Wallingford University 2026 Classes
Explore our class list below – there is truly something for everyone!
We invite our neighbors in Wallingford and from nearby communities to join us.
To help us with logistics, we ask you to register.
You can find registration buttons below each class description. We will also have signup sheets available at the Gilbert Hart Library for those who prefer not to register online.
We have a full schedule of 19 classes! Watch Front Porch Forum for announcements. We look forward to seeing you in April!
Stone Meadow – A town treasure
Ralph Nimtz and Debbie Scranton
Saturday, April 11, 9:30 am at Gilbert Hart Library
How did a gravel pit transform into one of the treasures of Wallingford – Stone Meadow? Come hear long term residents and founding members of the Wallingford Conservation Commission share the story of Stone Meadow.
This class will be held inside, but all students will be given the opportunity to join Ralph and Debbie on a walking tour in the spring.
Before Vermont was Vermont
Joyce & Mike Barbieri
Sunday, April 12, 12:30pm at Town Hall
A look at the region that became Vermont before it became a state, including its geography and human settlement.
The class will include an overview of the history of Wallingford.
Paint a Barn Quilt
Dennis Duhaime
Sunday, April 12, 12:30pm at Rotary
Have you seen the Barn Quilts on homes, shops, and barns around town?
Here is your chance to learn how to design and paint one of your very own. Using 12″x12″ squares of plywood, straight edges, pencils, and paint, Dennis will help participants sketch out their designs and begin painting during this 90-minute class. You will take your quilt with you to finish at home.
Class is limited to 10 participants.
A new beginning – Life in two genders
Gabriella Netsch
Saturday, April 11, 1:30pm at Gilbert Hart Library
A conversation about what it means to be transgender in these current times. A story of my struggle to become authentic. We invite anyone who is interested in gaining a better understanding of gender identity to attend. This discussion also may be helpful to folks who have someone in their family dealing with gender identity issues.
Community Song Circle
Sumio Seo
Saturday, April 11, 9:30 am at Town Hall
Do you miss singing with a group? Come and join our community song circle as part of Wallingford University. Sit in a circle and take turns picking a song to sing as a group. Sumio will accompany the songs on guitar; participants are welcome to bring an acoustic instrument.
**If you have a copy of the book ‘Rise Up Singing’ please bring it with you.
“Chillin’ with my Gnomies”
Amy Wulfing-Norton
Friday, April 10, 7:00pm at the Sparkle Barn
STABilize & RESTore your emotions and nervous system with the mindful art of Needle felting, herbs and aromatherapy. We will craft a beginner friendly needle-felted Lavender Gnome using herbs and essential oils. All materials provided.
*This course will be held at The Sparkle Barn. The needles we will be using are very sharp, so this course is not appropriate for young children. All materials will be provided.
Registration is limited to 8 participants.
Wild Edible Mushrooms: A Practical Foraging Workshop
Janet Kennedy-Farmer
Saturday, April 11, 4:00pm at Rotary
In this interactive workshop with Janet Kennedy-Farmer, we’ll explore how to safely and confidently identify and forage edible mushrooms in Vermont by learning to read forests, habitats, and seasonal patterns. Participants will examine dried mushroom specimens and photos, practice identification logic, and learn a small set of beginner-friendly Vermont mushrooms worth knowing well. Intermediate foragers will gain insight to habitat clues for more advanced foraging. Designed for both curious beginners and those with some experience, this early Spring workshop focuses on risk-awareness and building skills and confidence for the coming foraging season. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Creative Camp Cooking
Arwen Turner, Come Alive Outside
Saturday, April 11, 1:30 pm at Rotary
Come learn simple-to-more-advanced camp recipes that delight the palates of kids and adults alike. We’ll prep indoors, then cook over open fire and glowing coals using Dutch ovens and foil ending with everyone tasting each yummy creation.
**Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared to spend time outdoors, including closed-toe shoes and layers that can get smoky or messy. All cooking equipment and ingredients will be provided; dietary restrictions must be shared with the instructor at least two weeks in advance, and some restrictions may not be able to be accommodated.
How Refugees and Asylum Seekers find their way to Vermont
Nan Dubin and Sabra Shulman
Saturday, April 11, 9:30am at Rotary
Sabra and Nan will briefly cover the history of US immigration, international law regarding those seeking asylum, the differences between asylum seekers and refugees, and current status of refugees and asylum seekers in Rutland County.
Exploring Your Family History: Practical Genealogy Tools and Tips
Kristin Cassidy
Sunday, April 12, 3:00pm at Gilbert Hart Library
This session offers a practical introduction to genealogy for anyone curious about their family history or feeling stuck in their research. We’ll cover core principles, keeping your information organized, next steps, and an introduction to key resources and tools used by genealogists. Time will be built in for questions, discussion, and hands-on help with your own work.
*Please bring a pen or pencil and paper for notes.
Q & A with Town Officials
A moderated question & answer session
Friday, April 10, 7:00 pm at Town Hall
Key town leaders will describe their role in helping the town function and answer your questions.
Panelists will include Ned Ullrich, who sits on the board of the Mill River Unified Union School District, Glenn Mayer, member of the Wallingford Selectboard, and Bill Weiss of the Rescue Squad.
Basic Bike Maintenance
Morgan Over
Sunday, April 12, 3:00pm at Rotary
Want to get your bicycle road-ready for spring? This bicycle maintenance class is designed to give riders the confidence and skills to keep their bikes running smoothly and safely. You’ll learn the basics of cleaning, lubricating, adjusting brakes and gears, and fixing common issues like flat tires. Through hands-on practice and clear instruction, we’ll break down each task into simple, manageable steps.
If possible, please bring your own bicycle and be prepared to get your hands dirty. Working on bicycles can get pretty greasy, so make sure you are wearing clothing you do not mind getting stained.
This class is limited to 6 participants.
Let’s Play Bridge
Maria Garland
Friday, April 10, 7:00pm at Gilbert Hart Library
Looking for a new challenge? Learn to play bridge!
This class is for anyone who has never played bridge and would like to learn. We will review the fundamentals of the game and give participants a basic understanding of the game.
Preserving Vermont’s Native Plants
Anne Awad
Saturday, April 11, 4:00pm at Town Hall
Vermont’s rich soil and frequent rain enable our native plants to thrive but this rich ecosystem also offers the right conditions for invasive plants to gain a foothold. Anne Awad will help you recognize problematic plants in your yard and discuss ways to eliminate them.
Masonry Heaters: a safe and efficient way to heat your home
Kate Fredette
Saturday, April 11, 1:30pm at Town Hall
Join Kate Fredette to learn about masonry heaters as a safe, efficient way to heat your home.
Job Search 101
Lorna Jane Norris
Saturday, April 11, 4:00pm at Gilbert Hart Library
Career coach and search consultant Lorna Jane Norris will share her top tips for navigating a job search in 2026, covering topics such as: How to know if you are a viable candidate, Resume and Cover letter basics, how to apply, using AI, and interview preparation.
Come with your questions!
This course is designed for adults.
Get to Know Your Local Farmer
Mariah Ford
Sunday, April 12, at 12:30pm in Gilbert Hart Library
Mariah will talk about Haven Hill Farmstead, a small organic vegetable family-farm operation: why they do it; what they focus on; the many mistakes they have made; what goes into organic certification, etc.
Creating a Pollinator Garden
Sue Thayer
Friday, April 10, 7:00pm at Rotary
Learn how you can support bees and other pollinators by cultivating the plants and flowers they need to survive, and how this supports our ecosystem.
Knitting 101: The Basics
Sabra Shulman
Sunday, April 12, 3:00pm at Town Hall
Have you ever wanted to learn to knit but were frustrated by written directions or even YouTube videos? Then this class is for you!
You will learn to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off to create a stockinette and garter swatch.Bring straight knitting needles, if you have them. If not, we will have extras for you to use.
Class is limited to 5 participants.
Classes held on Friday, April 10; Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Check the schedule page to see the classes listed by date and location.
Want to teach a class next year?
Email us at info@WallingfordVTUniversity.org
Questions? Email us at info@WallingfordVTUniversity.org