BANGOR – Downeast Russian School is holding open enrollment this month for a variety of courses – for students as young as three years old through adults – to cultivate interest in Russian language and culture.

Russian language is introduced to children through creative activities such as drawing, sculpture, music or drama taught by professional educators who are native Russian speakers.

Classes for adults include formal language instruction classes as well as a new Learning Russian through Arts and Crafts class for adults.

Downeast Russian School offers opportunities to connect and interact with real Russian people in Russia and other republics of former Soviet Union, school officials explained.

Classes are held Wednesdays beginning Jan. 21 at Bangor Theological Seminary and run for 10 weeks. The registration deadline is Jan 15.

For class schedule, fee information or registration, e-mail natabra@yahoo.com, leave a message at 262-9727 or visit www.downeastrussianschool.wtcsites.com.

During the spring term, Jan. 21-March 24, Downeast Russian School has available three scholarships given by Bonnie Ablamsky Fontaine in memory of her grandfather, Michael Ablamsky.

Michael Ablamsky was 15 when he and his older brother Sam came to the United States from the Byelorussian village of Rujinsky Gubernya at the beginning of the 20th century. They left behind their parents and 10 siblings.

Michael Ablamsky settled in Waterbury, Conn., married and later started his own business, Ablamsky and Sons Coal and Oil, in 1938. The family operated the business for 50 years.

Fontaine, who owns River Edge Farm in Cherryfield, said she has many good memories about the Russian-Polish traditions of her grandparents’ home. She regrets that her grandparents did not teach her Russian, so she wants to offer scholarships for those who wish to learn Russian.

Scholarships are based on need and on desire to learn Russian. Applicants or parents are asked to write a one-page composition addressing the question, “Why do I want to learn Russian?”

Scholarship applications should be mailed to Downeast Russian School, 150 Parkview Ave., Bangor ME 04401 or e-mailed to natabra@yahoo.com. Applications must be postmarked no later than Jan. 14.