BERNARDSTON — Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop owner Lucy Damkoehler will soon be sharing her baking and cooking know-how with the community, thanks to a 275-square-foot addition that houses a classroom space.

The expansion was made possible by a $20,000 fundraising campaign and a matching grant from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation that took place last year.

This addition enables the business to grow while also keeping more dollars within the Bernardston economy.

“It is important to be part of a customer base that cares deeply, leading Lucy to expand its footprint to better serve the Sweet Lucy’s community,” Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new classroom space last week.

Damkoehler will hold classes that will be open to the public, children’s camps, birthday parties, dinner parties and corporate team-building events. Classes will be able to take place while her staff works in the kitchen. Larger parties can be accommodated with demonstrations in the new classroom space, kitchen and upstairs.

Classes start on Sept. 6. The extensive list of classes, which can be viewed at sweetlucysbakeshop.com/events/list, includes macaron lessons, croissant workshops, fall harvest preservation classes, a three-course meal class, pasta making and more.

Having grown up in Bernardston, Damkoehler left for about 20 years after graduating from high school. She returned in 2018 to open Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop at 7 South St., which was formerly operated as the 7 South Bakery by Mike and Kay Dougherty.

During the ribbon-cutting celebration, Damkoehler shared that when she was 16, she used to drive to a bakery in Deerfield to learn the ins and outs of the trade. With these new classes, she hopes to bring the joy of baking to the Franklin County community.

“The passion I learned from working with those people was incredible,” Damkoehler recalled. “I am excited to pass it on to the younger generation.”

She noted that while there are many passionate cooks in the area, there is a shortage of bakers. With this expansion, Damkoehler aims to create an accessible pipeline for aspiring bakers.

Damkoehler expressed gratitude for the community’s support.

“I am incredibly grateful to be part of this community,” she said, “and so lucky to be back home.”

Last week’s ceremony was attended by a representative from state Rep. Natalie Blais’ office, as well as representatives from the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Damkoehler’s former elementary school teachers, childhood peers and family members also came out to show their support.

“Sweet Lucy’s is a shining example of entrepreneurial vision, determination and community involvement,” Deane said, “which makes our small businesses the backbone of Franklin County.”

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.

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