Find motivation and connection in classes designed to promote enrichment and wellness for every age, at every level of activity. Wellness classes focus on healthy living and offer opportunities for friendship and community, a send of well-being, self-confidence, and improved mental abilities. Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Meditation, and Herbalism are just a few of the small group classes taught by passionate, trained community instructors. Enrichment classes include hands-on skills such as creative writing, journaling, science, technology, music, history, and more. Class topics vary each month and are taught in the Cottage, Virginia’s House, and outdoors around the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577.
Upcoming Classes
Summer Meditation & Restorative Sound
Friday, July 26 ~ 6pm to 7:15pm
Friday, August 23 ~ 6pm to 7:15pm
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 students 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
Yoga for Your Health • Video Recordings
August Recordings: 8 videos available from August 1 ~ August 31
Check out this special Summer Yoga opportunity! This series of pre-recorded yoga lessons is perfect for those looking to give yoga a try from the comfort and convenience of their own home, or for students simply missing the sweet and gentle style of 577’s Pam Bortz while she takes a break for the summer. Each class focuses on movement, breath, peacefulness, and mindfulness. The movements can be altered for all levels.
Pam has taught traditional, beginner’s yoga classes at 577 for over 19 years. Over the last few years, 577 has recorded each session Pam has taught in her Yoga for Your Health series. We have carefully chosen 24 sessions that will be available in 8-session packages in June, July, and August. For each month registered, students will receive 8 different videos.
Supplies needed: a yoga mat, a blanket for your knees and Savasana, a Yoga belt or long neck tie works.
Community Instructor: Pam Bortz
Gentle Evening Yoga & Sound Bath
Monday, July 29 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Monday, August 5 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Monday, August 12 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, September 3 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Monday, September 9 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Monday, September 23 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Enjoy a serene yoga experience that connects you deeper to your mind, body, and breath. Class begins with a 5- minute journalling exercise based on the class theme, and a body scan meditation. A sequence of supported yoga poses will follow, designed to release physical and mental tension. Class concludes with a sound bath that will guide you into a deep state of relaxation and peace. Use the power of mindfulness-informed movement to cultivate the skill of slowing down in our busy world.
Please note: Bring a journal and favorite pen for the journalling exercise, and a yoga mat if you have one. Participants are welcome to borrow a 577 mat for use during class.
Community Instructor: Isabella Weik
Outdoor Gentle Morning Yoga & Sound Bath
Saturday, September 7 ~ 8:30am to 9:30am
Join us for this special Saturday morning session of ~ Gentle Yoga and Sound Bath ~ outside on the grounds at 577. Begin your day with a serene yoga experience that connects them deeper to your mind, body, and breath while soaking in the morning beauty of the577’s gardens and grounds.
Class begins with a 5-minute journaling exercise based on the class theme, and a body scan meditation. A sequence of supported yoga poses will follow, designed to release physical and mental tension. Class concludes with a sound bath that will guide students into a deep state of relaxation and peace. Use the power of mindfulness-informed movement to cultivate the skill of slowing down in our busy world.
Community Instructor: Isabella Weik
Harvest Medicine
Wednesday, September 11 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Autumn is a bountiful time when we can bolster both our pantries and our health for the winter ahead. Join us to explore the properties and benefits of seasonal foods such as apples, squash, nuts, seeds, grapes, honey, and hardy herbs and spices. We’ll discuss how to incorporate these nourishing ingredients into our everyday diets and how they can be used to address acute health issues.
Community Instructor: Sarah Williams
Podcasting 101
Thursday, September 12 ~ 6:30pm to 8:30pm
If “start a podcast” is on your bucket list, join us for this informative class about what it takes to be a podcaster. Get behind-the-scenes insight into podcasting locally, work on a take-home guide of what should be considered before launching, and learn how to plan your own podcast. Potential podcasters will gain valuable start-up information to help them avoid industry pitfalls and save time, money, and frustration along the way.
Community Instructor: Kim Newlove
Yoga and Restorative Sound
Friday, September 20 ~ 6pm to 7:15pm
Join us for a relaxing evening exploring the benefits of vibrational sound and light yoga. During the first part of the class, participants will be gently guided to unwind through simple yoga and focused breathing. In the second part, participants will lie on their yoga mats to experience the calming effects of listening to highly resonant, immersive sounds from various instruments including crystal bowls. These sound vibrations, also called 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
Morning Yoga for Your Health
Thursday, September 26 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Experience a traditional Yoga class designed for beginners in a welcoming environment. Yoga, meaning ‘to yoke,’ is all about connecting the mind and body. In this class taught by long-time community instructor, Pam Bortz, we will emphasize movement, breath, peacefulness, and mindfulness, with modifications available for all levels.
Bring your Yoga mat and join us as we come together for our health and well-being. Class is available in-person or via Zoom. Please note this class will be recorded and shared with registrants so they can revisit the lesson for two weeks after the class.
Community Instructor: Pam Bortz
Autumn Herb Walk
Friday, September 27 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Join us as we stroll the 577 gardens and grounds in search of wild and cultivated herbs. Learn the identification, folklore, and medicinal virtues of many of our common autumn plants. Many of our common “weeds,” as well as some garden staples, have a lot to offer once you get to know them.
Children ages 7 through 17 may register and attend as long as they are accompanied by a registered adult.
Community Instructor: Sarah Williams
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.