BELLBROOK — The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Parks will host a variety of upcoming programs held at the Community Center, 2751 Washington Mill Road. Call 937-848-3535 or visit www.bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org for more information or to register.
River Festival
Bellbrock Park, 57 N. Main St., will be the location of the River Festival 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 3 to celebrate the wonderful waterways in the Miami Valley, especially the Scenic Little Miami River watershed.
Bring the family and spend the day in the park visiting with over a dozen of local organizations who work to help promote the environment, tour the River Mobile and enjoy some music by the Mad River Railroad Band. This river themed event is free and is meant for all ages. Food will be available with a donation, all money raised will be used for future river cleanup efforts. This event is done in partnership with the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District and the Little Miami River Kleeners and their affiliated organizations.
Concert in the park
The park district will welcome Jim McCutcheon to Bellbrock Park, 57 N. Main St. 7 p.m. Thursday, June 8. McCutcheon is an Ohio-based children’s artist and multiple guitar master who serves as an irresistible ambassador for the instrument, celebrating its varied styles and forms-acoustic and electric guitar, the ukulele, South America’s charango, the balalaika-in his own and others’ playful and soulful songs.
Most recently Jim was honored with the 2017 Governor’s Award in the Arts in Arts Education. This free concert is for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Pollinators in the park
The park staff invites the public to Petrikis Park, 3771 W. Franklin St. 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 13 to see how to celebrate National Pollinators Week which is June 20-26. Without Pollinators we would be without fruits, flowers and other wonderful treats. Come see the powerful pollinators in action at Petrikis Park’s butterfly garden.
Local beekeepers, Master Gardeners, Chief Naturalist, and the park staff will all be at different stations to learn at your own pace and interest involving butterflies/monarchs, bees, and other pollinators. This free program is for all ages.
Hunters in the sky
What’s that large shape flying overhead? Do you know the difference between a hawk and a falcon? Join the park district in welcoming the Glen Helen Raptor Center 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15 at Kehl Park, 1730 Sonoma Court. Come see three raptors from the Raptor Center and learn about the special adaptations that make each one a successful member of the Ohio ecosystem.
This program is for all ages and the cost is $10 per resident family and $20 per non-resident family. Pre-registration is required.
Walk and talk book club
Walk and Talk Book Club is designed for those that love to read as well as enjoy fresh air on a light hike. Exercising both our minds and bodies. Each month participants will meet to discuss the monthly book, while walking through the wooded and prairie trails at Sweet Arrow Reserve, 789 Little Sugarcreek Road.
June’s book: “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson, July’s book: “Wesley the Owl” by Stacey O’Brien, August’s book: “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver and September’s book: “The Nature of the Beast” by Louise Penny. This program is a partnership between Greene County Public Library and the parks. An Adult Services Librarian will lead the discussion while park staff navigates the trails. This free program is for adults only. The Walk and Talk Book Club meets the third Saturday of each month 9 a.m. June through September. The next book club meets on June 17. Register with the parks.
Hatha yoga
The park district offers Hatha Yoga classes for adults 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday nights. Hatha Yoga is a system of relaxation, breathing, exercise and meditation designed to reduce stress and increase energy. This class is for beginning or continuing yoga students who also want to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat. The cost is $50 per resident for six classes or drop-in fee of $12 per resident. Instructor is Steve Chappell. To register contact the parks.
Gentle yoga
The district offers Gentle Yoga classes for adults 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays. This class is for beginning as well as more experienced students who want to try a gentle, slower and relaxing practice. It will combine relaxation techniques, proper breathing, gentle stretches and meditation. People with injuries, health problems, or other issues that limit mobility or cause pain can also participate. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat.
ZUMBA Toning
The parks offers Zumba Toning classes for ages 14-Adults on Tuesday nights from 7-8 p.m. ZUMBA Toning combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high energy cardio work with Latin-infused ZUMBA moves. Learn how to use lightweight, maraca-like Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and tone target zones, including arms, abs, glutes and thighs. ZUMBA licensed instructor is Amy Kistler.
