Wellness

Vanessa Grace of Soul Amplified will lead a workshop about the spiritual aspects of autumn from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Autumn is the transition between the outward-focused, fast pace of summer and inward-focused, slow pace of winter. Students will learn how to “live the autumn life” in preparation for winter, the art of releasing and the significance of endings. Grace will lead participants in a guided mediation, leaf release ritual and journaling. The cost is $30, including a digital workbook. For details, email [email protected].

Strengthen your household readiness through the "Be 2 Weeks Ready" program, presented by PrepLO. Learn how to prepare for disasters like earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. This essential training includes hands-on CPR/AED instruction provided directly by the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD).

Fee: FREE (Pre-registration is required)

Thursday, September 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33840 • Register Online

Thursday, December 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33841 • Register Online

Saturday, September 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33842 • Register Online

Saturday, December 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33844 • Register Online

Tuesday, October 20 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 35016
Fee: FREE

Join clinical experts from Providence Health & Services to learn how age-related changes in balance, physical strength, and general medical health affect daily mobility. Discover concrete ways to minimize risks by modifying everyday medications, assessing footwear choice, and addressing common home environment hazards. Includes a short, participatory tai chi balance demonstration.

Presented by: Providence Health Leaders
Register Online

Thursdays, October 22 – November 12 • 12–1:30 p.m.
Course ID: 34887
Fee: Resident $36 / Non-Resident $54 (4-week course)

This structural, evidence-based series features weekly presentations by Providence clinical directors focused on optimizing physiological health as you age. Learn actionable, science-backed lifestyle habits designed to promote everyday brain fitness, strengthen emotional resilience, and maximize lifetime physical vitality rooted in the latest senior medical research.

Presented by: Providence Clinical Directors
Register Online

Tuesday, November 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 34823
Fee: FREE

Join representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for an invaluable QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training session. Participants will learn how to recognize early situational warning signs, ask supportive, compassionate direct questions, and safely guide neighbors, friends, and family toward life-saving community crisis resources.

Presented by: NAMI NW Advisors
Register Online

Tuesdays • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Fee: Resident $20 / Non-Resident $25 per multi-week section

Elevate your card game in a supportive, structured environment! Curated for enthusiasts who possess standard background play experience, this community class weaves short, technical lessons with real-time coached table play. Refine card play execution, clarify bidding options on the fly, and share the friendly table camaraderie of fellow players.

Section A (Sept 8 – Oct 27): Course ID: 35364 • Register Online
Section B (Nov 3 – Dec 15): Course ID: 35365 • Register Online

Thursday, October 29 • 2–4 p.m.
Course ID: 35370
Fee: FREE

Learn how to optimize your living space to be safer, energy-efficient, and structurally accessible using public county support systems. Experienced case managers from Clackamas County will detail application criteria for free residential weatherization upgrades, low-cost deferred maintenance home improvement loans, and localized senior accessibility renovation grants.

Presented by: Clackamas County Program Coordinators
Register Online

• Life’s Final Chapter Series (May/June): A thoughtful practical exploration covering end-of-life logistics, medical directives, and grief support, facilitated alongside Death Doulas NW and End of Life Choices Oregon.
• Estrangement & Reunion Workshops (May/June): Multi-session mental health family guidance led by the licensed marriage and family therapists of Family Ties Counseling Center.
• Caregiver Support & Resilience Intensives (May/June): Specialized, four-hour professional workshops covering dementia communication habits and chronic caregiver burnout prevention, led by Dr. Andrea Holzner.
• Healthy Legs as You Age (May 6): A cardiovascular educational forum addressing vein health, modern treatment options, and leg circulation, led by Dr. Toshio Nagamoto of Inovia Vein.
• Estate Planning Basics (May 20): A legal resource class reviewing wills, asset protection vehicles, and common probate filing pitfalls, presented by Michael Rose, Attorney at Rose Elder Law.
• Paying for Long-Term Care (June 10): A community seminar providing legal guidance on qualifying for public Medicaid benefits and managing long-term institutional residential costs, presented by Rose Elder Law.

Growing older isn’t just about adding years; it’s about discovering new ways to find meaning, connection, and joy. Join a welcoming community of adults 60+ for a six-week journey of reflection, conversation, and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore this stage of life with resilience, purpose, and wisdom.

​Through guided conversations, mindfulness practices, journaling, and shared experiences, you’ll gain practical tools and fresh perspectives for navigating life’s transitions. Together, we’ll explore topics such as embracing change, cultivating meaningful relationships, enhancing well-being, and creating a lasting legacy.

​Based on the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal, this series uses the book as a guide for discussion and reflection.

Because each session builds on the last, participants are asked to commit to attending all six weeks, allowing the group to develop trust, meaningful connections, and rich conversations together.

​The series is facilitated by Laura Ziegler, an experienced trainer and group facilitator who is passionate about helping older adults embrace the opportunities and transitions of the Third Act.

​This series is free to attend, but registration is required. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Participants are asked to purchase a copy of the Wise Aging book prior to the first session. If the cost of the book is a barrier, please let us know — we’re happy to provide a copy.

Join local artist Elizabeth Higgins for weekly workshops focused on creative expression, mindfulness, and supportive community connection. Designed as a sanctuary from daily stressors, these sessions emphasize the joyful process of making art rather than the pressure of a finished product. Perfect for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced creators looking to refresh their practice. All premium studio materials are included in the tuition fee.

Class Times: 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. on Mondays
Tuition per Session: Resident $79 / Non-Resident $119 (Materials included)

Slow down and see the world around you with fresh eyes. This four-week session uses the quiet patterns of the natural world to anchor your attention in the present moment. Through gentle, guided, and meditative sketching exercises, you will learn to quiet a busy mind and relieve daily stress. Elizabeth will introduce accessible mark-making techniques that make sketching feel approachable, helping you overcome the fear of the blank page and establish a sustainable, deeply personal daily sketchbook practice.

Topics Covered:

• Using rhythmic, repetitive drawing patterns found in leaves, seed pods, and stones to induce a meditative flow state
• Contemplative "blind contour" and gesture sketching to bypass the inner critic and build confidence
• Practical techniques for starting, organizing, and maintaining a regular, stress-free sketchbook habit at home

Dates: Mondays, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, & 10/26
Event Code: 34836

Experience the liberating and playful art of paper collage. By cutting, tearing, and arranging everyday found papers, hand-painted fragments, and text, you will bypass the technical anxieties of drawing and jump straight into raw visual storytelling. This course balances mindful, intuitive play with fundamental design concepts. While enjoying a relaxed studio environment, you will discover how to arrange bold abstract artwork that expresses your inner landscape.

Topics Covered:

• Intuitive paper tearing and layer arrangement to build textures without overthinking your choices
• Introduction to foundational color theory, contrasting palettes, and visual balance in abstract design
• Mindful sharing and collaborative community exercises designed to inspire deep connection with fellow classmates

Dates: Mondays, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, & 11/23
Event Code: 34837

About the Instructor:
Elizabeth M. Higgins is a Portland‑area teaching artist whose work centers on creativity, nature, and mindfulness. She holds a 100‑hour certification in eco-therapy and brings a gentle, encouraging approach to her watercolor and nature-journaling classes, inspiring students of all ages to explore art joyfully. Her vibrant work is shown at her Hillsboro studio and Grey Raven Gallery in Beaverton.

Website: Elizabeth M. Higgins — https://elizabethmhiggins.com/

The following previous topics from this season are now complete. Please contact the registration program desk if you would like to be notified when these seasonal topics return to the calendar.

Held weekly across April and May 2026, this foundational workshop invited beginners and nature lovers to connect deeply with seasonal shifts. Utilizing the principles of eco-therapy, students ventured into outdoor environments to observe regional flora and fauna firsthand. Under Elizabeth's gentle guidance, participants learned to blend delicate watercolor washes with organic line work to document the textures, shifting light, and quiet rhythms of the Pacific Northwest springtime landscape.

Learn essential computer skills in this beginner-friendly class, from logging in to personalizing settings. In the second hour, focus on how to protect yourself from email scams, malicious software, and identity theft. Perfect for first-time users.

Traditional Okinawan Kenpo and Kobudo classes are taught in a small dojo with personalized instruction by Eric Sensei, a 9th dan Shihan. Classes are adult-oriented, and children are welcome when accompanied by a parent for each class, offering families a chance to participate. Remote classes are also available for those who are not local. Monthly rates are offered with no contracts, and the first month is free.

The Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington hosts Enhance Fitness for adults age 60 and older. Instructors tailor evidence-based exercises to each person’s ability, from seated to full mobility. Pre-registration is not required. Classes are free. First-time attendees should arrive early to register on-site. Classes are offered in Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas and Washougal.

• Classes at Battle Ground Senior Center, 116 N.E. Third St., Battle Ground, are 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Classes at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 N.E. 159th St., Brush Prairie, are 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Classes at Lacamas Lake Lodge, 227 N.E. Lake Road, Camas, are 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Classes at the Washougal Senior Center, 1681 C St., Washougal, are 8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

<span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Want to float like a butterfly? Sting like a bee? Improve footwork skills, hand speed & body movements using equipment such as speed bags, heavy bags & jump ropes. Increase fitness, agility & self-defense skills in </span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">non-contact boxing classes</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> with primary focus on fitness!</span>

Ages: At least 10 but less than 15

Openings: 9

“Friday Frolic” Scottish Country Dance Classes are 7:30-9 p.m. Fridays at Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver. New dancers are welcome. No partner or special clothing is needed, though soft-soled shoes are recommended. The cost is $8 at the door and the first class is free. Learn more at facebook.com/RscdsSwws.

FREE group series designed for anyone interested in strengthening their recovery and learning new ways of relating to their nervous system

Introducing “30 for 30” - A Somatic Series for Recovery

A FREE community workshop series, led by a certified peer specialist and coach, that combines 30-minutes of guided grounding techniques and 30-minutes of collaborative processing.

Using body-oriented tools and cues, we'll build coping skills that help keep us grounded and connected--to our physical bodies and one another--as we navigate short- and long-term recovery.

At A Glance: Our 6-Week Group Agenda

● Week 1 Focus: Calming the Storm (Autonomic Regulation & 4-7-8 Oxygen Regulator)

● Week 2 Focus: Navigating the Void (Dopamine Baseline Reset & Thought Labeling)

● Week 3 Focus: Holding the Boundary (Protecting Internal Peace & Somatic Body Scan)

● Week 4 Focus: The Taper (The Art of Stillness & 4-4-4-4 Box Breathing)

● Week 5 Focus: Processing the Weight (Somatic Grief Work & Heart/Shoulder Grounding)

● Week 6 Focus: The Sovereign Anchor (Stepping Into Your Expert Chapter & Open Awareness)

Workshop agenda is subject to change at the facilitator's discretion.

Everyone is welcome. This offering is 100% cost-free. We hope you'll join us at TRG-Hillsboro.

Attendance at all six workshops is encouraged to get the most from this offering.

For questions about this group, please contact Josh C. at [email protected]

Gain more knowledge into formations of attack, defense, goal tending & ball handling. Focus on technique, tactical work & physical fitness in a safe environment. Build strength in an environment of sportsmanship & fair play. Showcase outstanding dribbling skills & exceptional field vision & awareness. Come play some futsal!!

Ages: At least 6 but less than 9

Openings: 0

Sophie Wegecsanyi of Self-Balance Massage will lead a guided meditation and visualization session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy a gentle guided meditation and visualization designed to calm the mind, reconnect you with yourself and create space for greater peace, focus and purpose. The fee is $20.

PDX Women Coders Join PDX Women Coders for a back-end study session, where we read and discuss *[Designing Data-Intensive Applications (2nd edition)](https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/designing-data-intensive-applications/9781098119058/)* by Martin Kleppmann. We plan to go over one chapter (or so) each session, and we will be meeting every two weeks for 7-8 months to finish the book. Each session, we'll go over that we learned in that chapter, and explore key concepts in distributed systems,

Improve tumbling and vaulting skills through strength training with bars. Designed for those with basic skills, it includes practice of forward rolls, bridge kickovers, round-offs, back handsprings, and techniques on high beam, bars, and vault for gymnastics progression. Pre-requisite: Must have completed Gymnastics - Level 1 or similar course.<div><br></div>

Ages: At least 9 but less than 13

Openings: 4

Ballroom Dance Vancouver will host Sunday Ballroom and Latin Group Classes from 4-6 p.m. Sundays at Dance Fusion/Northwest Classical Ballet, 14511 N.E. 10th Ave., Vancouver. Beginning classes are 4-5 p.m. and advanced classes are 5-6 p.m. The cost is $15 for ages 12 and older. Learn more at ballroomdancevancouver.com, by emailing [email protected] or calling 503-789-3023.

Come get your 'kicks' with us! Discover a traditional non-contact Korean martial art. Great lifelong aerobic exercise for the entire family. Emphasis on the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. Achieve your black belt goals!

Ages: 8 and up

Openings: 7

The nonprofit Taoist Tai Chi Society will host Introductory Taoist Tai Chi classes from 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17-Jan. 2 (except Dec. 5) at Vancouver United First Methodist, Jason Lee Hall, 403 E. 33rd St., Vancouver. Start at the first session or attend any session. Try a class or two before deciding to continue. For more details, email [email protected].

Kick it! Chase it! Stop it! Develop skills together that promote foot-eye coordination, balance & agility. Active games, creative drills & an emphasis on the joy of physical activity provide a playful introduction to a popular sport.

Ages: At least 1½ but less than 4

Openings: 0

Want to play like a pro? This is where they all started! Develop & improve fundamentals including ball handling, shooting techniques & defensive skills while improving endurance, flexibility & strength. Learn special strategies, basic plays & develop a teamwork mentality.

Ages: At least 8 but less than 11

Openings: 0

The Umbrae Noctis Festival is elated to announce 3 different movement workshops with the illustrious headliners and feature performers. Take class with local sensation Asteria Atombomb, Burlesque Hall of Fame title holder Moscato Sky, and/or Dragula season 4 runner-up Throb Zombie.

November 14: Are you stuck doing the same repetitive movements onstage? Trying to tell a story but can't find the actions to fit the narrative? Then this workshop is for you! Asteria will use her decades of experience in dance, theater, and artistic direction to help you create a compelling act. Through a series of dance and improvisational exercises, attendees will explore various ways to incorporate movement into a compelling storyline. Walk away feeling confident in getting your point across on the stage and leaving audiences wowed. Bring a journal and writing utensils. Clothes that are easy to move in.

November 14: Take your chair work to the next level with the them fatale of burlesque, Moscato Sky. This class will begin with a warm-up to prepare students to learn innovative ways to use this classic prop, how to maneuver on and off the chair with ease and grace, and exciting tricks that will stun any audience. In this workshop-style class, students will be challenged to create new movement pathways, explore obscure approaches to chair work, and walk away with tools to generate chair choreography.

This class is designed for students with a movement background or previous chair and floor work experience and may not be appropriate for people with serious knee and back injuries. However, all levels are welcome as this class acts as a lab and encourages exploration. Wear yoga or dance clothes you can move freely in. Knee pads are encouraged but not required.

November 15: Hump and Grind: Masc Movement and Choreography with Throb Zombie. Hump and Grind is an energetic and sexy dance class for kings or anyone who is ready to move. Taught by one of the most prolific, current dancing drag kings in the industry and iconic himbo, Throb Zombie.

Class will entail:

• A stretch/warmup
• Introduction to posture/masculine body movement
• Transitions/specific moves that can work for all dance levels from beginner to advanced
• Commanding space with presence
• A short choreography sequence
• Don’t be scared! While this class dares to challenge you, all levels are welcome. Come gyrate, grow, and get ready to sweat with the boys.
• Students must bring clothes they are comfortable moving in and are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle and knee pads.

Get your dance on! Build endurance, flexibility, strength, & balance. Have fun breaking a sweat while learning the energetic style of hip hop dance. Focus on rhythm, musicality, basic footwork, modern choreography, smooth moves, and more.

Ages: At least 11 but less than 15

Openings: 12

Learn Okinawan Kobudo in traditional classes held in a small dojo with personalized instruction. Classes are taught by Eric Sensei, a 9th dan Shihan in Okinawan Kenpo and Kobudo, and follow the way classes are taught in Okinawa. Instruction is adult-oriented, but children are welcome when accompanied by a parent. Remote classes are also available for those who are not local. Monthly rates are offered with no contracts, and the first month is free.

Get your 'kicks' with us! Discover the Korean martial art that uses kicks, blocks & strikes to increase self-confidence & discipline. Students develop better coordination, strength & flexibility with non-contact drills & sparring. Gain life skills through an emphasis on the 5 tenants: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control & indomitable spirit.

Ages: At least 5 but less than 8

Openings: 8

Celebrate Samhain and the Day of the Dead with a transformative, grounding evening hosted by Celine Redfield of Two Wings Balanced Healing. Aligned with the deeply intuitive water energy of Scorpio season, this sacred gathering combines community connection with deep personal restoration.

• The Experience: The evening begins with an ancestral invocation and a warm botanical tea ceremony—guests are welcome to bring a memento, photo, or candle to place on a collective altar. You will then ease into a guided hypnotic meditation before relaxing into a restorative, one-hour water-element sound bath.
• The Instruments: Healing frequencies are created using a carefully curated selection of "watery" and crystalline instruments. You will experience crystal singing bowls for all seven chakras, a cosmic light chalice, ocean drums, rain sticks, aqua Koshi chimes, crystal pyramids, tongue drums, and pangi seed shakers.
• Who It’s For: This event is for anyone looking to honor their ancestors, connect deeply with their intuition, or find a peaceful space for internal reflection and fresh personal transformation.
• The Benefits: Attendees will experience deep, receptive relaxation, reduced stress, emotional release, and a renewed sense of internal safety and security.

Mantra, music, and storytelling to awaken the heart. Sacred Dharma is a Pacific Northwest kirtan-fusion jam band. At its core, they facilitate the devotional practice of chanting Sanskrit mantra. The music is colored by world influences ranging from Indian classical to jazz and psychedelic rock, enhancing the mood so that each repetition of the Name can awaken the heart.

Led by Sitaram Dass with Jeanette Kangas on tabla, Clark Stacer on bass, Lance Jordan on guitar, and a rotating selection of some of the PNW's finest musicians.

Sitaram Dass (he/him) spent several years serving his beloved teacher Ram Dass on Maui, where he was shown the path of Bhakti, the yoga of service and devotion to God. He is an author, teacher, kirtan singer, and spiritual counselor. As the director of the Sacred Community Project, he works to provide affordable, free, and donation-based offerings as a praxis of Sacred Community.

$25 Advance / $30 Door

(No one turned away for lack of funds)

Build a strong foundation, focusing on basic tumbling, vaulting, and bar skills. Ideal for beginners or those seeking more confidence in their fundamentals. Learn the forward roll, ¾ handstand, and cartwheel.

Ages: At least 8 but less than 13

Openings: 0

Get up and get moving! Gymnastics is a great way to instill a love of fitness that can last a lifetime. This fun-filled class will challenge your child with obstacle courses, skill circuits and games that build strength and endurance.

Ages: At least 7 but less than 11

Openings: 8

The 10th Annual Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation Turkey Trot, presented by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia Credit Union, takes place on a scenic route through Ridgefield, traveling through Abrams Park and along Lake River. It’s a 5K family friendly run/walk event that raises funds to help the Foundation’s efforts to provide scholarships and grant opportunities to students, teachers, and staff. Last year’s event had more than 1,000 participants, and we hope to grow our event even more this year as we support Ridgefield schools and their students.

This year’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot, presented by Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia Credit Union will take place on Thursday, November 26th, starting with the Drumstick Dash—a short run for children ages 5 and under and not yet in kindergarten —at 8:45 am. The main event, a 5K run/walk, follows at 9:00 am. Both events will begin and end at Union Ridge Elementary School in downtown Ridgefield.

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While the Turkey Trot is a fun run/walk without a formal timer, participants are encouraged to enjoy the spirit of the event and work up an appetite for their Thanksgiving feast.

Race packet pick up and in-person registration will be held on Wednesday, November 25th, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and again on race day from 7:45 to 8:45 am in the Union Ridge Elementary School Gym. A limited number of extra T-shirts will be available for purchase during in-person registration.

To ensure you get a race T-shirt, please register by Wednesday, November 11th. Additionally, we encourage participants to bring nonperishable food items to packet pick-up for donation to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center. Each item donated will earn you a ticket for a chance to win $100 in local restaurant gift cards.

All proceeds from the event will be equally shared between the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation and the Ridgefield Family Resource Center, making this a great way to give back to our community while embracing the Thanksgiving spirit. See you there!

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RACE DETAILS

DRUMSTICK DASH

Once again our Turkey Trot will feature a Drumstick Dash, a short run for our youngest participants ages 5 and under (not yet in kindergarten). We will make an announcement at 8:40 am for any children interested in participating to report to the starting line. The Drumstick Dash will begin at 8:45 am.

5K FUN RUN/WALK

Our main event, the 5K run/walk, will get started at 9 am. Those who are planning to run should position themselves at the front of the crowd, closest to the starting line. Walkers, please make way for runners who are trying to move to the front. There is no official timer for our fun run/walk event, so those interested in knowing their finish times should plan to use their own watches to time themselves. For safety, please keep in mind that at certain points on the route you may be asked to stop for vehicle traffic (vehicles have the right of way during the Turkey Trot) so finish times could be impacted.

5K ROUTE:

The course begins on 5th Ave. at Union Ridge Elementary and then heads down to Abrams Park and continues northeast along the trail bordering Gee Creek. From there the route takes participants up Heron Drive to Main Ave. It then continues south to the corner of Main & Pioneer and takes participants down to the Ridgefield waterfront via the railroad overpass. Participants will follow the course along Lake River and turn around near the south end of Carty Lake. The course then continues in reverse, back up to the corner of Main & Pioneer, where participants will head north for one block before heading east up Simons St. to finish back at Union Ridge Elementary.

EVENT SAFETY NOTE

Roads remain open throughout the event. Please stay to the right on roads and use sidewalks whenever possible. Once again, this is a family friendly fun run/walk event. Participants may be subject to brief waits for vehicle traffic. Since roads remain open, vehicle traffic does have the right away.

BRING ITEMS FOR THE RIDGEFIELD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

The Ridgefield Family Resource Center is seeking non-perishable foods (especially cereal, rice, pasta sauce, canned fruit, canned meat, and canned pasta meals) as well as new socks and stretchy knit gloves. For each item (non-perishable food items, pairs of socks, and pairs of gloves) brought to packet pick-up/in-person registration on Wednesday or Thursday morning, you will receive one ticket for entry into a prize drawing for $100 of local restaurant gift cards.

T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

For any participants who do not meet the T-shirt registration deadline of Nov. 12th at 10 pm, a limited number of T-shirts will be available for purchase at packet pick-up/in-person registration at a cost of $5 each.

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EVENT PARKING

Parking will be available at Union Ridge Elementary, the RACC, and the Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene. Street parking throughout downtown Ridgefield is also an option for participants.

Gain confidence & make new friends & teammates. Refine motor skills through expanded interactive drills & play. Emphasize the basics of kicking & dribbling in a high-energy, safe environment. Your dream starts here!

Ages: At least 3 but less than 6

Openings: 6

Experience a brand-new immersive experience at SaunaGlo led by energy reader, meditation guide, stress consultant and clinical researcher, Emily Greenway. This 90-minute energetic experience opens with an intuitive update on the month ahead, so you know what's coming and how to work with it to reduce stress and burnout.

Inside the sauna, a guided meditative energy clearing gets you into your body and breath, using the heat to build internal awareness of what you're actually holding. The cold plunge takes that further, guiding you through your breathing and teaching your body to relax under pressure rather than fight it. From there, move into a community journaling experience, releasing whatever energy came up and setting spells and goals for the month ahead.

This is where you start building the structure for more magic and bliss, and kicking stress and burnout goodbye. Round two takes you back into the sauna for another clearing meditation, back into the cold plunge for more breathwork, and more time on the page. close together as a group, with time for connection before you head out.

Expand your knowledge & range of actions in this non-contact, non-competitive sport. Develop & increase concentration, coordination, discipline & esteem while benefiting from aerobic exercise.

Ages: 6 and up

Openings: 15

Join a day of sipping and celebrating with tea friends. Special guests from Enthea, Teazen, Ocha, and Aishang will be stopping by throughout the day. Enjoy delicious pastries from Miss Orange and friends, along with crafts, giveaways, and plenty of surprises.

Enjoy a Little Magic with Sarah Blue Cloud tarot and palm readings. Guest Tea Spotlights with Via Tempo, Tea J Tea and Brew and Blossom. End the evening with Charlie Sebastian Short for a Sound Bath Meditation, a peaceful way to close out a day of tea, friendship, and celebration. Space is limited for the Sound Bath.

No admission fee, just an open invitation to spend the day enjoying tea.

Free All-Day Tea Party.

In rating Small Things Like These 41st on its list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, the New York Times said: “Not a word is wasted in Keegan’s small, burnished gem of a novel, a sort of Dickensian miniature….”

This is an important novella in the vein of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, but with an ending that packs a different punch. At its center is a man torn between family, community, church, and one young woman in a terrible predicament. He must make a choice, and Keegan’s exquisite, concise writing reveals that agonizing choice. It’s a perfect story to ponder and discuss: What would you choose in his situation?

Keegan’s other work, “Foster,” is a long short story with a big impact. No word is wasted as Keegan tells the story of a young girl sent to live with another family when her own mother is fraught with problems of her own. Again, in the New York Times’s glowing review they say: “Keegan makes us complicit in what her characters want, setting us up for utter heartbreak when they don’t get it.”

Foster’s is already considered canonical and is taught as a required text for Comparative Literature in the curriculum for Ireland’s secondary schools.

Join us in this two-week exploration of these incredible short works by an Irish writer of spare prose and mmense talent.

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

Gain insight into basics of attack, defense, goal tending & ball handling. Focus on techniques, tactics & physical fitness in a safe environment. Build strength in an environment of sportsmanship & fair play. Develop outstanding dribbling skills & exceptional field vision & awareness. You will see dramatic improvement!

Ages: At least 6 but less than 10

Openings: 0

Children can increase body awareness and coordination through gymnastics! This is a great class for a child ready to participate without a parent. Learn basic gymnastics shapes and have fun with movement. We will use a variety of equipment and introduce 4 Olympic events!

Ages: At least 5 but less than 7

Openings: 0

Designed for adults with little to no prior knowledge of English. This class focuses on the English alphabet, basic phonics, numbers and survival vocabulary. Preparing students for Beginner ESL Class.
No class on September 16 or November 11.

Express yourself! Explore this joyful dance style & increase agility, grace & coordination. Develop a firm foundation in classical technique while gaining music knowledge & arts appreciation.

Ages: At least 11 but less than 15

Openings: 9

Portland Japanese Garden’s Tea Ceremony Workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional practice of Chanoyu, or the Way of Tea. Experience the art of tranquility, mindfulness, and omotenashi, whole-hearted hospitality.

It is not an exaggeration to say that through tea, one can understand much of Japanese culture. Tea’s influence can be found in many of the nation’s most beloved artforms, including arranging flowers, calligraphy, incense, ceramics and lacquerware. Japanese gardens are also deeply intertwined with tea ceremony. The four principles of tea, wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility), are explored by the gardeners of Portland Japanese Garden in their work every day.

Guided by skilled instructor Jan Waldmann, Sosui, the focus of this workshop is to learn to be a guest in the tea ceremony, an important aspect to this historic tradition. Participants will learn the proper etiquette for attending a tea ceremony, including how to receive and consume sweets and matcha, and most importantly, the reasons behind each of the steps. Additionally, you will gain insight into what it entails to be a host— understanding the occasion and seasonality, attention to aesthetics, careful preparation, and the thoughtful gestures made toward the guests.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Classroom.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden (2:00-2:30pm) before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Family Classroom (2:45-4:15pm).

No previous experience is needed. Students will sit in a chair at a table, not kneeling on a tatami mat.

Urasenke Konnichian of Kyoto is one of the major establishments within Japan that has preserved the tradition of Chado or the Way of Tea.  From the first Urasenke generation, Sen no Rikyu (1522-91) to the current headmaster Zabosai Genmoku Soshitsu XVI (b.1956 -), the Sen family lineage has devoted great effort to fostering the philosophy of Tea through the simple words of Wa – Harmony, Kei -Repect, Sei – Purity & Jaku – Tranquility. Over the years Urasenke has established connections in over 21 cities worldwide.

<p>Get your dance on! Build endurance, flexibility, strength, & balance. Have fun breaking a sweat while learning the energetic style of hip hop dance. Focus on rhythm, musicality, basic footwork, modern choreography, smooth moves, and more.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p><br></p>

Ages: At least 10 but less than 19

Openings: 15

Master Gardener and Master Melittologist Anne Bulger on native mason bees: why they’re such good pollinators, what’s hiding inside their nesting tubes, and how to harvest and clean cocoons so your bees make it through winter healthy. Good for total beginners and people already hosting bees. Part of the Community Workshop Series. Sign up ahead.

Do you know how to remove apps? What to do if your phone memory is full? How to improve battery life? Learn these skills and more for your Apple, Android, or Microsoft devices in a focused, 1:1 session with volunteers from SeniorTechPals, and bring your phone or tablet.

Registration strongly encouraged, but drop-ins can wait to receive help.