Dec. 7, 2023 – Our final columns for 2023 focus on programs that help seniors keep healthy, and the dedicated and talented volunteers and professionals who make them possible. Today we’re highlighting Dino Pangrazzi and Cheryl Moore who lead the Township of Tiny’s yoga programs.
How does a man from the corporate world and a social worker with a big-city practice wind up teaching yoga and meditation in Lafontaine? A decision to change their lifestyles made more than 20 years ago brought Dino Pangrazzi and life partner Cheryl Moore to our community.
Pangrazzi had a life-long interest in sports and wellness so he decided to take a fitness training program at Humber College after leaving his long-term position in the chemical industry. Eventually he started taking certification courses for mat and chair yoga.
At about the same time, Moore was becoming disenchanted with her practice She felt her work should have more connection to clients’ emotional and spiritual well-being and went to Seneca College to increase her knowledge of holistic health, which recognizes the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit.
The couple then moved to this area, where they began to make a contribution to the community. They were as busy as ever. In addition to starting work in fitness and healing, they ran a bed & breakfast for 10 years. About a decade ago, Pangrazzi became a volunteer firefighter, which had been a childhood dream. It was another big change for them both. He’s now on call 24/7, and is involved in a lot of public education work and she is a member of the Georgian Bay Healing Hub, and maintains her busy practice.
They still find time to teach yoga and meditation for the Township of Tiny. This winter, they will offer the program Yoga and Meditation, starting Monday, January 15, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Lafontaine Community Centre. It’s appropriate for people of all ages in part because of their intuitive people skills and also because participants are encouraged to use accommodations, which may be suggested or self-guided, so that they can enjoy the program without undue stress. It offers a weekly evening of fun, meeting new people and getting the body moving in ways that you don’t typically do to increase your flexibility and range of motion. Add to that the benefits of guided meditations enhanced by enchanting music and you’ll end your day unplugged and recharged.
For those seeking a more physically challenging program, Yoga for Exercise will be led by Pangrazzi starting Wednesday, January 17, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. at the same location. Hatha yoga postures and flow sequences from start to finish are used to provide a robust workout for health, increasing strength, stamina and flexibility. But again, accommodations are made to suit individual needs and fitness levels.
You can register for these programs online at www.tiny.ca , in person at the municipal office, or by calling the Recreation Department at 705-526-4204 ext. 290.
Programs, Activities & Events
Township of Tiny Lions Club Polar Dip: Join in the fun and frolic or sponsor a participant, in support of Dog Guides, at this annual event, January 1, 2024 at Balm Beach. Registration starts at 11:00 am, and the dip is at 12:00 pm. For registration see the website at https://tiny-township-lions-club.square.site/.
By Carol-Lynn Lepard, Senior Column Writer