Teacher News (June 1996)

The Africa Fund — Realized

Sister Francis Kay, Little Falls, MN writes: Our goal — to raise sufficient funds for Sister Marie-Ann Main to come from South Africa, for her T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Accreditation, seems adequate. I have contacted travel agencies, and their estimates on the air flight fares, show that we can now cover the expenses.

There is a difference of understanding about T’ai Chi Chih between Sister Marie-Ann’s Regional and her Higher leaders in Community. To date, Higher authority is in favor of the fine opportunity given to Sister Marie-Ann to be accredited. The Regional find the whole area of T’ai Chi Chih movement questionable. I have communicated with the leaders. Also, in my communications with Sister Marie-Ann (who continually presents her request to her leaders) I find her resolute, prayerful spirit alive and waiting on the God of Surprises. Whatever the time, she is ready.

And to you, dear Justin, Steve and family of T’ai Chi Chih, my gratitude to each and every one of you, who have given your finances and your loving support to further our worthy cause. I look forward to the time when my message will state that all is well, and the accreditation is realized. Blessings!

Switzerland

Sr. Yolanda G. Tancinco, Solothun writes:

You are a wonderful memory. I feel the connection through the movements I’ve learned with much appreciation.

I pray (and hopefully will do it in a way by trying) to be a Living T’ai Chi here in my own world, with old and new sisters assigned to me.

Slowly and gradually, I’m translating the TCC text to the language communicated here in my mother community, Solothun, Switzerland. I wish, and someday, would gladly invite [you] to come [here]. [Send] them [the T’ai Chi Chih community], my greetings and kind regards. I am, Sr. Yolanda.

Belgium

Anna Martens, c/o Philippe Janssen, Gemzenstraat, 28, B2, Wilryk, Belgium:

Congratulations to Anna Martens and her husband, Philippe Janssen, who are expecting a child around July 10th. Great Happiness to your family!

Texas

Geraldine Kline, O. P., San Antonio, TX writes:

I finally have my permanent address in San Antonio. Just an additional note to say that I’ve done three TCC demonstrations so far and have several more scheduled, and two classes set up already. People seem very receptive to TCC here, and I’m looking forward to my classes.

New Mexico

Eugene Box, Deming, NM writes: Spring TCC class the Library [was] warmly received… [A] space [was] created for fall TCC class [and] enrollment steps [moved toward completion].

Oregon

Elizabeth Tyler, Lake Osawego, OR writes:

We started up another outdoor community practice at the Rose Garden in Portland in March. We meet once a month for a lovely outdoor practice in the park. I’m doing weekend wellness retreats teaching TCC and meditation … TCC continues to transform my life and my work. I got asked to do a cable TV show for seniors talking about and teaching TCC.

Seijaku/Meditation Retreat. A practice session lead by Carmen Brocklehurst during the Seijaku/Meditation held last March is featured in the photograph below.

California

San Francisco Bay Area News

Vickie Brodie, Burlingame, CA writes: When you hear the comment not to turn down anyone who wants to take T’ai Chi Chih, take heed. After several months of being too busy to teach regular classes, an opportunity to teach on a non-regular basis presented itself. Two flight attendants who have extremely irregular schedules wanted to take TCC. We started in January and by the end of April we completed Class #5. I drive 10 miles to one of their homes. We plan when our next one or two classes will be when we meet. They are not always on the same day nor at the same time which works out well for all of us, I must say these two students are really motivated. They practice for about two weeks between classes and are really trying hard to learn each movement. They are a joy to work with and know; [it is] one of the things I like best about giving private lessons.

T’ai Chi Chih at Three Bay Area Hospitals

The Health Education Department of Kaiser Permenente in the bay area cities of Fremont, Oakland, and Santa Clara is now sponsoring therapeutic T’ai Chi Chih classes as part of its wellness pilot program.

Fremont classes are taught by accredited TCC instructor Susan Hudgens from San Jose. Two Saturday morning classes (eight-week sessions) are offered for summer and fall. TCC teacher Sandy McAlister from Hayward, CA is currently teaching T’ai Chi Chih at Kaiser Permenante in Oakland. TCC teacher Roberta Taggart from Cupertino, CA is scheduled to teach an eight-week session beginning on July 11 at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara.

Southern California News

Here in San Diego, we have a group of teachers who meet on Monday night to work on expanding T’ai Chi Chih throughout San Diego. Since January, we have sent out press releases, Public Service Announcements, and articles to 10 different radio stations, along with 28 different magazines and newspapers. This week we received a call from a Health and Fitness writer who has a column in San Diego’s largest newspaper, and he will do an article in the Sunday paper, in the Currents Section. WE ARE EXCITED!!!

For those of you who are trying to get media coverage in your local papers, our advice is to be patient, persistent, and focused. Then, you will have the perfect door open for you.

The San Diego Teachers meet on the first Saturday of every month at 4:00 p.m. for movements, pot luck, and a meeting. … [There are] weekly practice sessions in Balboa Park every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am. … We teachers invite you to visit us in San Diego anytime …