Ed Sourdiffe, the Green Thumb Guru.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
CHESTER — The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center is offering a sustainability series on Friday evenings this June at the Village Enterprise Center, 26 Main St. The series will focus on growing and using edible and medicinal herbs, beginning with a class on growing herbs by Chester resident Ed Sourdiffe — the “Green Thumb Guru,” followed up by a trio of classes by Middlefield resident Kay Judge, owner of Blue Skye Wellness in Chester, who will teach participants how to utilize these herbs in their everyday life.
“We are so fortunate to have so many talented people in the hilltowns that are willing to share their knowledge with the community through SHAEC,” said Program Director Michele Kenney.
The first class in the series is “Growing Herbs: Medicinal, Culinary and Ornamental” on Friday, June 6 at 5 p.m.
Master Gardener Ed Sourdiffe, the “Green Thumb Guru,” head of the historic gardens at Hancock Shaker Village and Mass Appeal plant and garden expert will share simple growing techniques for vibrant, robust herbs, featuring a variety of wild and cultivated herbs. Some plants will be available to purchase at the class to get participants started. “If you aren’t growing these herbs, you should. We’re here to teach you how,” he said.
The class is free, but donations are graciously accepted.
“Introduction to Using Herbs from Your Backyard” follows on Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m. in the SHAEC classroom at 26 Main St., Chester. Taught by aromatherapist and self-taught herbalist Kay Judge from Middlefield, the class will teach participants how to identify what they have growing in their gardens and edges of their yards, weeds or helpful herbs?
“If the weather permits, we will do a quick herb walk to see what we can find,” Judge said. Pre-registration is required. Handouts of herb profiles will be provided, and a small donation will be gladly received.
Judge follows up with “Making Salve” on Friday, June 20 at 5 p.m. at Blue Skye Wellness, 26B Main St. in Chester, next door to the SHAEC classroom. A $10 materials fee is requested.
In this class, Judge will talk about the process of creating a salve, which is basically infused oil that is combined with a wax such as beeswax to create a creamy substance that is applied to the skin. Judge will share ideas for different applications and herbs that would be helpful. The class will work through the process of making a salve, and participants will take home a jar of salve and a recipe to follow to make their own. Class is limited, so pre-registration is required.
“Herbal Recipes” on Friday June 27, 5 p.m. at Blue Skye Wellness, 26B Main St., Chester (next door to the SHAEC classroom) is the fourth class in the series. A $10 materials fee is requested, and pre-registration is required due to limited space. In this class, Judge will teach participants how to use herbs in recipes for culinary and therapeutic uses.
“We’ll discuss teas, tinctures and infused oils and vinegars and using herbs for flavoring in different recipes. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a recipe to take home a finished product,” Judge said.
Other new classes offered this June at SHAEC include “Explore the Wonders of the Universe — Astronomy in the Hilltowns” on Tuesday, June 10 at p.m. in the SHAEC classroom, 26 Main Street in Chester.
Rick Breen, a retired software engineer, amateur astronomer and local musician will offer a lively and accessible introduction to the night sky. In this free class, Breen will guide participants on a fascinating tour of the cosmos — from ancient stargazers to cutting-edge discoveries like black holes and the James Webb Space Telescope.
“You’ll learn how to identify constellations, understand the changing sky through the seasons, and use simple tools like binoculars, star charts, and smartphone apps to discover what’s overhead. Whether you’re a curious beginner or just looking up and wondering, this class offers something for everyone. No science background needed — just a sense of wonder and a love of the stars,” wrote Breen.
“I’m so excited to be offering what I believe might be SHAEC’s first ever Astronomy class, taught by Middlefield resident Rick Breen. Rick is a retired software engineer, amateur astronomer and musician, who sends out the Middlefield Astronomy newsletter a few times a year and occasionally hosts small ‘star parties’ where people can look through telescopes at the moon, stars and planets,” Kenney said.
Also new in June is “Intro to Reels: Create Short Videos with Your Phone” on Wednesday, June 4 at 4 p.m. in the SHAEC Classroom at 26 Main St. in Chester.
Instructor Stephanie Stoudenmire is the founder of CodeForce Digital Consulting, where she helps small businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders unlock the power of modern tech tools. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy, social media, and AI training, Stoudenmire is known for making complex tools feel easy and empowering. She teaches across Western Massachusetts and beyond, with a focus on inclusive, beginner-friendly workshops that meet people where they are. Her work combines technical expertise with a passion for creativity, accessibility and community growth.
“Want to learn how to make short, fun videos like the ones you see on Facebook and Instagram? This beginner-level class is perfect for anyone who’s curious but not sure where to start. You’ll learn how to record simple clips, use basic templates in the free CapCut app, add music or text, and share your videos with confidence. No tech experience needed — just bring your smartphone and a willingness to try something new. We’ll take it step by step, together,” she wrote in the class description.
“These class offerings are in addition to our regular offerings to the community which include computer classes and technology help sessions held monthly at our local senior centers,” said Kenney. SHAEC computer teacher Heather Morgan is at the Huntington Senior Center in Stanton Hall on the first Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m.; Chester Senior Center on the second Wednesday of the month 10:30 a.m. to noon; Russell Senior Center on the third Wednesday of the month 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the Middlefield Senior Center on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Additionally, SHAEC offers free individual and small group tutoring to prepare for the GED High School Equivalency test in all topic areas: English language arts, social studies, science and mathematics.
For more information on SHAEC’s classes, call Program Director Michele Kenney at 413-354-1055 or email Southernhilltownsaec@gmail.com. Preregistration for classes can be made through shaec.org.
The SHAEC started in the summer of 1999 and is a program of The Partnership for Worker Education at University of Massachusetts Amherst. The Partnership for Worker Education is part of the Office of Human Resources of UMass Amherst, and is funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the Mass Dept. of Housing and Community Development, through the lead town of Russell, in partnership with Chester, Huntington, and Middlefield.
