Access At CVUHS

Join veteran beekeeper and owner of Swaying Daisies Honeybee Farm, Gerald Posner, as he shares his practices and procedures for helping honeybee's successfully overwinter in the harsh climate of Vermont. This honeybee care course spends both time in the classroom as well as at the bee hive colonies onsite at the CVU “Raging Rooster” farm! Each class will split time between the classroom, and in the apiary performing hands-on activity. Each attendee will have the opportunity to practice “best in class” activities to successfully overwinter their honeybee colonies. This course is designed for those that are currently beekeeping with established hives or have already started beekeeping. During the allotted classroom time, students will review and reference published articles as well as discuss concerns and tried and true or tired and failed experiences of overwintering bees. During the allotted time at the onsite CVU apiary we will cover: Brood inspection. Frame / super / deep box adjustments. Formic Acid application Hive box configuration Insulation type & configuration Supplemental food, essential oil and vitamin applications. Please dress according to the weather and bring beekeeping suits, or wear a white long-sleeved shirt, outdoors shoes and bring your beekeepers veil. (some extra veils will be available to borrow).

In this demo-style class, Louis will offer basic instruction in the principles and techniques sharpening of various household tools. Items covered in this workshop are those that work well if their working edges are reworked with commonly available devices such as medium-grade files and bench stones. Using honing stones, files, strops, sharpening jigs and other devices commonly used in sharpening, these items will be restored to a reasonable fine taper and have their working parts reasonably cleaned, tightened, and well lubricated. Instructor sharpening up to max two-items is included in the fee. Items covered for this course are as follows: Ordinary Kitchen Knives Shop Tools Lawn Mower Blades Garden Tools Bring in one or two items that warrant sharpening and/or adjusting and learn how to start doing this at home with the right files and stones. NOTE: Sharpening tools/knifes such as carving knives, chisels, chef's knives, straight razors, dressmakers shears, hair-stylist scissors, etc. will be covered in the NEXT class- Part 2 on 4/16. Please do NOT bring these items to this class. "This class inspired me to dig out all the kitchen knives the following morning and spend it sharpening them all. I'm writing a note in my January calendar to sharpen all my garden tools." KW

Do you have any idea how to check if the oil is low, change a tire, add basic fluids when needed? Want to be informed about what to know when buying a used car? Join the techs from Girlington Garage for a quick, down and dirty look at the basics of car care. Get to know the basic layout of your car under the hood, Vermont State Inspection requirements, how to avoid getting taken advantage of at the repair shop, or anything else concerning cars that you would like to know. This class meets outside CVU and involves lots of standing. You are encouraged to bring a folding/camping chair if you would prefer to sit.

Ready to create your own indoor jungle or a stunning green oasis without breaking the bank? Join us for Indoor Plants 101, a fun, hands-on workshop series designed to teach you everything you need to know about growing healthy, thriving indoor plants—even during winter! In this engaging and practical class, you’ll learn: How to master the essentials of light, watering, and fertilization. The secrets to tackling pesky plant pests. Tips and techniques for plant propagation and correct potting. Each session blends practical tips with social activities and hands-on projects, helping you transform your space into a vibrant, lush haven. Whether you’re new to indoor plants or looking to refresh your skills, you’ll gain the confidence to care for and multiply your greenery. Students will take home 2–3 propagated plantlets and a grow light to support their plants through the winter. Get ready to dig in, get your hands dirty, and leave with the tools and knowledge to create vibrant green spaces in your home! "I highly recommend Indoor Plants 101. I am so glad that it was done in 3 sessions because there was so much to absorb and such fun. John, the instructor, did a wonderful job at encouraging participation and exchange during each class. As a beginner to indoor plant care, I really benefitted from the shared experiences of the others in class. The hands-on was especially beneficial." "The teacher was knowledgeable, and had thoughtful ways of keeping the class actively engaged in learning through social exercises, hands-on propagation labs, and take-home materials we could put to immediate use with our plants! One of the best classes I've taken, and hopefully my indoor plants will be a little happier now."

Are you a pet owner of a dog(s) and are you struggling with some behavior issues? Join local veterinarian, Dr. Viola Chu, for this one-night presentation to help you and your dog learn how to best tackle behavior issues. This class will cover common issues that arise with our pets when they are not quite as clean, quiet, or well mannered with other people and pets as we would like. During registration you will have the opportunity to describe the issues you and your dog are struggling to overcome, and Dr. Chu will address these during class. Come with questions, but please leave your pets at home :) “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” - Aldo Leopold

In this demo-style class, Louis will offer basic instruction in the principles and techniques sharpening of various tools, knives and scissors that require an extremely sharp edge to maintain the performance as if they are new. This type of sharpening requires a sophisticated approach to resharpening and honing that carefully controls the angles at which sharpening devices are set and progresses through a number os stages abrasiveness from course to ultra-fine. This process is dictated by an assessment oft he amount of sharpening that a particular tool needs based on it's purpose, condition, and quality of manufacturer. Instructor sharpening up to max two-items is included in the fee. Items covered for this course are as follows: Carving Knives and Chef's Knives Chisels Straight Razors Dressmakers Shears Hair-Stylist Scissors Bring in one or two items that warrant sharpening and/or adjusting and learn how to start doing this at home with the right files and stones. NOTE: Sharpening tools/knifes such as ordinary kitchen knives, shop tools, lawn mower blades, and gardening tools will be covered in Tool & Knife Sharpening Part 1 on 3/26. Please do NOT bring these items to this class. "This class is an excellent introduction to how to sharpen knives and other home tools. I highly recommend it." JRB

Are you a pet owner of a cat(s) and are you struggling with some behavior issues? Join local veterinarian, Dr. Viola Chu, for this one-night presentation to help you and your cat learn how to best tackle behavior issues. This class will cover common issues that arise with our pets when they are not quite as clean, quiet, or well mannered with other people and pets as we would like. During registration a series of questions will guide you through describing the issues you and your dog are struggling to overcome. These questions will be addressed during the presentation. Come with questions, but please leave your pets at home :) “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” - Aldo Leopold

Are you a pet owner of a dog or cat? We never want to think our beloved pet could be choking, hurt, sick, bleeding, or in pain, but the reality is that like us, trauma can happen at any moment. Are you prepared and do you know what to do in these time sensitive situations? Join local veterinarian, Dr. Viola Chu, for this one-night presentation of life-saving information and where all your questions will be answered! This class will cover common unexpected situations with cats and dogs and address what pet owners can do at home, when they should rush their pet into the emergency room, when they can wait, and also, what they shouldn't do!" Come with questions, but please leave your pets at home :) “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” - Aldo Leopold