by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Most of the time, County Judge Eleni Derke presides in court on East Bay Street. Twice a week, she walks a few blocks west to teach a yoga class at the YMCA at the Bank of America Tower.
Derke was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1996 and began practicing the physical and mental disciplines that originated in India centuries ago as a way to manage the condition. She’s also a vegetarian.
“I’ve been able to survive with yoga and not a single surgery,” said Derke.
In addition to providing a midday break two days a week, Derke said teaching the classes and sharing what she knows with others “fits in with the judicial philosophy to do the most good for the community.”
When asked if she teaches her beginners and intermediate students on a pro bono basis, Derke said, “Close. I get a membership to the Y.”
The classes are open to all YMCA members. For more information, call 356-9622.
356-2466