Community Corner

Berlin Parks Department Announces Fall Program Offerings

The department has a wide range of offerings this fall, including several special events. Take a look at the complete article for more.

The following is a press release from the Berlin Parks and Recreation Department:

The Berlin Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for their fall programs. Residents may begin registering on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and non–residents on Sept. 9 at the Berlin Parks and Recreation Office, 230 Kensington Road. 

Registration has begun for residents and non-residents for the following classes: Dog obedience classes, Rockin’ the Retro, Big E tickets and Pilates. There is a class fee for residents and non-residents for all programs.

For more information call the office at 860-828-7009 or check the town’s website www.town.berlin.ct.us  Deadline to register for programs is one week before the program starts unless program is filled.

There is limited registration on most programs. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Classes will be held at the Berlin Community Center unless otherwise noted.

NEW Fall Programs this year include:

Fun and games for 4’s – For 4-year-olds (age determined by first day of class) – A continuation of the Fit Toddler program for those who have graduated to a more advanced level of fun! Classes meet Tuesday’s 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. starting Sept. 24 or Thursday’s 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. starting Sept. 19 for 8 classes. 

Fitness Funk for Kids
– Boys and girls ages 5-10 will have fun dancing and exercising at the same time! The class will incorporate elements of salsa, meringue, jazz and hip-hop. Kids will have a chance to enjoy dance and fitness in a fun, stress-free environment. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes. This program will meet on Tuesday’s from 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. starting on Tuesday, Sept. 24 for 8 classes.

Performing Arts Inc. - Monday’s, Sept. 30 - Nov. 25 for seven weeks, excluding Oct. 14 and Nov. 11.  Grades K - 2 will meet from 4:15 - 5 p.m. and grades 3 - 6 will meet from 5:05 - 5:55 p.m. Some of the topics and activities include: exciting theater games, improvisational exercises, acting terminology, concentration exercises, voice and speech, sense memory, subtext, stage skills and script work. For past and more experienced performers, classes will be challenging and offer new and exciting activities. Registration accepted by Performing Arts Inc., only, by mail or online registration. Registration forms for mail registration are available at the Berlin Parks and Recreation Department.

Children’s Theme Birthday Parties – Looking for a place to hold your child’s birthday party? Let us help! Now booking for children’s themed birthday parties to be held on Saturday’s from 10:20 - 11:50 a.m. Dates available are Sept. 21, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Nov. 23, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 and you must book at least 10 days in advance. Party includes games, music, crafts and activities centered around your child’s favorite theme. Choices include (but are not limited to) princess, pirate, pixie, super hero, beach/luau, pj’s, circus/carnival, animal, fairy tale, teddy bear picnic, doll tea party, dance party.  Choose a theme, combine themes or make up your own for your child’s special day. You may bring in your own food, cake, drinks and tableware. Cost is good for up to 12 children. Cost for over 12 is an additional fee for each additional child.

Adult Ballet Barre is a fusion of Pilates and functional training based on classical Russian ballet schooling as well as Martha Graham modern dance technique. It will lift, tone and sculpt as well as strengthen core muscles.  Exercises may be done standing at a barre (if needed based on location we use a chair instead of a barre) or standing free on the floor to enhance balance. We'll work your body on the floor-standing and lying down.

You'll see graceful moves across the floor, small range and large range movements, ab-work, arm work and leg work -in a barre class no part of the body goes untouched. Ballet Barre will help create long, lean muscles. The class is set to music and will move quickly and fly by. Class will meet for 11 weeks on Monday’s from 10:15 – 11 a.m. starting Sept. 9 until Dec. 9. Class will not be held on Oct. 14, Nov. 11 or Dec. 2. Limit of 15 participants. 

Toddlers, Preschoolers and Youth Programs include: 

Fit Toddlers– For 2- and 3-year-olds (age determined by first day of class). Each of the classes will be a fun adventure for your toddler. Parachute games, obstacle courses, games and much more create a playful environment for your child. Parents are welcome to participate with the children. Parents that do participate must sign their name to the release agreement on their child’s registration form. Classes meet Tuesday’s 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. starting Sept. 24, Thursday’s 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. starting Sept. 19 or Friday’s 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. starting Sept. 27 for 8 classes. When you register you must register for one time slot and attend that class only.

Exploring Dance – Children ages 3-5 will experience the enjoyment of ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling through creative movement during this 30 minute class held on Friday’s from 4 - 4:30 p.m. or Saturday’s from 9 - 9:30 a.m. Classes start on Friday’s starting Sept. 27 or Saturday’s starting Sept. 21 for 8 classes.

Dance Beginnings – Children ages 5 - 7 will discover and create dances while learning the elements of ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling during this 30 minute class held on Friday’s from 4:30 - 5 p.m. or Saturday’s from 9:30 - 10 a.m. Classes start on Friday’s starting Sept. 27 or Saturday Sept. 21 for 8 classes.

Karate – Little Ninja’s, ages 4 - 6. Tuesday’s and Thursday’s 4:45 - 5:30 p.m.  for 8 weeks, starts Sept. 24. Free uniform and awards ceremony. Held at First Class Martial Arts and Fitness, 158 Mill Street, Berlin, CT. Prior registrants not eligible to register.

Karate – Beginners, ages 7 - 12. Monday’s 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday’s 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. for 8 weeks starting Sept. 23. Fee is $99.00 for residents, $109 for non residents with free uniform and awards ceremony. Held at First Class Martial Arts and Fitness, 158 Mill Street, Berlin, CT. Prior registrants not eligible to register.

The Red Cross Babysitting course is for youths 11 years old and up will help prepare students to supervise children in the absence of parents or guardians. This course offer the youths the opportunity to develop skills in leadership and professionalism, learn how to take care of children from infants up to school age, child development, basic care, simple cooking and crafts, safety, safe play and first aid. Students will receive a babysitting manual and a certificate (upon successfully completing the course). Class will be held from 5 - 8:15 p.m. on two nights; Class 1: Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Tuesday, Oct. 15 or Class 2: Wednesday, Nov. 6 and Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Art for Two – Parent/Child art class -
Come make a craft with your kids. For grades K - 5. Themes include, fall wreath, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Classes will be held on Saturday’s from 10 - 11 a.m. (Fee includes cost for materials).

Fall wreath themed craft – Saturday, Sept. 28
Halloween themed craft – Saturday, Oct. 19
Thanksgiving themed craft – Saturday, Nov. 16
Christmas themed craft – Saturday, Dec. 7

Adult classes include Rockin’ the Retro – Come and enjoy the music through the ages during this hour long class. The music is sure to get you moving!  For adults ages 18 and older. This class will meet 20 times on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. from Sept. 3 to Nov. 26 (no class Sept. 19, Oct. 22, Oct. 24, Oct. 31 and Nov. 21).

Tai Chi for Osteoporosis and Fall Prevention for ages 60 and older - Tai Chi consists of fluid gentle movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. It has been proven to work by slowing down bone loss, improving balance, reducing falls and improving quality of life. Dress comfortably. This class meets on Wednesday’s for 7 weeks. Classes are held from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the class with a maximum of twenty participants. Fee is $55.00 for residents and $65.00 for non-residents

Session 1 - Sept. 25 to Nov. 6  
Session 2 -   Nov. 13 to Jan. 15

Pilates - Instructors are from Personal Euphoria, Wethersfield. Participants will need a mat, water bottle and wear comfortable clothes.  For more information on Pilates visit www.pilates.com.

Core Blast Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balance blending of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long lean muscles without bulking up. Co-ed 18 years of age and up, mixed levels – beginners through intermediate, no ball class. Class will meet for 11 weeks on Monday’s from Sept. 9 until Dec. 9. Class will not be held on October 14, Nov. 11 or Dec. 2. Limit of 12 participants.

Barre Physique Bar Class – Pilates Physique is a unique total body workout that focuses on small, controlled movements combined with gentle-on-the-joints but heart-pumping bursts of interval training to define and tone long, lean muscles. With a combination of muscle work and stretching this program creates lean, flexible sculpted arms, flat abs and a lifted seat! Using a chair or bar provided, you’ll be targeting every muscle in the body. A challenging, safe and effective workout set to dynamic music props such as balls, bands and light weights. Class will meet for 12 weeks on Wednesday’s from 6:15 - 7 p.m. starting on Sept. 11 until Dec. 11. Class will not be held Nov. 27 or Dec. 4.

Power up Pilates - Like our regular Pilates class, this class will provide a full body workout. You’ll work your arms, legs, abs, back, and butt, but use props that will help to strengthen, tighten and tone the entire body quickly and safely. Power-Up Plates integrates the lengthening and stretching principles of traditional Pilates and add strength training. Though exercises might feel more intense, every exercise can be modified for beginner and intermediate levels. Class will meet for 12 weeks on Wednesday’s from 7 - 8 p.m. starting Sept. 11 until Dec. 11. Class will not be held Nov. 27 or Dec. 4. Limit of 12 participants.

Morning Mat Pilates – Pilates is an exercise option for everyone designed to develop a strong core while maintaining loose, limber limbs. The exercises provide variations to meet the needs of different body types. The exercises strengthen the body while keeping joints mobile and flexible. You’ll feel your muscles working and probably break a sweat. Class will meet for 11 weeks on Monday’s from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. starting Sept. 9 until Dec. 9. Class will not be held on Oct. 14, Nov. 11 or Dec. 2.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

BIG E – Eastern States Exposition Fair Dates: Sept. 13 – Sept. 29 - There’s no better place to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste tempting aromas of the fall season than at The Big E. New England’s Autumn Tradition and the largest fair in the northeast. It’s a New England extravaganza with top name entertainment, major exhibits, the Big E Super Circus, the Avenue of States, New England history and agriculture, animals, rides, shopping, crafts, a daily parade and Mardi Gras parade and foods from around the world for 17 glorious days during New England’s most colorful season. Limited number of adult tickets on sale, subject to availability through Monday, Sept. 9. Tickets can be purchased in the Park and Recreation Office.

The Berlin Parks and Recreation Department will host the 9th annual Scarecrow Festival in conjunction with the Fall Foliage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12. Opening ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. in Volunteer Park on the corner of Farmington Ave. and Porters Pass. After the opening ceremony free children’s activities will take place in the park until 12:30 p.m. We encourage businesses, local volunteer, civic organizations, children’s organizations as well as individuals and families to join us for the 9th Annual Festival by creating their own unique scarecrow to enter into the Scarecrow contest. New category breakdown this year: business, adult organization, children’s organization and family. There is a $15.00 registration fee. Scarecrows will take up residency on Farmington Ave. from Saturday, Oct. 12 until Wednesday, Oct. 30 (weather permitting). We hope to create a fall atmosphere and country setting to the terrific Town of Berlin. Spend a day with your family strolling down Farmington Avenue looking at all the creative scarecrows. Stop in and visit our local businesses for a bite to eat or a little shopping.  For additional information on the event and Scarecrow registration form contact the Parks and Recreation office at 860-828-7009. In case of inclement weather please call the Department’s information phone 860-828-7100.

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