Arlington Community Education

Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. We all love dumplings! Dumplings are versatile and easy to prepare. Spend a late afternoon learning how to make chicken and/or vegetable dumplings with delicious homemade sauce from scratch. First, we will make the wrappers. Then, we’ll prepare the filling. Finally, we will turn our dumplings into Chinese-style potstickers or smaller Japanese-style gyoza. There will be options for vegan or other meats if you prefer. Ages 7+

The second oldest existing firehouse in Boston, built in 1892, is now the Boston Fire Museum. The firehouse has recently undergone a complete renovation of its museum floor and exhibits, and houses a vast collection of artifacts, equipment, documents, and apparatus. Led by a retired firefighter, learn the history of the building and the story of the development of firefighting technology within the Great Boston area. Put on your jacket and helmet, slide down the pole, and grab your fire hose! Proceeds from this class go toward the ACE Scholarship Fund to help make our classes accessible to all Arlington residents.

Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Considered one of the greatest games ever invented, chess teaches many important life concepts such as concentration, strategy, how to win graciously, and how to accept defeat with dignity. Learn chess rules, positional tactics, and fundamentals 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. Ages 6+

Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Learn the basics of glass fusing while having fun playing with glass shapes, colors, and textures. Through a series of exercises, we’ll learn to use glass powders, frits, and stringers. Then design and create a low relief “tack fused” tile and one small dish or a fused glass night light. Ages 8+ Your instructor will fire your creations in his own kiln and they will be available for pickup at AHS within two weeks. Safety note: Students must wear closed toes shoes. Safety glasses will be provided.

Wow your friends and family with amazing sleight-of-hand card tricks. Join a professional magician for an evening of step-by-step instructions for beginner-level card tricks that you can master with only a modest amount of practice. All you’ll need is a deck of cards to become a hit at any party and amaze even the most cynical of skeptics. No experience necessary, just the ability to hold a deck of cards. Ages 10+ Fee is for one adult and one child. Please register under adult’s name.

Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Fight the force of gravity while learning a new skill that will surely impress your family and friends. Basic juggling is easy to learn and it’s also good for your brain. Sharpen your concentration, increase your coordination, and reduce your stress as you learn how to juggle a three-ball pattern, along with some other beginner tricks. Ages 10+

Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Explore the endless possibilities of making delicious calzones—baked Italian turnovers filled with pizza ingredients. In this hands-on class, learn to roll out and shape the dough, choose filling options to personalize your calzone, then fold it in half and crimp the edges. While they bake, we will create a fresh and tasty caprese appetizer salad with tomatoes and mozzarella. You will have a wonderful meal to take home and share. Ages 8+

PLEASE NOTE! Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Enjoy a relaxing evening together while learning to paint mesmerizing mandala patterns on rocks. Mandala painting is a proven way to relax the body and mind, and is a beautiful art form to boot! This practice combined with mindfulness games, and a guided meditation, is sure to provide a unique activity for the whole family. Ages 6+

Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Learn how to create professional-looking cookies with tips and tricks from a certified baker and Level III Wilton certified decorator. Explore several decorating techniques including flooding and wet-on-wet designs. Decorate with puffed hearts, geometric patterns, and flowers using simple tools. Ages 8+ Please note: Bring 8-12 sugar cookies per participant. The cookies should be baked ahead of time or store bought. Once the class reaches minimum enrollment we will send you recipe if you prefer to make your own.

PLEASE NOTE! Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Felting, the oldest known way to make fabric, combines layers of wool fibers into one piece without knitting or weaving. The workshop will begin with a brief tutorial on felting basics. We will use the “resist” method, which involves covering a thick, flexible piece of plastic with wool roving to transform a flat surface into a three-dimensional object. Your completed felted bowl will make a unique decor accent or can be used for a variety of functional applications, such as a key dish or pencil holder, or even a lampshade! Ages 8+

Join a native Chinese cook to learn about the fundamentals of Chinese wontons. We’ll pinch, squeeze, and pleat our way to a succulent and satisfying meal. Using pork, shrimp, Napa cabbage, and Chinese chives, we’ll make various traditional fillings from scratch. Then we will prepare shrimp wontons to star in an authentic wonton soup. Ages 8+ Please note: Fee is for one adult and one child. Please register under the adult's name.

PLEASE NOTE! Fee covers one adult/child pair. Please register under adult’s name only. Carving fresh, found wood into useful objects is a fun, relaxing, satisfying hobby. Learn how to carve wooden beads from local, rescued logs and get an overview of “green” woodworking and safe use of a carving knife. The finished beads make fun keychains, distinctive jewelry, or holiday ornaments. We'll wrap up with a discussion on finishing touches and decoration possibilities to finish at home. Ages 10+