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A Cultural Tour of CubaGames & TravelThe wholehearted positive energy that bursts from Cuban dance and arts is irresistible. Enjoy an armchair journey into the grand theaters, experimental arts salons, and underground galleries that are celebrating classical as well as new and alternative Cuban creatives. With ample video clips and stunning visuals to accompany our tour, we’ll explore Cuba’s famous lineage of dance styles and discuss key Cuban artists who have greatly influenced Cuban history with their visual and performing arts. And for those considering a trip to Cuba in the near future, there will be plenty of insider travel tips. Leave feeling inspired and warmed by this virtual tour to a tropical destination rich in culture.Spring 2023
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WaitlistA Night at the Turkish TableACE HighlightsLearn to cook Turkish classics with a chef of Turkish heritage who has worked at Oleana and Sofra. Make addicting mucver (vegetable fritters), a go-to cucumber tzatziki with mint and sumac, classic chicken shwarma, and cumin couscous. And because no Turkish meal is complete without pickles, you’ll learn a simple technique for quick pickles you’ll find yourself making over and over again.Spring 2023
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A Taste of Thai CookingFood & DrinkThai cuisine is filled with aromatic herbs and spices that contribute to unique and delicious flavors. Join us to explore fresh interpretations of traditional Thai recipes that you can replicate at home! We will make a full Thai meal, starting with a warming and colorful Thai coconut soup. For the main course we’ll learn more about unique Thai flavors as you create Pad Thai. We will finish by preparing a simple and refreshing no-churn mango ice cream. Please bring an apron and container for leftovers.Spring 2023
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Active Bystander TrainingWellness & LifeWe all witness situations where we want to intervene, but may hesitate. Will our response make things better or worse? Could we get hurt? Become a more effective active bystander—someone who not only witnesses a situation, but also speaks up or takes steps to defuse a situation or keep it from escalating. Learn to evaluate a situation to determine a safe and effective response and explore a variety of tactics for handling public attacks and microaggressions. Practice practical strategies for handling specific situations and discover what tactics may work best for you. Leave this class feeling more empowered and better informed and take home a training packet so you can continue to develop your skills.Spring 2023
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Acupressure & Self MassageWellness & LifeLearn how to ease tension, increase circulation, and relieve pain with simple massage techniques you can do on yourself. We’ll use our own hands, fingers, elbows, and household items like tennis balls to treat ourselves to effective massages. Discover how to activate energy meridians, stimulate the lymphatic system, and use acupressure points to reduce pain, decrease stress, and bring greater harmony to your body. Through demonstration, practice time, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions, you’ll start to notice the benefits of this practice in no time.Spring 2023
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Adult, Infant & Child CPR with AEDWellness & LifeLearn to provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. This intensive course is for anyone with little or no medical training. We’ll cover adult and child CPR and AED use; infant CPR; first aid basics including choking, medical emergencies; injury and environmental emergencies; preventing illness and injury; and opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies. At the end of the course, an American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course completion card, valid for two years, will be sent via email. Educators and students can register at a reduced rate. Please register first and then email us within 24 hours and we will refund you for the amount. Students will receive the American Heart Association booklet.Spring 2023
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Advanced Beginners Mah JonggGames & TravelFor players who already know the basics of how to play and want to develop skills and confidence, or just need a refresher. We will focus on choosing a hand from the new 2023 card, keeping your options open, and refining aspects of the rules. Gain speed and mastery as you improve your knowledge of the game. Each student will need the brand new 2023 NMJL card. if you don’t have one, please select the price with card at registration and you will receive it in class.Spring 2023
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American Sign Language (ASL)LanguagesSigning is a useful skill that can open up a new world of relationships and understanding. Level 1: This course is for those who have no experience with ASL or who need a refresher on the basics. Learn the ASL manual alphabet, numbers, greetings, feelings, expressions, family, time, clothes, body parts, and other basic conversational tools. Level 2: Further explore the beauty of this visual language and learn about Deaf culture. For those who have completed Level 1, or who have comparable experience, learn signs relating to verbs and basic conversational style. We will also focus on the basic formation of grammatically correct sentence structure.Level 1: 8 Tuesdays | April 25–June 13 | 6:00–7:15 or 7:30–8:45 pm | AHS | $159 Note: Students will be required to purchase a book for the class: Barron's American Sign Language: A Comprehensive Guide to ASL 1 and 2 with Online Video Practice illustrated editionSpring 2023
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WaitlistAn Introduction to MetalsmithingFine Arts & CraftsMake beautiful sterling silver jewelry with this introduction to metalsmithing techniques. First learn the basics: how to solder, file, hammer, and make bangle bracelets. Then use your new abilities to create rings, earrings, and pendants. Among the skills we’ll learn are stamping, setting stones, and wrapping wire. While this class is geared toward beginners, students with some previous experience will learn new techniques and perfect their skills. Please bring reading glasses if you wear them!Spring 2023
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Arabic: Levantine SpokenLanguagesConsidered one of the major varieties of Arabic, “Levantine” refers to the spoken variety of Arabic among 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.Spring 2023
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Arabic: Modern StandardLanguagesOriginating 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. These classes are taught by a native speaker. Level 1: 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. Level 2: For those who are able to read and write simple words. Use your Arabic skills to learn basic conversations that include nationalities, family members, describing neighborhoods and residences, food and drink, clothing and colors, weather, and more. Level 3: Expand your Arabic proficiency. This course will put your conjugation and other grammar skills to use as you learn to write more elaborate paragraphs.Spring 2023
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Armenian Cookies, Coffee & CultureFood & DrinkPlease note: New date Saturday, 4/1/23. Make Armenian cookies and coffee while learning about the vibrant, creative culture in Armenia. We’ll knead the dough and learn the technique to sculpt perfectly symmetrical khurebehs, which are traditional Armenian sugar cookies, and mahmours, which are artisan cookies filled with a buttery date and walnut mixture that’s infused with a touch of brown sugar and Madagascar bourbon vanilla. We’ll also make a homemade rosewater infused marshmallow dip and Armenian coffee to pair with our delicious cookies.Winter 2023
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Auto Repair for EveryoneHome & GardenJoin 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.Spring 2023
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Backpacking 101 for WomenFitness & DanceInterested 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 hands-on sessions are suited for beginners as well as more experienced trail enthusiasts who want a refresher or an infusion of trail mojo! Packing: Get an introduction to necessary and suggested gear, food (purchased and homemade recipe ideas), food safety, water filtration, common pitfalls, safety considerations, and how to pack your bag. Leave this session with lists of general gear, reliable sources, and trails for beginners in the New England area. Group Hike: Meet at a Middlesex Fells trailhead to hike a loop together. Along the way learn simple stretches/self-massage techniques and practice increasing awareness and presence on the trail using mindfulness meditation techniques. These strategies will help you push through the tough moments and maximize the blissful ones. You’ll get the most out of this class if you take both sessions, however you are welcome to take either one.Spring 2023
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Backyard Birdsong IdentificationWalking ToursHave 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. Time spent outdoors will become even more enjoyable with your new understanding and appreciation of birdsong.Spring 2023
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Ballroom DanceFitness & DanceEnjoy 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.Spring 2023
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Beginning GermanLanguagesWillkommen! While German has the reputation of being a difficult language this course is meant to show you otherwise. From simple greetings to real life situations like shopping or eating out you will learn useful phrases to get around and express yourself. Expect to listen to recordings, watch video clips, and engage in dialogues with your fellow students. Basic grammar will be introduced through reading and writing exercises. For new and continuing students.Spring 2023
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Beginning Jewelry: Sterling Silver PendantFine Arts & CraftsPlease note: Price was incorrect in the printed catalog. 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; making jump rings; satin finishing; and setting the stone.Spring 2023
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Beginning Jewelry: Sterling Silver RingFine Arts & CraftsPlease note: Price was incorrect in the printed catalog. Learn fundamental techniques for designing and fabricating a sterling silver textured band ring. Making a perfect circular form is one of the most basic and important skills in jewelry making. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions in texturing, filing, forming, soldering, sanding, and polishing your ring.Spring 2023
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WaitlistBike Repair & MaintenanceFitness & DanceIn just two hours, you can learn the essentials of bike repair and maintenance from the head mechanic at Arlington’s hometown bike shop. This hands-on class will teach you how to fix a flat, adjust gears and brakes, and other topics dictated by the interest of the group. Bring your bike to class. Please note: Bring your bike to class.Spring 2023
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Birdsongs: Beyond the BasicsWalking ToursWhat differentiates a trill from a rattle or a twitter from a chitter? If you are familiar with the common bird songs in your backyard or around Arlington, go beyond the basics as we focus more on the strategies, methods, and tools available to help you teach yourself bird song. We will start by comparing a few commonly confused bird songs in order to highlight methods for hearing, describing, and differentiating subtle differences. We will move on to developing your own set of mnemonics, learning about the various libraries and resources available to you, and discussing learning strategies.Spring 2023
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Birdwatching 101: Field TripsWalking ToursObserve local birds on these birdwatching field trips. We will focus on different strategies for locating and identifying birds based on their appearance, songs and calls, behavior, and habitat. To get the most out of field trips, attendance at the Birdwatching 101 class is highly encouraged. Binoculars are highly recommended.Spring 2023
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Birdwatching 101: What to Know Before You GoWalking ToursMaximize your enjoyment and appreciation of birds in their local environment with this online class that will introduce basic strategies and methods for aspiring birdwatchers. Topics introduced include necessary and recommended tools; picking a place and time ideal for birdwatching; and strategies for identifying birds using their appearance, flight patterns, songs and calls, and the habitats where they live and migrate through. Put your knowledge into practice by attending the Field Trip classes.Spring 2023
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Jorge Jaramillo (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)Bold Folds: Origami BasicsFine Arts & CraftsWe will start with some basic origami focusing on accurate folding technique, moving onto lips that kiss and two links made from one piece of paper. Modular origami, a spinning top, and more complex folds will be introduced as time allows. Along the way you will see the amazing ways origami is used in construction, medicine, and even outer space. No cutting, no glue, Mostly one sheet of paper,Wonderful results.Spring 2023