We will be offering three Tai Chi classes at the Ilsley Public Library in Fall 2026!

  • (Starting 9/28/26) Mondays at 10:00am with Lindsay: Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (Sun Style Short Form) - Beginner Class
  • (Starting 9/28/26) Mondays at 11:15am with Lindsay: Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (Sun Style Short Form) - Continuing Class
  • (Starting 10/02/26) Fridays at 10:00am with Wendy: Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (Sun Style Short Form) - Continuing Class

All classes will be held in the Community Room.

*Starting 9/30/26, Wendy will also be teaching a Beginner class on Wednesdays at 1:30pm at the Middlebury Recreation Center. Please email her for more information: wcacovey@gmail.com

***FAQ***

  • What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a flowing and graceful sequence of movements that improve balance, concentration, and overall sense of health and well-being. It is appropriate for all ages, and for people with arthritis and other conditions that limit mobility.

  • To whom are these classes geared?

This class is open to participants aged 50+ who are looking to improve their health and well-being! Beginners and continuing practitioners are welcome. Please email to see which class would be the best fit if you are not sure.

  • Who is offering the Tai Chi classes?

Classes are sponsored by AgeWell VT. Your instructors are Lindsay Hart and Wendy Covey (bios at the bottom of the page.)

  • How much do they cost?

Classes are free - but donations are gratefully accepted!

  • Do I need to register? If so, how do I register?

Registration is required, but can be done online beforehand or when you arrive to class. You will also need to complete a waiver when you arrive to class. Before registering, please email the instructor for your desired session, and they will send additional information.

Mondays: Email Lindsay Hart at lindsayhart09@gmail.com.

Fridays: Email Wendy Covey at wcacovey@gmail.com. 

  • What do I need to bring?

Clothing:  Nothing special, just something you are comfortable moving around in.

Footwear: If you need certain shoes for foot health issues then those are the shoes you should wear.  For the rest of us, a flexible shoe, with a fairly flat sole, and that stays on well, are the best ones to wear.  Please, no open-back shoes of any kind, such as clogs, Crocs, flip-flops, etc.

(A note on the Community Room floor: The room floor is carpeted.  It is important to keep it dry and clean so we can all use it safely.  Please consider bringing a pair of indoor shoes to class and changing before you enter the room.  There are chairs for this purpose inside the library complex. This is especially important on wet or snowy days.)

Food & drinks are allowed in the Community Room as long as they are consumed mindfully and all waste is disposed of properly.

  • Any other information?

Bad Weather class cancellation policy:  Wintery weather will make an appearance (hopefully later rather than sooner).  There will be no Tai Chi if Middlebury Schools are closed for weather-related reasons ( on teacher training days, school holiday/vacation days etc there will still be Tai Chi).  Information about school closures can be found on the Vermont Public Radio website (vpr.org), on Channel 3 (WCAX) TV station and at the different Middlebury schools websites.  Instructors will send out an email to confirm the cancellation also.

***Your Instructors***

Wendy Covey (wcacovey@gmail.com)

I moved to Middlebury in 1993. When I saw how beneficial Tai Chi was for a coworker of mine, I wanted to try it out. I took my first Age Well sponsored Tai Chi class around 2012. After learning, practicing, and playing Tai Chi for over ten years, I decided to get certified to teach the form that I had been introduced to back in 2012. It's a life long learning process that I'm enjoying and I love sharing it with others

Lindsay Hart (lindsayhart09@gmail.com)

I have been a resident of Middlebury for 16yrs and love this town! About 12 years ago I took the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention class. I enjoyed it so much I trained to become a teacher, and have been teaching this program for 6 years. Initially I tried it to improve my balance, but I have discovered so many other benefits from “playing” Tai Chi, I think I will be playing for the rest of my life. It is my joy to share this with members of the community.