Penobscot Language School of Rockland will hold classes in French and Italian at the Damariscotta Baptist Church starting the week of Jan. 23.

Fulvia Sarnelli of Naples Italy will teach all Italian classes. A recent teaching assistant at Bowdoin College, Ms. Sarnelli is fluent in Italian, English and Chinese. Classes will be offered Thursdays as follows: Beginners, 12:30-2 p.m., Advanced Beginners, 10:45-12:15 p.m. and Intermediate, 9-10:30 a.m. Alternate times may be available upon request.

The school invites those interested in meeting Ms. Sarnelli to two events held at the school on Wednesday, Jan. 18: an Italian mini-term from 4-5:30 p.m. and a potluck from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The mini-term, offered at $20/person, is for those wishing to experience a brief introduction to the Italian language. The potluck immediately follows and is open to all regardless of attendance at the mini-term. Attendees should bring a potluck (Italian and other foods welcome) to share.

French classes continue with Margot Stiassni. With degrees in French language and literature from Williams College and Stanford University, Stiassni offers Découvrez le Français for beginners and Réveillez Votre Françias for advanced beginners on Thursdays, 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:05-11:35 a.m., respectively. L’Art de la Conversation Française for intermediates will be Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.

New this semester is Café Français. Open to the public at no charge, this Thursday 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. brown bag lunch provides an opportunity for further French speaking practice.

For more information regarding these offerings as well as upcoming classes and events, visit www.penobscot.us, call 594-1084 or email joan@penobscot.us.