***NEW START DATE, NOTE NO CLASS ON 10/10 ***

This class explores the benefits and simplicity of keeping honeybees in horizontal top bar hives. This introductory class will cover basic information about beekeeping, focusing on the advantages of top bar beekeeping over traditional methods. The class is geared to those curious about honeybees and who may be considering starting hives of their own. Topics covered will be honeybee biology and behavior, hive management, cost, time commitment, equipment, harvesting honey, and will include a demonstration of equipment. 

*** NO CLASS ON OCTOBER 31ST***

Learn to restore that special piece or tag sale fi nd. Learn to sand, strip, stain, repair, and fi nish. If it’s wood, we can fix it and return it to its original condition and value. You can bring a small piece of furniture to class. A supply list will be given to students in the first class.

Design a beautiful table arrangement using foraged and local blooms. Students will learn basic design skills, along with new techniques for creating arrangements. By the end of class, you will be able to design an arrangement; learn floral techniques; master floral identification; and know tips on how to make flowers last longer. Prior to the first class, the instructor will contact students about purchasing class materials sold by her for a $50 fee.

Participants will learn strategies to tame those piles of paper, organize those closets, and tackle that “junk/spare room” we all have. Participants will have the tools to make the necessary decisions about what they are keeping, donating, or discarding, and then knowing where to store the things that they are keeping. 

Want to save on your heat and air conditioning bills and take advantage of incentive programs available, but don’t know where to start? Low-E, Argon, Triple Pane, Wood, Vinyl, Composite? Come learn from an experienced Master Carpenter. This workshop is a must for anyone thinking about having windows replaced or replacing windows themselves.

This two-session course is a primer on how to launch a backyard chicken fl ock and care for a family cow. This class, taught by a Massachusetts farmer, will also focus on pigs and ducks as well. Topics discussed will include chores, predators, weather, state regulations on selling raw milk, and a cheese recipe using fresh dairy. The fi rst session on Oct. 5 will be held at HVRHS, 246 Warren Turnpike Road in Falls Village, CT; the second session on Oct. 12 will be held at Joshua's Farm at 45 Dodd Road in Sandisfi eld, MA (a 40-minute drive from Falls Village, CT). 

Learn tips on purging unwanted items, time frames, places to sell and/or donate unwanted items, and techniques to get through the process of downsizing for a move. Students will be able to plan for a successful and managed move to their new home. Decide on what stays and what goes, what to consider for all parties who will be involved with the move, and the time frames for scheduling all aspects of a move.

Thinking about getting chickens? We will talk about whether to start with brand-new chicks or older birds, what your new flock will need, common maladies and how to treat them, and MUCH more! Upon successful completion of the course, the student will know the basics of how to choose chickens for their flocks, how to feed and house them properly, basic medical care, and what to do with those eggs!