Access At CVUHS

Your donation to community education helps sustain, grow and improve our program. We rely solely on the program fees to run our program and pay our instructors. We also have a limited sponsorship fund that supports community members in need. Your kind contribution helps to keep class fees affordable so we can continue to make community education accessible to all. Thank you! If there is an amount you would like to donate, but it is not listed in our options below, please contact us at 802-482-7194 or email access@cvsdvt.org to arrange payment. Checks payable to: Access CVU, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT., 05461

Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite people? Purchase an Access Gift Certificate and support Community Education! Select the amount and check-out online. Your Gift Certificate will be emailed to you or the recipient; just let us know where to send it during checkout. If you would like a different amount, or you have a special request, please call us at 802-482-7194. Thank you for your support of Access! Note: An Access Gift Certificate never expires and is transferable!

Access Tote Bags by Donation

Are you motivated to learn SIGN language? ASL is the visual gestural language used by the Deaf community. It has its own unique grammar, sentence structure, and facial expressions. This class is for anyone that is new to ASL or looking for a refresher. Don is part of the deaf community and promises this immersive class will be fun and filled with plenty of conversation as well as practical exercises. In the first class, we will have an interpreter to help communicate the class syllabus. In these 10 sessions, you will learn about Deaf culture and how to communicate with basic introductions, numbers, alphabets, colors, food, people, places, restaurants, geography, etc. Handouts and videos will also be introduced weekly to help reinforce your newly learned skills. Some homework will be assigned to help you progress with ease. Recommended minimum age: High School "Don brings real world use of ASL, facial expressions and deaf culture to communicate with deaf individuals that goes beyond simple words in ASL."

Learn why we graft apple trees and the technique of how to graft to reproduce your favorite apple varieties. A valuable tool for the propagation of plant cultivars, grafting is a technique of joining two plants to continue their growth as one on a single plant. Grafting is particularly useful in the preservation of heirloom apple varieties. This is a hands-on class — participants will graft trees to take home, and care of seedlings will be discussed. Additional materials fee of $20 includes all supplies including rootstock, scionwood, handouts, as well as 3 apple trees to take home.

Ruah Swennerfelt, a homesteader and sourdough lover will share about the magic of sourdough in this two-part course. Sourdough becomes your yeast for bread, and so much more. Dream of wild yeasts living all around you! You'll go away with starter, recipes for bread and more, and the hands-on knowledge to create sourdough baked goods at home. On the first night you will get your starter going, taste some artisan sourdough bread baked earlier that day, and see the dough in action, readying for a loaf to be baked the next day. Walk away with a recipe for how to make your own starter, how to take care of it, keep it alive and play with it. Take home a bread recipe to try. We’ll look at various resources and items to have in your kitchen to make sourdough successfully at home. Between classes you'll have some homework: keep your own starter alive using Ruah's expert tips and the instructions provided. In the second class you'll bring your starter and make some yummy baked goods like coffee cake, cookies, and more. This is a participatory class. While each student will make their own starter on the first night, a small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the baking recipes on the second night. "I cannot recommend this workshop enough! Ruah completely took away all my fears about working with a starter. I finally feel confident and excited to care for my starter at home. We learned not only how to nurture our starters but also how to get creative with the discard in delicious recipes. Ruah's vast experience and approachable teaching style made the class enjoyable and easy to follow, regardless of our varying skill levels. It was such a positive and inspiring experience that I would absolutely take this class again and invite my friends to join me. It's a must for anyone interested in baking!" CF This class is generously sponsored by City Market:

Join us to learn how to make two featured earring designs – one using wire and one utilizing chain. Participants are welcome to bring their own beads, though plenty will be provided along with the wire, earring hooks, and chain. The goal will not be to create earrings that exactly match those in the photos, but to learn transferable jewelry-making techniques. This will also allow participants to use beads better suited to their tastes. Those who complete the two pairs before the class’s conclusion will have extra materials to practice their methods and make more pairs. This class is one in a series on making jewelry with wire, chain, and beads. If you have a set of flat nose/chain nose, round-nose (super fine preferred), and cutting pliers, please bring them to class. Or we will have them available to borrow.

Join us to learn how to make two featured earring designs that utilize wire and chain – one of which will be inspired by a pair featured in Sarah Schwittek’s book Perfect Match. Participants are welcome to bring their own beads, though plenty will be provided along with the wire, earring hooks, and chain. The goal will not be to create earrings that exactly match those in the photos, but to learn transferable jewelry-making techniques. This will also allow participants to use beads better suited to their tastes. Those who complete the two pairs before the class’s conclusion will have extra materials to practice their methods and make more pairs. This class is one in a series on making jewelry with wire, chain, and beads. If you have a set of flat nose/chain nose, round-nose (super fine preferred), and cutting pliers, please bring them to class. Or we will have them available to borrow.

Have you thought about keeping bees? This is the opportunity to learn more about these vital and fascinating creatures providing so much of our food. The instructors, or apiarists, have over 40 years of combined experience and will pass along not only the facts, but also tips from hands-on experience in the field and many years in the beekeeping business! Learn more about your bee passion from Vermont based beekeeping experts at this popular Access class. These three sessions will enlighten, and maybe even inspire you to start a few hives of your own! Plenty of question-and-answer time and all the info needed to start your own operation. A "possible" 4th field session may be offered. Dates, time, and location to be determined based on weather and instructors schedule. Deborah and Rick tending to bees at a hive.

Join Kelley Robie, of Horsetail Herbs and learn how to make traditional healthy cold pressed soap! As a beginner group we will be making one large batch of soap in class that will then be divided between each participant. Each person will then be able to add their own essential oils, herbs, spices, and other natural and nourishing ingredients to their individual soap. Each student will go home with soap to cut and age, as well as a handout containing detailed instructions. Recipes and ideas for customizing your own soap will be given. Please bring a quart paperboard milk or soy container for your traditional soap mold and an old towel to wrap your fresh soap in. We will be using lye (sodium hydroxide) in this class and there will be wait time as our soap sets. Ages 13 & older. Students aged 10-12 may register with a caregiver who is also registered for the class.

Are you a pet owner of a dog or cat, and want to help your beloved family member live a long and healthy life? Then join local veterinarian, Dr. Viola Chu, for this one-night presentation where all your questions will be answered! This class will cover common topics in preventive care for household pets. We will have a list of topics, but the class will primarily be aimed at discussing topics of interest from each participant. Participants are encouraged to submit questions during registration. This class will meet at CVU. Please leave your pets at home :) “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” - Aldo Leopold

Have you always wanted to learn how to block print? Join us for two evenings to learn how to transfer your image to a block, carve it, and then print it into cards or artwork! This class is designed with the beginner printmaker in mind but all levels of experience are welcomed to join. All high quality materials are included in class fee. For students aged 13 and older; younger students should register with an adult who is also joining the class. "Block printing turned out to be such a fun and surprisingly meditative art form! Not only did we learn a new skill, but we also walked away with beautifully crafted holiday cards. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking for a creative and relaxing experience!" "Lorien makes block printing feel easy, gives good instructions, and brings a positive vibe to the class. I would definately take a class with her again." - Susanna "The teacher was great at explaining techniques. It was a wonderful experience!"

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Participants will design a cuff bracelet inspired by shapes and patterns found in nature. Students will imprint metal with steel tools and hammers to create unique and organic textures. Then, we will use a jeweler’s saw to pierce the metal. Finally, students will form their cuff to fit their wrist using a specialized hammer and anvil. Choose your metal of choice at registration: Silver, Copper, or Brass All materials, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Students Cuff Bracelets

Welcome to the strategic and great card game of BRIDGE! Phil Sharpsteen, a veteran of the game, will take you through each series with ease while meeting other bridge learners for an evening of fun, connections, and card playing. Based on your knowledge of bridge, please choose either Club series (new beginners) or Diamonds series (some knowledge). Club Series: No knowledge of bridge is needed in this bridge class which features a "hands-on" teaching approach with students learning the game by doing exercises with actual cards at the table. Learn the basic bidding system and card playing skills to build on with continued practice. *The Club course comes with a great book to guide you at home and is yours to keep! Diamond Series: This is the next level after the Club series and is perfect for those with some knowledge of the game or for those that need a refresher. These lessons continue to build upon your knowledge and is a popular series for Access players. *The Diamond course comes with a great book to guide you at home and is yours to keep. *If you already have the book, please select the discounted payment option at check out. This class will meet at the CVU Library. "Phil is an excellent Bridge instructor, he is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and always willing to answer our questions." Pat

If you have completed the Diamond series, and feel ready to learn more then this Hearts series is for you! Phil Sharpsteen will take you through this series with ease, and you will enjoy connecting with other bridge enthusiasts for an evening of fun card playing. Deepen your knowledge of this multifaceted card game and learn the importance of communication and how to make decisions when you are the defender. Learn how to be a better team player, and use guided information to best understand your partners hand, even if you can't see their cards. *The Hearts course comes with a great book to guide you at home and is yours to keep! *Already own the Defense (Hearts) book, choose this discounted option at checkout. Class will meet at the CVU Library.

Join long time master carver and woodworker, Bob Lindemann, as he teaches the principles of safely carving wood, using the tools correctly and efficiently, while creating objects to display or use. Participants will start with a blank and leave with a carved and beautifully painted songbird to keep or gift. Choose from a Blue Jay, Cardinal, or Goldfinch and start your collection of Vermont song birds. Mount the small bird on a stand or add a small hook to hang on a window and you might attract a mate! High quality carving knives and chisels available for everyone to use in class. Option to purchase the tools ($40) at registration or after the class (cash/check). Minimum age requirement is 13. This class will meet inside CVU.

Join Bob, an experienced educator and woodworker, as he provides a hands-on presentation on how to carve correctly with quality tools. Looking forward to getting outside this springtime and going on a hike? In this hands-on class Bob will show you how to hand-carved a walking stick handle to use on your next hiking adventure, to display, or to gift. Participants will learn to carve a face into the stick using high quality carving tools which will be available for everyone to use during class. Option to purchase the tool set at registration or after the class ($40). Minimum age requirement is 13. This class will meet at CVU.

Based on practices developed by Bobby McFerrin and his collaborators, Circle Singing is a supportive, judgment-free space to sing with others without having to read music. Leaders create songs in the moment — patterns, percussive sounds, rhythms, harmonies, melodies — and teach the parts orally to the rest of the group. The parts layer together into completely original compositions, each song a unique creation, never sung before, never to be sung again. Jody will lead the group singing and will also teach different aspects of how to create an improvised ‘song’ for singers who want an opportunity to lead. There will be no pressure to lead if you don’t feel ready! It's a playful, joyful community singing experience. All voices are welcome! Feel free to contact Jody at jjalbright58@gmail.com if you have any questions.