Enhancing Wellness Series At Library Begins September 12

By Nancy K. Crevier

Enhancing Wellness, a series of six consecutive evenings dedicated to demystifying many of today’s health issues, will begin Tuesday, September 12, from 7 to 9 pm, at the C.H. Booth Library on Main Street.

The Tuesday night series will offer a chance to examine various methods to alleviate daily stress and discover new channels to peace. It is the result of a collaboration of Marge Coughlin, a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, Booth librarian and adult program director Kim Weber, and Marty LaMarche, a cancer survivor and consumer reviewer in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.

Their belief that small changes made in a person’s life over time have a positive impact on health planted the seed for putting together the health series. Guest speakers for the six-week series are all qualified professionals who will present healthy lifestyle choices in a manner that can be easily understood and incorporated into day-to-day life.

Ms Coughlin, a 43-year resident of Newtown, who also practices reflexology, palliative massage, and craniosacral therapy, will present on September 12. At that session, she will offer free chair massage to participants to enhance the understanding of the various types of massage she plans to discuss. At the October 3 foot massage workshop, Ms Coughlin will demonstrate and help participants practice soothing the 7,200 nerve endings in each other’s feet.

Lisa Austin-Smith of Bethel will offer an overview of the ancient Japanese art of Jin Shin Jyutsu® on September 12 in conjunction with Ms Coughlin’s workshop. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a hands-on form of touch healing. By listening to pulses in the wrist for disharmony in the body, Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioners can place their hands on specific areas of the body to open up blockages in the energy flow of the body.

Other offerings of the Enhancing Wellness series include yoga workshops on September 19 by Lynda Weber, owner of Yoga Dimensions in Newtown, and Kathleen Way Barton, co-director of Graceful Planet in Sandy Hook, and programs focusing on centering and creativity, with presentations by Jo-Ann Frank, MD, on labyrinths and art teacher Arlene Spoonfeather offering guidance to connecting the heart, hand, brush and paper on September 26.

On October 3, the series will explore ways of relieving stress with a spa experience at home with Peggy Gilmore of the Complementary Medicine Department at Danbury Hospital, and foot massage by Ms Coughlin. On October 10, Dr Josh Berry, ND, will discuss the effective results of botanical medicine. Certified holistic health counselor Dina Tsungu will help participants sort out the nutritional information assault and learn healthier habits for eating on October 17. Special introductions by Newtown residents Tracy Van Buskirk and Pushpa Kapur will also be featured at the Enhancing Wellness series.

Refreshments will be served at every program. Register for the free programs by calling the library at 426-4533.