I’m taking off my Baseball Bloggess cap today to let you know about the damage that the recent ice storm did to the Wildlife Center of Virginia … and how we can help! I’m also delighted to invite you to my annual Wildlife Center Open House which will be at my Yoga Studio in Orange, Virginia next Saturday, December 1. Some of you are nearby enough to swing by — please do! And, for those folks who are a bit too far afield … but would still like to help … keep reading!  Thank you!

On November 15, a destructive ice storm hit Virginia. It did an enormous amount of damage at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Thanks to the quick and selfless actions of the Center staff in the midst of the storm, no animals were injured or escaped … although several had their habitats and homes severely damaged or destroyed. There’s quite a rebuild ahead for the Center, and so our annual Open House & Yoga Class to support the Center couldn’t come at a better time.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia depends on the generosity of individuals like us to support their life-saving work. They have cared for more than 3,000 wild animals this year … and new patients come in every single day. They need our help more than ever today.

Athena the barred owl at last year’s Open House

Won’t you join me – and some of the wild animals at the Wildlife Center — on Saturday, December 1 at Peaceful Hands Yoga in Orange?

Free Yoga Class at 9:30 a.m.

Open House 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

228 Warren Street in Orange, Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I can’t come to the Yoga Class?

A: Just come to the Open House!

Q: I’m not a student at Peaceful Hands, can I come anyway?

A: Would you like to help the Wildlife Center? If your answer is “yes” then you’re definitely “family” and we would love for you to join us.

Q: Can children come? Can I bring a friend?

A: The Yoga class might not be appropriate for kids with no prior Yoga experience, but the Open House certainly is, especially if they would like to get an up-close look at some of the Center’s wild animals and learn more about them from Center staff.  And, yes, please do bring a friend!

Q: Will there be cheesecake?

A: Yes! Dr. Beier’s awesome cheesecake will be there!  And, there will be plenty of other sweet and savory treats, hot cider, and other little surprises.

Q: I can’t come to the event, but I want to help … what can I do?

A: Make an online donation. Visit the Center at wildlifecenter.org and click the “Donate” button in the upper right corner. Click the option “make a general gift.” When you “check out” you’ll have the opportunity to include a note. Let them know that you’re supporting the “Peaceful Hands” project. If you do, you’ll receive a special little thank you surprise from me!

Q: What can I bring?

A: Yourself. And, a gift for the Center. Write a check to the Wildlife Center of Virginia … or choose some always-needed supplies from this list:

Paper Towels ** Tissues (no lotion) ** Glad/Hefty Trash Bags (30 gallon & yard sized) ** Ziplock Bags ** Safety Glasses/Goggles ** Mixed Nuts (unsalted, raw, no peanuts) ** Canned & Dry Dog or Cat Food (any size, any brand) ** Tuna Fish in cans ** Wild Bird Seed ** Basic office supplies: 20 lb. white paper, pens, padded mailing envelopes, dry erase markers.

Q: Will Randy tell us about the time the bear cub nearly broke out of its crate in the back of his Subaru?

A: Only if you ask him.

You’ll find more information about the Open House here. And, directions to the studio are here.

From a songbird …

… to an opossum …

… to a bear cub …

… Your support will make a difference. It can, quite simply, save a wild animal’s life. Please join us!

If you have any other questions email me at jackie@peacefulhands.com

Thank you so much for your kindness! And, I hope to see you!