Weekly Schedule 11/21/2022 — Celebrating Thanksgiving
LAST WEEK WAS DONATION WEEK!
We raised $214 for this local San Francisco organization helping SF youth ages 12-24 years old. Thank you for signing up to have your class fee counted toward our donation to 3rd Street Youth!
If you missed signing up for class to have your class fee donated, head directly to the 3rd Street Youth donation url to make your own contribution:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E352969&id=1
With the intention of gathering strength for the new generation of the Black community, our donation class recipient organization for 2022 is Third Street Youth Center and Clinic. Please read more about this clinic and the variety of programs they offer San Francisco youth between 12-24 years old: https://3rdstyouth.org
We donate 100% of class fees from classes attended the second full week of every month to the annual organization. We also encourage you to make your own donation directly if you are able.
Week 141 - Reading the news the last few weeks has primarily been dominated by mid-term election news, but the linked articles brought me back Dr. Kleppner's AP English class at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland. She was a very challenging teacher for me, and generally had the reputation of being tough. Up until that point my writing style was to imitate whichever author I was reading at the time, without paying attention to the subject or purpose. So, having read lots of Louisa May Alcott interwoven with Richard Preston's The Hot Zone and others, you could see how a periodical piece could have an awkward feel. Dr. Kleppner shut that down right away. To this day I recall her advice about using profanity in your writing. It's not that you couldn't use those words, it just usually wasn't the strongest word choice. Seemed like a good enough reason to me, given that our primary focus of the class was non-fiction writing. I appreciated that she took time and had a reasonable explanation for a high school senior who was just itching to utilize "naughty" vocabulary in English class. So I try not to use much profanity in my writing, but other habits have been a bit harder to break (wordy rambling, for one). Please don't blame her for typos or stylistic errors!
I have to admit that I don't usually click on Fox News articles found via New York Post articles, although I try to stay open-minded. What prompted me to click on this one was my burning curiosity -- which Maryland school district were they talking about? As I read the article, I was delighted to find out:
Maryland school district with LGBTQ book list rejected books promoting ‘American values’ -- https://nypost.com/2022/11/19/maryland-school-district-with-lgbtq-book-list-rejected-books-promoting-american-values/?utm_campaign=applenews&utm_medium=inline&utm_source=applenews
1. Montgomery County was the school district (I went to school there elementary through high school)
2. Three books about "libertarian economist Thomas Sowell, Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Founding Father Alexander Hamilton for use in MCPS libraries and recommended for grades 2-6.. .were donated to the school district by Heroes of Liberty Inc., which seeks to counter progressive literature favored by public schools."
3. “They were evaluated and recommended as ‘marginal’ meaning schools can still get these titles, however, there could be more objective titles on the particular subject,” the district said.
The MCPS' main criticism of the books were that, "[t]he book[s] [are] more about a message than ... informative biograph[ies].” I appreciated that the critical thinking about what makes good writing that I learned from Dr. Klepner wasn't only isolated to her teaching, but is still practiced countywide. The problem wasn't the message per se, but the context of the books relative to other writing on the subjects.
The second article reinforced the importance of critical thinking and perspective. Discussing history in the context of our personal lens, rather than accepting what people "in charge" have to say, has become a bit lost for some, particularly in the context of the mid-term elections.
Do We Have the History of Native Americans Backward? -- https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/14/do-we-have-the-history-of-native-americans-backward-indigenous-continent
This book review from David Treuer of The New Yorker honestly portrays the book's strengths and shortcomings in contextualizing the Native American historical experience. What intrigued me enough to consider reading a book not normally in my area of deep interest was how Treuer described the perspective of the book in the context of his growing up on the Leech Lake Reservation, in northern Minnesota. His description of the book:
Instead of a foreordained story of decline and victimization, Hämäläinen wants us to see a parade of contingencies, with Native nations regularly giving as good as they got, or even better. The result, he promises, will be a North American history recentered on Native people and their own “overwhelming and persisting” power.
Which finally brings be back to Dr. Kleppner. In writing this email I realized I don't really know her as a person, and was curious to see if she was still alive. She is. She carries her own fascinating history, from earning her undergraduate degree from Smith College in 1952, going on to earn her M.A. and PhD in philosophy, teaching philosophy for renowned universities before taking time to raise two sons before returning to teach high school English before she retired. She's also the niece of Amelia Earnhardt. Here's what I could find about this amazing woman, and I invite you to meet her through these articles:
http://www.cherryblossomfest.com/pdf/2012_AMKbiography-updated.pdf
https://earharttruth.wordpress.com/tag/amy-morrissey-kleppner/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/podcasts/overheard/article/amelia-earhart-part-ii-the-ladys-legacy
I knew she was tough and overqualified for the job, but I had no idea of her life experience and how it shaped her teaching. I had no idea of the context of her. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an interesting human being, and for the internet for helping me understand her life experience just a little.
Please be prepared to provide updated proof of vaccination when visiting the studio. Here's a useful link to have on hand when you've forgotten your paper vaccination card:
https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Remember that bivalent boosters are available to those who are eligible, and we encourage you to stay current on your vaccinations to help keep our community healthy.
We are continuing to wear masks fully covering the nose and mouth while in the Movement For Everyone studio. Our window does not open, our space is very intimate, and we're prioritizing hands-on work during in-person sessions. Online sessions are available for those who are unable to mask for 50-minutes. Thank you for your cooperation.
I'm still recovering from a nasty cold, and will be in the studio on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sophia is in the studio Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Here’s what’s on the schedule this week:
Monday, 11/21/2022
CANCELED THIS WEEK 10:30am PST - IN-PERSON Prenatal and Postnatal GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Harriet)
A 50-minute group equipment class open to new parents and birthing people using Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower as well as additional props to help support the body. Pre-crawling infants welcome. Space for four (4) individuals.
Focusing on the ability of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to increase circulation, mobilize and strengthen joints, and increase proprioceptive awareness, this in-person class focuses on connecting participants to their bodies as the demands upon it evolve and change.
Sign-up for next week: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=34790781
Tuesday, 11/22/2022
9:30am PST - ONLINE Mixed Level Pilates Mat (Harriet)
We are using the 9-inch ball, long resistance band (6-ft plus) this month, and tennis ball for a workout sequence you can take with you during holiday travel. Video available if you can't attend live.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=13574506
Sophia is available for Individual or Duet Sessions
Take advantage of a holiday work/school schedule and come work with Sophia.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&calendarID=6872689
1:00pm PST - IN-PERSON Posture Focused GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. No previous experience required. The class is ideal for those who are working on improving posture with the goal of maintaining a healthy and active life. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=35517966
Wednesday, 11/23/2022
Sophia is available for Individual or Duet Sessions
Take advantage of a holiday work/school schedule and come work with Sophia.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&calendarID=6872689
SPECIAL CLASS 6:00pm PST - IN-PERSON GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
Thursday's class is happening on Wednesday this week. This is a 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=11540424
Thursday, 11/24/2022 -- NO CLASSES Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, 11/25/2022 -- Sophia available for Individual Sessions
Need to move your body? Set up an Individual Session with Sophia today. Openings start at 11:00AM.
Schedule here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&calendarID=6872689
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR GYROTONIC® INSTRUCTORS
Remember to spread the word about this amazing educational opportunity for Gyrotonic instructors:
2-Day Workshop for Gyrotonic Instructors at ABOW
Assessment techniques for GYROTONIC® Trainers
with ITT Pilates Master Trainer and Certified Gyrotonic instructor Jean Sullivan
--> 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday, 1/14/2023
--> 10:00am-5:00pm Sunday, 1/15/2023
Cost: $425
Location: A Body of Work
569 Ruger Street
SF, CA 94129
This 2-day workshop is designed specifically for Gyrotonic instructors. Learn techniques that give you clarity on how your client is adapting to the Gyrotonic movement system. We’ll look at the spine, pelvis, hip joints, feet, and shoulder girdle. Jean hopes to make this an experiential lab where we learn from each other.
Space is limited to 8 students
Register here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/main_enroll.asp?fl=true&tabID=8
Looking forward to seeing you online and in-person this week! Until then, GET YOUR BOOSTER, breathe deeply, stay socially distant, healthy and sane.
Warmly,
Harriet
2022 FOCUS: Firmly deciding, after reducing an abstract problem into its components, to proceed on a journey toward harmony.
Read the first email of 2022 here to understand how this became our resolution for 2022.
