Are you thinking about buying an electric car but concerned about charging, range, or anything else? We’ll talk through the ins and outs of EVs and PHEVs (and teach you the difference!) so that you can make an informed choice about which kind of car would work well with your driving habits. You’ll learn about the different manufacturers, charging options, and financial incentives too. All proceeds from this event go towards the ACE Scholarship fund.

Join us for this information-packed lecture and demonstration to build confidence in your ability to diagnose car problems and communicate with auto repair professionals. Get a general overview of the major systems of an automobile from an experienced mechanic and instructor who can make all things automotive both fun and clear. We will cover basic maintenance, discuss common problems, and troubleshoot ignition, charging, cooling, fluids, electrical, brakes, and exhaust systems.

Invasive plants—non-natives that spread vigorously outside their natural range—are causing environmental and economic problems globally and can wreak havoc on your landscape. Learn about the identification, biology, and control of troublesome woody, exotic invasive plants plaguing the area. We will cover the invasive traits of these plants and why they are so successful at displacing our native species in local woodlands. We will also review tools for control and helpful websites. All proceeds from this event go towards the ACE Scholarship fund to help make our classes more accessible to all Arlington youth.

Gain a solid overview of the home-buying process in this information-packed workshop that will educate and prepare first-time home buyers for their entry into the real estate market. Discuss how to buy smart: how much you can afford, understanding the mortgage process and home-buying timeline, what to expect from a real estate agent, strategies for getting your offer accepted, typical first-time home buyer pitfalls to avoid, and much more.

A home inspection is a crucial step when buying a home, offering insight into the property’s condition, structure, systems, and components. It’s more than just a walkthrough—this process helps you understand how the property operates and how to maintain it, while also identifying potential issues to avoid costly surprises later on. Explore both the big picture and the details of a home inspection, along with legal and ethical considerations. Have all your questions answered by an experienced, licensed, and certified home inspector.

Thinking about updating your kitchen, bath, or closet but not sure where to begin? Spend the evening with a well-known local design team as they guide you through the decision-making process. Explore key considerations, clarify your design preferences, and learn how to make the most of your space. Choose the kitchen or closet session and start visualizing the transformation your home can achieve.

Bring your creativity to an open design workshop. With access to a wealth of locally-grown flowers and greenery, come explore and experiment as you create your own lavish arrangement. In addition to the abundance of materials, the experts at Derby Farm will provide basic design techniques and tips to develop your own skills and knowledge. Please note: Bring a vase or container with a mouth of about 3-5” wide and the ability to hold water. You can always bring your own garden scissors or shears as well.

The horticulturist at one of the country’s premier golf courses definitely knows a thing or two about how to care for lawns. Come hear Bruce Wenning (of Brooklineʼs famous The Country Club!) share his ecologically safe and economical practices for lawn care as he shows you everything you can do to ensure a great lawn. This workshop covers the basics of organic lawn care, including the importance of soil testing to know its pH and fertility, non-chemical control of insect pests and weeds, and other practices that promote and maintain a healthy lawn.

Expand your creativity and create a unique and beautiful decorative garden planter that will brighten up your porch or patio with a dazzling splash of color. This class will highlight new varieties of annuals. Learn how to select pretty plant combinations that will thrive in your light situation and care for them to keep them happy and gorgeous throughout the summer. Bring your planting and horticultural questions. Please note: A container, flowers and tools will be provided, but you can always bring your own garden scissors and gloves.

Create space for the life you want to live and take advantage of spring’s burst of energy to declutter and organize your home. Perfection isn’t the goal—creating a sense of order is. Overcome the psychological hurdles to decluttering and learn the best techniques from organizing pioneers Julie Morgenstern (Organizing from the Inside Out) and Marie Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up). Leave inspired with a practical game plan to declutter, organize, and energize your space and life.