By Jilian Clearman, Initiative Coordinator
There are some fun new ways to get active in Phillips this spring and summer. As part of its mission to make the healthy choice the easy choice for everyone in the neighborhood, the Waite House Phillips Community Healthy Living Initiative is proud to support the following activities through its Active Living Micro-Grant Program. Do you have an idea for a new fitness activity, or know of an existing activity that could use more support? Another round of grants is planned for later this year. Visit phillipscommunity.org and sign up for the quarterly newsletter to be notified when proposals will be accepted for the next round of Active Living Micro-Grant funding.
Bike and Eat
Adults and families are invited to join Hope Community for these monthly rides to different places for good food, bike support, and fun. Planned destinations include nearby farmers markets and the SPOKES Bike/Walk Center. Each ride will include a picnic lunch. Registration starts in April and the rides will take place on the first Saturday of every month from May to October.
Contact: Betsy Sohn, 612-435-1672, bsohn@hope-community.org Â
Kwe.Strong Triathalon
Now in its third year, Kwe.Strong recruits Native American women and girls of all ages to bike, walk/run, and canoe at Lake Calhoun on August 23rd, building health, confidence and connections between participants as well as inspiring them as change-makers. Weekly group practices start soon.Contact: Lisa Skjefte, 612-423-3044, lisa.skjefte@gmail.com
Homegrown Lacrosse
This youth sports program focuses on the Native American origins of lacrosse as well as teaching participants the fundamentals of the game. The program is open to all boys and girls from 2nd to 8th grade. The upcoming session runs April 21st through June 4th. Contact: Shane Thompson, 612-708-0699, shane@homegrownlacrosse.org
Self Defense for Girls
This program teaches all aspects of self defense using the Five Fingers technique of Mind, Voice, Escape, Fight, and Tell. Learn simple defensive moves that any woman can use as well as the confidence and mental habits to avoid freezing in a dangerous situation. Class runs May 5th through the 20th and is open to girls age 10-16 and their mothers, sisters, or other important adult women in their lives. Contact: Sonia Nunez-Gibbs, 612-408-9181, learning.in.conversation@gmail.com
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Diabetes
Tai Chi is a simple, low-stress form of exercise, but it can have enormous health benefits. This class is geared toward elders, but anyone living with arthritis or diabetes is welcome to attend. Each 45-60 minute class is followed by 45 minutes of tea time and socializing with classmates and instructors. Tai Chi for Diabetes starts April 24th and Tai Chi for Arthritis starts June 19th.Â
Contact: Tracy Kiebler, 952-215-7052, tracy@apparentplan.org.
Self Defense for Girls
This program teaches all aspects of self defense using the Five Fingers technique of Mind, Voice, Escape, Fight, and Tell. Learn simple defensive moves that any woman can use as well as the confidence and mental habits to avoid freezing in a dangerous situation. Class runs May 5th through the 20th and is open to girls age 10-16 and their mothers, sisters, or other important adult women in their lives.
Contact: Sonia Nunez-Gibbs, 612-408-9181, learning.in.conversation@gmail.com
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Diabetes
Tai Chi is a simple, low-stress form of exercise, but it can have enormous health benefits. This class is geared toward elders, but anyone living with arthritis or diabetes is welcome to attend. Each 45-60 minute class is followed by 45 minutes of tea time and socializing with classmates and instructors. Tai Chi for Diabetes starts April 24th and Tai Chi for Arthritis starts June 19th.Â
Contact: Tracy Kiebler, 952-215-7052, tracy@apparentplan.org
