As we await the annual beauty of our blooming cherry blossom trees lining the front of our campus, here’s a look at some of the recent happenings at Norwich Free Academy.

Pierogies, pierogies!

Students from our culinary program, as well as our Project Outreach program, which is celebrating its 50th year of service to our community, recently made nearly 2,000 pierogies for one reason – to support Ukrainian refugees.

The pierogies were made over a two-day period and sold to faculty and staff for $1 each. With strong sales and additional donations, we were able to provide nearly $2,000 to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization feeding Ukrainian refugees at multiple border crossings. We may be miles away, but this was one way for our community to help those in so much need.

Clean up, clean up!

Speaking of helping our community, nearly 30 members of our faculty and staff spread out through Norwich to pick up trash along roads, sidewalks and in parks. We covered the downtown area, Howard T. Brown Park, the Lake Street Playground area and Uncas Leap. We are grateful for our participating staff and pleased to help the community that helps us so much.

Giving the gift of life

Yet another way we are providing help for others is through the gift of life. Members of our Student Advisory Board organized a campus-wide blood drive with the Ameircan Red Cross. More than 30 faculty, staff and eligible students participated in the drive.

Adult painting class

Our Visual and Performing Arts Department is thrilled to offer an adult painting class this spring! There will be six classes – April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Classes are held Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in our Painting Studio in the Bradlaw Building. The cost is $165 and includes supplies.

Beginning students will learn color theory, including how to mix values and colors in acrylic paint and will later progress to creating observational paintings. Students will learn through visual demonstrations, one-on-one assistance and individual pract time. Experienced students may use the time as an open studio with instructor support and guidance.

To learn more, email carmodya@nfaschool.org. Information can also be found at https://www.nfaschool.org/academics/visual-and-performing-arts/continuing-arts-education.

Museum project underway

As we’ve shared previously, the Slater Memorial Museum is undergoing a complete roof restoration. The original slate roof – which dates back to the building’s original construction in 1888 – is being replaced.

Scaffolding will soon be visible from outside the museum. That’s a sure sign of the work taking place. However, prior to that, work has been going on inside to ensure we are taking the best care of our incredible collection of artifacts, and, in particular, our more than 120 casts, which have all been covered with protective fabric. In addition, we have removed some of our stained glass windows, which will also be restored during the project.

And, while the work will soon be progressing outside, more work continues on the inside. This is an opportunity for our staff to look at all facets of the museum and make improvements in all areas that we can’t wait for you to see when we reopen later this year!

Michael O’Farrell is director of communications at Norwich Free Academy.