Join us with the Red Cross of Western Colorado on Tuesday, November 10 for a FREE Disaster Preparedness Training at the Gunnison Library beginning at 4:30pm.

Disasters like this summer’s wildfires and flooding are becoming more common, and being prepared is more vital than ever. The Red Cross of Western Colorado is hosting free disaster preparedness trainings in Gunnison, teaching simple steps you can take now to help prepare and protect your family in case of an emergency.

The Be Red Cross Ready training will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. at the Gunnison County Public Library – Community Room B, 1 Quartz St., Gunnison, CO 81230. The program is designed to help people understand, prepare for, and respond appropriately to disasters.

Be Part of the Red Cross 

Following the Be Red Cross Ready training, an informational session will be held in the Community Room until 6 p.m. to share more about how we are active across the Western Slope and discuss ways that you can get involved. The American Red Cross of Western Colorado serves 21 counties including Gunnison, Delta and Montrose counties.

Whether you’re already a volunteer and looking for more ways to serve, you’re interested in getting involved in the mission or simply curious about how the Red Cross supports local communities, we’d love to meet you. This is a great way to meet some local staff and volunteers and discover how you can make a meaningful impact right in your own community.

The Red Cross is looking for volunteers in the following roles:

• Shelter Team Members: Help provide safe shelter, comfort, and support to families during disasters and emergencies. You can choose to stay local and volunteer in evacuation shelters in your community or deploy to large disasters outside of Colorado – or both!

No prior experience is necessary — training is provided, and there are opportunities for many schedules and skill sets. There are many other volunteer positions available!

To register for these events or for more details, please contact Josh Stewart at (970) 545-2795 or joshua.stewart@redcross.org.

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.