, these specific programs do not require membership. 

• Virtual personal training is designed for travelers and those with busy schedules. Participants can train via video with any of JFiT’s trainers for specialized Cardio/Strength, Pilates, or Yoga sessions. Skip commutes, avoid missed appointments, and enjoy tailored 30- or 60-minute workouts on their own schedule. This is ideal for maintaining momentum during vacations or hectic days.

• The Buddy Up program sharply cuts costs. Buy one personal training package and get a second free. Train side-by-side with a friend at JFiT, sharing the trainer’s expertise for the price of a single session. This doubles accountability from trainer and partner alike, creating fun and social motivation.

• Nutritional coaching with Julie Giarrana, MS, RD completes the trio. Clients receive one-hour consultations blending education, custom meal plans, weight goals, and dietary restriction guidance. Giarrana also offers strategies for combating diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, celiac, and anemia across all ages. Access it in-person or online to drive lasting health changes.

A JCC membership is not required to take advantage of these sessions. Enroll via the JCC membership portal or email Tom Purcell, JCC wellness director, at TPurcell@SimonFamilyJCC.org with questions or to get started. 

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