Spring is Almost Here! It is time to register for new programs.

Spring into Action and Register for enjoyable New Programs with The Parks and Recreation Department!

Spring is on it's way in just a few short weeks. Now is a great time to start thinking about that warmer weather and making plans for a fun spring while enjoying some enriching programs with the Parks and Recreation Department. We have a variety of new programs for the whole family. Whether you are looking to get fit, learn a new skill or hobby or just have an enjoyable night out making new friends, we have a program for you! We proudly work with many Suffield business and local instructors to offer top-notch quality programs. When you sign up and enjoy programs with the Parks and Recreation Department, you are also helping the community.

Below is a sampling of our upcoming programs. For a complete listing of all of our programs and to register, please visit our website at suffieldrec.com

Adult Programs
Total Transformation (New Program!)
Get ready for a Total Transformation! This comprehensive six-week training program combines all of the necessary aspects to help improve your overall well-being in order to achieve your desired fitness and lifestyle for maximum results with instructor Joseph Hicks from teamjtraining.com. You can choose up to two in-studio fitness classes a week (30min. each) for 6 weeks that fits your schedule. You will also participate in weekly weigh ins and body fat testing, will have access to a personal portal where you will have your stats, progress charts and the ability to submit food logs to keep you accountable as well as access to our fitness nutritionist. The portal will also contain food lists for the lean healthy eating program and your own personal stats throughout the program as well as 6 weeks of exercise videos. This program will help ensure you make a holistic commitment to fitness and achieve lasting results in a supported environment. Come learn how to reach your goal by learning the proper ways to eat, workout, burn fat, build lean muscle, and lose weight all in one. Join with friends, family members, coworkers, or challenge yourself. Lose weight to feel great! For more details about the flexible class schedules and detailed info about the program visit suffieldrec.com

Spring Steppers, Walkers, Runners and Strollers
We will go over warming up, fitness walking and get you re-energized for the rest of the day. All levels and abilities are welcome. The program will be held on Tuesday’s-March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. meeting at the Middle School Track. The program is FREE and the registration deadline is Wed. March 18.

Cupcake Decorating Made Easy
Decorate like a pro, get ready to impress all of your guests with your special goodies! The program will be held on Tuesday, March 24 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room 97 Mountain Road. The fee is $20.00 Registration closes on Monday, March 16.

Lunchtime Yoga – Spring Session
Enjoy all the benefits of Yoga as we practice and enjoy a healthy de-stressing lunchtime with a great workout. The program will be held on Wednesday’s- March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 12:10-12:50 p..m. and will be held in the Kent Memorial Library Gallery. The fee is $50.00 and registration closes on Thursday, March 19.

Grin and “Barre It” - NEW
A great program that incorporates Yoga, Pilates and Aerobics in a super fun way. The program will be held on Thursdays, March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, April 30 from 5:45-6:30 p.m. at Unique Fitness Studio- 11 High St Suite #105, Suffield, CT 06078 The fee is $60.00 and registration closes on Tuesday, March 17 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Feel the Burn with Barre Workout – NEW
This Barre Above® class is a unique approach to barre workouts and offers a great Saturday morning workout! The program will be held on Saturdays- March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2 from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at the Unique Fitness Studio- 11 High St Suite #105. The fee is $60.00 and registration closes on Thursday, March 19.

Spring Shape Up Challenge - NEW This class focuses on toning and building lean muscle while incorporating cardio for an incredible workout with instructor Joseph Hicks from teamjtraining.com
The program will be held on Mondays, March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27 from 2:05 - 12:50 p.m. in the Kent Memorial Library Gallery. The fee is $45.00 and Registration closes on Monday, March 23.

Self Defense for Teens and Adults Learn simple strategies to minimize risk and easy to learn tactics that will get you to safety quickly. The program will be held on Tuesday, March 31 in the Spaulding School gym from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with instructor Jonathan Metcalf from Integrity Martial Arts generously offering the program for FREE. The registration closes on Monday, March 23.
Candy Making for Beginners
This is the perfect class to take before the Easter and Spring Holidays. Learn the art of Candy Making with award winning instructor Sandy Nelson! The program will be held on Tuesday, March 31 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room-97 Mountain Rd. The fee is $20.00 for the class and additional supplies to be purchased before the class. Registration closes on Monday, March 23.

Parent/Child Candy Making for Beginners
This one, 3-hour class is an introduction to candy making. You your child will have a blast while making Candy in this fun class taught by award winning instructor Sandy Nelson. The program will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and is for children eight years and older and their parent/caregiver and will be held in the Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room-97 Mountain Road. The cost is $20.00 for the class and additional supplies to be purchased before the class. Registration closes on Tuesday, March 31.

Cake Decorating for Beginners
During these specialty four, 3-hour sessions, you will learn basic cake decorating techniques and have a blast in this super fun class taught by Sandy Nelson. The program will be held on Tuesdays -April 21, 28, May 5, 12 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and it is for participants aged 16 and up. The program will be held in the Suffield Parks and Recreation Office/Activity Room 97 Mountain Road. The fee is $80.00 and additional supplies to be purchased before the class Registration closes on Tuesday, April 14.

Family & Community Programs
Gloom to Glam-Skincare Tips for Spring and Summer! (New!)
Are you looking for a new way to update your look and get some healthy skin care tips? Join us for an evening of fun while learning basic skincare and make up tricks that will give you a healthy new glow with a natural look taught by Sarah Kitson-English Rose Beauty and is for ages 12-adult. The program will be held on Wed. May 13 from 6:15-7:15 p.m. in the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department’s Activity room-97 Mountain Road. The cost will be $10.00 and registration closes on Monday, May 4.

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, craft 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. The program is on Tuesday evenings and is ongoing until the end of April with a season end Banquet in May. The program is held at Spare Time in Windsor Locks and the fee is $11.00 per week and is geared for high school students and adults.

Bowling Buddies JR. - Spring (Gr. 2-12)
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. The program will be held on Tuesdays March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. and is geared for children in Grades 2-12. The program is FREE and is generously sponsored by the Foundation for Exceptional Children of Suffield for the first 16 that register for the program. The registration closes on Tuesday, March 17.

New York City Bus Trip on your own - Saturday, May 9
Have a fun day out in NYC on our annual bus trip. The cost is $46.00 per person and includes: roundtrip transportation and taxes. (meals are on your own). Departs the Middle School Parking Lot at 7:30 a.m.
Registration closes on Monday, April 20 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity.

Youth Programs
Fit Me - NEW
Children will play a variety of games, participate in relay races, challenges and enjoyable team building exercises while also learning about nutrition and making wellness a lifestyle. The program will be held on
March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 20 (No program on April 13) from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. for children in 3-8
in the McAlister School Gym. The fee is $45.00 and registration closes on Wednesday, March 11.

Self Defense for Children Children in grades 3-8 will discover the excitement of the martial arts while learning about respect and focus in this introductory program that is designed for first time students taught by instructed by Jonathan Metcalf, Integrity Martial Arts Owner on Tuesday, March 31 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Spaulding School gym and is a Free program. Registration closes on Monday, March 23.
Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt and Party Your child will have a blast while we celebrate Easter and Spring at our fun party while going on an Easter Egg Hunt and dyeing real Easter Eggs! The program is for children in Grades K-5 and will be held in the McAlister School Cafeteria on Wednesday, April 1 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. The fee is $12.00 and the registration deadline is Wednesday, March 25.
Plant Based Food Fun - NEW
Your child will have a blast while learning about how to make delicious and nutritious plant based food recipes with Enfield’s ShopRite Registered Dietitian Michelle Mattia on Thursday, April 2 at the McAlister School for Grades 1-5 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. This program is free and generously sponsored by the ShopRite of Enfield but limited to the first 14 children that enroll. Registration closes on Monday, March 23.

Art-ventures Around the World
Art travelers go on a whirlwind tour of the world, traveling among different countries and cultures
The program is for children in grades K-2 and will be held on Mondays-April 6, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Spaulding School Cafeteria A. The Fee is $90.00 per person includes instruction, supplies and materials. Registration closes on Monday, March 30.

Planet Protectors Earth Day Re-cycled and Re-purposed Art Party - NEW
We will make a variety of fun Spring Earth Day craft projects and turn recycled items into beautiful treasures. The program is for grades 1-5 and will be held on Wednesday, April 22 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the McAlister School Cafeteria from 3:30-5:00 p.m. The fee is $12.00 and Registration closes on Wednesday, April 15.

Spring into STEM with LEGO® Materials
Design and build as never before and explore your wildest ideas with Play-Well TEKnologies Staff. The program is for children in Grades K-3 and will be held on Wednesdays-April 22, 29, May 6, 13 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the Spaulding School Cafeteria A. The fee is $85.00 and registration closes on Wed. April 15.

Spring Fitness Squad
Children will engage in core, strength and agility training, plyometrics and other training exercises with instructor Joseph Hicks from teamjtraining.com. The program is for children in Grades 3-8 and will be held on Mondays -April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, June 1 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the McAlister School gym. The fee is $45.00 and registration closes on Monday, April 20.

Mindfulness and Meditation Fun Your child will have a wonderful time in this enjoyable and invigorating mindfulness and yoga class taught by Amy Manning owner of Zag Fitness of Suffield. The program is for children in Grades 3-8 and will be held in the McAlister School gym from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays –April 28, May 5, 12, 19. The fee is $45.00 and the registration closes on Tuesday, April 21.

Outdoor/Indoor Games and Challenge Fun
Speed, strength, confidence and agility will all be developed and improved in this super fun new class! The program if for children in Grades 3-8 and will be held in the McAlister Cafeteria/Gym and Fields depending on the weather on April 28, May 5, 12, May 19 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.. The fee is $40.00 and registration closes on Wednesday, April 22.

Rah, Rah for Cheerleading!
Your child will have a wonderful time in this introduction to the fundamentals of cheerleading and tumbling. The program is for children in grades 1-5 and will be held in the McAlister School gym from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays-April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 from 3:30-4:30 p.m... The fee is $60.00 and registration closes on Wed. April 22.

Outdoor/Indoor Games and Challenge Fun
Speed, strength, confidence and agility will all be developed and improved in this super fun new class! The program if for children in Grades 3-8 and will be held in the McAlister Cafeteria/Gym and Fields depending on the weather on April 28, May 5, 12, May 19 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The fee is $40.00 and registration closes on Wednesday, April 22.

Introduction To Horseback Riding For Children – Spring Session
Learn to ride or improve current riding skills under the guidance of an advanced riding instructor from End of Hunt Farms. The program is for children ages 3-17 (Ages 3-8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times on premises) on Tuesday’s-May 9, 12, 19 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the End of Hunt Farms Training Center, 1360 Hill St. The fee is $105.00 and registration closes on Wed. April 29.

Babysitter Safety
This course is for youth ages 11 to 17 years with the most common age of 12 - 14. 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. The program will be held on Friday, April 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fee is $110.00 and registration closes on April 7.

Tee Ball - Kindergarten & Gr. 1 & 2
Children will use a stationary tee to hit a modified ball and introduce them to the game of baseball and softball. This program focuses on skills and fundamentals and is a noncompetitive fun activity for boys and girls who have turned 5 years old by December 31, 2019 or are presently in Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd Grade. The program will be held Wednesday and Saturdays at the Spaulding School Playground. The fee is $40.00 and registration closes on Friday, March 27.

Are you interested in a rewarding job this summer?
It is time to apply for summer job opportunities at the Parks and Recreation Department. We are seeking Summer Camp staff including: Gate Attendants, Certified Lifeguards, Camp Directors, Counselors and Junior Counselors (Counselors must be at least 16 and Junior Counselors must be at least 14 year old) Final application deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2020 Applications can be found on the suffieldrec.com website or stop by the office at 97 Mountain Road. Please apply early.

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