“Hitchcock Academy “Marches” Forward

​Don’t let the cold weather dampen your enthusiasm for getting out and trying new things. Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield has plenty on its upcoming roster of classes to get your juices flowing in March. With both in house and online offerings, hitchcockacademy.org is sure to have an activity to pique your interest.
Looking to connect with your inner self? Hitchcock has classes in Mindfulness Meditation, Pilates, and Yoga to help you throw off your winter fog. Beginning on March 2 and continuing over the next four weeks Instructor Annette Farrington will be your online guide to forming Mindfulness Meditation practices which will help you deal with and manage your stress level. On March 15, a new session of online Yoga begins with the ever popular Sharon Palmer. As a Certified Kripalu Yoga teacher Palmer can help anyone, from fledgling to veteran, to progress in the discipline of Hatha Yoga. The one and a quarter hour sessions are sure to relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate your body and your psyche. Pilates, with seasoned instructor Karen Larsen, gives you eight sessions of a world recognized exercise system geared to improve flexibility, posture, balance, and strength. Most importantly, Pilates targets and builds the core muscles, which are essential to lifelong health. This is an in person class.

Pilates had been a favorite class pre-pandemic, so we are really happy we are able to offer that again”, says Executive Director Cindy Skowyra, “and fencing is slated to return in late April. As always, we continue to look for new program offerings or small events to support the communities we serve.” Skowyra encourages people to reach out with ideas and suggestions.
Get the training you need to respond to an emergency by taking advantage of the March 4 classes in CPR and First Aid. Take either session or take both and receive your ESCI certification at the end of the evening from Instructor Nora Holland. This is valuable training to last a lifetime. On March 28 everyone’s favorite, Sue Gaulin of Let’s Cake Decorate, is back with a class that anticipates the Easter holiday. The class has all the supplies you’ll need to craft your own delicious Bunny Stump Cake to take home and enjoy.
If the furry friend you got over the holidays is ready for some behavioral skills there’s a new Buddies Dog Training beginning on March 17. This class, run by veteran trainer Laurie Merritt, focuses on positive training techniques, which will provide a lasting foundation for a lifelong partnership between you and your pet. A new session of Introduction to K9 Nosework training begins on March 6.
On March 1, Sensei Israel Lopez begins a new session of Martial Arts with “COVID pricing.” Of just $35 / month for 2 classes per week. These classes focus on the practice of judo, “the gentle way.” This eastern regimen builds discipline, confidence, and fitness while honing a practitioner’s skill of self-defense. Because of Covid students practice with a “dummy” that is cleaned and sanitized after each class.
For those that want to make a little music piano classes are offered both in person and online and violin continues online.
Because many of these classes are offered online you no longer have the excuse of weather to prevent your exploration new activities. Do yourself a favor and visit hitchcockacademy.org to look over its listing of classes and events. It may be just what you need to bring you out of the winter doldrums.
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