Winter Highlights: January - March, 2026

Core Flow & Stretch

This new yoga program was piloted for four weeks at the Coombs Fairgrounds this winter. Yoga teacher, Tracy, enjoyed providing weekly sessions focusing on core strength and overall mobility and physical health. Despite positive feedback and participant interest in returning, the class did not have enough intake to warrant a second offering in the spring. 

Morning Yoga Flow

This drop-in, by-donation yoga class was offered at the Meadowood Community Hall for six classes this winter. Participants from the fall and a couple new faces regularly attended this Friday morning class. A variety of experience levels attended this all-levels class, and the space offered a warm and welcoming place for morning yoga practice. 

Gentle Hatha

This new gentle evening yoga class offered at the Meadowood Community Hall was requested by a few people on social media and the winter attendance list did not disappoint. Experienced yoga teacher, Meg, offered a welcoming and nurturing class that allows participants to slow down and regulate their nervous system. Meg made this class extra special each class with little additions, such as providing eye pillows and essential oils to participants during savasana. This class is a truly unique offering, providing a caring and comfortable place for local residents to indulge in self-care. 

ACRA’s Floor Hockey program continues to attract players of varying abilities, genders and ages. This winter, the registration process shifted to a fully drop-in format, providing greater flexibility for participants. It is common to see family members, such as parents or spouses, playing together and enjoying the experience. Attendance averages fifteen people each week. The program is open to participants aged 16+, and the emphasis is on having fun. All levels are welcome. 

Knowing that many regular Essentrics participants were going to be travelling in the winter months, Essentrics was offered in two sets: Early Winter and Late Winter. Raylene’s Essentrics class continues to be very popular with many regulars returning to enjoy this flowing and energizing fitness class. The Early Winter program was full with a few people on the waitlist. The Late Winter program is full, but there is no waitlist. 

Guitar Level 1 & Level 2

Guitar classes were again offered at Musically Inclined Guitar Studio in Errington. The Level 1 class had five participants and was intended for those who had no prior experience. The Level 2 class was offered on Saturdays and had three participants. The Level 2 class is intended for those who have some basic knowledge already and engages with more complicated rhythms and chord progressions. 

African Hand Drumming 

This winter, three drumming classes were offered at the Errington Hall under Monica Hofer’s excellent tutelage: 

· Beyond Beginner Drumming

· Intermediate Dun

· Intermediate Drumming 

The Beyond Beginner drumming class was exceptionally large, and the Intermediate Drumming class was comprised of a dedicated group of eight. All of the participants in these upper-level drummer classes demonstrate exceptional dedication and enthusiasm.

With Trish Smiley stepping back, no beginner-level program was offered this winter. However, ACRA is pleased to be welcoming a new instructor this spring to teach Beginners. 

Marimba

Marimba Musikana is ACRA’s intermediate marimba group. They hold regular rehearsals in the Heritage Hall at the Coombs Fairgrounds. The group has grown to five members who are keen to gather each week to share uplifting music and friendship.

Mid Island Programming Club returned this winter with a new workshop model. Participants can now sign up for individual topics. Workshops are held on the last Wednesday of each month and each workshop is self contained. Due to a schedule change, two topics were offered in February: How to Make a Video Game and Programming with Go. Unfortunately, the March workshop, Version Control in Git, was cancelled due to low registration. This program is a unique and exciting opportunity to develop computer skills for fun or professional use.

Community Meetings

The recreation coordinators attended many community meetings including: 

· ACRA Team Meetings 

· Facilitator Meetings 

· Interviews with Potential Facilitators 

· Building Learning Together Coalition Meetings

· YouthLINK Meetings

· Decoda Literacy Meetings 

Upon request, Recreation Coordinator Kristine Stephenson presented at an Arrowsmith Residents Association meeting to provide information about ACRA’s mandate, programs, and community involvement. 

Promotion and Registration

The recreation coordinators are responsible for maintaining the ACRA website and events calendar, Facebook page, and Instagram account as well as promotion for programs. The recreation coordinators receive and reply to phone calls and emails regularly and manage all of the registration for programs independently.

In mid-March the eighth issue of ACRA’s quarterly newsletter was released. It focused on upcoming spring programs and events as well as an interview with a local family who volunteers with ACRA.

Community Cupboard

ACRA manages a community lending cupboard where other non-profit organizations and hobbyist groups can borrow equipment on a by-donation basis. ACRA’s home marimba rental program continues to be immensely popular with the participants of Errington Hall’s Senior Marimba Program.

Grants

ACRA applied for and successfully received a grant from ParticipACTION to offer free outdoor fitness classes in June. This will be the second year that ACRA has received funding to offer this to the community and the recreation team is looking forward to building off of last year’s success. 

Cancellations

This winter two programs were cancelled due to low registration: Karate and Family Move + Connect. 

Family Move + Connect was initially intended as an open gym time for homeschool families. However, moving in to the spring, the program will be revised to include babies and toddlers. An adult yoga component will be introduced to better engage parents too. It is hoped that the new program will serve a wider variety of ages and offer more value to families.