Journey to Wellness Retreat

Join us for this FREE, all-day retreat that will rejuvenate you mind, body and spirit. Visit displays showing the health benefits of herbs, plants and teas plus attend workshops to enhance your well being.

Wednesday June 25 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Veronica “Roni” Chenowith Senior Activity Center
1707 Fallston Road, Fallston

See below for the days agenda:

Welcome | 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Visit these Lobby Displays by Gay & Venkata Ayyagari, Kathleen Conner, Marlene Stramm & Kristine Keay
Native Plants in Containers: Small Gifts from Mother Nature
Grow It, Eat It: House Plants for Healthy Indoor Living; Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs
Harford County Pollinator Gardens Trail: Pollinators and native plants
Benefits of Tea: A variety of teas from the blue zones

Cardio Intervals | 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. | Gym A

with Kathleen Conner, certified group fitness and personal trainer
Performing intervals of cardio and strength is twice as effective as regular exercise. Improve your strength and endurance. Participants are not required to get on the floor. All equipment will be provided by the center but bring a bottle of water.

Strong Nation | 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. | Gym B

with Erin Subramanian, certified fitness instructor
Push your limits with kickboxing, squats, lunges, wall pushups, and more - all set to music in simple routines with low-impact options. Participants must bring a bottle of water and an exercise mat and be able to get up and down from the mat.

Positive Thinking, Healthy Habits & Seeing the Big Picture | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Lounge

with Andrea Pomilla, wellness and health benefits manager, Harford County Office on Aging
Does seeing the glass half full make a difference? Can you really change a habit for the better? What does perspective have to do with anything? Learn how small changes and a positive outlook can improve your overall health.

The Benefits & Practices of Reflexology | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Room 5

with Jane Ayers, M.Div., MSW, nationally certified reflexologist
Participants will learn about this non-invasive health practice based in the theory that there are reflex areas in the hands, feet and ears that connect to parts of the body.

What is Behavioral Health? | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Room 6

with Kim Burton, B.A.
The term behavioral health is mostly used by professionals in health and human service work, but everyone should know what it is. Participants will learn how aging and age-related changes can cause a change in behavioral health.

The Benefits & Practices of Reiki | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Room 5

with Jane Ayers, M.Div., MSW, nationally certified Reiki Master
Reiki is a technique used for stress reduction and relaxation to promote overall good health.

The Body's Natural 'Feel Good' Chemicals | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Room 6

with Kim Burton, B.A.
Learn how our brains naturally create chemicals to help us feel good and how they can affect our overall mood and health.  Participants will learn how to support positive brain chemistry in order to experience a more vibrant life.

Yoga Strength and Stretch Intermediate | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Gym A

with Kathleen Conner, certified yoga instructor, yoga, Mat Science
Participants will improve range of motion, balance, flexibility and overall strength. Must bring a yoga mat and be able to get up and down from the mat.

Cardio Toning | 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. | Gym B

with Erin Subramanian, certified fitness instructor
Class combines low impact cardio interval and strength/toning training. All exercises are done standing; no floorwork required. Wear sneakers and lightweight clothing and bring a bottle of water.

Gardening With A Purpose - Bees, Birds & Self | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Room 2

with Deb Stewart, master gardener, Harford County Bird Club
Discussion will focus on the therapeutic benefits of nature through gardening. Gardens serve many purposes - whether it be aesthetic, a gathering place, or a playground - they attract birds, bees, and butterflies and help you connect with nature. Join in to see how you can benefit from a backyard garden.

Body Conditioning & Training | 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | Gym A

with Kathleen Conner, certified group fitness and personal trainer, integrated balance
Improve range of motion, balance, flexibility, and overall strength.  Participants are not required to get on the floor. All equipment will be provided by the center.

Tai Chi Chuan | 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | Gym B

with Pat Pearce, Tai Chi Chuan instructor.
Learn to move safely and efficiently by incorporating these principles into everyday life.

Cultivate Good Health - Start Gardening | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Room 2

with Lee Graul and Patricia Barnhart, Harford County Master Gardeners; and Dan Gustitis, master gardener Intern
Join master gardeners as they share ways gardening can be good for your mental, social, and emotional health. Learn how to garden safely with tips and techniques to protect your back, knees, and wrists as well as the tools needed to make gardening more enjoyable.

Mindfulness & Meditation | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Room 5

with Kristine Keay, certified yoga instructor
Learn mindfulness through meditation. Participants can be seated in a chair or on a mat. Please bring your own mat.

Lunch on your own | 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. | Room 2

Music by Dennis Jankowsky; bring your lunch and socialize.

Self Defense for Seniors | 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | Gym B

with Pat Pearce, certified self-defense instructor
Learn tips and tricks to keep yourself safe including awareness and defense strategies for older adults.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Bootcamp | 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. (Gym A)

with Megan Klug, personal trainer, certified group training
HIIT is a fast-paced, advanced exercise class that uses interval training to help burn fat, build muscle, and improve cardiovascular health. All equipment will be provided by the center but bring an exercise mat and a bottle of water.

Create a Nutritious & Delicious Smoothie | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Room 5

with Harford County Health Department
Learn all about the nutritional value of a smoothie and try some delicious recipes. Recipe cards will be available.

Yoga Nidra | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Lounge

with Kristine Keay, certified yoga instructor
This relaxation technique combines elements of yoga and meditation by lying down in a comfortable position and following a guided script that focuses on body, breath and mind. Participants should bring their own mat.

Balanced Gut, Healthy Mind | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Room 2

with Angela Lang, registered dietician
Explore the powerful connection between your gut and brain. Learn how the health of your digestive system can influence your mood, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Discover practical tips on how to nurture both your gut and mind for a healthier, more balanced life.