Arlington Community Education

Understanding your astrology chart can help you build on your natural skills and abilities and reveal when to explore the most opportune moments for progress in your life. Learn how to read your unique birth chart and gain understanding of the meaning behind signs and houses and placement of each planet. We will study the aspects and interactions between planets, stars, and personality and learn how to interpret each placement in your chart to discover the key to development of your natural abilities and personality traits.

Join us for this information-packed lecture/demonstration and build confidence in your ability to diagnose car problems and communicate with auto repair professionals. Get a general overview of 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.

Travel to different ecosystems, learn about some of the animals that live there, and create art inspired by their unique characteristics. Dive into the depths of the oceans and create creatures that swim among the fish. Trek to the savannah, learn about lions, and recreate their majestic manes. Experiment with materials such as model magic, tissue paper, oil pastel, and more to make your awesome animal art.

Please note: This class runs 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Monday–Thursday only. This program is designed to better prepare you to become a capable, caring, and responsible babysitter. Understand the responsibilities and skills—including basic first aid and what to do in an emergency—and develop confidence in handling situations you may encounter when caring for young children. Upon completion, your services will be in high demand in the neighborhood! July 8-11 (M-Th), 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Ages 12+ Please note: You must be at least 12 years old. You will receive a Babysitter’s ID card and a certificate of completion.

This program is designed to better prepare you to become a capable, caring, and responsible babysitter. Understand the responsibilities and skills—including basic first aid and what to do in an emergency—and develop confidence in handling situations you may encounter when caring for young children. Upon completion, your services will be in high demand in the neighborhood!

Interested in backpacking but unsure about what you need or how to plan for getting yourself out on a trail for a few days? Learn more about the what, how, and why of backpacking from a pair of experienced long-distance thru-hikers. These indoor, hands-on sessions are suited for beginners as well as more experienced trail enthusiasts who want a refresher or an infusion of trail mojo. Learn how to plan a safe excursion, choose proper gear and clothing, and pack food and filter water.In addition, we will share simple mindfulness concepts that can result in a greater experience of awe in nature. This program is inclusive of individuals identifying as transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming.

Have you ever wondered if that “tweet” is from a cardinal or a chickadee? Learn what our feathered friends are saying to you! Start with a few basic bird songs as a reference, then add to your repertoire with repetition and practice. You’ll learn the types of sound birds make and why they make them and explore common bird songs heard here in Massachusetts. We’ll focus on 10–15 different birds each class. Time spent outdoors will become even more enjoyable with your new understanding and appreciation of birdsong. Note: Have handy a notebook, pen, and a bird book if you have one.

Come outside and play! Get moving and have fun playing tons of different backyard games. Aim flying discs into cans during Kan Jam, try to get bolas to catch onto the rungs of our Ladder Bowl, toss bean bags into a classic Cornhole board, and more.

Discover the satisfaction of baking your own Italian cookies and bring home a box of sweet treats that will rival what you can buy in the North End. Together, we’ll make a variety of classic Italian cookies: crispy, dunkable twice-baked biscotti; soft and pillowy ricotta cookies; crunchy and fragrant sesame cookies; amaretti cookies bursting with almond flavor; and rustic, buttery Venetian currant and cornmeal cookies.

Jeté your way through this week that’s all about dance. The primary focus will be on ballet, but we will also try modern, contemporary, and jazz, and do yoga stretches. We’ll also get inspired by famous dancers through listening to stories and doing crafts such as wire dancer sculptures and paper dolls with layered tutus. Learn short routines and collaborate with your classmates to choreograph your own.

Enjoy some of ballroom’s most popular social dances. Whether you want to float like Fred and Ginger or put a little sexy hip action into those Latin dances, come join in the dancing fun. Couples and singles welcome. Beginning: We will break down the basics of footwork, musicality, and partnering in swing, salsa, rumba, and more. Two left feet? No rhythm? No problem! Once you learn the basic steps, you’ll be able to spice up any dance floor you step on. Continuing: Ready to move past the basics? We will cover a variety of moves like crossovers, turns, and combinations to up your dance game. We will also dive into more styling and technique, to give you a more polished look. Please note: If attending as a couple, both dancers must register individually.

While it is an ancient art, basket making is a tradition that continues to thrive today. Learn the basics of basketry and craft your own functional and versatile basket. Topics covered include reed sizing, styles, design of baskets, techniques for creating the base, shaping, continuous weaving, and lashing. Your finished basket will be approximately 6-8" at the base and 5-7" tall, perfect as a fruit basket, bread basket, or to hold trinkets or small books around the house. Add a plastic liner and you can use it as a decorative plant container. Please note: Some grip strength is required for this class.

Shoot some hoops! Beginning and recreational basketball players will practice dribbling, shooting, passing, and ball handling, while also focusing on teamwork and supporting each other. We will review game rules, practice essential skills, learn the art of offense and defense, and get a great workout. Each day will include drills and a friendly game.

Carving fresh, found wood into useful objects is a fun, relaxing, satisfying hobby. We will cover an overview of “green” woodworking, including tools, materials, process, technique, and safety. We will talk through the early part of the process of turning a log into a rough carving blank with an axe. Then you will learn safe, effective knife grips so you can carve your project. We’ll wrap up with a discussion on finishing touches, decoration possibilities, and how to continue in the craft. Class fees include all materials needed, as well as use of loaner tools. Butter spreader/cheese knife: Wooden spreaders, present in nearly every Swedish kitchen, were traditionally hand-carved. Yours will be great for spreading butter, but also for soft, medium, and crumbly cheeses. This single-session class is perfect for complete beginners. Wooden spoon: The serving spoons we’ll make have an extra large bowl for generous helpings and a stout handle for ease of use. Some experience woodworking, carving, or in other hand crafts would be beneficial for this two-night class.

Fabricate a sterling silver ring, a sterling silver pendant with a bezel-set stone, and a set of bangle bracelets in this beginner-level jewelry making workshop. Learn the basic fundamentals of metalsmithing, while incorporating personal design touches. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, copper, bronze, stones, solder, saw blades, and more. To complete all projects, you must attend every class.

Learn to make a set of textured bangle bracelets, one in sterling silver, one in bronze, and three in copper. Develop fabrication skills, including measuring, texturing, filing, forming, soldering, and tumbler finishing. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, bronze, copper, solder, and sandpaper.

Create a beautiful sterling silver pendant with a bezel-set cabochon stone as you learn basic metal working techniques. Develop fabrication skills including: drilling, sawing/piercing, filing and multiple soldering techniques; satin finishing; and setting the stone. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, fine silver bezel, many different 16mm round stones to choose from, copper, and more. Please note: In the event that a makeup class is needed, it will be held Tuesday, June 18.