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SUMMARY:Yoga for Grief & Stress Release
DESCRIPTION:Yoga for Grief & Stress Release\nGrief and stress don’t just live in the mind – they also take root in the body. They often show up as tight shoulders\, heavy fatigue\, headaches\, or even chronic pain. Over time\, these emotions can become trapped within us\, influencing how we move\, breathe\, and feel. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk reminds us\, “the body keeps the score.” In other words\, our bodies remember what our minds try to forget. Therefore\, true healing must include both body and mind working together. \nIn this extended yoga class\, you’ll gently slow down and reconnect with yourself. First\, you’ll be guided through a mindful\, slow flow designed to help you move with intention. Then\, as you settle into each long hold\, you’ll begin to release tension and make space for calm. Gradually\, you’ll notice how the body softens\, the breath deepens\, and the nervous system begins to unwind. Step by step\, you’ll learn to listen to your body’s cues and respond with kindness. \nThe Magic of Breathwork\nFurthermore\, breathwork will play a central and powerful role. By focusing on steady\, conscious breathing\, you’ll discover how the rhythm of the breath can quiet the mind\, regulate the body’s stress response\, and restore a sense of safety. In addition\, restorative poses will invite deep rest – allowing your body to reset from the inside out. During these still moments\, you’ll find that your body naturally begins to let go of what no longer serves it. \nThis trauma-aware yoga class welcomes everyone. Whether you are a caregiver\, navigating grief\, recovering from trauma\, or simply seeking peace\, this class offers support and renewal. You don’t need any prior yoga experience – only a willingness to show up\, breathe\, and be present. \nAs the class unfolds\, you’ll gradually cultivate greater self-awareness and compassion for your body’s wisdom. By the end\, you’ll likely feel grounded\, lighter\, and more at ease. Ultimately\, you’ll discover that healing doesn’t always require words; instead\, it often begins with a single breath\, a gentle stretch\, and a safe place to move and rest. \nSo come as you are. Here\, you’ll find a space to release\, restore\, and reconnect – one mindful moment at a time. \n \nLara N. Dotson-Renta\, PhD is a longtime writer\, educator and scholar of languages (Spanish and French). She is also a 500hr RYT yoga instructor with trauma informed yoga training through The Veteran’s Yoga Project and children’s yoga training from Full of Joy Yoga in CT. She is also a trained death doula through INELDA (The International End of Life Doula Association). She is interested in helping others live life more fully and intentionally. \nShe resides in Lake Bluff with her family.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/yoga-for-grief-april/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Specialty,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T100000
DTSTAMP:20260410T063905
CREATED:20260224T200527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T201459Z
UID:20007065-1777366800-1777370400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Yoga with Areta
DESCRIPTION:Yoga With Areta \nJoin Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour\, bi-weekly practice blends poses\, breathwork\, and meditation. Each session helps release tension\, restore balance\, and strengthen the body. At the same time\, you’ll open and lengthen your muscles. \nWhether you’re new to yoga or have years of experience\, this mindful flow will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Just bring a mat and a water bottle\, and you’re ready to go. \nVinyasa Flow is a dynamic style of yoga. It links breath with movement as you move smoothly from pose to pose. This practice combines ancient traditions with a modern\, fluid rhythm. Its creative sequences encourage you to explore your body\, breath\, and mind in harmony. \nYoga offers powerful benefits. Physically\, it supports heart health\, flexibility\, and strength. Mentally\, it reduces stress and tension. Emotionally\, it boosts energy and leaves you feeling grounded and revitalized. \nAreta has been teaching yoga in Lake Forest and in yoga studios along the North Shore for 10 years and is E-RYT 500 Certified. Areta’s passion is bringing yoga to EVERY BODY\, and has additional certifications in Meditation\, Adaptive Yoga for Disabilities\, Senior Yoga\, Love Your Brain for traumatic brain injury\, Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery\, Yin Yoga\, and Yoga for 12 Step Recovery. Areta teaches yoga to inspire and empower physical well-being\, spiritual balance and awakening for everyday life. She is a long-time resident of Lake Forest and a disability advocate and volunteer yoga coach for the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA).
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/yoga-areta-april-28/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T203000
DTSTAMP:20260410T063905
CREATED:20260109T165855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T165855Z
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SUMMARY:Spring in the Solarium: Garden Wine Tasting
DESCRIPTION:Welcome spring with a dusk-to-evening wine tasting set in the Solarium\, designed for relaxed sipping in an elevated\, garden-inspired setting. Enjoy a curated selection of wines chosen for their fresh\, floral\, and expressive character—perfect for an elegant celebration of the season. \nThis guided tasting invites guests to unwind and explore how spring-ready wines complement seasonal flavors through wine education and tasting materials. Small bites will be available to enjoy during the event. Wines presented and provided by Oakwood Vines\, Lake Forest\, IL.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/spring-in-the-solarium-garden-wine-tasting/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Cooking
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T091500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T101500
DTSTAMP:20260410T063905
CREATED:20260409T135015Z
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SUMMARY:Salsarobics
DESCRIPTION:Get Ready to Move with SALSArobics!\nJoin Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun\, rhythm\, and full-body movement. This class isn’t just about exercise – it’s about joy\, discovery\, and the thrill of dance! \nThroughout the session\, participants choose their intensity level – low\, moderate\, or high – while moving to irresistible Latin\, Caribbean\, Spanish\, and African beats. Options for both low-impact and high-impact movements allow everyone to customize their experience. \nEach class delivers an energizing workout that averages 4\,000 to 4\,200 steps\, with varying degrees of intensity. Esther integrates the Total Body Training (TBT) Systems Methodology to support proper posture and promote muscle conditioning. She also incorporates Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) Training\, offering an optional challenge that builds aerobic strength based on individual pace and rhythm. \nTo build coordination and balance\, the class includes inline motion drills. Participants move across the room using steps that change direction – laterally\, diagonally\, forward\, and backward – adding functional movement to the workout. \nThe session concludes with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching to enhance flexibility and recovery. \nColombian-born Esther Gutierrez Sloan created SALSArobics in 1989 to fuse authentic Latin rhythms with aerobic exercise. She has performed on national and local television in Illinois\, California\, Florida\, and New York. In addition to leading classes\, she has presented SALSArobics at fitness conventions\, schools\, health clubs\, ethnic festivals\, and international events. \nIn recognition of her groundbreaking work\, Esther was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2010. Learn more about Esther and SALSArobics. \nFind out why dancing is so good for you in our newest blog.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/salsarobics-may-1/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T120000
DTSTAMP:20260410T063905
CREATED:20260409T181207Z
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SUMMARY:Open Play Mahjong
DESCRIPTION:Please plan to arrive early\, play starts promptly at 10am!\nCalling all Mahjong enthusiasts. Join us for Open Play Mahjong\, a relaxed and social way to enjoy the game you love. These sessions are for intermediate to advanced players who already know the rules. No instruction is offered. \nBring your strategy and a little friendly competition. Connect with other experienced players. Open Play is a great way to practice\, stay sharp\, and enjoy the challenge of Mahjong. \nWe provide all Mahjong sets. Please bring your own Mahjong card. \nPre-registration is required. Drop-ins can’t be accommodated\, so be sure to register early to save your spot. \nWe look forward to seeing you at the table.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/open-play-mahjong-may-1/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Games
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T203000
DTSTAMP:20260410T063905
CREATED:20260226T180807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T155307Z
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SUMMARY:Latin Dance
DESCRIPTION:Spice Up Your Week with Latin Dance! \nGet ready to dance with Esther and Walt in a playful\, energizing Latin dance class that sparks joy and connection. \nThis class is more than learning steps – it’s about moving freely\, feeling the rhythm\, and building confidence on the dance floor. Whether you’re brand-new or experienced\, you’ll find instruction that’s easy\, encouraging\, and designed to meet you exactly where you are. Couples will enjoy practicing together\, but singles are equally welcome. No partner is required to feel the music and dance. \nFirst\, Esther and Walt will guide you through essential footwork that helps you move with both confidence and personal style. \nNext\, you’ll explore leading and following. These skills bring ease\, flow\, and natural connection\, whether you’re dancing socially or practicing together. \nThen\, you’ll learn simple turns. They’re fun\, dynamic\, and easy to master\, perfect for lighting up any dance floor with flair. \nFinally\, you’ll experience vibrant rhythms. Merengue\, salsa\, and cha cha beats create an atmosphere filled with energy\, movement\, and unforgettable Latin spirit. \nThis class isn’t just about dance. It’s about joy\, connection\, and discovering how music can completely transform your mood. \nCome ready to laugh\, move\, and explore. No experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm\, curiosity\, and a willingness to have fun. By the end\, you’ll feel uplifted\, energized\, and inspired. You’ll also leave with dance moves you can use anywhere you go. \nSo\, step in\, let go\, and embrace the rhythm. Join Esther and Walt for an unforgettable class filled with movement\, fun\, and community. \nSingle tickets are $20\, Couples tickets are $30
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/latin-dance-apri/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T210000
DTSTAMP:20260410T063905
CREATED:20260331T154344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T190536Z
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SUMMARY:Palette & Pours: Inspired by Matisse
DESCRIPTION:Palette & Pours: Inspired by Matisse – A Wine & Paint Night for Adults\nGet ready for Palette & Pours – a lively\, adults-only night where art and wine flow together! This isn’t your average painting class. It’s a chance to laugh\, sip\, and let your creativity shine. \nThis session’s theme\, Inspired by Matisse\, sets the stage for bold colors and expressive brushwork.  \nBut this evening is about more than just technique. Art has a way of relaxing the mind and lifting the spirit. With each brushstroke\, you’ll let go of stress and slip into a creative flow. Whether you’re an experienced painter or picking up a brush for the very first time\, you’ll discover just how joyful and freeing painting can be. \nAnd don’t worry – you won’t be alone. Talented local artists Sandie Bacon and Lezlie Lenz will guide you step by step\, making sure you feel supported while still encouraging your personal style. You’ll learn\, laugh\, and create at your own pace. By the end of class\, you’ll have an original painting you’ll be proud to take home. \n \nOf course\, no Palette & Pours night would be complete without a glass in hand. All painting materials are included\, along with complimentary wine to enjoy while you work. Prefer something else? Bring your favorite beverage and sip as you create. \nSo grab a friend\, bring a date\, or come solo and make new connections. Either way\, you’ll leave with more than just a painting – you’ll walk away with memories\, laughter\, and maybe even a brand-new hobby. \n*All wine will be included. Guests are also welcome to bring their own if they would like!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/palette-pours-inspired-by-matisse/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Art,Classes
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