Arlington Community Education

Join us for this information-packed lecture and demonstration to build confidence in your ability to diagnose car problems and communicate with auto repair professionals. Get a general overview of the major systems of an automobile from an experienced mechanic and instructor who can make all things automotive both fun and clear. We will cover basic maintenance, discuss common problems, and troubleshoot ignition, charging, cooling, fluids, electrical, brakes, and exhaust systems.

Invasive plants—non-natives that spread vigorously outside their natural range—are causing environmental and economic problems globally and can wreak havoc on your landscape. Learn about the identification, biology, and control of troublesome woody, exotic invasive plants plaguing the area. We will cover the invasive traits of these plants and why they are so successful at displacing our native species in local woodlands. We will also review tools for control and helpful websites. All proceeds from this event go towards the ACE Scholarship fund to help make our classes more accessible to all Arlington youth.

Do you ever look at your own garden and know that it could be nicer, but you don’t know how or where to begin? Or are you a new homeowner and unsure of what kinds of plants you have or how to maintain them? It can be overwhelming. Join a passionate garden coach for practical skills and tips on where to start. A few simple things can make a big and immediate difference—and all you need is your enthusiasm, energy, and some basic tools.

Your native plant garden has grown and evolved—perhaps in unexpected ways. Some plants have spread, others feel overcrowded, and a few struggle in summer heat while others thrive. Birds, squirrels, and the wind have introduced new plants, and shifting climate conditions may be reshaping your landscape. Explore strategies to manage these changes in a way that suits your site conditions and personal preferences. There will be time for questions and discussion.

Bring your creativity to an open design workshop. With access to a wealth of locally-grown flowers and greenery, come explore and experiment as you create your own lavish arrangement. In addition to the abundance of materials, the experts at Derby Farm will provide basic design techniques and tips to develop your own skills and knowledge. Please note: Bring a vase or container with a mouth of about 3-5” wide and the ability to hold water. You can always bring your own garden scissors or shears as well.

Your house tells a story. Its age and architectural style, its place in the community, and the lives of the people who have lived there all contribute to this history. Get an introduction to the methods and sources of researching your home’s history. We’ll look at property deeds and historical atlases, town directories, and annual reports. See how probate records and census listings reveal the families who lived in your house and in your neighborhood. Begin compiling research after the first class and share what you’ve uncovered in the second. Leave with ideas for next steps to finish your house’s story. Please note: Bring the address of a property you wish to investigate or choose one from the instructor’s list of examples. Most of our resources will be Arlington-specific, but the research techniques are applicable broadly.