Essentrics® is a full-body workout program that helps improve posture and balance through a dynamic and fluid combination of stretching and strengthening. The program rebalances the body, increasing flexibility and mobility for a healthy, toned and pain-free body. An Essentrics® session, set to motivating music, provides a full-body, weight-free workout that works to unlock the joints and release tight muscles. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please bring a yoga mat, towel, and water bottle, and wear clothes that are comfortable to move in. Interested in the Wednesday evening (5:30-6:30pm) class? Check out the listing here. "Beth was a great teacher for Essentric beginners-welcoming, kind, understanding and low pressure." "I felt much better at the end of each class. Beth’s instruction is clear, encouraging and kind. The classroom environment was very supportive." "The Essentrics class was good for toning muscles and improving postures." -PJM

Essentrics® is a full-body workout program that helps improve posture and balance through a dynamic and fluid combination of stretching and strengthening. The program rebalances the body, increasing flexibility and mobility for a healthy, toned and pain-free body. An Essentrics® session, set to motivating music, provides a full-body, weight-free workout that works to unlock the joints and release tight muscles. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please bring a yoga mat, towel, and water bottle, and wear clothes that are comfortable to move in. Interested in the Monday afternoon (4:30-5:30pm) class? Check out the listing here. "Beth was a great teacher for Essentric beginners-welcoming, kind, understanding and low pressure." "I felt much better at the end of each class. Beth’s instruction is clear, encouraging and kind. The classroom environment was very supportive." "The Essentrics class was good for toning muscles and improving postures." -PJM

Ready to start speaking French? This unique beginner-friendly conversation course focuses on using French right away in everyday situations. This course has been broken into 2 courses. Each course will be 6 sessions, 90 min each session, allowing students to continue as time permits while maximizing each lesson. Part 1 will cover units 1-6 . Part 2 will cover units 7-12. Through practical vocabulary, simple phrases, guided conversation, and engaging activities, you’ll build confidence communicating in French without getting bogged down in grammar and writing. Designed for students with little or no prior French experience, the course will introduce useful language for real-life conversations while gradually expanding your vocabulary and understanding. You’ll learn to greet others, introduce yourself, ask and answer questions, talk about everyday life, and more while developing your listening and speaking skills. A great starting point for anyone who wants to learn French and, most importantly, start speaking it! Not sure if this course is right for you? No problem, email us and we will connect you to Julie! All ages welcome! Requirement: Please purchase the text, French Conversation (Collins Easy Learning) prior to the start of class.

Ready to start speaking French? This unique beginner-friendly conversation course focuses on using French right away in everyday situations. This course has been broken into 2 courses. Each course will be 6 sessions, 90 min each session, allowing students to continue as time permits while maximizing each lesson. Part 1 will cover units 1-6 . Part 2 will cover units 7-12. Through practical vocabulary, simple phrases, guided conversation, and engaging activities, you’ll build confidence communicating in French without getting bogged down in grammar and writing. Designed for students with little or no prior French experience, the course will introduce useful language for real-life conversations while gradually expanding your vocabulary and understanding. You’ll learn to greet others, introduce yourself, ask and answer questions, talk about everyday life, and more while developing your listening and speaking skills. A great starting point for anyone who wants to learn French and, most importantly, start speaking it! Not sure if this course is right for you? No problem, email us and we will connect you to Julie! All ages welcome! Requirement: Please purchase the text, French Conversation (Collins Easy Learning) prior to the start of class.

Cheddar cheese is a Vermont staple, but there is more variety than sharp and extra sharp. Come explore the vast cheddar landscape Vermont has to offer. Join Amy, an expert in food and beverage tasting, and take a culinary trip around our little state, sampling six unique cheddars. We’ll explore how aging cheddar affects taste, compare flavored and smoked cheddar, and learn about different aging techniques. This class is for anyone who wants to spend an evening eating local cheddar cheese while learning where they were made, by whom, and where to buy them.

Want to learn more about Vermont cheese? Join Amy, an expert in food and beverage tasting, and taste your way through five different styles of cheese made in Vermont. You’ll start by discussing the difference between taste and flavor, helping you learn to describe what you experience during our tasting. For each cheese, we’ll explore the type of milk used, its production location, techniques, and where to buy it locally. Amy will provide resources, including books and a list of local shops, so you can continue enjoying Vermont cheese after our tasting. Amy wants to make the world of artisanal cheese accessible to everyone.

In this class, you’ll learn the basics of writing fiction prose, from brainstorming to revision. Whether you’re brand new to writing or you’ve always dreamed of publishing fiction, this class is for you! We’ll cover both short story and novel-length writing strategies. Over the course of this class, you’ll write and revise a short story with individualized feedback. Students will participate in a class-wide writing workshop, so be prepared to share your writing and provide thoughtful feedback to other writers. No previous experience required. This course is recommended for adult writers, high school and above. A notebook and writing implement are recommended for notes-no other materials are required.

In this class, participants will explore each of the 78 tarot cards and how they work together to tell stories and answer questions through words, symbolism, and color. Each session will focus on a different aspect of the tarot, from taking them out of the box to building the ability to do full readings by the completion of the course. There will also be some journaling and take-home assignments to help students better understand the cards. Requirement: Bring a Rider Waite Original Tarot Deck (can be ordered through Barns & Noble), a notebook, a pen, and an open mind! Handouts will be provided. Min Age 16+

Prepare ahead and reduce your holiday stress level! Make 3 different Italian cookies: biscotti, amaretti, and Florentines. All are delicious, and both the amaretti and Florentines are gluten free! Complete the process for each recipe, and take home cookies to share with friends and family. Learn the when and how of preparing ahead, including the freezing of uncooked dough before completely cooking each delicious treat. Freshly baked cookies, ready in minutes, for the holiday season! This is a participatory baking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipes on the night's menu. "Adele evokes the culinary spirit of my Italian heritage. I experience flashbacks of childhood memories of all-day preparation by multigenerational multitudes milling about in the crazy kitchen for a togetherness to enliven and, well, entertain the senses in anticipation of a transformative culinary extravaganza."

Come make 3 classic old world favorites: Ravioli Dolci, a pastry filled with a mixture of nuts, chocolate and dried fruits then baked, so yummy! Pizzelli, a treat from the Abruzzo region of Italy, also known as the Italian waffle cookie. (Expert tip- these make wonderful ice cream sandwiches!) Sesame cookies, a cookie wholesome enough for breakfast, that can easily be made gluten free! Join Adele for a productive and delicious evening. This is a participatory baking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipes on the night's menu. "Adele evokes the culinary spirit of my Italian heritage. I experience flashbacks of childhood memories of all-day preparation by multigenerational multitudes milling about in the crazy kitchen for a togetherness to enliven and, well, entertain the senses in anticipation of a transformative culinary extravaganza."

“Ciao e Benvenuto!” Imagine yourself seated at a small café table in an Italian piazza, ordering a cappuccino, asking for directions, or chatting with a local—all in Italian. This beginner-friendly course will give you the tools and confidence to start doing just that. Italian I is an engaging introduction to the Italian language and culture. You’ll learn correct pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and everyday phrases for travel and conversation, along with an appreciation for Italy’s rich culture—from food and wine to art, customs, and daily life. Using the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as a guide, we will build a strong foundation in Level A1 Italian, including: Articles and gender Present-tense verbs and basic conjugation Sentence structure Practical expressions for real-world situations You’ll practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing through interactive activities designed to help you feel comfortable using the language right away. Italian I covers the first half of Level A1, while Italian II completes the A1 level. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to begin learning Italian—whether for travel, citizenship, personal enrichment, or simply the joy of learning a beautiful language. Classes meet online via Zoom. You’ll receive a meeting link and digital handouts before the first session to support your learning. Required Text: Please purchase Language Hacking Italian for Beginners by Benny Lewis before the first class. This book will be used for both Italian I (chapters 1-3) and Italian II (chapters 4-7 or as we progress). Supplemental emailed handouts, videos, and some homework will be provided for weekly review and to help you and the class progress with ease. "Imparare l'italiano è divertente! (Learning Italian is fun!) - The online coarse is short but hits the important points in learning a new language. Liz is a great instructor and brings her personal experiences, living and visiting Italy, making the class very practical. Grazie mille!"

This course is a continuation of Italian for Beginners I and is designed for students who want to deepen their foundation in the Italian language while continuing to explore Italian culture and everyday life. In this class, we will build on what you’ve already learned by going further into verb tenses and conjugations, expanding vocabulary, and strengthening your speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Using a communicative and supportive approach, students will gain more confidence expressing themselves in Italian and understanding the language in real-world contexts. Italian for Beginners I covered Chapters 1–3 of the course text; this class will continue from there and progress according to the groups comfort level and efforts, completing the remaining portion of CEFR Level A1. While this course offers meaningful progression, it is still considered a beginning-level class, not intermediate. This course is ideal for students who have completed Italian for Beginners I or who already have a basic foundation in Italian. If you are unsure whether this level is right for you, please contact us and we’ll be happy to connect you with the instructor for guidance. Come continue your Italian journey—build your skills, grow your confidence, and enjoy learning the language of food, culture, travel, and conversation! Required Text: Please purchase Language Hacking Italian for Beginners by Benny Lewis before the first class. This book will be used for both Italian I (chapters 1-3) and Italian II (chapters 4-7 or as we progress). Supplemental emailed handouts, videos, and some homework will be provided for weekly review and to help you and the class progress with ease. Please review chapters 1-3 prior to the start of the first class. This is an online class that will meet via Zoom or Google Meet. An invitation will be emailed prior to the start date. "After taking both Fall and Spring beginner Italian courses, I mastered some basic grammatical rules, developed a working vocabulary, and was able to "speak Italian" on a trip to Italy. Thanks Liz!"

Bring the flavors of a Japanese watering hole into your own kitchen! In this hands-on evening workshop, we’ll demystify the art of making authentic Miso Soup from scratch. Then, you'll learn to make Pork Katsudon, the ultimate Japanese comfort food bowl of crispy cutlets simmered with eggs and onions over rice. The best part? We’ll reveal a secret cooking technique to achieve that perfect, satisfying crunch without deep-frying! Spaces are limited—reserve your spot for a delicious night out! If you have always wanted to sample Evelyn's food, this is your chance to do so... besides the food you will be learning to cook in the class, Evelyn will surprise you with her own additional dish to enhance the meal experience for the evening! She will only reveal the dish or treat at the end of the class when everyone gathers to eat together. Get hungry and be excited! Dietary Note: To preserve the authenticity of these traditional recipes, ingredient substitutions cannot be accommodated. Please note that recipes are not gluten-free or soy-free, and seasonings may contain shellfish. For students aged 13 and older. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipe on the night's menu. "I had the best time! I learned new cooking techniques and I met wonderful people. Evelyn was a wonderful teacher and hilarious and made learning so much fun!" "This class was phenomenal and I can't wait to take another class with Evelyn!!!!!"

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful jewelry using specific tools and techniques. This 4-session class we will focus on building confidence with basic metalsmithing skills through the making of a pair of earrings. Students will design, texture, and saw a pair of lightweight silver, brass or copper dangle earrings. Choose your metal of choice during registration- Silver, Copper, or Brass (prices reflect raw metal costs). Working through the same process multiple times allows techniques to settle in and become more familiar. Repetition helps students improve accuracy, control, and comfort at the bench, while small variations in design keep the work engaging and personal. All materials, including metals, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Example of Dangle Earrings- Design your own! Age: 18+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to properly work with metals to make a beautiful ornament to gift, hang or use as a tree ornament. Over the course of 3 sessions (6 hours), you will learn how to design, saw, texture, stamp, and polish lightweight copper or brass ornaments that you design! Finished ornaments will be attached to a colorful cotton cord. Example of a metal ornament. Design your own! All materials, including metals, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome. Only 6 spots available! Ages: 18+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Over the course of 4 sessions (10 hours) you will learn how to design, shape and texture to make a wearable and long lasting piece of fine jewelry. Choose your metal of choice at registration- Silver, Copper, or Brass (Prices reflect raw metal costs). Students will solder, file, shape, and polish a ring while learning how to add surface texture and decorative elements. Beginners will be guided step by step through making a simple band, while returning students may create more complex rings with textured and layered designs. This class is designed to support a range of experience levels. All materials, including metal, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome. Only 6 spots available! Age: 18+ Example of a silver ring with a textured element

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to properly work with metals to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Over the course of 3 sessions (6 hours), you will learn how to design, shape and texture silver to make a wearable and long lasting piece of fine jewelry. In this class, students will design, texture, saw, file, and solder a charm/small pendant that can be added to a chain or charm bracelet that they already own, or string it on a cotton cord and wear it as a pendant. All materials, silver & stones, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. Example of a Silver Charm. Design your own! All levels are welcome. Only 6 spots available! Ages: 18+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful jewelry to wear of gift. In this 3- session class (9 hours) students will solder, file, shape, and texture a silver ring and bangle. Beginners will be guided through the process of making one ring and one bangle. Returning students may create more complex variations and work more independently. By the end of the workshop students will have gained a stronger understanding of working with metal and will be proud of their jewelry creations. Example of bangles and silver rings. Design your own set! All materials, including silver, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Age: 18+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Over the course of 3 sessions (6 hours) you will learn how to design, shape and polish silver to make a wearable and long lasting piece of fine jewelry. In this course, students will measure, cut, file, shape, solder, and form multiple rings. Through repetition, participants will become comfortable using a torch and soldering while practicing hammering, sawing, and forming. In addition to gaining a basic understanding of ring making, students will develop a greater appreciation for rings and jewelry in their personal collections. All levels are welcome- Only 6 spots available! Age: 18+ All materials, silver, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. Stacked Ring Bands

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Over the course of-3 sessions, (9 hours) you will learn the basics of jewelry making and leave with not only a beautiful and unique ring, but also new hobby! In this class, students will design, texture, cut, file, shape, and polish a wide silver ring band. We will use hammers and other tools to create interesting textures. All materials, including silver, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome. Only 6 spots available! Age: 18+ Textured Silver Ring Band (example)

Over four weeks we'll cover the techniques and history of landscape photography. You'll learn to use your camera's manual settings, build stronger photographic compositions, and learn how to edit your landscape images. Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, and a USB drive or external hard drive to save your images. Students will have access to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop in the CVU photography lab during class hours, so no personal software is required. Age: 16+

Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on music. A very practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing-all expressed in everyday language. This is an ideal follow-up to the “Instant Piano” class and is open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Expand your musical horizons, and free yourself from sheet-music dependence, and be the life of the party! Prior experience with chords recommended. Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. Ages 13+ Students will need a piano or keyboard at home and access to an internet connected device. The class is partly lecture/demonstration and partly hands on instruction.

Do you share your life with a dog and wish you had a stronger bond built on clearer communication? This engaging two-part course is designed to help dog owners better understand how dogs communicate—and how we, as humans, can respond more effectively. Join veterinarian Dr. Viola Chu for an informative and practical presentation that explores the differences between canine and human communication. If you’ve ever felt frustrated or confused when your dog doesn’t seem to “get” what you’re asking, this class will help you see behavior and signals from a new perspective. In the first session, Dr. Chu will explain how dogs communicate through body language, behavior, and instinct, and why misunderstandings between dogs and humans are so common. Participants will learn strategies to bridge this communication gap and build mutual trust. In the second session, these concepts will be applied to real-world situations such as common behavior challenges, training frustrations, and everyday interactions at home and on walks. Ample time will be provided for questions and discussion. While the sessions complement one another, each class can be taken independently. Please bring your curiosity and questions—but kindly leave your pets at home. “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” - Aldo Leopold