ADULT PROGRAMS - Needham Public Schools

NCE
Needham Community Education
ADULT
PROGRAMS
NEEDHAM ADULT EDUCATION CATALOG | WINTER/SPRING 2013
Great Classes
Great Prices!
Quilt, Knit & Fuse p. 10
Tap, Shimmy & Dance p. 14
Get Fit – Feel Better! p. 15
Learn a New Language p. 29
NEW Living Green in
Needham! p. 6
A CLASS FOR YOU! REGISTER NOW!

NEEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SUPERINTENDENT
Daniel E. Gutekanst
NEEDHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Heidi Black, Chair
Joseph P. Barnes, Vice-Chair
Connie Barr
Marianne Cooley
Michael Greis
Susan B. Neckes
Kim Marie Nicols
CATALOG
Cover Photo: Jen Treacy
Catalog Design: Carrie Verville
Catalog Layout: Jen Treacy
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY
EDUCATION
Needham Community Education (NCE) is an office of
the Needham Public Schools and combines a number
of out-of-school time programs into one administrative
office. Programs are self-sustaining and include Adult
programs, High School programs, Elementary and Middle
School programs, a Kindergarten After School program,
and Summer Programs.
Through our Adult Education program, we hope to
provide quality lifelong learning experiences that are
accessible to a wide range of community members –
sometimes including TEENS and CHILDREN.
View this catalog online on the adult education page of
the Needham Public Schools website at www.needham.
k12.ma.us and click on Community Ed and Adult
Education.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of Needham Public Schools
not to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion,
national origin, color, homelessness, sexual orientation,
age or disability in its education programs, services,
activities or employment practices.
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY
EDUCATION STAFF
Director, Needham Community Education
Diane Simmons
Diane_Simmons@needham.k12.ma.us
Director, Adult, High School and Middle School
Programs, and Summer Remedial
Mary Grace Summergrad
Mary_Grace_Summergrad@needham.k12.ma.us
Director, Elementary and Summer Programs and
Community Volunteer Program
Amy Goldman
Amy_Goldman@needham.k12.ma.us
Director, Kindgarten Program (KASE)
Connie Leonard
Connie_Leonard@needham.k12.ma.us
Registrar and Marketing Manager
Ron Rizzuto
Ron_Rizzuto@needham.k12.ma.us
Accounting
Deb Tormey
Deb_Tormey@needham.k12.ma.us
2
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
NCE: ADULT PROGRAMS
Needham Community Education
School Administration Building, 1st Floor
1330 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
Telephone: 781-455-0400 x235
Fax: 781-455-0417
Website: www.needham.k12.ma.us and click on
Community Ed and Adult Education
Office Hours: 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information............................................. 1
Note from the Director......................................... 2
Classes by Day................................................... 3
Class Locations................................................... 4
Needham High School Map................................ 5
Course Descriptions............................................ 6
Instructor Biographies....................................... 34
Registration Form.............................................. 40
Policies & Registration............. Inside Back Cover
BECOME A NEEDHAM PUBLIC
SCHOOLS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER!
The Needham Public Schools Community Volunteer
program offers you the opportunity to give back to
the community in a meaningful way, while engaging
with the students, administrators, and teachers who
make the Needham Public Schools so special. As
a volunteer, you are matched with the volunteer
opportunity that best suits your skill-set and personality.
You will receive orientation and training prior to
beginning your placement.
For information and an application, contact Amy
Goldman, Community Volunteer Director, at 781-455-
0400 x214 or Amy_Goldman@needham.k12.ma.us
WINTER/SPRING 2013 OFFERINGS
Special Events..................................................... 6
Art........................................................................ 7
Business & Careers............................................. 8
Computer & Online Learning .............................. 9
Crafts & Skills.................................................... 10
Dance ............................................................... 14
Exercise, Health & Well-Being........................... 15
Finance ............................................................. 23
Food & Beer...................................................... 24
Hobbies............................................................. 26
Home, Garden & Auto....................................... 26
Languages......................................................... 29
Music................................................................. 30
Parenting........................................................... 31
Writing & Speaking............................................ 31
Classes for Teens: SAT Preparation ................. 32
All programs can be made handicapped accessible.
If you have any disability that would require special
accommodations, please call the NCE office.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
1

NCE
Needham Community Education
ADULT
PROGRAMS
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Community Members,
Happy New Year and welcome to the 2013 winter/spring term of Needham Adult Education! We hope you will
take a few minutes to browse through the catalog and discover the wide range of terrific offerings available.
We are delighted to offer almost TWO DOZEN NEW classes this term, as well as OVER FIFTY long-standing
favorites. So, whether you are a returning student looking for your favorite exercise, dance or language class – OR,
you are seeking something new and completely different this year, we think you’ll find a great class!
We are especially pleased to partner with both the Needham Green Collaborative and the Needham
Community Farm to present a NEW series of workshops: LIVING GREEN IN NEEDHAM focused on
sustainable living and healthy eating.
Our classes – from AUTO REPAIR TO ZUMBA –all have in common high-caliber and enthusiastic
instructors. Check out the student quotes sprinkled throughout the catalog. These are taken directly from student
evaluation forms or emails we have received and indicate that our instructors are very special and truly enjoy
teaching their classes.
We are so sure… that you will enjoy our classes that we will be happy to refund the course fee if you are not
satisfied with a class you choose (for multi-session classes only). We only ask that you contact us before the second
class session to let us know what about the class did not meet your expectations. This will help us continue to
improve the quality of our offerings and the clarity of the course descriptions.
Register soon…to avoid disappointment – many of our classes have enrollment limits, and the POPULAR classes
fill quickly! You can check our website for the list of filled and canceled classes. Please see the inside back cover for
the 4 Easy Ways to Register.
See you in class!
Mary Grace Summergrad
Program Director
Needham Community Education
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NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

CLASSES BY DAY
MONDAY
• Early AM Boot Camp *, 18
• Year-Round Backyard Gardening, 6
NEW
• Creating Herb Gardens, 6 NEW
• Eating Habits of a Locavore, 7 NEW
• Upholstery, 11
• Zumba Toning, 16 NEW
• 20/20/20 Workout, 16
• Nia for Health & Fitness, 19
• Rev Up: How To Lose Weight &
Increase Energy, 22
• Cheese Class at Wasik’s, 24
• Extreme Couponing, 27
• SAT Prep, 32
TUESDAY
• EasYoga TM *, 20
• Watercolor Workshop*, 8
• Watercolor Workshop, 8
• Intro. to Digital Photo, 10
• Photoshop, 10
• Belly Dancing, 14
• Advanced Beginning Pilates, 15
• Beginning Fencing, 17
• Beginning Spinning, 17
• Spinning, 18
• Yoga for Every Body, 19
• Mother/Daughter Yoga, 20
• Self-Defense: Combat Sambo (for
adults & children), 20
• Creative Gluten-Free Cooking, 25
• Creative Gluten-Free Baking, 25
• Low Maintenance Gardening: Spring
Workshop, 27
• Spring Ephemerals & Other Delights,
28 NEW
• French Cinema, 29 NEW
• Beginning Spanish - Part 2, 30
• SAT Prep, 32
• SAT Prep – Half Course, 33
WEDNESDAY
• Early AM Boot Camp *, 18
• Solar 101, 6 NEW
• Drawing Fundamentals, 7
• Job Search Strategies, 8 NEW
• Leveraging Social Media for Job
Search, 8 NEW
• Excel for Beginners, 9 NEW
• Word I, 9 NEW
• Intro to PowerPoint, 9 NEW
• Knitting: Beginning & Beyond, 11
• Beginning Pottery, 12
• Collage Cards, 13
• Recycled Jewelry, 13
• World Dance Jam, 14
• 20/20/20 Workout, 16
• Now What Navigating Life’s
Transitions, 22 NEW
• Sensitive Touch Massage, 23 NEW
• De-Clutter, Simplify - Get Organized!,
26
• Basic Auto Repair & Maintenance, 28
NEW
• Advanced Beginning Italian, 29
• Beginning Spanish, 30
• Beginning Piano, 30 NEW
• Supporting Your Developing Reader,
31
• Public Speaking, 31
• SAT Prep, 32
THURSDAY
• Quilt-Making for Beginners, 11
• Tap Dance Workshop, 14
• Zumba, 15
• Hula Hooping, 16 NEW
• Spinning, 18
• Intro. To Tai Chi, 19
• Self-Defense: Combat Sambo (for
adults and children), 20
• Meditation for Every Day Life, 21
• Communication: An Approach to
Managing Stress, 22
• Living the Good Life: New Science of
Happiness, 22
• Financial Planning for Women, 23
NEW
• Brew Your Own Beer, 25
• Beginning Bridge, 26
• Bridge Clinic, 26 NEW
• Ask the Organizer, 27 NEW
• Designing Shady Retreats, 28 NEW
• Propagating Perennials Workshop,
28 NEW
• French: Beyond Beginning, 29 NEW
• Conversational Spanish, 30
• Jumpstart Your Writing, 31
FRIDAY
• Early AM Strength Training Workout*,
18
SATURDAY
• Parent/Child Backyard Gardening*, 7
• Intro to Glass Fusing*, 12
• Parent/Child Glass Fusing*, 12
• SAT Prep*, 32
SUNDAY
• Cooking with Dave at Sweet Basil*, 24
ANY DAY
• Advanced Driver Training*, 33
• *Daytime Classes
• Page numbers follow course
names for easy reference
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
3

CLASS LOCATIONS
NEEDHAM HIGH SCHOOL, 609 WEBSTER STREET
See map of Needham High School on page 5 for more details or view a detailed Campus Map at www.needham.k12.ma.us
(click on Community Ed and Adult Ed.)
For many classrooms, including those in the 200s, 400s and 700s, the easiest entrance is through the new lobby, which can
be accessed from the parking lot on Webster Street. There will either be signs or a staff member to direct you to your class.
For classes in the 600s, 800s or 900s, it is easier to use an entrance off of the front parking lot at the top of Admiral Gracey
Drive (off of Kingsbury Street). From the parking lot, you can enter the building on the far left of the school, using the bank of
doors next to the gym.
From Wellesley: Take Great Plain Avenue through Needham center. Take a left at the first traffic light after business district
onto Webster Street. Go about 1/2 mile; the High School will be on your left, just beyond Kingsbury Street, with a parking lot in
front, facing Webster Street.
From Dedham: Take Dedham Avenue (Rte. 135) towards Needham Center. About 1/2 mile past Defazio Field on right, make
a right onto Webster Street. Go straight through light at Great Plain Avenue. Go about 1/2 mile more; the High School will be
on your left, just beyond Kingsbury Street, with a parking lot in front, facing Webster Street.
From Newton: Take Needham Street (becomes Highland Avenue in Needham). Cross over 1-95/128. At second light, take
a left onto Webster Street. Proceed 1/2 mile to the back of the High School, on your right. Use the parking lot off of Webster
Street to access the new main lobby entrance.
POLLARD MIDDLE SCHOOL, 200 HARRIS AVENUE
Located on Harris Ave. between Great Plain Ave. and Dedham Ave. From Needham Center, take Dedham Ave. Take second
left onto Harris Ave. School is 1/4 mile ahead on the right.
HIGH ROCK SCHOOL, 77 FERNDALE ROAD
From Needham Center, take Great Plain Ave. west towards Wellesley. Make a left onto Linden St., go about 1/4 mile and
then make a right onto Sylvan Rd. Make the next right onto Ferndale Rd. into the front parking lot of High Rock.
BROADMEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 120 BROAD MEADOW ROAD
From Needham Center, take Great Plain Avenue towards Dedham. Follow Great Plain Avenue 3/4 mile to Hersey train station
on right. Take next left onto Broad Meadow Road. Follow Broad Meadow Road 1/4 mile to school on right.
ELIOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 135 WELLESLEY AVENUE
Located off of Central Avenue about 1/2 mile from the Newton line. From Central Avenue, take Cedar Street, and make the 1st
left onto Wellesley Avenue. School driveway is straight ahead at stop sign.
NEWMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 1155 CENTRAL AVENUE
Located on Central Avenue near the intersection with Great Plain Avenue. From Needham Center, take Great Plain Avenue
towards Wellesley. Take a left at the light of Central Avenue. The driveway to the school will be a short distance on your right.
4
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

CLASS LOCATIONS
NEEDHAM HIGH SCHOOL
Room Locations
PARKING
p
Highland Avenue
Enter here for rooms in:
-600s(1(1 st st floor)
-700 -800s(2(2 nd nd floor)
-800 -900s(3(3 rd rd floor)
p
PARKING
Webster Street
Enter here for rooms in:
-200s & Cafeteria (1 st floor)
-400s (2 nd floor)
-700s (3 rd floor)
Admiral Gracey Drive
p
one way
p
Oakland Ave.
Kingsbury Street
For a more detailed map of room locations at Needham High School, view the
Campus Map at www.needham.k12.ma.us (click on Community Ed and Adult Ed.)
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
5

SPECIAL EVENTS
SPECIAL SERIES: LIVING
GREEN IN NEEDHAM
Needham Community Education is pleased to
partner with members of the Green Needham
Collaborative and with the Needham
Community Farm to present this series of
informative workshops on sustainable living
and healthy eating.
THE NEEDHAM COMMUNITY FARM is a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to deepening our community’s
connection to nature and the food system by providing
farm-based education, increasing access to healthy
produce, and encouraging environmental stewardship.
Learn more at www.needhamfarm.org
THE GREEN NEEDHAM COLLABORATIVE is a
community-based organization that brings together
Needham residents, businesses, community groups,
municipal government, and schools to build a
sustainable community through collaborative efforts on
energy and the environment.
NEW
SOLAR 101
Michael Greis and Nick Hill, Instructors, Members of
Green Needham Collaborative
Have you wondered if solar is right for your house
If so, join us for Green Needham’s Solar 101, an
introduction and guide to residential solar energy
for homeowners. We will explain the technology
and terminology of solar PV (photovoltaic) and solar
thermal systems, the criteria homeowners should
consider before proceeding, and acquisition and
financing options (lease versus purchase). We will also
cover the questions that homeowners should ask of
installers, and tips from Needham residents who have
been through the process. Following the presentation,
several Needham homeowners and their installers will
be available for questions and consultation.
10928 $10
1 Wednesday @ Broadmeadow Performance Center
7-9pm
March 20
NEW
YEAR-ROUND BACKYARD
GARDENING
Babette Wils, Instructor
We typically think of the New England planting season
as short – starting on Memorial Day and ending around
September. But, with a little planning, you can be
growing and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables
from your garden 12 months of the year. And you
can do it without an expensive greenhouse or even a
cold frame. Join us to learn how, from an instructor
who has been harvesting year-round for many years!
Limited to 16.
10934 $35
1 Monday @ NHS Faculty Lounge (off cafeteria) 6:30-
8:30pm
February 25
NEW
CREATING HERB GARDENS
Heather Borkowski, Instructor
Are you interested in incorporating more fresh herbs into
your cooking and meals Or, are you looking for plants
that you can make into tasty teas all year long In this
workshop we will talk about creating herb gardens for
6
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

SPECIAL EVENTS / ART
our backyards and patios. Whether you want a few
pots outside your door or a plot along your house, this
workshop will give you the basics for growing a wide
variety of culinary and medicinal herbs. Limited to 16.
10935 $35
1 Monday @ NHS Room 204 6:30-8:30pm
March 11
NEW
EATING HABITS OF
A LOCAVORE
Babette Wils, Instructor
Eating local food, produced close home is fun, healthy,
and good for the environment. It is also good for local
farmers and the local economy, and helps maintain our
beautiful farm landscapes. It can also be challenging,
especially after the local Farmer’s Markets close for
the season. Join us to learn the many ways in which
you can fill your pantry with good food – grown close to
home – year round from an instructor who has been a
practicing locavore for 10 years. Limited to 16.
10936 $35
1 Monday @ NHS Faculty Lounge (off cafeteria) 6:30-
8:30pm
April 1
NEW
PARENT/CHILD BACKYARD
GARDENING
Heather Borkowski and Babette Wils, Instructors
Would you like to start gardening with your child If so,
join us to learn about basic backyard gardening with a
focus on fun things you can do in the garden with your
kids – including bean teepees, three sisters garden, and
sunflower houses. Adults and children will split up for part
of the class and then come together to work on a special
hands-on project. This class is geared for parents with
children ages 5-7. Limited to 8 parent/child pairs.
10937 $59 (per parent/child pair)
1 Saturday @ NHS Cafeteria 10-noon
April 6
ART
DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS
Robb Sandagata, Instructor
This class will be geared for beginners and will focus
on basic drawing concepts: line, contour, shape, form,
value and texture. These will be applied as we engage
in a variety of activities, such as drawing from still life,
large-scale environment, self-portrait, and the figure.
While drawing from observation will be our main focus,
abstract possibilities such as conveying mood and
movement through line will also be explored. Classes
will combine short exercises introducing skills and
concepts with longer, more individualized drawing
opportunities. A materials list will be posted by class title
on the district website www.needham.k12.ma.us under
Community Ed and Adult Education. Limited to 12.
10116.2 $115
8 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 909 7-9pm
March 13 – May 8 (no class April 17)
Enjoying Watercolor class
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
7

ART / BUSINESS & CAREERS
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Lavonne Suwalski, Instructor
The soft hues and translucent quality of watercolors
make them a uniquely appealing medium. Join
us as we learn various watercolor techniques and
experiment with colors and textures. Drawing is
an integral part of this class, but no experience
is necessary – we will learn and practice in a fun,
supportive environment! Please note that this class
is open to both beginning students and those with
some experience with watercolors. A materials list will
be posted by class title on the district website www.
needham.k12.ma.us under Community Ed and Adult
Education. Limited to 16.
10104.3 $115
8 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 907 4-6pm
February 26 – April 30 (no class March 26 & April 16)
10104.4 $115
8 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 907 6:30-8:30pm
February 26 – April 30 (no class March 26 & April 16)
Late Spring Classes:
10104.5 $89
6 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 907 4-6pm
May 7 – June 11
10104.6 $89
6 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 907 6:30-8:30pm
May 7 – June 11
BUSINESS & CAREERS
NEW
JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES
THAT GET RESULTS
Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch, Instructor
Are your job search methods getting you results Do
you post countless résumés on-line and never hear
a word Did you know that less than 1% of jobs are
gotten through answering ads In this workshop you
will learn how to streamline your job search process.
You will learn how to find unadvertised jobs and how
to optimize résumé-tracking systems to get your
résumé noticed. You will learn networking tips to
make the process painless and we will discuss how
to use LinkedIn for your job search. Please note:
this workshop is geared for individuals who are clear
about which career/field of work they are pursuing.
Limited to 14.
12102 $35
1 Wednesday @ NHS Room 406 7-9pm
March 6
NEW
LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA
FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH
Cathy Merlo, Instructor
Learn how you can effectively use social media to
help with your job search. Determine how you can
build a robust profile on LinkedIn, and the various
ways you can use Facebook and Twitter to increase
your “brand”. We will also cover other social media
sites to find networking contacts and learn more about
companies and industries that appeal to you. We
will take some time at the end of the class to answer
questions. Limited to 14.
12106 $30
1 Wednesday @ NHS Room 404 7-8:30pm
March 27
Teacher was engaging and
answered all of our questions;
and adjusted class to suit students’
needs
– Student in Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch’s Writing
Resumes class
8
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

COMPUTERS & ONLINE LEARNING
COMPUTERS & ONLINE
LEARNING
NEW
EXCEL FOR BEGINNERS
Josephine Antonellis, Instructor
Discover how easy it is to create and use spreadsheets
for home, school or office. In this course you will
learn the essential basics of Excel: how to enter
data; format a cell, table or worksheet; create simple
calculations; and create charts. This class is designed
for students who have little or no experience using
Excel. Bring a USB flash drive to class if you want
to take home your work and examples. This course
will be taught in a Mac lab, but the skills acquired will
transfer readily for PC users. Limited to 12.
10204 $105
3 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 409 6:30-8:30pm
March 6 – 20
NEW
WORD I
Josephine Antonellis, Instructor
In this beginner level course, students will gain a solid
understanding of the basic concepts and features in
Word. The course will primarily cover creating and
revising documents. You will learn how to format
text; add header and footer information; and enhance
documents by adding WordArt, inserting pictures,
shapes, borders, and tables. This class is designed for
students who have little or no experience using Word.
Bring a USB flash drive to class if you want to take
home your work and examples. This course will be
taught in a Mac lab, but the skills acquired will transfer
readily for PC users. Limited to 12.
10205 $105
3 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 409 6:30-8:30pm
March 27 – April 10
NEW
INTRO TO POWERPOINT
Josephine Antonellis, Instructor
Learn how to create professional and captivating
PowerPoint presentations. In this hands-on class,
you’ll learn how to create presentations from
existing templates, incorporate images from different
sources, and add animations and transitions to your
presentation. This class is designed for students who
have little or no experience using PowerPoint. Bring a
USB flash drive to class if you want to take home your
work and examples. This course will be taught in a
Mac lab, but the skills acquired will transfer readily for
PC users. Limited to 12.
10206 $105
3 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 409 6:30-8:30pm
April 24 – May 8
FREE ONLINE LEARNING
For Needham Residents Only
The Needham Public Library offers hundreds of
free courses online (for Needham residents only)
through Universal Class. With a growing catalog
of over 540 courses, Universal Class is committed
to providing only the most affordable and highest
quality online training. Go to http://library.minlib.net/
search and then click on Databases and then enter
your library card number (no spaces) – this will take
you to the Needham Library Database page. The
databases are listed alphabetically; look for Adult
Education – Universal Class. In order to see
course descriptions and to get started, you will need
to register using your name and email address.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
9

CRAFTS & SKILLS
CRAFTS & SKILLS
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sam Liggero, Instructor
Designed for the amateur photographer, this course
will help you develop a basic understanding of digital
cameras and accessories, as well as provide many
practical tips on how to get good results from your
camera under most shooting conditions. Students
should bring their camera (compact or single lens
reflex) and camera manual to class. Topics to be
covered include how digital cameras work, memory
cards, features and benefits of many currently available
digital cameras, use of manual and automatic modes,
lighting and composition, and how to organize, access
and back up images in a computer. We will also
review some common mistakes made by amateur
digital photographers and how to avoid them. Printing
and scanning options will be briefly reviewed and
demonstrated. Also, basic editing will be discussed
and demonstrated. Reference materials, including
all lecture slides from class, will be available online.
Familiarity with Windows or Macintosh operating
systems, while not required, but will be helpful to the
student. Limited to 14.
10355.2 $110
5 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 204 6:30-9pm
March 5 – April 9 (no class March 26)
The class exceeded my expectations
– so many best
things, Sam is great!”
– Student in Sam Liggero’s Digital Photography
class
Assisting Photoshop student
PHOTOSHOP FOR DIGITAL
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sam Liggero, Instructor
This course is designed for amateur digital photographers
who would like to learn more about image editing and
creation using Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
The course consists of four hands-on image editing
classes using i-Mac computers and Adobe Photoshop
CS3. You will learn how to adjust image size, exposure,
color, sharpness, and other parameters using several
Photoshop tools and techniques, including adjustment
layers, masks, and filters. You will also learn how to
make composite images and montages, selectively
change one portion or element of an image, and add
text to images. Multiple Photoshop shortcuts to enhance
productivity will be demonstrated and discussed, and the
differences between RAW and JPG image formats will
be explained. You will have access to the instructor’s
website which includes several video tutorials addressing
Photoshop techniques. Prerequisite: basic navigation
skills on the computer. It is recommended that students
have taken the Intro. to Digital Photography class or are
comfortable using their cameras. Limited to 12.
10391.3 $110
5 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 809 6:30-9pm
April 23 – May 21
10
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

CRAFTS & SKILLS
KNITTING: BEGINNING & BEYOND
Maria Elena Lynch, Instructor
Join this multi-level knitting class, perfect for beginners
to learn the basics, including how to cast on, knit, purl,
and bind off. Class is also appropriate for those with
some experience knitting who wish to practice and
perfect their skills. The instructor will bring knitting
needles and sample yarns to the first class to teach
the basic skills, and will provide instructions on how
to choose a project for the course. The Black Sheep
Knitting Company, at 1500 Highland Ave. in Needham,
offers a 10% discount on supplies for students in this
class. Please bring your email confirmation from our
NCE office (confirming your registration in the class)
to the shop before the second class so the staff can
assist you in choosing your project. Students are also
welcome to bring a basic unfinished project to class, if
they choose. Limited to 10.
10324.2 $95
6 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 702A 7-9pm
February 27 – April 3
Getting hands-on help in Knitting class
QUILT-MAKING FOR BEGINNERS
Lynne Godin, Instructor
It is a new world of quilting! Gone are the paper
templates and hours of laborious cutting. Learn rotary
cutting and machine strip piecing to make a small,
decorative quilt your family will treasure. You can bring
your own sewing machine to an easily accessible
classroom, or you can reserve one of the shop’s sewing
machines when you stop in to pick up the materials
and list. Some basic skill using a sewing machine is
recommended. Please stop in at the Button Box at least
a few days before class begins to get the materials list
and pick out your fabrics and notions. Limited to 12.
10318.2 $96
6 Thursdays @ The Button Box at 5 Overbrook Drive,
Wellesley 7-9pm
March 14 – April 25 (no class on April 4; please note
there will be class on April 18, during the school
vacation week)
UPHOLSTERY
Mike Woloshyn, Instructor
If you’ve put up with old, tired upholstery because of
the expense of hiring a professional, then join this
class and learn to do-it-yourself, and create a beautiful,
“like-new” piece of furniture. The class will focus on
reupholstering a chair (small chairs are recommended,
since they will need to be brought to and from each
class). Learn all the steps of upholstery, including
stripping the chair, choosing and determining the
amount of fabric, and making cushions. Bring tack
hammer, tack puller, good scissors, pliers, and chair
to the first class. Instructions on purchasing fabric will
be provided in class. (Use the back entrance to Pollard
Middle School, off of Bradford St. Park in back lot,
and enter through doors near the gyms.) Limited to 12.
10312.3 $115
8 Mondays @ Pollard School Room 104 6:30-9:30pm
April 1 – June 3 (no class April 15 & May 27)
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
11

CRAFTS & SKILLS
Concentrating on wheel-thrown project in Pottery
BEGINNING POTTERY
Julie Gold, Instructor
Express yourself in clay! In this beginning class, you
will learn basic hand building techniques to create oneof-a-kind
projects, both functional and decorative. You
may also try your hand at the potter’s wheel, as well
as work on advanced surface decoration and glazing.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that accompanies
the experience of working with clay as you develop
your skills. A materials fee of $15 is payable to the
instructor in class for the clay; tools, glazes, and firings
are included in the course fee. Finished projects will
be available for pick-up approximately 2 weeks after
the final class. Please indicate when registering if you
need clay or not (some returning students may have
some from last term’s class). Limited to 12.
10119.2 $169
8 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 807 7-9pm
February 27 – April 24 (no class April 17)
INTRODUCTION TO GLASS FUSING
Michel L’Huillier, Instructor
Glass fusing involves permanently binding different pieces
of glass at high temperature in a kiln. Using the extensive
color palette from the Bullseye Glass Company, and
through a series of fun exercises, you will discover the
basics of glass fusing. In the first class, you will learn about
tack-fusing and how to use stencils with glass powders
and frits. In the second class, you will learn to make a
ceramic fiber mold to create a ¼” thick relief tile with tinted
glass float glass, and also create a fused 8” by 8” bowl
or plate. Student creations will then be fused in the kiln
after the class; fused items from the second class can be
picked up in the Community Education office in the school
administration building after March 30th. A materials fee
of $85 is payable to the instructor for all the tools and the
selection of glasses. Students should bring a sketchpad
and safety glasses to class, and be sure to wear close-toed
shoes. Though the class will teach the basics of glass
fusing, it is open to those with experience as well. High
school students are welcome too! Limited to 10.
10375.2 $99
2 Saturdays @ NHS Room 807 10am-1pm
March 16 & 23
My daughter and I had so
much fun in this class!” ”
– Student in Michel L’Huillier’s Parent/Child Glass
Fusing class
PARENT/CHILD GLASS FUSING
WORKSHOP
Michel L’Huillier, Instructor
In this 2-hour workshop, you will learn the basics of
glass fusing techniques and have fun playing with colors
and shapes. Through a series of engaging exercises,
parents and children will work together with precut glass
pieces, glass frits and stringers, and glass powders
12
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

CRAFTS & SKILLS
and stencils. Each participant will create multiple small
pieces, necklaces, and one small bowl or plate. Student
creations will then be fused in the kiln after the class;
fused items can then be picked up at the classroom
the following Saturday, March 23, between 10am and
1pm, or at the Community Education office in the school
administration building after March 23. A materials fee
of $70 (per parent/child pair) is payable to the instructor
for all tools and the selection of glasses. Students
should bring safety goggles to class, and be sure to
wear close-toed shoes. This class is appropriate for
children 7-12 years old, when accompanied by a parent
or other adult. Limited to 7 parent/child pairs.
11324.2 $59 (per parent/child pair)
1 Saturday @ NHS Room 807 2-4pm
March 16
COLLAGE CARDS
Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch, Instructor
For those who really want to tap into their innate creativity,
join us to learn various assemblage techniques to
create beautiful one-of-a-kind cards suitable for giving
or framing. Using a wide assortment of materials, you
will learn techniques for layering, tearing and collage,
while focusing on design, composition and creativity.
All materials will be provided, but feel free to also bring
any colorful paper scraps and assorted embellishments
(buttons, string, etc.) to add to your creations. Enjoy
an evening out being creative, and come home with a
beautiful assortment of completed cards. A materials fee
of $12 is payable to the instructor in class. Please bring a
pair of scissors, a glue stick, and a roll of two-sided tape
to class. Limited to 12.
10303.2 $35
1 Wednesday @ NHS Room 702A 6:30-9pm
March 13
Unique Collage Card design
RECYCLED JEWELRY
Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch, Instructor
Learn how to transform everyday materials into unique,
fun and funky jewelry to give as gifts or enjoy wearing
yourself. Through teacher demonstration and hands-on
practice, you will learn techniques for turning ordinary
hardware store items and found objects into stunning
earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. You will leave with
at least one bracelet, 2 pairs of earrings, one necklace,
and components, tools, and ideas to make many more
pieces of recycled jewelry on your own at home. A
materials fee of $15 is payable to the instructor in class.
Please bring to class a pair of scissors with a point,
and flat and round nose jewelry pliers if you have them
(there will be a few to borrow in class if you don’t). High
school students are welcome! Children aged 8-12 years
old are welcome to register with a parent. Limited to 12.
10302.2 $35
1 Wednesday @ NHS Room 702A 6:30-9pm
March 27
SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND HEALTHY EATING!
Learn new skills for better health and the environment! See LIVING GREEN IN NEEDHAM series on page 6.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
13

DANCE
DANCE
BELLY DANCING
Zehara Nachash, Instructor
Learn the art of belly dance! Join us to learn and
practice the basic moves of belly dancing, from hip
circles to shimmies. This ancient form of dance will help
improve your posture and flexibility. Belly dance also
improves body image and provides a great workout.
You will learn a short choreography over the semester
that you can perform for family and friends. This class is
open to women with little or no dance experience but will
also include movements for intermediate to advanced
students. Wear comfortable clothing; no shoes required
– we’ll dance barefoot or you may bring socks. Please
bring a scarf of shawl to tie around your waist (some will
be available to borrow).
10409.2 $99
8 Tuesdays @ Eliot School Performance Center 6:30-
7:30pm
March 5 – May 7 (no class March 26 & April 16)
TAP DANCE WORKSHOP
Valery Marcantonio, Instructor
Learn how to tap dance, including the basic steps
and moves – or expand on your beginning tap dance
skills – in this class geared for both beginners and
advanced beginners. Each class will include a
warm-up, tap basics, and short combinations danced
to different styles of music, all in a fun, supportive
atmosphere. Join us for this class – you’ll learn this
terrific dance form, enjoy a different form of exercise
and you’ll always leave feeling good! Flat tap shoes
are recommended and can be purchased at Capezio
Dance Store in Wellesley. Limited to 14.
10403.2 $115
6 Thursdays @ NHS Room 612 (Chorus Room)
6-7pm
February 28 – April 4
Tap dancing with students
WORLD DANCE JAM
Hsiu-Hui Chen, Instructor
Experience the joy of dancing while improving your
fitness level too! This fun, high-energy dance class
includes a combination of Nia, Zumba, Chinese, and
other dances. No prior dance experience is necessary;
all levels are welcome to try out this fusion class. Wear
loose, comfortable clothing, and dance sneakers (or
any shoes that you’re comfortable dancing in). Please
bring a water bottle to class; dancing will make you
thirsty! Limited to 18.
10444.2 $109
8 Wednesdays @ Eliot School Performance Center
6:30-7:30pm
March 6 – May 1 (no class April 17)
Hsiu-Hui is fabulous – the
class is full of joy and great
exercise
–Student in Hsiu-Hui Chen’s World Dance Jam
class
14
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

DANCE / EXERCISE
ZUMBA®
Sandra Thorbjornsen, Instructor
Working out and getting in shape has never been so
much fun! Zumba® fuses Latin rhythms and easy
to follow moves for a terrific fitness program that’s
effective, and fun too. The routines feature intervaltraining
sessions where fast and slow rhythms and
resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt
your body while burning fat – all while listening to
Latin and international music. Join us to experience
Zumba®, a revolutionary approach to exercising –
one you’ll want to stick with because it’s so much fun!
Please wear cross trainers or dance shoes, fitness
attire, and bring a water bottle to class. Please note
that we are offering two sections of this class, back to
back – to help accommodate the high demand for it!
Limited to 24.
10429.5 $109
8 Thursdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 6-7pm
February 28 – April 25 (no class April 18)
10429.6 $109
8 Thursdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 7-8pm
February 28 – April 25 (no class April 18)
Late Spring Classes:
10429.7 $69
5 Thursdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 6-7pm
May 9 – June 6
10429.8 $69
5 Thursdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 7-8pm
May 9 – June 6
EXERCISE, HEALTH &
WELL-BEING
ADVANCED BEGINNING PILATES
Sarah Roberts, Instructor
This class is designed for those who have some prior
experience with Pilates, either with Sarah Roberts or
another instructor. We will move at a slightly quicker
pace than an introductory Pilates class, and include
some more challenging exercises. Please bring an
exercise/yoga mat and water bottle to class. Limited
to 18.
10422.3 $95
7 Tuesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 4:30-
5:30pm
March 5 – April 30 (no class March 26 & April 16)
10422.4 $95
7 Tuesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 5:30-
6:30pm
March 5 – April 30 (no class March 26 & April 16)
Late Spring Classes:
10422.5 $79
6 Tuesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 4:30-
5:30pm
May 7 – June 11
10422.6 $79
6 Tuesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 5:30-
6:30pm
May 7 – June 11
MORE ZUMBA!
For a great NEW fitness class, see the NEW ZUMBA TONING class under the Exercise classes in the next section!
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
15

EXERCISE, HEALTH & WELL-BEING
NEW
HULA HOOPING
Kat Suwalski, Instructor
Learn to unleash your inner child with cardio based
hula hooping! It is an exciting way to broaden your
workout while creating a healthy body and mind.
Hooping conditions your core, works on proper body
alignment, boosts flexibility and stability, and lowers
stress with an exhilarating aerobic total body workout.
No prior hooping experience is required! The hoops
are used as resistance training for all levels. Wear
exercise clothes, bring a water bottle and an open
mind, and watch as you laugh your way to a “new” you.
Hoops are provided and are available for purchase.
Limited to 16.
10446 $99
7 Thursdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 5-6pm
February 28 – April 11
NEW
ZUMBA® TONING
Sandra Thorbjornsen, Instructor
Zumba Toning combines basic Zumba fitness
moves with a toning stick to strengthen and tone
your muscles. The movements and rhythms are set
to fast-paced, entertaining music. Zumba dance
moves will be interspersed with sculpting and toning
exercises that emphasize the use of a toning stick.
Use of the toning stick improves your movement
and helps you focus on toning different body parts,
including arms, thighs, and butt. Join us for this
exuberant dance and fitness class – and get toned
for spring and summer! Please wear cross trainers or
dance shoes, fitness attire, and bring a water bottle
to class. There will be a fee of $20, payable to the
instructor in class, for a pair of 1 pound Zumba toning
sticks. Limited to 16.
10445 $109
8 Mondays @ Eliot School Performance Center 7-8pm
March 4 – May 6 (no class March 25 & April 15)
Moving with energy in Zumba
20/20/20 WORKOUT
Pearl Pressman, Instructor
Have you been looking for a class to help you become
more active and healthy This 8-week class will help you
build a leaner, more sculpted body, improve your posture
and balance, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. You
will also learn proper weight training techniques, which
is the key to success. We will start with 20 minutes of
low-impact aerobics, followed by 20 minutes of strength
training exercises for all the major muscle groups of
the body, and then conclude with 20 minutes of gentle
stretching exercises to increase flexibility and reduce
muscle tension. The class will be geared for participants
of all fitness levels and abilities. Please wear comfortable
workout clothing, and appropriate footwear for the
aerobics portion of class, and bring a set of light hand
weights (3-5 pounds), a mat or towel, and water to class.
Please note: you can take this class once a week, on
either Mondays or Wednesdays, or register for both days
at a discounted rate. Also note different class times.
10428.7 $79
6 Mondays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 7:30-
8:30pm
February 25 – April 8 (no class March 25)
16
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

EXERCISE, HEALTH & WELL-BEING
10428.8 $95
7 Wednesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817)
7-8pm
February 27 – April 10
10428.9 $155 (for two days/week)
6 Mondays & 7 Wednesdays @ NHS Dance Studio
(Room 817)
At 7:30-8:30pm (Mon.) and 7-8pm (Wed.)
(See dates listed above)
Late Spring Classes:
10428.10 $79
6 Mondays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 7:30-
8:30pm
April 22 – June 3 (no class May 27)
10428.11 $95
7 Wednesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817)
7-8pm
April 24 – June 5
10428.12 $155 (for two days/week)
6 Mondays & 7 Wednesdays @ NHS Dance Studio
(Room 817)
At 7:30-8:30pm (Mon.) and 7-8pm (Wed.)
(See dates listed above)
10441.2 $125
8 Tuesdays @ High Rock School Cafeteria 7:30-
8:30pm
February 26 – April 30 (no class March 26 & April 16)
BEGINNING SPINNING
Hildi Arnold, Insructor
“Spinning” is a great group fitness experience – perfect
for athletes wanting to try a new fitness routine, or
those wanting a challenging workout to get back into
shape. This 8-session course is geared towards
those who are new to “spinning” workouts. You will be
coached through a series of positions on a stationary
bike and taught to adapt your workout to your own
fitness level. The instructor uses upbeat music and
enthusiastic coaching to motivate all participants
throughout the session to challenge themselves at their
own level of fitness. Join us for this introduction to an
exhilarating fitness experience – to stay healthy, feel
better, and get in shape! Limited to 18.
10440.2 $69
8 Tuesdays @ Needham High School Spin Room (815)
5:45-6:25pm
March 5 – May 7 (no class March 26 & April 16)
BEGINNING FENCING
Cesar Morales, Coach & Owner, International Fencing
Club, Instructor
Are you looking for a new way to get and stay in
shape Join us for this introduction to fencing, a sport
that demands technical skill, good footwork, timing,
mobility, speed and poise. And, the coordination
and timing required will challenge your mind as well.
Beyond the physical and mental workout, you will
find out why fencing is also regarded as an art form
and a deeply personal, individual form of expression.
International Fencing Club will provide all equipment
needed. Just wear loose, comfortable clothing – and
get ready to be “en guarde!” Limited to 15 students.
Sharing a laugh in Spin class
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
17

EXERCISE, HEALTH & WELL-BEING
SPINNING
Instructors: Hildi Arnold (Tuesdays) & Diana Parkhurst
(Thurdays)
“Spinning” is a great group fitness experience. If
you have experience spinning, either with Needham
Community Ed classes, or in another setting – this
class is perfect for you! The instructor uses upbeat
music and enthusiastic coaching to motivate all
participants throughout the session to challenge
themselves at their own level of fitness. Join us for this
exhilarating fitness experience – to stay healthy, feel
better, and get in shape! Register early for this popular
exercise class! Limited to 18.
10430.7 $75
6 Tuesdays @ Needham High School Spin Room
(815) 6:30-7:30pm
February 26 – April 9 (no class March 26)
10430.8 $85
7 Thursdays @ Needham High School Spin Room
(815) 6:30-7:30pm
February 28 – April 11
10430.9 $145
6 Tuesdays & 7 Thursdays @ Needham High School
Spin Room (815) 6:30-7:30pm
(See dates listed above)
Late Spring Class:
10430.10 $99
8 Tuesdays @ Needham High School Spin Room
(815) 6:30-7:30pm
April 23 – June 11
10430.11 $99
8 Thursdays @ Needham High School Spin Room
(815) 6:30-7:30pm
April 25 – June 13
10430.12 $179
8 Tuesdays & 8 Thursdays @ Needham High School
Spin Room (815) 6:30-7:30pm
(See dates listed above)
EARLY MORNING BOOT CAMP
Diana Parkhurst, Instructor
Are you serious about becoming more fit With the
right fitness instruction, you can become fit and feel
healthier at any age, and have fun doing it! If you are
looking to lose weight and/or are eager to work on
getting back in shape, this class will help you achieve
your goals. This early morning class will include a
dynamic warm-up/stretch and a variety of strength
and fitness activities, delivered at a moderate pace to
help improve current fitness levels. Join us to get fit
and energized, and jumpstart your way to a healthier
lifestyle! Note: The exercises can be adapted for
varying levels of fitness, but participants should be
comfortable running or jogging for short distances.
Please wear athletic shoes and clothes comfortable for
exercising. Limited to 18.
10442.5 $159
7 Mondays & 7 Wednesdays @ NHS A Gym & Fitness
Center 6:15-7:15am
February 25 – April 10
Late Spring Class:
10442.6 $169
7 Mondays & 8 Wednesdays @ NHS A Gym & Fitness
Center 6:15-7:15am
April 22 – June 12 (no class May 27)
EARLY AM STRENGTH TRAINING
WORKOUT
Susie Kaplan, Instructor
Come join us for a fun, high-energy strength-training
workout that will help you create lean muscle mass
and burn body fat. Through the use of free weights
and other equipment you will tone, sculpt, and build
muscle strength through functional movements. The
workout will also increase your flexibility, balance, core
strength, and result in improved posture. Find out
just how much better you can look and feel! Please
wear comfortable workout clothing and bring 2 sets of
hand weights (light and heavy) and a water bottle to
18
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

EXERCISE, HEALTH & WELL-BEING
class. There will be some weights available to borrow.
Limited to 16.
10425.2 $109
8 Fridays @ NHS Room 817 (Dance Studio) 6:15-
7:15am
March 1 – May 3 (no class March 29 & April 19)
This class exceeded my
expectations – there was a
lot of variety and it was very
motivating
– Student in Susie Kaplan’s Early Morning
Strength Training Workout
NIA FOR HEALTH & FITNESS
Hsiu-Hui Chen, Instructor
Experience the joy of movement while improving your
fitness level and your sense of well-being. Developed
by fitness experts determined to make getting in
shape more enjoyable, the Nia technique combines
movements and concepts from Modern dance, Yoga,
Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Jazz dance, Aikido, and other
movement forms. Nia helps improve cardiovascular
health, strength, flexibility, and toning – and is fun and
relaxing too! No prior training is necessary – all are
welcome. Wear loose, comfortable clothing; no shoes
required – we’ll go barefoot. Please bring a water
bottle and a yoga mat for stretching at end of session.
Limited to 18.
10718.2 $109
8 Mondays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 6:20-
7:20pm
March 4 – May 6 (no class March 25 & April 15)
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI
Scott Brumit, Instructor
Tai Chi is one of the ancient martial arts from China
that has become widely popular today as a gentle
form of exercise that promotes health, strength and
relaxation. The slow motion and controlled movements
make it an ideal form of exercise for men and women
of all ages. Regular practice of Tai Chi can increase
flexibility and stamina, reduce stress, improve balance
and re-energize you, both physically and emotionally.
It is one of the only forms of exercise that becomes
easier the longer it is studied, so skill and proficiency
can continue to improve even as one gets older.
Come join us to learn the Hwa-Yu form of Tai Chi to
improve your sense of well-being and learn a lifelong
skill for good health. No experience is necessary –
beginners and intermediates are welcome! Please
wear loose, comfortable clothing.
10704.2 $75
6 Thursdays @ Broadmeadow Performance Center
6:30-7:30pm
February 28 – April 11 (no class March 14)
YOGA FOR EVERY BODY
Carol Oberle, Instructor
Calm your mind, relax and tone your body, and nourish
your spirit with Hatha Yoga. This gentle and effective
style of yoga encourages being compassionate with
your body and adapting postures according to ability.
This multilevel class will challenge all students while
providing a safe, nurturing environment for beginners.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a
yoga mat to class. Limited to 18.
10706.2 $109
8 Tuesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 7:30-
8:45pm
March 5 – May 7 (no class March 26 & April 16)
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
19

EXERCISE, HEALTH & WELL-BEING
MOTHER/DAUGHTER YOGA FOR
EVERY BODY
Carol Oberle, Instructor
Moms – enjoy a fun and relaxing activity with your
daughter and join us for this special yoga class. Calm
your mind, relax and tone your body, and nourish your
spirit with Hatha Yoga. This gentle and effective style of
yoga will improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness
in a non-competitive environment. This multilevel class will
provide a great way for mothers and daughters to connect
in an activity that will promote relaxation, acceptance, and
compassion for self as well as friends and family. The
recommended age for girls is 9-18 (mothers can be any
age!). Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a
yoga mat to class. Limited to 8 mother/daughter pairs.
11322.2 $119 (per mother/daughter pair)
6 Tuesdays @ NHS Dance Studio (Room 817) 6:30-
7:30pm
March 12 – April 30 (no class March 26 & April 16)
EASYOGA TM FOR OLDER ADULTS
Steffi Shapiro, Instructor
EasYoga TM is a gentle form of yoga that is especially
suited to older adults. Most of the exercises can be
done while sitting in a chair or in a comfortable standing
position. The gentle stretches and simple movements
provide flexibility and strengthening for the neck,
shoulders, abdomen and other parts of the body. They
also help to release tension throughout the body. We
will use simple breathing, concentration, and meditative
exercises to relax the mind as well as the body.
The various relaxation techniques can be practiced
throughout the day and are a helpful way to combat
insomnia. Come join us to experience how the practice
of yoga can boost self-confidence and memory, as well
as improve overall strength, coordination and flexibility!
More information can be found about EasYoga TM on the
website www.elder-yoga.com
10703.3 $59
7 Tuesdays @ Stephen Palmer Center 9:15-10:15 am
March 5 – April 30 (no class April 9 & 16)
Late Spring Class:
10703.4 $49
6 Tuesdays @ Stephen Palmer Center 9:15-10:15 am
May 7 – June 11
SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES FOR
THE WHOLE FAMILY:
See Children’s and Family Classes Listed Below!
SELF-DEFENSE: COMBAT SAMBO –
RUSSIAN SURVIVAL SYSTEM
Grandmaster Michael Galperin, Instructor
Combat Sambo, a Russian self-defense style,
incorporates the most effective survival techniques
from Judo, Jiujitsu, Karate, Aikido, Kung Fu, and
others. Students learn practical applications of selfdefense
techniques in a variety of situations. Boost
your confidence, health and fitness level by learning
this unique martial art form. Visit the website for more
information: www.combatsambo.com
SELF-DEFENSE: COMBAT SAMBO –
ADULT & FAMILY CLASSES
Note: Participants may join classes at any time; cost
will be pro-rated.
For adults and teens and children aged 12 and
older:
Winter Classes:
11504.4 $154
11 Tuesdays @ High Rock School Gym 7:30-9pm
January 8 – March 26 (no class February 19)
11504.5 $168
12 Thursdays @ High Rock School Gym 7:30-9pm
January 3 – March 28 (no class February 21)
11504.6 $253
11 Tuesdays & 12 Thursdays @ High Rock School
Gym 7:30-9pm
January 3 – March 28 (no class February 19 & 21)
20
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

EXERCISE, HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Spring Classes:
11504.7 $140
10 Tuesdays @ High Rock School Gym 7:30-9pm
April 2 – June 11 (no class April 16)
11504.8 $140
10 Thursdays @ High Rock School Gym 7:30-9pm
April 4 – June 13 (no class April 18)
11504.9 $220
10 Tuesdays & 10 Thursdays @ High Rock School
Gym 7:30-9pm
April 2 – June 13 (no class April 16 & 18)
Spring Classes:
11514.7 $140
10 Tuesdays @ High Rock School Gym 6:30-7:30pm
April 2 – June 11 (no class April 16)
11514.8 $140
10 Thursdays @ High Rock School Gym 6:30-7:30pm
April 4 – June 13 (no class April 18)
11514.9 $253
10 Tuesdays & 10 Thursdays @ High Rock School
Gym 6:30-7:30pm
April 2 – June 13 (no class April 16 & 18)
SELF-DEFENSE: COMBAT SAMBO –
CHILDREN’S CLASSES
Note: Participants may join classes at any time; cost
will be pro-rated.
For boys and girls 4-12 years of age
Winter Classes:
11514.4 $154
11 Tuesdays @ High Rock School Gym 6:30-7:30pm
January 8 – March 26 (no class February 19)
11514.5 $168
12 Thursdays @ High Rock School Gym 6:30-7:30pm
January 3 – March 28 (no class February 21)
MEDITATION FOR EVERY DAY LIFE
Elizabeth Spark, MD, Instructor
Come join us to learn how new findings in brain
science can inspire and support us in cultivating
meditation practices. You will come to appreciate
how these techniques to promote “brain fitness” can
bring about many positive benefits for both our wellbeing
and effectiveness in our everyday life. Different
meditation techniques will be explored, so each student
can discover which method best fits their needs. Wear
loose, comfortable clothing; we will meditate sitting in
comfortable seats. Limited to 18.
10719.2 $79
6 Thursdays @ NHS Media Center 6-7pm
March 7 – April 11
Class went above and beyond
and my expectations
were already high!
– Student in Dr. Elizabeth Spark’s Meditation class
11514.6 $253
11 Tuesdays & 12 Thursdays @ High Rock School
Gym 6:30-7:30pm
January 3 – March 28 (no class February 19 & 21)
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
21

HEALTH & WELL-BEING
COMMUNICATION FROM
THE HEART: AN APPROACH
TO MANAGING STRESS
Elizabeth Spark, MD, Instructor
In this two-session course, we will discover the impact
that language has on our peace of mind, when we
fail to recognize the many subtle ways in which we
coerce and judge ourselves. We will also focus on
the principles of Nonviolent Communication and
learn how to use this inspiring model to support a
way of speaking and listening that results in heartfelt
connection, even in the most challenging situations.
These insights and skills can readily enhance our
well-being as well as our relationships. For more
information on Nonviolent Communication, go to www.
cnvc.org Limited to 18.
10721.2 $69
2 Thursdays @ NHS Media Center 6-8:30pm
April 25 & May 2
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE:
THE NEW SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS
Lisa Borchetta and Carol Gray, Instructors
The new scientific study of well-being shows us that
we can all be happier. Learn what the latest research
has to say about happiness. We will experiment with
proven happiness-boosting practices and explore
different aspects of well-being, such as gratitude,
meaning, working with character strengths, improving
relationships, and adopting healthy habits. You will learn
about the unexpected benefits of happiness and the
reasons why it’s often easier to see what’s going wrong
in your life than it is to notice what’s going right. Several
diagnostic tools will help you determine your current
level of happiness, pinpoint the specific happinessenhancing
activities that best suit you, and discover your
unique character strengths. Limited to 16.
10723.2 $59
2 Thursday @ NHS Room 402 7-9pm
March 28 & April 4
The instructors and the very
comprehensive packet given to
us – were both wonderful!
– Student in Living the Good Life with Lisa
Borchetta and Carol Gray
NEW
NOW WHAT NAVIGATING
THROUGH LIFE’S TRANSITIONS
Cindy Loughran, Instructor
Are you experiencing a transition in your life Maybe
you are or are about to be an empty nester, or you
have been at the same job or career for a long time
and you are ready for a change. Perhaps you’ve
always identified yourself by the roles you’ve played
and now you just want to be you. Or, maybe you are
ready to finally do those things that for years you’ve
been saying you’ll do ‘as soon as…” For those ready
to take action, this workshop will provide clarity,
support, and creative ideas so that you can go through
your particular transition with ease and fun. We will
focus on identifying what is next for you, creating a
roadmap to get there, setting yourself up to succeed,
overcoming obstacles, and staying motivated. Limited
to 12 students.
10724 $75
3 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 402 7-8:30pm
March 13 – 27
REV UP YOUR METABOLISM:
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT &
INCREASE ENERGY
Lyn Schwartz, Instructor
Are you fed up with your increasing weight Do you
grab food without thinking about how it will affect
your blood sugar and energy level If so, join us
for this 5-session, innovative nutrition and weight
22
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

HEALTH & WELL-BEING / FINANCE
loss program. Each participant will be given an
individually tailored eating plan, designed to rev up
your metabolism and stabilize your blood sugar level
for lasting energy throughout the day. Discover how
small changes in your eating patterns can help you
feel better and lose weight too! Taught by a registered
dietitian and nutritionist who lost 20 pounds herself
by becoming a disciplined eater. Start eating well
and living well now! This class includes a FREE
introductory session on March 4*; to register to attend
this session please call the NCE office at 781-455-
0400 x235. For those registering for the full course,
the introductory session on March 4 will be the first
class. There will be a materials fee of approximately
$3, payable to the instructor in class. Limited to 20.
10713.2 $109
5 Mondays @ Pollard School Media Center
March 4* (7-8pm for first class)
& March 11 – April 8 7-8:30pm (no class March 25)
NEW
SENSITIVE TOUCH MASSAGE
Nancy Wilde, Instructor
Learn how to share healing touch with your friends and
family to help create relaxation and relieve minor aches
and pains. You will learn simple skills appropriate
for the non-professional to use at home and with no
special table or equipment required. In class you will
both practice and experience hands-on massage skills
to be applied over the clothing on the following areas
of the body: the neck, head and back, arms, and hands
and feet. Register with a friend or partner or come solo
– safe boundaries for touch and privacy will always be
honored in class and no disrobing is required. Please
wear comfortable clothing and bring one or two bed
pillows and a towel to class. NOTE: Anyone with an
injury, medical condition, or physical limitation should
contact the instructor directly prior to class at nan.
wilde@yahoo.com. Limited to 10.
10725 $85
4 Wednesdays @ Pollard School Room 100 7-9pm
March 13 – April 3
FINANCE
NEW
FINANCIAL PLANNING
FOR WOMEN
Andrea Winterer, CFP ®, Instructor
Women confront some unique challenges when
it comes to personal finances – they have lower
retirement savings and pensions than men due to time
out of the work force, but at the same time, a much
longer life expectancy. And women consistently give
themselves poor scores when asked to assess their
knowledge of investments and financial planning.
This course aims to change this! Join us for a gentle
introduction to key topics in financial planning. Topics
to be covered include: insurance, whether it’s needed,
and how much; retirement savings, from Roth IRAs
to 401Ks; taxes; and cash reserves. Gain confidence
along with knowledge to empower you for your
financial future! Limited to 16.
10512 $79
3 Thursdays @ NHS Room 404 7-8:30pm
March 14 - 28
4 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
BY FAX
BY PHONE
BY MAIL
✎ COME IN
FAX registration form
to 781-455-0417.
Call us at 781-455-
0400 x235.
Mail registration
form to Needham
Community Education,
1330 Highland
Avenue, Needham,
MA 02492.
Come to our office at
1330 Highland Avenue
(1st floor), 8am-4pm,
Monday - Friday.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
23

FOOD & BEER
FOOD & BEER
COOKING WITH DAVE AT
SWEET BASIL
Dave Becker, Instructor/Chef
Savor the aroma, the ambiance and the delectable dishes
of one of Needham’s hottest restaurants, as Chef Dave
demonstrates his talents in the kitchen. The class includes
ample portions to sample and recipes to take home. You’ll
be entertained, sated, and relaxed, and pick up some
great cooking tips too! Dave will offer this class on two
dates, with two different menus, outlined below – register
for one or both. Participants are encouraged to bring their
own wine if they choose. Signed copies of Dave Becker’s
new illustrated cookbook, Stewed, will be available for
purchase at each class. Note: This is a popular class so
we advise faxing or calling in your registration for the best
chance of getting in. Limited to 30.
MENU #1:
Dave will prepare Portuguese Kale Soup with Chorizo
and Apples, Crab-stuffed Phyllo with Spring Greens
and a Tomato Vinaigrette, and Pan-roasted Duck
Breast with Wild Mushrooms and Taleggio Whipped
Potatoes.
10603.2 $79
1 Sunday @ Sweet Basil, 942 Great Plain Avenue,
Needham 2-4pm
March 3
MENU #2:
Dave will prepare White Bean Soup with Tarragon-
Poached Lobster, a Watercress Salad with a
Homemade Yogurt Dressing and Sweet Potato Crisps,
and Spring Lamb Chops over West Indian-Spiced
Garbanzo Beans with Plantain Chips and Sweet
Ginger Chutney.
10603.3 $79
1 Sunday @ Sweet Basil, 942 Great Plain Avenue,
Needham 2-4pm
April 7
Dave cooking in Sweet Basil’s kitchen
CHEESE CLASS AT WASIK’S
CHEESE SHOP
Brian Wasik, Owner of The Cheese Shop, Instructor
This very interactive and slightly over-indulgent two hour
class in all things cheese is taught by second generation
cheesemonger Brian Wasik. We will start with a
“cheese 101” tutorial, followed by extensive tasting of
multiple cheeses from different cheese families. The
evening will also include making fresh ricotta cheese,
and finishing with a cheese fondue – with ample
samplings for all. Join us for this fun, informative, and
delectable evening! Note: This is a very popular class,
so we advise faxing or calling in your registration for the
best chance of getting in. Limited to 20.
10616.3 $69
1 Monday @ The Cheese Shop (Wasik’s), 61 Central
St., Wellesley 7-9pm
March 18
10616.4 $69
1 Monday @ The Cheese Shop (Wasik’s), 61 Central
St., Wellesley 7-9pm
April 29
24
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

FOOD & BEER
Class was great, relaxing, wellorganized,
fun & delicious!
– Student in one of Brian Wasik’s Cheese classes
share, along with the recipes so that you can make the
desserts at home. Limited to 10.
10621.2 $69
1 Tuesday @ Newman Elementary School Cafeteria
6-9pm
March 12
CREATIVE GLUTEN-FREE
COOKING
Anna Simon, Instructor
Are you new to gluten-free cooking and don’t know
what to make for dinner Or how to make various
dishes This one-evening course will introduce you to
new healthy ways to prepare your meals. Using simple
recipes, you will create dishes that are easy, elegant,
and delicious. You’ll prepare homemade dinners such
as Cedar Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad, Chicken
Piccata, Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries, and
a Fresh Green Salad with Classic Dijon Vinaigrette.
Take home samples and recipes for your whole family
to enjoy. Bring containers for your samples. The fee
includes all food costs. Limited to 10.
10620.2 $69
1 Tuesday @ Newman Elementary School Cafeteria
6-9pm
March 5
CREATIVE GLUTEN-FREE
BAKING
Anna Simon, Instructor
Discover how baking with gluten-free flours can be
both healthy and delicious. We’ll explore various
grains and flours, such as sorghum, millet, quinoa,
coconut and sweet rice flour. Learn basic baking
techniques and create treats and desserts that will
amaze your friends and family. We will prepare
Molten Chocolate Cakes, Gingerbread Cupcakes with
Maple Glaze, Apple Crisp a La Mode and Raspberry
Thumbprint Cookies. You will take home samples to
BREW YOUR OWN BEER
Dan Eng, Owner of Barleycorn’s Brewery, Instructor
Join us for two fun evenings brewing and bottling
your own beer! At Barleycorn’s Craft Brew, you will
learn the basics of beer brewing. You measure out
malt grains, extracts, hops and yeast, add them at
specified times into the steam-fired copper kettles and
stir the mixture during the boil. You will brew in the
first session and return in three weeks to bottle and
label your beer with your own custom designed labels.
Bottles may be purchased from Barleycorn’s Craft
Brew (at $12/case), or you may bring your own. You
will finish with a newfound knowledge of brewing beer
AND, more importantly, a case of personalized beer
that you made! A materials fee of $25 is payable in
class for all ingredients used. For more information
about beers and craft brewing go to www.barleycorn.
com Limited to 15.
10618.2 $35 (plus materials fee of $25 paid in
class)
2 Thursdays @ Barleycorn’s Craft Brewery, 21
Summer Street, Natick 01760 6:30-8:30pm
March 7 & 28
REGISTER EARLY!
We occasionally have to cancel classes due to
low enrollment, and make this decision a few days
before the class start date. Please don’t wait
until the last minute to register for a class you are
interested in, because we hope to run as many
classes as possible!
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
25

HOBBIES / HOME, GARDEN & AUTO
HOBBIES
BEGINNING BRIDGE
Anand Lele, Instructor
Bridge is the ultimate partnership problem-solving
game – it’s enjoyable, it’s social, and it helps players
stay mentally sharp. If this appeals to you, then join
us to learn the basics of this popular and challenging
card game. The emphasis in this class will be on
learning the logic associated with “The Standard
American 5 Card Majors” bidding system. Every
class session will include instruction followed by
supervised bidding and play. You will also receive
comprehensive and easy-to-understand handouts to
assist you in learning the game. This beginning class
is appropriate for both students totally new to the
game and those who have played before but need a
review of the basics. Limited to 16.
10808.2 $119
8 Thursdays @ NHS Room 205F 5:45-7:30pm
March 14 – May 9 (no class April 18)
Smiling through the bidding in Bridge class
NEW
BRIDGE CLINIC
Anand Lele, Instructor
Join us to hone your bridge playing skills in a relaxed
setting! Designed for beginning and advanced
beginning bridge players, this “clinic” class is a
great opportunity to play bridge with others at your
level, and receive tips and instruction along the way.
Prerequisite: a beginning bridge class or some basic
knowledge of how to play the game. Perfect for those
who are not ready to take a more advanced “play of
the hand” class. Limited to 16.
10812 $119
8 Thursdays @ NHS Room 205F 7:30-9:15pm
March 14 – May 9 (no class April 18)
HOME, GARDEN &
AUTO
DE-CLUTTER, SIMPLIFY –
GET ORGANIZED!
Marilyn Cruickshank, Instructor, Owner of Creative
Simplicity Professional Organizing, LLC
Are you surrounded by too much stuff, drowning under
too much paper, and overwhelmed by too many things
to do We need simple solutions for these complicated
times and the overload that all of us deal with on a
daily basis. You will learn to tackle the ‘hot’ spots of
home organization – with a focus on clutter, managing
your paper, and using time effectively. You will also get
tips and techniques to get all of your family members
involved in the organizing process, helping you all
practice the “less is more” approach. Taught by a
professional organizer, this class will provide strategies
and motivation to make small changes that will have a
big impact to help you organize and simplify your life!
10922.2 $30
1 Wednesday @ NHS Room 406 7-9pm
March 27
26
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

HOME, GARDEN & AUTO
NEW
ASK THE ORGANIZER
Marilyn Cruickshank, Instructor, Owner of Creative
Simplicity Professional Organizing, LLC
Do you have an area or room in your home that
needs organizing help Here is your chance to get
advice from a professional organizer and hear from
others who are experiencing similar chaos! Bring
your organizing challenges (photos are welcome)
to the class and we’ll help you come up with some
systems and solutions to put to work in your space,
offering advice and encouragement to tackle your
organizing challenges. Attendees will also take
home handouts to supplement their organizing
strategies. Limited to 12.
10930 $39
1 Thursday @ NHS Room 406 6:30-9pm
April 4
Instructor is very engaging –
class was interesting and lots
of fun!”
– Student in Elizabeth Lahren’s Extreme
Couponing class
EXTREME COUPONING
Elizabeth Lahrens, Instructor
Do you watch the Extreme Couponing show and
want to know how they do it Or, have you been
eager to cut down on your monthly expenses but not
sure how to begin If so, join us for this fun class
to learn how you can drastically save on groceries,
organic foods, prescriptions, airfare, clothing,
household items, and much more. You will learn
the tricks of the trade from an experienced extreme
couponer – one who was able to get a $375 grocery
bill down to zero! No matter what your income level,
you will gain valuable tips on how to start saving
more of your hard-earned money with extreme
couponing. Note: participants are encouraged to
bring a non-perishable food item to class to donate
to the Needham Community Council food pantry
(since Elizabeth strongly believes that as you learn
to get more for less, you can donate to organizations
and people in need). Limited to 24.
10926.2 $35
1 Monday @ NHS Room 402 6:30-9pm
March 11
10926.3 $35
1 Monday @ NHS Room 402 6:30-9pm
April 8
LOW MAINTENANCE GARDENING:
SPRING WORKSHOP
Joanne Neale, Owner of Garden Mentor, Instructor
Were you disappointed with last year’s garden Do
you need to update your overgrown landscape
Most importantly – do you feel you are spending too
much time and money on landscape maintenance
If you answered yes to any of these questions, join
us for this two-session class to learn how to cultivate
a beautiful but low maintenance garden. We will
focus on techniques for designing, planting, and
maintaining an inexpensive and environmentally
responsible garden. In addition, you will be
introduced to some new plants to enhance your
garden this spring, including lesser-known, easycare
trees, evergreens, flowering shrubs, bulbs,
perennials, and ground covers for sun or shade,
wet or dry sites. This course includes a photopresentation
of plants, useful hand-outs to take
home, and time for specific questions.
10917 $59
2 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 202 7-9pm
March 5 & 12
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
27

HOME, GARDEN & AUTO
NEW
SPRING EPHEMERALS &
OTHER DELIGHTS
Jana Milbocker and Joan Butler, Instructors
There are hundreds of species of wildflowers that are
native to the woodlands of northeastern North America.
In this one-evening workshop, we will describe and
illustrate the delicate and often fleeting beauty of
early spring blooming perennials such as Bloodroot,
Jeffersonia, Hepatica and Epimedium. Descriptions
of their habitats and ideal growing conditions highlight
their unique adaptations and encourage both their
conservation and inclusion in the home garden. We
will share with you where to purchase and how to
incorporate these wonderful additions to your gardens.
10931 $35
1 Tuesday @ NHS Room 202 7-8:30pm
March 19
NEW
DESIGNING SHADY
RETREATS
Jana Milbocker and Joan Butler, Instructors
Shady retreats present special challenges for design,
plant selection and site preparation. In this lecture,
richly illustrated with beautiful photographs, we will
explore a variety of intriguing gardens that will inspire
you to create your own shady retreats! We show you
design tricks and strategies to light up shady corners,
provide soil recommendations, highlight unusual
plants that thrive in low-light conditions, and illustrate
the creative use of art objects, seating, and water
features.
10932 $35
1 Thursday @ NHS Room 202 7-8:30pm
April 4
NEW
PROPAGATING PERENNIALS
WORKSHOP
Jana Milbocker and Joan Butler, Instructors
Knowing how to propagate perennials enables you to
increase your collection, replace mature plants, grow
a range of perennials that may not be offered for sale,
and even to produce new hybrids! Learn different
propagation skills including growing from seed, cuttings,
and divisions of a wide range of perennials in this
workshop that combines lecture and demonstrations.
10933 $35
1 Thursday @ NHS Room 202 7-8:30pm
April 25
NEW
BASIC AUTO REPAIR &
MAINTENANCE
George Arbuckle, Instructor
The goal of this course is to teach the basic practices of
auto mechanics to aspiring automotive technicians and
“do-it-yourselfers”. Each of the four classes will focus on
one major topic: regularly scheduled maintenance; engine
performance; suspension systems; and braking systems.
We will cover a range of basic maintenance tasks such as
changing oil, inspecting and changing filters, inspecting
and topping off fluid, and rotating and changing tires. We
will also cover other basics of auto mechanics including
basic engine operation fundamentals, explanation of
component functions of the suspension systems, and
basic brake repair. Please wear clothes that you don’t
mind getting dirty, and keep in mind that the station could
be chilly. Learn to keep your car purring with proper
maintenance and simple repairs! Limited to 10.
10929 $85
4 Wednesdays @ G. T. Arbuckle Gulf Station, 397
Great Plain Ave, Needham 6:30-8:30pm
February 27 – March 20
MORE WAYS TO DECORATE
For ways to decorate and enhance your home (or someone else’s), see Craft offerings, including Quilt-Making for
Beginners, Digital Photography classes, Upholstery, Knitting, Pottery, and Glass Fusing classes, starting on page 10.
28
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

LANGUAGES
LANGUAGES
NEW
FRENCH: BEYOND
BEGINNING
Christine Mirabile, Instructor
Are you planning a trip to Paris, Québec or Martinique
Or, would it be helpful in your work to be able to
converse more en français This speaking-intensive
course is designed for those with some prior study of
the language to help develop comfort when asking
directions, ordering in a restaurant, getting around at
the airport, hotel, and tourist attractions, as well as
having everyday conversations. We will also cover
basic pronunciation and grammar. Join us to practice
your speaking skills in a relaxed and supportive
environment. Required text is The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Learning French, Fifth Edition, by Gail Stein
ALPHA Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-1592579099 (often
available used on Amazon). Limited to 16.
11117 $115
8 Thursdays @ NHS Room 416 6:30-8:30pm
March 7 – May 2 (no class April 18)
He is the best teacher!
– Student in one of Eric Frere’s French classes
NEW
FRENCH CINEMA
Eric Frere, Instructor
French Cinema has been internationally renowned for
many decades. Directors such as Truffault, Goddard,
and lately, Boone have been recognized and acclaimed
globally. The goal of this class will be two-fold: to
enjoy and discuss French movies and to practice your
French. We will attempt to conduct the class mostly
in French, so a basic knowledge and understanding
of the language is required. What a wonderful way to
practice your French – through the eyes of the movie
camera! Join us for this course as we explore some
great contemporary movies from France and Québec.
Popcorn is optional! Limited to 18.
11118 $99
6 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 416 7-9pm
February 26 – April 9 (no class March 26)
ADVANCED BEGINNING ITALIAN
Marina Conte, Instructor
Italian is the language of art, classical architecture,
Renaissance beauty, and opera – as well as fabulous
food, full-bodied wines, fashion, and wonderful tourist
destinations! Join us for this advanced beginning
Italian class to further develop your language skills for
travel, dining out, and for a window into another rich
language and culture. Please note: this class is geared
for students who took the fall Beginning Italian class
with Marina Conte as well as for others who have some
introductory knowledge of the Italian language. We will
continue to work on pronunciation, basic grammar and
vocabulary, and simple conversations on a variety of
topics, while also learning customs and aspects of the
Italian culture – all in a fun, interactive environment.
Recommended text: Prego! An Invitation to Italian, 8th
edition textbook, by Graziana Lazzarino (McGraw-Hill,
2012), available used on Amazon. Limited to 16.
11113 $109
8 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 716 6:30-8:30pm
March 6 – May 1 (no class on April 17)
Eagerly participating in a language class
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
29

LANGUAGES / MUSIC
BEGINNING SPANISH
Catherine O’Brien, Instructor
Have you been thinking about learning Spanish
Would you like to be able to speak our country’s
second language Or, are you planning a trip to part
of the Spanish-speaking world If you answered yes
to any of these questions, then this could be the class
for you! We will learn everyday vocabulary and useful
expressions and practice simple conversations in
class. The emphasis will be on speaking and listening.
We may even sing! Join us as we learn to speak
Spanish in a fun, relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
This course is for those with little or no knowledge of
Spanish. Required text: Talk Spanish, (includes book
and two CDs), by Almudena Sánchez and Aurora
Longo, BBC Active Publishing, ISBN#978-0563520139,
2006 Copyright. Limited to 16.
11102.2 $99
7 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 711 6:30-8:30pm
February 27 – April 10
BEGINNING SPANISH – PART 2
Catherine O’Brien, Instructor
This class is a continuation of the Beginning Spanish
class offered this past fall. We will continue to practice
basic conversations and learn vocabulary useful
for everyday situations and traveling in a Spanishspeaking
country. The goal of this class is to increase
your confidence as a Spanish speaker in a fun,
relaxed, and supportive atmosphere! Prerequisite:
A beginning Spanish class or a basic knowledge of
Spanish, for example, familiarity with numbers, colors,
time, weather, family, food and basic conversations.
Required text: Talk Spanish, (includes book and two
CDs), by Almudena Sánchez and Aurora Longo, BBC
Active Publishing, ISBN#978-0563520139, 2006
Copyright. Limited to 16.
11106 $115
8 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 711 6:30-8:30pm
February 26 – April 30 (no class March 26 & April 16)
CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH
Daniel Panero, Instructor
Do you want to speak Spanish more fluently Do you
have a solid knowledge base and strong vocabulary,
but no opportunity to practice or improve This class
will provide ample opportunities for you to practice
your Spanish as we discuss current events, social
issues, arts and culture. We will also read and discuss
short articles, have small and large group discussions,
debates about two sides of an issue, and incorporate
music, video and film into our discussions. Classes will
also include brief lessons on grammar to help students
increase their mastery of the language. Join us –
you will improve your Spanish, have fun, and enjoy
interesting discussions with others! Limited to 16.
11112.2 $99
7 Thursdays @ NHS Room 418 6-8pm
February 28 – April 11
Great instructor – he was
personable, knowledgeable
and kind – and prepared very
stimulating conversational topics
for us.
– Student in Daniel Panero’s Conversational
Spanish class
MUSIC
NEW
BEGINNING PIANO
Bob Ponte, Instructor
This beginning class is geared for those new to playing
piano as well as those who play at a beginning level.
You will learn and practice on your own electronic
keyboard station in the Midi Music Lab, wearing
30
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

PARENTING / WRITING & SPEAKING
headphones, and working at your own pace. The
class will provide group lessons on level-appropriate
rhythmic, technical and music theory concepts, as well
as one-on-one instruction from the teacher. Whether
you are just starting out and need a lot of guidance,
or want to brush up and continue with earlier skills,
this class is for you! Note: while having a piano
or keyboard at home to practice is helpful, it is not
required. Limited to 12.
11211 $125
8 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 614 (Midi Lab) 7-9pm
March 6 – May 1 (no class April 17)
PARENTING
SUPPORTING YOUR
DEVELOPING READER
Beth Ackroyd, Instructor
This course for parents of early elementary students
will provide helpful guidance and tips on how to help
children develop their reading, writing, and word
knowledge skills. We will cover various strategies
to better equip parents to support their children with
decoding, comprehension, fluency and writing skills
– including fun, easy methods to engage children in
reading and writing activities. Learning to read and write
can be fun and exciting – join us to learn the many ways
you can help! Please note: course includes a 30-minute
one-on-one consultation, to be scheduled with the
instructor once the course has begun, for parents to gain
valuable advice focused on their child’s specific learning
style and issues. Limited to 12.
11401.2 $60
2 Wednesdays @ Broadmeadow Media Center
7-8:30pm
March 6 &13 (plus consultation to be scheduled)
WRITING & SPEAKING
JUMPSTART YOUR WRITING
Anna Simon, Instructor
This class has a very clear mission: spend more time
writing! Find your voice and boost your creativity
through a series of fun directed writing exercises. We
will discuss published pieces and the process of writing
as a means to exploring new possibilities in subject,
style, and point of view, and how to shape characters
and create great images. Participants will have several
chances to read and receive feedback on the work they
produce, all in a supportive environment. This class is
appropriate for all level of writers working on nonfiction,
memoir, or novels. Please bring a pen and notebook
(or laptop) to class. Limited to 12.
11810.2 $89
3 Thursdays @ NHS Room 204 7-9:30pm
February 28 – March 14
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Liz Heichelbech, Instructor
Learn to become a better speaker in a fun, relaxing,
and supportive environment. We will view and
discuss videos of public speakers both great and
gruesome, use small group practice, and utilize a
variety of speaking exercises designed to fit your
comfort level. Laugh, get compliments, and capitalize
on your strengths as you make your way toward
becoming a confident speaker who can both impress
and inspire. From nervous amateur to polished
professional, we’ll meet you wherever you are to help
you gain confidence, improve your vocal skills, and
use physicality and humor to authentically engage your
audience. Limited to 16.
11811.2 $99
6 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 701 7-8:30pm
February 27 – April 3
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
31

CLASSES FOR TEENS
CLASSES FOR TEENS:
COMMUNITY EDUCATION SAT/PSAT
TEST PREPARATION
Coordinator: Dan Hudder
Instructors (with subjects taught): Shakur Abdal-Khallaq
(Math), Bill Goldman (Math), Mike Higashi (Math),
Max Hekler (Critical Reading and Writing), Dan Hudder
(Math, Critical Reading, and Writing), Doug Kopcso
(Critical Reading and Writing), Nicole Mason (Critical
Reading and Writing), John Shea (Math), David Smokler
(Critical Reading and Writing) and Katie Swegan
(Writing).
FULL SAT PREP COURSE
Needham Community Education is pleased to continue
the SAT Prep classes developed by NHS teacher
Mr. Hudder. Mr. Hudder and his colleagues are all
experienced with SAT prep and are known for their
engaging, dynamic, and effective classes. All students
will engage in a variety of learning experiences, with
differentiated instruction tailored to meet the needs
of students with a wide range of learning styles and
abilities. In the second half of the course, instruction
and assignments are individualized, providing
maximum success for every student. Classes are
limited in size to allow for small group work and
individual attention from the teachers. Fee includes
materials. Note: students should bring a pencil and
calculator to the first class session, which is the first of
the three practice tests included in the course.
The following sections are in preparation for the
May 4, 2013 SAT:
11601.10 $500/$600 non-residents
11 Saturdays @ NHS Room 730
10am-12:30pm (till 2:15pm on first two test days*;
8:30am-12:45pm on final test day**)
January 26* & February 2, 9, 16 & March 2, 9*, 16, 23
& April 6, 13, 27**
11601.11 $500/$600 non-residents
11 Mondays @ NHS Room 730
6-8:30pm (till 10:15pm on test nights*)
January 28* & February 4, 11, 25 & March 4, 11*, 18 &
April 1, 8, 22, 29*
11601.12 $500/$600 non-residents
11 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 730
6-8:30pm (till 10:15pm on test nights*)
January 29* & February 5, 12, 26 & March 5, 12*, 19 &
April 2, 9, 23, 30*
The following section is in preparation for the June
1, 2013 SAT:
11601.13 $500/$600 non-residents
11 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 730
6-8:30pm (till 10:15pm on test nights*)
March 13*, 20, 27 & April 3, 10, 24* & May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29*
Also in preparation for the June 1 SAT:
HALF SAT PREP COURSE
The half-course is designed especially for students
who have already taken the full prep class but wish to
review right before the June test. This course includes
2 practice exams and 4 class sessions.
11606 $250/$300 non-residents
6 Tuesdays @ NHS Room 730
6-8:30pm (till 10:15pm on test nights*)
April 23*, 30 & May 7, 14, 21, 28*
The following section is in preparation for the June
1, 2013 SAT:
11601.13 $500/$600 non-residents
11 Wednesdays @ NHS Room 730
6-8:30pm (till 10:15pm on test nights*)
March 13*, 20, 27 & April 3, 10, 24* & May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29*
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NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

CLASSES FOR TEENS
Listening intently in SAT Prep class
REGISTER EARLY!
We occasionally have to cancel classes due to
low enrollment, and make this decision a few days
before the class start date. Please don’t wait
until the last minute to register for a class you are
interested in, because we hope to run as many
classes as possible!
ADVANCED DRIVER TRAINING
Needham Community Education is pleased to promote
an advanced driver’s training program for Needham
students through In Control Advanced Driver Training
at a discounted rate of $275 ($75 off the regular rate
of $350). The In Control program provides students
with valuable hands-on experiences in skid control,
accident avoidance, and other crucial driving skills
that cannot be practiced on public roads. Professional
racecar drivers instruct students in both a classroom
setting and behind the wheel at three locations: the
primary training facility in North Andover, at Worcester
airport, and at Horseneck Beach in Westport. Parents
are encouraged to accompany their students to the
4 1/2 hour training, observing the in-car instruction
and joining in for the classroom portions. The ideal
time for students to take this course is after they have
completed the on-the-road training of the Driver’s
Education course, but before or soon after they obtain
their license (a learner’s permit is required). Additional
family members can take the training for a reduced
rate of $230 each. To learn more about the program,
visit www.WeDriveInControl.com. In addition to the
Needham HS discount, you may also get a dis count
from your insurance company, since many insurance
companies now offer discounts for having completed
the Advanced Driver Training – consult your insurance
agent about this possibility. To register, go to www.
WeDriveInControl.com/NeedhamHS or call (978)
658-4144 (and mention Needham High School for the
discounted rate).
Needham Community Education is no longer
offering driver’s education.
Students can choose from among many nearby
driving schools for their driver’s education training.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
33

INSTRUCTOR BIOS
SHAKUR ABDUL-KHALLAQ has a BA in Psychology
from Boston University. He taught in the Boston
Public Schools for one year before joining the staff at
Needham High School as METCO Coordinator, and
has taught SAT Prep classes for Needham Community
Education since the fall of 2008.
BETH ACKROYD holds an undergraduate degree
from Colby College and a Masters in Reading Education
from Boston College. Beth has taught in Needham
for over 15 years, including many years in the early
elementary grades at Broadmeadow. For the last 4
years, she has been a K-5 literacy specialist at Mitchell,
and this year has taught Reading at High Rock.
She has also recently earned a Certificate in Parenting
Education from Wheelock College.
JOSEPHINE ANTONELLIS has over 15 years of experience
in data management. She is currently the Data
Manager for the Needham Public Schools. She enjoys
teaching users of all levels in a variety of computer
applications.
GEORGE ARBUCKLE is a self-taught Master Automotive
Technician, who is an ASE (non-profit National
Institute for Automobile Service Excellence) certified,
and an L1 Advanced Level Specialist in Engine
Performance. He also holds a BS in Business from
Babson College. George is the Service Manager and
lead technician at G.T. Arbuckle Inc., a family-owned
business in Needham established in 1984.
HILDI ARNOLD teaches physical education in Westwood
and has taught a variety of adult fitness classes
including spin, cardio kickboxing, muscle conditioning,
boot camp, step circuit, stability ball and beginning
yoga. She has many certifications including Aerobics
& Fitness Association of America Group Exercise Instructor,
Schwinn Cycling Instructor, Fitness Resource
Associates Level One Yoga Instructor, Resist-A-Ball
C.O.R.E. Level One Instructor, American Safety and
Health Institute CPR Pro, and First Aid. She earned
a B.A. in Sociology from Hamilton College and a Master’s
Degree in Education from Wheelock College.
INGRID GOLDBLOOM BLOCH has a MS in Counseling
Psychology and is a member of the ICC (Independent
Career Counselors), and the ACP (Association
of Career Management Professionals). Through her
business, Mosaic Careers, she provides personal
career counseling, coaching and assessment for
individuals facing a variety of career challenges. She
is also an artist who uses common objects in creative
and unusual ways to create her art. Her pieces have
been described as “innovative, ironic, and humorous.”
Her works have been featured in museums and galleries
throughout the United States, including two Bead
International: Best in Contemporary Beadwork touring
shows, the Fuller Craft Museum, and The Society for
Arts and Crafts in Boston, and Ripley’s Believe It or
Not! For more information go to www.ingridgoldbloombloch.com
LISA BORCHETTA, CMC, ACC, is a Certified Life
Coach and owner of Firebird Life Coaching. She also
has a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and worked as
a Mental Health Counselor before becoming a Life
Coach. Her desire to help her clients “be the best that
they can be” has been fueled by her interest and study
in the field of Positive Psychology. For more information,
visit www.firebirdlifecoaching.com
HEATHER BORKOWSKY is the farmer and educator
for the Needham Community Farm. She grew up helping
her family grow vegetables on their land in Maine,
and has since studied, farmed and taught in a wide variety
of environmental and agricultural settings, spending
time on both the East and West coasts, the UK,
Italy, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and British Columbia.
She has a degree in geology, her Permaculture
Design Certification, and has studied with a variety of
herbalists including an apprenticeship with Rosemary
Gladstar at Sage Mountain. When not in the garden,
she enjoys cooking, hiking, and sailing.
J. SCOTT BRUMIT has been studying various forms
of martial arts since 1983. He has studied and taught
Kung-Fu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and numerous weapon
forms. He has performed as a martial artist in Sarah
Caldwell’s production of Puccini’s Turandot for the Opera
Company of Boston. Scott also has been performing,
directing and producing opera throughout the U.S.
for over 30 years, and currently serves as the General
Director of Needham’s Longwood Opera.
JOAN BUTLER AND JANA MILBOCKER own and
operate Enchanted Gardens, a landscape and design
company serving Metrowest Boston. Joan has been
a dedicated and enthusiastic gardener for over 25
years. The gardens that surround her home have been
included on two garden tours, and feature exciting
plant combinations, dramatic horticultural specimens
and surprisingly playful touches. Her professional
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NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

INSTRUCTOR BIOS
experience includes horticultural consulting at Weston
Nurseries, landscape design, and drafting, and she is
chair of the Massachusetts Landscape Design Council,
and co-designer of an award-winning xeriscape
in Holliston, MA. Jana has been gardening on her
2-acre property in Holliston’s historic district for over 20
years. Her garden features more than 140 varieties of
trees and shrubs, perennial gardens, peony and rose
beds, water features and shady retreats. Trained as a
graphic designer, Jana brings years of critical design
thinking, clarity and cohesiveness to her landscape solutions.
For further information and photos, go to www.
enchantedgardensdesign.com
HSIU-HUI CHEN is a certified Nia instructor who
teaches in several area programs. She was born in
Taipei, Taiwan, and holds a BA in English from Fu-
Jen University in Taiwan. She is trained in classical
ballet, ballroom dance, and Chinese dance. Hsiu-Hui
discovered Nia classes 10 years ago and has been
dancing Nia ever since, and enjoys sharing Nia and
other dance forms with students in several community
education programs.
MARINA CONTE is a native speaker of Italian and has
experience as a translator and tour guide for Italian
tourists. She has taught adult education Italian classes
for Brookline Adult and Community Education, Boston
Center for Adult Education and most recently for Needham
Community Education.
MARILYN CRUICKSHANK, a Needham resident, is
the owner of Creative Simplicity Professional Organizing,
LLC, which provides an array of organizing
services to individuals, families, and businesses in the
Metrowest area. Marilyn is a member of the National
Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).
DAN ENG started Barleycorn’s in 1998. He has been
instructing novices as well as experienced beer lovers
in the art of craft beer brewing for more than 13 years.
He also serves as a beer judge at the annual Great
International Beer Festival in Providence, R.I.
ERIC FRERE was born in Ottawa, Canada and French is
his native tongue. He has traveled extensively throughout
the world, including France and French Polynesia. He has
taught French in the Needham schools for over 10 years,
and taught Traveler’s French and Conversational French
adult classes for Needham Community Ed. He is a member
of the Massachusetts Foreign Language Association,
and the American Association of Teachers of French.
MICHAEL GALPERIN has achieved the title of SAM-
BO Grandmaster from the World Martial Arts Alliance,
and was inducted into the Hall of Fame by AAU-USA.
He studied with one of the founders of SAMBO in
Russia, and has taught self-defense Combat SAMBO
both in Europe and the U.S. for various law enforcement,
military, and community organizations for over
60 years. He is the founder and President of the U.S.
Combat SAMBO Assn.
LYNNE GODIN has been a quilt maker for over 20 years.
She is a staff member at the Button Box, and teaches
many quilt making classes for adults, from beginning to
machine quilting. Lynne loves sharing her passion for
quilt-making with new quilters. For more information on
the Button Box, go to www.buttonboxsewing.com
JULIE GOLD graduated with a BA in Art Education
from The College of New Jersey. Throughout her
career, she has taught ages 6-86, specializing in wheel
throwing and hand building in clay. She has displayed
her work throughout galleries in New Jersey and South
Coast, MA, and was honored by the Clay Studio International
Gallery, Philadelphia, PA as an Outstanding
Art Educator in 2005 and 2007. Julie is a new member
of the art department at Needham High School.
BILL GOLDMAN holds a BA in Government from
Colby College and a MS in Accounting from Northeastern
University. He has taught high school math since
2006, and began at Needham High School in the fall of
2009. He has taught SAT Prep classes for Needham
Community Education since the fall of 2010.
CAROL GRAY, Psy. D., is a licensed clinical psychologist
with over twenty years of experience working in the
field of mental health. For the past several years she
has been in a positive psychology study group and has
attended numerous conferences and workshops on the
science of happiness and well-being with some of the
leading researchers and practitioners in the field. She
is currently developing a curriculum for teaching wellbeing
to high school students.
MICHAEL GREIS is the chair of the Green Needham
Collaborative. Michael brings thirty years of professional
experience in business development, sales and
management, and expertise in sustainability, finance
and information technology to his consulting work in
sustainability and sustainable investing. Michael is
active in federal, state, and local policy on renewable
energy. Michael has a BS in Molecular Biophysics
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
35

INSTRUCTOR BIOS
and Biochemistry from Yale University, a Masters
in Finance from Boston College’s Carroll School of
Management, and has completed all three levels of
the Chartered Financial Analyst examination. He is a
member of the Boston Security Analysts Society.
LIZ HEICHELBECH, former professional dancer and
semi-professional actor, holds an M.Ed. from Lesley
University, and is Massachusetts certified to teach in
the fields of Dance, Theatre, and English. She has
been an educator in the Weston Public Schools for
nearly a decade, and has also taught adults in a range
of settings. Liz is passionate about using fun and nurturing
ways to help people become speakers, writers,
and performers. She is also artistic director of WIG
Out Boston, the Boston area’s only comedy improv
group for women.
MAX HEKLER has a BA in English and a MA in Education
from UMass Amherst, and has been teaching
English at Needham High School for 12 years. He
has taught all levels of 11th grade English and AP
Literature and Composition for the 12th grade, and has
tutored students privately in writing and language arts.
While in graduate school, Max co-taught the TEAMS
Tutoring Project, a course that trained and monitored
over 100 undergraduate and graduate tutoring secondary
students in local public schools.
MIKE HIGASHI, NHS guidance counselor, received a
BA in psychology from Yale University, a MEd from the
University of Hawaii, and a CAES from Boston College.
Prior to Needham, he counseled students at the Iolani
School in Honolulu, and for nine years co-directed Hawaii’s
largest SAT Prep program. He has led SAT Prep
workshops at The College Board Western Regional
Conference and at The Hawaii Association for College
Admissions Counseling Conference, and has taught
SAT Prep classes for Needham Community Education
since the fall of 2005.
NICK HILL is a Needham resident, a member of the
Green Needham Collaborative, and the principal of Hill
Energy Services, a consulting practice focused on helping
businesses reduce their energy use and costs. He
has been active in energy management and renewable
energy for over 25 years. During his career, Nick has
helped clients reduce their energy use by over 1.2 billion
kilowatt-hours. He recently helped a client develop and
install a large photovoltaic project atop a warehouse and
has several more in the pipeline. Nick is a LEED Accredited
Professional and a Certified Energy Manager.
He is a graduate of Wesleyan University.
DAN HUDDER, NHS English teacher, received his BS
in English Education from NYU, his MA in American
Studies from UMass Boston, and his M.Ed. in Organizational
Management from Endicott College. With former
Needham High School English teacher David Smokler,
he founded, designed and coordinated Needham Test
Prep, an SAT preparation program in Needham. Dan
has taught and coordinated SAT Prep classes for Needham
Community Education since the fall of 2005.
SUSIE KAPLAN is a certified Primary Group Exercise
Instructor through AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association
of America). She currently teaches at area
health clubs and at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In
addition to teaching, she has run many road races and
maintains an active and healthy lifestyle with her family
in Needham.
DOUG KOPCSO holds a BS in Business Administration
from Babson College and completed his teacher
licensure in 2005, earning his PBTL from Framingham
State College. He has taught SAT Prep classes for
Needham Community Education since the fall of 2005.
ELIZABETH LAHRENS is a married mother of two
and extreme couponer from Webster, Massachusetts.
Elizabeth has a BA in Paralegal Studies from Johnson
and Wales University and is the owner of www.
extremecoupontoday.com Elizabeth has taught in
many area community education programs, and enjoys
sharing her knowledge and tips to help people realize
huge savings.
ANAND LELE is an active member of the American
Contract Bridge League (ACBL) since 1982, and has
played in various tournaments, achieving the rank
of Silver Life Master. He is also an ACBL accredited
teacher, and has taught Beginning and Intermediate
Bridge in local community education programs since
1993. Anand holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the
University of Poona, India, and worked for many years
as a structural engineer.
MICHEL L’HUILLIER studied Fine Arts and Art History
in Strasbourg, France and has over 20 years of
experience working in stained glass and glass fusing.
Although his primary focus is on architectural commissions
using these two techniques, he also creates
unique decorative fused glass objects. With great
enthusiasm and humor, Michel has enjoyed sharing his
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NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION

INSTRUCTOR BIOS
passion for glass art forms with students in adult education
and glass schools in the Boston area since 2004.
SAM LIGGERO holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and has 32
years experience at Polaroid Corporation in inventing,
designing, developing, manufacturing and launching
novel imaging systems. He has taught digital photography
for Needham Community Education for many years,
and is also a practicing digital photographer who has exhibited
his work locally. Sam is currently a Professor of
the Practice at Tufts’ Gordon Institute where he teaches
New Product Development, Technology Strategy and
Innovation, and Management of Innovation.
CINDY LOUGHRAN, a Needham resident, is the
Founder and CEO of Cindy Loughran Coaching, and
a Certified Professional Coach, and Certified Group
Coach. She worked for nine years in Human Resources
in the corporate world before starting her own
coaching and consulting business in 1986. Cindy was
recognized as one of Boston’s Top Ten Coaches by
Women’s Business Boston, and has been a contributor
to national trade and business journals. For more
information go to www.cindyloughrancoaching.com
MARIA ELENA LYNCH is a veteran knitter who
learned the craft while growing up in Peru. She has
been teaching knitting privately and for Needham Community
Education for several years.
VALERY MARCANTONIO, a graduate of the St. Louis
Conservatory, is a tap/jazz dance teacher, choreographer,
and performer. She has taught in various area
neighborhood, college, and school settings, including
Newton Recreation Department, Emerson College,
Belmont Day School, and Studio Ten Tap. Her
professional credits include Marcantonio’s Tap/Jazz
Collective, Patrice Monahan ShufflinTime, and Mystic
Chorale/Tremont Temple-Boston.
NICOLE MASON has a BA in English from The College
of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y. She taught English in
Acadia Middle School in Clifton Park, N.Y., and helped
design an ELA exam preparation program there before
moving to Boston. She teaches English at Needham
High School, and has taught SAT Prep classes for
Needham Community Education since the fall of 2008.
CATHY MERLO is the Associate Director and Advisor
for Evening & Fast Track students at the F.W. Olin
Graduate School of Business at Babson College,
providing career counseling for the evening and executive
MBA students at the graduate school. In addition
to being a career adviser, Cathy also develops courses
and teaches classes, both online and in the classroom
on a wide variety of subjects including social media.
CHRISTINE MIRABILE loves French! From her first
French class at eight years old, she fell in love with
the language and continues to study it. While living
in Brussels with her family, she had the opportunity
to speak French everyday and to travel extensively in
Europe. She is a graduate of Boston College and Tufts
University and taught French in the Needham Schools
for nine years. She is a member of the American Association
of Teachers of French and the French Cultural
Center of Boston.
CESAR MORALES has a degree in Physical Education
from Cuba’s School for Physical Education Teachers,
and fenced foil in Cuba for 11 years. From 1997 to
2002, Cesar was assistant fencing coach at Brandeis
University and was named Coach of the Year three
years in a row. He now works with students of all ages
at his International Fencing Club in West Roxbury. Go
to www.internationalfencingclub.com for more information
about their programs.
ZEHARA NACHASH is a New England area belly
dancer and Boston’s premier snake dancer. She performs
throughout the New England area, and teaches
belly dance classes, fire-eating lessons, and snake
dance workshops throughout the area. For more information
visit: www.zehara.com
JOANNE NEALE is the owner of Needham-based
Garden Mentor, a consulting service for the homeowner,
providing education (plant identification and
care information), garden design (from plant lists to
landscape plans), and personal plant shopping, all with
an emphasis on low maintenance and environmental
responsibility.
CAROL OBERLE is a Certified Yoga Instructor who
has been practicing yoga for more than 12 years. She
has been teaching yoga to adults in various local settings
for many years.
CATHERINE O’BRIEN has been a Spanish teacher for
over 10 years, with most of those years spent teaching
at Needham High School. She received a BA in Spanish
and Latin American studies from Denison University
and a Masters from St. Joseph College. She has traveled
throughout Central and South America, and has
taught a variety of grade levels.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
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INSTRUCTOR BIOS
DANIEL PANERO BERTUCCI, a native of Spain, received
a master’s degree in English Philology and Italian
Studies from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid
in Madrid, Spain, as well as a BA in English for Primary
School Pedagogy from the Universidad Cardenal
Cisneros de Alcalá de Henares, also in Madrid. Daniel
has also studied art in Madrid, and worked there as an
art teacher for 5 years. He has been teaching Spanish
language and culture for the past three years, first in St.
Louis and presently at Needham High School. When
not teaching, Daniel works as a freelance illustrator for
publishers McGraw-Hill and SM Ediciones.
DIANA PARKHURST has a BS in Physical Education
and a MS in Teaching and Administration, both from
Springfield College. She has been a member of the
Needham High School Physical Education & Wellness
department since 2005, and before that taught physical
education at Newman Elementary School. She
received the 2009 Massachusetts Secondary Teacher
of the Year for Physical Education. Diana is also the
head coach for the NHS Boys Rugby Club, head coach
for the Northeastern Women’s Rugby Club, and serves
as coach, player, and captain of the Boston Women’s
Rugby Club.
BOB PONTE received a degree in Music Education/
Piano from the New England Conservatory of Music,
and has taught music in public schools and tutored
students privately for over 25 years. He is recently
retired from the Cambridge Public Schools where he
taught and/or developed a wide array of courses for
4th through 12th grade. In addition to providing piano
instruction for Cambridge students, Bob assumed
many other roles, including Orchestra Director, Concert
Band Director, and Jazz Ensemble Director. View
more details at www.pianoplus-fatcow.net
PEARL PRESSMAN, a Needham resident, is a nationally
certified exercise instructor by AFAA (Aerobics and
Fitness Association of America). Since 1996, she has
taught exercise and muscle conditioning classes in
a variety of settings, including colleges, health clubs,
and corporations. She is currently on staff at Newton
Wellesley Hospital’s Wellness Center.
SARAH ROBERTS has a Masters degree in Physical
Therapy and has worked as a physical therapist, most
recently as director of a rehab facility in Brockton. She
has taught Pilates in various settings, including a Yoga
studio, a clubhouse in Quincy, and a staff development
course for Needham teachers. Sarah has taught
Pilates for beginners and advanced beginners for
Needham Community Education since 2006, and has
developed a very loyal following of students.
ROBB SANDAGATA is an artist and educator who
earned a BA in Liberal Arts with a concentration in
Sculpture from Sarah Lawrence College, and a MA in
Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix
in Tucson, AZ. He taught art at both middle school
and high school levels for five years and is currently
employed as the Digital Product Manager at Davis
Publications in Worcester. Robb received an Honorable
Mention this year at the Fitchburg Art Museum’s
77th Regional Exhibition at the Davis Art Museum and
you can view his drawings online at http://rsandagata.
wix.com/robbsandagata
LYN SCHWARTZ, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian
who received a degree in nutritional sciences from
Cornell University. She is a part-time lecturer at the
University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and has a
private practice in nutrition counseling. She is a member
of Eat Well, Be Fit, a group of Needham professionals
dedicated to improving the health and well-being
of Needham residents, and a regular nutrition guest
on New England Cable News live morning show.
STEFFI SHAPIRO has both a MSW and is a R.Y.T.
(Registered Yoga Teacher), and is the founder and
director of The Well Street Station in Watertown. She
has combined her background in social work and yoga
to work in various settings for over 30 years. She currently
teaches at several senior centers and senior facilities
in the area. She is a member of both the Mass
Yoga Network and national Yoga Alliance, and often
presents workshops at national conferences.
JOHN SHEA has a BS in Mathematics from the University
of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, an MBA with
a concentration in Management from Bentley College
and a MEd from the University of Massachusetts at
Boston. John has been a math teacher for over 12
years, and is currently teaching math and serving as
the Math Department chair at Needham High School.
John has taught SAT Prep classes for Needham Community
Education since the fall of 2008.
ANNA SIMON was born and raised in and around
Stockholm, Sweden but has spent most of her adult
life in the Boston area. She has a bachelor’s degree in
religion from Wellesley College, and a MFA in Creative
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Writing from Lesley University, and has several years
of experience researching and editing in writing groups.
She has taught writing classes for Needham Adult Education
for several years and is an instructor for Intuitive
Writing Workshops. Recently, Anna has also taught
adult education writing classes in her native Sweden.
Anna is also a culinary instructor and loves sharing her
passion for food, especially educating others in Glutenfree
baking and cooking.
DAVID SMOKLER received a BA in English from Connecticut
College and an MA in Teaching English from
Bridgewater State College. He taught English at Needham
High School for many years and collaborated with
NHS colleague Dan Hudder to design a program of
SAT Prep classes for high school students. His latest
book, Interactive Learning Experiences, Grades 6-9:
Increasing Student Engagement and Learning was
released by Corwin Press in 2009.
ELIZABETH SPARK, MD, brings over 25 years of experience
teaching communication and stress management
skills in group settings as well as in her medical
practice located in Newton, MA. NVC (Non Violent
Communication) has touched her profoundly and has
become a major influence in her work with patients as
well as in her personal life. For more information on
NVC, go to www.cnvc.org
KAT SUWALSKI is a personal trainer, teaches Russian
Kettle Bells, is co-owner at Love Pole Fitness in
Bellingham and a teacher trainer through Hoopnotica
Hooping. She teaches hula hooping at various area
programs. Her infectious passion for health and fun
gives this 1960’s pastime a thrilling face-lift! Visit Kat
at www.wildkathoops.com
LAVONNE SUWALSKI graduated with a BA in Fine
Arts from Emmanuel College, and received a MA in
the Liberal Arts with a Watercolor Focus from Clark
University. Lavonne has taught all levels and ages of
artists, from elementary age children to adults. For a
gallery of Lavonne’s work, and more information about
her philosophy and teaching style go to www.lavonnesuwalski.com
KATIE SWEGAN has an undergraduate degree in
Spanish from the University of Mary Washington, and a
MEd with a concentration in Spanish from Framingham
State College. She teaches Spanish at Needham High
School, and has taught SAT Prep classes for Needham
Community Education since the fall of 2006.
SANDRA THORBJORNSEN has been teaching
Zumba and Hip Hop classes at area health and
recreation programs for many years. Her classes
have an enthusiastic and loyal following. Sandra has
recently begun teaching Zumba Toning classes, having
received certification as a Zumba Toning instructor.
BRIAN WASIK is co-owner, with his family, of the
Cheese Shop in Wellesley, a well-known and popular
shop started in 1979 by their father and mother, Steve
and Carol. Born into the business and raised in the
back room of his family’s cheese shop, Brian now
serves as head cheese buyer and cellar manager.
Brian has devoted his life to the knowledge of procuring,
ripening, and selling cheese. His Cheese classes,
done for private parties and events, are known to be
informative, delicious, and most of all fun. For more information
on the Cheese Shop, go to www.wasiks.com
NANCY WILDE, a Needham resident, is a massage
therapist, Certified Neuromuscular Therapist, and a
Massachusetts Licensed Vocational Technical Educator.
She has taught massage therapy for over 20 years, both
at the certification level and for professional development
and continuing education. She has a massage
therapy practice in Needham Center where she specializes
in massage therapy for relaxation, clinical massage
for pain and injury and prenatal/pregnancy massage.
BABETTE WILS is a member of the Needham Community
Farm Board of Directors and has a long-standing
commitment to sustainable living. This has included
three green building projects, a large sort-of permaculture
garden, and thinking of new ways to eat local food
year round in New England. She lives with her husband
and two children in Needham and works as a policy
consultant at UNICEF and the World Bank.
ANDREA WINTERER is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER, with more than 12 years of experience
as a financial services professional. Andrea graduated
Summa Cum Laude from the University of Vermont
with a degree in finance. In addition, she completed
the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Designation and
had CLTC designation (Certified in Long Term Care
Planning). She enjoys tennis, CrossFit, and skiing.
MIKE WOLOSHYN is a professional upholsterer who
has taught upholstery for Needham Community Education
for many years, and has developed a following of
very enthusiastic students.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
39

NAME
NCE - ADULT EDUCATION
WINTER/SPRING 2013 REGISTRATION
ADDRESS CITY ZIPCODE
PHONE (day)
PHONE (evening)
EMAIL
(Please include your email, legibly written, for email confirmation of registration and for any possible class changes.)
COURSE CODE # COURSE TITLE FEE
TOTAL
1) PAY BY CHECK:
Please make a separate check for each course
payable to: Needham Community Education
2) PAY BY CHARGE:
BY PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235 8am-4pm
BY FAX: 781-455-0417 OR
THROUGH THE MAIL (see address below)
MAIL TO: NEEDHAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION
1330 HIGHLAND AVE, NEEDHAM, MA 02492
CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:
Tally
Check
OFFICE USE ONLY
CC date
Batch#
Trans#
CHARGE TO: MC, VISA, OR DISC. CARD # / / / EXP. DATE /
CARDHOLDER’S SIGNATURE

PROGRAM POLICIES
Confirmations: We will confirm your registration via
email. If no email is provided, or cannot be read clearly,
you will not receive any confirmation. You will be
contacted if a class is full, or cancelled.
Discounts/Fees: Scholarships are available; please
contact the NCE office for more information.
Evaluations/Photos: Evaluations will be handed out at
the end of each course. Please take a few minutes to
give us your feedback - we listen to what you say! We
may visit your class and take photos; please let us know if
you’d prefer not to be photographed.
Holidays/ School Closings/ Inclement Weather:
Classes follow the Needham Public Schools’ schedule
unless noted in the class description. If the Needham
schools have been canceled due to bad weather, the
adult education classes will be canceled as well. For up to
date weather cancellations, please check the Needham
schools’ website home page: www.needham.k12.ma.us
Participation of Minors in Adult Education Classes:
Parents, please be aware that if you register your
under-18 year old 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. I accept full
responsibility for all costs for any such emergency
treatment. I agree to abide by all NCE polices.
Processing Fee for Changes: You may change your
registration from one class to another (provided there is
room in the class); a change fee of $10 will be charged.
Refunds: We will issue a full refund when a class is
cancelled. You may withdraw from a class and get a refund
(minus a $10 processing fee) if you notify us at least one
week before the class start. We are unfortunately not able
to give refunds once a class has begun.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: We will refund the course fee
for multi-session classes if you are not satisfied with the
class. We only ask that you contact us before the second
class session to let us know what about the class did not
meet your expectations.
programs for the whole family!
NCE
Needham Community Education
NCE
Needham Community Education
NCE
Needham Community Education
NCE
Needham Community Education
ELEMENTARY
PROGRAMS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
HIGH SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
ADULT
PROGRAMS
4 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
BY FAX
BY PHONE
BY MAIL
✎ COME IN
FAX registration form
to 781-455-0417.
Call us at 781-455-
0400 x235.
Mail registration
form to Needham
Community Education,
1330 Highland
Avenue, Needham,
MA 02492.
Come to our office at
1330 Highland Avenue
(1st floor), 8am-4pm,
Monday - Friday.

Needham Community Education
Needham Public Schools
1330 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
NON - PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #59954
NEEDHAM
POSTAL CUSTOMER
NEEDHAM, MA 02492
NCE
Needham Community Education
ADULT
PROGRAMS
NEEDHAM ADULT EDUCATION CATALOG | WINTER/SPRING 2013
engaging programs for the whole family