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All Items for: Adult Programs: Fall '20-Spring '21
Welcome to the NCE Adult Programs class details and registration page. Please note that all current offerings are either online or outdoors with social distancing guidelines being adhered to. I hope you find a class that interests you.
-Amy Goldman, NCE Program Director, [email protected]
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please read!
- Use the search function in the top right corner to aid you in finding a specific class.
- If a class you want appears to be full or you have any questions, please email Amy Goldman, [email protected]
- Withdrawls and Refunds: If you withdraw a minimum of one week prior to the start of a class, NCE will refund you, less a $10 processing fee. There are no refunds or credits for withdrawls less than one week prior to the class start date or for missed classes. Refunds will come in the form of a check from the Town of Needham and may take 3-4 weeks to be issued.
- Participation of Minors: Parents, please be aware that if you register a minor son or daughter for an adult education class you are agreeing to the following: I hereby consent to my son’s/daughter’s participation in the Needham Community Education adult education program, the taking of photos of my child and/or promotion of the program and to his/her use of the Needham Public Schools facilities and equipment. I further agree to release and hold harmless the Town of Needham, Needham Public Schools and their employees, agents and assigns from any and all liability or expenses arising out of any incident involving, or any account of any injury to my minor child in connection with such a program accept full responsibility for all costs for any such emergency treatment. I agree to abide by all NCE policies.
- Some classes may be recorded. The instructor will announce so beforehand and the link will be shared with registrants only.
- Click here to learn about our wonderful instructors.
Mandatory
Sold Out
Walking Tour: Castle Island
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
Mike Manning
Perhaps you’ve never been to Castle Island and have been meaning to get there. Or, if you have had the pleasure of a visit to this beautiful spot, maybe you have been curious to learn more about it. This tour will cover the history of the forts in this area (from 1634 to the present-day fort) and a brief history of the inner harbor islands. We will also discuss the MWRA's Deer Island wastewater treatment plant (the key aspect of the harbor and the harborfront's revitalization) and Logan International Airport (a key component of commerce for all of New England). Edgar Allen Poe was based on Castle Island in the 1820s, so there's a slight literary component to this tour as well. Plenty of free parking is available in the
neighborhood. Following the tour, you are welcome to enjoy a casual seafood dinner with the guide at Sullivan’s. Limited to 12.
Date: Thursday, June 10
Time: 6:00-8:00PM
Meeting spot: 2080 William J. Day Blvd., at the tables to the right of Sullivan’s
Fee: $39
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$39.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Sold Out
Walking Tour: Ashmont Hill
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
Boston by Foot Guide
Explore a wonderful area of Dorchester, a town even older than Boston. Ashmont Hill was the site of several Colonial estates, eventually giving way to lovely Victorian homes in this 19th century garden suburb. See one of the finest Gothic Revival churches ever built in the United States, and the neighborhood Mayor John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald and daughter Rose Kennedy once called home. Limited to 10.
Date: Sunday, June 6
Time: 1:30-3:00PM
Meet your guide at the Peabody Square Clock across from Ashmont Station, Dorchester.
Fee: $15
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$15.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Sold Out
Walking Tour: South End
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
Boston by Foot Guide
One of Boston’s most beautiful neighborhoods, the South End was Boston's first big land-making project designed for new housing for Boston's growing upper class. It is based on an English plan, with lovely parks and squares framed by rows of houses. The layout and early South End homes were inspired by Charles Bulfinch, the great architect of the Massachusetts State House. The neighborhood boasts one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the country.
After Back Bay provided a newer and more fashionable place to live, the South End evolved into an area occupied by many different immigrant groups. Major institutions, like the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Boston City Hospital, came into the South End to serve these new populations. Now known for its wonderful restaurants, funky boutiques, artist lofts and theaters, there is so much to see and explore in this neighborhood. Limited to 10.
Date: Sunday, June 13
Time: 1:30-3:00PM
Meet your guide on the plaza across from the entrance to the Back Bay MBTA Station, on Dartmouth Street, Boston.
Fee: $15
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$15.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Sold Out
Catching up with Innovators: Walking Tour of the Boston Fish Pier and the Boston Seaport
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
Laurie Zapalac, Ph.D.
Join us as we explore the historic Boston Fish Pier and discuss the past, present and future of Boston’s commercial seafood industry. Learn about how Boston’s access to the major fishing grounds of the Atlantic played a pivotal role in the history of the Boston economy, while continued investment in infrastructure and technology, as well as access to key markets, have been critical to sustaining the Boston Seaport’s place as a hub within the global commercial seafood industry through regulatory and ecological change. Along the way, we will meet contemporary innovators who call the Seaport home, and hear how they are transforming both supply and demand for commercial seafood in creative ways. For those in the group interested in enjoying a “takeout” picnic in the seaport immediately following the tour, we will provide recommendations of area restaurants serving great seafood (and other things) and instructions for ordering ahead. Alternatively, please feel free to bring your own picnic items . Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Limited to 12.
Date: Wednesday, June 2
Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Meeting spot: The sidewalk viewing point on Northern Avenue between the Fish Pier and Commonwealth Pier
Fee: $39
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$39.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Walking Tour: East Boston Evolutions
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
Stephen Landrigan
This tour will cover a one-mile stretch of the East Boston waterfront that tells an ongoing story of innovation and transformation. From when it was first developed in the 1830’s until more than a century later, the East Boston waterfront was a major economic engine in the New England economy and home to an astonishing variety of industries. It was also the landing place for tens of thousands of immigrants seeking a new life in America. Major breakthroughs in maritime technology happened there, from the invention of the world’s fastest clipper ships to the coming of steam-powered iron vessels that replaced them. The waterfront itself was continually reshaped as mud flats were filled in and ever-larger wharves were extended into deeper water.
In the second half of the 20 th Century, the East Boston waterfront declined into obsolescence and became a ghost-scape of derelict wharves and abandoned industrial buildings from which it is only now emerging. Upscale housing has spread across the waterfront, built with a cautious eye at rising sea levels.
The tour will use vintage visuals to provide a sense of what was once in the neighborhood and to raise the question whether in future decades the only constant is likely to be change. Following the tour, enjoy an optional, casual outdoor dinner with the guide in Maverick Square. Limited to 12.
Date: Thursday, June 17
Time: 5:30-7:00PM
Meeting spot: Across the street from the Maverick Sq. T station
Fee: $39
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
Mandatory
Sold Out
Emerald Necklace Bike Tour
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
Urban AdvenTours Guide
Urban AdvenTours will lead this guided bike tour of the Emerald Necklace park system. On this 15-mile ride from downtown Boston to Jamaica Plain and back, you will make stops every 1-2 miles to study a feature of Frederick Law Olmsted’s masterpiece. Bring your own bike, or contact Urban AdvenTours if you would prefer to rent one of their Dew Hybrid bikes ( [email protected] , 617-670-0637). The tour will take place rain or shine (unless it is very stormy). The route is very flat. Limited to 8.
Date: Sunday, June 6
Time: 10:00AM-1:30PM
Location: Meet at Urban AdvenTours, 103 Atlantic Ave., Boston
Fee: $65
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$65.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Sold Out
Make Your Own Leaf Print Birdbath/Table Top/Garden Decoration
This class will be held in a barn. The doors will be open and social distancing guidelines observed.
Cathy Byrd and Leah Sauter
Travel to a barn in Needham to create a unique and functional work of art! On the first evening, you will choose a large leaf from Cathy Byrd’s vegetable garden (or bring one from your garden). Then, you will use the leaf as in imprint for a cement birdbath, table top or garden decoration. On the second evening, you will add some finishing touches and weather proof the project. Note: a $15 materials fee is payable to the instructors in class. Limited to 7.
Section 1
Dates: Tuesday, May 18 & Thursday, May 20
Time: 5:00-6:30PM
Location: 320 Charles River Street, Needham
Fee: $55
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$55.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Make Your Own Leaf Print Birdbath/Table Top/Garden Decoration
This class will be held in a barn. The doors will be open and social distancing guidelines observed.
Cathy Byrd and Leah Sauter
Travel to a barn in Needham to create a unique and functional work of art! On the first evening, you will choose a large leaf from Cathy Byrd’s vegetable garden (or bring one from your garden). Then, you will use the leaf as in imprint for a cement birdbath, table top or garden decoration. On the second evening, you will add some finishing touches and weather proof the project. Note: a $15 materials fee is payable to the instructors in class. Limited to 7.
Section 2
Dates: Tuesday, May 25 & Thursday, May 27
Time: 5:00-6:30PM
Location: 320 Charles River Street, Needham
Fee: $55
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
Mandatory
Sold Out
Beginning Golf Clinic for Women
This program will be held at Wellesley College’s Nehoiden Golf Club, and social distancing guidelines will be observed.
Nehoiden Golf Club Pros
Even if you have never swung a club, this clinic will provide you with the skills and confidence to play golf. The program will include instruction in the development of a full swing, plus short game fundamentals: putting, chipping and pitching. On the 3rd day, if the course is not in heavy use, participants will have the opportunity to play some holes. All equipment is provided. Program takes place, rain or shine. Limited to 10.
Dates: Tuesday, May 25-Thursday, May 27
Time: 12:30-2:30PM
Location: Meet the group at the Wellesley College Club parking lot, 3 Service Drive , Wellesley
Fee: $269
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$269.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Middle Eastern Outdoor Cooking
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
Hila Krikov
Cooking the Middle Eastern way is cooking with senses and intuition, improvising with what is available, using inexpensive ingredients, and adapting to circumstances. Join a small group for an outdoor Middle Eastern cooking experience. You will learn to cook ancient grains and legumes (incredibly hearty dishes) with the region’s typical vegetables, herbs, and spices. Our afternoon will include practice of one of the simple and primitive cooking techniques--fire. We will demonstrate how to bake pita bread on the fire pit and cook root vegetables in charcoal. Cooking will be demonstrated; participants will be seated in a safe distance in an outdoor setting and will be served tastings of all prepared dishes. Throughout the class, we will discuss ingredients characterized, dishes variations, and share feedback and ideas. All dishes are
vegetarian. Limited to 12.
Session 1
Date: Saturday, June 5 (rain date Sunday, June 6)
Time: 12:00-2:00PM
Location: In Hila Krikov's backyard (address to be provided prior to class)
Fee: $69
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
Mandatory
Sold Out
Grilling with Josh Ziskin: Cooking Demo and Tasting
This class will be held outside at Heritage of Sherborn, with social distancing guidelines observed.
Josh Ziskin
Up your grilling skills with tips and tricks from Chef Josh Ziskin, Chef/Owner of Heritage of Sherborn and La Morra restaurants. This class will be held outside, on the lawn of Heritage of Sherborn. Chef Josh will demonstrate how to make a variety of grilled meats, poultry, fish and vegetables and will walk you through other BBQ tips to last you all summer long. At the end of the demo, enjoy a sampling of the items that were prepared in class. Limited to 12.
Date: Tuesday, June 8
Time: 6:00-7:15PM
Fee: $59
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$59.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Sold Out
Wine Tasting: Rose All Day
This class will be held outside at Heritage of Sherborn, with social distancing guidelines observed.
Jen Ziskin
At Heritage of Sherborn Coffee, Wine & Provisions, there are over 30 roses in stock from all over the world. Rose has been all the rage for the last few years and this spring will be no different. Most wineries release their roses in the spring, even though they are the perfect wine to drink all year. Join Jen Ziskin, Owner and Wine Director of Heritage of Sherborn, to taste through 8 roses, all from different areas of the world, to see what all the fuss is about. Cheese and crackers will be provided with the wines. A $15 wine fee is payable to the instructor in class. Limited to 12.
Date: Thursday, June 10
Time: 5:30-7:00PM
Location: Heritage of Sherborn, 33 N. Main St., Sherborn
Fee: $32
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$32.00
Open Amount
Mandatory
Foraging for Edible Plants and Mushrooms
This class will be held outside with social distancing guidelines observed.
David Craft
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Newman School conservation land, while stopping often to identify edible plants and mushrooms. You will also learn about the proper way to harvest these finds, along with some culinary preparations. At the end of the walk, we will enjoy some foraged food that David will have already prepared. The program will take place rain or shine. Limited to 25.
Date: Saturday, June 19
Time: 11:00AM-12:30PM
Meet the instructor outside of the Newman School front entrance
Fee: $35
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
Mandatory
ONLINE
Private Language Lessons in Spanish, French or Italian
Barry Bridgelal
NCE's talented foreign language instructor, Barry Bridgelal, offers private/semi-private lessons online! Each registration allows for 1 person (or 2 people together) to schedule either 4-hours or 10-hours of lessons directly with Barry. Open to students of all levels who wish to improve their French, Spanish or Italian language skills. Barry is typically available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-5:00PM Lesson packs are valid from December 17, 2020-June 30, 2021. There are no refunds or credits for unused time.
4-Hour Private Lesson Pack
Fee: $259 for 1 person or 2 people taking lessons together
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
Mandatory
ONLINE
Private Language Lessons in Spanish, French or Italian
Barry Bridgelal
NCE's talented foreign language instructor, Barry Bridgelal, offers private/semi-private lessons online! Each registration allows for 1 person (or 2 people together) to schedule either 4-hours or 10-hours of lessons directly with Barry. Open to students of all levels who wish to improve their French, Spanish or Italian language skills. Barry is typically available for private lessons during the day on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-5:00PM. Lesson packs are valid from December 17, 2020-June 30, 2021. There are no refunds or credits for unused time.
4-Hour Private Lesson Pack
Fee: $599 for 1 person or 2 people taking lessons together
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
Mandatory
ONLINE
College Essays: What Parents Should Know and How They Can Help
Jane Hirschhorn
The college essay personal statement is arguably one of the most important pieces of writing a student will complete in high school. It is also a type of writing not commonly taught in the classroom; the personal narrative. We invite parents of high school juniors to attend this one-session class to learn more about what admission officers seek in the personal statement. We will also cover approaches in how to answer common supplemental essay prompts and provide tips parents can use to support their student throughout the writing process. Limited to 35.
Date: Thursday, June 10
Time: 7:00-8:30PM
Fee: $25
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
Mandatory
ONLINE
FOR NEEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARENTS/GUARDIANS OR NEEDHAM RESIDENTS ONLY
Promoting Period-Positive Parenting
Brooke Reilly, OTR/L, CLC, PMH-C
Pelvic health therapist, Brooke Reilly, invites parents of tweens and adolescent girls to to a discussion about body changes and menstrual health. Get the facts about behavioral and brain changes associated with female-specific hormone shifts in and around this developmental stage of her life. Hear what's normal/what's not in terms of pain and other physical symptoms related to her monthly cycle. Learn about important female pelvic health topics like hygiene, bladder & bowel habits, pros/cons of feminine health products, and the many benefits of really getting to know her own cycle. Share body positive-focused conversation starters. Walk away knowing you can empower your daughter through education, help instill pride in her body, and set her up for lifelong health! Limited to 20.
Dates: Monday, June 14
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Fee: No cost, but registration is required
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Mandatory
Sold Out
CANCELED
The Beauty of the Colored Pencil
Eddie Bruckner
This relaxed, fun class is designed for both newcomers to wax-based colored pencils as well as those who have used colored pencils already. Learn about blending styles, color layering effects, color mixing, value relationships, and pencil strokes for rendering realistic images. You will deepen your comprehension of light, color, and shading as you explore this exciting medium. Emphasis will be on colored pencil techniques and classwork will include a variety of step-by-step instruction of colored pencil drawing exercises and projects ranging from landscapes to florals to realistic still lifes. Students will receive both group and individualized instruction and personalized feedback as we explore the richness and vibrancy of this often overlooked medium. Perfect for everyone, no drawing experience is required; All levels welcome. A materials list can be found here . Limited to 12.
Dates: 6 Wednesdays, May 12-June 16
Time: 6:00-8:00PM
Fee: $210
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Multi-Item
Free
Recurring
Payment to: Needham Community Education
$210.00
Open Amount
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