Register today for Fun New 2021 Winter Programs!

The Suffield Parks and Recreation Department is offering a wide variety of enjoyable programs for the whole family this winter.

Looking to start 2021 off right? Take some time for yourself and make fitness, fun and connecting with other community members a priority this year. The Suffield Parks and Recreation Department has a variety of enjoyable programs for you and your family. Our offerings include in-person and zoom classes and take all the necessary safety precautions and will help you and your family create lasting memories in 2021. For More info or to register, visit suffieldrec.com

Youth Programs
So Cool Snowmen and Winter Crafting Fun and Snack Party! (Grades 3-5)
Is your child looking for something fun to do afterschool? We will have a blast making a variety of creative winter crafts including snowmen, suncatchers, felt art and winter card projects. Participants will also enjoy delicious individually packaged snacks during our snack party. Please indicate if your child has any food allergies. We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not come to class. Also, please do not come to class if you are feeling ill or if you or any family members/ close contacts are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please wear facemasks and bring hand sanitizer to programs. (Parents please pick up from the back of the school where the cafeteria ramp entrance)

Instructors: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki
Registration deadline is Monday, January 4 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Date: January 7 (back up bad weather snow make up is January 28
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Grades: 3-5
Location: McAlister School Cafeteria
Fee: $15.00

Suffield Spirit! (Grades K-2) - NEW
Your child will have a wonderful time in this fun program that will encourage friend making and spirit and happiness in a safe and age appropriate manner. Please have your child wear a mask, sneakers and comfortable clothing to this fun program. We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not come to class. Also, please do not come to class if you are feeling ill or if you or any family members/ close contacts are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please wear facemasks and bring hand sanitizer to the program.
Instructor: World Cup Polaris All Stars Staff
Registration closes on Tuesday, December 29 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Dates: January 12, 19, 26, February 2 (Back up bad weather day is February 9)
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Grades: K-2
Location: Spaulding School Gym
Fee: $45.00

Winter Fitness, Games and Fun (Grades 3-5) - NEW (Monday’s)
Get your child moving and grooving in this super fun afterschool fitness program. Your child will have a blast while making friends and getting fit this winter. This program for boys and girls in grades 3-5 and is for all fitness levels. Children will take part in a variety of individual, group and team building and other beneficial games and exercises. The class focus is to motivate children with positivity and fun activities in a safe nonjudgmental environment, making fitness a part of each child’s lifestyle. Please have children bring winter gear to the program as we will go outside on some of the days if the weather still permits. (Parents please pick up from the back of the school where the gym entrance is) We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not come to class. Also, please do not come to class if you are feeling ill or if you or any family members/ close contacts are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please wear face masks and bring hand sanitizer to the program.
Instructor: Joseph Hicks, Certified Personal Trainer, ISTA. teamjtraining.com
Registration closes on Monday, January 4 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Dates: January 11, 25, February 1, 8 (no program on January 18) Bad weather make up day is February 22
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 3-5 (For children that are attending McAlister School on Mondays)
Location: McAlister School Gym
Fee: $45.00

Winter Fitness, Games and Fun (Grades 3-5) - NEW (Thursdays)
Get your child moving and grooving in this super fun afterschool fitness program. Your child will have a blast while making friends and getting fit this winter. This program for boys and girls in grades 3-5 and is for all fitness levels. Children will take part in a variety of individual, group and team building and other beneficial games and exercises. The class focus is to motivate children with positivity and fun activities in a safe nonjudgmental environment, making fitness a part of each child’s lifestyle. Please have children bring winter gear to the program as we will go outside on some of the days if the weather still permits. (Parents please pick up from the back of the school where the gym entrance is) We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not come to class. Also, please do not come to class if you are feeling ill or if you or any family members/ close contacts are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please wear face masks and bring hand sanitizer to the program.
Instructor: Joseph Hicks, Certified Personal Trainer, ISTA. teamjtraining.com
Registration closes on Monday, January 4 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Dates: January 14, 21, 28, February 4 (bad weather make up is on February 11)
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 3-5 (For Children attending McAlister School on Thursdays)
Location: McAlister School Gym
Fee: $45.00

Introduction to Horseback Riding (Ages 3-17)
Learn to ride or improve current riding skills under the guidance of an advanced riding instructor.
Riders must wear jeans or riding pants, shoes with low heels.
No sneakers or work boots with wide treads.
An approved safety riding helmet will be provided.
Instructor: End of Hunt Farms Staff
Registration closes on Tuesday, January 5 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Dates: January 12, 19 and 26
Day: Tuesday
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

Very Cool Valentine’s Crafting Party (Grades 3-5)
Your child will have a blast in our super fun Valentines and winter craft projects class. We will make a variety of creative projects and presents. At least three quality gifts will be made. Please have your child bring or wear an old T-shirt/clothes to class. An individually packed snack will be provided. If your child has a food allergy, dietary accommodations will be made so they will enjoy class too, please be sure to indicate this when registering. We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not come to class. Also, please do not come to class if you are feeling ill or if you or any family members/ close contacts are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please wear facemasks and bring hand sanitizer to programs. (Parents please pick up from the back of the school where the cafeteria ramp entrance)
Instructor: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki
Registration deadline is Wednesday, January 27 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Date: February 1
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Grades: 3-5
Location: McAlister School Cafeteria
Fee: $15.00

Virtual Programs

Tabata Bootcamp (New Zoom Fitness Program)

Get fit in 2021 with our fun and effective Tabata Bootcamp! From the comfort and safety of your own home, you will be motivated to start the New Year off right and make exercise a priority. You will have a blast in this ultimate calorie burning high intensity class. Tabata is a form of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) that alternates between twenty seconds of intense bursts of work and ten seconds of rest in four-minute rounds. This class will have you burning calories even after you leave class. All fitness levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes and have an exercise Mat for class

Instructor: Joseph Hicks, Certified Personal Trainer, ISTA

Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31

Day: Sunday

Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.

Ages: 14 and older

Location: Zoom (Zoom link will be sent to you once you register)

Fee: $30.00

Registration deadline is Wed. January 6

Winter Walkers/Runners and Snowshoers - FREE

Get in shape this winter and keep your Fitness Resolutions in 2021! Let’s enjoy the winter weather, get motivated and go on a lunchtime walk/jog or snowshoe session depending on the weather. All levels and abilities welcome. We will go over warming up, fitness walking/snowshoeing and have a fun time getting you re-energized for the rest of the day. The program will run in all weather conditions so please bring proper winter gear. Even if you can only join the program for a half hour, you are encouraged to join the group. Prizes will be awarded to the most dedicated walkers. We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not come to class. Also, please do not come to class if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement, sneakers and wear and bring a facemask, exercise mat and water bottle. We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not come to class. Please do not come to class if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Instructor: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki
Registration closes on Monday, January 4 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Dates: January 5, 12, 26, February 2 (No program on January 19)
Day: Tuesday
Times: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Middle School Track (if there is too much snow/ice on the track we will walk behind the McAlister and Middle School)
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE (must pre-register)

Powerburn Into the New Year! (New on Zoom)
Get a fantastic workout in this high intensity and fun step class. Class is designed to help build lean muscle while burning tons of fat all while having a blast in the comfort and safety of your own home. You will get a total body cardio and strength workout. Combining step, HIIT, and dumbbells, this ultimate thirty-minute workout will get and help keep you in shape. Come get your heart pumping and the calories burning with a personal trainer. Beginners to Advanced are welcome! Please wear comfortable clothes and have an exercise Mat for class.
Instructor: Joseph Hicks, Certified Personal Trainer, ISTA Teamjtraining.com
Dates: January 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4
Day: Thursday
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Ages: 14 and older
Location: Zoom (the Zoom link will be sent to you once you register.)
Fee: $25.00
Registration closes on Thursday, January 7 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment

Fitness Friday Yoga Sampler (New Zoom Program)
Have you ever wanted to try Yoga and see what it is all about? This class is for you! Start 2021 off right and make some time for yourself all from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy all the benefits of Yoga in a fun and friendly environment as we practice and enjoy a healthy, strengthening and de-stressing Vinyasa Yoga workout for a fun Friday afternoon lunchtime workout. There will be a strong focus on proper alignment and linking movement to one’s breath to ultimately promote flexibility, increase mobility, build strength, balance and relieve stress. All Levels are welcome including beginners. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement and have a water bottle and a Yoga Mat ready for class.
Instructor: Laura Dromgold
Registration closes on Tuesday, January 12 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Dates: January 22, 29, February 5
Day: Fridays
Time: 12:10-12:50 p.m.
Location: Zoom (A link will be sent to you before the program)
Ages 12 and up
Fee: $20.00

Energizing Winter Vinyasa Flow – (NEW Saturday morning Sampler program!)
This new energizing Vinyasa yoga flow that will kick start your Saturday morning and inspire you to move through the rest of the weekend with intention and ease from the comfort of your own home. There will be a strong focus on proper alignment and linking movement to one’s breath to ultimately promote flexibility, increase mobility, build strength, balance and relieve stress. This flow will end with a sprinkle of core work and a final relaxation that will leave you ready to take on your day. This practice is a one- hour class and has been designed for all levels-from beginners to seasoned Yogis. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement and have a water bottle and a Yoga Mat ready for class.
Instructor: Laura Dromgold- Certified Yoga Instructor
Registration closes on Tuesday, January 12 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Dates: January 23, 30
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom (A link will be sent you before the program)
Ages 14 and up
Fee: $15.00

Healthy Skincare Tips during COVID-19 – (NEW)
Are you looking for the best ways to keep your skin healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic and during winter? Join us for an evening of fun while learning about all the important skincare tips that will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. The class will cover healthy skincare basics, how to prevent mask acne breakouts, anti-aging techniques and a variety of ways to keep your skin healthy. Sign up today with family and friends.
Instructor: Sarah Kitson, English Rose Beauty
Date: January 26
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Ages: 12 and over
Location: Zoom
Fee: Free but donations to the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department will be graciously accepted.
Supplies needed- Have available what you currently use for skin care at home, cleanser, exfoliant, mask, toner, serums, moisturizer, SPF, Cotton rounds dampened, Mirror
Registration closes on Tuesday, January 19 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches
maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.

Family and Friends Bowling Nights-Winter Session
Real fun, real value! Get your friends and family together for a great evening of bowling. Each week participants will bowl three games and have a great time while making new friends. Shoe rental not included. Participants must wear masks during the program at all times except when they are up to bowl or when they are eating. We ask everyone to check their temperature before coming to class and if you have a temperature, over 100 please do not attend. Also, please do not attend the program if you are feeling ill or if you or any family members or close contacts are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please bring hand sanitizer to the program.
Registration closes on Wed. January 6 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum.
capacity. Limited enrollment. You must pre-register and pre-pay before the deadline.
Dates: January 11, 18, 25, February 1
Day: Monday
Time: 6:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m.
Location: Spare Time Lanes, Route 75, Windsor Locks
Ages: All ages but recommended for adults and adults with children at least Grades 7 and above
Fee: $55.00 (shoe rental not included)
For more info and to register for Suffield Parks and Recreation programs, please visit- suffieldrec.com

Virtual Programs

Hidden in Plain Sight Virtual Presentation - FREE

What to look for in your Teen's bedroom and what to say once you have found it.
Gain insights into current trends in youth substance abuse, drug paraphernalia and concealment of alcohol and drugs through this online version of our interactive drug education program for parents, caregivers and adults who work with youth. Learn how to talk to youth about alcohol and drugs, and what to do if a problem is suspected.
A presentation for parents and other adults. NO STUDENTS PLEASE.
Sponsored by Suffield Youth Services and Suffield Local Prevention Council.
DATE: January 13th
TIME: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
AGE: 25 years & older
FEE: FREE
Registration closes on Tuesday, January 12 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.


The Bobcat “Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat” - Virtual Program - FREE
Join Suffield Parks and Recreation for this presentation that focuses on the natural history of bobcats in Connecticut. Paul Coburn will present an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. Learn about “citizen science,” the role of the public in helping with field data collection. Paul Colburn is a 2015 graduate of the Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP) and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC). Mr. Colburn has provided over 250 wildlife presentations across the state on black bears, bobcats, eastern coyote, fisher, white-tailed deer and a natural history of Connecticut dating back to 1650. Mr. Colburn is an avid outdoorsman, “The Bobcat: Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat” is the subject of an informative talk by Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn, a graduate of Wesleyan.
DATE: January 7th
TIME: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
AGE: 14 years & older
FEE: FREE
Registration closes on Tuesday, January 5 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Virtual Guest Speaker Series - A Conversation with Olympic Gold Medalist Samantha Livingstone - FREE
We will hear her inspiring story, address relevant topics such as athlete wellness, navigating uncertainty, reaching new heights, and more. This program is for fifth grade through high school athletes, and parents, coaches, and administrators of any age group.
Samantha is a dynamic speaker that has reached the pinnacle of sport, and is now raising three young children who participate in athletics themselves. She brings a unique perspective to the challenges of today’s young athletes, families, and administrators. Samantha will help develop the tools to build upon Suffield Athletics’ core values.
This “Virtual Guest Speaker Series” is FREE to Suffield Residents, and presented by Suffield Parks and Recreation, Suffield Youth Services, and the Suffield Public Schools.
For more information about Samantha. Please visit her website: www.samanthalivingstone.com.
We will send the Zoom link to those registered as we get closer to the event.
DATE: January 27th
TIME: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
AGE: 10 years & older
FEE: FREE
Registration closes on Monday, January 25 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Inclusive Programming
These programs foster friendships, socialization, promote community involvement and independence. The group enjoys educational presentations, fitness activities, crafting classes, games and events that are inclusive. Many fun outings throughout the year are held. The programs are geared for junior high school students through adult. Currently, there is a Zoom program running each week with games, trivia and bingo nights for the group during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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- dcarney@suffieldct.gov

For more info and to register for Suffield Parks and Recreation programs, please visit- suffieldrec.com

Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy 2021.

Written by: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki-Director of Special Programs