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Parkinson’s Connection Virtual Wellness Retreat
February 28 @ 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
This inaugural fundraising event for Parkinson’s Connection programming at the Katz JCC is a day of virtual exploration and hope. The day includes two breakout sessions including classes for friends and family, caregivers and those living with Parkinson’s disease.
Cost for Full Day: $60 / Cost for Half Day: $35
Register for Full Day
Register for Half Day
Make a Donation to Parkinson’s Connection
Buy a book to support Parkinson's Connection
Parkinson’s Connection’s own Sue Masso wrote a book, My Grammy Shakes. Does Yours?, a children’s book that deals with the child’s discovery that her grammy is different in some ways because she has Parkinson’s disease.
Buy a book now through March 12 using the promo code PD at checkout for 10% off and a portion of your purchase will be donated to Parkinson’s Connection.
Books are purchased directly through BookBaby’s website: Buy a book
Retreat Schedule
10am: Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:30-11:30am: First Class Breakout Session
Choose from the following upon registration:
Rock Steady Boxing
Instructor: Stacey Macaluso
This no-contact boxing class promotes fitness and function. In addition to improving stamina, the program has been shown to improve balance, coordination quality of life.
All levels Can be done seated or standing.
Yoga for PD
Instructor: Sue Polikoff
Gentle yoga class focusing on various yoga poses to increase flexibility, balance, and improve overall fitness. This practice includes breath work to promote relaxing the mind and body which can reduce stress and anxiety.
All levels. Can be done seated or standing.
12-1pm: Keynote Speakers
Timothy Rice Estate and Elder Law
Topic: Getting Your Affairs in Order: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You and Your Loved Ones
Rebeca Sternbach – Home Modification Occupational Therapist with Ability Home Solutions and Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance (HMOTA)
Topic: Standing Together to Prevent Falls
1:15-2pm: Second Class Breakout Session
Choose from the following upon registration:
Ballroom Dance
Instructors: Lindsay & Justin David
Ballroom dance for people with Movement Disorders stimulates cognitive functioning, improves gait, mobility and mood.
Bring a friend, loved one, or come alone! All levels welcome.
Movement and Motivation with Drums
Instructor: Melanie Montana
Drums Alive is a fitness modality that incorporates simple foot movement patterns with rhythmical drumming patterns. Research supports that challenging the brain with new learning experiences such as drumming rhythms helps to build or strengthen new or existing neurological pathways. Increased neurological pathways helps coordination thereby increasing safety in movement. Melanie’s drumming class has been modified to address neurological challenges unique to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and MS. Therefore, her class might include drumming while vocalizing, using facial muscles or tongue twisters. This class is a sit and stand format and can be adapted to individual needs.
2-2:30pm: Closing Remarks
View the retreat schedule as a PDF here.
Meet Our Instructors & Speakers
Stacey Macaluso
Stacey Macaluso has been working with the Parkinson’s community for over 10 years. As the coordinator of the Parkinson’s Connection at the Katz JCC in Cherry
Hill, NJ, she oversees several programs and events to support those with PD and their families. Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s and Dance for PD are just a few of the programs she is certified in. She has also practiced as a dental hygienist for 30 years in the South Jersey community.
Last year Stacey accepted a position as a David Phinney Foundation Ambassador, providing support and resources to the PD community throughout the Tri-state area and beyond. SJ Magazine recognized Stacey as a “Game Changer” in South Jersey for
her work in the Parkinson’s community with the Women of Excellence Award for
2020.
Melanie Montana
Melanie is a fitness and movement specialist with over 35 years of experience. She also earned a Master of Social Work and completed a post-Masters training in family therapy. Within the fitness industry, Melanie is certified in many movement/fitness modalities including a drumming format called “Drums Alive.” Melanie’s teaching style empowers participants to learn safe and effective ways of moving their bodies while attending to issues that may impede ease of movement. Her philosophy supports the notion that one’s best is always good enough. But above all, the intent is for all participants to have fun!
Sue Polikoff
Sue Levy-Polikoff’s professional career began in the financial industry then shifted into the non-profit sector. After being an event planner for a national nonprofit Sue became a volunteer for a Parkinson’s
Program which opened her up to new opportunities and ways to help others.
In 2020, Sue completed her 200HR yoga teacher training with Core Power Yoga and will be taking Yoga for Parkinson’s training this fall, as well as additional training that will allow her to continue growing as a yoga instructor.
Lindsay & Justin David

Lindsay and Justin David danced throughout college and beyond, competing in many national competitions. They taught collegiate dance athletics for years and are looking forward to sharing their love of dance.
Tim Rice
Tim Rice has focused his practice in estate and elder law matters since 1992, including Medicaid planning, estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation and guardianships.
He has handled numerous Medicaid applications before Medicaid offices in various counties throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has also represented clients in estate and elder law matters before all probate courts in southern New Jersey as well as Orphan’s Court in Philadelphia. Mr. Rice works closely with his clients to help to preserve their assets and fulfill their intentions through the use of documents that minimize estate and inheritance taxes and plan for Medicaid eligibility where applicable.
Rebeca Sternbach
Rebeca Sternbach is an Occupational Therapist and our very own Rock Steady Boxing Coach at the Katz JCC. She works as a Home Modification Occupational Therapist with Ability Home Solutions and the national association called the Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance (HMOTA).
Thank you to our generous event sponsors!
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