TORNADO RECOVERY CLASSES are FREE for those impacted by the June 1st Tornado
In addition to the special programs listed below, Free tuition is available for all course offerings at Hitchcock Free Academy through 2012, until all funding is utilized. Those impacted by the tornado need to complete an application form to apply for funding.
Funded by:
for Hampden County residents directly impacted by the tornado and
for Worcester County residents directly impacted by the tornado
ART THERAPY FOR FAMILIES
Families will participate together to use art therapy techniques to process and express their emotions about the tornado and memories and fears brought back by other events since the tornado. Lead by Pat Hempel MS LMHC Three family oriented classes are scheduled for Wednesdays February 29, March 7 & 14 6:00-7:00 PM. Tuition for those not directly impacted by the June 1st tornado is $20
Edible Perennial Gardening & Landscaping - Free
John Root will present this 90-minute power point presentation featuring a variety of trees, shrubs, vines, canes, and herbaceous perennials that can be grown for produce in our region. Audiences learn how to promote mutually beneficial communities of soil microbes, plants, and animals using organic gardening methods to ensure abundant crops of fruits, nuts, and vegetables year after year throughout the growing season with minimal maintenance. No registration necessary.
Date: Thursday March 8, 7-8:30 FREE Sponsored by Mass and Brimfield Cultural Councils
CREATIVE WRITING
Process your feelings and document your experiences with author Suzanne Strempek Shea. 
Participants will use story writing prompts & guidance to process their emotions related to the devastation this area has experienced June 1st and beyond. The writing will be edited into a book & 100 copies printed for participants & for distribution to interested parties. (6 classes) 1 1/2 hours each on Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & April 5, 7-8:30 PM. Tuition for those not directly impacted by the June 1st Tornado is $67
Application for Registration
Planting a Kitchen Garden
Planting a Kitchen Garden with Linda Fuchs, Horticulturalist and Farmer. Learn guidelines for choosing a little patch of land, feeding the soil to make it viable and planning your favorite kitchen garden plants for a revitalized yard to heal you spirit and bring a patch of hope to the yard. Participants will also make their own indoor planter.
A) Herb Bowl Garden on Tuesday April 17, 6-7:30 PM
B) Kitchen Salad Bowl Garden on Thursday April 19, 4-5:30 PM.
Tuition for each session for those not directly impacted by the June 1st tornado is $30
PLANTING SUNNY YARDS
Planting Sunny Yards*: Trees and Shrubs - David Masera, Horticulturalist. The new vistas may not be what you bargained for, so what trees and shrubs are best suited to recovering your yard after the tornado? Wednesday, April 25, 7-9 PM Tuition for those not directly impacted by the June 1st tornado is $10.
David will also be available for free consultation on DATE TBA from 9 AM - 2 PM, during the plant distribution at Hitchcock's Farmers' Market.
*We will be coordinating an effort to have donations of plants available to tornado survivors to celebrate spring.
Don't forget - Free tuition is available for all course offerings at Hitchcock Free Academy for those directly impacted by the June 1st tornado through 2012, until all funding is utilized.