Press release

“A Peaceful Time for the Healing Warrior,” a free 3-hour relaxation session, will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 20, in the Trailer in the Woods behind the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville. This program is sponsored by the VA and is offered to Veterans enrolled in the Center’s Mental Health and substance abuse recovery programs, as well as program graduates.

The program will include live flute and guitar music with vocals by singer and songwriter Meryl Lammers of Black Mountain. Cyndy Kirkland, who is teaching yoga at the VA Medical Center, will lead chair yoga and play Tibetan singing bowls. Linda Cammarata, yoga teacher and massage therapist, will offer foot massage. Korey Hampton, sports therapist, will also work with the Veterans.

Rev. Judith Toy of Cloud Cottage Community of Mindful Living in Black Mountain will lead mindfulness practice and total relaxation sessions. “Many of these women and men are tired. They have served our country well, and we wanted to offer them a morning of refreshment, as a way of saying thank you,” said Rev. Toy. “The women we’ve gathered for this event are compassionate and talented healers.”

Advance registration is requested. Organizers say there is room for 35 Veterans. Interested people should call Beverly Bradigan, recreation therapist at (828) 298-7911, extension 5346.