Please join us at the Gunnison Library on Tuesday, June 16 at 6 pm for a special, free performance by Chaski Quartet.

Described in the Gunnison Country Times as making “music for human connection,” Chaski Quartet returns to Colorado and New Mexico this summer for 8 performances, including 5 performances within Colorado Department of Corrections Facilities. Please join us for a free, all-ages performance of string quartet music by Prokofiev, Montgomery, Smith, and Esmail.

The name Chaski Quartet was inspired by the 4th movement, which describes the running messengers of the Andes mountains, who would travel long distances to relay important messages and stories between communities. As musicians who commute a long way to bring music to various communities around the US, and as runners, the image of the chaski stuck!

You can learn more about and see videos of performances by Chaski Quartet here.

Qigong is offered at the Gunnison Library every Third Thursday of the month. See a description of the practice and instructor below.

About Qigong:

Qigong is an ancient practice that integrates movement, stillness, and deep breathing. The purpose of qigong is to relax and release tension so that the elements that give us energy and health (breath, blood, lymph, etc) can flow freely throughout the body. Movements in qigong are slow, circular, graceful, and flowing. These movements lubricate the joints, strengthen the muscles, improve circulation, and relax the nervous system. Qigong is a moving meditation that brings awareness to our breath and expands our range of motion. Qigong creates space for health, balance, and calm which can maximize our body’s natural healing processes. Qigong is an easy practice that can be done standing, sitting, or lying down. People of all ages can practice and enjoy this gentle ancient art.

About the instructor:

Heidi Magnus has taught qigong for five years and has practiced since 2015. Heidi’s first career was as an environmental scientist and she still enjoys applying the scientific method and observation skills to all aspects of life. Heidi enjoys making connections between ancient wisdoms, like Qigong, and current research in neuroscience, psychology, and wellbeing. For the last 26 years, Heidi has owned a deli with her sister Kate and finds that qigong helps her to thrive in a busy work environment. Qigong is a vital part of her self-care and she enjoys sharing the tools she has learned for navigating life and its ever-changing challenges. Currently she studies qigong with four teachers (Dr. Roger Jahnke, Mimi Kuo Deemer, Marisa Cranfil, Anthony Korahais). The teachings of Josh Korda and Sharon Salzberg also inspire Heidi in her practice. Heidi enjoys teaching Qigong, and finds sharing the practice with others rewarding. Heidi is offering classes through Gunnison Public Library. These classes are for beginners or advanced students who want to practice in a fun and casual community atmosphere.

Were you T-O-P of your C-L-A-S-S when it came to spelling? Do you keep a dictionary on your bedside table in case of emergencies? Do you enjoy watching other people stumble over “chrysanthemum” in front of a crowd?

Gunnison County Libraries invite you to the second annual Adult Spelling Bee on Friday, June 26 at 6 pm.

*PRIZES, MUSIC, BRAGGING RIGHTS, FUN & FRIENDLY COMPETITION*

Gunnison County community members, over the age of 18, are invited to compete as an individual, or as a representative from their workplace or organization. Individuals can register online here, or at the library. Pre-registration is required, there is no charge to register. Individuals must be 18+ to participate in the Bee (consideration will be made for teens who wish to participate). The event is free and open to the public. The Spelling Bee begins promptly at 6 p.m. Registration is limited to 20 participants and will close when full.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

BEE RULES:

This is a single elimination spelling bee. Eliminated participants are encouraged to hang around and support the other spellers still competing for bragging rights.

1. 1. No smart phones or other aids allowed.
   2. No appealing to audience members for help.
   3. Any participant caught using illegal aids or soliciting outside help in any way will be disqualified.
   4. Players may at any time ask for a word’s part of speech, language of origin, definition, and/or an example sentence. 
   5. The spelling bee is conducted in rounds. Each speller remaining in the spelling bee at the start of a round spells one word in each round.
   6. Spellers will be provided a word, and can request its definition and a sentence featuring the word. You can also ask about word origin or parts of speech.
   7. Spellers will have 60 seconds to spell their word. To confirm that you have completed the spelling of your word please use the usual spelling bee convention of “word, w-o-r-d, word.” You will not be penalized for not doing so, but it’s good form.
   8. The way a speller spells their word out loud for the first time is their final answer. You can’t change letters you’ve already said out loud. Please speak loudly and clearly so the judge can hear you correctly.
   9. Spellers will be eliminated for misspelling a word or if they do not provide a complete spelling before their time expires.
   10. If a word is misspelled it will be retired and a new word will be given to the next speller.
   11. The judges’ rulings are final.

At the Adult Spelling Bee, we strive to set minds at ease with three fun twists. Participants can use each of these options ONE TIME throughout the competition. 

1. Spellers can politely decline one word (must spell next word on list)
2. Spellers can “phone a friend” (ask an audience member) for help spelling a word
3. Spellers can use a pen and paper to write out the word, instead of relying only on visual memory