Find motivation and connection in classes designed to promote health and wellness for every age, at every level of activity. 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. Class topics vary each month and are taught in the Cottage, House, and outdoors around the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577.
Upcoming Classes
Morning Yoga for Your Health
Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Join us online or in Virginia’s House for a traditional, beginner’s Yoga class. Yoga means ‘to yoke’…..connecting the mind and the body. Our focus will be on movement, 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!
*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
Chair Yoga
Sunday, March 12 ~ 1pm to 2:15pm*
*Date changed from Sunday, February 12 ~ 1pm to 2:15pm
New in 2023! Chair Yoga is designed for all levels and abilities, and includes regular Yoga poses with the assistance and stability of a chair. Using a chair enables greater confidence in your ability to attain the poses, stretch, and relax into the moves.
*Please bring your Yoga mat or use one of ours. Chairs, step-by-step guidance, and fun will be provided!
Community Instructor: Pam Bortz
Herbal Medicine Making
Sunday, February 12 ~ 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) several things that are useful to have on hand.
Please note: Participants aged 12 to 17 are welcome to register but must attend class with a registered adult guardian.
Community Instructor: Sarah Williams
Building an Apothecary
Monday, February 20 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
How do you go from reading books to using herbal medicine in your daily life? The first step is to have a store of it on hand. In this class, we’ll discuss a handful of widely useful plants: their properties and applications for issues that commonly occur in the home. The practicalities of the home apothecary will be covered: location, organization, access, and contents.
We’ll also discuss various preparations, such as tinctures vs. syrups; which plants do best with each type, which ones are helpful to have made ahead of time, plus how best to store and use them once made.
Please note: Participants aged 12 to 17 are welcome to register but must attend class with a registered adult guardian.
Community Instructor: Sarah Williams
Spring Cleaning for Body and Mind
Monday, March 6 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Spring is the time of year for clearing and renewal. After a long winter of heavy food, deep ruminations, and low physical activity, we’re ready to shift into a lighter, freer energy for the season to come. Many of our early spring plants are extremely helpful here.
Learn about the science and tradition surrounding herbal detoxification, as well as recipes and practices that we can put into action to support our own transition to the warmer months.
Please note: Participants aged 12 to 17 are welcome to register but must attend class with a registered adult guardian.
Community Instructor: Sarah Williams
Planning Your Herb Garden
Sunday, March 26 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm
Culinary herbs are familiar garden staples, but do you know the best way to plan and care for them? There are also many medicinal plants that, while rarely used in the kitchen, thrive in our bioregion and are useful to have on hand to supply your apothecary or be gathered at need.
In this class, we will discuss the specifics of choosing planting sites, growing and harvesting for a selection of helpful herbs, as well as seed-sourcing and medicinal uses.
Please note: Participants aged 12 to 17 are welcome to register but must attend class with a registered adult guardian.
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.