Arlington Community Education

Bladder issues affect so many women, yet most of us have little knowledge of the subject. Women of all ages experience urinary leakage, bladder pain, urgency and frequency, and recurrent UTIs. It’s time to raise awareness and get the facts about bladder function and dysfunction. We will review pelvic floor and pelvic organ anatomy, bladder habits and norms, common bladder conditions, how our nervous system affects bladder function, and methods for supporting optimal bladder health. You might also gain new confidence in your ability to resume “triggering” activities like running, hiking, jumping, or even taking that long road trip. Whether you recently gave birth, are navigating perimenopause, or are well beyond your final menstrual period, you’ll leave with practical wisdom to support your bladder health.

Put on your designer’s hat and create a board game. You’ll pick the look, the illustrations, and the highlights and pitfalls of the play. Design the movement, reward, and resource management systems and then combine them so that they work together. We’ll take breaks for group trivia, riddles, logic puzzles, and indoor and outdoor games.

Mumbai’s street food is an integral part of its identity, reflecting the city’s diversity and fast-paced lifestyle. We’ll make a vibrant tawa pulao platter—a savory and colorful rice dish with crunchy, chopped fresh vegetables—accompanied by cooling raita sauce and crispy papad flatbread. We’ll complement the meal with a refreshing mango lassi, blending the sweetness of ripe mangoes with tangy yogurt to make a delightful drink that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Please bring several containers to take home finished dishes, and if you like, an apron.

This class is the low-impact version—but still high-energy—of the Bollywood-inspired dance-fitness program. At the very core of a BollyX workout is the inspiration it draws from the infectious energy, expression, and movement of the music and dance of Bollywood, the film industry of India. Follow along and learn the dance moves as you go. This great cardio workout will get you moving, sweating, and smiling.

Be exposed to a new musical genre while you get an amazing cardio workout with this dynamic dance-fitness program that draws inspiration from the high-energy song and dance sequences of India’s Bollywood movies. Have lots of fun, unleash your inner swagger, and engage your entire body as you cycle between high and low levels of intensity choreographed to great tunes from around the world. Moves can be modified for any fitness level. No experience is necessary.

Make a beautiful, unique work of art for your home using upcycled fabric. Rag rugs have a long history in many cultures as a way to give new life to used textiles. Learn how to repurpose bedsheets to make a rag rug using the braid-in technique. Similar to a braided rug, this technique does not require any sewing, knitting, or crochet skills. Learn how to create the rags and weave the rug, plus how to use the braid-in technique to complete other projects. Most materials provided. New and returning students welcome. Note: Please bring scissors. All other materials are provided. However, if you want to use specific colors, please bring your own sheets (flat or fitted in any size) or fabric.

This class is perfect for players who have completed Learn Bridge or anyone looking to refresh their knowledge of modern Bridge. Each session combines expert instruction with hands-on demonstrations, lively group discussions, and plenty of practice play at the table. Topics include opening notrump, Stayman and Jacoby transfers, preemptive bidding, bidding to slam, and play of the hand. Comprehensive handouts are provided at the first session, so you’ll have everything you need to take your game to the next level. The textbook “Easybridge!” by Edith McMullin is optional and may be purchased from booksellers or online (Amazon.com or BaronBarclay.com).

Join other novice and beginner-level players for an enjoyable evening of playing Bridge in a friendly and supportive environment, whether you bring your partner or come on your own. Each session will begin with a brief Q&A mini-lesson, followed by game play designed for novice and beginner-level players. Feel free to use your notes or ask questions during the game and receive real-time guidance from a certified bridge teacher and club director. Please note: Walkins are not allowed. Please register and pay in advance for select dates or purchase entire 6-week class at a discount.

Design the house of your dreams as you learn the basics of architectural design and construction. Explore various architectural styles, floor plans, and interior design concepts. Share ideas and insights as you collaborate with your classmates throughout the design process. You will complete a model that showcases your unique style and get a deeper appreciation for the art and science of architecture. Please note: No class Friday, May 23

Bring a story to life in this class where you will write, illustrate, and bind a book. Using New England authors as inspiration for points of view, cultural perspectives, illustration styles, and overall look, we will embrace the art of writing and illustrating a book from start to finish. We’ll end the week with a book fair to showcase our creations.

Explore the amazing places animals live and build cool models that move and act just like they do. Work with your friends to create awesome designs while learning fun facts about animals and their habitats. It’s all about building, exploring, and having a blast—let’s discover the wild side together!

This American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Expect to learn about adult and child CPR and AED use, infant CPR, first aid basics including choking, medical emergencies, injury emergencies, environmental emergencies, preventing illness and injury, and opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies. This intensive, three-hour course is for anyone with little or no medical training. Participants will be emailed a course completion card, valid for two years. Please note: Due to an increase in the card fee the class is now $110. Important: Because this is a certification class, you must be on time. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will be turned away and no refund will be granted.

Get ready for a sugar rush of creativity and discovery. We’ll make candy-inspired crafts, build a piñata, and use candy to complete colorful science experiments and edible art projects. Of course we’ll also play a few rounds of the classic board game and maybe even create some candy-centric games of our own. This week will be a treat for your imagination—and your sweet tooth!

Discover this Cambridge neighborhood’s vibrant art and food scene, led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Visit Graffiti Alley and paint your own m asterpiece, then uncover a hidden second alley filled with even more art. Immerse yourself in large-scale murals and public art as you enjoy delicious bites from beloved local spots. Savor Vietnamese green papaya salad, butter beef spring rolls, and a fascinating beverage surprise at Shojo Cambridge. Indulge in Japanese tapas at PAGU, featuring tasty patatas bravas and black cod croquetas. At Viale, taste the best arancini in Boston and enjoy their occhi stellati mocktail under the stars. All ages welcome.

Please note: Class will be held on 4/22 but not 4/29. One great thing about yoga is that it can be adapted to suit anyone’s needs. Chair yoga is especially beneficial for beginners, senior citizens, people with injuries, or those looking to learn how to apply yoga techniques at the office. As we practice chair yoga, our bodies relax and our minds quiet. During our time together, we will increase our self-awareness and revitalize our lives. Yoga has been proven to improve strength and flexibility, as well as reduce stress and manage pain. The chair yoga postures taught in this class can be integrated throughout your day.

Discover the rich diversity of Portuguese cheeses in this immersive tasting class, where you’ll sample a range of soft, creamy, and aged varieties made from cow, goat, and sheep milk. From the Beiras to the Azores and Alentejo, we’ll highlight regional flavors shaped by unique climates and artisanal methods. We’ll discuss production processes, flavor profiles, and pairing suggestions, making this class ideal for both beginners and seasoned cheese enthusiasts eager to expand their palate with Portugal’s best-kept cheese secrets.

Considered one of the greatest games ever invented, chess teaches many important life concepts such as concentration, sportsmanship, how to win graciously, and how to accept defeat with dignity. Learn chess rules, positional tactics, and basic to more advanced moves with the guidance of an experienced chess master. We will divide into groups according to experience, and end the week with a mini-chess tournament.

Considered one of the greatest games ever invented, chess teaches many important life concepts such as how to win graciously, how to accept defeat with dignity, concentration, and sportsmanship. Learn chess rules, positional tactics, and basics to more advanced moves with the guidance of an experienced chess master. We will divide into groups according to experience and end the program with a mini chess tournament. All levels welcome.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are often called “Abrahamic” religions because they each claim to worship the same god and trace their lineage to Abraham in the biblical book of Genesis. If they share this common origin, why has their history been marked by so much conflict? This class explores how each tradition uses Abraham in shaping its identity. We will examine key passages from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and Qur’an to understand how and why claims to be “children of Abraham” emerged in specific historical contexts. Finally, we’ll discuss what this history means for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim relations today.

The bakeries in Chinatown are filled with the mouth-watering aromas of freshly baked buns and pastries. Join us to recreate three Chinatown bakery favorites. We’ll start by making coconut buns, addictively tender yeasty buns filled with sweet coconut paste. Next, we’ll make fluffy pineapple buns with a special crispy topping. We’ll also recreate a star of dim sum tables: barbecue pork bao (steamed buns). At the end of class, everyone will enjoy eating their creations together. Please bring several containers to take home finished dishes, and if you like, an apron.

Boston’s Chinatown is filled with so many little shops and restaurants—it’s easy to get lost amid its colorful window displays and enticing aromas. Our journey begins in the heart of Chinatown, where we’ll learn about its history while stopping at a few shops and bakeries for samples. Next, we’ll visit a Chinese herbal shop to examine traditional Chinese medicinal remedies before touring a Chinese market to explore exotic produce and other unique offerings. We’ll also try dim sum from a traditional and popular restaurant. Please note: Dietary restrictions CANNOT be accommodated on this food tour.