Enrichment & Wellness

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

The Wisdom of Fire Cider
Thursday, March 14 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Explore the wisdom of nature by discovering the potential benefits of fire cider. Fire cider is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial tonic. Students will try a sample in class and will also make their own pint size jar of Fire Cider in class to bring home! Everyone will also receive a recipe and brochure with all the benefits of Fire Cider.

Enjoy learning more about the plants around us and how nature’s bounty can support our bodies.

Community Instructor: Lauren Johnson

Gentle Evening Yoga & Sound Bath
Monday, March 18 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Monday, April 1 ~ 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Enjoy a serene yoga experience that connects you deeper to your mind, body, and breath. Class begins with a body scan meditation followed by a sequence of supported yoga poses 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: Students are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat. In the event a student needs to borrow a mat, 577 can provide a mat for use during class.

Community Instructor: Isabella Weik

The Wisdom of Hawthorn
Wednesday, March 20 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Explore the wisdom of nature by discovering the potential benefits of hawthorn. Students will learn how hawthorn nourishes and supports the cardiovascular system, and the best practices for proactively using this plant to promote health and wellness. Enjoy learning more about the plants around us and how nature’s bounty can support our bodies.

Each student will choose one of these two these take home options:
• one small jar of hawthorn and rose to make their own tincture at home
• or a bag with ten servings of hawthorn and rose tea

Community Instructor: Lauren Johnson

Herbal Medicine Making
Saturday, March 30 ~ 2pm to 4pm

There are many forms in which plants can be used as food and medicine: teas, syrups, salves, poultices, etc. How do you choose the appropriate one? How do you prepare it once you’ve decided? In this class, we’ll discuss the merits and idiosyncrasies of various preparations, as well as practical ways to use them in your daily life. You’ll also get hands-on experience making (and taking home) salve, vinegar infusion, and nettle syrup that are useful to have on hand.

Students should bring a glass jar with a lid, approximately 16oz in size (mason jar, clean peanut butter jar, etc. 

Please Note: Students ages 12 to 15 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent. Students ages 16 to 17 may participate without a parent.

Community Instructor: Sarah Williams

Herbs for the Respiratory System
Tuesday, April 2 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Late winter and early spring is often when respiratory infections settle in. This is a time when our stored nutrients and energy are becoming depleted and the weather is shifting wildly. Join us in this new class to learn the ways we can care for the lungs and entire respiratory system using foods, herbs, and simple techniques.

We’ll discuss how to address acute infections, chronic conditions, and how to strengthen our baseline health to avoid becoming ill in the first place.

Community Instructor: Sarah Williams

Morning Yoga for Your Health
March Session: Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 ~ 10am to 11:15am
April Session: Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 ~ 10am to 11:15am

Join us online or in-person for a traditional, beginner’s Yoga class in the Virginia’s House. Yoga means ‘to yoke’ . . . connecting the mind and the body. Our focus will be on movement, the breath, peacefulness, and mindfulness.

The movements can be altered for all levels. Please bring your Yoga mat and let’s gather together for our health.

Community Instructor: Pam Bortz

Building An Apothecary
Wednesday, April 10 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

If you’re looking to integrate herbal medicine into your daily life, the secret is to have it easily accessible. In this class, we’ll explore a range of useful plants, discussing their properties and how they can address common issues encountered at home.

The practicalities of the home apothecary will be covered including location, organization, storage conditions, and contents. We’ll also discuss various preparations, such as tinctures versus syrups, which plants do best with each type, and where to acquire those that you aren’t able to make yourself.

Community Instructor: Sarah Williams

The Wisdom of Marshmallow
Thursday, April 11 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Explore the wisdom of nature by discovering the potential benefits of marshmallow root. Participants will learn the ancient wisdom of the marshmallow root, how it benefits the immune system, and how it supports our gut health. Enjoy sampling marshmallow root tea in class along with an herbal treat*. Take home an 8oz jar of marshmallow root plus a recipe to make your own marshmallow tincture.

This class is perfect for learning more about the plants around us and how nature’s bounty can support our bodies.

*Treats are gluten, dairy, and nut free. Treats contain eggs. 

Community Instructor: Lauren Johnson

Yoga and Restorative Sound
Friday, April 26 ~ 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, the class will be gently guided to unwind through simple yoga and focused breathing. In the second part of the class, the class 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, 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. *Please note: a limited number of soft furniture is available if some students would prefer to sit comfortably for the second part of the class. Please call the 577 Program Manager at 419-874-4174 to reserve these spots.

Community Instructor: Pam Bortz

The Wisdom of Calendula
Tuesday, April 30 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Explore the wisdom of nature by discovering the potential benefits of the calendula plant. Participants will learn the ancient wisdom of the calendula plant and how it can be used to support our general health and wellness. Everyone will make a calendula salve in class they can take to use at home.

Participants will enjoy an herbal treat* while they formulate and sample their own tea blend using calendula and other herbs. Each blend will have ten tea servings to enjoy and share at home.

This class is perfect for learning more about the plants around us and how nature’s bounty can support our bodies.

*Treats are gluten, dairy, and nut free. Treats contain eggs. 

Community Instructor: Lauren Johnson

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. 

Join us on March 20 for a Day of Giving to celebrate Virginia’s birthday! Make a gift to protect, preserve, and support the evolution of this magical place. Won’t you help us reach our goal?

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