Access At CVUHS

Have you ever been curious about how to use CAD software to design and model an idea? Or, how to set up and use a 3D printer and/or laser cutter/engraver to bring those ideas to reality? Join Andrew Scott, one of CVU’s Design and Engineering Technology teachers, in exploration of the CVU Design Lab and learn a new hobby and even start a business! During this 4-session course we will explore how to approach basic modeling skills to design and fabricate at least one project using the 3D printer and one using the laser cutter/engraver. Possible projects may include a holiday-themed decoration, cookie cutter, and ornament or set of wooden coasters. All materials and access to CAD software are included in the fee. Requirements/Restrictions: Fluency with basic computer interface and usage tools. Not sure if this class is right for you, please send us your questions and we will connect you with the instructor. Min Age: 18+

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.

Thinking about taking the Charcuterie Board class but never used power tools before? This course is the recommended starting point. Designed for complete beginners, it focuses on getting you comfortable in the woodshop and confident with essential tools. Whether you’re preparing for a project class or simply want to learn how to safely use basic tools at home for just about any DIY project, this class will give you the foundation you need. Focus of the Class:hop safety and protective equipment How to set up, hold, and operate tools correctly Understanding what different tools can (and can’t) do Hands-on practice using repurposed pallet and furniture wood to transform rough boards into smooth, usable stock Flexibility for students to choose which tools they want to learn and practice with Building confidence for future woodworking or DIY projects In this one-session course (2.5–3 hours), students will work with repurposed woods from pallets and old furniture, learning how to bring worn boards back to life and make them look new again. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to choose which tools you want to focus on — from basic hand tools to more advanced power tools — so the class meets your personal goals and comfort level. By the end, you’ll understand what different tools can do, how to use them safely, and how to select the right tool for the job. Tools Covered... Basic Tools Measuring & marking tools (tape measure, square, pencil/marking knife) Power drill/driver Orbital sander Jig Saw Circular Saw More Advanced Tools (optional, introduced with supervision) Miter Saw (precision and angled cuts) Scroll saw (intricate shapes and detail work) Router or trim router (edge profiles, grooves) Table saw (ripping and crosscutting boards) Band saw (curves, resawing) Drill press (precision holes) Planer & jointer (flattening and smoothing boards) Please bring safety glasses and a dust mask if you have one. We have a small supply on hand. Long hair will need to be tied back, baseball hat is recommended, and no open toed shoes. This class is for ages 18+ with little to no experience in woodworking or shop environments — especially those planning to take the Charcuterie Board class, as well as anyone who wants to learn safe, effective use of basic tools for home or hobby projects.

This 2-session course will introduce students to Adobe’s Lightroom Mobile application. The course will cover the creation and sharing of albums, editing of images, and the built-in camera. Students will need to have a mobile phone with the Adobe Lightroom Mobile app preloaded. The course will discuss the difference between the free and paid versions of the app; students are not expected to purchase the app. Session 1- This class will introduce students to Adobe’s Lightroom Mobile app and help familiarize them with navigating through its features. Navigating the app Creating and sharing albums Exploring the built-in camera in “Auto” mode Basic editing features Session 2: This class will build in the information from the previous class by delving deeper into the app and its features. Working with the built-in Camera in “Pro” and “HDR” modes Advanced editing Requirement for all classes: Bring your charged iPhone, Android, or smartphone. Bring a charging cord and wall plug. Download the Adobe Lightroom Mobile App before the start of the course.

Prepare ahead and reduce your holiday stress level! Make 3 different Italian cookies: biscotti, amaretti, and Florentines. All are delicious, and Florentines are even 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. This class will meet inside CVU.

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. This class will meet inside CVU.

This course is a continuation of the Access course, "Italian for Beginners," where we will go more in-depth with verb tenses and conjugations, further develop our speaking, reading, writing, grammar, & listening abilities, increase our vocabulary, and more! This course is perfect for those who wish to further develop their beginning Italian language skills and their understanding of the Italian way of life! Prerequisite is Italian for Beginners I or a basic foundation of Italian language. If you are unsure if this class is right for you, contact us as we will connect you with the instructor. Please note that this is not considered an intermediate level. REQUIRED: Please purchase prior to the first day of class the book, Language Hacking Italian for Beginners, by Benny Lewis. Available on Amazon. This text will be one of the reference materials used for the course, and will also be an ongoing reference for you as you continue your journey with Italian. The same book will be used in both Italian Level 1 and Italian Level 2. This is an online class that will meet via Zoom or Google Meet. An invitation will be emailed prior to the start date. Emailed handouts, videos, and some homework will be provided for weekly review and to help you progress with ease. "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!"

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! Age: 18+ Students Cuff Bracelets

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, you will learn the basics of jewelry making and maybe leave with not only a beautiful ring, but also new hobby! Rings can be fabricated using wire and sheet. In this class, students will be using a sterling silver sheet to make a ring band that is 4mm or wider. First, we will use hammers and other tools to create interesting and unique textures. Once the band is textured, we’ll being designing and shaping the ring band. Then, we will saw and pierce the ring using a jeweler’s saw. Finally, students will anneal (soften), form, solder, shape, patina, and polish the rings. Depending on the complexity of the project, students may have the opportunity to make a silver ring out of wire as well! All materials, 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)

Celebrate the joy and traditions of the Lunar New Year with Evelyn in this engaging and flavorful cooking class. The evening begins with Yee Sang, also known as the prosperity tossed salad—a vibrant and symbolic dish popular in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Evelyn will guide you through the colorful array of ingredients that make up this festive salad, each carrying its own special meaning of abundance, health, and good fortune. Together, you’ll learn how to prepare and assemble Yee Sang before joining in the fun tradition of tossing it high for prosperity. To finish the evening on a sweet note, you’ll enjoy Taiwanese baked mochi, made with coconut milk for a rich and chewy texture. This comforting treat pairs beautifully with the celebration, offering a taste of another cherished Asian tradition. Throughout the class, Evelyn will share captivating stories about Lunar New Year customs, exploring how different cultures across Asia celebrate with unique foods, rituals, and delicacies. Whether you’re curious about the traditions or simply love trying new dishes, this class promises an evening filled with culture, flavor, and festive cheer.

Do you have plant in your home that could use some elevation? A perfect and beautiful solution is a macramé plant hanger! Make them for yourself as well as learn how to craft them for gifts. Overall measurement is 48" and will hold am 8-10" pot. In this 2-session workshop, learn basic knowledge of materials and how to read a macramé pattern. Natural colored cord will be used for this workshop and is included in the fee. However, should you prefer a colored cord feel free to purchase 1 of the 4mm x 109Yards HERE. Age 16+ Macrame Plant Hanger

Learn to weave this unique basket to use for decorative storage in your home. In this beginner friendly class, you will craft your own beautiful and functional Mail Basket with a riveted leather handle. This basket has so many uses beyond holding mail! Clear off your counters and use it to store bathroom essentials; wallet, sunglasses and keys; dog leash and treat bag; or whatever else needs a home. Come try your hand at one of the oldest crafts in human history! Participants should expect to complete the project in 1 session. All quality materials included. Suitable for ages 14 and up. "Sue was a wonderful teacher. One of the best that I have experienced at Access. She was well organized and patient." "I was excited to try something new! And Sue, our instructor, made it so easy to do. She was very welcoming and easy to talk to. I would definitely take more classes of hers!"

Learn how to make your own mala bead necklace with gemstones, lava, rudraksha, and wooden beads. Mala bead necklaces have 108 beads and a tassel and are used to count mantras when meditating. When not being used as a tool, these necklaces symbolize our intent and presence through the power of their gemstones. These necklaces are beautiful creations, and perfect to wear all year around, or give as a very special gift. Laura Neal of Malas & Mandalas will teach you about the different properties of gemstones as well as discuss mantras to use with your Mala necklace. All quality materials such as beads, gemstones, strands, etc. are included in the fee. "Laura was a great instructor! She included numerous “value-adds” to the class and I loved the selection of gems and stones. Lots of follow-up, handouts, etc. Excellent class!" "What a fun class! Laura was engaging, informative and helpful. I love my mala bead necklace and wear it proudly!" Beads, Malas and Students!

Unlock the power of composition and take your photography to the next level! In this class, we’ll explore key principles like balance, framing, simplicity, leading lines, symmetry, perspective, and many more to create visually compelling images. Learn how to guide the viewer’s eye Discover the impact of color Explore what can be done with post-processing to further improve your photo Join this workshop and elevate your photographic storytelling through composition! This is an online and interactive workshop presentation using Zoom. An email will be sent prior to the start date with information on how to join. "Bernhard is a fountain of information which he is willing to share. I want to take any class he was signed up to teach. Actually, that is why I signed up for all his classes."

Join the barn quilt movement! Immerse yourself in this hands-on class and learn to make your own Painted Mini Barn Quilt for inside your home or office! Ever wonder how it’s done? Well, now’s your chance to find out! Kelley Robie, of Horsetail Herbs, will provide the tools, materials, and techniques for making this creative project. Choose your pattern and paint colors, then get to work creating your unique piece of barn quilt therapy on a primed wooden 10-inch by 10-inch board. Kelley will also provide a selection of dried herbs to adorn your quilt. Barn quilts add coziness and character to any space, whether in your home, on the porch, on a shed, or on the barn! Get ready to have some fun and get creative!

If you are just beginning your journey in pottery, or if you have some experience, but want to learn more while you work independently, then join artist, Lisa Bresler on Wednesday's and get ready to create! During these 10-weeks you will learn new pottery skills, refine your techniques, and create beautiful ceramics with as much instruction as you need. Focus will be mostly wheel throwing, but for those that prefer hand-building you will have all the support you need! At the CVU ceramics studio, we offer and welcome a fun and judgement-free collaborative environment for potters of all levels. Only 10 spots available! Students will have access to stoneware, mid-fire clay, Cone 6. All clay, glazes (brushed and dipped), use of the studio, tools, as well as firing costs are included in the fee. NOTE: Only the provided glazes and clay are allowed in the studio. BONUS: Free access to "Open Studio" on Monday evenings 5pm-8pm starting Sept 29-Dec 22. No open studio on 11/24. Recommended minimum age: High School.