Additional Wiawaka Workshops
Living with Intention
June 30th, 2025
10:00am-12:00
Instructor: Lorin Beller
Cost of the workshop is $20, this includes the book.
$30 for the workshop and a day pass.
This class is for people that want to live more intentional and learn really what it means to do so. We will look at 8 areas of our lives and what the goals are vs the intentions so that we can separate the two very distinctly. When doing so, this changes the entire way to choose to live! Life becomes more magical. We become more present and more peaceful - because we realize what we are in charge of and what we are not. Each participant will also receive a custom bracelet to use as a reminder for the remainder of the calendar year.
Lorin Beller has been working with her Intention Wheel since she created it it in 2002. 1000's of people have used it over the years. And dozens have used it for 2 decades! Because it is a tool that truly creates clarity and direction. Lorin has a masters degree and great experience as an entrepreneur the past 30 years. It brings her joy to inspire others to live intentionally. For more information about Lorin see: LorinBeller.com
Forest Bathing
July 1st, 2025
1:30pm-3:00pm
Instructor: Diane Collins
Cost of the workshop is $20, this includes the book.
$30 for the workshop and a day pass.
15 minute discussion about Forest Bathing history and benefits then personal time in local woods “bathing” in the sights and sounds that surround us. Included in program is a copy of new recent booklet “Queensbury Trails”
Diane is a Naturalist and wildflower photographer and publisher of wildflower booklets in partnership with local non-profits.
Latin Dance Day
July 8th, 2024
Instructor: Jennifer Cornell
2:30-5:30 Dance Lessons
6:00--7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:00 Dance Party
$100 for the dance class, dinner and the dance party.
Salsa, bachata and merengue are all Latin dances that are fun, flirty and fast paced. The music is lively and cheerful. Come join us for a beginner course on learning all the basic steps of these dances. You will learn enough moves to feel like you can get out on the dance floor, but the focus will be on executing them well so you could dance with anyone. After dinner we will have an optional open dance for you to practice your new moves under the direction of certified dance instructor Jennifer Cornell of Dance Moves with Jen in Queensbury, NY.
Anyone can sign up for this class and we will rotate partners so that everyone gets a chance to dance with each other. Anyone can lead or follow.
Required: Comfortable shoes that can slide on a wooden floor and a willingness to learn something new and have fun. See you on the dance floor.
Drum Class
July 9th, 2024
1:30pm-3:30pm
Instructor: Olympia Avignone
Drum Circle 7:00pm-9:00pm
Drum Class: Have fun learning hand drum technique and West African Rhythms. No prior experience necessary, all skill levels welcome from beginner to advanced, drums provided if needed. Learn West African rhythms and how to participate in drum circles. The rhythms that we cover will have parts for everyone, regardless of skill level: simpler components for anyone new to the drum, up to more complicated facets of the music, such as rhythmic phrases specific to the dances that go with a particular rhythm.
Drum Circle: Engage in a centuries old tradition that brings us together in a joyful exploration of rhythm . John and Olympia will facilitate the rhythms in the circle, playing those learned in the workshop or creating new ones on the spot as we co-create the musical experience. Join us in this rhythmic exploration and entrainment with all participants. Dancing is welcome and encouraged! Drums and percussion provided if needed.
In 1991, John Ward’s life changed forever, through his introduction to the drum, and the world of rhythm. He sought out master drummers and teachers from West Africa to study with, and in time, playing drums went from a hobby to a profession. In the thirty+ years that have followed, he has taught classes for beginning and advanced students, plays for dance classes, facilitates drum circles, plays at private and corporate affairs, and has recorded percussion tracks for many artists. He has performed with Babatunji Olatunji’s Drums of Passion, worked with Kemoko Sano, choreographer of the National Ballet of Guinee’ West Africa, done workshops with artists from the Paul Taylor dance company, David Parsons, Alvin Ailey, Jose’ Limon, and many others.
Olympia Ward has played drums for 30+ years, studying and performing in the following traditions: West and North African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Native American and Southern Italian and currently facilitates drum circles in the Catskill mountains and plays percussion in a duo.
Cost of the workshop is $55, this includes the use of a drum.
Spaces are limited. You do not have to attend the drum circle if you would just like to participate in the class.
Navigating Life Passages
July 22nd, 2024
1:00pm-4:00pm
Instructors: Melissa Pilkey and Dr. Elaine Handley
This workshop will help participants develop coping strategies for their new life situation whether it be: marriage, divorce, illness, moving, retirement, an empty nest, widowhood, injury--or something else that has reconfigured their lives.
Through a series of lively, interactive discussions and activities, we will use exercises and writing as a way to connect with each other, become more in touch with our own needs and share strategies to further build resilience as we live through dramatic changes in our lives.
Cost of the workshop is $35
Healing And The Magic Of Love, Transforming Pain And Sadness Into Peace And Joy
July 28th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Instructor: Mary Alice Stuart
Many of user experiencing the intensity of Grief at this time. We grieve about many things. The death of a family member, partner or friend can have a lasting effect on us. There's also lost love, financial crisis and health. When you transform the way you experience these life events you get to take back your power, what was, and move toward renewal, self love and self care--which will bring you back to a place of peace and true joy. This two hour workshop, we'll us meditation & sharing to: Learn how to connect to your loved ones. Learn Creative ways to honor and remember them Release yourself from the bondage of life's challenges. Receive spontaneous messages from your loved ones. Create joy from sadness and anger. Join us if you are ready to receive the blessings of connection and to honor yourself and your process. This heartwarming program will help you heal the loss of a loved one or a life event, and help you move forward with was and grace.
Mary Alice is an Empathic Medium, Clairvoyant, Healer, Meditation Teacher and Visionary. These skills have been applied to her work in Business, Government, Politics and the private sector. With her extraordinary range of powers, Mary Alice focuses to profoundly influence the lives, hopes and dreams of her clients. Her striking presence, gentle wisdom and sweet demeanor fail to hide an incisive intelligence, a penetrating intuition, and a unique ability to redefine perceived barriers, to resolve emotional roadblocks and to remove spiritual obstacles. Her knowledge and attributes are diverse and the life changing transformation she brings to each client is impossible to ignore.
Cost of the workshop is $45
Cost for workshop and day pass is $55
Learn valuable skills and create a toolbox you can use everyday for self care. Fun , easy, soothing practices for better joint mobility, posture, balance, strength and relaxation that you can build into your day bringing you more ease physically and emotionally.
Studies show self love and compassion for ourselves leads to more compassion for others. Nurture yourself and everyone around you.
Anne Rogers holds a BA in Health and Physical education , has taught yoga for forty years, is a certified reiki and Thai massage practitioner, and certified in plant based nutrition. In addition to enjoying all of her work she practices qigong ,and loves to dance, hike and sketch. Her passion is to share what she loves and experiencing the ease and joy it brings to others.
The Ease and Beauty of Everyday Self-Care
July 29th 9:00am-11:00am
Instructor: Anne Rogers
Cost of the workshop is $25
Cost for workshop and day pass is $35
Introduction to Nature Journaling
July 30th, 2025
10:00am – 3:00 pm
Instructor: Starr Regan DiCiurcio
$50 for the class with lunch included
This class will provide an overview of the practice of nature journaling. In addition to Starr’s presentation, there will be independent time for journaling, and a final circle for sharing. Materials, including a journal, will be provided but please bring any supplies you enjoy using.
Starr is an interfaith minister, writer, and fervent nature journaler. She facilitates a regional group of nature journalers on Zoom and in person. Nature journaling is an effective way to deepen one’s connection to Mother Earth while cultivating inner peace and joy.
As an interfaith minister, she offers retreats, meditation classes, and spiritual direction.
Mindful Humaning: How To Stop Saying and Doing Things You Regret
July 31st, 2024
9:ooam-12:00pm
Instructor: Jodie Seymour
Learn to self-regulate with more grace and deepen your connection with others.
Do you want to improve your relationships and lower your stress levels? I did, and I have. I want to share how. Come along on a journey of introspection and action.
You will learn to rewire your autopilot reactions. You will transform your relationships, health, and life. I will share my story, struggles, and practices that have changed my relationships and granted me peace.
Jodie Seymour is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, integrative life coach, author and special educator. She works to help her students and clients lead more intentional, present, and joyful lives. Her book, Mindful Humaning: How To Stop Saying and Doing Things You Regret is available now on Amazon. Participates of this course will take a copy home with them.
Cost of the workshop is $40 (Jodie will have her book on sale)
To purchase lunch or a day pass call Wiawaka at 518-668-9690
Don’t you just hate how the past manages to hijack the future? UGH. Joy robbery. Let’s expose and unravel the tired old underlying beliefs and emotions that still determine what we can and can’t have, who we can and can’t be, and how we can and can’t live our lives.
It’s time to rebel against that old programming and claim the strong, wise, powerful woman you have always been. Workshop facilitator, Cate LaBarre, is a Certified Master Life Coach and Daring Way™ Facilitator. http://catelabarre.com
Unravel Your Life
August 1st, 2024
10:ooam-12:00pm
Instructor: Cate LaBarre
Cost of the workshop is $20
To purchase lunch or a day pass call Wiawaka at 518-668-9690
Forest Bathing
August 12th, 2025
1:30pm-3:00pm
Instructor: Diane Collins
Cost of the workshop is $20, this includes the book.
$30 for the workshop and a day pass.
15 minute discussion about Forest Bathing history and benefits then personal time in local woods “bathing” in the sights and sounds that surround us. Included in program is a copy of new recent booklet “Queensbury Trails”
Diane is a Naturalist and wildflower photographer and publisher of wildflower booklets in partnership with local non-profits.
Perhaps the most valued relationship for women is that of a good friend, the “sister” we get to choose.
In this workshop we’ll explore different aspects of friendship, including what it takes to nurture existing friendships; the pain when a friendship is lost or broken; and how to move on when it’s just not working anymore. Additionally, the importance of trust and how to let go with love.
Workshop facilitator, Cate LaBarre, is a Certified Master Life Coach and Daring Way™ Facilitator. http://catelabarre.com
Girlfriends
August 9th, 2024
10:ooam-12:00pm
Instructor: Cate LaBarre
Cost of the workshop is $20
To purchase lunch or a day pass call Wiawaka at 518-668-9690
In this workshop Sherri will help you to explore your holistic wellbeing – how we live, how we move, how we think, how we eat. You will learn the 8 dimensions of wellness and identify changes that bring balance. Participants will complete a questionnaire to help them focus in on what’s going well and what needs their attention. They will be guided through exercises to help them focus in on one area that needs their attention and to identify changes or actions to help them move forward. Finally you will be taken through the process of creating a SMART plan (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound).
Sherri has worked with women of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of settings. Sherri is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and is excited to share her talents at Wiawaka.
Balancing Your Wellness Wheel
August 12th, 2024
1:00pm-1:45pm
Instructor: Sherri Rose
Cost of the workshop is $25
$35 for the workshop and a day pass
Nia is designed to transform our relationships with our bodies, which then, in turn, transforms our relationships with life. It's rooted in anatomy and physiology and features 52 moves based on how the body is designed to move safely and systemically. It's a fusion art of martial arts, which are about precision, focus, concentration, and readiness; the dance arts, which are about meaning, purpose, and expression; and the healing arts, which are about alignment and subtle awareness of sensations. Together, it makes for a beautiful movement blend.
What's more, Nia has shown to heal our nervous systems and help us heal the trauma, abuse, and oppression that land in our bodies. Personally, Nia teased me back into living after the loss of my daughter.
NIA Dance Class
August 19th, 2025
10:00am-11:00am
Instructor: Elaine Wolf
Cost of the workshop is $20
$35 for the workshop and a day pass
Forgiveness is an essential part of healing that must occur if we wish to live our lives to the fullest. We heal to forgive so that we can manifest self-love and to begin again.
This workshop will offer essential self-healing techniques, journaling, restorative meditations, empowering exercises to help you find clarity, rituals to support the process, and insights from Janet who is following her own path of forgiveness.
Rev. Janet Dunn is an ordained interfaith, inter spiritual minister. She is a certified life coach, certified meditation teacher, certified life cycle celebrant, a certified forest therapist and herbalist. She lives her work, coaches people to find more joy and freedom in their life, creates healing ceremonies, meditations and helps others find deep silence in the woods. She offers workshops on forgiveness, loving oneself, healing within, and finding joy.
Janet is lifelong seeker of joy and thoroughly enjoys guiding others on their journey.
Forgiveness: Releasing Old Wounds, Overcoming Heartache, and Letting Go
August 20th, 2024
10:00am-12:00am 1:00pm-2:00pm
Lunch not included but can purchased by calling ahead
Instructor: Janet Dunn
Cost of the workshop is $30
$40 for the workshop and a day pass
The Witches Dance
August 30th, 2024
7:00pm
There is no fee for this presentation! Please sign up by calling the front desk at Wiawaka (518)-668-9690.
Our mission is to bring Peace, Love, and Healing to the places we take our dance. Our vibe is “Outside and Free” for most places we go.