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Community Corner

Register for Fun New Winter Programs Today!

Sign up for Enjoyable Programs and Activities for the whole family this winter with the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department

The holiday season and winter are now in full swing! It is time to register today for Fun winter programs with the Parks and Recreation Department. Whether you are looking to improve your fitness routine, get healthier, make new friends or start a new hobby-we have many programs for you to enjoy! We have programs at a various times so that you can either take fitness programs before work, at lunchtime and after work to help make 2020 your best and healthiest yet! There are enjoyable programs for the whole family that start right up the first week of January. Register today at suffieldrec.com Hurry, some deadlines are approaching soon.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year! We look forward to seeing you and your family at upcoming programs.

Suffield Parks and Recreation Winter 2020 Programs Register on-line at suffieldrec.com

Adult Programs

Mix it up at the Barre (New-2 class options after work!)

Join in on our new fun Barre inspired workout. Are you looking for a great program that incorporates Yoga, Pilates and Aerobics in a super fun way? This class is for you! The Barre portion of this class incorporates specific sequencing patterns and isometric movements that target specific muscle groups. This pattern of exercise helps to improve strength, balance, flexibility and posture. The “MIX” portion of this class will add strength training and cardiovascular fitness using dumbbells and other equipment at the studio. Please be sure to wear sneakers.

Find out what's happening in Suffieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Instructor: Sarah Supino/Unique Fitness Studio Staff

Dates: Thursdays-January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb.6

Find out what's happening in Suffieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Times: 4:45-5:30 p.m.- Class 1

5:45-6:30 p.m.- Class 2

Ages: 14 and up

Location: Unique Fitness Studio

Fee: $60.00 Non Res: $70.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.


Winter Walkers/Runners and Snowshoers - FREE (Get your Steps in at Lunchtime!)

Let’s enjoy the brisk winter weather, get motivated and go on a lunchtime walk/jog or snowshoe session weather permitting.

Instructor: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki

Dates: Tuesdays-January 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4

Times: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Meet at the Middle School Track

Ages: All ages welcome

Fee: FREE (must pre-register)

Registration closes on Wednesday, January 1 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.


Get Your Body Back (Get fit during Lunchtime and make your 2020 fitness goals come true!)

Looking for a fun class that offers great motivation to help you get fit in 2020? This lunch time conditioning and strengthening class will focus on building lean muscle and toning. No experience necessary as Instructor will accommodate and modify to suit all of your individual needs and fitness levels. Come learn about your muscles, mechanics and improve even further on your strength and cardio. We will also discuss healthy nutrition and lifestyle as a core component of this class.

Take a break from the sedentary lunchtime hour and join us. This class offers a great way to get in shape in the New Year with great motivation while having fun!

Instructor: Joseph Hicks, Certified Personal Trainer, ISTA.

Dates: Mondays-January 6, 13, 27, Feb. 3, 10 (no class on Jan. 20)

Time: 12:05 p.m-12:50 p.m.

Ages: Adults

Location: Suffield Town Hall Conference Room

Fee: $40.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity

Lunchtime Mindfulness and Yoga (The perfect way to get centered and be more mindful at lunchtime!)

Start 2020 off right and learn the best ways to be mindful and reduce stress with Yoga. In this class you will enjoy all the benefits of Yoga as we practice and enjoy a healthy, relaxed lunch time. Vinyasa flow style of yoga is empowering, edgy, creative and athletic for any level. We will use specific sequences to create a practice that is challenging and healing for everyone. This class will help you clear your mind of everyday thoughts. Practicing yoga and breathing techniques creates a satisfying and rewarding feeling of achievement. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement and bring a water bottle and a Yoga Mat.

Instructor: Amy Manning

Dates: Wednesdays-January 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12

Time: 12:10 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.

Location: Town Hall-Lower Level Meeting Room

Ages: 18 and older Fee: $45.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.


Monday and Wednesday Morning Intense Interval Training (New!) (Get a Great Workout in before work and have a great start to your day!)

Get fit, feel great and start the New Year and your day off right with our new two day a week early morning workout. Make the time for you this year and a commitment to bettering your health. HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time. This two day a week program will give you the maximum benefit and you will also get a discount for signing up for both days!

Instructor: Sarah Supino/Unique Fitness Studio Staff

Dates: January 6, 8, 13,15, 22, 27, 29, February 3, Feb. 5, 10 (No program on Monday, January 20)

Times: 6:15-6:45 a.m.

Ages: 14 and up

Location: Unique Fitness Studio

Fee: $85.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Early Monday Morning Intense Interval Training (New!) (Get a Great Workout in before work and have a great start to your day!)

Are you looking for a fast, effective workout before work? Our new HIIT training program is for you! HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time. You will start the New Year and your mornings off right with this program and feel so great after you do!

Instructor: Sarah Supino/Unique Fitness Studio Staff

Dates: January 6, 13, 27, February 3, 10 (No program on Monday, January 20)

Times: 6:15-6:45 a.m.

Ages: 14 and up

Location: Unique Fitness Studio

Fee: $45.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Early Wednesday Morning Intense interval training (New!) (Get a Great Workout in before work and have a great start to your day!)

Are you looking for a fast, effective workout before work? Our new HIIT training program is for you! HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time. You will start the new year and your mornings off right with this program and feel so great after you do.

Instructor: Sarah Supino/Unique Fitness Studio Staff

Dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5

Times: 6:15-6:45 a.m.

Ages: 14 and up

Location: Unique Fitness Studio

Fee: $45.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Functional Fitness (New!)

Get fit and have fun with our super effective morning workout! Take some time for yourself after the kids are at school or as you start your day. This class is designed to train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports. We also will focus on flexibility and specific muscles to make this workout beneficial to almost everyone! All levels and abilities are welcome. Make a commitment to get fit this New Year.

Instructor: Sarah Supino/Unique Fitness Studio Staff

Dates: January 7. 14, 21, 28, February 4

Times: 8:30-9:15 a.m.

Ages: 18 and up

Location: Unique Fitness Studio

Fee: $50.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.

Family and Friends Bowling Nights-Winter Session (Have some fun after work!)

Real fun – real value! Get your friends and family together for some real fun this winter. This program offers great exercise and fun. Each week participants will bowl three games. Shoe rental not included.

Registration closes on Friday, December 27 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum

capacity. Limited enrollment. You must pre-register and pre-pay before the deadline.

Dates: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, (bad weather/snow days-Feb. 13/20)

Day: Thursday

Time: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Location: Spare Time Lanes, Route 75, Windsor Locks

Ages: all ages but recommended for adults and adults with children in Grades 6 and above

Fee: $71.00 (shoe rental not included)


Candy Making for Beginners

This is a fun introduction to candy making taught by Sandy Nelson, former award winning Hall of Fame Certified Wilton Method Decorating Instructor. Sandy has taught cake decorating and candy making classes for over 30 years. Sandy’s goal is to make your experience with decorating as easy and enjoyable as possible.. If you ever wanted to make candy at home but were too intimidated to try, this class is for you. Class consists of 1hour instructor demonstration followed by 2 hours of students hands-on participation. You will learn how to melt, mold, color, flavor, marbleize, fill, and layer chocolate. You’ll make and take home beautiful candies including Nonpareils, Caramel Delights/Turtles, Clusters, Truffles, and Bark that taste as good as they look! This is the perfect class to take before the Winter Holidays and Valentine’s Day. Homemade delicious candy makes perfect presents!

Instructor: Sandy Nelson

Date: January 7

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Ages: 16 and up

Location: Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room 97 Mountain Road

Fee: $20.00 (additional supplies are necessary to be purchased for this class, please see the info on www.suffieldrec.com when registering) Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Cupcake Decorating Made Easy

Decorate like a pro, get ready to impress all of your guests with your special goodies! This is an introduction to cupcake decorating taught by Sandy Nelson, former award winning Hall of Fame Certified Wilton Method Decorating Instructor. Sandy has taught cake decorating classes for over 30 years. Sandy’s goal is to make your experience with decorating as easy and enjoyable as possible. You will learn how to tint icing, fill a decorating bag, fill a cupcake and pipe a variety of decorations, including the popular 1M Swirl and Drop Flowers. Best of all you will take home your decorated cupcake creations to share with family and friends. This is a perfect class to take during the winter and before Valentine’s Day.

Instructor: Sandy Nelson

Date: January 21

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Ages: 14 & older

Location: Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room- 97 Mountain Road

Fee: $20.00 (additional supplies are necessary to be purchased for this class)

Registration closes on Tuesday, January 14 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Cake Decorating for Beginners (New 2 Session Class)

This course is an introduction to cake decorating. During these two, 3-hour sessions, you will learn basic cake decorating techniques such as preparing a cake for decorating (leveling, torting, filling, icing, smoothing), preparing and filling decorating bags, tinting icing. You will also learn the following decorating techniques: pattern transfers, pulled dots, star fill-in, shells, printing, writing, borders (zigzag, star, bead and shell), leaves, and buttercream flowers (Ribbon Rose and the American Rose). You’ll take home your amazing creations following each session to share with family and friends.

Instructor: Sandy Nelson has taught cake decorating classes for over 30 years

Dates: February 4, 11

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Ages: 14 and older

Location: Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room 97 Mountain Road

Fee: $40.00 (additional supplies are necessary to be purchased for this class)

Registration closes on Tuesday, January 28 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Parent/Child Candy Making for Beginners

This one, 3-hour class is an introduction to candy making. If you and your child ever wanted to make candy at home but were too intimidated to try, this class is for you

When registering, fee for adult with one child is $40.00 (additional supplies are necessary to be purchased for this class)

Instructor: Sandy Nelson

Date: January 14

Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Ages: 8yrs. & older

Location: Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room 97 Mountain Road

Fee: $40.00 (for one child and adult- it is $20.00 per participant) additional supplies are necessary to be purchased for this class

Registration closes on Tuesday, January 7 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.


Youth Programs

Winter Fun Fitness Challenge (New!)

Children will take part in a variety of group, individual and team building-strength, core, agility, plyometrics and other beneficial games and exercises.

Instructor: Joseph Hicks, Certified Personal Trainer, ISTA.

Dates: January 6, 13, 27, Feb. 3, 10 (no class on January 20)

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Grades: 3-8

Location: McAlister School Gym

Fee: $45.00 Non-Res: $55.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Winter Agility and Speed Training Clinic

Participants will learn to perform a proper warm-up before exercise, focus on the best practices of acceleration and change of direction, cool down of static stretches and core exercises.

Instructor: Parisi Speed School Trained Coach

Dates: January 7. 14. 21. 28

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Grades: 3 - 8

Location: McAlister School Gym

Fee: $47.00 Non-Res: $52.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Three Cheers for Cheerleading

Have a wonderful time in this introduction to the fundamentals of cheerleading and tumbling for students in grades K-2. Basic to Intermediate skills will be taught.

Instructor: World Cup Polaris All Stars Staff

Dates: January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4

Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Grades: K-2

Location: Spaulding School Gym

Fee: $50.00 Non Res: $60.00

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Cool Crafty Pins and Pizza Party (New!)

Children will make original handmade pins they can wear and give as presents along with other fun winter crafts including bookmarks, all occasion cards and felt art The children will then have Pizza Party and snack party

Instructors: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki and Helene Boldt

Date: January 13

Time: 3:30 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

Grades: 3-8

Location: McAlister School Cafeteria

Fee: $12.00 Non-Res: $17.00

Registration deadline is Monday, January 6 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Introduction to Horseback Riding For Children

Learn to ride or improve current riding skills under the guidance of an advanced riding instructor.

Instructor: End of Hunt Farms Staff

Dates: January 14, 21 and 28

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Ages: 3 - 17 years old (Ages 3-8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times on premises)

Location: End of Hunt Farms Training Center, 1360 Hill St., Suffield

Fee: $110.00 per person for the 3 sessions Non-Res: $120.00

Registration closes on Tuesday, January 7 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Cool No Cook Recipes for Kids

Participants will engage in a healthy, hands-on nutrition discussion followed by the food preparation portion of the event.

Instructor: Michelle Mattia-RDN from ShopRite

Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Grades: 1 – 8

Location: McAlister School Cafeteria

Fee: FREE

Registration closes on Tuesday, January 7 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

MORE Where The Wild Things ART-ventures for Kids

All new projects! For new or continuing art explorers.

Instructor: ART-ventures for Kids Staff

Dates: January 27, February 3,10, 24 March 2,9 (No class on 2/17)

Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Grades: K – 2

Location: Spaulding School Cafeteria A

Fee: $90.00. Non-Res: $100.00

Registration closes on Monday, January 20 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Very Cool Valentine’s Crafting Party

We will make a variety of fun Valentine’s cards, winter crafts and decorate cookies. At least three quality gifts will be made.

Instructor: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki

Date: February 10

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grades: 1 – 5

Location: McAlister School Art Room/Cafeteria

Fee: $12.00 Non-Res: $17.00

Registration deadline is Wednesday, January 29 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Winter Wonderland Engineering with LEGO ®

Bundle up - we’re creating a spectacular Winter Wonderland! Build bobsleds, design snowmobiles, and take a ride on the Polar Express. Explore your snowiest ideas and learn STEM concepts with tens of thousands of LEGO®.

Instructor: Play-Well TEKnologies Staff

Dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grades: K-3

Location: Spaulding School Cafeteria A

Fee: $80.00 Non-Res: $90.00

Registration closes on Thursday, January 2 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Babysitter Safety

This is an entry level course intended to teach age appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team babysitting, mother’s helper and individual babysitting concepts. First Aid including adult and child CPR (requires passing written and skills testing to receive 2 year certification)

Instructor: LifeSafe Services Staff

Date: February 18

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Ages: 11 - 17

Location: Suffield Police Department, 911 Mountain Rd.

Fee: $110.00 Non-Res: $125.00

Registration closes on Tuesday, February 11 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity

Minecraft Engineering using LEGO®

Create your favorite Minecraft objects with the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor.

Instructor: Play-Well TEKnologies Staff

Dates: February 26, March 4, 11,18

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grades: K-3

Location: Spaulding School Cafeteria A

Fee: $80.00 Non-Res: $90.00

Registration closes on Wednesday, February 19 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Pre-school Programs

Pre-Schoolers and Parents-Get Fit With Me (New!)

Pre-schoolers and their parent/caregiver will participate in a variety of interactive and enjoyable exercises and games that will help to keep your family fit while helping to develop gross motor skills, balance and flexibility with music and movement.

Instructor: Joseph Hicks, Certified Personal Trainer, ISTA.

Dates: January 6, 13, 27, February 3, 10, (No class on Jan. 20)

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Location: Suffield Town Hall Lower Level Meeting Room

Ages: 3-5 and caregiver

Fee: $40.00 total for both child and one adult

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Meditation and Movement with Me Class (Pre-Schooler with a Parent/Caregiver)

Come join our fun new class that incorporates fun Yoga Poses, mindful movement exercises, de-stressing and play.

Instructor: Amy Manning, Certified Yoga Instructor and owner of Zag Fitness

Dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12

Time: 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Location: Suffield Town Hall Lower Level Meeting Room

Ages: 3-5 and caregiver

Fee: $45.00 per child and one adult

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Family & Community Programs

Family and Friends Bowling Nights-Winter Session

Real fun – real value! Get your friends and family together for some real fun this winter. This program offers great exercise and fun. Each week participants will bowl three games. Shoe rental not included.

Registration closes on Monday, December 23 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum

capacity. Limited enrollment. You must pre-register and pre-pay before the deadline.

Dates: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, (bad weather/snow days-Feb. 13/20)

Day: Thursday

Time: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Location: Spare Time Lanes, Route 75, Windsor Locks

Ages: all ages but recommended for adults and adults with children in Grades 6 and above

Fee: $71.00 (shoe rental not included)

Parent/Child Candy Making for Beginners

This one, 3-hour class is an introduction to candy making. If you and your child ever wanted to make candy at home but were too intimidated to try, this class is for you

When registering, fee for adult with one child is $40.00 (additional supplies are necessary to be purchased for this class)

Instructor: Sandy Nelson

Date: January 14

Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Ages: 8yrs. & older

Location: Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room 97 Mountain Road

Fee: $40.00 (for one child and adult- it is $20.00 per participant) additional supplies are necessary to be purchased for this class

Registration closes on Tuesday, January 7 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Suffield Parks and Recreation offers inclusive Special Needs Programs and Group Outings

These programs foster friendships, socialization, promote community involvement and independence. The group enjoys educational presentations, fitness activities, crafting classes, games and evening trips that are inclusive. We also go on many fun outings throughout the year. The program is for high school students through adult. Enrollment is on a first come first paid basis. Volunteers are always welcome. If you wish to join the group and receive notifications of upcoming events you must pre-register. Please contact Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Director of Special Programs at (860)-668-3862 or email-dcarney@suffieldct.gov

Bowling Buddies and Outing Group

Enjoy a great evening of bowling and meeting new friends. Get some exercise and have some fun! This is for high school students through adults. Volunteer special partners, coaches and helpers are always needed and welcome!

Instructor: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki

Registration deadline is ongoing.

Dates: ongoing until May 2020

Day: Tuesday

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Age: High School students through adult

Location: Spare Time Lanes, Route 75, Windsor Locks

Fee: $11.00 for three games and shoe rental (you must pre-register for this program)

Bowling Buddies JR.

Enjoy a great evening of bowling and meeting new friends. Bowling Buddies JR. is for any child with special needs in grades 2-12. Each buddy will bowl one string and enjoy pizza and refreshments.

Facilitators: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Special Programs Coordinator-Suffield Parks and Recreation Department, Sue Davis and Jill Caron-Foundation for Exceptional Children of Suffield Founders

Dates: January 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Grades: 2-12

Location: Spare Time Lanes, Route 75, Windsor Locks

Fee: FREE

Registration closes on Monday, December 30 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity

Click to register

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