Arlington Community Education

It’s the year of Dante! 2021 marks the 700th anniversary of the death of the father of the Italian language and author of The Divine Comedy, a magnificent poem consisting of 14,233 hendecasyllabic verses written in terza rima, which was invented by Dante (aba, bcb, cdc…). La divina commedia profoundly influenced the entire Western culture, from Botticelli, Blake, and Dalí, to Milton, T. S. Eliot, and Joyce, among others. The last grand work of the Middle Ages, it is also a harbinger of the Renaissance and Humanism. We will examine Dante’s Inferno, the first canticle of The Divine Comedy, through the historical and literary point of view as we read some of its most poignant verses in Italian and English. Recommended for purchase and used in class is Robert M. Torrance’s Dante’s Inferno, A New Translation in Terza Rima, Xlibris, 2011. Photo: Dante shown holding a copy of the Divine Comedy, next to the entrance to Hell, the seven terraces of Mount Purgatory and the city of Florence, with the spheres of Heaven above, in Domenico di Michelino’s 1465 fresco. Source: Wikipedia

Haiku can help generate awe and wonder and writing haiku can become a practice of gratitude. This one-night workshop includes an introduction to haiku writing as a gratitude practice, a discussion of the major elements of the form, and a chance to try your hand at writing a few using a prompt. Everyone is welcome.

Delve into the wonderful world of acrylics. Explore a myriad of ways to use acrylic gels, mediums and paints to create luscious, colorful surfaces. For both newcomers and experienced artists, this course offers guided exercises and demos as well as ample time for experimentation. Spark your creativity with exciting ideas for taking your work in new directions. Please note: Tuition includes a $20 materials fee. An additional materials list will be emailed once the class has reached minimum enrollment.

Discover your hidden acting talent—or reawaken it—in a safe, fun, and creative way. Work with and learn from peers as we create believable, honest characters onstage. We will cover the basics of acting and theater. Practice improv and monologue work in addition to exploring the physical aspects of acting through exercises inspired by the renowned acting teacher and theorist Uta Hagen. All levels are welcome, especially beginners.

This intensive three-hour course covers adult/child CPR and AED, adult/child/infant choking, and infant CPR. Following the course, you will be comfortable assessing a victim, checking for breathing, performing rescue breaths and chest compressions, and activating the emergency response system. You will also learn how to help someone who is choking, respond in other emergency situations, and use an AED. A course completion card good for two years will be emailed to participants following the course. 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.

Featuring artists, Myra Maimoh, Tausi Zaina, JJ Koso, and more. Explore the incredible and diverse music from three different countries in Africa at this live, interactive concert experience. Showcasing original music, spoken word, art, and real life stories by artists from Cameroon, Kenya, and Liberia, this unique event is not only entertaining, but also offers an opportunity to get fully immersed in Africa’s cultural diversity. Interact with the artists and ask questions in a judgment free environment. Presented by an organization whose mission it is to empower immigrants with ties to Africa, employing them to use and share their talents to help bridge the cultural divide and fully participate in and contribute to a growing economy.

Interested in improving your posture, moving with ease, and reducing stiffness, pain, and tension? The Alexander Technique provides the means to restore innate good posture, balance, and poise by teaching how to recognize and unlearn habitual patterns of tension. Since 1900 this practical, educational method has been used worldwide by individuals of all ages to reduce tension and stress, improve the performance of all of life’s activities, and offer lasting relief from chronic pain. Its effectiveness in enabling long-term relief of back pain is supported by research. Get an introduction to this technique and experience how it can be applied to your everyday activities to help you feel, move, and look better.

Signing is a useful skill that can open up a new world of relationships and understanding. Level 1 Learn the ASL manual alphabet, numbers, greetings, feelings, expressions, family, time, clothes, body parts and other basic conversational tools. For those who have no experience with ASL or who need a refresher on the basics. Level 2 Further explore the beauty of this visual language and learn about Deaf Culture. For those who have completed ASL: 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 for ASL.

Mid-autumn is a beautiful time of year as nature begins to prepare for winter. On these walks we’ll focus on plant ID as we search for what is still flowering as well as plants that are in fruit. We’ll also look for winter weeds, those hardy herbaceous (non-woody) plants whose skeletons decorate the autumn and winter landscape. Join naturalist Boot Boutwell for a more leisurely walk at Arlington’s Great Meadows or a two and a half mile hike from Wright-Locke Farm to the summit of Whipple Hill, the highest point in Lexington. The hike is over some rocky terrain, and if the weather is clear, we’ll be able to see Mt. Wachusett, 40 miles to the west. Please note: Meeting location and safety guidelines will be emailed as part of the Registration Confirmation email. All walks meet rain or shine. Children ages 10+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.

Cray-Pas® are big, waxy crayons in fabulous brilliant colors. They’re called “oil pastels” but are much less messy and toxic than either oil sticks or pastels. In this class we’ll learn drawing basics—perspective, shade and shadow, composition—using this medium. The bright colors will be fun and freeing and a perfect antidote to being cooped up for so long. Please note: A supply list will be emailed once the class has reached minimum enrollment.

Originating in the 6th century, the Arabic language has become one of the most widely spoken and recognizable languages in the world today. 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 have some basic knowledge of Arabic (are able to read and write simple words, as well as being familiar with some vocabulary). Use your Arabic skills to read short paragraphs while learning some grammatical structures. Conversational themes will 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 we learn to write more elaborate paragraphs. We will continue to expand our vocabulary and skills.

Mix up your holiday cookie platter this winter with traditional desserts from Armenia. Learn about this vibrant and creative culture as we knead and sculpt perfectly symmetrical khurebehs, traditional Armenian sugar cookies, and mahmouls, which are filled with a buttery date and walnut mixture that's flavored with brown sugar and Madagascar bourbon vanilla. To serve alongside these treats, we’ll prepare homemade rosewater infused marshmallow dip and Armenian coffee to sip with these delicious cookies. Please note: A list of ingredients and substitutions will be emailed once the class has reached minimum enrollment.

Madzoon ov kufteh is an iconic Armenian soup that is served as a full meal, often during the holidays. Featuring hearty stuffed meatballs and a warm broth made creamy by the addition of whole milk yogurt, this dish is perfect for chilly fall days. As you cook, hear about the history of Armenian food that influenced this classic dish. Learn chef Khachadurian’s family techniques for cooking and shaping the kuftehs, ground meat and cracked wheat meatballs filled with walnuts and bits of butter that melt to keep them tender and juicy. We’ll finish the class with soorj, traditional Armenian coffee, that is like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. Please note: A list of ingredients and substitutions will be emailed once the class has reached minimum enrollment.

Celebrate the holiday season by making colorful cards, 3-D ornaments, and artful mini-books using acrylic paints and a variety of fun mark-making, painting, and printing techniques. Both new and experienced artists will find easy methods and fresh ideas to inspire creativity while making unique gifts to share. Please note: Tuition includes a $20 materials fee. A small additional supply list will be emailed once the class has reached minimum enrollment.

Join seasoned cooks from Africa to learn how to make two dishes showcasing some incredibly delicious flavors from the continent. We’ll start with a scrumptious Senegalese dish, yassa chicken. Featuring just a few simple ingredients, this comforting meal combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, and a sweet yet spicy lemon sauce. Our second dish is a showstopper in terms of flavor and appearance. We’ll make a Cameroonian grilled whole fish (oven, grill or air fryer can be used), seasoned with a delicious green sauce of mint, garlic, and basil, plus habanero or chili flakes to make it as hot or mild as you like. As a side dish we’ll make banana puff puff, a quintessential African fried dough snack. Expand your culinary repertoire and learn more about the diverse and authentic African cultures as you ask questions and hear personal stories from the chefs. Please note: A list of ingredients and substitutions will be emailed once the class has reached minimum enrollment.

No leaves? No problem! We’ll learn to identify woody plants in winter through a combination of branching patterns, bark, buds, persistent fruits, and galls. We’ll also learn to identify some particularly hardy non-woody weeds which remain standing through winter. We’ll use Arlington’s beautiful Great Meadows as our study site. Our walk will focus on plant identification as well as interesting natural history about the plants we see. Please note: Meeting location and safety guidelines will be emailed as part of the Registration Confirmation email. All walks meet rain or shine. Children ages 10+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.

For those new to barre workouts, learn to safely strengthen your legs, core and upper body, while improving functional fitness by using traditional ballet exercises, yoga, and Pilates mat work. The major benefits of barre are improved posture, muscle strength and endurance, increased flexibility, and reduced stress. Please note: Have a mat and a chair on hand for class. Light weights (1-2 lbs) are recommended, but not essential. Please note: Dates for this class are different from the printed catalog. New dates are 10/12-12/7.

Get to know your feathered neighbors in this online introduction to birdwatching. Backyard birding has become a popular hobby and it's easy to see why. It's a fun and convenient activity you can do right in your own backyard. Learn more about the amazing creatures that live all around us and appreciate how they enrich the natural world. Learn beginner bird watching tips and tricks, get birding resources, and find out what you can do to help your feathered friends in your backyard and beyond.

Sterling Silver Ring Learn fundamental techniques for designing and fabricating a sterling-silver textured band ring. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions in texturing, filing, forming, soldering, sanding, and polishing your ring. Sept. 21 and 28 or Oct. 12 and 19 Sterling Silver Pendant This workshop focuses on creating a sterling silver pendant with bezel-set cabochon stone. Develop your fabrication skills including: drilling, sawing/piercing, filing and multiple soldering techniques; making jump rings; satin finishing; and setting the stone. Nov. 9 and 16 Please note: For each session, a $40 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.