It's time to celebrate! Celebrate education! Celebrate community! And celebrate really good food!

Join us at Of Course! 2025, where you can explore a selection of the best classes Cambridge Center For Adult Education has to offer. Then we all march over to the Charles Hotel to sample cuisine from some of the best and most interesting restaurants in Cambridge and Somerville.

And we'll toast our guest of honor, Gail Mazur, the founder of CCAE's longstanding Blacksmith House Poetry Series.

Registration and the opening reception will begin at 4pm. Two sessions of classes will take place from 4:30 to 6:15. The reception at the Charles Hotel will start at 6:30.

The estimated value of goods and services is $75 per ticket.

We are using the Zeffy event platform for Of Course! Zeffy does not charge CCAE any fees, and Zeffy pays the credit card transaction fees, which amount to approximately 3% of your purchase. Zeffy is entirely funded by voluntary contributions, and Zeffy suggests a contribution amount before you complete your payment. You may find the amount that Zeffy suggests higher than expected, but you can change that amount to one of your own choice, as little as $0 if you want, by selecting "Other" in the dropdown menu.

Choose from these enlightening classes:

Blacksmith House Poetry Reading  

(Session 1 only)

Join poets Gail Mazur, the evening's Guest of Honor and the founding director of the Blacksmith House Poetry Series, and current BHPS director Andrea Cohen for a special edition of the Blacksmith House Poetry Series! 

Easy Italian for Travelers

(Session 2 only)

Instructor: Lucia Campo

Planning a trip to Italy? This fun and practical mini-course will introduce you to essential Italian expressions and cultural tips to make your journey more authentic. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and love for Italy!

ASL for Beginners: Start Learning to Sign and Connect!

(Session 1 only)

Instructor: Jude Grauso

Ready to dive into the world of American Sign Language? This beginner-friendly mini-course will introduce you to essential signs, fingerspelling, and basic conversations to help you start communicating right away. You'll learn some of the fundamentals of ASL and Deaf culture in a fun, interactive environment—no prior experience needed! Join us and take your first step toward meaningful connections in the Deaf community.

Screen Printing Totes

Instructor: Hope Howard

Learn the basics of Screen Printing and customize your own tote bag to take home! Screen printing may have gained its popularity in the 1960’s, but this art process roots back over 1000 years! We’ll explore the history of screen printing, preview famous art pieces, and learn how to pull our own prints. No creative background necessary! We’ll provide all the supplies and you’ll go home with a unique piece of functional art.

Studio Drawing 

Instructor: Jason Polins

This drawing sampler will use still life to help students understand basic drawing concepts such as line, form in space, spatial relationships, light and dark, gesture, and composition. Beginners will be welcomed and continuing students will also be challenged.

Wood Carving As Meditation

Instructor: Dan Paret

One tool, one pattern, a brief intro, and you will be slicing nice wood with a sharp tool.  Handled properly, carving wood can be as calming as a good meditation session.  I’ll help you get started and before long you will be in the flow.

Drink Maps: Temperance Tools or Beautiful Pub Guides?

Instructor: Kris Butler

In the late 1800s, guzzling to excess became a world-wide problem. In England, organized anti-drinking groups created startling maps intending to convince law makers to stop granting liquor licenses. The story of their brief existence will be told amidst a tangle of licensing laws, corrupt temperance organizers, outraged brewers, and — of course — beer! which we will sample in class while admiring the maps. 

Women in Chocolate

(Session 1 only)

Instructor: Victoria Kichuk 

The role of women in chocolate through the ages has been complicated and immense. Historically they have been seen as the ones who serve chocolate to others or receive chocolate from men as a sign of affection. Today, women have positioned themselves in so many other roles within the world of chocolate (though some of the same perceptions continue to exist.) Learn about the importance of women within and around the chocolate industry as we also taste bean to bar craft chocolate made by local, women-owned and run businesses.

Cocktail Party Trifecta

Instructors: Denise and Bob Blumenthal

Join veteran cocktail party hosts, for their 3 favorite, crowd-tested elements of a successful cocktail party. You'll make mojitos and watch a demo on how to make the perfect martini. You'll construct a scrumptious charcuterie board. And you'll sample the always popular, "I want the recipe" hot artichoke dip.

Wall Street Bootcamp "Express"

(Session 1 only)

Instructor: Mike Stern

Join a session on navigating the stock market and optimizing your investment strategy! Topics will include: Why most portfolio managers underperform the S&P 500 Index; Smart asset allocation: stocks vs. bonds; The risks of bond funds and ETFs in a rising interest rate environment; Why Target Funds might not be the best option in your 401(k); Two passive equity index strategies that have outperformed the S&P 500; and much, much more.

Grounded Voices: Exploring Authentic Expression

(Session 2 only)

Instructor: Tom Kelleher

Immerse yourself in the fundamentals of acting through a dynamic workshop that emphasizes grounding your voice and responding authentically on stage. Engage in storytelling, acting games, and collaborative exercises designed to help you move, connect, and communicate with confidence. 

Disco Dancing

Instructor: Jim Spellman 

We will learn some fun dance moves to Disco music. Class will start with a warm up of gentle body part isolations. Then we will enjoy steps such as grapevine, box step, step touch, and slides. We will dance solo, facing a partner, and in small groups. Each participant will experience their own freedom and joy of movement. Class will be energetic and fun.

The Art of Flash Essay: Finding the Macro in Micro  

(Session 1 only)

Instructor: Olga Katsovskiy

Flash creative nonfiction is traditionally defined as true stories of 1,000 words or less; however, word count is the least interesting thing about this form. Compelling flash essays capture dramatic moments in our lives, leaving lasting impressions like a shooting star or meteor strike. We will examine a variety of flash narrative and hermit crab essays, and launch into our own. Class will include guided writing prompts and time for feedback and questions. 

Stop, Breathe, Recharge: Mindful Movement, Relaxation, & Meditation  

(Session 2 only)

Instructor: Aung Moe

In times of uncertainty, we often hold on too tightly—to stress, expectations, and even our own thoughts. This session offers a guided mindfulness experience designed to help you stop, breathe, and recharge. Through simple yet powerful techniques, you’ll learn how to let go, find clarity, and reconnect with the present moment. No prior meditation experience is needed—just bring yourself and an open mind. 

Tantalizing Card Tricks!

(Session 2 only)

Instructor: John Bach

Learn a medley of incredible card tricks from a master magician! Even if you’ve never touched a deck of cards in your life, you will leave this class with the ability to amaze family and friends by performing mind-blowing magic anytime, anywhere, with just an ordinary deck of playing cards. No special skills required! Be the hit of your next party or social gathering!

The First Modern City: The London of Charles Dickens  

(Session 1 only)

Instructor: Allan Converse

Charles Dickens knew London as few men have ever known a great metropolis. The early Victorian London which he knew was a city confronting modern problems of crime, poverty, congestion, pollution, and disease. This is the story of how the people of London found a way to survive.

Light and Shadow: The London of Sherlock Holmes  

(Session 2 only)

Instructor: Allan Converse

The late Victorian London in which Sherlock Holmes solved his cases was prosperous, modern, and increasingly grand and imposing. Yet beneath the bright surface, the city faced changes: a police force in trouble, a working class finding it’s voice, a wave of new immigrants, and more. This is the story of how the city and its citizens lived through changing times. 

Courageous Impressionists — Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt

Instructor: Susan Glassman

Although Impressionism was a new movement, we often give pride of place to the male artists. However, today we will focus on two courageous female impressionists—Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt. We will discuss their lives, their art, and their place in the ‘HERstory’ of art to develop a greater appreciation of these two thought-provoking painters.