Nurture your mind, body, and creativity with Enrichment & Wellness classes at 577. Designed for all ages and activity levels, these classes offer opportunities to build connections, cultivate well-being, and explore new interests in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Wellness classes focus on healthy living and mindfulness, with offerings such as Yoga, Meditation, and Herbalism, all led by passionate, trained community instructors. Enrichment classes inspire lifelong learning through hands-on experiences in creative writing, journaling, science, technology, music, history, and more. With new topics each month, classes take place in the Cottage, Virginia’s House, and outdoors among the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577—where learning, inspiration, and connection come naturally.
Upcoming Classes
November classes open for registration on Wednesday, September 24 at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Morning Yoga for Your Health
Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Thursdays, October 16, 23, 30 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Join Pam Bortz for a multi-week session of gentle Hatha Yoga and Meditation classes that focus on mindful movement, breath, and personal well-being. Each session offers adaptable poses to meet your individual needs, with support from yoga mats, chairs, and walls to enhance your practice.
Please bring your yoga mat, and come move, breathe, and build wellness together.
Community Instructor: Pam Bortz
Encouraging Empathy
Thursday, September 4 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Learn how recognizing and validating others’ emotions can strengthen relationships and foster a more compassionate community. Through engaging discussion and a Narrative 4 story exchange format, we’ll explore three types of empathy and reflect on real-life stories of giving and receiving empathetic care. This session highlights empathy as an essential communication skill that nurtures connection, understanding, and respect.
Class Notes: Participants are welcome to bring a journal, but this is not required.
Community Instructor: Risa Beth Cohen, M.S.Ed.
Podcasting 101
Thursday, September 4 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Discover what you need to know before starting a podcast in this exciting, beginner-friendly class led by Kim Newlove—pharmacist, author, voice actor, and host of The Perrysburg Podcast and The Pharmacist’s Voice Podcast. Since launching her podcasting journey in 2019, Kim has published over 400 episodes and brings a wealth of real-world experience to share.
Participants will explore the twelve key “ingredients” in a successful podcast “recipe” while gaining valuable insights to help you avoid buying unnecessary equipment and steer clear of time-consuming rabbit holes. Podcast planning worksheets will be provided, and basic podcasting equipment will be available for demonstration.
Community Instructor: Kim Newlove
Audio Engineering 101 for Podcasters
Thursday, September 11 ~ 6pm to 8pm
In this exciting new class, emerging podcasters will learn the basics of recording, editing, and producing audio files for a podcast. Audio engineering can be a challenging skill to learn, so we’ll cover 20 essential audio engineering skills to help you get started. Topics will include terminology, software options, and developing the right mindset for podcasting success.
Both solo episodes and interviews will be discussed, and all participants will receive helpful informational handouts to support their learning. Optional items to bring to class include a laptop with audio engineering software and an unedited episode to practice on. If you’d like to experiment before class, you’re welcome to try free or trial recording software such as Audacity, GarageBand, or Hindenburg.
Community Instructor: Kim Newlove
Beginner Yoga
Friday, October 3 ~ 6:30pm to 8pm
Relax into your weekend and experience the benefits of yoga. Participants will learn multiple poses, how to bring awareness to the breath to support poses and reduce discomfort, and finish with a rest and relaxation pose. Yoga is non-competitive– start where you are and do what you can. Everyone will receive informational handouts about all poses and conscious breathing.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own Yoga mats, blocks, and a healthy drink. Yoga mats are available for anyone who doesn’t have their own.
Community Instructor: Sita Wiczynski
Sound Bath & Meditation: Equinox Celebration
Monday, September 22 ~ 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with us and welcome fall through the soothing experience of vibrational sound and meditation. Receive gentle guidance to unwind through focused breathing and meditation exercises. We’ll then relax onto yoga mats to experience the calming effects of listening to highly resonant, immersive sounds from various instruments, including crystal bowls. These sound vibrations, or sound “bathing,” promote a meditative state, allowing thoughts to quiet and the body to relax.
Leave class with an understanding of how this practice can be beneficial and how to incorporate vibrational sound into your own self-care practice. All supplies are included (yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, and eye pillows), but participants are welcome to bring their own pillows and any other props for personal comfort. It is also recommended to dress warmly since bodies tend to cool as they relax.
Community Instructor: Pam Bortz
Sound Bath & Meditation
Friday, October 17 ~ 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Relax into your weekend by joining us to experience the benefits of vibrational sound and meditation. Receive gentle guidance to unwind through focused breathing and meditation exercises. We’ll then relax onto yoga mats to experience the calming effects of listening to highly resonant, immersive sounds from various instruments, including crystal bowls. These sound vibrations, or sound “bathing,” promote a meditative state, allowing thoughts to quiet and the body to relax.
Leave class with an understanding of how this practice can be beneficial and how to incorporate vibrational sound into your own self-care practice. All supplies are included (yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, and eye pillows), but participants are welcome to bring their own pillows and any other props for personal comfort. It is also recommended to dress warmly since bodies tend to cool as they relax.
Community Instructor: Pam Bortz
Mixtape: Community Singing Event at 577
Saturday, October 4 ~ 10am to 11am
A mixtape is a collection of favorite, familiar, and new-to-you songs. When cassettes and CDs were popular, people would curate a compilation of songs for friends and romantic crushes to enjoy when you’re together or apart. This program brings back a casual way for people to sing out loud together to forge connection and a sense of belonging.
This is playing, not performing! Be ready to make mistakes and watch the song leader make mistakes. Forget perfection. Forget polish. That isn’t the point. Singing together, laughing, trying something, and having fun together is the point!
Bring a friend or come alone and make a new friend. All ages and backgrounds are welcome (although kids should be accompanied by a caregiver or responsible adult 18+). Free event, with optional donation.
We’ll meet on the Outdoor Stage at 577. Don’t worry about inclement weather, we will plan to meet in Virginia’s House.
Community Song Leader: 577 Foundation Executive Director Heather Gallant
Herbs of the Cauldron
Wednesday, October 29 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Join us as we explore the truth behind the stereotypes and symbolism of witches. Despite their baleful reputation in modern culture, historically they are among our most revered healers, naturalists, counselors, and wise-women.
We’ll discuss the ways in which modern herbalists follow a similar path, and delve into the home remedies and old wives’ tales that are our legacy. This will also be a time to share stories and honor our ancestors.
Community Instructor: Sarah Williams
Mindfulness for Families
Saturday, October 25 ~ 11:30am to 1pm
Families are invited to explore mindfulness practices that promote focus, calm, self-awareness, and compassion. The first half of class will introduce fun and calming yoga poses, breathing techniques for focus and self-regulation, and a “kindfulness” approach to cultivate compassion for both self and others. Afterwards, families can continue their mindfulness journey on a self-guided tour through the 577 grounds, following signs from The Mindfulness Deck that will be displayed along the way.
Class notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers. For ages 4+. The Mindfulness Deck is authored by instructor Jenn McCullough and illustrated by the late Sara Kear. The Mindfulness Deck is available for purchase in 577’s Welcome Center and Curiosity Shop.
Community Instructor: Jenn McCullough
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.