Access At CVUHS

Benvenuti in Italia! “Conversational Italian” is dedicated to your needs and wants in this beautiful language. For this reason, the preliminary assignment for the first class is for you to prepare a realistic list of things you would like to learn given the number of sessions we will have. This is the ideal equation: Beginning of class + End of class = I learned what I wanted to know! If you wish the class to be conducted in Italian or have a hybrid approach (Italian and English) you must all agree to this for obvious reasons. Having a hybrid approach is beneficial and Cinzia will explain her philosophy in this regard. Not sure what level of Italian you are at? No problem! Sign-up and decide after the first class if this will meet your needs. This is an online class. A Zoom or Google Meet invitation will be emailed prior to the start date. All handouts will be emailed directly from the instructor. "I have taken this online Italian conversation course with Cinzia for three years, and it is a great touch-point every week to practice the language and even meet new friends in Vermont who also have an interest in the language. Some of these friendships from the online class have transitioned into real life friendships, as we continue to meet after the class is over to practice Italian together!" "I really enjoy these classes with Cinzia. They provide an opportunity to practice Italian in an informal, friendly and chatty atmosphere. Cinzia sends materials between classes but homework is more or less at the individual's discretion. It helps me keep on my Italian and especially practice my listening and speaking skills with a native speaker. Cinzia is funny, warm, and great at teaching colloquial details."

Go beyond your photography of static elements and capture the effect of moving elements by manually controlling your shutter speed. We will explore different topics like moving water, ICM (intentional camera movement), subject movement, time lapse, freeze action and more. After an introduction to the topic we will experiment with several concepts in a Lab/Studio setup, so bring your camera and a tripod if you have one. You can bring and use your smartphone for this if you have an app that allows you to set the shutter speed of the phone’s camera. "The instructor is very knowledgeable and his presentations were well prepared. I would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in photo editing."

Looking for a striking and gorgeous way to decorate for Autumn (and Halloween) that doesn’t involve carving fresh pumpkins? Using only sharpies and craft pumpkins, this class will show you how to use different Zentangle “tangles” to adorn your pumpkin. Zentangle combines drawing intricate lines, curves, and orbs and uses them in repetitive patterns. Encourage your creative expression with this fun and relaxing method of drawing. You will be shown how to draw a variety of tangles then choose the ones you like to use on your pumpkin. Previous Zentangle experience is not required. All materials are included in the fee. Min age: 14+

Got a digital camera and need a refresher on how to optimize photos using the different functions? In this 4-session course, we will review digital camera functions and how to use them, visual-design and framing considerations, as well as explore some Adobe Photoshop editing skills to bring your photos to life. We will take our camera outside, weather permitting, for a technical and visual exploration around the CVU campus. During registration you will have the opportunity to tell us what you are interested in specifically learning so the instructor can tailor the class to your level and interests. Emphasis will be on each individual student's interests. For novice through intermediate-level photographers. This class will use the CVU in the Photography Lab. Each student will have use of a computer loaded with Adobe Photoshop software. Ages: 16+ "The class was fantastic and Tom’s knowledge and instruction was equally wonderful. Several of us would love to have another class with Tom and told him so!"

Emmy Hilliard of Grow Digital Skills, will help you discover the power of all things tech and computer related. The topics are endless and current based on what's trending in this fast moving digital world. You cannot escape using digital media, social media, the internet, apps, and personal electronic devices in this modern world. All you can do is learn about it, learn how to use it, and learn how to optimize or minimize it to best suit your lifestyle. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and be ready to learn. Handouts will be available as a reference during each presentation, with a Question & Answer period at the end of each class. If you shop online, use smart home devices, or own a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, TV, or iPad, then you will leave each series as a more informed and healthier digital citizen. All ages welcome! 1. Travel Tech Mastery- Sept 29 (UPDATED) Finding the best travel deals online Navigation and translation for travel and map apps Staying connected while traveling 2. Exercise the Brain and Body with Cognitive Wellness Apps -Sept 22 Exploring the best Brain Training Apps and Digital Puzzles Language Learning Apps for Cognitive Health Exercising the body at home or anywhere with these apps! 3. Digital Safety & Scam Protection: Staying Safe Online - Oct 13 Become a scam detective: Learn to spot red flags in emails, texts, and websites before they fool you Master the art of bulletproof passwords and discover free tools that remember them for you Take control of your digital footprint and lock down your privacy like a pro 4. Photos to Memories - Oct 20 Organizing and sharing digital photos Creating digital photo books Cloud backup strategies 5. Digital Legacy Planning: Organizing Your Digital Life- Nov 3 Build your personal digital vault: Create a secure, organized system for all your online accounts and treasures Future-proof your memories: Set up digital inheritance so your photos, stories, and accounts reach loved ones Transform digital chaos into peace of mind with simple organizing strategies that take minutes to maintain 6. Cutting the Cord: Streaming TV Guide- Nov 10 Understanding streaming services Hardware options and setup Cost-saving strategies 7. Music Streaming Mastery: Navigating Spotify, Apple Music & Pandora- Dec 1 Unlock the secrets of each platform to find your perfect music match (and maybe save money!) Become your own DJ: Create mood-perfect playlists and discover your next favorite artist with ease Stream smarter, not harder: Hidden features and tricks to get premium perks without the premium price 8. Discovering Audiobooks: From Library Apps to Audible- Dec 8 Turn your library card into a goldmine of FREE audiobooks with apps you never knew existed Navigate Audible like an insider: Score deals, maximize credits, and build your dream library Match your listening style to the perfect app and never run out of great stories again Each topic within the series is independent. Sign up for your topic of interest, or sign up for all! "Great classes with a passionate instructor, well versed in multiple topics. Would definitely attend another class with Emmy!"

Join Alganesh for another night of Eritrean cooking as she introduces a combo of new meat and vegetable dishes served at special occasions. Learn how this cultural event is celebrated, and be ready to enjoy a delicious meal with the class at the end. Menu: Curried Chicken, Spiced lentils and mildly seasoned spinach. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipes on the night's menu. "Alganesh led us in preparing delicious food and a wonderful experience learning about Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Well timed for cooking and enjoying within the class time frame and cognizant of folks attending after work. Highly recommend!" - M. A. "I loved this class! Alganesh is a wonderful, joyful teacher who makes the class so enjoyable and everything tastes so delicious. I have taken all of her classes and will take them again." "It was a wonderful class. She was very enthusiastic, the recipe was easy to follow, and the product was delicious! I would love to take more of her classes." Michelle A.

Learn simple techniques to prepare ethnic food that is rich in flavor. Eritrean/Ethiopian cooking relies on a diverse range of herbs & roots to develop characteristics quintessential to the cuisine. Everyone will participate making a variety of vegetarian dishes including: Spiced mushroom - organic mushroom cooked with berbere spice, onion, garlic, ginger and tomato Curried lentils - split red lentils cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, tomato and curry powder. (Alganesh's signature dish) Greens - spinach cooked with red onion, ginger, garlic, fresh tomato, jalapeno and rosemary. Experience the culture and enjoy a delicious meal that will nourish your soul! This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipes on the night's menu. "Alganesh offers a variety of fare in her Ethiopian/Eritrean cooking class: instruction, encouragement, cultural knowledge and enthusiasm! I left the class full of delicious food AND enthusiasm and capacity to create this satiating cuisine at home!"~ Emmy

Injera is a unique and well-known staple food in Ethiopian & Eritrean cuisine. This spongy sourdough flatbread is a mixture of Teff (nutrient-dense and gluten-free), barley, corn, and self-rising flours. During class Alganesh will demonstrate the steps of the dough making process, including how to mix flours properly, and students will be able to carefully observe the batter as it readies to be baked. Everyone will then take a turn cooking injera before sitting down together to enjoy a dinner prepared by Alganesh. One meat and two vegetarian dishes will be served. This class is a combination of demonstration and participation as Alganesh condenses the extended bread making process into a 1-night class. After Alganesh demonstrates the dough preparation process, a small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to cook their Injera. "I loved this class! Alganesh is a wonderful, joyful teacher who makes the class so enjoyable and everything tastes so delicious. I have taken all of her classes and will take them again." "I loved this class, learned a lot, and would definitely take other classes from her. Wonderful evening of learning and sharing of a different culture. Memorable!" "This was our second class at Access, and second with Alganesh. I can't recommend enough. Alganesh is very warm and welcoming. She has put a lot of thought and consideration into her classes. We had a fun time learning about Eritrean and Ethiopian culture, and learning how to make Injera, the foundation of their cuisine. The best part, of course, was getting to eat our delicious food at the end! Thank you for a wonderful evening!"

Glass etching is the process of making glass look “frosted”. Sisters, Betsey Dempsey and Deb Rooney will teach you how to create an etched design on glassware. Students will choose stencils and two glass pieces to create their very own personalized designs that they will bring home at the end of class. The final projects make great gifts! For students aged 13 and older. This class involves the use of an x-acto knife and etching cream, an acid based product. Safety glasses and gloves will be provided. Note: Those very sensitive to any minor chemical odor might avoid this class.

Learn how to create a beautiful winter wreath of felted leaves and needle felted berries. Molly will guide you through the process of cutting and attaching the felt, as well as adding (optional) needle felted berries for decoration. Cost includes all materials. Participants will go home with 1 wreath on a 10-inch metal hoop with 18-22 leaves & optional needle felted embellishments. Beginners welcome! Recommended for ages 13 and older. Please be advised that needle felting requires the use of very sharp needles & manual dexterity. A hot glue gun will also be used for this class.

Curious about basket weaving? Give it a try with this hanging Candle Basket, which is also perfect for cut or dried flowers. This class introduces basic weaving techniques for a round basket. The rhythmic nature of basket weaving can be both calming and therapeutic. Join this fun and rewarding class to learn a new skill and create a beautiful and functional piece of art! Participants should expect to complete the project in 1 session. All quality materials* included. *Participants should bring a pair of rubber gloves or disposable gloves, and a plastic bag to bring the basket home in if they wish to stain their basket. Suitable for ages 14 and up. "I took a basket class with Sue Domas a few years ago and it was a great class. I learned a lot and I created a beautiful basket. She is excellent at making baskets and a great teacher! Liz S.

Join Julie Lambre, a California native and graduate of Defense Language Institute, San Jose State and Trinity College (DC) as she helps you navigate and most of all enjoy learning the French language! During these 90-min sessions and over 10 weeks, intermediate level learners will confidently improve their communication skills. This is a course for those who already possess a good understanding of French and wish to take it further. Texts drawn from the greater francophone world will help you build vocabulary on a range of topics, glean greater cultural awareness and understand the finer points of grammar in application, all in order to converse more comfortably and capably in French. Please purchase the textbook, “Enjoy French” by Mary C. Christensen and Mercedes Rooney, published by Teach Yourself prior to the start of the first class as this will be used throughout the course. Another resource outlet for the book is Teach Yourself. Check with Barnes and Noble and local bookstores as well. Not sure if this level of French is right for you? No problem, email us and we will connect you to Julie! All ages welcome!

If you have taken French for Beginners - Part I or know some French, but would like to expand your vocabulary and use of the language then this online course is for you! Bonjour! As promised, we are offering the follow-up to the beginning course from the spring with instructor Nikki Matheson. Learn more vocabulary and strategies for learning French both in and out of class. Topics will include food (of course), travel French, more greetings, numbers, hobbies, expressions and culture. If you have any specific interests, please us know during registration. The text book Easy French: Step by Step will serve as more of a road map that will supplement in-class instruction. Come learn this useful and lovely language with laughs in a relaxed setting. Please purchase a copy of the textbook: Easy French Step by Step (McGraw Hill) from Amazon or order from your local bookstore. This class will meet online. You will receive an email prior to the start date of your class with information on how to participate.

Join Julie Lambre, a California native and graduate of Defense Language Institute, San Jose State and Trinity College (DC) as she helps you learn the French language using situational vocabulary and phrases so that you can confidently converse in French on your next trip. While French is spoken in many countries throughout the world, the main focus will be on the cultural aspects of France. During the 90-min sessions, the focus of the course will be on practical communication, cultural understanding and situational vocabulary. While not necessary, some knowledge of French will be helpful prior to taking this course. Please purchase the following texts (Amazon or your local bookstore) prior to the start of the course. 1. Traveling in France by Celine Van Loan 2. The Do's and Don'ts of Paris- CultureQuest Books After taking this course, you'll be ready to converse like a local on your next trip to France! All ages welcome!

This class will offer full-body strength training for adults with little or no experience with weight lifting. Emphasis will be on safe, effective exercises appropriate for any level of fitness. Participants will be instructed and guided on all exercises with commitment to having each person understand the purpose and intention of the exercise, and know how to make it harder or gentler depending on the needs of the individual. Participants will be able to ask all the questions they want to develop their understanding of the principles of fitness. We will navigate around injuries and chronic conditions that need TLC. Classes will begin with a warm-up and end with a gentle stretch. Please bring a mat, a set of dumbbells (between 5 and 10 pounds depending on personal preference), and an exercise band (a long single band similar to what's in the photo) to class, along with water. Wear clothes that are comfortable for movement and exercise.

Come to this workshop to learn about fused glass and make your own Holiday Ornaments, or sun catchers while you're at it. You will be able to make 3 items during class; either 3 individual ornaments, or combine your pieces into a single sun catcher. This workshop will include instruction on using hand tools to cut the glass and using a grinder to get the shape you want. All materials are included in the class fee. Micaela will take your finished product after the class to fire them in a glass kiln; they will be available for pick-up at CVU a week later. No experience required. For students ages 13 and older. Students aged 8-12 are welcome; they should register with an adult who is also registered for the class, and plan to have one dedicated adult for each child attending. This class will meet inside CVU.

Come enjoy a night of learning how to use Gelli plates to create beautiful prints on paper, canvas, and card stock! This technique allows you to make monoprints without the need for a large, expensive press. Just roll a thin layer of water-based paint over the gelli plate, layer your collage, and transfer the print! Take home many wonderful prints to use creatively on home projects such as wrapping paper, greeting cards, gift tags or a gorgeous artistic collage to frame. Lisa will show you the many crafts you can make using this creative medium. All materials to use during class are included in the fee, but feel free to bring your own fabric or papers. Bring an apron and wear clothes you don't mind getting painted! This will be a fun and lively class. No experience necessary! Have a Gelli plate design in mind? Please email us a photo and we will pass it along to your awesome instructor, Lisa Recommended for ages 13 and older.