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HomeMy Public PortalAboutExplore Life Winter 2023Winter 2023Winter 2023Recreation Selections Close to Home PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS TUESDAY, January 10 Borrow These Skis! And a bunch of other cool stuff too. See Page 2. EXPLORE LIFE 2 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 When you have completed enjoying this edition of Explore Life please be sure to recycle it. This paper is produced in Nova Scotia. In memory of Gwen Hamm, almost $2000 has been raised to support the Municipality of Chester Leadership Fund. This money will now be used to train future leaders in the fitness / recreation world right here in our Municipality - a fitting tribute to Gwen who gave so much of her energy and passion to helping people live active lives. If you are looking to get trained and need financial assistance, please touch base with the Recreation & Parks Services at 902-275-3490. Municipal Council have added new grants, and revised the details of Grant Program.New/revised categories include: In 2018 the Province mandated that all trail access point (gates, bollards, boulders) be set to 66 inches wide by the year 2023. That decision was made so that trail users can expect to have consistent widths throughout the trail system. Our trail corridor is being constructed and maintained to allow OHV’s up to 60 inches wide to pass safely. This rule applies to all trails that are located on the former railbeds which are owned by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables including the Chester Connection and Aspotogan sections of the Rum Runners Trail. In the past few years, the Municipality has standardized all our access point to meet the provincial regulations. For more information contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 902-275-3490. Sixty Inches is the Max Operating Grant (replaced Council/Tourism Grant)Recreation Grant District Grant Major Project Grant Small Capital Grant * NEW Annual Budgeted Grants Community Group Grants and Guideline Changes It is always advisable to consult with the Recreation and Parks Department prior to submitting an application to ensure your project fits into the correct program category. For more information, please call the Recreation & Parks Office at 902-275-3490. Stay tuned for further details in early 2023. We’ve Got What You Need for Your Winter Adventures ChesterRecreation Find a great intro video on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/hcNqpTYcIxY Snowshoes Hiking Poles GPS units Trekking Skis Ice Grippers Igloo Making Tools Natural History Guide Books Kelly Kettles Binoculars Kick Sleds w/wo Dog Harness Trail Rider We want to support you and your explorations of our wonderful outdoor spaces (or even your backyard). Contact us to borrow any of the items on the list above. Loaned items are available for a maximum one week period per booking and Recreation and Parks staff can provide a quick tutorial if the item you are borrowing is new to you. Ne w s a n d N o t e s Gwen’s Impact Carries On Major Project and Small Capital Grants now have deadlines of January 31st each year. Tire width Winter 2022 EXPLORE LIFE: Recreation Selections Close to Home EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 3 PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS TUESDAY, January 10 The Municipality of Chester Recreation & Parks Services is seeking applications from students who would like to be part of our Summer staff team. Specifically, we are looking for our Summer Supervisor and our Special Events Coordinator (both starting early May) as well as four Youth Leaders (starting late June). If you are creative, energetic, organized, and enjoy working with youth and the public, submit your resume to: * Deadline to apply for Supervior or Coordinator positions is Friday, March 3, 2023. * Deadline to apply for Youth Leader positions is Friday, April 14, 2023. *Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Municipality of Chester Recreation & Parks Services ATTN: Jody Conrad 186 Central St., PO Box 369Chester NS B0J 1J0Email: jconrad@chester.caPhone: 902-275-2712 Fax: 902-275-3630 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT Recreation and Parks Staff Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development and Recreation Cosette Howlett, PRO Kids Coordinator Debbie Harnish, Administrative Assistant Jody Conrad, Recreation Coordinator Nadine Hackney,Community Development Coordinator Gord Tate, Active Living Coordinator Municipality of ChesterCommunity Development and Recreation Department186 Central StreetPO Box 369Chester NS B0J 1J0 phone: 902-275-3490fax: 902-275-3630email: recreation@chester.cawww.chester.ca PROGRAMS Hobbies 4 Education & Training 5 Movement & Fitness 6 Sport & Physical Activity 12 Outdoor Adventures 15 @ChesterRecParks ChesterRecreation @chestermunicipality@ChesterRecParks On the cover: Trying out the new trekking skis in Lordly Park. Contact us to try them out yourself. STORM CANCELLATION POLICY Programs MAY or MAY NOT be cancelled when there is a storm. To be sure, always check first before heading out to your program. If the weather is questionable, we encourage you to call our voicemail at 902-275-3490 or check the “Closures & Cancellation” button on the front page of our website: www.chester.ca. THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY: Morning Programs - If school is cancelled due to a storm, we will automatically cancel all morning programs whether they are held at a school or not. Night programs AND Drop-In Programs at ACES, CAMS, CDS, FHCS & NRCS are not necessarily cancelled if school is cancelled. We wait until 3:00 pm to determine if programs are on or not for that evening. We base our decision on current weather conditions and forecasts. If in doubt, check the “Closures & Cancellation” button on the front page of our website or call 902-275-3490. Weekend Programs - We will call all participants if the program is cancelled on the weekend, however, in case we can’t reach you, we encourage you to call our voicemail at 902-275-3490 or check the “Closures & Cancellation” button on the front page of our website: www.chester.ca. Recreation is the experience that results from freely chosen participation in physical, social, intellectual, creative and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community wellbeing. -Canadian National Recreation Framework 4 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 Eight is Enough Is there something you would like to try or learn, but need a little help finding the resources and getting organized? If you have a group of 8 in- terested people together, contact us at the Recreation and Parks Department and we will do our best to put a program together for you. Pricing depends on the activity of course (instructor fees, facility rental etc.), but will be based solely on cost-recovery. Eight is enough! WHMIS Training (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) WHMIS training is now available on-line through several Nova Scotia safety associations. Just do an on-line search for “WHMIS training Nova Scotia”. Course fees range in price from $15-$35 depending on the trainer. Castle Watch Are you a high school student who likes the outdoors and are looking for a resume builder and a way to serve your community and develop some skills? Recreation and Parks Services at the Municipality of Chester are looking for new members of the Castle Watch! Castle Watch members volunteer to patrol the trails at Castle Rock and help us keep an eye on trail conditions. All training is provided, and you even get some cool swag. Contact Jody Conrad at jconrad@chester.ca or 902-275-2712 to learn more. Wool Felting: Spring Decorations Join us in person or online for this workshop as we create special felted decorations to brighten our homes or gift to others. We will be learning about 3D wool felting techniques and using fun, bright colors to create unique pieces of art! Please note: *If attending online* participants will need internet access with Zoom and will need to pick up materials in advance from the Rec office on March 6 or 7. Location In person at the Chester Rec Office or Online via Zoom Cost $30 Instructor(s)Nadine Hackney Weeks 1 Ages Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesday March 8 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Wednesday, February 22 Plant Swap / Gardener’s Meet Oops - you’ve blinked and now it’s Winter in Canada. Come celebrate the serotonin providing hobby of indoor gardening and horticulture. We will be bringing plants to swap, wish lists, recipes, seeds, tips and tricks. No experience needed. Let’s get together and make this Winter a green one. Bring plant/seed donation or cash donation. Location Chester Area Middle School Cost Donation of plant/ seed or cash Instructor(s)Amy Barkhouse Weeks 1 Ages All ages (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Sunday February 5 1:00 to 3:00 pm Friday, January 27 Hobbies Pr o g r a m s Program registration opens Tuesday, January 10 They’ll be availble April 11, 2023 from the Recreation office and your local Councillor. Drop in or call ahead to reserve yours. Keep an eye out for these signs in your neighbourhood this Spring. EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 5 Pr o g r a m s Education & Training Personal Haircare Instruction: Create Your Best Look Come and learn the fundamentals of hair and scalp care. Get more out of future salon visits by understanding your hair type and potential. Practice techniques and speed up styling time. Learn terms and stylist lingo to steer your consultation successfully. We will also bust some hair myths along the way. Join this 3-session course to take away the mystery and luck with your hair and to help you always have a good hair day! This course is not meant to undermine or discredit your licensed stylist, but rather heighten your hair success at home and make it more fun! Bring in personal hairdryer and brushes for the third class. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $45 Instructor(s)Marie McDougall Weeks 3 Ages 15+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays February 1, 8, 15 6:30 to 8:00 pm Wednesday, January 25 Food Handlers Certification If you are currently working or would like to work in the food industry, this course is for you. You will learn the causes and types of food borne illness focusing on the practices designed to enhance food safety. The topics of safe food preparation, storage and personal hygiene are covered. This one-evening course is conducted by McMullin Food Safety and will provide you with the Nationally recognized certification now mandatory for all food service workers directly handling food. Bring pen & paper. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $50 Instructor(s)McMullin Food Safety (Al McMullin) Weeks 1 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesday March 8 5:00 pm till finished (usually just after 9:00 pm) Wednesday, March 1 An Afternoon in the Self-Help Section How do we move beyond a stack of great books from the self-help section, to truly doing self-healing? This session will explore how to maxi-mize the free or low-cost options available for supporting your whole-person wellness. Working with a therapist is not comfortable or acces- sible for everyone. Here, you’ll have perspective from two therapists (off the clock) on how to create practices and nurture relationships that invest in your mental and emotional health. Part experiential self-care tools, and part group bibliotherapy, we’ll explore some self-care prac- tices, and talk about books and other high-quality/low or no-cost resources. The goal is to provide you with some new insights and strategies to prioritize your well-being. Please wear clothes that are comfortable for moving, bring water and a snack, a notebook, and (if you like) two or three favourite resources to share that support your wellness. A light snack and tea will be provided – feel free to bring what nourishes you for break time. Kathleen Naylor is a Registered Counselling Therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a Nia Brown Belt instructor. She’s also a bibliophile, neuroscience nerd and dog lover. Nancy Hanlon is a Therapist, Registered Social Worker, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, and a Nia Black Belt instructor. She’s also a nature lover, gardener, and lover of all dance. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $30 Instructor(s)Kathleen Naylor / Nancy Hanlon Weeks 1 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Saturday February 11 1:00 to 4:00 pm Monday, February 6 Check out our winter storm cancelation policy on page 3. 6 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 Pr o g r a m s Healing Your Brain After a Concussion Concussions are among the invisible injuries of our time. Outside of the sports world, though, the aftermath of a concussion is often a quiet battle of survival. Both Elizabeth and Nancy have moved from being concussion survivors to living meaningful lives again. In this workshop, we will explore ways to optimize healing from a concussion, sharing our experiences, strategies, and tips for healing. These include eating for brain health, ways to cope with losses from the experience, and gentle NIA movement to support and calm the nervous system. Elizabeth Peirce is a writer, gardener, mother, and community builder. She is the author of Lost and Found: Recovering Your Spirit After a Concussion. Nancy Hanlon is a therapist, registered social worker, Compassionate Inquiry practitioner and a NIA Black Belt Instructor. She’s also a nature lover, gardener, and lover of all dance. Dress comfortable, bring water and items for your own comfort. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $30 Instructor(s)Nancy Hanlon & Elizabeth Peirce Weeks 1 Ages 18+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Saturday February 25 (Storm Date: Sunday, March 5) 1:00 to 3:00 pm Tuesday, February 21 Movement & Fitness Essentrics Did you know that we can choose how we want to age? This workout is based on the theories of Miranda Esmonde-White that simultaneously lengthens and strengthens every muscle in the body, resulting in greater joint mobility and lean long muscles. This is a full body-technique that works through the muscle chains, liberating and empowering the muscles, relieving them from tension in the process. A completely original workout that draws on the flowing movements of tai chi which create health and balance, the strengthening theories behind ballet which create long, lean, flexible muscles and the healing principles of physiotherapy which create a pain free body. A 10-minute mindful meditation is included and optional at the end of each class. Class is done in bare feet. Bring a mat and water, and wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear. Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $106 per session Instructors Robert Urquhart Ages 35+Weeks 8 weeks per session Day(s)Session No.Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Mondays 1 January 30 to March 27 (no class Feb 20) 9:30 to 10:30 am Monday, January 23 Wednesdays 2 February 1 to March 22 9:30 to 10:30 am Wednesday, January 25 Spanish Conversations Did you know Spanish is the second most natively spoken language in the world? Come practice what you know, learn beginner concepts, or have a full Spanish debate! Location Chester Area Middle School Cost Free Instructor(s)Luis Guillen Aoki Weeks 12 Ages All ages (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Mondays January 9 to April 3 (no class Feb 20) 5:00 to 6:00 pm Drop-in Program registration opens Tuesday, January 10 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 7 Pr o g r a m s 3M Fitness (Mindful, Mobilize, Movement) Enjoy a class of flowing movement to music. Mobilize your joints and improve your flexibility. An effective class to work through your whole body with gentle, flowing movements that can activate and relax your deeper muscles, joints, and ligaments. At the end of the class, you feel relaxed, calm, and flexible. Ready for a great start to the day. Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $122 Instructor(s)Heidrun Lind Weeks 9 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesdays January 31 to March 28 11:15 am to 12:00 noon Tuesday, January 24 Full Body Strength & Tone 10 minutes of a fun warm up will be the beginning of a great class that will work through all your muscle groups. Improve your overall health and wellbeing and strengthen/tone your body to look and feel better. We finish with stretching and relaxation. Classes are done to uplifting music. Start your day full of joy! Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $122 Instructor(s)Heidrun Lind Weeks 9 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesdays January 31 to March 28 10:15 to 11:00 am Tuesday, January 24 Dance Choreo for Fun Do you want to learn how to do Rock'n Roll, move like Michael Jackson or be the new John Travolta? Explore every week a different genre of music through a simple fun choreography. Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $122 Instructor(s)Heidrun Lind Weeks 9 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Thursdays February 2 to March 30 5:45 to 6:30 pm Thursday, January 26 Dance Fit This is a great way to work up a sweat while enjoying 45 minutes of various music styles, rhythms, and dance steps for singles. No experience or partners required. Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $122 Instructor(s)Heidrun Lind Weeks 9 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesdays January 31 to March 28 9:15 to 10:00 am Tuesday, January 24 Check out our winter storm cancelation policy on page 3. Beginner Jive, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Cha Cha This class includes the most popular dances so you can go out and enjoy a social evening of dancing. No experience or partner required. Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $122 Instructor(s)Heidrun Lind Weeks 9 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Thursdays February 2 to March 30 6:45 to 7:30 pm Thursday, January 26 8 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 Pr o g r a m s Chair Yoga Yoga is for everyone! No matter what age, physical limitation, or body type, one can experience the health benefits of doing Yoga with the help of a chair! With a chair, we can do most Yoga poses, breathing and relaxation techniques…some poses are seated, and some are standing…with a chair, one does not have to get up and down from the floor. No mat required. Chairs are provided. It is gentle; it is easy; it is fun; and it is accessible for everyone! Soft music plays in the background helping create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment! Chair Yoga will help improve our strength and flexibility and increase our self-esteem and peace of mind as well as helping with stress management, calming the mind, and soothing the body; boosting mood; improving endurance and overall conditioning; supporting good bone and joint health; increas-ing circulation, decreasing blood pressure, and promoting good heart health; boosting immunity; lowering blood sugar; and improving focus and concentration. It helps with all of the above; plus, it is gentle and fun! Chair Yoga is ideal for seniors, for people with physical limitations, for people with round bodies, for people recovering from an injury…. Chair Yoga is indeed for everyone! Wear comfortable clothing, bring indoor shoes, a towel and water. Masks are only worn arriving and departing…not required while exercising. Location Chester Basin Legion(25 Hwy 12)Cost $78 Instructor(s)Nancy Timbrell-Muckle Weeks 8 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date Time Pay/Register By Thursdays January 26 to March 16 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Thursday, January 19 Cardio & Muscle Conditioning Cardio and Muscle Conditioning is an energetic class that gets the heart rate up and promotes good cardio-vascular function as well as chal- lenging the major muscle groups in the body. Benefits of this type of exercise include lowering blood pressure; regulating blood sugar; aiding with sleep; helping manage body composition; strengthening the immune system; improving brain power; boosting mood; and improving mus-cle strength and endurance, overall balance, coordination, and flexibility. Music will be used to motivate and encourage everyone to have fun and move the body! Participants are asked to bring their own hand weights and a mat for floor work as these cannot be provided. Participants will be asked to choose a spot on the floor and all movement will take place around this spot. Wear comfortable workout clothing and footwear for the location and bring a towel & water. Masks are only worn arriving and departing…not required while exercising. Location Chester Basin Legion Cost $78 per session Instructors Nancy Timbrell-Muckle Ages 16+Weeks 8 weeks per session Day(s)Session No.Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Mondays 1 January 23 to March 20 (no class Feb 20)10:00 to 11:00 am Wednesday, January 18 Thursdays 2 January 26 to March 16 10:00 to 11:00 am Thursday, January 19 Nia Moving to Heal Nia Moving to Heal is a gentle, playful movement class where the focus is on healing by bringing awareness to our sensations. The moves and music are chosen to calm the nervous system and reconnect body, mind, spirit, and emotions. We encourage personalizing and adapting the moves for your own body’s needs. Chairs will be available, and you can participate seated or standing or both. All are welcome. Wear comfort-able dress and bring water. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $84 Instructor(s)Nancy Hanlon Weeks 8 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Sundays January 29 to March 19 1:30 to 2:30 pm Friday, January 20 Program registration opens Tuesday, January 10 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 9 Pr o g r a m s Beginner Salsa Latin rhythm, fun, sensual dance with lots of turns and twirls. Its origin is from Cuba and is now worldwide popular. Danced in an 8 beat rhythm. Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $122 Instructor(s)Heidrun Lind Weeks 9 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Thursdays February 2 to March 30 7:45 to 8:30 pm Thursday, January 26 “Improver” Line Dancing This is an ongoing class for dancers who have taken the beginner class. Dancers that are new to the group should contact the instructor to dis-cuss their experience level to ensure a good fit. Please note that this is a fragrance-free class. Wear comfortable footwear, clothing and bring water. Location Chester Legion Cost $70 Instructor(s)Erin Gore Weeks 14 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays January 25 to April 26 10:00 to 11:00 am Wednesday, January 18 Intermediate Line Dancing This is an ongoing class for dancers who have taken the classes before. Dancers that are new to the group should contact the instructor to dis- cuss their experience level to ensure a good fit. Please note that this is a fragrance-free class. Wear comfortable footwear, clothing and bring water. Location Chester Legion Cost $70 Instructor(s)Erin Gore Weeks 14 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays January 25 to April 26 10:45 to 11:45 am Wednesday, January 18 Advanced Line Dancing This is an ongoing class for dancers who have taken the classes before. Dancers that are new to the group should contact the instructor to dis-cuss their experience level to ensure a good fit. Please note that this is a fragrance-free class. Wear comfortable footwear, clothing and bring water. Location Chester Legion Cost $70 Instructor(s)Erin Gore Weeks 14 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays January 25 to April 26 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Wednesday, January 18 Pilates Basics The Pilates Basics class is open to everyone. It is a gentle class that works with alignment, posture, and core activation. It will help participants bring awareness to their movement patterns and assist with those patterns to create more mobility and strength. Bring a mat and water. Location Chester Brass Band Hall Cost $115 Instructor(s)Manuela Soares Weeks 8 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Mondays February 6 to April 3 (no class Feb 20) 12:00 to 1:00 pm Monday, January 30 Check out our winter storm cancelation policy on page 3. 10 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 Slow Flow Yoga – St. Stephen’s Parish Hall Move slowly and deliberately through sequences of yoga postures and breathing techniques to focus attention and free our minds from the busyness of everyday life. Focus is on strength, flexibility and movement through standing, balance, floor, and twisting postures. Suitable for all levels, especially for those wanting a slower paced class with posture modifications. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. Location St. Stephen’s Parish Hall Cost $125 Instructor(s)Dawn Hatt Weeks 10 Ages 20+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays January 25 to March 29 9:30 to 10:30 am Friday, January 20 Pr o g r a m s Chakra Series Yoga Learn about and connect with your chakras as we explore these energy centers through poses, colors, and sounds. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat, water bottle (we can provide yoga mats if needed). Location Chester Area Middle School Cost $100 Instructor(s)Kayla Cotton Weeks 7 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays January 25 to March 8 6:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, January 19 Gentle/Beginner Yoga Join a gentle class where poses will be modified, as needed. Asanas (poses) will build strength, treat chronic pain, and strengthen your immune system. This will be a small class with individual attention provided. Wear comfortable stretchy clothes and bring water. Location St. Stephen’s Parish Hall Cost $109 per session Instructors Wenda Fraser-Housego Ages 40+Weeks 8 weeks per session Day(s)Session No.Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesdays 1 January 24 to March 14 1:00 to 2:00 pm Thursday, January 19 Thursdays 2 January 26 to March 16 6:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, January 19 Yin Yoga Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that offers a quiet, contemplative practice that is in complete contrast to the more dynamic movement of Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Yin Yoga is practiced on a mat with postures that are seated, kneeling, lying on the back or front of the body. No standing postures are used. Yin postures are held for at least three to five minutes per posture. Yin postures target the connective tissues of the body rather than the body’s muscles, as a Vinyasa Flow style of Yoga would do. In particular, a Yin practice focuses on the ligaments that attach bone to bone and the fascia covering all tissues. Over time, slow, gentle traction of ligaments will aid in increasing the body’s flexibility. In addition, the flow of energy through the connective tissues will over time create a feeling of ease and relaxation as the tissues adapt. Yin Yoga also offers the participant an opportunity to explore mindfulness and meditation during the practice. Yin Yoga focuses on breathing to guide the practice. Breathing is the foundation from which the practice can evolve, calming the mind and easing the body into awareness of itself - finding stillness and serenity. Yin style is in fact the original style of yoga dating back many years before vinyasa flow became popular. Class is done barefoot on a mat. Wearing layers is recommended to keep warm. Wear comfortable workout clothing and bring a mat, blanket, a towel for extra cushion- ing, and a water bottle. Location Chester Basin Legion (25 Hwy 12) Cost $106 Instructor(s)Nancy Timbrell-Muckle Weeks 8 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays January 25 to March 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm Friday, January 20 Program registration opens Tuesday, January 10 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 11 Slow Flow Yoga - Chester Basin Legion Slow Flow Yoga is a gentle healing practice that invites participants to move slowly through best loved yoga poses, flowing gently from one pose to another with emphasis on deep breathing. This practice benefits everyone from those new to yoga to those further along in their yoga journey and those seeking a therapeutic experience to help soothe the body, mind, and spirit. Poses are done barefoot on a mat (participants bring their own) and are done lying down, seated, kneeling, and standing. The practice incorporates music and meditation. In Sanskrit, the ancient language of yoga, this style of yoga is called vinyasa. Benefits of a yoga practice include helping with stress management, calming the mind, and soothing the body; boosting mood and self-esteem; improving flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, and overall conditioning; supporting good bone and joint health; increasing circulation, decreasing blood pressure, and promoting good heart health; boosting immu-nity; lowering blood sugar; and improving focus and concentration. It helps with all of the above; plus, it is gentle and fun. Wear comfortable workout clothing, bring indoor athletic footwear, a yoga mat, towel, and water. Masks are only worn arriving and departing…not required while exercising. Location Chester Basin Legion Cost $106 Instructor(s)Nancy Timbrell-Muckle Weeks 8 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Mondays January 23 to March 20 (no class Feb 20) 7:00 to 8:30 pm Wednesday, January 18 Pr o g r a m s Full Moon Yoga Harnessing the energy of the full moon, each month we will chat about astrological happenings, move through a beginner-friendly full moon-inspired yoga flow, release what is no longer serving us, and end the evening with a meditative sound bath. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a journal or paper, pen/pencil, yoga mat (we can provide yoga mats if needed) and a water bottle. Location Chester Area Middle School Ages 16+Instructor(s)Kayla Cotton Weeks 4 Cost $70 Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Sunday Tuesday Thursday Friday February 5 March 7 April 6 May 5 6:30 to 7:30 pm 6:30 to 7:30 pm 6:30 to 7:30 pm 6:30 to 7:30 pm Wednesday, February 1 Restorative Yoga, Sound Healing & Meditation Using pillows, blankets, and an assortment of props, this style of yoga is designed to allow your body to release and deeply relax. Throughout the class, enjoy the healing vibrations from crystal singing bowls for an immersive sound bath experience. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a pillow/cushion or rolled up towel or blanket, a yoga mat (we can provide yoga mats if needed) and a water bottle. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $120 Instructor(s)Kayla Cotton Weeks 6 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesdays January 24 to February 28 4:30 to 6:00 pm Thursday, January 19 Safe Space Yoga for Grades 9-12 A judgment-free and trauma-sensitive gathering with different activities each week. You can expect gentle movement, breathing techniques, journaling, sharing circles, and a variety of healing modalities that leave you feeling connected to yourself and others. Wear comfortable cloth-ing. Bring a yoga mat (we can provide yoga mats if needed), blankets or pillows optional, and a water bottle. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $60 Instructor(s)Kayla Cotton Weeks 6 Ages Grades 9-12 Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesdays January 24 to February 28 3:15 to 4:15 pm Thursday, January 19 Check out our winter storm cancelation policy on page 3. 12 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 Pr o g r a m s Try Sledge Hockey! Sledge hockey is a fast and fun sport for all abilities and is quickly growing in popularity across the Country (Did you check out any of the Para Hockey Cup at the LCLC this past Fall?!) Come give it a shot and see what all the fun is about by joining members of the South Shore Ice Storm hockey team on the outdoor rink for some tips and pointers. Sledges and sticks provided. The local 4H group, Handy Hands 4H, will be provid- ing a hotdog BBQ with juice, water, and hot chocolate! Bring a hockey helmet and hockey gloves (we have some gear). Walk to the Principal’s Office - Indoor Walking Here’s a chance to get your walking in while staying safe and dry this, Winter. The hallways of the upper floor of Forest Heights Community School make a nice walking loop. Keep track of how many laps you complete over the Winter and get a prize from the recreation department if you complete 500 laps! …And in this case, talking in the halls is allowed…but only for walkers. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $2 Drop-in fee Weeks 12 Ages All Ages Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Tuesdays and Thursdays January 24 to April 13 6:30 to 8:30 pm Drop-in Sport & Physical Activity Yoga for Teens An afterschool retreat to unwind, regulate and let go of the day. These yoga classes will include laughter, education, and a variety of postures and games aimed to keep teens interested and engaged. Bring a yoga mat (we can provide yoga mats if needed), and a water bottle. Location Chester Area Middle School Cost $60 Instructor(s)Kayla Cotton Weeks 6 Ages Grades 7-8 Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays January 25 to March 1 2:50 to 4:00 pm (1:20 to 2:30 on February 1 & 15 for early dismissals) Thursday, January 19 Program registration opens Tuesday, January 10 Location New Ross Outdoor Rink Cost Free Instructors Dave Waters, South Shore Ice Storm with Recreation Staff Register By Drop-in Weeks 1 Ages All ages (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Thursday February 2 (Storm date: February 9) 6:00 to 9:00 pm EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 13 Pr o g r a m s Basketball for Adults - New Ross (Drop-In) Come have fun by playing basketball! All skill levels welcome, we can run 1-on-1 games, play with teams, or just have shooting practice. See you on the court! Bring indoor sneakers and water. Location New Ross Consolidated School Gym Cost $2 Drop-in fee Weeks 14 Ages 14+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Wednesdays January 11 to April 12 7:30 to 9:00 pm Drop-in Badminton Drop-In New Ross Q: Why can't you play badminton in the jungle? A: Because there are too many cheetahs!This friendly group meets weekly to play casually. Join us for a fun time - all ages and skill levels welcome! Bring indoor sneaker and water. Location New Ross Consolidated School Gym Cost $2 Drop-in fee Weeks 14 Ages All Ages Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Tuesdays January 10 to April 11 7:00 to 8:30 pm Drop-in Badminton Drop-In Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary School Whether you are a seasoned player or an absolute newbie to the sport, come join this fun, informal group for a good workout. All equipment provided but bring a racquet if you have one. Bring indoor, athletic footwear and water. Location Aspotogan Consolidated School Gym Cost $3 Drop-in fee Weeks 12 Ages Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Wednesdays January 25 to April 12 7:00 to 8:30 pm Drop-in Check out our winter storm cancelation policy on page 3. Walking with Neighbors in Blandford Come together with your neighbors for a walk around the gym at your own pace. Chat with old friends or make some new ones while strength- ening your bones and muscles! Wear comfortable walking shoe and bring water. Location District #1 Community Centre, Blandford Cost $2 Drop-in fee Weeks 12 Ages All Ages (under 16 must be accompanied by adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Mondays January 9 to April 3 (no walking Feb 20) 10:00 to 11:00 am Drop-in Walking with neighbors in Chester Come together with your neighbors for a walk around the gym at your own pace. Chat with old friends or make some new ones while strength- ening your bones and muscles! Wear comfortable walking shoe and bring water. Location Chester Area Middle School Cost $2 Drop-in fee Weeks 12 Ages All Ages (under 16 must be accompanied by adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Mondays January 9 to April 3(no walking Feb 20)5:00 to 6:00 pm Drop-in 14 EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 Pr o g r a m s Intermediate/Advanced Recreational Pickleball For players who have progressed beyond basic Pickleball play and are looking for a friendly faster-paced game, these drop-in sessions will help develop and improve higher level skills. Players will be comfortable playing at the non-volley zone and using a variety of strategies such as drop shots, lobs, shot selection, ball placement and putting spin on the ball to challenge their opponents. Bring indoor, athletic footwear, water, and a paddle if you have one. Location Forest Heights Community School Cost $4 drop-in fee Instructors Chester Area Pickleball Association Weeks 12 Ages 12+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesdays & Thursdays January 24 to April 13 6:30 to 8:30 pm Drop-in Drop-in Pickleball at ACES Have you heard of Pickleball? Whether you are a seasoned player or an absolute newbie to the sport, come join this fun, informal group for a good workout. Pickleball is a racket sport played with paddles and a whiffle ball (similar to tennis or badminton) and is played indoors on a bad- minton court. Bring indoor, athletic footwear and water. All equipment provided. Note: In the event of poor conditions due to weather, check our website at www.chester.ca to check for program cancellations after 3pm that day or check the “Hubbards Pickleball” Facebook page. Location Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary School Gym Cost $3 drop-in fee Instructors Sally Langille Weeks 12 Ages 16+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Mondays January 23 to April 10 7:00 to 8:30 pm Drop-in Program registration opens Tuesday, January 10 Beginner Pickleball What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a racket sport played with paddles and a whiffle ball (similar to tennis or badminton) and is played indoors on a badminton court. Come join the fun and be part of the fastest growing sport in North America. This is a drop-in session for players who are new to the game or working on developing basic skills and/or just wanting to play for fun! Volunteers will be available for instruction in the fundamentals of Pickleball including game rules and etiquette, how to keep score as well as specific skills such as serves, ball control, ground- strokes, forehand, backhand and “dinking”. A limited number of paddles are available, but regulars are encouraged to purchase their own paddle. Wear indoor athletic footwear, bring water and a paddle (if you have one). Instructors Local Experienced Pickleball Volunteers Cost $4 drop-in fee Ages 12+Weeks 12 Wednedays; 11 Sundays Day(s)Location Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Wednesdays Chester District School January 18 to April 5 6:30 to 8:30 pm Drop-in Sundays New Ross School January 22 to April 2 6:30 to 8:30 pm Drop-in Lunchtime Skates Free Lunchtime Skates every Thursday in February. Bring your blades and glide through lunch for some good exercise for the body and mind. All skaters will be required to complete a waiver at their first visit. Location Chester Rink Cost Free Weeks 4 Ages 3+ Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Thursdays February 2, 9, 16, 23 12:30 to 1:30 pm Drop-in EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘23 15 On Track for a 5K 8 weeks to take you from Winter hibernation to running 5 km. A very simplistic run program that is inclusive and supportive to all body types. Each week while working through the training schedule we will have a lesson on running form, speed, nutrition, and injury prevention. All to get you race ready for the Cut N Run, or simply to add some exercise to your spring. Registration includes entry into the Chester Cut N Run on June 4th as well as an event T-shirt. Wear good running shoes. Location Meet at Chester Train Station Cost $80 Instructors Cynthia Ferrolino Weeks 8 Ages All Ages (under 12 accompanied by an adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Sundays April 9 to May 28 9:30 to 10:30 am Monday, April 3 Card Lake Owl Prowl Hike Every time we walk at Card Lake, we talk about the Barred Owl…tonight we try to find them! This mystical resident of our mature woods is very vocal, especially this time of year when mating and nesting are on their minds. Join us for a discussion focused on these dark-eyed spirits as we take a night walk around the trail. We will stop to call, listen, and enjoy the night in the forest. Hopefully with some luck and quiet travel, they will allow us a little window into their nightly routine. This hike is part of Hike Nova Scotia’s Guided Hike series. Visit www.hikenovascotia.ca to learn more. Registration is required. Card Lake Provincial Park is 3895 Hwy 14, approximately 16 km inland from HWY 103 at Exit 8. Bring water, extra layers (windproof), snowshoes (if needed), flashlight, and a snack. Location Card Lake Provincial Park, 3895 Hwy 14 Cost Free Instructor(s)Recreation & Parks Staff Weeks 1 Ages Ages 8+ (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Wednesday March 15 (Stormdate: March 16)7:30 to 9:00 pm Wednesday, March 8 Winter Walk & Wildlife Sign Join us for a Winter walk through the new trail at the Haughn property. If we’re lucky, we’ll have a fresh supply of snow that will allow us to track some of the wide variety of wild critters that inhabit our local woods and fields. We’ll also discuss the practice of wildlife tracking in general including how to get started, equipment to have, and what resources are available. Curiosity and a willingness to slow down and pay attention are the main things needed for this experience. Bring water, extra layers (windproof), snowshoes (if needed), and a snack. Let us know if you need snowshoes. Location Haughn Property, Middle River, 4956 Hwy 3 Cost FREE Instructor(s)Recreation & Parks Staff Weeks 1 Ages 8+ (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Register By Saturday February 25 (Storm date: Feb 26) 9:30 to 11:00 am Tuesday, February 21 Graves Island Star-Gaze & Chili Supper Join us for an early evening guided star-gaze followed by hot chili over the wood stove in the trailhead shelter. Unlike other years, we will view the sky (if conditions allow) from the fields adjacent to the shelter…no icy walks to contend with this year. Hot chocolate, chili, and good com- pany guaranteed! Park at the parking lot before the causeway and walk across to the trailhead shelter. Watch your footing on the causeway as it can get icy. Dress for Winter, bring a flashlight and water. Location Graves Island Provincial Park Cost $5 (under 12 years are free) Instructor(s)Recreation & Parks Staff with Kevin & Kathy Marczak Weeks 1 Ages All Ages (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) Day(s)Date(s)Time Pay/Register By Tuesday February 7 (Storm date: Feb 8) 6:15 to 7:45 pm Wednesday, January 31 Outdoor Adventures Check out our winter storm cancelation policy on page 3. Spot 7 differences between the two photos and win a recreation swag package. And feel free to visit the new caboose at the Chester Train Station and watch for its restoration over the coming year. 3 Easy Ways To Register for Programs 1 By Phone: Call 902-275-3490 Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Payment may be made with credit card over the phone. 2 By Mail: Send cheques payable to “Municipality of Chester” to: Recreation & Parks Services 186 Central Street, PO Box 369 Chester NS B0J 1J0 There’s also a new drop-off box located just outside the Recreation & Parks office. 3 Online: Have a credit card ready, and set up an account online. Step 1: Visit www.Chester.ca, under the Explore tab, click “Register for a Recreation Program”. Step 2: Sign in or Create an Account. Step 3: Once complete, you can register for activities Contact us anytime at: 902-275-3490 recreation@chester.ca Spot 7 PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS TUESDAY, January 10 Congratulations to Isla Chapman who won the recreation swag package in the Fall edition. Send your answers to recreation@chester.ca. Contest closes Friday, February 10. Winners will be chosen randomly from all the correct submissions.