Needham Community Education

Are you feeling like AI is moving faster than you can keep up? Or, perhaps you are dabbling with ChatGPT and want to do more. You’re not alone—and you’re not too late. This welcoming class is designed for curious, engaged adults who want a safe, supportive space to get up to speed with tools including ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini. Through guided instruction and dedicated in-class practice time, you’ll learn how to confidently and safely use today’s most powerful generative AI tools in ways that truly make life easier—no tech experience needed. By the end of the session, you will: Understand the difference between using a search engine and working with a chatbot Know what to ask AI tools to get useful, personalized results for work and volunteering Practice real-life uses like organizing tasks, writing with ease, meal planning, vacationing, exercising, and saving money Recognize how AI can help you stay informed and connected Feel confident using AI in your daily life—like having a personal genius assistant by your side This is your chance to get comfortable using AI and make it work for and with you. No pressure. No jargon. Just clear, hands-on learning in a friendly environment. Come as you are—leave ready to take on the AI world with confidence. Note: Students should bring their fully charged laptop or tablet to class, and upload ChatGPT to it. Limited to 25.

ASHI CPR and AED certification program teaches participants how to recognize cardiac arrest, activate emergency medical services, and perform CPR appropriately until additional assistance arrives. Also covered is use of the Automatic External Defibrillator, how to respond to urgent choking situations and use of Narcan.

Bring your imagination to life with vibrant color and bold brushstrokes! Acrylic paint, the chosen medium for many amateur and professional artists, is versatile, non-toxic, easy to clean, and offers brilliant color. Professional artist, Eddie Bruckner, will teach you about values, color, paint mixing, brushwork, and more in a fun, encouraging environment, using guided step-by-step exercises. These classes are perfect for total beginners or anyone looking to reconnect with their creative side. Note: Each week and each session introduces new exercises and mini-projects you can proudly display at home. Register for any or all of the session options. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 15.

Do you want to build on your beginning conversational skills in Spanish? Do you have a basic knowledge of the language? In this class, we will review the conjugation of –ar, –er, and –ir verbs in the present tense and then move on to study the verb ir, the present tense of stem changing verbs and reflexive verbs. We will practice simple conversations and learn more of the Spanish language and culture in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Prerequisite: a beginning Spanish class or a basic knowledge of Spanish, e.g. knowledge of the consonant and vowel sounds, numbers, noun-adjective agreement, use of the irregular verbs ser, estar, tener, ir, gustar, and the conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense. Students will need to purchase a textbook (approximately $35) for this course. Details can be found here. Limited to 8.

In this class, you will continue to iron out material covered in topics covered at the intermediate level and focus on using passé composé versus the imperfect tense and implementing object pronouns and adverbs in both simple and compound tenses. You will also further develop the three basic skills of listening, speaking, and reading while learning about French culture and history. You will need a free downloadable copy of the Contacts edition 8 or 9. If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE). Limited to 8.

After completing this course, students can expect to converse with greater confidence and precision. More complex reading selections provide authentic opportunities for vocabulary development and creative use of the language. Building upon the skills already acquired, students learn indefinite adjectives and pronouns, negatives, imperative form, the conditional tense, possessive and relative pronouns (Prego!, Chapters 12-14). Students will need to purchase the Prego textbook. You will need to purchase thePrego textbook (editions 6, 7 or 8). If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE). Limited to 8.

This course is appropriate for students who have a solid knowledge of the use of the present tense in Spanish as well as everyday vocabulary. We will review the preterite tense before studying the imperfect tense, and then using both past tenses. There will be plenty of opportunities for oral practice. Join us to expand your Spanish language skills in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere! Students will need to purchase a textbook (approximately $35) for this course. Details can be found here. Limited to 10.

Students will review verb tenses, and study other structures such as por and para, other prepositions, and negative words. Short readings will be part of the class work. Students will need to purchase a textbook (approximately $35) for this course. Details can be found here. Limited to 10.

Students will continue to expand their vocabulary with short readings and discussions. There will be ongoing grammar practice. Students will need to purchase a textbook (approximately $35) for this course. Details can be found here. Limited to 10.

Robert Frost is the poet most often identified with our region. This discussion-based course will use the book, After Frost: An Anthology of Poetry From New England, originally designed for discussion groups held in libraries. The aim of the volume is to reacquaint readers with New England’s beloved poet and to introduce them to thirty other regional poets who followed Frost in time, if not in style. The book is divided into four, themed sections which take, in some way, inspiration from a Frost poem. Each week, you will be asked to read the opening Frost poem as well as a smattering of the other poets. As we collaboratively discuss what we read, we will establish a new lexicon: words that teach us how to talk about and think about what a poem does on the page. If you say you don’t understand poetry this could be a gentle way to dip your toes in. If you wrote poetry in high school and then abandoned it, consider this course a welcome reintroduction. If you’ve always loved and read poetry, this will deepen your understanding and appreciation. Note: Students will need a copy of the book. Limited to 12.

Learn what it takes to turn a home, apartment, or vacation property into a successful short-term rental. This two-evening course will walk you through everything you need to know before becoming a host on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Learn how to evaluate whether hosting is right for you, estimate startup and operating costs, understand local regulations, and design a listing that stands out. Experienced Airbnb and VRBO host Morris Porter will cover pricing strategies, guest experience essentials, tools to automate your operations, and tips for maximizing your return while minimizing your stress. In addition to covering many of the salient topics, there will be ample time to address your questions in the sessions. Whether you’re exploring a side hustle, preparing to rent out a second home, or are simply curious about the realities of hosting, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started the right way. Limited to 20.

Paris was the center of the Art World by the 19th century, drawing artists from many countries, including America. Visit art in both the MFA's European and American collections that resulted from this revolutionary style and first blossomed in Paris. Note: The class fee does not include the museum entry fee (currently $30, free for members). Limited to 6.

Discover how much fun it can be to draw — even if you haven’t picked up a pencil in years! This small-group drawing class is perfect for beginners who want to learn the foundations of art in a supportive and inspiring environment. You will learn how to truly see like an artist while exploring shading, proportion, and simple composition. Each session builds your confidence with easy, step-by-step instruction from a professional visual artist who will help you develop your own creative style. Experiment with line, light, and shadow while gaining a deeper appreciation for the beauty in everyday life. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to explore your artistic side. Note: Each week and each session introduces new exercises and mini-projects you can proudly display at home. Register for any or all of the session options. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 15.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful French language and gain a practical command of the vocabulary and grammar through topics that will include greetings, pronunciation, counting, indefinite articles, definite articles, interrogatives, infinitive expressions and a few irregular verbs. The goal of this program is to provide you with the tools to conduct basic conversations and write brief paragraphs about a range of everyday topics, using the present and near future tenses. Students will need to a copy of Contacts edition 8 or 9, easily found used or downloadable for free. If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE).

Step into your spiritual path with guidance from internationally known psychic medium Katherine Glass. This immersive beginning-level course offers students a supportive and structured introduction to mediumship, intuitive development, and spirit communication. Through lectures, experiential exercises, and group practice, Katherine creates a safe and sacred space for participants to explore their natural mediumship gifts. By the end of this course, students will: Understand the fundamentals of mediumship and the role of the medium; develop basic psychic and mediumistic abilities; learn how to raise and manage their energetic vibration; practice connecting with spirit through guided meditation; gain tools for discernment, spiritual protection, and ethical practice; participate in practice readings in a guided, safe environment. Limited to 16.

Dive into the exciting world of America’s fast-growing sport. Whether you've played a handful of times or just getting started, this clinic is tailored to introduce you to the fundamentals of pickleball. Our experienced instructors will cover basic rules, proper paddle grip, essential strokes, court positioning, and strategy. You'll have hands-on practice sessions to build your skills, and by the end of the clinic, you'll feel confident stepping onto the pickleball court. It's a fun and supportive environment, perfect for those looking to embark on their pickleball journey. Come learn, play, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow beginners in this engaging and informative clinic.

Are you looking for a powerful way to express yourself while connecting to others, and having fun? This class may be your opportunity to do just that! Upon completion of this course, you will learn basic hand-drumming techniques on the djembe, improve your rhythm sensibility, and learn traditional rhythms from Guinea and Mali. Continuing students will build upon their skills. In each class, you will develop an inner focus in real time, while connecting with others in a safe space. You will also experience how drumming can both relax and energize us, simultaneously. Other benefits include: building confidence, memory improvement, and greater coordination skills. No prior music experience is necessary. Note: The first two weeks of the 8-week session are for beginners and those who wish to have a refresher on basic technique. Drums are available to rent in advance, by emailing the instructor: AcornDrumming@gmail.com. Limited to 20.

Discover a beautiful piece of dance choreography that will challenge your skill set and breathe new life into your training! This piece is designed with layers suitable for varying levels, allowing for growth and improvement. Elevate your dance journey with our signature RaqiSa®️choreography! Limited to 15.