ELDRED, NY — It is universally appealing. It can be practiced by men and women, the young and not-as-young. And it’s good for the body and mind. It’s yoga!

A complimentary yoga class on July 25 was the latest in a series of wellness activities sponsored by The Can’t Hurt Steel Community Foundation. The organization was created in 2016 by JJ Hanson and his wife Kristen, to enhance community members’ quality of life. The foundation offers financial assistance to families experiencing a catastrophic loss or illness, provides health and wellness programming, as well as promotes community development.

The yoga class was held in the idyllic setting of the new deck of the Sunshine Hall Free Library in Eldred, which is adorned with beautiful flower containers that attract numerous butterflies. Participants went through the routine of planks, downward dog and tree poses to the sound of the babbling Halfway Brook, which flows just feet away. It was led by Shain Fishman, proprietor of the Highland Yoga & Dance Studio in Highland Lake. Participants included a third grader and a septuagenarian, and 10 others in between.

The class was the latest in a series of wellness activities that have been offered in the past several weeks, including an introduction to Pilates class led by Bianca Velez, founder of Find the Midline Pilates and a five-day mind/body health cleanse. In mid-June, the third annual 5K run to raise funds for the organization was held at the Beaver Brook Gun Club and nearly 200 runners participated.

It is no secret that in all of New York State, Sullivan County has been ranked second-worst in terms of overall health. These initiatives are meant to combat that issue.

Future events include Kids Yoga at Circle Park in Glen Spey on August 10 at 10 a.m. co-sponsored with the Town of Lumberland Parks & Recreation. Also, a Community Health Fair will be held on August 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eldred High School, co-sponsored in partnership with the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce, Highland & Lumberland Lions Clubs, and Sullivan 180.

For more information on these events, visit www.canthurtsteelfoundation.org.