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Unwind and revitalize with yoga while in the soothing presence of alpacas

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

If you are an alpaca enthusiast or just need to unwind, you will love experiencing yoga at Northwoods Alpaca Farm! This new program starts this Saturday, May 22nd and runs each Saturday through Aug. 28th.

The farm is located in Bergen at 6499 N. Lake Road.

Held in the pasture, this new 45-minute class starts at 11 a.m. and concludes with a 15-minute meet-n-greet with the alpacas!

Even if you are a novice or never practiced yoga, the experience of practicing in the soothing presence of the alpacas is something you won’t soon forget.

The class is held in the pasture with the alpacas and experienced yoga instructor, Kristina Back, who has been teaching yoga for more than two years. She is a young, vibrant instructor who enjoys helping clients at all fitness levels get into shape and achieve goals.

All levels welcomed and children under 14 may participate with an accompanying adult.

The program fee is $20 per person and includes a complimentary admission to the farm. Both children and adults must pay for registration.

Please note that cancellations or changes may be made up until two weeks prior of the scheduled class for online or in-store credit for a future class. No refunds if cancellation occurs within two weeks.

Register Online

More information and advanced registration can be found on the Genesee County Tourism website here. While you’re there check out all the other exciting events happening in Genesee County this summer!

Also Offering Farm Tours

Be sure to schedule a time to take the Alpaca Farm Tour as well! It lasts about an hour with a short walk around the family farm to meet the boys, the girls, and the little ones. You will also have the opportunity to pet and feed the alpacas.

Bring your cameras! The tour concludes at the Farm Boutique where you will see all types of products made from alpaca fiber. Sorry, no public restrooms available at the farm.

  • Families & Individuals; $10 per person – children 3 & under are free. $20 minimum per group.
  • Organized Groups of 15 or more: $7.50 per person – children 3 & under free.
  • Tours run April – October.

For more info, contact Belinda Grant, Northwoods Alpaca:   info@northwoodsalpacas.com, (585) 494-1371.

Pavilion's Hollwedel library to livestream yoga for adults and children

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

If the COVID-19 pandemic is stressing you out, the whole family can get some relief with yoga classes. They are held online and brought to you by the Hollwedel Memorial Library. 

There are two live sessions scheduled this month: one especially for adults and one for just for the children. The sessions will be livestreamed on Facebook on the library’s wall. 

The adult session will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and will be perfect for all levels including beginners.

“If you have never attended a Yoga class, this will be a great start,” says Josselyn Borowiec, library director and a trained and certified yoga instructor. “Yoga has many benefits and has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety and is good for the heart, blood pressure, bone density, strengthening and balance.” 

Yoga for the kids will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. The focus is on fun during this yoga class and always includes a story.

“The yoga class for the kids is a great time to get some exercise, and we have been known to share some laughs as we learn,” says Borowiec, who also leads this session. 

Information about these online yoga programs, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843 or stop by 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Currently, hours are:

  • Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday 10 a.m. to noon
  • Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

Photo: Yoga instructor and Hollwedel Library Director Josselyn Borowiec* will be leading adults and children in two online yoga classes on Jan. 27 and Jan. 30.

* RYT® 200 -- successfully completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training and registered with Yoga Alliance.

Popularity of yoga class at Centennial Park prompts Blue Pearl to add one on Thursday mornings

By Billie Owens

From Blue Pearl Yoga:

Turns out the new Yoga in Centennial Park class is a big hit, so we have added another class.

In addition to the Tuesday afternoon classes this month from 7 to 8:15 p.m. with Lisa Ingalsbe, there will be classes from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday mornings with Marianne Skye (E-RYT, YACEP).

Breathe, move, recharge. This well-rounded yoga class offers many yoga pose variations, so those with different levels of experience can participate fully. Appropriate for adults and high school students (no young children).

You can relax while stretching and strengthening. There will be active yoga poses, breath work and stillness practices.  

The park is lovely, the shade is cool, and the people who come to yoga are nothing but sweet!

Centennial Park is located at 151 State St. in the city.

Cost is $10 per class.

Register online at least three hours before class -- absolutely no walk-ins.

Things to know:

  • Bring your own mat;
  • Bring your own optional yoga gear if you like, blocks, straps, blankets, water and sunscreen / bug spray might be good, too;
  • There are NO restroom facilities at Centennial Park;
  • Social distancing & face masks are required.

(If two or less people register, the teacher may opt to cancel. You will be notified through email and fully reimbursed.)

Note that the in-person yoga studio at 301 Main St., third floor of the Masonic Temple building Downtown, will be reopening Saturday, Sept. 19.

The Fall Schedule is being developed and they are seeking input about days/times/types of classes people want. Any input would be appreciated. Email: bpyoga@gmail.com

New Year at Blue Pearl Yoga Open House is Jan. 4, come explore wellness opportunities

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The New Year at Blue Pearl Yoga Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Come and explore the many opportunities for wellness and check out our beautiful yoga space located in the former Masonic Temple on Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

Try out different styles of yoga and meet our teachers, as we will be offering free 20-minute Discovery classes throughout the day in our two yoga rooms. Or you're welcome to just hang out in the Art Gallery or Reception Room, and enjoy some light refreshments and good company.

All welcome, no charge. Blue Pearl Yoga Studio is located on the third floor of 200 E. Main St. — stair access only.

(In case of cancellation due to inclement weather, the Open House will occur from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5)

Stretch Your Soul This Lent

By Lisa Ace

Stretch Your Soul This Lent
If you are longing for the gift of inner peace, we invite you to experience the power of inner stillness through stretching the body and attending to the soul. Join us during the season of Lent for contemplative prayer through chair yoga and Centering Prayer. No previous experience is necessary. The yoga will be very gentle that anyone with any level of ability could participate.

Event Date and Time
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Stretch Your Soul This Lent

By Lisa Ace

Stretch Your Soul This Lent
If you are longing for the gift of inner peace, we invite you to experience the power of inner stillness through stretching the body and attending to the soul. Join us during the season of Lent for contemplative prayer through chair yoga and Centering Prayer. No previous experience is necessary. The yoga will be very gentle that anyone with any level of ability could participate.

Event Date and Time
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Stretch Your Soul This Lent

By Lisa Ace

Stretch Your Soul This Lent
If you are longing for the gift of inner peace, we invite you to experience the power of inner stillness through stretching the body and attending to the soul. Join us during the season of Lent for contemplative prayer through chair yoga and Centering Prayer. No previous experience is necessary. The yoga will be very gentle that anyone with any level of ability could participate.

Event Date and Time
-

Stretch Your Soul This Lent

By Lisa Ace

Stretch Your Soul This Lent
If you are longing for the gift of inner peace, we invite you to experience the power of inner stillness through stretching the body and attending to the soul. Join us during the season of Lent for contemplative prayer through chair yoga and Centering Prayer. No previous experience is necessary. The yoga will be very gentle that anyone with any level of ability could participate.

Event Date and Time
-

Stretch Your Soul This Lent

By Lisa Ace

Stretch Your Soul This Lent
If you are longing for the gift of inner peace, we invite you to experience the power of inner stillness through stretching the body and attending to the soul. Join us during the season of Lent for contemplative prayer through chair yoga and Centering Prayer. No previous experience is necessary. The yoga will be very gentle that anyone with any level of ability could participate.

Event Date and Time
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New Family Yoga class is free at Corfu Free Library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The benefits of Yoga include increased flexibility, improved muscle strength and tone, cardio and circulatory health as well as improved energy and vitality.

Now some of these benefits can be experienced by taking the new Family Yoga class at the Corfu Free Library. The class takes place the first Monday of every month at 10:30 a.m. that is led by Josselyn Borowiec, an instructor at Maya Yoga in Batavia.

“We are lucky to have Josselyn here at the library, to lead us through these gentle Yoga practices”, says Diana Reding, Library director. “She has studied Yoga and has worked with children for several years, so we are excited to begin this new program.”

“There is no cost for the class and the types of activities are gentle and can accommodate just about anyone. Materials are provided and the only requirement is to wear comfortable clothes that allow for free movement,” adds Reding.

“We first offered a gentle Yoga class at our Pre-school Story Hour. People enjoyed it so much that we thought we would make it a regular program,” says Borowiec. “I am thrilled that there is such an interest in Yoga. We also have a number of books that provide more information about Yoga’s benefits that are available for patrons to check out. We also have Yoga books appropriate for our youngest yogini readers."

Information about the Family Yoga Class as well as the other programs and services available at the library are posted on the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.com.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at 585-599-3321.

Free Community Yoga Class to be Offered at Blue Pearl Yoga

By Patricia Hawley

FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS OFFERED AT BLUE PEARL YOGA IN BATAVIA

 

BATAVIA…Blue Pearl Yoga will offer free yoga classes to the community on Friday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. These classes are suitable for all ages and skill levels. A DJ will provide music for this fun event. Light refreshments will be served following the class.

 

Karen Reisdorf, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga and recent recipient of the 2013 City of Batavia Business of the Year award announced that she will teach a yoga class as a way to say thank you to the community for the support they’ve shown during her 14 years in business. “Independent business owners owe everything to their customers, especially when you live outside an urban center,” Reisdorf said. “This is a way for me to give back and show my appreciation to all of the people who’ve supported me and helped me grow Blue Pearl Yoga.” 

 

A class for adults will be held on the 3rd floor of her yoga studio located at the old Masonic Temple on Main Street in Batavia. A special class for families will be held on the fourth floor; both classes begin at 6 p.m. “We’re committed not only to the health of our families but the health of our community,” said Reisdorf. While this is the first time that a free yoga class has been offered community-wide, Blue Pearl Yoga can often be found at local community agencies like the Mental Health Association and the YWCA teaching yoga to their clients.”  

 

A class for families will be held simultaneously on the 4th floor of the studio. Maryanne Skye will teach a class designed for fun and suitable for adults and children of all ages. Participants can expect light stretching and simple yoga poses that create a delightful flow of energy to an upbeat soundtrack.

 

No special equipment is required but participants should wear light, comfortable clothing. Yoga mats will be provided by the studio or you can bring your own.  Blue Pearl Yoga is located at 200 East Main Street in Batavia. For more information please call Karen Reisdorf at 585.230.5430 or email bluepearl.yoga@yahoo.com

 

Clear Your Energy with a Charka Workshop at Blue Pearl Yoga

By Patricia Hawley

A chakra workshop designed to relieve stress and increase energy is scheduled for February 1 at Blue Pearl Yoga. Rich Hayden, a certified yoga, meditation, and chakra instructor will lead the class on a path to renewed wellness. This class is suitable for all ages; pre-registration is required.

 

Chakras are points in the subtle human body located at the physical counterparts of arteries, veins, and nerves. Since charkas are not part of the human body they can most accurately be described as energy centers connected by channels. Each Chakra has its own characteristics, responsible for receiving and expressing energy. Through a series of simple yoga poses and breathing exercises students will learn how to activate energy while relieving stress, tension, and depression. “Keeping these energy field clear and balanced is one of the best form of preventative medicine and self-care,” according to Karen Reisdorf, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga.

Workshop facilitator Rich Hayden has been a yoga instructor at Blue Pearl Yoga for 8 years and has lead several Chakra Workshops. He says that participants will learn to attend to their Chakra through meditation, poses, and chanting to “establish health on a solid basis and increase energy.” During meditation, he says, “we focus on color and sound. Each chakra has a corresponding color connected to it and has a tremendous strengthening effect on the physical body.” The resulting outcome of this workshop is “peace, joy, and a true love of life.” 

The Chakra Workshop with Rich Hayden is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 East Main Street, third floor. Cost is $35.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information contact Karen Reisdorf at 585.813.5430.

With more than a decade of experience, yoga teacher opens own studio in City Centre

By Bonnie Marrocco

Nancy Jo Rademacker has a joy for teaching yoga that is no more evident than when she teaches one of her regular classes for young children at her new studio in City Centre.

More than 13 years ago, Rademacker reached out to BOCES to see if it offered yoga classes. They didn't, so she offered her services. That was her first job teaching yoga and it's been her passion ever since.

She said it's her "inner calling" and why she also decided to open Maya Yoga Studio across from Sunny's Restaurant in the mall.

The studio is named after her 11-year-old daughter, who also practices yoga.

“Yoga is a way to take care of yourself positively," Rademacker said. "It focuses on the whole of who you are -- physical, emotional and spiritual."

All classes are taught by her. She recently completed an advanced yoga training degree through the Kripalu School of Yoga and Health. The studio space is newly renovated and it is warm, comfortable and inviting. Classes are taught in low lighting with peaceful music playing softly in the background.

The classes that are offered range from gentle yoga for the beginner, to vigorous yoga for the experienced. There are several classes in between, as well as specialty classes, such as prenatal yoga, chair yoga and meditation classes.

There is even lunchtime yoga, which allows you to drop in for a few minutes or spend the whole hour. For some classes, drop-ins are welcome, while the more specialized classes require advance registration.

For more information visit the Web site at http://www.yogawithnancyjo.com/ or call 716-913-9616.

Couples Thai Yoga Massage

By karen reisdorf

This Valentine’s day, learn to express your tenderness for your partner through the healing touch of Thai-Yoga Massage, a deeply relaxing form of bodywork from Thailand that combines gentle assisted stretching derived from Yoga with acupressure massage and energy balancing influenced by Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. This heart-opening and connecting experience will be accentuated with nourishing tea and delightful chocolate treats.
$60/couple $50/pre pay

to register:

Event Date and Time
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Batavia yoga masters team up to teach future teachers

By Daniel Crofts

Batavia's Blue Pearl Yoga and Exhale Yoga recently teamed up for a 200-hour training of future yoga instructors. Rebecca Cohen (second from left), of Exhale, and Karen Reisdorf, of Blue Pearl, presented certificates last weekend to their three graduates: June Martino, Tess Garland and Maura Gilsinan.

The training was done in increments of four days a week for eight weeks, six hours a day, followed by a week-long "final exam."

Included were formal study (180 hours of class time and 10 hours of homework) and a "practicum" component (about 10 hours) where candidates had to observe and teach classes.

"It is quite an achievement for these ladies," Cohen said.

Yoga may look easy to outsiders, but no one can learn how to teach it without getting to know its complexities.

"You are trying to get a group of people to all move together and breathe together," Cohen said, "(and to) improvise a series of yoga poses, while asking them to push their muscles and joints to their safe limits."

Altogether, according to Cohen, there are about 900 body poses in yoga "if you include the variations."

She described yoga as "a great low-impact form of exercise that works every muscle in your body, and really improves core strength."

"It improves coordination and balance," she said, "because it is practiced barefoot and the poses are performed on one side and then the other, bringing balance to both sides of the body."

Yoga also makes use of deep breathing exercises.

"Yoga can certainly be just a physical exercise," Cohen said, "or it can be a physical exercise to connect you with your spirituality. It depends on your intentions."

Cohen always begins and ends her lessons by asking everyone to take a moment to reflect on his/her intention.

"(This) gives us a chance to remind ourselves of what we are grateful for and an opportunity to remember that in order to achieve personal growth, we need to stay focused on that goal or intention every day."

For anyone interested in future yoga instructor training, the cost is about $2,000 -- $1,800 for the training itself, plus an additional $200 for books.

For more information, call Cohen at (716) 316-9869 or email 1rebeccacohen@gmail.com. You may also contact Reisdorf at 343-1257 or e-mail bluepearl.yoga@yahoo.com.

Photo taken by Karen Reisdorf

Blue Pearl Yoga Open House

By Laurie Taillie

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 East Main St., Batavia, NY (above Charles Men's Shop) will hold an Open House on Saturday, November, 13 from 1-5 PM.  If you are interested in learning more about yoga, trying yoga, tai chi, pilates, experiencing Reiki healing or meditation, this is an event to attend.

Instructors will offer free mini classes throughout the afternoon.  There will be refreshments and door prizes.  Come for one or more mini classes, talk with the instructors and discover the benefits of yoga, tai chi, reiki and pilates.

Visit the web site www.bp-yoga.com for details.

Event Date and Time: 

Blue Pearl Yoga Open House

By Laurie Taillie

On Saturday, November 13, Blue Pearl Yoga will hold an Open House from 1-5 pm at 200 East Main St.  All are welcome to attend.  There will be choice of free mini classes in yoga, tai chi and pilates.  Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon and door prizes will be given during each of the mini classes.  There will be Reiki healing available as well as readings and meditation. 

Event Date and Time
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