Womanspace Groups

Explorers Group
This group is designed for women who want to explore their spiritual journey internally and with others. It is open to members of Womanspace who are looking for new energy and support as they examine their relationships, life passion, losses, talents and other processes that contribute significantly to their life journeys. Continuity of attendance and confidentiality are required. Before registering, potential members need to interview with one of the facilitators.

Course #: GE10-1
Dates: September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20
Time: 6:30–9:00p 3rd Monday of the month
Facilitators: Dorothy Bock & Lenora T. Maier, Ph.D.
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $60/trimester

Seekers Group
This group is designed for women, members of Womanspace, who are committed to examining life issues related to spiritual development, growth and change. Meetings are usually at Womanspace, but occasionally in participants’ homes. Members of this long-established group come together to strengthen themselves and support one another on their paths. Continuity of attendance and confidentiality are required. Currently there are no openings in this group.

Course #: GS10-1
Dates:September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20
Time: 6:30–9:00p 3rd Monday of the month
Facilitator: Elaine Hirschenberger
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $60/trimester

EarthMatters Group
Whether you’re a novice or active “greenie,” this group is a fun and positive way to share information and accept the challenge of helping our environment. Each month an environmental topic with a wealth of background and research is presented and discussed. Prior attendance is not required. Bring a sack lunch.

Dates: September 15, October 13, November 10, December 8
Time: Wednesdays, Noon–1:15p
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: Freewill Offering

Sponsored by:

slaga law

Bookwoman
All women are invited to this book club to share observations, enthusiasm, insights and the pure enjoyment of reading.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay.
De Rosnay's fictionalization of the 1942 Paris roundups and deportations of thousands of Jewish families is riveting. It is 2002 and Julia, an American in Paris, is married to an unfaithful man. She is writing an article about the 60th anniversary of the roundups and learns that the apartment she plans to move into was the home of some of those very Jews. She resolves to find out what happened to the former occupants, especially young Sarah, the only member of the family to survive. In the process, she uncovers truths about her arrogant husband’s family, about France, and about herself.

Course #: BW10-1
Dates: September 15
Time: Wednesday, 9:30–11:00a
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: Freewill Offering Register by September 13

The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson.
This strikingly original thriller out of Sweden introduces disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist, freshly sentenced to jail for libeling a shady businessman, and the multipierced and tattooed Lisbeth Salander, a feral but vulnerable superhacker. Hired by octogenarian industrialist Henrik Vanger, who wants to find out what happened to his beloved great-niece before he dies, the duo gradually uncover a festering morass of familial corruption. At the same time, Larsson skillfully bares some of the similar horrors that have left Salander such a marked woman.

Course #: BW10-2
Dates: November 10
Time: Wednesday, 9:30–11:00a
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: Freewill Offering Register by November 8

Supper & Film Discussion Group
Open to all, these gatherings start with supper, followed by the film and then a discussion of its themes, characters and artistry.

The Blind Side
A true story about homeless teen Michael from the projects of Memphis, who meets a well to-do family. The mother of this family gives him a home and supportive household to begin his life changing existence. Michael (Quentin Aaron) becomes a blue chip football star and Touhy (Sandra Bullock) continues to mentor his academic growth with a tutor. This is a remarkable journey of a first round NFL draft pick who became a winner before he stepped out onto the playing field.

Course #: SF10-1
Dates: September 27
Time: Monday, 6:00–9:00p
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $10 Register by September 24

Precious
This story of Precious Jones, a minority high school girl, is inspirational. Precious is illiterate, overweight, and pregnant again. Abused, she responds to a glimmer of hope when a door is opened by an insightful schoolteacher. Precious is forced to follow opportunity and test her own boundaries. Prepare for shock, revelation and celebration with this tremendous cast of actresses.

Course #: SF10-2
Dates: October 25
Time: Monday, 6:00–9:00p
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $10 Register by October 21

Invictus
In this rousing true story of athletic triumph, there lies a deeper dream of greatness based on forgiveness and belief in the goodness of all people. After 27 years of imprisonment for his fight against apartheid, Nelson Mandela is elected president of South Africa. Rejecting revenge and division, he looks toward the rugby field and team spirit to restore his nation’s spirit, self esteem, and sense of unity. Director Clint Eastwood is masterful at directing Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as the rugby team captain.

Course #: SF10-3
Dates: November 22
Time: Monday, 6:00–9:00p
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $10 Register by November 18

Evening Yoga
De-stress and unwind after work with yoga. Tami utilizes Hatha Yoga to help you find a happy balance between physical intensity and deep relaxation. This class for adults is open to both men and women, at all levels of ability and experience. Dress comfortably and bring a sticky mat.

A Personal Fitness Trainer since 1992 and certified by The American Council on Exercise, Tami views her occupation as a way to help people. Teaching yoga since 2003 has allowed her to use her past knowledge of the body in a whole new way. “I feel very grateful that I am allowed to make a living doing something I love so much.”

Course #: YG10-1
Dates: September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Times: Wednesdays 5:30–6:45p
Instructor: Tami Bogard
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $50/five classes OR $12/class

Course #: YG10-3
Dates: October 6, 13, 20, 27
Times: Wednesdays 5:30–6:45p
Instructor: Tami Bogard
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $40/four classes OR $12/class

Course #: YG10-5
Dates: November 3, 10, 17, 24
Times: Wednesdays 5:30–6:45p
Instructor: Tami Bogard
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $40/four classes OR $12/class

Course #: YG10-7
Dates: December 1, 8, 15
Times: Wednesdays 5:30–6:45p
Instructor: Tami Bogard
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $30/three classes OR $12/class

Yoga for Women
Yoga is an easy-to-learn workout program that not only improves flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina, but also reduces anxiety and stress. This basic Hatha Yoga class for adults will also help improve mental clarity, so the time spent in practice is more than worth it. Dress comfortably and bring a sticky mat.

Una has studied yoga since the early 70s with a number of local teachers, beginning with Behram Guard. She has also taken workshops with Rodney Yee, Donna Farhi, and Patricia Walden. Una teaches basic Hatha Yoga, emphasizing reduction of stressful tension in mind and body.

Course #: YG10-2
Dates: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Times: Thursdays, 9:30–10:45a
Instructor: Una Ryan
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $50/five classes OR $12/class

Course #: YG10-4
Dates: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Times: Thursdays, 9:30–10:45a
Instructor: Una Ryan
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $40/four classes OR $12/class

Course #: YG10-6
Dates: November 4, 11, 18
Times: Thursdays, 9:30–10:45a
Instructor: Una Ryan
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $30/three classes OR $12/class

Course #: YG10-8
Dates: December 2, 9, 16
Times: Thursdays, 9:30–10:45a
Instructor: Una Ryan
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $30/three classes OR $12/class

Womansong Chorale
Calling singers of all abilities: If you love to sing, this is the group for you! Celebrating their tenth year, Womansong meets for rehearsal and camaraderie under the direction of Roberta Flaherty. Although the primary focus is enjoyment and harmony, the chorale also gives occasional performances. Whether you read music or not; if you have always wanted to be in a choir, make new friends and sing your heart out, please join Womansong!

Roberta Flaherty is a graduate of Mundelein College (Mundelein/Loyola University) in Chicago with a degree in music. She has a Masters Degree in Music Education from Northwestern University in Evanston and an Orff-Schulwerk Certificate from DePaul University. She has been an elementary music teacher and children’s choir director for nearly thirty years. Roberta’s choirs have sung with the NPMs (National Pastoral Musicians) National Catholic Choir, the Pueri Cantores International Choir and with the AGO All-city Choirs here in Rockford.

Womansong Potluck Dinner
Thursday, September 16, 5:30–7:30p
Those interested in joining Womansong are invited to attend the annual potluck on the grounds at Womanspace. You’ll be introduced to previous members and potential new members of the chorale. Bring a dish to pass, share experiences, and find out what the group is all about.

Course #: WS10-1
Dates: September 23, 20, October 7, 14, 21, 28,
November 11, 18, December 2, 9
Time: Thursdays, Noon–1:00p
Director: Roberta Flaherty
Location: Provena Cor Mariae Activity Classroom
Cost: $60 Register by September 21

Daf Drum Lessons
Bring your Daf drum and learn how to play this mystical instrument from a native Persian. The Daf is a large hand-held drum with metal rings that jangle against the inside frame. Pardis will teach technique and also share the spiritual side of the drum as it is used in sharing the writings of Rumi, Hafiz & other mystics. In addition to the weekly class, you will need to practice regularly. Contact Womanspace for information on sources for purchasing a Daf.

Pardis Haghdoost is an RN at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Her passion and ancestral talent lies in reciting Rumi’s poetry and playing the daf drum, used ceremonially for centuries in her native Persia.

Course #: GD10-1
Dates: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Level 1 Times: Thursdays, Noon–1:00p
Level 2 Times: Thursdays, 11:00a–Noon
Instructor: Pardis Haghdoost
Location: Gallery 3 in New Dimensions
Cost: $50/five classes Register by August 31

Course #: GD10-2
Dates: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Level 1 Times: Thursdays, Noon–1:00p
Level 2 Times: Thursdays, 11:00a–Noon
Instructor: Pardis Haghdoost
Location: Gallery 3 in New Dimensions
Cost: $40/four classes Register by October 5

Course #: GD10-3
Dates: November 4, 11, 18
Level 1 Times: Thursdays, Noon–1:00p
Level 2 Times: Thursdays, 11:00a–Noon
Instructor: Pardis Haghdoost
Location: Gallery 3 in New Dimensions
Cost: $30/three classes Register by November 2

Course #: GD10-4
Dates: December 2, 9, 16
Level 1 Times: Thursdays, Noon–1:00p
Level 2 Times: Thursdays, 11:00a–Noon
Instructor: Pardis Haghdoost
Location: Gallery 3 in New Dimensions
Cost: $30/three classes Register by November 30

To top of page.