HANCOCK — Registration is now open for Finnish language classes for children and adults this June at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

Learning opportunities will include 3-session classes for 3-6-year-olds and 7-10-year-olds as well as a 5-session class for adults. These programs offer a playful and interactive introduction to Finnish language and culture as part of this year’s celebration of Juhannus at the Finnish American Folk School. Full details and online registration are available at fahc.finlandiafoundation.org/finnish-american-folk-school/.

The classes will be taught by Becky Luoma, originally from the Copper Country and now living in Finland.

“I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, with a strong Finnish heritage,” said Luoma. “I was always curious about Finnish since my grandparents spoke it together. Moving to Finland in 2003 motivated me to study Finnish. Now, through my education technology company Language Clubhouse and the Finnish American Folk School, we offer a fun opportunity for the community to learn Finnish easily.”

Luoma welcomes all who are interested in enriching their cultural and language skills to these interactive classes. Registration closes June 7 or when sold out, so participants should be sure to reserve their spots soon. For more information, call 906-370-3722 or email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org.

The Finnish American Folk School was founded in 2017 to promote knowledge of Finnish folk arts and traditional skills and ensure that they thrive for generations to come. The Folk School is a program of Finlandia Foundation National and is based in the art studios at Skyline Commons (formerly the Jutila Center) and the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan.