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."

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.

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. 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! *If you already have the book, please select the discounted payment option at check out. "Phil is an excellent Bridge instructor, he is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and always willing to answer our questions." Pat

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. "Jody consistently creates a safe environment that warmly invites singers to participate, explore, and play — regardless of singing experience." -Linda "Jody’s class was a delight. It gave me confidence to jump right into singing improvisation with the circle of classmates. I look forward to the next opportunity to sing with Jody." -Sharyl

Welcome to the wonderful world of fantasy and narrative comic book illustrations! In this 4- session class we will go over how to draw figures within the context of an illustrated narrative using visual symbols to stylize the figure. Some examples of stylization are Manga style cartooning, American comic style cartooning, and cartooning for animation. We will create a character and then put that character within a narrative 1-2 pages in length. At the end of the course students will have a completed character sheet and a 1-2 page sequential story showcasing their character. Other topics covered will include, breaking a script, writing for comics, anatomy and perspective. This class is designed for students of all skill levels! A list of materials to purchase prior to class will be provided after registration. Minimum age: 14+

Join us for an exciting new course led by woodworker Tony Hashem! This hands-on, two-session workshop offers a unique opportunity to craft a beautifully designed end table with shelves using repurposed pallets and a variety of fine woods. Under Tony’s guidance, you’ll create a timeless, visually stunning piece that can be cherished for years to come. Students will have the chance to select from a wide range of new and repurposed woods, including maple, oak, poplar, and pine, to personalize their project. For added customization, you’re welcome to bring your own wood for the table’s top shelf, while the structure and remaining shelves will be crafted from durable pine. The finished table will measure approximately 18" x 10" x 30", but students can adjust the dimensions within reason to ensure a perfect fit for their space. This course is designed for those with some prior experience using power tools, particularly power saws, as the process will involve measuring, cutting, gluing, drilling, and clamping. All materials and tools are provided, so you can focus on honing your skills and creating a functional, one-of-a-kind piece. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a seasoned craftsman and take home a handmade treasure! Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! 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 and no open toed shoes. (Photo is likeness only)

Dragonflies, and their smaller cousins the damselflies, re-appear in VT in May and June. Some migrate in from the south. Others emerge from wetlands after one to several years of maturation as under-water predators. Naturalist Laurie DiCesare will share macro photos, a bit of biology and field stories about these amazing aerial experts. She’ll also suggest where and when to search for them and how to gently catch-and-release them with a photo op to document your finds on iNaturalist. Photo Credit: Laurie DiCesare (Shown are: Ebony Jewelwing, Eastern forktail, Cherry Meadowhawk, Aurora Damsel, and Lilypad Clubtail)

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 web, apps, and AI 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 suit your lifestyle. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and be ready to dig deep into each series. Each series is 2-sessions and held in-person at CVU High School. Handouts will be available as a reference during each presentation with Q&A at the end of the 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 more informed and a healthier digital citizen. All ages welcome! 1. "Travel Tech Mastery" (Feb 10 & March 10) Finding the best travel deals online Navigation and translation for travel and map apps Staying connected while traveling 2. "AI Tools for Everyday Life: Your Personal Digital Assistant" (March 5 & 12) Using ChatGPT for writing, recipes, and planning Free AI tools for image creation and editing Practical applications for daily tasks 3. "iPhone/iPad Mastery" (March 10 & 17) Essential features and hidden gems Accessibility settings and health features Emergency settings and security features 4. "Photos to Memories" (March 19 & 26) Organizing and sharing digital photos Creating digital photo books Cloud backup strategies 5. "Online Shopping Safety & Savings" (CANCELLED) Price comparison tools Spotting legitimate vs. suspicious stores Amazon and Facebook Marketplace basics 6. "Cutting the Cord: Streaming TV Guide" (April 30 & May 7) Understanding streaming services Hardware options and setup Cost-saving strategies 7. "Social Media Without the Stress" (May 12 & 19) Facebook and Instagram basics Privacy settings and security Connecting with family and interest groups 8. "Smart Home Basics" (June 2 & 9) Simple, smart home devices Voice controls and automation Safety and convenience features 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!"

Do you find yourself tapping away to the beat of your favorite song? Have you always been curious to use an acoustic drum kit? Whether you're interested in playing drums in a band or simply exploring rhythm for fun, this 6-week class with Seth provides a solid foundation to get started on your drumming journey. Students will use their own practice drum pads during class and take turns using the full acoustic drum kit in the classroom. No musical experience needed. Come ready to learn! For students 13 and older. Younger students are welcome with a caregiver joining them. Please plan to purchase a practice drum pad and drum sticks (similar to this) to bring to the first class. "Seth is a great instructor who's able to connect with students of all ages and abilities and make everyone feel comfortable and empowered."

David Allan has been teaching swing dance for over 15 years! He has taught at Middlebury and St Michael's colleges, the Waldorf schools and many townhalls throughout VT. You will learn the fundamentals of leading and following which include correct body posturing, connection and foot work. This class is a continuation of the Access class, East Coast Swing Dancing for Beginners. Students must have taken the beginner East Coast Swing Class OR be proficient in the six count open and closed V positions as well as be able to do inside and outside turns. Min Age 16+. Both couples and individuals are welcome! We will be regularly rotating among all class members for a better dancing experience. Couples will have a chance to practice together towards the end of each class. During registration, you will be asked if you prefer to Lead, Follow, or no-preference. To create a balanced class we may ask partners to be flexible. Please wear any flat sole shoe. A leather sole is preferred, but sneakers are an acceptable and comfortable option. We loved our class experience! David is a really great instructor. He answers questions and really wants the students to understand the dance steps. We learned SO MUCH!

Updated with Fresh Features! Discover how AI can make your life easier, more connected, and more fun! This hands-on course introduces you to the latest AI tools, with a focus on using ChatGPT, Claude, and Google's Gemini. You'll learn how to incorporate AI into your daily routine, from summarizing documents and food planning to using the camera to identify everything from plants to rare car parts. Learn how to use AI as an assistant and tutor. We'll also touch on the ethical side of AI, ensuring you're informed and empowered. Optionally, bring your devices with ChatGPT or Claude installed and prepare to explore! This class will meet inside CVU.