Natural Awakenings
Meditation Classes at Vajra Light Buddhist Center in Hartsdale, NY
Vajra Light Buddhist Center is a Buddhist meditation center in Hartsdale, New York, that offers instruction in meditation and spiritual practice. Meditation classes at Vajra Light are taught by qualified Western teachers who make the practice easy to understand and apply to daily life.
Meditation classes are held on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m., and once a month on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is not necessary, and everyone is welcome. The topic of the next Saturday class is Awakening the Heart, an Introduction to Meditation, on May 18 for a fee of $10. The Sunday series topic in May is Limitless Possibility: Ultimate Truth in Daily Life, and classes are $12. The Wednesday series in May looks at Freedom from Anger: Transforming Problems and Conflict, and classes are $10.
At the beginning of each class, teachers guide a gentle, relaxing meditation to help practitioners develop a beneficial motivation for attending. The instructor then gives a practical teaching on some aspect of Buddhist meditation and practice, followed by a discussion and a Q&A period. The sessions end with a guided meditation, designed to take the teaching to heart. Afterwards, those who wish to may talk to the teacher and other students informally.
Vajra Light is located at 234 North Central Ave. in Hartsdale, NY. For more info, visit MeditationInWestchester.org or call 914.607.3583.
Learning and Applying the Wisdom of the Womb with Cathy Lipsky
The Ixchel Center in White Plains, New York, presents “Womb Wisdom,” a program to reconnect women with the power of the womb. Women’s health expert Cathy Lipsky, RN, presents an introduction to the program on Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., to explain the ancient form of Maya abdominal massage known as the Arvigo Technique.
“Arvigo therapy is used to alleviate such issues as fibroids, PMS, hormonal imbalances, frequent bladder infections, low back pain, painful or irregular periods and many other issues that women tolerate, but don’t have to,” says Lipsky. “The great news is that women can apply this technique to their own bodies.”
Lipsky says that by gently manipulating the internal abdominal organs into their proper position, women can remove any blockages that are impairing the flow of chi and the fluids of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems. “By shifting the uterus back into place, the natural balance of the body is restored in the pelvic area and surrounding organs,” she says. “Toxins are flushed and nutrients that help to tone tissue and balance hormones are restored to normal order.”
The fee for the introductory workshop is $35 and pre-registration is required. Afterwards, participants will be offered a complimentary mini session with Lipsky, to be scheduled at their convenience.
Ixchel Center is located at 308 Battle Ave. in White Plains, NY. For more info, visit HolisticNP.com, contact Cathy@HolisticNP.com or call 914.912.2351.
Teatown’s Plant Sale Features the Unusual, the New, the Tried and the True
On Saturday, May 11, Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, New York, hosts its annual event for avid gardeners. The Teatown Plant Sale features deer resistant plants that are carefully chosen by area growers, along with an abundance of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs and unique native wildflowers.
The two-day event opens with a first pick sale on Friday, May 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. for an admission fee of $10 per person. This preview sale offers gardeners the opportunity to survey available plants and make purchases before they are sold out. Afterwards shoppers can unwind with complimentary wine and cheese.
On Saturday, admission is free and the sale is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Teatown staff members and volunteers will be available on both days to answer any and all gardening questions and offer advice on garden placement and step-by-step plant care. The Saturday event also features free tours of Teatown’s Wildflower Island from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the quiet beauty of this two-acre sanctuary, home to more than 230 native and endangered species of wildflowers.
Teatown Lake Reservation is located at 1600 Spring Valley Rd. in Ossining, NY. For more information, or to reserve a Wildflower Island tour time, call 914.762.2912, ext. 110, or visit Teatown.org.
Art For Animals at Integrative Vet Hospital
Earth Angels Veterinary Hospital in Wappingers Falls, NY, is using art to help homeless companion animals and teach about the value of integrative medicine for pets. On Saturday, May 4, the hospital opens its doors to the public from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for an art show with local artists who will be on hand to discuss their work. It’s also an opportunity for visitors to learn more about integrative veterinary medicine and how it can enhance a pet’s quality of life.
The afternoon event features demonstrations and information regarding various aspects of integrative medicine. Anyone who is thinking about adopting a pet will also have the chance to consult with several rescue agencies in attendance. Raffle prizes that day include a free initial laser therapy consultation and laser session for a pet. Food at the event will be supplied by Tomas Tapas Bar and Restaurant.
The themes of the original works on display revolve around animals, nature or interactions between the two, reflected in paintings, photographs and masks. While the project and the themes will be permanent at Earth Angel, new works from different artists will be rotated in every few months. Every piece on display will be for sale, and a percentage of all proceeds will be donated to Beacon’s Mid-Hudson Animal Aid non-profit shelter.
Earth Angels Veterinary Hospital is located at 8 Nancy Ct. in Wappingers Falls, NY. For more information, call 845.227.PAWS (7297) or visit EarthangelsVet.com.
SunPlugged-on-Hudson Showcases Local Talent and Environmental Solutions
On Saturday, May 18, SunPlugged-on-Hudson will highlight simple and effective ways to reduce energy consumption, reverse environmental damage and ensure best practices for healthy living. This free musical and educational event takes place on a solar-powered sound stage at MacEachron Park in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, showcasing local bands and such eco-friendly solutions as Biogas, suburban farming, composting, solar electric, LED lighting and biofuels.
“There’s a steady, persistent stream of bad news about climate threats and looming eco-disasters,” says event creator James Dean Conklin. “We hope to change the conversation, revealing the practical, real and hopeful actions that people have implemented locally with positive results.”
SunPlugged-on-Hudson was conceived after Solar Punch, a solar-powered band from New York, participated in a similar event this year in Mumbai, India. Solar Punch will share the SunPlugged stage with other local talent, including Hope Machine, Julie Corbalis, South County, The Levins and Roshni. The event begins at noon, with demonstrations until 4 p.m. and music until 7 p.m. Picnics are welcome, and light refreshments will be on sale.
MacEachron Park is located on River St. in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. For more information visit SolarPunch.org or call 212.247.5988.
Health and Wellness Fair for Moms at Tilly Foster Farm Museum
On Saturday, May 11, Tilly Foster Farm Museum in Brewster, NY, hosts a health and wellness fair for moms from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features expert advice on natural techniques to reduce everyday stresses, and practitioners offering services to relieve aching muscles and assist with personalized nutrition programs. Others will be on hand to lead visitors through revitalization exercises, healthful breathing techniques and more.
Throughout the day, presenters will give mini talks on stress reduction and relaxation, aging gracefully and natural cooking. Vendors will feature gifts for Mother’s Day, including jewelry, decorative candles in antique tea cups, gift baskets, jewelry boxes, handmade soaps, scarves, paintings, clothing and cooking tools.
Tilly Foster Farm is a working farm museum and home to a collection of rare and endangered early American farm animals, including Randall Lineback Cattle, American Jacob Sheep, Narragansett Turkeys, Indian Runner Ducks and American Blue Rabbits. The farm also houses the Putnam County Antique Machinery Association’s display of antique tractors and farm equipment and the Avalon Archives, a unique rock ‘n’ roll museum that opens on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. For a recorded announcement of events, call 845.363.6623.
Tilly Foster Farm Museum is located at Rte. 312 in Brewster, NY (between I84 Exit 19 and Rte. 6). For more information, email maw@TillyFosterFarm.org, call 845.306.7798 or visit TillyFosterFarm.org.
Relay For Life Returns to Westchester and Putnam Counties
During May and June, local communities will be gathering to celebrate cancer survivors, remember lost loved ones and fight back against all forms of cancer during the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events. The gatherings promise family-oriented fun with the goal of raising money to support local residents undergoing treatment, as well as research to end cancer once and for all.
Many of the relays span 24 hours, and teams are asked to have at least one member walking around a track for the duration of the event. Each gathering features live entertainment, games, food and moving kick-off ceremonies featuring survivors and luminaria. Some locations will focus on a theme. In Mahopac, activities will be inspired by a carnival. The public is welcome to attend daytime events free of charge and no registration is necessary.
Since 1985, Relay For Life has been celebrated in nearly 5,000 American communities and 25 countries. The events are a reminder that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten and those who face cancer will always be supported. They also inspire hope that cancer will be eliminated for good one day.
2013 Relay for Life Events in Westchester & Putnam Counties
Chappaqua: Horace Greeley High School, May 18
Eastchester-Bronxville: Concordia College, May 11
Katonah-Lewisboro-Cross River: John Jay High School, June 21
Mahopac: Mahopac High School, June 1
Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon High School, June 14
New Rochelle: Albert Leonard Middle School, May 31
Ossining: Anne M. Dorner Middle School, June 1
Patterson: Patterson Fire House, June 8
Pelham: Glover Field, May 18
Philipstown-Cold Spring: Mayors Park, June 1
Port Chester-Rye Brook: Port Chester Middle School, June 15
Scarsdale: Scarsdale High School, May 10
Somers: Somers Middle School, May 31
Tarrytown (Hackley School): Hackley School, May 18
Yonkers: Lincoln High School, June 7
Yorktown: Jack DeVito Memorial Field, June 14
Individual and team registration remains open at RelayForLife.org, which also features event schedules for each location.
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