WORLD TAI CHI AND QIGONG DAY
Saturday, April 25, 2026
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World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is an annual event that takes place on the last Saturday of April, to promote the related martial art disciplines of Tai Chi and Qigong across the world. This year, it takes place on Saturday, April 25. Starting in 1999, the movement saw people in up to 80 countries take part in Tai Chi and Qigong activities to help foster a greater understanding of the art forms, as well as the medical and spiritual benefits that they bring.
The Chinese martial arts disciplines of Tai Chi Chuan (or Tai Chi) and Qigong are practiced by millions around the world. The practice emphasizes the use of body alignment, slow movements, and breathing techniques that help the practitioner improve their inner strength. Practicing these forms can help improve one’s blood circulation, posture, and both mental and physical balance. Both arts have their roots in ancient Chinese history, stemming mainly from Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist meditation principles and self-defense practices. Their philosophies evolved from the writings of various Taoist figures, such as Lao Tzu, but truly formed as practices after Buddhism was introduced in China around 206 to 220 B.C.
The first form of Tai Chi as a practical tradition was documented in Northern China in the 16th century, but the most widely recognized form practiced today is the ‘Yang style,’ which was spread by martial arts expert Yang Luchan in the 19th century. In the 20th century, the Chinese government helped standardize Tai Chi’s various methods, helping martial arts gain wider recognition. The event that inspired World Tai Chi and Qigong Day took place in Kansas City, Missouri in 1998, where the local Tai Chi club held a public exhibition in front of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art aiming to promote the martial arts practice. Residents were free to join in and take part.
After receiving coverage from major U.S. media outlets, the event generated interest gradually, beginning in other American cities until it eventually spread worldwide by 1999, with events held in various nations and cities. The goals of the event are to educate the world about the medical and spiritual benefits that both arts offer, and the benefits of implementing these ancient Chinese traditional ideas in health, education, business, and more. These are taught through events such as mass Tai Chi demonstrations, exhibitions, free classes, and education seminars. By doing so, the movement helps foster a vision of cooperation that transcends geopolitical borders for the sake of global health.
We now have two different instructors for Tai Chi here at Joslyn Center. Mike has been leading the martial art here for four years, although he has been practicing it since 1969. He says that the best benefits of his Tai Chi class are posture and balance and that his wife gets him out of the house. Try Mike's class on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
To add to the popular class, Atsuko started teaching Tai Chi here in March. You can take her class on Mondays at 10am. She has been doing Tai Chi for 25 years and teaching it for about 12 years. She says that the biggest benefit of her class is to build stronger muscles and improve your balance. She enjoys teaching Tai Chi because its slow moves are better for your body than quick moves and is very calming. This has been proven by doctors. She added that her students have told her that while doing Tai Chi, they just forget everything around them and relax.
If you have never tried Tai Chi before, you are encouraged to join Atsuko and/or Mike and begin this beneficial form of exercise.
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16th ANNUAL JOSLYN IN BLOOM
FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON: AVANT-GARDEN
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 11am-2pm
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A big, bloomin' THANK YOU to our sponsors, donors, guests, model citizens, committee members, board members, volunteers, vendors, and casino staff for contributing to the success of Joslyn in Bloom!
Guests and Model Citizens were on their "avant-garde" in support of Joslyn Center programs and services for older adults in our community.
Please enjoy the following photos by Lani Garfield.
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MODEL CITIZENS CLASS OF 2026
Michael Hinkle, James Danoff-Burg, Anyse Smith, Katie Finn, Tom Snyder, Leisa Austin, Jim Buchholz, Daniel Hurtado, DeAnn Mix-Buchholz,
Hugh Van Horn, Randy Florence, Melanie Blue, Celeste Schleimer & Liza,
Henry Basile, Maria DeRosa, Winston Gieseke, Eve Fromberg Edelstein,
Jim Schleimer, Mellisa Silverman, Fashion Show Producer Susan Stein
| | Merritt & Penny Joslyn Award Honorees Gary Geske & Barbara Rogers | | |
Susan Gelman, Patty Newman and Joslyn Board President,
Barbara Mitchell
| | Raine Jewelry diamond bracelet opportunity drawing winner Barbara Jean Bennett and husband, Gary | | |
Tracy Smith, Dick Shalhoub,
Jaishri Mehta
| | | To view more images, please click the link below: | | THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS | | |
WEDNESDAY MOVIE MATINEE
ARTHUR NEWMAN THEATRE
April 22, 2026, 2:00pm
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Hello, Dolly!
1969, 2h 26m
| In the 1890s New York City, the bold and enchanting widow Dolly Levi (Barbra Streisand) is a socialite-turned-matchmaker. Her latest clients seeking assistance are the cantankerous half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau) and a young artist named Ambrose (Tommy Tune), who is in love with Horace's niece, Ermengarde (Joyce Ames). Dolly's scheming soon involves Horace's employees as well as a New York hatmaker, as she tries to cover up her own secret romantic designs. | | | |
Meet at
Athena Gyro
Casual eatery specializing in Greek fare including gyros and salmon dishes.
73121 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert
Click image for restaurant information.
CASH ONLY PER SINGLES GROUP POLICY
Please call John at 760-989-7031 for reservations.
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Don't forget to bring an interesting story or topic.
UPCOMING DATES & RESTAURANTS
April 30 - Papa Dan's - Palm Desert (1:15pm)
May 7 - Bellatrix Lounge - Palm Desert (3-5pm) HAPPY HOUR
May 14 - Casa Luna - Palm Desert (4:30pm)
May 21 - Olive Garden - Palm Desert (4:30pm)
May 28 - Outback Steakhouse - Palm Desert (4:30pm)
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APRIL VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
WITH SHARYN
Friday, April 24, 10:30am
| | The River We Remember is a standalone historical mystery novel by William Kent Krueger, set in 1958 in the fictional town of Jewel, Minnesota, where the murder of a wealthy landowner exposes deep-seated racism and secrets, forcing Sheriff Brody Dern to confront his own past while investigating the crime, which is quickly blamed on a Native American veteran and his Japanese wife. The book explores themes of prejudice, trauma, and community, using the river as a central metaphor for memory and the flow of life. | | |
The River We Remember
by William Kent Krueger
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MAY VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
WITH SHARYN
Friday, May 22, 10:30am
| | The contemporary thriller about four 60-year-old female assassins who are targeted for elimination by their own elite organization, "The Museum," as they near retirement. The book follows Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie as they use their old-school skills and friendship to fight back against their former employer, turning a retirement vacation into a fight for survival. It's described as a witty, action-packed novel with a "Golden Girls meets James Bond" vibe, blending humor, adventure, and a mystery about who wants them dead. | | |
Killers of a Certain Age
by Deanna Raybourn
| | JOSLYN CENTER GOLD BUSINESS PARTNERS | | The Business Partner program is one of the reasons Joslyn Center is able to keep membership dues and activities low fee or free. Our business partners also sponsor events and social programs, helping to defray costs. To learn more about Gold Business Partner services, please click their logos below. | | |
For a full list of Joslyn Center Business Partners, please click below.
For information on becoming a Business Partner,
please contact Alex at AlexG@JoslynCenter.org or 760-895-4652.
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The Joslyn Center provides extensive programs and services for older adults in Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding Coachella Valley communities.
Thank you to the Cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert and
Rancho Mirage for their ongoing support.
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73-750 Catalina Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.340.3220
JoslynCenter.org
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