TO REGISTER CALL 639-0930
The YWCA River Bend Nature Center is pleased to announce a new line up of recreational and wellness classes. The nature center is located on 80-acres of wooded land and provides a unique setting for holding classes. Classes and workshops include:
Nature & Movement for Preschoolers
Wednesdays, 11:30 am—12:00 pm
March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31,
April 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th
This preschool class is special because of its emphasis on nature. Mariann Kramer, a certified early education teacher with over 25 years of experience will teach this class. She is the owner of Magic Moments, which specializes in creative fun for young ones through dance and music. She fully understands the importance of getting children to move and appreciate the natural world they live in. These early experiences are the building blocks of a healthy and balanced childhood. Parents will be particularly happy with Mariann’s strong focus on teaching active listening and other kindergarten readiness skills. Cost: $65. / $60 Friends of River Bend.
Tai Chi
Saturdays, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health. In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, "white crane spreads its wings" — or martial arts moves, such as "box both ears." As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. This class will be taught by Jim Zuhlke. Jim has a BA from UW-Parkside and a Diploma of Acupuncture from the Midwest College or Oriental Medicine where he became well-trained in traditional Chinese medicine healing modalities. He will teach the simplified Yang style. This beginner’s class is for adults and mature teens. Cost $48 / Friends of YWCA River Bend $40.
Wood Carving Class
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm—8:00 pm
March 16th, 23rd, 30th
Come learn the basics of wood carving through this three week introductory class. Students will learn how to carve with both hand and power tools. Each student will carve a Cooper’s Hawk feather under the guidance of Jim Kasprovich, an experienced woodworker. In the first session, students will be given a wood blank to rough out the feather shape. They will work on shaping the quill, splits and other features. They will also stone and burn in the feather flow lines. In the second session, students will finish stoning and burning and actually start painting their feathers. In the third session, students will finish painting and learn how to mount the feather properly to a display mount. No experience necessary. Supplies and tools provided. Cost: $35 / Friends of YWCA River Bend $30.
Yoga for Adults & Teens
Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 pm
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 pm
Gentle Yoga
Saturdays, 8:30 –9:30 am
Yoga is an ancient and scientifically sound exercise program to work every muscle, tendon, joint, organ and gland, while moving oxygenated blood throughout your entire body. Classes are taught in a peaceful and supportive atmosphere that provides individualized attention and encouragement. Our classes are taught by Mark Infusino who graduated in 1999 from Blue Sky Educational Foundation in Grafton, Wisconsin. Mark specialized in Yoga Teacher Training and Ayurvedic and therapeutic massage while completing his internship at the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy. With over 10 years experience, Mark provides the guidance you will need to fully appreciate the art of yoga. Cost $40 / Friends of YWCA River Bend $35
Mother & Daughter Relationship Building Class
Fridays, 5:30-6:30 pm
March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
The mother-daughter relationship is a complex and emotionally intense relationship that is influenced by many factors. This mother-daughter relationship building class can help improve communication and understanding between mothers and daughters. Feeling heard by each other is a vital ingredient for mothers and daughters. Learning how to listen and truly hear each other are key tools to creating a loving, mutually supportive and empowering relationship. Psychotherapist, Talia DeRose will lead this class. She received her bachelor’s degree (BA) from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Psychology and continued on for her master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She is currently working toward her doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Cost $120 / Friends of YWCA River Bend $110.
Couple’s Relationship Building Class
Fridays, 7:00—8:00 pm
March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Dating, engaged, newlywed, cohabiting, remarried, or on the brink of divorce, this class will help your relationship become stronger. At core, it is about learning how to listen and express yourself in ways that your partner can understand. Through discussion and relationship building activities, psychotherapist Talia DeRose will help you dramatically improve your odds of relationship success. She received her bachelor’s degree (BA) from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Psychology and continued on for her master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She is currently working toward her doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Cost $120 / Friends of YWCA River Bend $110.
Cooking -Whole Foods for the Whole Family
Wednesday 6:30-8:30 pm
March 10th
Rather than choosing foods with paragraph long ingredient lists and indefinite shelf lives, the desire for whole foods is making a comeback. Whole foods include food items that are unrefined and minimally processed. One challenge that people find when switching to whole food products is finding creative ways to prepare and serve them. This whole food cooking class offers innovative recipes and cooking techniques to prepare whole food meals, appetizers, and desserts for the whole family. Instructor, Heidi Fannin is a holistic health counselor and owner of Body Wellness. She is a graduate of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and a founding member of Eat Right Racine. Heidi welcomes families to join her in the kitchen and around the table as she serves up an incredibly delicious whole food meal. Adults $40.00; children under 16 free.
Get the Sugar Out!
Wednesday 6:30-7:30
March 31
Many new diet trends clamor about the need for people to adopt a reduced-sugar diet in order to lose weight and improve health. It is important, though, to understand the reasoning behind these new recommendations and how you can adopt them in your daily eating habits. This class will give you many easy, creative ideas about how to reduce sugar intake and live a healthy and happy low-sugar life. This class will be taught by Heidi Fannin, owner of Body Wellness. She is a graduate of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and a founding member of Eat Right Racine. She will be bringing yummy tastings, recipes and handouts to share at this fun and informative class. Cost: $25.
In addition to classes and workshops, the YWCA River Bend Nature Center continues to offer seasonal outdoor recreational activities. In the winter, snow shoes and cross-country skis are available for a modest rental fee. Both snow shoeing and cross-country skiing are easy to learn. Individuals and families are encouraged to discover the beauty and fun of winter at the YWCA River Bend Nature Center, 3600 N. Green Bay Road, Caledonia. Please call (262) 639-0939 to register for classes or for more details.