Public Relations & Volunteer Spotlight January 2005

Virginia Dowling Volunteer Tai Chi Instructor It was two of those pleasant surprises; the popularity of Heartland’s Tai Chi and the volunteer instructor who stepped forth to lead it!  Virginia Dowling, whose name in town is becoming synonymous with Tai Chi, has been leading this form of Oriental exercise for the past year at Heartland.  Currently there are 19 participants in her group.  With the interest continuing to build, Virginia has started a new class in which she teaches the beginning steps.   The advanced participants continue to meet twice a week as well.  Virginia became interested in Tai Chi when she enrolled in an Ames Park and Recreation class.  As a physical therapist in town for the past 30 + years, she had a professional interest in how Tai Chi could positively impact arthritis.  This led her to Dr. Paul Lam’s workshops and she became certified to teach Tai Chi and Arthritis.  This special class commences at Mary Greeley Medical Center this spring. Virginia was born in Ames with her parents working at the university. The family soon moved further east, and Viriginia graduated from high school in the Cleveland area.  She then received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State in Physical Education and her Physical Therapy degree from the Mayo Foundation School of Physical Therapy in Rochester. Virginia and Wayne Dowling were married in 1971 and have lived in Ames ever since.  They have a daughter Mildred, 25, who teaches orchestra in Burlington, Iowa; and a son Walter, 21, who attends Northern Michigan University at Marquette. Virginia has volunteered throughout her life.  She is very active at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in the chancel choir, bell choir, and has been a deacon of the church.  She has been a Girl Scout leader off and on for 20 + years, and on the Board of Directors for Friends of Ames Strings for the past 15 years.  Add to that two days a week of Tai Chi at the Heartland Senior Center and two days of the month in Heartland’s Adult Day Care Center, leading an adapted version of Tai Chi from a seated position.  All this would not seem to leave much time for hobbies.  Indeed after some leisure reading and cross-stitching, Virginia has to admit her main hobby is, surprise, Tai Chi! Thank you, Virginia, for finding the time to encourage fitness and agility in seniors through your support and expertise.  You have added a new dimension to our programming and hold a high standard of wellness for seniors attaining their desired quality of life.  Heartland appreciates your example and fine contribution to the community. Previous Volunteer Spotlight Honorees