At 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9,  Trudi Dibble of Middlebury Township is presenting a free Golden Afternoons program on tai chi in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

This free one-hour program is open to anyone 55 years of age or older. Light refreshments will be provided free.

“The style of tai chi that I teach is Sun style (pronounced “soon”). It employs gentle, curving motions and incorporates focused breathing and concentration, using both the left and right brain. Students get a better sense of their body and gain flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as an overall sense of relaxation,” said Dibble.

“Tai chi is like a meditation in motion, and students say that they always feel better after the class. Almost anyone can perform this exercise and no special equipment is needed except for wearing comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Benefits can be achieved even in seated classes, which I have also taught at the Active Living Center at 3 Queen Street and are ongoing at the Shared Home on Bacon Street, both in Wellsboro,” Dibble said.

“I love that all can enjoy the benefits of this exercise that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.”

In 1998, Dibble moved from DuBois, Pa. to Wellsboro where she lived for 12 years, and then moved to Middlebury.

“I was first introduced to tai chi while attending school for massage therapy in 1999/2000. Tai chi and yoga were part of the curriculum to encourage self-care. I taught yoga for several years in Wellsboro.

“When Karen Meyers started teaching in town, I attended her classes and she encouraged me to become certified with Dr. Paul Lam. His program is focused on people who have issues with arthritis and balance and is also safe for people with other diseases that make exercise difficult, like fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis.

“I was certified and started teaching in 2017, but took a break during Covid. Since retiring from my job as a physical therapist assistant for many years, I am now teaching tai chi at the Methodist Church in Wellsboro, including two intermediate classes and an advanced class. 

“This fall, I took my beginners class in tai chi to Blossburg, while my friend, Amy Goehring who also became certified this past summer, taught the beginners classes in Wellsboro. I am planning to start another beginners class in Mansfield soon,” Dibble said.

For more information about this Golden Afternoons program, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220.