WSC enriches community

Date: 2/11/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WESTFIELD Westfield State College (WSC) is building on its commitment to economic revitalization by partnering with downtown businesses to offer a new series of Community Education Programs.

Classes in crafting, music business, guitar, navigating wine and holistic living will be offered this spring in conjunction with downtown businesses such as Optimum Therapeutic Massage, Piccolo's Restaurant and With Heart & Hand.

"As an integral part of the broader community, the college is pleased to join with businesses in offering classes in downtown locations convenient to area residents," WSC President Evan Dobelle said. "We are fortunate to have several members of our community knowledgeable in subjects and skills to lead a diverse lineup of classes."

Pamela Leigh, owner of With Heart & Hand, will be teaching colonial crafting, including stenciling and dried flower topiary to people of all ages during February, March and April. Tuition for her courses range from $35 to $53.

"I feel honored that my personal artistic expression for colonial crafting is valued by the college," Leigh said "As a teacher of many mediums, it is my pleasure to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others, and hope to bring the art of crafting back into the family so that many can experience their own creativity, and pass along artistic life to new hands."

WSC Manager of Community Education Jonathan Berman will be instructing "Music Business 101: Starting a Band and Getting a Gig" from February to April, as well as "Play Guitar Using TAB" every Monday evening in February from 7 to 9 p.m.

"We're excited to be bringing Community Education classes into the community," Berman said. "There are hidden gems that we are seeking out so that we can offer fun, interesting opportunities to greater Westfield residents, and fitting them into our program is exciting."

Other courses include "Navigating Wine," a course for the basic understanding of the drink, every Tuesday in March from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Piccolo's Restaurant. Pablo Nyarady, owner of Trifecta Cellars, a winery in St. Helana, Calif., will be teaching the course. Tuition is $175.

Maureen Belliveau and Christine Bissonnette of Optimum Therapeutic Massage on Elm Street will be instructing "A Holistic New You!" on Wednesdays in March from 6 to 8 p.m. The course will teach participants about the benefits of a holistic lifestyle. Tuition for this course is $54.

Berman explained that the college plans to offer additional Continuing Education Programs downtown.

"Our target audience is the community around the college," he said. "We're open to pretty much anything that is fun."

Businesses wishing to partner with WSC to offer additional classes can contact Berman at 572-8183.

To obtain a catalog of WSC's Continuing Education Programs, go to www.wsc.ma.edu/communityed to download a catalog.