News: Adult Programs: Spring 2024 - Registration is OPEN
Adult Programs
Winter/Spring 2024
*Listed in alphabetical order
Archery for Adults
Dates: Wednesdays
Session IV: January 10-February 7
Session V: February 28-March 27
Session VI: April 3-May 8
Session VII: May 15-June 12
Time: Session V: 6:10-7:10pm
Session VI & VII: 6:00-7:00pm
Who: Ages 15 & Up
Fee: $215 (5 Wks)
Instructor: On the Mark Archery
Location: Session V: Ripley Elementary School, 120 Meriam Rd, Concord
Session VI: South Road Fields, Bedford
Session VII: Spalding Field, 120 Church Street, Carlisle
Release stress with arrows! Relax and unwind after a long day at work and sign up for a low-impact fitness course like Archery. This unique Olympic sport is one of the fastest growing across American and is easy to learn, but difficult to mater. The thrill of shooting a bow is unlike any other body mind experience and it involves form elements and strategy similar to golf, yoga, martial arts and even chess! All equipment provided and this course is led by certified USA Archery instructors.
Art and Soul: Intriguing Museum Tours
Dates: Wednesdays, February 28-March 27
Time: 10:00am-Noon
Who: Everyone Welcome!
Fee: $109 (5 Wks)
Instructor: Mary Hurley
Location: TBA
Tour Leader: Mary Hurley
Visit 5 “off the beaten track” museums in our area. We carpool and meet for a docent-led tour of an intriguing variety of historic, artistic and educational venues. Discover where we live through museums and what they tell us about our place in history. Docent led tours add a new dimension to the museum-going experience. After registering, please make sure to email MaryHurley@comcast.net to receive your first meeting place and directions. Optional, some weeks we may stay longer to have lunch. Museum admission is an additional fee
Instructor Info: Mary has been the spirted leader of hikes, bike trips and other marvelous adventures for more than 30 years in our local area of historic New England. Previously, she worked as the Adult Education Coordinator for the Bedford Public Schools. Her passion has turned into quality leisure time. Now she lives to PLAY. Learning about our region and how it relates to us and to history is her passion. The shared knowledge of these connections and a desire for all of us to feel as though we are young forever is why she continues to lead people in local adventures.
Badminton for Adults
Dates: Mondays & Wednesdays
Winter Session:
Mondays: January 8, 22, 29 (No Play 1/15)
February 5, 12, 26 (No Play 2/19)
March 4, 11, 18, 25
Wednesdays: January 10, 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 28 (No Play 2/21)
March 6, 13, 20, 27
Spring Session:
Mondays: April 1, 8, 22, 29 (No Play 4/15)
May 6, 13, 20 (No Play 5/27)
June 3, 10
Wednesdays: April 3, 10, 24 (No Play 4/17)
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 12
Time: 7:00-9:30pm
Who: Ages 16 & Up
Fee: Register for one day or two days – We are not able to prorate for missed classes
Winter Session-Mondays: $80 – 10 Nights
Winter Session-Wednesdays: $88 – 11 Nights
Spring Session-Mondays: $72 - 9 Nights
Spring Session-Wednesdays: $80 - 10 Nights
Location: Carlisle Corey Gym, Church Street
Come join us and find out: why this is the fastest sport, why no American has medaled in the Olympics, for over 60 years, why it is great for cross training and how it is different from those lazy backyard outings. Beginner to advanced players are welcome (16 and up, our oldest is 75)
Peers will be available to support you as you learn the basics and transition from the backyard to maybe tournament level play. Advanced players play with peers, but also are asked to team up with others to share ideas and skills. We share and rotate court time. We play in a supportive, positive environment. You will need to bring enthusiasm, a racket (we have them for evaluation, sale and a few to use until you get one) a change of court shoes (no outside shoes in the gym) and water. We provide the shuttles, but you may use your own. This is a recreational and developmental program, and we share court time.
Due to COVID we ask all players to be fully COVID vaccinated and masks are strongly recommended. Preregistration thru the Carlisle Recreation Dept. is required. (On site if space is available). No play if schools are closed. You may register for either or both nights for the season
We will limit the numbers of participants. You will check in each night. Open to those from surrounding towns.
Questions: Doug Deyoe @ DDVADER1@gmail.com or Holly Mansfield at Carlisle Recreation hmansfield@carlislema.gov
Badminton Parent/Child
Dates: Fridays
Session I: January 12, 19, 26, February 9, 16, March 8, 15, 29
(No Play 2/2, 2/23, 3/1, 3/22)
Session II: April 12, 26 May 10, 17, 24, 31 (No Play 4/19, 5/3)
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Who: Ages 7+ with parent
Fee: Session I: $80 (8 wks)
Session II: $60 (6 wks)
Location: Carlisle Corey Gym, Church Street
Parent/Child Family Time. Parents must be present and playing. Fun for the entire family. Emphasis will be on rules, scoring, and basic skills. Lots of playing time. A good way to finish the week!
Come join us and find out: why this is the fastest sport, why no American has medaled in the Olympics, for over 60 years, why it is great for cross training and how it is different from those lazy backyard outings. We share and rotate court time. We play in a supportive, positive environment. You will need to bring enthusiasm, a racket (we have them for evaluation, sale and a few to use until you get one) a change of court shoes (no outside shoes in the gym) and water. We provide the shuttles, but you may use your own. This is a recreational and developmental program.
Preregistration thru the Carlisle Recreation Dept. is required. No play if schools are closed. We will limit the numbers of participants. You will check in each night. Open to those from surrounding towns.
Questions: Doug Deyoe @ DDVADER1@gmail.com or Holly Mansfield at Carlisle Recreation hmansfield@carlislema.gov
Basketball for Adults
Dates: Tuesdays
Winter Session: January 9-March 26 (No Play 2/20)
Spring Session: April 2-June 4 (No Play 4/16)
Time: 7:00-9:30pm
Who: Ages 16 & Up
Fee: Winter Session: $55 (11 Nights of Play)
Spring Session: $45 (9 Nights of Play)
Payment required prior to play
Location: Carlisle Corey Gym, Church Street
This program is open to men and women who are looking for organized weekly basketball games. Overall, this program is for fun and a chance to practice skills and play. Minimum of 10 players. Preregistration through the Carlisle Recreation Department is required. No play if schools are closed.
Boot Camp for All Fitness Levels
Dates: Fridays
Session I: January 12-February 2 (Snow Make-up on 2/9)
Session II: February 16-March 15 (No Class 2/23) (Snow Make-up on 3/22)
Session III: April 5-May 31 (No Class 4/19)
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Who: 18 yrs and older
Fee: Session I: $75 (4 Wks)
Session II: $94 (5 Wks)
Session III: $148 (8 Wks)
Location: The Brick Building
Instructor: Carolyn Schweitzer
This one-hour class is a low impact, high intensity workout with the focus on maximum cardio benefit. We will utilize body weight and a variety of equipment and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to maximize cardio, strength, and balance.
Dementia Challenges: A Montessori Approach to Success
Date: Wednesday, March 27
Time: 11:00-12:30pm
Who: All Welcome
Fee: $25/person
Location: Brick Building, 97 School Street, Carlisle
Instructor: Olivia Companion, CDP, CMDCP
Gain the skills to conquer challenges by understanding triggers, reframing behaviors as symptoms, and mastering successful redirection techniques. Delve into the art of using fibs ethically and explore strategies for environmental preparation. Learn to tailor activities based on individual roles, strike a balance between connection and independence, create effective routines, and use cues for enhanced care. Elevate your approach to dementia care with this comprehensive and practical course. All participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Purple Hydrangea is proud to announce a 20% discount on all caregiver support sessions, group classes, and workshops for all United States Active Duty Military & Veterans. To receive the 20% discount, please send an email to Holly at hmansfield@carlislema.gov.
Instructor Bio: Olivia is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP). She has been working with caregivers and those living with dementia for over a decade. She is committed to making professional dementia care as personal as possible. Olivia was motivated to fill the void in personalized dementia care when she saw that the professional side of dementia care often blinds us to the personal aspect. She wanted to provide the deep personal connections that are often missing in the industry. Contact:
linktr.ee/purplehydrangea
Explorations in Drawing
Dates: Tuesdays, February 6-March 5 (No Class 2/20)
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Who: Ages 13-17
Fee: $140/Session
Location: Brick Building, 97 School Street
Instructor: Debra O’Connell
In this four-week workshop students will choose from a variety of drawing media (pencil, color pencil, hard pastel, pen & ink, water soluble marker, gel pens and charcoal along with a variety of drawing papers) as we create dynamic drawings combining various media using multiple techniques. Emphasis on good observational drawing skills will be a focal point throughout. Students will be able to use objects and subjects of their own
choosing along with those provided. We will consider composition, line, value, color, texture, pattern and unity. Famous and contemporary artists' works will also be shared for inspiration and discussion during our time together.
Instructor Bio: Debra Ciccone O’Connell is a visual storyteller, painter, illustrator, and art educator who spent much of her early life in the beautiful Lakes Region area of NH. In the fall of 2007 she moved to Chelmsford MA where she now resides withher husband and two children. In her work she uses soft pastel, acrylic paint, pen and ink, foam plate printing, cut paper, and a wide variety of other drawing and sculpture media. She holds both a B.F.A degree in studio in art and M.A.T. in Art Education respectively from Plymouth State University in N.H. While attending
Plymouth, Debra received the Karl Drerup Award for excellence in achievement in the visual arts. During her professional career, she has had much of her work exhibited in solo, juried, and group shows. Her paintings are held in private and public collections throughout New England as well as in other areas in the United States. Examples of her finished drawings have been used in a recently published book by New Hampshire Artist, Larry Frates, “Art to You With Larry, Seeing Your World in Watercolor.” She has also created commissioned pieces for the Meredith Main Street Program’s Annual Fundraiser, as well as the Common Man Inn & Spa. From March until June of 2023 she was featured as a visiting artist at Artistic Roots Gallery in Plymouth NH. In addition,
she has taught visual arts in public and private school programs as well as independently for over 18 years. From September of 2012 to March of 2020, she was a member of Western Avenue Studios where she kept her own studio on the 4th floor. She later became a member of The Loading Dock gallery where she exhibited her work for sale, participated in multiple monthly group shows and served on the curatorial committee. In 2021 she joined the Nova Artist’s Collective where she operated a teaching studio and displayed her work. Today, she operates her own private working studio in Chelmsford, MA. She is also currently the creative facilitator for Arts in the Loft with Deb O’Connell located at The Parish Center for the Arts in Westford MA. She is a member of the Arts League of Lowell, The Women’s Caucus for the Arts NH, The Chelmsford Art Society and The Lowell Art Association.
Fermented Pickle Workshop
Date: Tuesday, February 13
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Who: Ages 16 & Up
Fee: $53
Instructor: Emily Makrez, MS
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Room 152, Bedford
Owner of F-Word Farm (Farming, Foraging and Fermenting)
Come show yourself some love and learn how to make probiotic pickles for your health and happy taste buds. You will learn how to pickle anything! Emily Makrez will show you how to pickle what's in season to make the most of your veggies, capture gut-healthy microbes & prevent food waste. This will include the basic science of fermentation and methods so you will leave with the knowledge and confidence to be able to safely ferment practically anything! Leave knowing the difference between a vinegar pickle and a fermented pickle. You will make your own fermented pickles (e.g. carrot or beet pickles) and take home your very own jar. We will talk about the benefits of lacto-fermented food & how they are a benefit to our overall health. Samples will be provided! Please bring a knife, cutting board and a scale that weighs in grams (if you have one).
Forest Bathing: Wellness Naturally-More Than a Walk in the Woods
Date: Friday, May 3
Time: 10:00-12:00noon
Who: Ages 16+
Fee: $37
Location: TBA in Bedford
Instructor: Nadine Mazzola, Award-Winning Author, and certified forest therapy guide
Join Nadine for a chance to experience and learn about the popular practice of forest bathing. Why is forest bathing more than just a walk in the woods? Participants will have a chance to experience some forest bathing invitations guided by Nadine followed by a shinrin-yoku tea served outdoors and conclude the second hour with a discussion on forest bathing. Guided forest bathing consists of a series of gentle activities (invitations) that allow participants to use their 5-senses to engage with nature. This is wellness naturally–more than a walk in the woods. It has the health benefits of mindfulness and supports the immune system and variable heart rate. This is not a physically demanding class. Class activities are low-impact and slow-paced and cover short distances. Bedford meeting location to be announced a week before the program.
Fun Night Out at Tiny Tile Mosaics!
Date: Friday, March 1
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Who: Ages 18+
Fee: $69
Location: Tiny Tile Mosaic Studio, 37 Central Square, Chelmsford Center
Cheers to a creative evening out! Grab a friend or a few and come create a set of mosaic glasses. You can choose from a pair of wine, martini, margarita, and champagne glasses. Included will be tea, water, chocolate and a nice snack box from Graze with cheese, crackers, fruit and veggies. You are welcome to bring along a beverage of choice too! Start out at one of the many great restaurant options in the center and make it a full night out of fun. A take-home grout kit is included in this class. Or leave it with us to be professionally grouted for an additional $10.00. Please bring cash if you would like to choose this option.
Tiny Tile Mosaics is owned by Crystal D’Abbraccio is an artist that finds great pleasure in teaching mosaics to diverse learners of all ages. She enjoys creating and instructing others how to use mosaics as a way to inspire and spread joy to communities everywhere. Furthermore, she believes that mosaic art can also encourage healing from trauma, illness and loss. In many ways, the process of creating a mosaic can be used as a healing approach to personal growth and self reflection. For more information: https://www.tinytilemosaics.com/
Garden Classes: Open to All Levels of Gardeners from Beginner to Expert
Dates: Mondays, April 1-October 28 (No class on Holidays or Rainy days)
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Who: Everyone Welcome (Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an Adult)
Fee: Free
Location: Carlisle Center Park
Instructors: Alison Saylor, Joan Allen, and many other Master Gardeners
Friends of Center Park invite you to join Massachusetts Master Gardeners in a “hands-on and how-to” series of classes where creating and maintaining sun and shade gardens and landscapes will be discussed and demonstrated in a real garden setting rather than a classroom. Topics will follow the natural cycle of the season and include designing garden beds, starting seeds, dividing perennials, taking cuttings, making, and using compost, watering, weeding, pruning, trimming, edging, identifying, labeling, and nurturing soil and plants. A new initiative is to expand the Pollinator Garden, plant a willow living fence and native shrubs in our Hügelkultur planting berm, and add to the newly established Woodland Garden beds and pathways. Bring a chair to just sit nearby and observe, if you prefer, as the "hands-on" portion of this class is entirely optional. Please dress for the weather, and bring garden gloves, your favorite bug repellent, hydration for yourself, and clippers if you have them.
In case of rain: Class cancelled if pouring rain, but feel free to still attend if just a mild drizzle, as overcast and damp is ideal for gardening weather.
For program information, contact Alison Saylor via email at Friends@carlislecenterpark.org.
Getting Paid to Talk/An Introduction to Professional Voice Over - Online
Date: Session II: Tuesday, May 7
Session III: Monday, July 22
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Who: Ages 18 & up
Fee: $45
Location: Online
Instructor: Voice Coaches
If you’ve ever wondered how to begin in voice over part time, full time, or for supplemental or retirement income, this workshop is a great, upbeat, and most importantly, realistic first step. Our easy-to-access remote learning system will take you behind the scenes at Voice Coaches main studios, where we regularly produce voice over content for clients including Netflix, Discovery, HGTV, Disney, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, and many more. From audio books, training material, animation, and commercials to socially relevant content, television, and much, much more: today’s voice over field has become a great way to leverage your individual voice qualities and communication skill in a whole new way. This class also includes an opportunity to receive a brief one-on-one voice range and quality assessment with our instructor.
We sincerely hope you’ll join our community of enthusiastic learners! This class is fun, realistic, and a great first step for anyone interested in voice over. About the Instructor: For more than 30 years, our team at Voice Coaches has provided voice over production, recording, and communication coaching to clients across the US and abroad. In addition to being active in numerous industry organizations, we provide internships to college students in recording, production, and entertainment business. Voice Coaches is proud to be a 16-year, A+ Member of The Better Business Bureau.
Infant Massage
Dates: Tuesdays
Session I: January 23-February 13
Session II: March 19-April 9
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Who: Birth to 6 months (Pre-crawling)
Fee: $100 (4 Wks)
Location: Brick Building, 97 School Street
Instructors: Mary Beilman
As a Certified Educator of Infant Massage through Infant Massage USA, I will teach new strokes each week that combine Swedish and Indian Massage in addition to reflexology. Massage can help babies with sleep, gas, and fussiness. It also enhances the connection between caregiver and baby. Each class will include discussion, demonstration of strokes, and time for questions and answers. Once you have registered you will receive information about what you need for the first class.
Instructor Bio: Mary Beilman will lead the classes and has over 20 years of experience working with families as a Family Support Specialist, providing parent education, home visits and one on one consults. She has a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Pediatric Sleep Consultant and a Baby Sign Language Educator.
Italian Summer Dinner
Date: Thursday
Session I: May 9
Session II: May 30
Time: 6:30-9:00pm
Who: Age 16+
Fee: $60*
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 149, Bedford, MA
Instructor: Diane Manteca, Professional Chef
Join Chef Diane for a delicious, lighter Italian dinner made for the warmer weather, along with produce you can find locally. The Italians love to use seasonal produce in their cooking! We will be making Bruschetta with Pan Roasted Tomatoes and Smoked Mozzarella, Chicken Francese in a wonderful lemon sauce, Risotto with Swiss Chard, and Seared Peppers, and for dessert, fresh Strawberries in a Ricotta Chocolate studded Crema. Go away with new Italian recipes to enjoy all summer!
Please bring an apron and take out containers for any leftovers. *Ingredients fee $15, payable to the instructor at class.
Kaleidoscope Workshops
Dates: Fridays
Session I: January 12
Session II: February 9
Session III: March 8
Session IV: April 5
Session V: May 3
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Who: Ages 18-30
Fee: $60
Location: Brick Building, 97 School Street
Instructor: Making a Star
The Kaleidoscope program offers dynamic programs for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. Our program features a wide variety of activities that promote independence, encourage self-esteem, and help our participants achieve their artistic dreams and goals.
The Kaleidoscope program offers meaningful artistic skills and fosters new relationships among their peers. Kaleidoscope offers participants the opportunity to create original artworks. Projects range from drawing, painting to beaded jewelry or mixed-media paper-mâché, oil pastels, clay sculpting, animation, sewing, design work and much more. This program was developed to cultivate creativity in everyone. We may showcase our clients' artworks within your community with permission from our clients and town. All material included.
Knitting for Beginners
Dates: Tuesdays, May 7-21
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Who: Age 15+
Fee: $75*
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford, MA
Instructor: Jessica Serrano
Join Jessica and learn to knit! She will give you all the skills needed to start and end a project from basic knit stitch, purl stitch, how to work stockinette stitch, seed stitch and more. Each week would include homework to finish making a square. At the conclusion of the session, you will have made 3 dishcloths made with cotton yarn, both allergy and vegan-friendly! You can bring your own materials (knitting needles and a skein of cotton yarn) *or Jessica can supply the materials for an additional fee of $10 payable at the first class.
Learn to Skate – Teens/Adult
Dates: Winter: Sundays, January 7-February 25
Spring: Sundays, March 3-April 28
Time: 2:20-3:10pm
Who: Ages 16+
Fee: $176 (8 Wks)
Instructor: FMC Staff
Location: Burlington Ice Palace, 26 Ray Ave, Burlington, MA
It’s never too late to learn how to skate! Participants are invited to learn to skate or enhance skating skills in a fun and comfortable environment. Skaters will be groups by age/or ability if possible.
BE PREPARED FOR CLASS
- Participants learn how to fall down and get up the first week. Help your skater with this first lesson by viewing our instructional video and working with participants before you arrive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF5uPzEEY8Y&feature=youtu.be
- A helmet, such as a bike helmet or HECC helmet, is required and must be provided by the participant.
- Please label the helmet with First Name, Last Initial on the front before arriving.
- Wear warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement, long sleeves and pants, gloves or mittens. Young skaters may wish to wear waterproof clothing and gloves.
- Rental skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included in the class fee.
- Participants are welcome to bring their own skates although double blade skates are not permitted.
- Still have questions? Visit fmcicesports.com or call 1-888-74-SKATE.
Microgreens and Indoor Gardening
Date: Thursday, February 1
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Who: Ages 16 & Up
Fee: $35
Instructor: Ray Pourali, founder EnviroPal.org
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford
Would you enjoy growing some nutrient packed microgreens that can be harvested right from the kitchen countertop? It is easy, fun and a rewarding hobby that can become a part of your healthy lifestyle. In this workshop we will learn about indoor gardening techniques such as: Microgreens, Hydroponics and Sprouting. You will be able to set up a growing unit by upcycling items in your home. A small amount of organic sample seeds will be provided. Join this informative workshop and explore the positive financial and environmental impacts of indoor gardening.
Osteofitness™ (Zoom and Pre-recorded classes)
Dates: Session I: January 16-March 4
Session II: March 12-May 2
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm Zoom classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays
4:00-5:00pm Zoom classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Videos available to watch on your schedule, as many times as you would like.
Access is granted for the duration of the session
Who: Ages 16 & Up
Fee: $352 (16, one-hour Zoom classes, held twice per week or 11 recorded video classes available on your schedule)
Instructor: Beverley Ikier, owner of the Ikier Wellness center, is certified with the National Council of Strength and Fitness, a Board-Certified Muscular Therapist, member of Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, and creator of OsteofitnessTM.
Description: Evidence shows that treatment for osteoporosis is multifaceted, involving not only strength training, but nutrition and lifestyle changes, too. OsteofitnessTM combines strength training, stretching, balance and proprioceptive training, and fall-prevention techniques to create a comprehensive program geared at building new bone. This program targets the common osteoporotic sites including the total hip, total spine, lumbar spine, neck of the femur, and wrists. Health education on how to live with osteoporosis, bone-health nutrition, and stress-management skills are taught as part of each class. Members have seen improvement in their bone scan T-scores after participating in the OsteofitnessTM program!
OsteofitnessTM Perks: Members received one free half-hour consultation, and email coaching throughout the session with Beverley Ikier. This is aimed at making a personalized plan to treat your osteoporosis. The OsteofitnessTM Newsletter discusses important topics pertaining to osteoporosis, general health, stress management, bone-health nutrition, strengthening for osteoporosis, along with interest and travel pieces. The Bites with Bev recipes, include both carne (meat-based) and vegetarian recipes designed with bone-health nutrition in-mind. Both are sent to members each month as part of the program. Two new floating videos are included in the program: A pre-recorded OsteofitnessTM . Both videos are available to watch at your convenience for the duration of the session.
Equipment needed: "Beverley" ball (which is a 35cm inflatable, bouncy ball), hand weights, an exercise mat (not a yoga mat), and ankle weights. Please visit osteofitness.com under equipment and apparel for more information. Wear comfortable exercise clothing. You will be emailed a link and password upon registration. Videos hosted by osteofitness.com. For Zoom classes, a link will be sent to your email address one day prior to the class. Link changes for each class.
Osteoporosis Lecture – In Person (FREE)
Date: Tuesday, January 9
Time: 1:45pm
Who: Everyone Welcome!
Fee: Free
Instructor: Beverley Ikier, CPT, NCBTMB
Location: Ikier Wellness Center, 336 Baker Ave, Concord
Come discover all about osteoporosis and how to treat it holistically at our free lecture. Beverley Ikier, CPT, NCBTMB and creator of Osteofitness™, will discuss strengthening, fall prevention, bone-health nutrition, stress management and more! Friends and family are welcome!
Parkinson’s Project
Dates: Sundays
Session I: January 14
Session II: February 25
Session III: March 24
Session IV: April 28
Session V: May 19
Time: 2:00-4:00pm
Who: Adult
Fee: $60.00/Session
Location: Brick Building, 97 School Street
Instructor: Parkinson Project
The Parkinson's Project has been designed to enhance individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Each program has instructional art workshops along with a support group with peers built into each program. All of our programs are taught by local artists that have Parkinson Disease or support a Parkinson person, so that they have a great understanding of this disease. This allows us to share with like-minded people and create a sense of community that is much needed. Throughout this workshop we’ll work on canvas, acrylic paint, oil pastels, acrylic pens and more. This class will have instruction but is encouraged to bring a favorite photo of landscape or object to make your painting personal. This is a fun and relaxed workshop with no expectations, we hope you will join, and we encourage early onset PD to attend.
Pickleball for Adults
Dates: Thursdays,
Winter Session: January 11-March 28 (No Class 2/22)
Spring Session: April 4-June 6 (No Class 4/18)
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Beginner: 6:30-7:30pm (Court 1, Court 2)
Advanced Beginner: 7:30-8:30pm (Court 1, Court 2)
Intermediate: 6:30-8:30pm (Court 3, Court 4)
Who: Ages 18 & Up
Fee: Winter Session: 11 Nights of Play
$60 Beginner & Advanced Beginner (1-hr of play)
$120 Intermediate (2-hrs of play)
Spring Session: 9 Nights of Play
$50 Beginner & Advanced Beginner (1-hr of play)
$100 Intermediate (2-hrs of play)
Coordinators: Marcella Meyer & Sandy Nash
Location: Carlisle Corey Gym, Church Street
Come join the fun and play the fastest growing sport in America! We are offering play at three different levels so everyone can enjoy the game. There is play for: 1. Beginners / no experience level 2. Advanced Beginner / completed beginner session 3. Intermediate / comfortable with rallying, playing kitchen and starting to do third shot drops. Please bring your own paddle to play; indoor balls will be provided. Preregistration through the Carlisle Recreation Department is required. Payment/Registration required prior to play. No play if schools are closed. Participants should bring their own paddle and protective eye wear is also recommended. (Amazon carries clear protective sports glasses that slip on easily.)
Pysanky: Painted Easter Eggs
Date: Thursday, March 14
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Who: Ages 16 & Up
Fee: $50
Instructor: Hanka Robertson
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Flint Rm, Bedford
Pysanky (pee-san-key) are decorated eggs created by using a written-wax batik method with traditional folk motifs and designs. In this workshop, you will learn how to draw on a whole plain white chicken egg with a special pen (kistka) and melted wax, then dye the egg with special dyes. The drawing and dyeing are repeated several times as each layer of the design is applied until the egg is finished at which time the egg is blown out, the wax removed, and a ribbon is threaded through. Everyone will receive an egg to work on and a kistka to use. Hanka will share a short history of Pysanky, instructions with an explanation of the process, motifs and pictures for design inspiration. She will provide information on how to care for the completed egg and provide a container in which to take the egg home. All supplies are provided.
Rope Bowl Making Sewing Class: Bring Your Own Sewing Machine!
Date: Session I: Tuesday, March 26
Session II: Thursday, March 28
Time: Session I: 10:00am-12:00noon
Session II: 7:00-9:00pm
Who: Ages 15+
Fee: $30*/session
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford, MA
Instructor: Lisa Magnuson, Fiber & Felting Artist
Embark on a creative journey and join our Rope Bowl Making Class, where you'll turn ordinary materials into functional and stylish pieces! In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the art of creating stunning bowls using a simple yet versatile material – rope! Lisa will guide you through the process, from selecting the perfect rope to mastering various stitching techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewist, this class offers something for everyone. Rope bowls crafted in this class can serve as beautiful decor pieces, catch-all containers, or thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family. Bring your own sewing machine and let your imagination run wild as you craft unique, hand-sewn rope bowls. *There will be a $15 materials fee paid to the instructor at class; includes all supplies and tools to complete the project.
Sculptural Book Making
Dates: Mondays, February 26-March 18
Time: 10:00am-Noon
Who: Ages 18+
Fee: $150/Session
Location: Brick Building, 97 School Street
Instructor: Debra O’Connell
Gather your favorite images, materials, ephemera, scrapbooking papers, and ideas to bring to this fun filled four-week workshop where you will select from three types of sculpted books to create (accordion, star and foldout). You will be taken through a step-by-step process as you create a beautiful one-of-a-kind book of your choice. These make beautiful gifts for yourself or someone you love. All basic materials for book building will be provided along with additional decorative media (paints, ink, stamps etc.)
Instructor Bio: Debra Ciccone O’Connell is a visual storyteller, painter, illustrator, and art educator who spent much of her early life in the beautiful Lakes Region area of NH. In the fall of 2007 she moved to Chelmsford MA where she now resides with her husband and two children. In her work she uses soft pastel, acrylic paint, pen and ink, foam plate printing, cut paper, and a wide variety of other drawing and sculpture media. She holds both a B.F.A degree in studio in art and M.A.T. in Art Education respectively from Plymouth State University in N.H. While attending
Plymouth, Debra received the Karl Drerup Award for excellence in achievement in the visual arts. During her professional career, she has had much of her work exhibited in solo, juried, and group shows. Her paintings are held in private and public collections throughout New England as well as in other areas in the United States. Examples of her finished drawings have been used in a recently published book by New Hampshire Artist, Larry Frates, “Art to You With Larry, Seeing Your World in Watercolor.” She has also created commissioned pieces for the Meredith Main Street Program’s Annual Fundraiser, as well as the Common Man Inn & Spa. From March until June of 2023 she was featured as a visiting artist at Artistic Roots Gallery in Plymouth NH. In addition,
she has taught visual arts in public and private school programs as well as independently for over 18 years. From September of 2012 to March of 2020, she was a member of Western Avenue
Studios where she kept her own studio on the 4th floor. She later became a member of The Loading Dock gallery where she exhibited her work for sale, participated in multiple monthly group shows and served on the curatorial committee. In 2021 she joined the Nova Artist’s Collective where she operated a teaching studio and displayed her work. Today, she operates her own private working studio in Chelmsford, MA. She is also currently the creative facilitator for Arts in the Loft with Deb O’Connell located at The Parish Center for the Arts in Westford MA. She is a member of the Arts League of Lowell, The Women’s Caucus for the Arts NH, The Chelmsford Art Society and The Lowell Art Association.
Shio Koji Workshop (The Magic Marinade)
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Who: Age 16+
Fee: $60 (includes materials)
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford, MA
Instructor: Emily Makrez, MS, Owner of F-Word Farm (Farming, Foraging and Fermenting)
If you are looking to up your cooking game, shio koji is probably the answer! Shio Koji is an accelerated marinade and flavor enhancer. It is made from koji, which is the essential ingredient in common food items like miso, soy sauce, and sake. It has been used for thousands of years in Asia and is starting to gain more popularity in the U.S. You will learn what koji is and the chemistry behind what makes this a wonder in the kitchen. Emily will show you how to make shio koji: an incredible marinade and flavor booster that will make every burger or vegetable you cook turn out delicious. You will make and take home your very own jar to experience the magic yourselves. *Please let the instructor know if you have any allergies. Bring a notebook!
Simplicity Parenting Discipline & Guidance: The Teen Years
Dates: Thursdays, January 18-February 29 (No Class 2/22)
Time: 8:00-9:15pm
Who: Everyone Welcome!
Fee: $240 (6 Wks) *Additional $39 Materials Fee due to instructor
Instructor: Tara Rachel Jones
Location: Online
Simplicity Parenting is an approach founded by Kim John Payne, Therapist and Parent Educator. Parents discover the wise and reliable Guide Principle. Teens are moving into finding their place and purpose. The guide serves as a compass for the teen.
We’ll guide you in the process of:
- Understanding the unique needs of teen development
- Support you to be a guide for your teens as they navigate and explores the outer world in discovering her joys, passions, interests, their place in the world and life purpose.
- Supporting your teen in developing meaningful and healthy relationships.
- Noticing signs when earlier stages of discipline will help
Each online series has: Video topic with Founder of Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne and meaningful discussion facilitated by Certified Simplicity Parenting Group Leaders with decades of experience as Educators. Learn More about the Parent Gathering Here
Simplicity Parenting Family Life Gathering
Dates: Mondays, January 22-March 18 (No Class 2/19)
Time: 8:00-9:15pm
Who: Everyone Welcome!
Fee: $330 (8 Wks) *Additional $29 Materials Fee due to instructor
Instructor: Tara Rachel Jones & Kirsten Carr
Location: Online
Simplicity Parenting is an approach founded by Kim John Payne, Therapist and Parent Educator. Are you looking for a way to maintain balance in your day-to-day family life? In this 8-week series, we will examine the ways to reclaim space and a sustainable pace of family life through the art of simplifying the home environment, family calendar, daily rhythms, and a developmentally meaningful atmosphere. You’ll learn ways of creating a peaceful, loving home though defining your family values, focusing on what is truly important and finding healthy rhythms for your family that will lower stress and foster better communication and calm.
Each online series has: Video topic with Founder of Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne and meaningful discussion facilitated by Certified Simplicity Parenting Group Leaders with decades of experience as Educators. Learn More about the Parent Gathering Here
Slow Flow Vinyasa Yoga
Dates: Tuesdays, April 30-June 4
Time: 9:00-10:00am
Who: Ages 15+
Fee: $110 (6 Wks)
Instructor: Fernanda Nyland
Location: Brick Building
Vinyasa Flow yoga emphasizes the sequential movement between postures, coordinated with and guided by deliberate breath. The Vinyasa practice becomes a moving meditation that creates strength, freedom and fluidity in the body and mind.
Instructor Bio: Fernanda completed her 200 hours Yoga Teacher Training with Cindy Boulter, at Revolution Community Yoga. She will always be a student of the practice, deeply grateful for the loving wisdom her teachers and classmates have shared with her throughout her learning. Enthusiastic and committed to share Yoga and Mindfulness for positive life-long habits for inner peace, relaxation, kindness and focus in a developmentally aligned process. Fernanda also has a certificate in Esthetics from Catherine Hinds Institute and had volunteered to the Cancer Society for 3 years. Yoga has been part of Fernanda's life for over 12 years. It has been a powerful tool, helping her cope with stressful and difficult times in her life, growing stronger, and inspiring her to live each moment more mindfully. Yoga is a philosophy and a series of exercises meant for mental and physical health. In order to experience the most benefits from yoga practice, it requires us to be consciously present in the moment. This is how yoga helps us to be here now, not thinking of the future or holding to our past. Yoga is freedom and release. Fernanda has become passionate about yoga philosophy and the idea of helping others experiencing the same release that has transformed her life in so many ways. Her intention is to spread all this wisdom reaching as many people as possible, hoping they can free their minds while moving their bodies comfortably and completely through a happier life. Fernanda has a humble understanding of the struggles we all have to go through time to time, while walking our beautiful paths in life. She desires to share this amazing sense of peace, joy and gratitude that she has experienced through her practice of yoga and meditation. Fernanda's classes are a connection of alignment based flow sequences, where each posture should help release tension bringing energy to the mind and body. She strives to have her students stepping off the mat feeling refreshed, enlightened, nourished, and balanced.
Slow Stitch Workshop
Dates/Times:
Session I: Thursday, January 18 from 10:00am-Noon
Session II: Wednesday, January 24 from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Who: Ages 15+
Fee: $32
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford
Instructor: Lisa Magnuson, Fiber & Felting Artist
Join Lisa for an introduction to slow stitching, a creative textile art where you will begin with fabric, needle and thread and start creating. Slow stitching is a combination of different forms of hand stitching. Taking influence from Japanese Boro and Sashiko, Indian Kantha, European embroidery, turned into its own version of hand stitch work. Slow stitching is a good mindfulness activity to enjoy one stitch at a time. In this workshop you will create a journal cover or artwork that can be framed or mounted onto canvas There will be a $15 materials fee paid to the instructor at class; includes all supplies and tools to complete project. This class in collaboration with Bedford Arts and Crafts Society.
Sustainable Spring Farm & Forage
Date: Thursday, April 25
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Who: Age 16+
Fee: $40 (includes materials)
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford, MA
Instructor: Emily Makrez, MS, Owner of F-Word Farm (Farming, Foraging and Fermenting)
Embrace self-sufficiency and sustainability as we delve into earth-friendly gardening practices that prioritize soil health while also exploring the bounty of foraging. Learn how to set up a garden space with less weeds and work (no-till, sheet-mulching, and low-to-no input gardening practices will be discussed). Then get excited about the abundance of local food and medicine right in your landscape, with in-person samples and real uses for them (both culinarily and in some cases medicinally). From mushrooms (e.g. the common but sometimes confusing Turkey Tail mushroom) and tree bark to greens, discover the culinary and medicinal potential of nature's bounty. *Please let the instructor know if you have any allergies. Bring a notebook!
Sustainable Summer Farm & Forage
Date: Tuesday, June 4
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Who: Age 16+
Fee: $40 (includes materials)
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford, MA
Instructor: Emily Makrez, MS, Owner of F-Word Farm (Farming, Foraging and Fermenting)
Embrace self-sufficiency and sustainability as we delve into earth-friendly gardening practices that prioritize soil health while also exploring the bounty of foraging. Learn how to save seed and add some no-waste practices to your repertoire. Come ready to learn about some of the local food and medicine right in your landscape, exploring the wonders of foraging for summer items, with in-person samples and real life uses for making food and drinks. From mushrooms, to berries, to greens, discover the culinary and medicinal potential of nature's bounty. Fun samples will be provided! *Please let the instructor know if you have any allergies. Bring a notebook!
Understanding Home Wi-Fi
Date: Thursday, March 14
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Who: Ages 18 & Up
Fee: $25
Location: Brick Building, 97 School Street
Instructor: Rod Gregoire
Wi-Fi has become an essential utility in the home, almost as important as electricity, plumbing, and heating/air conditioning. Nearly every electronic device you buy for your home today comes with Wi-Fi built in. If your Wi-Fi doesn't work well, your house won't work well.
This course will teach you the basics of home networking and Wi-Fi and ways to improve it. We will cover important topics such as: What are the basic components of your home network and Wi-Fi? What is the difference between internet service and Wi-Fi? How to improve your home's Wi-Fi, How to secure your home Wi-Fi, Simple troubleshooting techniques, Ways to save money on your internet/cable/monthly phone bill
About Our Instructor: Rod Gregoire is the owner of Merrimack Valley Wi-Fi Pros, a Chelmsford based business. He has worked in hi-tech for 30+ years specializing in designing, building, and delivering high performance computer networking systems. Rod utilizes his extensive experience in computer networking to deliver exceptional Wi-Fi for his customers.
Weed to Plate: Backyard Foraging
Date: Wednesday, May 1
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Who: Age 16+
Fee: $45
Location: 12 Mudge Way, Rm 152, Bedford, MA
Instructor: Ray Pourali, founder EnviroPal.org
Embark on a captivating adventure with backyard foraging in Massachusetts. Discover the hidden treasures of wild edible plants and ancient herbal remedies while reconnecting with nature. Don’t miss this sustainable living experience that unlocks the rich tapestry of flavors in your own backyard.
Winter Hikes
Dates: Thursdays, February 29-March 28
Time: 10:00am-Noon
Who: Everyone Welcome!
Fee: $109 (5 Wks)
Instructor: Mary Hurley
Location: TBA
Leader: Mary Hurley
“The weather outside is frightful,” but if you can co-exist with Mother Nature and learn to embrace the beauty of winter, life is more tolerable. Come explore where you live and find new places to add to your experiences. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers as we learn and have fun. Mary has a great following and it will be an adventure as well as a walk! Depending upon the weather we may hike, snowshoe or ice-spikes All terrain or hiking boots are best depending on conditions. Please provide email address when registering and contact instructor at maryhurley@comcast.net for meeting locations. Weather cancellations will be made up at the end.
Instructor Info: Mary has been the spirted leader of hikes, bike trips and other marvelous adventures for more than 30 years in our local area of historic New England. Previously, she worked as the Adult Education Coordinator for the Bedford Public Schools. Her passion has turned into quality leisure time. Now she lives to PLAY. Learning about our region and how it relates to us and to history is her passion. The shared knowledge of these connections and a desire for all of us to feel as though we are young forever is why she continues to lead people in local adventures.
Yoga for the Family
Dates: Saturdays
Session III: January 13
Session IV: February 3
Session V: March 2
Times: 11:30-12:30pm
Who: Parents with children ages 4-7
Fee: $25/family
Location: The Brick Building, 97 School Street
Instructor: Nora Dybdal
Children have great imaginative capacity and enjoy becoming part of nature. Yoga practice is a way of playing together and exploring movement, relaxation, breath, and silence in a fun and creative way. Through story, song, and verse in content with the season of the year, families learn the practice of yoga in this child- centered class.
Zumba® Fitness – Take the Work out of your Workout!
Dates: Mondays
Session III: January 8-February 26 (No Class on 1/15 & 2/19)
Session IV: March 4-April 8
Session V: April 22-June 3 (No Class 5/27)
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Who: Ages 18+
Fee: $60/Session (6 Classes)
Instructor: Donna Johnson
Location: Exercise Room, Carlisle School
Ditch the workout. Join the party! Zumba® is a dance-based fitness program that provides a great cardio workout set to fun, motivating Latin and international music. This one-hour class will mix low-intensity and high-intensity moves to stretch, sculpt, and tone your muscles while efficiently burning calories. The class is appropriate for all fitness levels. No previous dance or Zumba® experience is required. Wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. With Zumba®, working out has never been so fun! Once you register, instructor will send an invitation via email.