A focus on healthy living will continue into the summer at the Mariposa County Library. The library announced it will continue its weekly tai chi class and put a spotlight on other wellness initiatives.
The library has been offering tai chi classes since the winter months, each Thursday morning at 7 a.m. The classes are led by instructor Ken Kinoshita, who has several decades of experience.
The class is free to attend and no registration is needed. However, participants are asked to fill out a waiver form. The class thus far has mostly consisted of adults, but youth are able to participate. Kinoshita gears his teaching toward all skill levels and physical abilities.
“We are grateful to have someone like Ken in our community. He has done a great job leading this class and building a community of people who enjoy doing it,” said Mariposa County Librarian Matt Johnson. “It has been fun to see so many people participating and being part of something like this. As far as I know, it’s one of the few classes in the mountain region.”
Blood pressure kits now available
The library was able to obtain blood pressure kits for each library branch in the county by participating in a state initiative known as Rural Health Connections.
This program provided the library with $1,400 worth of health books and $1,400 worth of technology items to host virtual events centered on health literacy.
“We are so grateful to have this opportunity,” Johnson said.
Johnson said staff member Christine Knight was instrumental in helping to guide the library’s participation in the program. Rural Health Connections is linked to the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart campaign, of which Mariposa County is taking part by having the blood pressure kits available.
Each blood pressure monitor comes with instructions and can be checked out and taken home to monitor blood pressure over a period of days.
“We are proud to have these blood pressure monitors here for the public to use,” Johnson said. “It is a very important thing for many people.”
Food preparation class upcoming
The library is hosting a food preparation course with local nutritionist Rose Fluharty. Fluharty will teach a class on Saturday, June 27 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Midpines Hall.
It is free to attend, but registration is required and space is very limited.
Participants are invited to build upon and improve their food preparation skills during an interactive cooking demonstration, while learning the health benefits of a plant-based diet and sampling some recipes along the way.
“We have teamed up with Rose for other events and she does a great job sharing her knowledge and her passion for healthy foods,” said Johnson. “We think this can provide a big benefit and be a fun way for people to bring health education into their life.”
Call (209) 966-2140 to learn more. Midpines Hall is located at 6364 Highway 140.
World Cup event to provide free soccer balls
Soccer is another great way to stay healthy and the library is partnering with Mariposa Soccer League to put a focus on the sport. With the 2026 World Cup starting in June, soccer will be in the forefront of the news around the world.
The soccer league is donating several youth soccer balls for a special event on Tuesday, June 23. From 5:30-7 p.m., participants can get a ball and decorate their own World Cup-themed ball with supplies provided at the library.
“We look forward to seeing the creative things people come up with,” Johnson said.
There is no registration and the event is free to attend.
“I’m a huge soccer fan, and a supporter of what the local league is doing for our youth and adults, so we are thrilled to welcome them for this event,” said Johnson.
America 250th events to be announced
With the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary right around the corner, the library has a few events in the works. Those include a patriotic singalong event, passing out free copies of the Constitution, participating in the July 4 parade, an event aimed at enjoying American culture, and much more.
Johnson said details for those events will be shared soon with the public.
“We want to really celebrate our nation’s accomplishments, pay tribute to the sacrifices made for our freedoms, and give people a chance to come together for this special 250th anniversary,” Johnson explained.
To learn more about programs and other library offerings, call (209) 966-2140 or stop into the library at 4978 10th Street.
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