ASL Baking: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Master pumpkin cheesecake baking in this fun fall class taught fully in ASL by Deaf instructor Val Jonson. Perfect skill for autumn parties!
program overview
Join us for a fun afternoon of baking! This class is taught fully in American Sign Language by Deaf instructor Val Jonson. You must be fluent in ASL to take this class as there will be no vocal instruction. Learn a new skill and fill your plates with delicious and festive cheesecake. Pumpkin cheesecake is an ideal autumn and holiday dessert. In this class, you will learn how to prepare this popular cheesecake, which was previously featured in Williams-Sonoma magazine. After this class you can bring your new skill of pumpkin cheesecake to fall parties and impress your friends and family.
This class is taught in American Sign Language. You must be proficient in ASL to attend.
instructor Overview
Val Johnson
A pastry chef since 2006, I thrive in the art of baking—though I’ll admit, decorating isn’t my strongest suit! My expertise lies in mastering recipes and perfecting flavors, with a specialization in French desserts (yeast products, not so much). One of my career highlights? Baking the cake—not decorating it—for Mike Rowe’s Dirty Jobs 150th episode!
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in restaurants as a chef, kitchen lead, and pastry chef, including roles in the post-COVID era. Now, I’m excited to share my passion for baking through ASL culinary classes, making the sweet world of pastries accessible to all.
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Experience Level
Beginning, All-Levels, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
17 and 18-overRegistration Cost:
$65
Materials Fee:
$10
Total Registration Cost:
$75
