Health Matters
Health Matters is a mind and body wellness program developed by AHM’s Leadership, Mental Health, and Prevention Team and funded by the Cigna Corporation. Residents of all ages from Andover, Hebron, Marlborough, and Columbia are invited to participate.
AHM and the Cigna Corporation believe participation in healthy programming is the best way to reduce risk factors for mental illness and substance abuse in youth, families, and our communities. We are very fortunate to have grant funding to provide this level of programming.
In-person programming will continue in the Fall in our beautiful Wellness Room! Check back for updates on classes, workshops & activities that will be offered in this next phase focusing on “The Self”.
Register today for the activities and workshops that align with your interests and schedule. Out of an abundance of caution, a strict COVID Protocol will be followed to ensure the safety of our residents and staff; temperature checks upon arrival, practice social distancing, and wear facemasks while in the AHM building.
Like us on Facebook and Instagram for all programming updates!
AHM reserves the right to cancel a class 24 hours prior to class time, due to low enrollment.
Program Coordinator: Jennifer Boehler
Phone: 860-228-9488, x31
Email: JenniferB@ahmyouth.org
Fall 2021
Health Matters Phase Descriptions
Health Matters successfully launched during the fall of 2020! Phase 1 which focused on “the Self” ran for a total of eight weeks with three to four activities a week. Participants had access to the following live Zoom wellness activities: Introduction to Yoga, Yoga Flow for All, Chair Yoga, Storytime Yoga, Tai Chi, Zentangle Drawing, and Zumba® Fitness.
In addition, Health Matters hosted two workshops: a Meditation & Mindfulness Workshop, which introduced strategies to add this practice into daily routines, and a ‘Love Your Face Therapy’ Workshop, that guided participants on proper techniques for a self-massage on the face and neck, and the benefits which include de-stressing of the mind and improvement of physical well-being.
The goal of our Health Matters Program is for participants to be inspired by the activities and workshops offered so they will want to incorporate this type of activity into their lifestyle on a consistent basis. AHM will refer community members to the instructors who partnered with AHM for Phase One: the Self but also recommends connecting with your town’s Parks and Recreation Department for a current list of activities offered.
Due to global health crisis Health Matters Phase Two: the Family programming will deviate from the originally planned schedule of activities to provide a self-care video library that provides outlets to calm the mind and body. AHM is providing this video library at no charge for residents of all ages in the towns of Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia and as a special exception due to the pandemic, all surrounding towns are welcome to view the video library as well!
The AHM Health Matters Program is proud to partner with the Hebron Open for Business Task Force on the “Eat Healthy🧡Eat Local” initiative. This initiative shows how easy it is to eat healthy while supporting local restaurants. Each week a restaurant is spotlighted with a video post on Facebook and Instagram by a resident who is choosing to eat a healthy lunch or dinner entrée. If you are interested in how to fill your plate with healthy food choices please refer to the nutrition videos created by Mission Wellness of Colchester CT. And, when you visit local restaurants and you are eating healthy – we want to know! Take a picture of what you are eating, where you are and tag us at @Andover Hebron Marlborough Youth and Family Services with the hashtag #ahmhealthmatters!
#InspirationalMonday begins each week with one way you can be kind to your ‘self’, your body and those around you! Like AHM Youth & Family Services on FaceBook to be inspired each Monday!
All of the above is created to help our community during this trying time when there is more anxiety, depression and loneliness. Life is not the normal that we remember but we are moving forward to better days! Continue to looks after friends and family and if there is something that you need remember that AHM is here for you!
Health Matters Phase three will begin in spring 2021 and will focus on engaging activities within the community. The Health Matters 8-week calendar offers unique ways to see the value in the community we live in and express ourselves in the most positive of ways with those around us.
Fall 2021 Classes Coming Soon!
Summer 2021 In-Person Classes
Led by: Nicole Stutz, Life Décor Consultant
“Creating an art project that you can be proud of that is easy and FUN at the same time is my specialty. As an independent creator with Life Expressions Décor, I will show you new ways to tap into your hidden creativity without needing to be an experienced or talented artist. I host painting workshops for community organizations, as Fundraisers or in your home with your family and friends. Life Expressions Décor offers DIY craft projects for kids and adults of all ages. No two signs are EVER the same. Join me, Nicole Stutz, to experience all the fun a Life Expressions Décor workshop packs into just one hour. I love sharing your excitement when you finish your project. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Date: Wednesday, July 14th
Time: 6:15-7:15pm
Age: Tweens 9-12, Teens 13-19
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron, Health Matters Wellness Room
Materials provided: 4×12” piece of wood, a wide variety of paint colors, paint brushes and many positive vibe stencils to choose from.
Max Capacity: 10 people
Led by Carla Pomprowicz.
Come drum with us! It’s easy! When you drum in a group, you get to express yourself and participate in an exchange of rhythmic energy that will leave you with a feeling of connectedness, and an overall sense of well-being. You will be surprised at how quickly the music will flow! Bring your own drum or use one of ours.
“I am inspired to facilitate drum circles because I believe in the healing power of community drumming. It brings me great joy to provide an opportunity to share this experience with others”
Carla’s Biography: Carla’s love of hand drumming began 13 years ago when she bought her first Djembe drum. After traveling to Guinea, West Africa to research the origin of the music she studies, she created a non-profit to assist the village where she stays. She looks forward to making music with you.
Date: Friday, July 16th
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Age: Ages 9+ to adult
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron, Health Matters Wellness Room
Max Capacity: 10 people, minimum of 6 participants.
Deadline to register: July 15, 6PM
Led by: Tressa Giordano, AHM Executive Director and Megan Aldridge AHM Clinical Director.
Through visualization and collaging, each family will work together to develop a vision board filled with photos, words and magazine clippings to make a daily reminder of their goals. Participants will be guided through a process of considering future hopes and desires and setting goals to enhance the relationships within their family. Through this fun and engaging process, participants will feel connected to their values, focused on their goals, and more empowered to work toward progress.
Date: Tuesday, July 20th
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Age: All Ages
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron, Health Matters Wellness Room
Max Capacity: 10 people
Led by Emily Love Leserman
Owner, Make Food Lovely, LLC South Windsor, CT
“I’m not a chef. I’m just a mom who is trying to trick my kid into eating vegetables. My name is Emily Love Leserman, and I have been making boards since 2017, once I realized that my son was becoming a picky eater. I thought that if I could put beautiful, colorful food in fun patterns and shapes, that maybe he would try more things. To this day his favorite foods are milk and air, but at least I am having all the fun! In this class, I will teach you some interesting things to do with food to make your charcuterie board look amazing!”
You will leave with a 9-inch circular tray of seasonal veggies, fruits and meats!
Date: Wednesday, July 21st
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Age: Adults 20 – 65+
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron, Health Matters Wellness Room
Max Capacity: 10 people
Led by: Carla Pomprowicz
Come drum in the fresh air and smells of nature all around us! When you drum in a group, you get to express yourself and participate in an exchange of rhythmic energy that will leave you with a feeling of connectedness and an overall sense of well-being. You will be surprised at how quickly the music will flow. Bring your own drum or use one of ours. *Weather dependent. Rain date TBD.
“I am inspired to facilitate drum circles because I believe in the healing power of community drumming. It brings me great joy to provide an opportunity to share this experience with others.”
Carla’s love of hand drumming began 13 years ago when she bought her first Djembe drum. After traveling to Guinea, West Africa to study the origin of the music she studies she created a non-profit to assist the village where she stays. She looks forward to making music with you.
Date: Friday, July 23rd
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Age: Adults 20-65+
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: Outside at AHM Youth & Family Services, 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron CT
Max Capacity: 10 people, 6 minimum participants
Deadline to register: July 22, 6PM
Led by: Kate Papsun
Mandalas are fascinating, and there are a number of ways to go about making them. In this class, we will focus on the most simple mandala technique which uses a technique of painting graduated dot sizes. In fact, it’s sort of mind-blowing when you see how easy this project is to help you make really lovely, intricate-looking mandalas.
Your mandala will be created and designed by you, with beautiful acrylic paint colors using dotting tools on a wooden disk. You will take it home, along with a 19-piece dotting tool kit in its own storage bag. Once you create one mandala you will probably want to paint them over and over. You will get good at them, and you will think of many ways to keep this ancient art form alive by sharing them and teaching others to do it too!
Date: Monday, July 26th
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Age: Teens 13-19
Cost: $10.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron CT, Health Matters Wellness Room.
Max Capacity: 10 people
Led by: Audrey Carroll Prucnal, who is an award-winning and published watercolor artist.
As an avid fly fisherman, her work portrays primarily nature, landscapes and wildlife. She is specifically known for her fish and fishing-related paintings. Her work has been featured in the Atlantic Salmon Journal and the Southwest Art Magazine. Audrey began as a Decorative artist, where she built her skills in the oil and acrylic medium painting on various surfaces such as wood, porcelain, furniture, glass, tin and fabric. As an active member of the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painting Association, she studied with many nationally and internationally known artists and soon began to teach the different facets of decorative art, mix media painting and watercolor. She is a member of several art associations including a signature member in the prestigious Northwest Watercolor Society and Connecticut Watercolor Society. As a member of the Miramichee Salmon Association, her works have been in auctions at numerous fundraisers to save the Atlantic Salmon. Audrey resides in Marlborough CT. In addition to teaching in the Hartford area, much of her work is done through request and commission.
Audrey will lead this class and will demonstrate basic watercolor techniques used for beginners. The participants will create their own paintings based on the parts provided. All materials are provided.
Date: Tuesday, July 27th
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Age: Adults 20 – 65+
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron CT, Health Matters Wellness Room
Max Capacity: 10 people
Led by: Christine Randazzo
Randazzo Design and Associates, Andover CT
“If you like salads, consider growing your own salad bowl with a mesclun mix, that you can enjoy from a container in about a month. The term “mesclun” originated in France where they often use a “mix” of tender young greens in their salads, which may include lettuces, arugula, endive, chervil, or mustard greens. So easy to grow! Included in this workshop are your seeds, container and soil! Feel free to bring your own container if you like! Come join us for one hour and you will reap the benefits for weeks to come!”
Date: Thursday, July 29th
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Age: All Ages
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron CT, Health Matters Wellness Room
Max Capacity: 10 people
Led by: Carla Pomprowicz
Come drum with us! It’s easy! When you drum in a group, you get to express yourself and participate in an exchange of rhythmic energy that will leave you with a feeling of connectedness and an overall sense of well-being.
Carla will lead this rhythmic event and you will be surprised at how quickly the music will flow. Bring your own drum or use one of ours.
“I am inspired to facilitate drum circles because I believe in the healing power of community drumming. It brings me great joy to provide an opportunity to share this experience with others.”
Biography: Carla’s love of hand drumming began 13 years ago when she bought her first Djembe drum. After traveling to Guinea, West Africa to study the origin of the music she studies she created a non-profit to assist the village where she stays. She looks forward to making music with you.
Date: Friday, July 30th
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Age: Children age 4-8 years old plus parent
Cost: $5.00 per class
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron CT, Health Matters Wellness Room
Max Capacity: 10 people
Deadline to register: July 29, 6PM
Led by artist: Audrey Carroll Prucnal
Audrey is an award-winning and published watercolor artist. As an avid fly fisherman, her work portrays primarily nature, landscapes and wildlife. She is specifically known for her fish and fishing-related paintings. Her work has been featured in the Atlantic Salmon Journal and the Southwest Art Magazine. Audrey began as a Decorative artist, where she built her skills in the oil and acrylic medium painting on various surfaces such as wood, porcelain, furniture, glass, tin and fabric. As an active member of the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painting Association, she studied with many nationally and internationally known artists and soon began to teach the different facets of decorative art, mix media painting and watercolor. She is a member of several art associations including signature member in the prestigious Northwest Watercolor Society and Connecticut Watercolor Society. As a member of the Miramichee Salmon Association, her works have been in auctions at numerous fundraisers to save the Atlantic Salmon. Audrey resides in Marlborough CT. In addition to teaching in the Hartford area, much of her work is done through request and commission. Audrey will lead this class and will demonstrate basic acrylic painting techniques used for beginners. The participants will create their own paintings based on the parts provided. All materials are included.
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Age: Tweens 9-12, Teens 13-19, Adults 20-65+
Cost: $5.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
Led by: Rosy Kapur
Owner Liquid Nirvana, LLC, Glastonbury and Avon
Rosy will share the health benefits of her delicious and unique flavor smoothie combinations! Samples will be available!
Date: Wednesday, August 4th
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Age: Adults 20 – 65+
Cost: $5.00 per person
Location: AHM 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron CT, Health Matters Wellness Room
Max Capacity: 10 people
Spring 2021 In-Person Classes
We’ll follow the simple but magical Embrace the Moon form. A wonderful way to welcome summer and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit! Led by certified instructor Joe Pandolfo.
Date: May 27 and June 17
Time: Thursday evenings, 6:00-7:00pm
Age: Adults 20-65+
Cost: $9.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
Start your weekend with the energy and vitality of the dragon! Follow certified instructor Joe Pandolfo through these lively, spiraling traditional exercises. A wonderful way to release tension and wake your inner fire!
Date: June 5, and June 12
Time: Saturday mornings, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Age: Adults 20-65+
Cost: $9.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
Breath and upbeat music will motivate you through a practice that will encourage you to work strength and balance. Adjust the difficulty of your practice with amplification and modifications, and feel rewarded during the deep stretching and meditation that make up the last part of the class. Led by Anna Glowacki, RYT 500 certified and also a Dharma school Level 2 graduate, practicing shaman and Reiki Master.
Date: May 25, June 1, June 8 & June 15
Time: Tuesday evenings, 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Age: Teens 13 – Adults 65+
Cost: $8.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
This slower paced yoga class is for any body. Music and breath will guide you through a practice that focuses on strength, balance and stretch. Meet your body where it is, whether you practice from a chair, yoga mat, or both! Led by certified instructor Anna Glowacki.
Date: May 25, June 1, June 8 & June 15
Time: Tuesday mornings, 10:15 am – 11:15 am
Age: Adults 20 – 65+
Cost: $8.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
The Zentangle Method of drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. These patterns are called “tangles.” Tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the “Elemental Strokes” in all Zentangle art. The benefits of practicing Zentangle include calming an anxious mind, increasing self-confidence, and cultivating moment-to-moment awareness in a similar way as mindfulness meditation. Led by Tressa Giordano.
Date: May 27
Time: Thursday evening, 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Age: Youth 9 – 12
Cost: $5.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
To relax is one of the most important things we can do in our lives. Taking time out to find something that makes us feel renewed is essential to living well. Create your first mandala using pointillism, a dotting art form, that is simple, fun and beautiful. This 3-hour artistic experience is a means to establish a state of meditation and relaxation and to commune with the energy of peacefulness and regeneration.
You will learn how to create simple designs using vibrant acrylic paints. Your registration will include a 19 piece mandala tool kit in a zippered storage bag to take home so that you can continue to move away from stress and find light and joy through this ancient art form anytime you want. Led by Jo Britton.
Date: May 22
Time: Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Age: Adults Ages 20-65+
Cost: $20.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
Create your own custom “HOME” sign with Life Expressions Decor. Learn to apply high quality vinyl letters to your custom painted 6”x24” wood sign. Project includes 5 interchangeable wood cut-out designs in place of the “O”, hand painted by you! Choose your wood cut-outs at the workshop. Led by Nicole Stutz.
Date: June 10
Time: Thursday evening, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Age: Adults 20 – 65+
Cost: $15.00 per class
Max Capacity: 10 people
AHM offers Free Self-care Video Library
This FREE on-line video library is open to residents of all ages in the towns of Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia. As a special exception due to the increased mental health needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AHM is inviting neighboring CT communities to also view this video library which is funded by a grant from the CIGNA Foundation.
This video library below can also be watched on our AHM Youtube playlist “Health Matters Self-Care Video Library”
Mini-Workshops that took place during December 2020!
Chef Steve Rosen shared his technique for making a roast pork loin stuffed with apples, sourdough, and fresh sage with cider au jus with spiced spaghetti squash. Recipe and video detailing the proper way to tie a stuffed roast was given to each participant. See videos below!
Mr. Pandolpho will lead a demonstration of 5pt Ear Acupressure sharing the health benefits associated with this ancient practice. 
Benefits include:
- Reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine
- Minimized withdrawal symptoms
- Increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation
- Relief from stress
- Discovery of inner quiet and strength
Mr. Pandolfo who is also a certified Tai Chi Instructor (Level 1) received his certification from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), a not-for-profit training and advocacy organization, that encourages community wellness through the use of a standardized auricular acupuncture/acupressure protocol for behavioral health, including addictions, mental health, and disaster & emotional trauma. Acupressure NADA works to improve access and effectiveness of care through promoting policies and practices which integrate NADA-style treatment with other Western behavioral health modalities. Registrants of this workshop will be mailed ear seeds needed to mirror Mr. Pandolfo during this workshop. To learn more, visit https://acudetox.com/
This mini workshop takes place at 7:00pm via Zoom link. Zoom meeting information will be emailed upon registration.
Professional Chef, Steve Rosen, returns to demonstrate how simple it is to make the following appetizers!
- Crimson pear & pepper goat cheese crostini
- Moroccan spiced lamb turnovers with mint yogurt dip
- Chili lime seared Shrimp skewers with avocado aioli
- Baked sweet pepper ‘poppers’
This mini workshop takes place at 7:00pm via Zoom link. Zoom meeting information will be emailed upon registration.
Health Matters Program Descriptions – Phase 1 – The Self
This session took place during the months of August through October 2020. These sessions may get repeated at a later date so check back often for updates. Please contact Jennifer Boehler, Health Matters Coordinator, at 860-228-9488, x31 or JenniferB@ahmyouth.org with questions or inquiries.
Back to School in a COVID-19 Environment: Self Care Tips for Parents Workshop
A workshop that focuses on prioritizing self-care for parents/caregivers during the transition back to school in our current stressful COVID-19 environment. Led by AHM Clinical Director, Megan Aldridge.
Chair yoga can be practiced sitting in a chair or standing while holding the chair for support. It is well suited for adults who cannot participate in standing yoga or exercise due to issues with balance or pain. Led by Anna Glowacki, RYT 500 certified and also a Dharma school Level 2 graduate practicing shaman and Reiki Master.
Family Zumba®
Community members will have the opportunity to invest in their well-being through these active, fun classes designed to engage families in fitness. Zumba® shares: “Everybody and everybody! Each Zumba® class is designed to bring people together to sweat it on. We take the “work” out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you’ll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercises in disguise. Super effective? Check. Super fun? Check and check.” Led by Tressa Giordano, AHM Executive Director.
Introduction to Tai Chi
The ancient art of Tai Chi, also known as meditative movement, will be introduced to community members who are interested in learning more about the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits that work with the energy system of the body as understood in traditional Chinese medicine. Led by Joe Pandolfo, Certified Tai Chi Instructor, American Tai Chi & Qiqong Association and 2012 Centers for Disease Control-endorsed ‘Moving for Better Balance’.
Participants will be guided through a self-massage of their upper shoulders, head, neck, and face. This is perfect to release tension from far too much time spent at the computer while working from home. Overall, this session will be therapeutic and relaxing. Join us for some great stress-reducing techniques and your face will love you for it! Items needed: face oil or moisturizer. Led by Alexandra Smith, LMT
Evidence has linked the practice of meditation and mindfulness with multiple health benefits. In this workshop, participants will be trained to focus the mind and body and redirect their thoughts. Introducing these skills into their wellness routine, individuals will experience reduced stress, more manageable anxiety, enhanced self-awareness, and improved emotional well-being. Led by Suzanne Meunier, Ph.D.
Evidence has linked the practice of meditation and mindfulness with multiple health benefits. In this workshop, participants will be trained to focus the mind and body and redirect their thoughts. Introducing these skills into their wellness routine, individuals will experience reduced stress, more manageable anxiety, enhanced self-awareness, and improved emotional well-being. This workshop welcomes participants of all ages to come together for a calming morning of mindful meditation. Participants will leave the session with a better understanding of mindfulness and its benefits, strategies with step-by-step instructions, and some recommended resources to continue growing through their mindfulness journey. We ask that you find a quiet, comfortable space to participate in the workshop in order to create the most helpful experience for yourselves and others in the group. Led by Lauren Scharn, LCSW
Storytime Yoga
Integrates yoga and oral children’s book storytelling, relaxation, mediation, peace, and character education to produce healthy, peaceful, and literate children. Join bilingual teacher, Erin Westerman (YTT200hr Yoga Instructor) for a half-hour of storytelling and movement for children, siblings, parents, and grandparents! A beautiful way to close the day.
Yoga Flow for All
Breath and upbeat music will motivate you through a practice that will encourage you to work strength and balance. Adjust the difficulty of your practice with amplifications and modifications and feel rewarded during the deep stretching and meditation that make up the last part of class. Led by Anna Glowacki, RYT 500 certified and also a Dharma school Level 2 graduate practicing shaman and Reiki Master.
Yoga: Introduction to Yoga
Yoga: Introduction to Yoga uses poses, breathing techniques, and meditation to benefit and improve overall health. Come learn what to expect in a yoga class! Part of the class time will field questions from participants! Led by Anna Glowacki, RYT 500 certified and also a Dharma school Level 2 graduate practicing shaman and Reiki Master.
Zentangle Drawing
The Zentangle Method of drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. These patterns are called “tangles.” Tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the “Elemental Strokes” in all Zentangle art. The benefits of practicing Zentangle include calming an anxious mind, increasing self-confidence, and cultivating moment-to-moment awareness in a similar way as mindfulness meditation. Led by Tressa Giordano, AHM Executive Director.
Scroll down for our video collection from Phase 1: the Self
Health Matters Program brought to our community by a Cigna Foundation Grant and AHM Youth & Family Services.
If you have any questions about these programs, please contact Jennifer Boehler, Health Matters Program Coordinator, at 860-228-9488 x31 or email JenniferB@ahmyouth.org.
