The Loving Hands Group

Healing arts for happy hearts

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Kids’ Classes

October 6, 2022 By Judith Eugene

Group of special needs girls in gym exercise class

COVID-19 UPDATE: We will follow your organization’s protocol.

We serve kids with disabilities age 5-18, and young adults in the transition years age 18-22. Age 23 and older are served through our adult classes on this site.

Our programs include:

  • Kids’ Yoga programs
  • Kids’ Learning programs
  • Kids’ Positive Living programs

Kids’ Yoga

We visit schools, childcare centers and disability centers throughout the greater Cleveland area to bring fun, healthy yoga activities to kids of all abilities. We combine age- and ability-appropriate games, imagery, relaxation, and music with our yoga program to provide an inspiring and educational way for children to attain health, balance, and peace in their sometimes-hectic worlds.

Yoga for Kids is a fun, playful class where kids can move energy through their bodies and bring calm to their minds.  We honor the individuality of each child by creating a positive, supportive, environment where we use acceptance and patience to build confidence.  Children learn to be accepting of both themselves and others.

Yoga for Kids encourages children to explore their natural abilities and creativity in an active, fun, and safe way.  The program is non-competitive and non- judgmental.  It allows children to participate at their own level, which improves self-esteem.  It can be practiced by children of all ages, and of all abilities, whether or not they have done yoga before. 

Classes are 30-45 minutes long. If possible, we recommend separate classes for age groups 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14+. We ask that yoga mats be provided by the school.

Yoga For Kids Helps Children To:

  • Improve posture, strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness, and coordination
  • Build self-esteem, poise, and confidence
  • Develop focus and concentration
  • Relieve stress
  • Prevent injury
  • Become aware of good physical and mental health at an early age
  • Become compassionate, respectful, and nonviolent toward people and animals

Kids and Kids-At-Heart

Loving Hands Yoga and Reiki coordinates with schools and senior adult communities to bring the bigger and littler generations together for a fun day of yoga and making new friends.  We let the kids help teach the seniors, which empowers the kids and also helps bring out the seniors’ “kid-at-heart” spirits.  Contact us to plan a fun yoga event for all ages!


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Kids’ Learning Programs

These programs help kids of all abilities learn more about the world around them. We combine age- and ability-appropriate visual, auditory and tactile exercises to help the kids internalize the information. We provide guidance without pre-determined outcomes, so that everyone is empowered to learn and achieve.

All classes are available as one-time events or multi-week programs.

  • All About Architecture
    What do Architects do? We learn about the profession of residential architecture, practice hands-on drawing, construction and physics activities, and we can even take a walking field trip to identify local architecture.
  • All About Interior Decorating
    What do Interior Decorators do? We learn about the profession of interior decorating, practice a hands-on decorating project, put together a design collage of our “dream bedroom”, and we can even take a field trip to a home-decorating store to learn about different decorating materials.
  • Your Family History
    Learning about your ancestors can be a fascinating learning experience. How do you record your family history? We learn how to research a family tree, how to interview our relatives, and how to organize and record the information for posterity.
  • Sights and Tastes Around the World
    Where does the world’s smallest deer live? What is the Golden Section? How do you make Greek Tzatziki Dip? We discuss interesting facts about international countries, and we learn food preparation techniques while we make yummy recipes from around the world.
  • Food Exploration
    What kind of apple is tart and what kind is sweet? What does Guava juice taste like? Who invented the pretzel? How big is a Mango tree? Kids get to taste healthy foods, learn about their history and characteristics, and vote on which one they like the best. We can even take a trip to the grocery store to learn about ingredients and nutrition.
  • Fun with Drama
    Drama doesn’t need a script! We do fun role playing and story telling activities that let kids use their creativity and imagination to act out scenes and stories. With guidance, the also kids get to act and direct their own production.
  • Container Gardening
    Kids learn about different kinds of flowers, vegetables and herbs as we plant colorful and edible container gardens. These can be started from seed early in the spring, or later in the season with small plants. When harvest is ready, we’ll make yummy recipes using our garden ingredients.
  • Sing Along
    A musician with a guitar visits the kids and performs age-appropriate music that the kids can sing and dance to. We also bring hand-percussion instruments for the kids to learn how to use, and play along with the songs.
  • Music Games
    Age-appropriate games are played using music and movement. Kids practice coordination, balance, memory and listening skills in a fun and active environment.
  • Fun with Poetry
    A fun method for writing poetry using several organizational techniques. Kids get to brainstorm on the content, and arrange it into various poetry formats. There is no “right” or “wrong” with this class, and kids are often amazed at what they produce.
  • Story Making
    Starting with an intriguing picture, we fantasize and imagine the “who, what, when, where and why” background behind it, and come up with a fantasy story about the subjects and scenery in the picture. It’s a great way to develop observational and creativity skills.
  • Songwriting and Performing
    We take a well-known song and re-write the lyrics using a theme such as friendship, school, past-times, dreams/desires, etc. Using a real microphone as a prop, kids get to perform the new lyrics to a karaoke version of the song.
  • Cookie Decorating
    We make themed cookie decorations on either pre-baked or class-baked cookies. Kids learn pastry decorating skills as well as how to creatively use common food ingredients. Great for any season, holiday or just for fun!
  • Art Programs
    All kinds of unique creative and educational programs, such as folk art, flower arranging, fiber arts, hand sewing, rock gardens, terrariums, bird houses, paper weaving, printing and greeting cards.
  • All About Therapy Dogs
    A certified therapy dog visits with the kids for an hour of tail-wagging love and education. Kids learn what is involved in therapy dog training, what kind of dog can be a therapy dog, and what rules the dogs need to follow while they are working. There is plenty of dog petting time also!
  • Exotic Animal Education
    We partner with area wildlife sanctuaries to bring exotic animals, reptiles, and birds to visit with the kids. They get to learn about the animals and their habitat, see interesting and unusual animals up close, and ask questions. We are careful to be respectful of those who may be fearful of the animals.
  • Pony Visits
    A pony or a miniature horse comes to share some fun and love with the kids.  This activity is always a big hit!  The animals are trained not to “go” while inside, and their hooves are wrapped so that your floor doesn’t get scratched. We are careful to be respectful of those who may be fearful of the animals.

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Kids’ Positive Living Programs

These programs give kids of all abilities valuable tools for maintaining positive physical, mental and emotional health. We combine age- and ability-appropriate visual, auditory and tactile exercises to help the kids internalize the information.

These are designed to be in-depth multi-week programs. One-time introductory programs are also available, with more general information presented.

  • Building Strong
    How do you create a strong building? A strong body? A strong mind and spirit? This unique 2-hour, multi-week program combines Architecture, yoga, and a goal-setting discussion group to help kids learn about the world around them, and their place in it. We’ll build models, take a walking architectural field trip, relate the structure of our bodies to the structure of a building, talk about setting a strong sense of direction for our lives, and learn how to relax and stay calm through breathing and meditation. The introductory program omits the Architecture/building portion.
  • Fun With the Healing Arts
    Kids learn the physical, mental and emotional benefits of ancient holistic healing methods such as yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, massage, Reiki, Feng Shui, sound therapy, crystals and aromatherapy. They will also experience fun, hands-on practice.
  • My Awesome Life
    Kids learn critical personal and social life skills such as positive conflict resolution, patience and understanding of others, self-esteem and self-acceptance, accepting what you can’t change, gratitude, positive thinking and positive speech.

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Cooking
Fiber Arts Fine Arts

flower-arranging

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating

Kid's Class

Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Photography

October 3, 2019 By Judith Eugene

Exploring the art and craft of photography is an excellent creative outlet that anyone can enjoy. Learn the basic functions of a camera – even the one on your own phone!

Discover techniques that draw the viewer’s eye and give emotion and depth to the two-dimensional. Learn to see like a photographer and choose the best way to capture your subject. What gives an image its impact? How do great photographers make their pictures stand out? How do you want to tell your story?

Photography classes help students to see their surroundings differently and encourage exploration of seemingly familiar places. Learning new ways to look at things can also help to gain a new perspective on life.

Video All programs are available in-person or by video

Outdoors All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

Photography Projects

  • Cyanotypes (Sun Prints) – The word ‘photography’ means ‘writing with light’. In this class we use the light of the sun to create an image on light-sensitive paper that the student can keep. Students will create an image/layout with found objects and transparencies, and then watch as the light makes its mark on the paper. Development takes place within minutes and students see their own image preserved. This class touches on photography fundamentals, silhouettes and basic development procedure (using only water) and demonstrates the limitless potential of the art using readily available objects. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials) Note: If the day is cloudy we will do an inside “Point of View Photo Walk” instead (see below)
  • Self-Portrait – We will learn about some famous self-portrait examples, then think about and discuss how the students will portray themselves in their own self-portrait. Props will be provided. If time allows, students may select their favorite image to project and/or print and discuss with the class. Practice getting creative and explore photography as a tool to express what’s within! (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
  • Point of View Photo Walks – Point of View is a component of photography that can be used as a technique of self-expression or creativity. We will have a short discussion of one or more photographic concepts and then guide students to examine their own point of view and explore new ones. What does the carpet or the bark of a tree look like up close? How about a potted plant from underneath? Students are encouraged to reexamine their surroundings and find new ways to look at potential subjects. We will then discuss anything interesting in the images or things discovered along the way. Can be done indoors or outdoors. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt – Similar to the Point of View Photo Walks, this class adds a challenge to seek out specific subjects to capture. This class is more goal-driven than the open-ended photo walk and encourages critical thinking. The group will view and discuss photographs from famous artists, with an emphasis on picking out elements within the image. Prompts for scavenger items can include certain shapes or subjects, styles of composition or emotions elicited, depending on the topic of discussion and the group’s interests. Students will take photos of their “finds” and choose one to print at the end of class. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
  • Nametags/Instant Photo Portraits – Create a unique nametag that showcases the individual. This class is an excellent introduction to get to know the instructor, learn more about fellow participants, as well as beginners in photography to get more comfortable around a camera. We begin with making an instant photo portrait of each participant, in which they will work with the photographer to capture the image that suits them. Instant photos will develop in just a couple minutes and participants can watch their photo appear – this is usually a very fun and satisfying moment. Then we personalize their portraits by putting decorative paper on the back of the image and getting creative with a variety of other materials. Finally, we attach a lanyard for participants to wear their nametag art and hang at home. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials) We supply the instant camera for this class.
  • Photo Greeting Cards – A hands-on, crafty class centered around a photo. Students will take an image with an instant camera, or take it with their cellphones and we will print it. The cards can have a seasonal theme, be for a friend’s birthday, or they may simply choose to make a greeting card to wish someone well. Blank cards will be provided along with a variety of decorative paper, drawing utensils, etc. Students will have plenty of opportunity for creative expression and will then take their cards home to give to their intended recipient. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials) We will supply an instant camera, or students can use their cellphones if they choose.
  • Forced Perspective and Reflections – Students will learn about forced perspective – techniques in photography that create optical illusions using depth perception to make objects appear larger or smaller than they really are. We will view some interesting – and often funny – examples before trying it out themselves. Working in pairs is encouraged so that students can practice directing and taking photos while also having a chance to appear posing in some photos. Mirrors will be available to aid in making photos that look like optical illusions. The majority of this class will be spent taking photos, as well as gathering to view everyone’s work and push ourselves to be creative in sharing our perspectives. Students will choose one of their photos to print at the end of class. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars Cooking Fiber Arts Fine Arts flower-arranging Gardening & Birds Holiday Activities Interior Decorating Kid's Class Life Stories Music Men's Club Pet Connections Photography Positive Living Reiki Writing Yoga and Posture

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Chocolate Blueberry Clusters

October 1, 2019 By Judith Eugene

Serves 5 (3 clusters each) / Prep Time: 25 min / Source: Delish

Ingredients
1-1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1 T coconut oil
2 c. (10 oz.) blueberries
Sea salt (coarse or flaky) or fresh-ground Himalayan pink salt

Directions

  1. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a medium glass bowl in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
  3. Using a teaspoon, spoon a quarter-sized dollop of chocolate on parchment and top with a pyramid of 4 blueberries (3 on the bottom and 1 on top). Drizzle more chocolate over blueberries. Sprinkle with a few grains of salt.
  4. Freeze until set, about 10 minutes.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Fava Bean and Asparagus Salad

April 23, 2019 By Judith Eugene

Serves 6 / Prep Time: 20 min / Source: Bon Appetit

A green celebration of spring. If you can’t find fava beans, substitute English or sugar snap peas.

Ingredients

1/4 cup coarsely chopped raw pistachios
1-1/2 cups shelled fava beans (from about 1-1/2 pounds pods)
Kosher salt
1 small shallot
2 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 bunch asparagus
2 cups watercress or arugula
1/2 cup mint leaves
2 tablespoons tarragon leaves
2 tablespoons chive blossoms (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Boil water for step 4.
  2. Chop pistachios and toast on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until fragrant but not browned, 5–8 minutes. Let cool.
  3. Chop shallot finely. Combine with vinegar in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside at least 10 minutes.
  4. Cook fava beans in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a bowl of ice water. Drain, remove skins, and transfer beans to a small bowl.
  5. Slice asparagus thinly lengthwise on a mandolin. Trim watercress or arugula. Coarsely chop mint and tarragon. Mince chive blossoms, if using.
  6. Whisk oil into shallot and vinegar mixture.
  7. Combine beans, asparagus, watercress, mint, and tarragon in a large bowl. Add vinaigrette and pistachios and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving platter and top with chive blossoms, if using.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Men’s Club

March 28, 2019 By Judith Eugene

This “Club” helps men to reminisce about old times, and bond with each other over common experiences. The discussion and hands on interaction in each of the sessions helps provide mental stimulation and dexterity practice. Even those with cognitive challenges will benefit from the present-moment discussion.  ***This club is equally suitable for women, and can be renamed if desired.

Video All programs are available in-person or by video

Outdoors All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

  • Vintage Toys – Participants will discuss toys of their childhood, reminisce on favorite toys, and discuss/demonstrate toys that will be available in the session. This may include pictures of toys and compare toys of yesteryear to the toys of today. Includes hands on and brain stimulating memories. (1 hour class)
  • The Old Neighborhood – Participants will reminisce about their old neighborhood, where they grew up, the street or community, their home, is it still there, what was their fondest memory, changes, have they been back. Pictures of old neighborhoods from the Cleveland area and other large cities will be provided to stimulate discussion. Each participant will receive a vintage postcard to keep. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for postcard)
  • Basketball Then and Now – Participants will discuss their basketball history or at least observation of basketball from school, neighborhood, etc. Will also include discussion of the evolution of basketball players and some of the highlights of high school, college and professional players. Participants will then take part in a table basketball competition. (1 hour class)
  • Baseball Through the Years – Participants will talk and reminisce about their baseball memories whether as a player or spectator. Discussion will include little league, high school, college and minor/major league ball. This will include players that stood out to them, debate the greatest players ever and predictions of the current major league season. Participants will then take part in a table top baseball game to stimulate their competitive spirit. Props will include ball, glove, bat, facemask, as well as the game. (1 hour class)
  • Gardening and Farming – Participants will share their experiences in gardening or farming, what they grew, best crops/harvests, tools they used, and how big their gardens/farms were. Some props of tractors (mini sized) will be provided. Participants will then be provided pots, dirt and seeds to plant a small seedling to tend to after class have ended. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Tool Time – Participants will share their experiences with tools and how they used them. This many include hand tools, power tools, tractors, trucks, etc. props will include some vintage tools and tools of today to stimulate discussion and provide some hands on usage of the tools. This may also include pictures of vintage tools compared to tools of today. (1 hour class)
  • Travel Memories – Participants will recall and reminisce of travel locations through their lives. This may include family trips as children, as parents, as an armed services person, and discuss locations that were memorable. Props will include National Park book, Rt. 66 book, and maps. Each participant will receive a USA map and we will mark off each state they visited. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for map)
  • Good Old Golden School Days – Participants will travel down memory lane about their schools whether it be elementary/grammar or high school. They will have opportunity to talk about books, classes, teachers, classmates, activities, and extra-curricular events (i.e. social, sports). Props will include old year books from varied schools, vintage school books and photos from old high school socials. Participants will then have their picture taken as their “senior picture”, printed, framed and theirs to keep. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • Football Season – Participants will talk and reminisce about their football memories whether as a player or spectator. Discussion will include high school, college and the NFL. This will include players that stood out to them, super bowls of the past, and current favored teams/players. The Browns will be prominent in our discussion! Participants will then take part in a table top football game to stimulate their competitive spirit. (1 hour class)
  • Ancestry: Notable Relatives – Participants will share memories of relatives of their childhood that were notable (good or bad) and stories of what made them notable (i.e. moonshiners, veterans, etc.) Where were their ancestors originally from and how did they get to America? A blank family tree will be provided to each participant to fill out as part of their discussion and take with them to share with their families. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials)
  • Thank You for Your Service – Participants will provide their experiences or observations of the military service, wartime, and travels in the service.  Discussion will include discussion of movies/TV shows that depicted military and the participants view on the movie/show as to being realistic.  Trivia questions will also be provided on military branches to have a little fun as well.  Each participant will receive a small USA flag to keep. Session will conclude with a playing of the national anthem. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials)
  • Holiday Traditions – Participants will stroll down memory lane to discuss their family traditions from growing up to becoming parents, grandparents of their own.  What did the holidays mean to their family?  What were their traditions?  What did they eat?  Where did they go to spend the holiday?  Was it stressful, fun?  Did you carry on the tradition from childhood to adulthood?  Do you still carry out the traditions?  Props will include pictures of various holiday traditions to stimulate discussion and memory.  (1 hour class) 
     

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Cooking

Fiber Arts Fine Arts

flower-arranging

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating

Kid's Class

Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Welcome to The Loving Hands Group

We are a collaboration of professional artists and holistic healing arts practitioners who teach a unique selection of educational and life-enriching classes, activities and therapies.

We serve senior adults, people of any age with disabilities, and their caregivers. We work with them individually or in groups, bringing our programs directly to them wherever they live, work or play throughout the northern Ohio area. We also provide community-integrated activities for people of all ages and abilities. Through video platforms we are also able to serve individuals and groups worldwide.

Providing empowerment through education, The Loving Hands Group helps keep people fulfilled, engaged, optimistic, healthy and happy. We believe that all people should have equal access to programs that help them live a stimulating and full life.

At the Loving Hands Group, we bring the world to you!

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We provide attorneys, social workers, physicians and other referring professionals with a provider source for companionship and life-enrichment services for their elderly clients or clients with disabilities.
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The Loving Hands Group

2959 Hampshire Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Contact

216-408-5578 Judith@LovingHandsGroup.com

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