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~ Student Spotlight ~
Patsy, Sandra, Beth and Marian
Patsy was the first of these ladies to attend yoga classes with me. She took classes from me 4 years ago when I taught at BRMAA before they moved to the old courthouse. She returned to classes after her foot surgery last year. Marian, Sandra, and Beth began yoga classes when we moved our Blue Ridge classes once again to BRMAA this summer. These 4 women are full of life and vitality. They serve the community with selfless zeal and great humor. Here's a glimpse into their lives.
Patsy Washofsky
I grew up in Memphis, TN. Elvis KISSED me- TWICE! In 1968, I left for a career as a “stewardess” for Delta Airlines. I married my husband, Stan, and 6 months later became the mother of his 2 children, ages 8 & 9. I am now the Grandmother of 4 wonderful Granddaughters. After a wonderful career of flying all over the world, I retired in 2001. Since, we have moved to Blue Ridge and love the area. Here, I began my new career as a “Volunteer”. The Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association (BRMAA) is a great love of mine. I am so proud of the advances BRMAA has made.
- I have participated in various forms of exercise all my life. To me, yoga is the most beneficial of all exercises, the most important for healthy bodies of all ages. Heather’s class is definitely one of the most challenging I have taken. I love it.
Sandra Zadroga
My husband, Ron, and I were married on New Year’s Eve 2001 on the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River and moved to Blue Ridge full time in 2002. I am a transplant to Blue Ridge from Mississippi where I grew up, raised my two sons, and where most of my family lives. Being so far away from family is the only negative to living here. Blue Ridge is a great place to live. The two of us are co-directors of the Blue Ridge Mountain Masters 50K Trail Run, which is unique in that it is for the masters age group only – you must be at least 40 years old to compete. All of this directing and organizing is almost a full time job, but not quite. In 2006, my friend Patsy Washofsky, who was then president of BRMAA, asked if I would be interested in working part time at The Art Center. I said yes, and I love this job. I have met so many talented, interesting people, and wonderful friends, through my association here.
- Patsy kept telling me about going to yoga and how much better she felt and that I should come, too. When the yoga classes moved to The Art Center, I had to give it a try. I had no idea the difference it would make in the way I feel. My flexibility has improved immeasurably, and I am more aware of my posture. I am amazed at how Heather can talk you through stretching just a little bit more than you ever thought you could. But I have to admit, my favorite part is the “nap” we get at the end of class – I really think she hypnotizes us!
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Beth Inman
I have been actively involved with BRMAA for about a year as a volunteer and currently help out with the member's gallery and exhibitions. The center offers many opportunities to "expand" one's skill set and lots of fun hanging out with these great ladies. As a retired Special Education teacher I moved here full-time about three years ago (although I was a weekender for 15 years). I am constantly amazed by the interesting and diverse activities available in this community. I pinch myself sometimes and think...okay, I'm hanging fantastic art at the Arts Center, I'm acting in a play at The Blue Ridge Community Theater and I'm finally exploring Yoga...life is good!
- I got involved in the yoga class on the recommendation of these great BRMAA ladies and regretted it immediately! Just kidding, but it was an eye-opener. Three weeks down the road I'm lovin' it. Heather always asks us to form an intention during the sessions and mine continues to be...patience. I apply this to the session and all the other activities and surprises that life here in Blue Ridge hands me.
Marian Moody
I was born and raised in northern Minnesota…Hibbing…home of Bob Dylan, Kevin McHale if you were ever a Boston Celtic fan, and the largest open mine in the world, mining iron ore. I always added “and me” to see what the reaction would be. I decided to move to California thinking I’d become a surfer. Well, the surfer part didn’t work out, but I did gained an appreciation for the change of seasons that I grew up with. So, I moved back to Minnesota. In 1992, I ended up in Lawrenceville, GA. I met my husband, and moved to Mineral Bluff, GA 2 years ago. What I found in Georgia is the beauty and change of seasons that I grew up with, but not so extreme. Sarah Verner, the Executive Director, was our real estate agent when my husband and I purchased our home here. I missed the fine print clause that read, “When purchasing a house from Sarah, you will be involved with The Art Center”. After volunteering for a couple of months, I was asked to become an employee, working part time. I consider myself blessed to have met, and been welcomed by, such a wonderful group of people. I have two adult sons of whom I am very proud, one in Morganton and one in Roswell, two beautiful little granddaughters who live with their Daddy in Morganton, two dogs, and one wonderful husband who puts up with all of the above. I am a very lucky person.
- I’ve been curious about yoga for a while. When there was a class offered right where I work, I had no more excuses and no expectations. I just started taking this yoga class a few months ago and I love it. I’m new. I can’t explain it exactly, but I look forward to class every week. It makes me feel good, more together. There have been a few times where I just knew that my body wouldn’t bend that way, but it does, kind of. Taking the yoga class has made me more observant of my posture, my body. It’s a very good thing.
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