Arlington Community Education

Thai cuisine is filled with aromatic herbs and spices that contribute to its 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 create the popular stir-fry noodle dish pad thai. Dessert will be a simple and refreshing no-churn mango ice cream.

Feeling like AI is moving faster than you can keep up? You’re not alone—and you’re not too late. Get comfortable using today’s top tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini through guided instruction and plenty of in-class practice. Learn how to make AI work for and with you, and walk away with skills you can use right away for everyday tasks—organizing, writing, meal planning, and more. Discover how to ask AI the right questions and apply its power to work, volunteering, and daily life. It’s like having a genius personal assistant in your pocket. No tech experience required. Bring your curiosity and your laptop or smartphone. Please note: This class is hands-on; bring your laptop or smartphone to class. You must install ChatGPT on your device before coming to class. Instructions can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u5od2FiGdVNnZnRUTNxDgTuKGnZt5rtKQa0A8hr_4GI/edit?usp=sharing If you have trouble, come to class 15 mins early and we will help you.

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.

Do you love acting or want to learn how to act? We’ll use acting exercises that stretch and unleash your imagination and explore the many ways to create a character. Short scenes will be performed for each other in a supportive and welcoming environment. All levels welcome.

Elevate your resin jewelry artistry by designing and creating a custom sterling silver setting to showcase preserved flowers. Learn foundational metalsmithing techniques to shape and form a pair of earrings or a necklace, then fill your piece with real botanicals encased in resin. Through hands-on demos, torch work, and a step-by-step workflow, you will be safely guided through both metal and resin techniques. Ideal for those who have taken Floral Resin Jewelry, completed a metalsmithing course, or have related experience. All materials provided.

So you’ve run a 5K—now what? You liked training for a three-mile race and are ready to take your running to the next level, but don’t know how? Whether you want to run a five-miler, a 10K, or a half-marathon and beyond, this course will teach you how to safely achieve your fitness goals by balancing strength, speed, hills, and endurance into your week. Coach Gaggi will give you a custom training program based on your running goals and check in with you weekly to keep you on track. Most classes meet at Spy Pond. Prerequisite: For the 3 months before the start of the class, you need to have consistently run 3 times a week with at least 2-3 non-stop miles per run, totalling at least 6-9 weekly miles. If you don’t have a solid base for this course, you may get injured. Start logging your miles today!

Learn to play this fun and fascinating game that combines a Chinese set of tiles with American rules and strategy. You will need your own official 2024 National Mah Jongg League card, which can be ordered when you register. Beginner: We will cover the fundamentals of the game, progressing through familiarity with the tiles, building the wall, understanding the Charleston series of tile exchanges, and learning the hands. Advanced Beginner: For 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, keeping your options open, and refining knowledge of the rules. Gain speed and mastery as you improve your knowledge of the game. Students need a 2024 National Mah Jongg League official card, if you don’t have one, please select the $15 option online during registration. No class October 1, 15

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 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: Note: Students will be required to purchase this text book: Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language

American bourbon, rye, and single malt whiskeys are bold, distinctive, and delicious. Join us for a fun, relaxed introduction to some of the best whiskeys produced in the United States. We will sample high-end varieties that demonstrate a broad range of flavors from mellow to spicy and from smooth to robust. If you like Scotch but haven’t tried American whiskey, prepare to be amazed! Also, if you have taken this class before, we will be sampling an entirely new lineup of America’s best whiskeys, paying particular attention to outstanding products that have only recently been released.

Explore the ins and outs of Arlington’s town government and learn how to get involved and make a difference. We’ll cover what happens in daily operations and how Arlington’s legislative branch, Town Meeting, works. Discover where the levers of power are—and how to apply pressure to move them. Understand the months of decision-making behind the town budget and when and how the public can influence the process. No mere “civics academy,” this class turns knowledge of local government into the power to be heard, make change, and get results.

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 this event go towards the ACE Scholarship fund.

Levantine Arabic is one of the major spoken varieties of Arabic, used along the eastern Mediterranean coast, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. More informal than Modern Standard Arabic, this dialect is commonly spoken at home, among friends, and in popular television series. It’s also one of the most widely understood spoken forms across the Arabic-speaking world. Level 1: For students who have completed Arabic: Modern Standard Level 1. Begin learning Levantine pronunciation, vocabulary, and basic conversational phrases for everyday situations. Level 4: For students with some prior experience in Levantine Arabic. Expand your vocabulary, improve fluency, and explore more complex sentence structures through discussions on a variety of everyday topics.

Arabic, originating in the 6th century, is now one of the world’s most widely spoken and recognized languages. Modern Standard Arabic serves as the formal language of news, media, and literature. This beginner class introduces the 28 Arabic letters and builds foundational reading and writing skills through interactive, practical instruction. You’ll also learn everyday vocabulary and simple conversational phrases, including greetings and polite expressions.

Steamed buns, or bao, are a beloved street food across East and Southeast Asia, especially in China. These soft, pillowy buns are easy to eat and packed with flavor. In this interactive online class, you’ll make bao dough from scratch and create two delicious fillings: char siu-style chicken with pickled vegetables and a savory cabbage bao.

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. No class 10/15

Decorate your door with a stunning fall wreath made from dried flowers and foliage. Learn simple techniques and incorporate your own style into something that will warm your home throughout the autumn season. Gather natural elements like pine cones, acorns, and more to customize your wreath and make it uniquely your own. A wreath frame, materials, and tools will be provided. You can always bring a ring frame, a pair of garden scissors or shears.

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.

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.

No leaves? No problem. We’ll get up close to identify 10–12 common trees using branching patterns, buds, bark, habitat clues, persistent fruits, galls, and even marcescent leaves. The walk will focus on tree ID as well as fun and fascinating natural history. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one. Children ages 10+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.

Create a stack of stylish, custom stretch bracelets using beautiful gemstones, sparkling crystals, colorful seed beads, and metal accents. We’ll cover everything from bead selection and design ideas to sizing, tools, and more in this beginner-friendly class. Learn basic beading techniques, knotting, and how to finish your bracelets neatly. Whether you’re crafting something special for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, you’ll leave with a gorgeous set of bracelets and the skills to continue beading on your own.

Create a stack of stylish, custom stretch bracelets using beautiful gemstones, sparkling crystals, colorful seed beads, and metal accents. We’ll cover everything from bead selection and design ideas to sizing, tools, and more in this beginner-friendly class. Learn basic beading techniques, knotting, and how to finish your bracelets neatly. Whether you’re crafting something special for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, you’ll leave with a gorgeous set of bracelets and the skills to continue beading on your own.

Explore the captivating geological features of our planet. We will delve into different geological formations and processes, learning more about mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, deserts, and more, and highlight stunning examples like the Himalayas, Iceland’s tectonic activity, and the Grand Canyon. Online interactive tools such as Google Earth, the USGS Earthquake Map, and EarthViewer will help us visualize geological concepts and track recent global earthquakes. No prior knowledge or materials are required—just bring your curiosity about the complexities of the natural world.

Discover the power and passion behind Beethoven’s nine symphonies in one unforgettable evening. From the groundbreaking “Eroica” to the triumphant “Ode to Joy,” learn how Beethoven transformed music and why his symphonies still resonate today. Whether a longtime fan or new to his work, explore the drama, beauty, and innovation of each masterpiece through musical excerpts, historical context, and engaging discussion.