SHAEC Calendar
Let us know what future classes you would like SHAEC to offer
Fill out the survey below and let us know what topics interest you.
GED/HiSet On your time
VEC, Chester
Need your GED/ High School Equivalency Degree, but fitting it in between work, kids, or other commitments has stood in the way? Take the first step, and call today: 413-354-1055. Or email SouthernhilltownsAEC@gmail.com
Sign Up for Classes
Sign up online here for one or many of our upcoming classes!
Small Business Administration SMART Workshop
Second workshop of the two part series, December 4 and 11, 5:30 - 7pm
VEC, Chester
These two (2) FREE workshops (this is a series, please plan to attend both) will help you gain a better understanding of what it takes to start and grow a business. Learn about SBA programs and services that are available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their businesses.
Best Word Press Plug-ins
CANCELED Tuesday, Nov. 12th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, HCDC Chesterfield
We are canceling the Word press plug-in class tonight at the Hilltown CDC in Chesterfield, as several participants have cancelled for tonight.
If you would like to work on-on-one with one of our consultants on your word press website, Please reach out to and we can schedule a time that is convenient for you.
Computer, Tablet, Smart Phone Help
Tuesday, Nov. 26th, 10-12pm
Russell Senior Center, 65 Main St. Russell
Computer, Tablet, Smart Phone question and answer session. No appointment necessary, just stop by for friendly, compassionate assistance.
Biztro
Monday, November 18th
| 5pm–7pm
Need help with your business website? Want to talk about marketing & advertising? Just want to review your business plan? Stop by a business-bistro “Biztro” session anytime and get hands-on help with Economic Development Director, Jeanne LeClair. Chat about business plans, websites, marketing, or new business ideas over snacks and coffee (most of the time).
Knittel Conservation Area, Blandford
Saturday, November 16, 10 AM
The Knittel Conservation Area in Blandford is a 254-acre tract comprised of fields, forest and Falls Brook. We will pass through different and interesting types of forest and around a pond with beaver dams. The conservation area helps protect the water supply of 250,000 people and preserve the rural setting for a working farm. Located at the end of Herrick Road, the parcel has been home to the Herrick family farm for generations.
Bringing Calmness Into Our Stressful World
Thursday, Nov. 7, 6-7:00 pm
VEC, 26a Main Street, Chester
Learn the difference between a tea and an herbal infusion. Recipes will be provided for my favorite go to tea formulas for stressful times. Get a head start on entering the holiday season with some tools in your basket for being calm and relaxed.
Sharing your photographs: getting oohs and ahs
Friday, Nov. 22, 4-6 pm
VEC, 26a Main Street, Chester
Learn “post-processing” - How to make a great pic out of a good one with simple editing tools. We’ll practice using your with image files in different situations: posting on social media, printing, slideshows, making an album, etc. Where possible, we’ll use Google and other free online tools.
Jpegs and pixels and tiffs, oh my!
Friday, Nov. 15, 4-6 pm
VEC, 26a Main Street, Chester
Photos a jumble on your computer? Want to create some albums? Need to scan your (grand)mothers photos? Learn to read the alphabet soup of image files, and find out about photo management software and online storage options such as Google Photos. Bring a couple of photos to scan for practice
Be the boss of your digital camera
Friday, Nov. 8, 4-6 pm
VEC, 26a Main Street, Chester
Be the boss of your digital camera
Take control to take better photos. Understanding cellphone and point and shoot digital cameras, working with automatic settings, and issues in digital photography — how to deal with difficult light situations, what are the tradeoffs you make to get a good picture. Bring your camera, its manual, and questions for hands-on practice.
