By David Freeze

For the Salisbury Post

Last year’s series of five educational workshops, called Learn. Act. Grow., was a huge hit. And just like co-organizer April Everett says, “The price is right.” There is no charge, and plenty of free snacks and food samples, a chance to win door prizes and a grand prize add more reasons to attend. All presentations are at the South Rowan Regional Public Library and will meet on Monday evenings from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“Got Plans?” gets the series rolling on Monday, Jan. 26. This workshop will allow participants to learn about essential documents such as living wills and other important papers that families should have access to in a time of need. Local eldercare expert Don Timmons will be on hand to answer questions and help participants to complete forms that night.

Next in the series is “Learn. App. Grow.”, sponsored by Rowan Cabarrus Community College and set for Feb. 23. Led by Tricia Staggers and Virginia Graham Madorin, this class will allow those on hand to explore free apps that inspire you to stay organized, get fit and eat healthier.

On March 23, “It’s Not What You’re Eating, It’s What You’re Not Eating!” is planned to coincide with National Nutrition Month. Morrison Healthcare and Novant Health Rowan Medical Center sponsor this workshop. Come learn about protein and nutritional food that will keep you full and energized for the day. Samples will be available.

Fourth in the series is “Smart Pedaling” on April 27. Visit different stations, staffed by local experts, for a better understanding of bicycle types, rules of the road, quick maintenance, bike friendly trails and roads and tours. There will also be information on spin cycling classes offered locally. This workshop is sponsored by Skinny Wheels Bike Shop and Ulearn2run.com

Morrison Healthcare is back with Chuck Misenheimer for the finale of the Learn. Act. Grow. series, called “Licensed to Grill.” Admission to this workshop is by ticket only. Tickets can be obtained by attending at least one other workshop in the series. This workshop will feature tips on how to grill healthy fare and traditional cookout stapes. Food will be available for the attendees.

Co-organizer Joan Cress said, “The idea for the program got started with a discussion in a parking lot after a local fitness class.’Learn. Act. Grow. comes at a time of year when we need a little healthy encouragement to get through the winter months. Since winter can be cold, damp, dark and a little depressing, it seemed to be the perfect time to offer a no-cost, positive lifestyle program. The response from local businesses made it all possible, and then we had a wonderful turnout last year from those interested in our topics.”

Everett added, “At Rowan Public Library, our mission is to inspire a spirit of exploration, power the imagination, feed the joy of reading, and empower lifelong pursuit of knowledge. We launched our Learn. Act. Grow. program in 2014 to do just that, and due to overwhelming popularity and outstanding support from our community partners, we were able to bring back the program in 2015.”

“One participant came up to me after last year’s “Find Your Stride” workshop to tell me that she was so excited that we had included an energy bite recipe. Because of her dietary restrictions, she was glad to have found a healthy snack that she could have and could make for her family. Most people felt that way — that each program left you with recipes, tips and tricks to help you make simple and healthy lifestyle changes,” continued Everett.

One of the most popular speakers from last year is tentatively scheduled to return for both of the Morrison Healthcare workshops. “Chef Chris” Herron will offer his unique tips and provide samples at these workshops. Herron has played a significant part in the healthy eating choices now available at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. The cafeteria now offers two smoothie days each week and encourages the public to stop in to sample these choices and other menu items.

Additional sponsors include Food Lion and Hospice and Palliative Care Center.

Cress and Everett wanted to let everyone know that registration is open and a spot for any and all evening workshops of Learn. Act. Grow. can be secured by stopping by the library at 920 Kimball Road, Landis. Online registration is also open at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org . More information can be obtained by calling 704-216-7727.