Tai Chi series offered at Grace Cottage
TOWNSHEND-A new series of Tai Chi/Qigong classes will be offered at Grace Cottage Hospital on Thursday afternoons, Jan. 14 and 28, and Feb 11 and 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Gentle, flowing movements coupled with the coordinated breathing techniques of these ancient Chinese practices are widely acclaimed as some of the most effective overall exercises for physical and mental health.
This four-session series is open to people of all ages and abilities. It is led by Jason Sperling, a teacher at Leland & Gray Middle-High School who has studied tai chi, qigong, and meditation practices for years.
Classes are held in the serene Grace Cottage Hospital Community Wellness Center, 133 Grafton Rd./Route 35. Wear soft-soled shoes and loose clothing.
The cost for the series is $5 per class. Limited space is available, and registration is required. To register or for more information, call 802-365-3649.
Community concert in Townshend
TOWNSHEND - The Community Hope and Action group of Townshend will be putting on a free supper and concert on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 6-9 p.m., at the Town Hall.
A local band, Eddy and the Giants, will be performing classic country and blues music. This is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event with childcare provided. Bring a potluck appetizer or dessert to share. Volunteers will provide the main meal and beverages.
This month's event is sponsored in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as Grace Cottage Hospital.
Osher Midwinter lectures on American politics conclude
DUMMERSTON - The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) announces the last in its midwinter series of three lectures on the future of American politics, to be held on Monday, Jan. 18.
The lecturer will be Michael Krasner, of the political science faculty at Queen's College, State University of New York, who will consider the state of our political life in what promises to be a momentous election year. Monday's lecture will examine this fall's election. January 25 will be the designated snow date.
All lectures are held at the Vermont Learning Collaborative, 471 Vermont Route 5, Dummerston. The fee is $6 per lecture. Light refreshments will be served. For further information, call the Learning Collaborative at 802-257-8600, or toll-free 866-889-0042.
BMH launches 'Mindful Eating For Weight Loss' workshop series
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Memorial Hospital's Community Health Team will present a free four-part workshop series focused on the role of mindful eating for those seeking to lose weight.
Presented by Peg Canal, Carrie Quimby, and Nancy Schaefer, the workshop series will help participants identify triggers that contribute to unhealthy eating and learn to develop mindful eating practices.
“Many people have a difficult time changing their eating habits even though they know they are not good for them,” said Canal, a nutritionist and dietician. “Mindful eating can be an effective strategy for eating less, enjoying food more and losing weight.”
All series events will be held in BMH's Brew Barry Conference Room #1 on Jan. 19 and 26 and Feb. 2 and 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. Participants will also learn food preparation for optimal nutrition and have the opportunity to prepare and taste delicious healthy food.
The workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly suggested. Those with questions or wishing to register should call 802-257-8877.
Tai Chi classes offered in Halifax
HALIFAX - The Halifax Community Club and the Whitingham Free Public Library are again cosponsoring a Tai Chi class that will be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Halifax Community Hall. The winter session will begin on Jan. 20 and end on March 23.
The instructor, Halifax resident Seth Geeslin, has been practicing Tai Chi for more than 20 years and teaching for about 15 years. The class will be Yang style, with an emphasis on teaching beginners. However, people at all levels of Tai Chi are encouraged to participate.
Tai Chi does not require special equipment or clothing. Students should wear comfortable clothing for ease of movement. Participants can go barefoot or wear shoes or slippers that will allow for good, firm placement of their feet on the floor.
The Halifax Community Hall, located at 20 Brook Road in West Halifax, is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible bathroom. The class is open to the public, and no registration is required. There is a suggested voluntary donation of $5 per class. All donations will be applied toward a winter heat fund to enable the Club to host Tai Chi classes and other programs year-round in the historic Hall.
For more information, contact Linda Lyon at LindaALyon@gmail.com or 802-368-2211.
Brattleboro Music Center offers 'Singing Strong' seniors' chorus
BRATTLEBORO - Singing a happy tune may not only pass the time, but studies show seniors who sing in a group can benefit from lower blood pressure, a boosted immune system, and decreased stress levels.
The Brattleboro Music Center once again offers “Signing Strong,” a senior chorus program. Registration is now open for two sessions: Jan. 19 through March 1 (no class on Feb. 16) and March 8 through April 12. Classes are held Tuesdays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave.
BMC choral director Susan Dedell will lead “Singing Strong” in songs chosen from a variety of musical styles, mostly from the Great American Songbook of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. No prior singing experience or music reading skills are necessary.
The cost is $40 per person. Call the BMC at 802-257-4523 with any questions and to register. Enrollment is limited and advance registration is encouraged.
Public meeting Jan. 21 on range improvements
JACKSONVILLE - The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has scheduled a public informational meeting to discuss a range improvement grant for Deerfield Valley Sportsman's Club on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m., at Jacksonville Municipal Center on Route 100 in Jacksonville.
Deerfield Valley Sportsman's Club is the proposed recipient of a department grant to improve safety and security at the facility, including security cameras, fencing, and berm enhancements.
The department is interested in hearing from all citizens interested in the range improvements. The range is located in Whitingham.
Center for New Leadership at Marlboro College to offer free management workshops
BRATTLEBORO - The Center for New Leadership at Marlboro College has announced a six-month schedule of free lunchtime workshops open to local nonprofits. MIX (Management Ideas Exchange) takes place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.
Directors and staff of mission-driven organizations are invited to join for network opportunities, best practices in organizational success, and the exchange of ideas.
With topics ranging from fundraising and SMART goals, to Design-Thinking and Board Development, these workshops build on the experience of participants to reach new horizons in professional efficacy. Each session will be presented by an instructor from one of the Marlboro graduate degrees in management, or by a local nonprofit, government, or business leader.
For a complete list of dates and topics, and to register, visit www.marlboro.edu/hotmix.
Free SAT prep course available in March
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Orthodontic Specialists is offering a free SAT Prep course to be held in Keene and Brattleboro during the four Saturdays in March. The course is taught by Keene High School teachers Robert Tiebout and Jessica Smith.
Registration is now open to all high school Juniors; after Feb. 1, if space allows, other grades will be able to sign-up. Classes are March 5, 12, 19, and 26. The Keene course will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Keene Public Library. The Brattleboro course will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Brattleboro Union High School.
Registration information is available at www.BrattOrtho.com.