HERE'S TO A HEALTHY 2026 FOR ALL

With lots of Improvements of all Kinds

Something New for 2026:

THE GUEST INSTRUCTOR OPTION

Tai Chi Vermont is starting up a “Guest Teacher List” that instructors can draw on to invite a Trainer or Trainer-in-Training to offer assistance to any aspect of a class. Such a guest teacher might be asked to observe a class and offer feedback to the instructors; lead a class or work with students on a particular move they’ve found especially difficult; meet with an instructor to offer ideas about how to enrich a continuing class, etc. Guest Instructors can also serve as substitute teachers.

Depending on YOUR location, email one of the people below to work out a good visit:

Laurie Knauer- statewide

Ellie Hayes- central Vermont and Northeast Kingdom

Anne Bower-around /Randolph/White River Junction/Ludlow/Weston

Beverly Blakeney-Vergennes/Shelburne/Burlington

Jo Bregnard--area around Springfield/Ludlow/Windsor

Zhen Wolffe--central, NW, and NE Vermont, incl. Northeast Kingdom and even south

Sue Monaco--Rutland/Castleton/Poultney/Brandon/Middlebury. Maybe even Manchester

The First 2026 Enrichment Sessions

Ellie Hayes and Beverly Blakeney will lead an intriguing 3-part series on Standing Meditation. The one-hour sessions run on Thursdays,1/8, 2/12, and 3/12, from 10-11 a.m. All three will be offered on Zoom and the link will be sent to you when you register. If you are affiliated with one of Vermont's Area Agencies on Aging, the sessions are free; if you are an independent instructor or a student, the cost is $10 per session, payable online in advance.

Second Saturday Practices Continue in Montpelier

Join Ellie Hayes and others at the Montpelier Senior Activities Center for Second Saturday practices at Jan 10, Feb 14, and March 14, from 10-12 a.m. The February gathering will include a festive celebration of Lunar New Year - The Year of the Horse. Folks who would like to help plan and organize the event should reach out to Ellie.

Dates for Fall Prevention Tai Chi Trainings

Registration will open this month, so check the website soon. All trainings will take place at St. John's Church in Randolph and will be led by Laurie Knauer, assisted by Sue Monaco and Jo Bregnard.

Level One: March 27 Required 3 hour zoom session

Level One: April 10 & April 17 In-person sessions

Level Two: July 31 & August 7 In-person session
Level Three: October 17 & 24 In-person sessions

Traditional Medicines and Methods Getting More Attention

Those of us practicing and/or teaching tai chi know all the many benefits it bestows. Well, it seems the rest of the world is starting to catch on to this practice and other traditional modalities. Check out this article from The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/dec/20/who-traditional-medicine-alternative-remedies-mainstream-healthcare-evidence

www.taichivermont.org