Healthy Community Center Classes and Events

The Healing Frequency: A Sound Bath Experience with Shawntay Fields

Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in room 155
Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in room 155

Step into an immersive sound experience designed to relax your body, calm your mind and restore your energy. This Sound Bath will guide you through soothing vibrations from singing bowls, chimes and other therapeutic instruments that encourage deep rest and inner balance. Whether you’re looking to release stress, reset your nervous system or simply enjoy something new, this session offers a powerful pause from the noise of everyday life. Come curious – leave grounded, refreshed and recharged.

In partnership with OSU Extension, join us for hands-on, interactive gardening classes to learn how to create your own home garden and grow healthy plants. Taught by Eugene Law, PhD, from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, there will be engaging conversation and equipment to take home to help you create your own green space.

Fall Planting Prep

Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 6-7 p.m.
Learn how and when to plant fall plants to elongate your garden past the summer season, as well as when to harvest your summer crops.

Harvest Festival

Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6-7 p.m.
Eat food made using ingredients from the garden, do a walk through of the garden before cover crops are placed and learn about freezing preservation for keeping food usable for longer.

Moms2B is a weekly prenatal education program in partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. You will have the chance to learn how to have a healthy baby and pregnancy, talk with health care professionals and make new friends. No registration needed. Walk-ins are welcome, and you may bring young children with you. Call Moms2B at 614-292-1605 for more information.

The Healthy Community Center’s 2025 inaugural “Battle of the Bowls” event, sponsored by Genentech, delivered an unforgettable mix of flavor, teamwork and wellness education as community members gathered for a high energy “Top Chef”-style cooking challenge.

With its lively atmosphere and spirited competition, Battle of the Bowls was an instant fan favorite, so we’re bringing it back again this summer! This year’s challenge: Eat the Rainbow - Build a healthy bowl that features colorful fruits and vegetables (phytochemicals) to prevent chronic diseases.

Join us

Assemble your team of four contestants and register together as a group.

• All ingredients and supplies will be provided.
• Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
• You’ll also get a chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award!
• We’ll have seats in the audience for those who’d prefer to watch and cheer on the culinary competitors.

Purpose and Reinvention: Designing Your Next Chapter with Brandon Boyd

Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in room 120

In this session, Brandon Boyd, a certified senior adviser and certified dementia practitioner with Senior Care Authority, helps seniors explore purpose beyond retirement, encouraging them to rediscover passions, set new goals and stay engaged in meaningful ways. Topics will include volunteering, mentorship, starting small businesses, creative pursuits and community leadership. Reflection exercises or storytelling from peers who’ve reinvented themselves may be included.

Don’t Get Scammed: Protecting Your Money and Identity

Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in room 120

Don’t Get Scammed: Protecting Your Money and Identity is an informative workshop designed to help seniors recognize and avoid common financial scams. Using real-life scenarios and case studies, participants will learn how to spot warning signs, protect personal information and respond confidently to suspicious situations. This session provides practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you stay safe and secure.

Wellness 360: Mind, Body and Spirit

Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6-8 p.m. in rooms 120 and 140

Wellness 360: Mind, Body and Spirit is a dynamic 90-minute experience in celebration of National Wellness Month, offering a practical and well-rounded approach to overall well-being. Led by Kimberly Tartaglia, MD, and Michael Ungar, rabbi and ACE-certified personal trainer, this engaging session blends medical insight, spiritual perspective and fitness expertise. Participants will take part in interactive activities, hands-on exercises and guided discussions, along with a moderated roundtable featuring community wellness experts. Together, these experiences will help attendees explore realistic strategies for managing stress, staying physically active, fueling their bodies and building healthier daily habits. Designed to be both engaging and actionable, this session emphasizes small, achievable changes and provides practical tools participants can begin using immediately to support their overall health and well-being.

Vision in Focus

Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6-8 p.m. in rooms 120 and 140

Vision in Focus is a community event designed to increase awareness of eye health and everyday vision care. Through hands on activities, guided discussions and conversations with vision and wellness professionals, participants explore how daily habits, screen use, lighting and preventive care impact eye health. This engaging session emphasizes practical strategies and early awareness, helping attendees leave with simple tools to support healthy vision and overall, well being.

Healthy Snacking (hands-on class)

Monday, Aug. 10, from 5-7 p.m.
Satisfying your snack cravings doesn’t have to ruin your diet. We’ll prepare simple snack recipes that can be incorporated into a healthy, balanced diet.
Menu: Banana bread bites, chocolate peanut butter dates, homemade potato chips.

Spanish Tapas (hands-on class)

Monday, Sept. 14, from 5-7 p.m.
Learn the history of Spanish tapas, then prepare several small appetizer recipes – perfect for guests or as a simple snack for yourself!
Menu: Fried almonds, garlic mushrooms with paprika, roasted potatoes with paprika aioli, roasted asparagus with lemon.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals (cooking demonstration)

Monday, August 3 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm
One-pot meals are a great way to make an easy dinner from scratch when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Menu: Shakshuka with garlic bruschetta.

Using up Leftovers: Stir Fry (cooking demonstration)

Monday, August 24 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Not sure what to do with random veggies and extra bits of this and that in the fridge? Stir fry is infinitely customizable and a great way to use up all the leftovers so they don’t go to waste.
Menu: Orange tofu-style veggie stir fry.

Homemade Pasta: Gnocchi (hands-on class)

Monday, September 21 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Potato gnocchi is a type of homemade pasta that is fun to make and more forgiving than traditional pasta. Great for beginners and experienced cooks alike!
Menu: Homemade potato gnocchi with mushrooms, onions, and Italian sausage

Mediterranean Nights: Fresh and Flavorful Meals (hands-on class)

Monday, August 17 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
We’ll explore fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques to prepare a heart-healthy Mediterranean inspired meal.
Menu: Chicken souvlaki skewers, cucumber, tomato and olive herb salad, tzatziki sauce and herbed rice.

Street Food Around the World (cooking demonstration)

Monday, August 31 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Learn how to recreate globally inspired street food dishes at home using accessible ingredients and simple techniques.
Menu: Chicken shawarma wraps, elote-style street corn, pico de gallo.

Performance-based Desserts (hands-on class)

Monday, September 28 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
This class will re-frame the concept of “healthy desserts” into “strategic fuel” – using calories with purpose to give us a boost of energy when we need it most.
Menu: Chia pudding, dark chocolate bark, and more!

August theme: Celebrate the Harvest

Cooking with Fresh Herbs from the Garden

Thursday, Aug. 13, from noon-1 p.m.
Learn how to harvest, prepare, and cook with fresh garden herbs to elevate everyday dishes with bright, aromatic flavor.

Shopping and Cooking from the Farmers Market

Thursday, Aug. 20, from noon-1 p.m.
Learn tips for shopping smart at the farmers market and discover how delicious fresh, local produce can be with minimal effort.

Beyond the Burger: Healthy Cookout Sides

Thursday, Aug. 27, from noon-1 p.m.
Planning a backyard cookout to celebrate Labor Day or end of summer? We have just the inspiration you need to give your cookout sides a healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.

September theme: Eat Well, Age Well

In this Lunch and Learn series, we’ll explore the Top 10 vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. We’ll share recipes using ingredients rich in these key nutrients and create delicious dishes you can easily make at home.

Nutrition for Inflammation
Thursday, Sept. 10, from noon-1 p.m.

Nutrition for Brain Health
Thursday, Sept. 17, from noon-1 p.m.

Nutrition for Bone Health
Thursday, Sept. 24, from noon-1 p.m.

Nutrition for Immune Health
Thursday, Oct. 1, from noon-1 p.m.

Diabetes-friendly Cooking Demonstrations

Tuesday, Aug. 25, from noon-12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 22, from noon-12:30 p.m.
Join certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian Jenny Shrodes and Chef Mike Carnahan of The James Mobile Education Kitchen for a lunchtime diabetes-friendly cooking demonstration.

Cook with a Doc: Where Health Meets Flavor

Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 5-7 p.m.
Join us to discover how food can truly be medicine. In this hands-on cooking class, community members and physicians come together in the kitchen for a fun, flavorful journey toward better health. Whether you’re looking to manage a chronic condition, learn new recipes or simply enjoy cooking in a supportive environment, Cook with a Doc is the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and explore food as medicine.

What’s on the menu:

• Learn practical cooking and nutrition tips
• Cook side-by-side with healthcare professionals in a fun, relaxed setting
• Enjoy a delicious, healthy meal together

Cooking Matters for Diabetes

Once per week, Tuesdays, Aug. 4-Sept.15, from 5-7 p.m.
This free, hands-on cooking course is designed to support individuals managing diabetes. Participants will explore how nutrition impacts blood sugar control while building practical kitchen skills – from knife techniques to food safety. Each session includes the preparation of 2–3 diabetes-friendly, budget-conscious recipes, and you’ll receive groceries and recipes each week to recreate the meals at home.

Participant expectations:

• Complete brief pre- and post-class evaluations
• Provide a current A1c lab result (dated within two weeks of the first class) or agree to have A1c checked at both the first and final class sessions
• Commit to attending all six sessions

Note: This course runs over seven weeks and includes one planned break week (no class) to accommodate a special community event. Participants will be notified of the exact date in advance.

Line dancing with the Pickett Sisters

Held at the African American Extension Center at 905 Mount Vernon Avenue
Mondays, Aug. 3-Sept. 28, from 6-7 p.m. in rooms 120 and 140 (No class Sept. 7)
Join the rhythm! Experience high energy R&B line dancing set to soulful classics, hip hop and pop hits. All levels welcome – come dance, connect and have fun.

Strength Made Simple with Neale Davis

Mondays, Aug 3-Sept. 28, from 4-4:45 p.m. in room 155 (No class Sept. 7)
Strength Made Simple takes the intimidation out of strength training. Designed for beginners, this class uses dumbbells, kettlebells and exercise bands to help participants build muscle, increase mobility and feel stronger in their bodies. Expect clear instruction, manageable movements and an encouraging environment where progress happens at your pace.

Next Level Strength with Neale Davis

Mondays, Aug. 3-Sept. 28, from 5-5:45 p.m. in room 155 (No class Sept. 7)
A progressive intermediate strength class designed to bridge the gap between beginner strength training and high-intensity fitness. Build strength, improve endurance and gain confidence through challenging yet approachable full-body workouts.

Battle Ready Boot Camp with Neale Davis

Mondays, Aug. 3-Sept. 28, from 6-7 p.m. in room 155 (No class September 7)
Unleash your inner warrior in this high-intensity boot camp combining explosive cardio, strength training, and functional movement. Each session builds endurance, resilience, and mental toughness no matter your starting point. Show up, dig deep and leave stronger and more confident.

Strong, active and fit with Mary Curry

Tuesdays, Aug. 4-Sept. 29, from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in rooms 120 and 140
Stay active and energized in this chair focused fitness class welcoming all mobility levels. Build strength, flexibility and confidence with low impact, accessible movement. Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Balance with Andie Sie – Tai Chi

Tuesdays, Aug. 4-Sept. 29, from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in room 155
Join Andi Sie for a transformative Tai Chi class designed to enhance your inner strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Andi is a certified 13th generation Tai Chi disciple with over 20 years of training under Master Chen Bing, a direct descendant of the family that founded Tai Chi more than 400 years ago. This class is suitable for all levels, offering the option to practice sitting or standing. Each session builds on the previous one, helping you cultivate energy flow, relaxation and harmony throughout the series. Discover how the original Tai Chi can revitalize your body and mind.

Hot Pilates Inferno with Jasmine Jones

Tuesdays, Aug. 4-Sept. 29, from 6-7 p.m. in room 155
Get ready to turn up the heat in this 60-minute class, where you feel the burn and break a sweat. Bring a towel and get ready to sculpt and strengthen your body in a whole new way. Join us for Hot Pilates Inferno and feel the burn!

Joy Slow Flow – Yoga with Cortland Mullins

Wednesdays, Aug. 5-Sept. 30, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in room 155 (No class Aug. 26)
Joy Slow Flow invites you into a calming, soothing yoga practice that prioritizes ease, presence, and breath. This gentle class encourages unhurried movement, helping participants unwind tension, restore balance and reconnect with their bodies in a supportive, low pressure environment. Through slow transitions and intentional breathing, the practice supports flexibility, relaxation and nervous system balance. Ideal for all levels, Joy Slow Flow offers a nurturing space to decompress, recharge and carry a sense of calm into the days ahead.

Line Dancing with the Pickett Sisters

Wednesdays, Aug. 5-Sept. 30, from 6-7 p.m. in rooms 120 and 140 (No class Aug. 26)
Join the Rhythm! Experience high energy R&B line dancing set to soulful classics, hip hop and pop hits. All levels welcome – come dance, connect and have fun.

Strong, active and fit with Mary Curry

Thursdays, Aug. 6-Oct. 1, from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in rooms 120 and 140
Redefine aging; embrace strength! Discover a fitness program designed to keep you moving, motivated and thriving. This energizing class empowers seniors with exercises that build mobility, strength, stamina and flexibility, helping you feel confident and vibrant every day. Each session is about more than staying active; it’s about living boldly, fully and with purpose. Boost your energy, elevate your spirit and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Balance with Andi Sie – Tai Chi

Thursdays, Aug. 6-Oct. 1, from 11 a.m.-noon in rooms 120 and 140
Join Andi Sie for a transformative Tai Chi class designed to enhance your inner strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Andi is a certified 13th generation Tai Chi disciple with over 20 years of training under Master Chen Bing, a direct descendant of the family that founded Tai Chi more than 400 years ago. This class is suitable for all levels, offering the option to practice sitting or standing. Each session builds on the previous one, helping you cultivate energy flow, relaxation and harmony throughout the series. Discover how the original Tai Chi can revitalize your body and mind.

Yogalates - Flow and Core with Jasmine Jones

Thursdays, Aug. 6-Oct. 1, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. in room 155
This class invites you to breathe, move and soften. We’ll blend the mindful strength of Pilates with the fluid movement of yoga, helping you stretch, tone and connect – without pressure or judgment. You’ll leave feeling strong, supported and more rooted in your body. All levels welcome. Come move with love.

Body Sculpt with Coach D. McCray

Thursdays, Aug. 6-Oct. 1, from 6-7 p.m. in room 155
Move, sweat and feel stronger in this high energy, full body workout designed for all fitness levels. Body Sculpt with Coach D. combines cardio intervals, strength training, and dynamic movement to help tone the body, build lean muscle and boost metabolism – without adding bulk. Modifications are offered so everyone can work at their own pace. Led by master trainer Coach Demetrius McCray, an ISSA certified trainer with over 14 years of experience and a former Big Ten athlete, this class offers motivating instruction, energizing music and a supportive environment to help you reach your fitness goals.