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  • Marco Verch (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Access Donations

    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
  • Access Gift Certificate

    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!
  • daveynin (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    American Sign Language (ASL) for Beginners Level 1

    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 This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Quinn Dombrowski (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    American Sign Language (ASL) for Beginners Level 2

    If you have taken the ACCESS ASL for Beginners Level 1 course and want to continue to build a deeper understanding of deaf culture and language then this next level is for you! You will learn to form sentences, increase your vocabulary, and there will be an emphasis on more conversation during class. ASL is the visual gestural language used by the Deaf community and practicing this with facial expressions takes time. Your instructor, Don, is of the deaf community and promotes the technique of immersion as the best method of learning ASL. This class will be fun and filled with plenty of conversation as well as practical exercises. Some homework will be assigned to help you progress through these 10 sessions with ease. Recommended minimum age: High School This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Blondinrikard Fröberg (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Apple Tree Grafting

    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. This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Waitlist
    whinger (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Baking with Sourdough Workshop

    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 and more. This class will take place inside CVU.
  • Bead Weaving for Jewelry

    Join Andrea to make your woven beaded earrings! Learn how to hand-weave earrings using Japanese miyuki glass beads. In this class, you will learn two different stitches that lend to hundreds of designs! This technique can be used to make beautiful earrings, rings, pendants, or bracelets! All materials included. You can expect to make two pairs of earrings over the course of 3 sessions. This class is for all experience levels. For students aged 13 and older. Younger students are welcome to come with a caregiver who is also registered. This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Amy Meredith (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Beautiful Barn Quilts 24" X 24"

    Come learn how to make your very own beautiful wooden barn quilt from scratch! The size will be 2’x2’ (that’s feet!). They look great just about anywhere and make awesome gifts for both inside or outside your home. We will spend each class learning the steps and having a chance to practice while getting help with your design, layout and colors. You will need to work on your quilt at home each week since each layer takes time to dry before being taped again. Choose your own design and identify colors at the first class. Have a design in mind? Please email us a photo and we will pass it along to your awesome instructor, Lisa! All quality materials, except paint, will be provided and are included in the fee! Recommended for ages 13 and older. Collage of Barn Quilts from ACCESS students! "I really enjoyed this class and my barn quilt is now proudly hanging on my shed. It's beautiful!" "Lisa was a great enthusiastic and encouraging teacher. She really helped us implement our visions."
  • Richard Senior (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Beekeeping Basics

    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 60 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. Date, time, and location to be determined based on weather. A course book valued at $10 is included in the price. This class meets inside CVU.
  • Block Print Spring Cards or Your Own Unique Art!

    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. This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Bridge for Beginners: Club Series OR Diamond Series

    Based on your knowledge of bridge, please choose either Club (beginners) series or Diamonds (some knowledge) series. Based on interest, we will run only one of these series. You will be notified one week prior to the start of class. 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: Join Phil for this follow-up class for beginners, Diamonds. If you have taken Club before or have some knowledge of bridge, then this class is for you! These lessons continue to build upon your knowledge of Clubs and will allow for 9 weeks of playtime. *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 inside CVU.
  • Sheila Sund (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Canine Communication - ONLINE

    In this presentation, Alana Stevenson goes over how dogs communicate through body-language with each other and with people. Learn how your body-language and movement can affect dog behavior both on and off-leash. Predict conflict at dog parks and understand when and why a dog might shy away or bite. Appeasement gestures and why you should never punish a dog for growling will be discussed This class will meet online. Look for an invitation to be sent a day or two before the class starts.
  • Card Making through Creative Collaging

    Terri will guide students through her artistic way of creating compositions through collage. She’ll share how to turn this art into greeting cards for any occasion, though it can be a wonderful framed art piece. Follow your inspiration! This is an art class. If you’d like, bring your pencils or pastels. Ages 15 and older; younger students may attend with a caregiver who is also registered. This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Carving in Wood: The Wizard Hiking Stick

    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 with a wizard handle to use on your next hiking adventure 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 inside CVU.
  • Connected: Understanding & Growing your Relationship with your Child

    In parenting, we often focus on what we should do: What do I do when my toddler tantrums? What do I do when my teen is disrespectful? What we do is important, of course. Yet equally important is who we are to the child, our relationship with them. Learn how this relationship works in its healthy form and the core needs we fulfill within it for our kids to grow into their best selves. This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Conversational Italian (Intermediate to Advanced) - ONLINE

    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.
  • Crafting a Charcuterie Board from Repurposed Woods

    Join us for a delightful hands-on experience as we delve into the enchanting world of charcuterie board-making. In this hands-on class, you will learn the art of creating visually stunning charcuterie boards that will impress your guests on any occasion. During the workshop, students will choose from a wide variety of new and repurposed fine woods to create a visually stunning piece that can last a lifetime. Prepared woods may include Maple, Ash, Purple Heart, Walnut, Birch, Australian Eucalyptus, Brazilian Cherry, Oak, Coconut Wood, Ipe, and others. All materials are included in the fee for this course. Week 1: Students will decide on the design they wish to use and choose their woods. Since the wood will be of various thicknesses, students will need to plane them to an equal thickness and then glue and clamp the wood to form the board. Tools used: mitre saw, table saw, planer, and clamps. Week 2: For this class, the students will take their glued-up boards and sand or plane them to get a uniform smooth surface. They will then draw and cut their handle design on the board. Tools used: planer, sander, band saw, scroll saw. Week 3: Once cut all sharp edges need to be sanded and rounded. Boards will then be thoroughly cleaned and coated with food-grade oils to penetrate and seal the boards. Extra oil will be given to each student. Tools used: Sander. Note: The electric tool usage can create a bottleneck so please be patient and use this time to learn and help others during class time. Please bring PPE equipment such as safety goggles and gloves. Dust masks are optional. Bring a measuring tape and wear closed toed shoes, hat and tie hair back. This class will meet inside CVU.
  • John Brighenti (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Digital Photography Bootcamp

    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 meet at CVU in the Photography Classroom Lab. Each student will have use of a computer loaded with Adobe Photoshop software.
  • Robert Miller (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Early Spring Medicinal Plant Walk

    The plants are emerging from their winter dormancy! It's a good time to get to know our local medicinal herbs at their earliest stages of growth, so that you can identify these helpful herbs all season long. We'll take a slow stroll through the CVU meadows and wooded edges, meeting common and helpful plants and diving into their uses and the best times to harvest for medicine. Get ready to use all your senses, and leave with a better sense of the green world around you. Bring waterproof walking shoes and notetaking materials! Sign up for both of Sophie's spring plant walks to further deepen your knowledge of medicinal plant ID and use. This class will meet inside CVU to start and then move outside. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the class will take place outside CVU and may involve walking over some muddy and uneven ground. In the case of extreme weather, this class will meet a week from the scheduled date.
  • East Coast Swing Dancing for Beginners Continued...

    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 or for those that need a refresher! 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 or tennis shoes are good options. No experience necessary, ages high school and older are welcomed! This class will meet inside CVU.
  • Starting Soon
    Jason Lam (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Eritrean/Ethiopian Cuisine - Vegetarian Specialties

    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 class will meet inside CVU.
  • Edsel Little (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

    Eritrean/Ethiopian Injera

    Injera is unique staple food to Ethiopia & Eritrea best known for spongy sourdough flatbread. It's a mixture of Teff (nutrient-dense & gluten-free), barley, corn & self-rising flour. Learn to mix the dough in class and carefully observe batter as it readies to be baked. Everyone will take a turn making injera and then take home a dinner prepared by Alganesh to enjoy. One meat and two vegetarian dishes will be served. This class will take place inside CVU.