(Posted February 12, 2016)

On Friday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m., the Natural Connection Wellness Center in Huntingdon hosted an event called "Forget the Winter Blues Drumming," which welcomed various members of the community to dance, rattle, drum and feel the joy, as winter kicked in.

Rev. Dana Jefferson opened the event by emphasizing that the goal of the drumming exercise was to release stress. "Tonight is about letting go and being as childlike as possible," she insisted. At first, the audience members were not drumming in unison. However, as more people stood up to dance and shake their instruments -- drums, guitars and maracas -- various rhythm came together as one. Jefferson later explained that it is easier to be in harmony with everyone else after having released our energy.

The second portion of the event added a little twist. "I'm turning 60 soon but I'll be 5 for a second!" she said. With that statement, Jefferson played various song genres, including "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, "Surfing Bird" by the Trashmen, and "March of the Sun King Warriors" by Jim Donovan.

As one child in the audience exclaimed, regardless of age, "Everyone deserves to have fun!"
The event was very successful. Snacks and drinks were available, and Juniata faculty members and students were in attendance.

By Anne-Marcelle Kouamé

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