Arlington Community Education

Revision is an important and learnable skill for taking your work from promising first drafts to accomplished and moving poems. We’ll explore a variety of techniques at both the micro level of individual word choice and syntax and the macro level of “re-seeing” the poem as a whole. Whether you’ve been writing poetry for months or years, bring some poems you’re interested in taking to the next level and spend some time on them in a supportive group environment.

Stretches alone won’t eliminate your neck aches and pains. The neck muscles and tissues need to be strengthened to support the load of the head and improve your posture. We will use therapy balls, blocks, straps, and the wall, among other props, to do exercises and sequences to bring awareness and strengthen neck muscles and shoulder joints, and rewire the load we place in our tissues around the area. Many exercises will be supine, some sitting, and others standing. Open to anyone and everyone who wants to learn how to decompress, relax, and apply easy techniques to feel better in one of the areas where we hold the most tension. All mobility/fitness levels are welcome. Please note: Students must bring the following to class: Yoga mat Yoga belt/long strap/belt Theraband/resistance band Tennis ball/therapy ball Yoga bolster or firm cushion

Sample a wide variety of teas for warming up a winter’s morning or evening. We’ll brew 7–8 different teas, both caffeinated and non-caffeinated, and enjoy some sweet and savory snacks to complement them. We’ll start withseveral “real” teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant. We’ll taste classic black-tea blends, like Russian Caravan and spiced chai, as well as a smooth Formosan oolong. Then we’ll switch to soothing non-caffeinated ones, including rooibos, honeybush, and roasted barley, a favorite in Nepal. We’ll talk about the art of brewing and the rich global history of this “elixir of the East,” which has influenced trade, arts and crafts, customs, and politics. Bring one or two of your favorite cups or mugs.

Learn to paint freely and boldly using acrylic paint. While we will go over the basics like composition, value, and color, the focus will be to connect with your intuition, paint from your heart, and discover your artistic voice. Each week we will focus on a different subject: landscape, still life, human figure, portrait, animals, urban landscape, interior study, and abstraction. All levels are welcome. The class materials list can be found here.

Boston pioneered the Abolitionist movement to dismantle the institution of slavery in America. While often facing prejudice equal to any in the South, men and women of color in this city have long been at the forefront of the fight for equal rights. From Crispus Attucks to Frederick Douglass, black Bostonians have fought tooth and nail for freedom. From Phyllis Wheatley to slaves whose names are only now being rediscovered and recognized, the unsung heroes can often be the most profound ones in our memories. Meet the courageous men and women—both black and white—who helped fight inequity in the British Empire and laid the foundation for the ongoing fight for justice in today’s America. Ages 8+

Learn American Sign Language (ASL), a useful skill that can open up a new world of relationships and deeper understanding. These classes utilize a groundbreaking curriculum crafted by deaf ASL teachers. You’ll learn more than just signs—you’ll engage in real-world conversation. Level 1 (Beginner): In this in-person class for absolute beginners only, learn the ASL manual “alphabet” and hand shapes, basic grammar structure, and fingerspelling techniques. Explore the history of ASL while we cover pronouns, articles, numbers, yes/no questions, farewell rituals, introductions, and more. Level 2 (High Beginner): Further increase your vocabulary and get introduced to verb tenses in this in-person class for students who have completed Level 1. Learn how to engage in conversation about personal life events, family dynamics, friendships, and pets, as well as how to describe appearances and name North American cities, states, and provinces. Level 3 (Intermediate): This online class is for students who have completed Level 2. Refine your skills as we cover more complex topics, including numeral incorporation, telling time, expressing frequency, daily routines, holidays and cultural observances, vacations, hobbies, and more. Note: For all levels, students will be required to purchase the TRUE+Way digit ebook ($30 per level). (instructor will provide details once course meets the ACE minimum enrollment requirements)

Are you thinking about buying an electric car but concerned about charging, range, or anything else? We’ll talk through the ins and outs of EVs and PHEVs (and teach you the difference!) so that you can make an informed choice about which kind of car would work well with your driving habits. You’ll learn about the different manufacturers, charging options, and financial incentives too. All proceeds from these events go toward the ACE Scholarship fund to help make classes accessible to all Arlington residents.

This course is for those who have some familiarity with Levantine Arabic. Considered one of the major varieties of Arabic, “Levantine” refers to the variety of Arabic spoken along the eastern Mediterranean coast, which includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. More informal than Modern Standard Arabic, this dialect is used in the home, among friends, and has become the chosen language for many television series. We will discuss various everyday topics, with some focus on grammatical structures.

Originating in the 6th century, the Arabic language has become one of the most widely spoken and recognizable languages in the world today. This version of Arabic is the formal language of news, media, and books. This beginning-level class introduces the 28 Arabic letters and focuses on basic reading and writing skills through an interactive and practical instructional method. Some basic everyday vocabulary and conversations, such as greetings and courtesy expressions, are also part of the course.

Visit five “off-the-beaten-track” museums in our local area. We’ll tour an intriguing variety of historic, artistic, and educational venues. Each week we’ll take a docent-led tour that will add a new dimension to our museum-going experience. Discover more about where we live through these museums and what they tell us about our place in history. Museum admission not included.

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.

Interested in backpacking but unsure about what you need to get yourself out on a trail for a few days? Learn more about the what, how, and why of backpacking from two experienced long-distance thru-hikers. This indoor, hands-on session is suited for beginners as well as more experienced trail enthusiasts. Learn how to choose proper gear and clothing, prepare 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.

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 are 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.

Beginning: For beginners and those with a bit of experience. We’ll start with right hand technique and chords. The goal will be to learn a handful of melodies that people actually play in open G and, hopefully, in double C and G modal tuning. Learning by ear will be stressed, but handouts of banjo tab will also be available. Continuing: For clawhammer banjo players who can already play at least a handful of tunes and who are looking to learn more in G, G modal, and double C tuning. We will focus on the right hand technique as well so that you can get the best sound that you can. Note: Students must bring their own banjo.

Join this late-winter walk focused on identifying woody plants during the colder months, when many trees and shrubs have shed their leaves. Arlington’s scenic Great Meadows will be our field site. Discover how to identify plants by their branching patterns, bark, buds, galls, and any persistent fruits that remain throughout the season. We’ll also look at winter weeds—hardy non-woody plants that stand up tall even through the colder months. Learn not only plant ID techniques but also fascinating natural history and folklore about the plants we see. Please note: Children ages 10+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult. Meeting location will be emailed upon registration.

Want to fight the winter blues by running in the fresh air but not sure how to keep safe and warm? Come discover and practice how to safely and comfortably run through the elements (other than blizzards or thunderstorms!). Learn tricks to keeping warm and staying motivated all winter long. You’ll also have a training program to follow throughout the week to keep you strong and focused. This class meets weekly near Spy Pond. All fitness levels welcome.

Welcome to the fascinating hobby of beekeeping. This class will cover the benefits and how-tos of keeping bees. Get started or get a refresher on everything from honey bee biology and behavior to how to acquire your first bees and where to place your hive. We’ll discuss equipment, how to conduct inspections, seasonal management of your colonies, and being a good neighbor.

Drawing provides a strong foundation for all kinds of artistic expression, including painting. In this fun, hands-on introductory class, you will draw from observation using a variety of materials. Explore key concepts like composition, perspective, and shading while developing the skills to create both accurate and expressive drawings. Whether you’re looking to build new skills or expand your creativity, come get inspired by drawing. The materials list can be found here.

This introductory course is for both sail and power boaters and includes instruction on safety afloat, legal responsibilities, aids to navigation, rules of the road, charts and compass, engines, knots, weather, boat handling, radio procedures, and navigation electronics. Completion certificate helps reduce boat insurance fees. Please note: Course materials are $60 and are paid directly to the USCG in class. Materials include the text, chart, test & certificate.

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 gets you moving, sweating, and smiling. All levels welcome.