Hitchcock Happenings

By Submission
Turley Publications

BRIMFIELD - Get a fresh start in 2010 with Hitchcock Free Academy. New sessions kick off the first week in January. For more information about, or to register for, any of the following classes call Hitchcock Academy at (413) 245-9977.
Also, pamphlets are available at your local library or outside the academy’s front door. You can find them on the Web at: www.hitchcockacademy.org.

Tai Chi Chuan classes
Begin learning the 108-movement Yang Family Tai Chi long form. This advanced class is for those who have taken Tai Chi/ Chi Kung classes and have practiced for at least one year. (Beginner Tai Chi/ Chi Kung classes start Jan. 13.) Classes will be held Mondays, Jan. 4 – Feb. 22, 6 – 7 p.m. The instructor is David Masera and the fee is $43 for six classes for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge and Wales; all others please add $5.

Jan. 7

Drawing/ Portraiture classes
Transfer what you see in 3-D onto a 2-D surface; use drawing fundamentals and more advanced skills to convey form and depth. Classes will be held Thursdays, Jan. 7 – Feb. 11, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. There are 6 classes and the fee is $80 for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge and Wales; all others please add $5. There is also a supply fee of approximately $20 payable to the instructor, Lizzie Brown, on the first class.

Computer training classes
The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is offering computer training classes, many of which will be held at Hitchcock. On Jan. 7, Word Basic and Excel Basic will begin. Pre-registration is required through the QVCDC; for a full list of courses, descriptions, and fees, visit www.qvcdc.com or call (413) 967-3001.

Jan. 8

The Brown Baggers at Hitchcock Free Academy present: “Poetry and Art” Friday, Jan. 8. A picture is worth a thousand words, but words can also inspire pictures. Come to this free program and discover the balance and complimentary aspects of Denise Fontaine-Pincince’s fine poetry and artwork. This program is supported by the Shirley Frye Memorial Fund. Denise is the instructor for “Elements of Poetry” which starts Jan. 21.
Coffee and tea are available for a .50 donation. Lunch is from 12:30 – 1 p.m. and the speaker/presenter from 1 – 2 p.m.

Jan. 9

New Ballet sessions
Anyone ages 7 – adult, beginners and experienced dancers alike, can join Joanna Duncan to develop a love of dance in these master classes in ballet. Joanna, Solo Seal Certified Teacher from the Royal Academy of Dance in London, is renowned for her gentle approach; fun, smiles, and love of dance are the ingredients for all her classes. The fee is $45 for this four-class session for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge and Wales; all others please add $5. Classes according to age and experience run from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 11

Create a Gnome: Concrete Casting classes.
These free-standing creatures are whimsical additions to any garden or patio. Join instructor Pete Robitaille of Cornerstone Creations in Sturbridge for this two-evening workshop on Monday and Wednesday, Jan. 11 and 13, 7 – 8:30 p.m. The fee is $22 per gnome or $37 for two for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge and Wales; all others please add $5. All materials and instruction provided.

“Yoga with Jane”
Discover the many benefits of stress-relieving Hatha Yoga. Relax and rejuvenate with postures and guided meditation to restore that mind-body-spirit connection.
The next session will be held on Mondays, Jan. 11 – March 1, 7:15 – 8:45 p.m.
The instructor is Jane Anable, Certified Kripalu Instructor and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist. There are six classes and the fee is $60 for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge, and Wales; all others please add $5. Bring a yoga mat and blanket if you wish.

Jan. 12

Garden and Nature classes
Children ages 2.9 – Kindergarten can discover the joys of gardening and explore the wonders of nature through seasonal, hands-on activities, stories, and take-home projects. Play clothes only! Choose Tuesdays or Wednesdays, from 10 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 2 p.m. There are seven classes from Jan. 12/13 to March 9/10 and the instructor is Linda Fuchs of Linda Fuchs Greenhouses in Brimfield. The fee is $55 for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge and Wales; all others please add $5. There is also a $25 supply fee payable to Linda Fuchs on the first class.

Jan. 13

“Fitness Fusion” classes
Learn a total body workout suited to you! This class includes cardiovascular, core balance, and strength workouts.
Get in shape and stay that way through this class. Students will need a stability ball for this five-class session; choose from Wednesday or Friday mornings, 9 – 10 a.m., or Wednesday evenings, 6 – 7 p.m. The Wednesday morning classes are intermediate-level circuit training and start Jan. 20, the Wednesday evening classes are beginning- to intermediate-level and begin Jan. 13, and the Friday morning classes are suited to all levels and start Jan. 15. The instructor is Julie Gerrish, Certified Personal Trainer, N.A.S.M. There are 5 classes and the fee is $58 for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge, and Wales; all others please add $5. There is also a $10 supply fee payable to the instructor on the first class, for a resistance band, or students may bring their own.

Tai Chi / Chi Kung classes
Explore this ancient yet evolving art form that uses slow, deliberate movements to better understand the body’s performance and restrictions. Receive the benefits of increased balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. All abilities and ages 14 and up welcome to join. Classes are held Wednesdays, Jan. 13 – Feb. 24, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The instructor is David Masera and the fee is $43 for six classes for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge and Wales; all others please add $5.

“A New Clown in Town” workshop
This one-hour workshop for all ages is being offered for a free-will donation to Hitchcock. It will be a perfect time to meet Maggie the Clown, formerly of Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey circus.
Enjoy a mini-show and a make-up demonstration, and receive a balloon animal for attending, concluding with a question and answer period. Join the fun from 6 – 7 p.m. Jan. 13. The “new clown” is Nicole Portwood.