The Maine Driving Dynamics course is a driver improvement course that is designed to improve a student's defensive driving awareness. This five-hour course includes a discussion of collision avoidance techniques, safety issues, driver habits and attitudes, and the basic elements that constantly challenge drivers on Maine's highways. You must attend both classes to receive credit.

Have you noticed a variety of mushrooms popping up in your yard and wondered, “How can I know which species these are? Is my pet safe around them?” Let’s explore the vast and fantastic world of our native fungi of Maine! We will begin with identifying common species, and then explore different field guides and how to use them, and discuss the life cycles and ecology of mushrooms. Bring: Mushrooms for identification

Have you written the next great American novel, a cookbook, or some other book that you’d like to get published? Publishing through big publishing companies can be tough. Learn how you can publish your book quickly and easily through Amazon and get your book out to readers worldwide at no cost to you. Heather (H.J.) Emerson currently has 23 books published through the Amazon platform and will walk you through each step to becoming a published author.

In this class you will warp a simple loom and weave the body of a three-dimensional doll. You will use wool roving to create a felted head with needle-felted hair. Next, find a special stone to ground your doll, add decorative touches, and fill it with your hopes and dreams. You may rent a loom from the instructor for a returnable deposit of $50.“The doll is the symbol of the soul.”Susan Barrett Merrill, The Art of Weaving a Life

Join us to learn about what assisted living actually is (and isn't)! We'll discuss how it gets paid for and a roadmap for your loved ones to set expectations for the process. Note: All information shared covers what independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home facilities look like in Maine and may not apply to sites in other states. Q & A follows the presentation.

Kaitlyn Morse, the founder of Maine Aging Partners, has spent time working in home healthcare and senior living. After working with over 500 families, she realized how difficult it is to find a clear and unbiased source of information in this field and wants to share her knowledge with you.

Learn how to more successfully and effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, and teams in an office environment. Skills covered include listening, oral communication that involves speaking assertively, positively, and clearly, and handling difficult situations in the workplace with conflict resolution skills. Other skills practiced will include customer service communication skills and communication issues in a team-based environment and how to ace an interview.

Please note: the first and last day of this class will be held in person at Portland Adult Education.

Prerequisite: CASAS score of 238+

Need help paying for this course? Scholarship money is available to those that qualify. Email paeworkforce@portlandadulted.org to get the application form.

The deadline to register is August 19.

The popularity of Nordic skating has increased in recent years and for excellent reasons. There may be no better way to cruise the shoreline of a Maine lake than while gliding along on a pair of Nordic skates. The long detachable blades are designed for long-distance skating, enabling Nordic skaters to readily travel tens of miles during a single outing on natural/wild ice with comparatively little effort. If you are already comfortable with figure or hockey skates, you will likely have little difficulty making the transition to Nordic skates.

To safely enjoy Nordic skating, it is necessary to develop an understanding of the characteristics of natural ice and the safety equipment skaters must always carry and know how to use. Course participants will learn about the basic skills to safely enjoy Maine’s lakes and ponds throughout the winter months.

This course will consist of two 90-minute classroom sessions and one four-hour session on wild ice as conditions permit. The classroom sessions will include detailed discussions of all the equipment required, the characteristics and behavior of wild ice, and how Maine’s ever-changing weather creates the conditions for safe lake skating.

Followed by one four-hour on-ice session, providing conditions are appropriate, date TBD.

Register for your private one-hour appointment! Topics include social media, email and attachments, music apps, Microsoft Office, the internet, or saving, sending, and editing photographs. Get tips on backing up your work and virus prevention programs. Bring your laptop or use one of ours.

Jeanne Cassidy, MA, CPCM, PMP, has worked with computers for 30+ years in the military and aerospace industries. She enjoys sharing her extensive experience with people who want to become more familiar with existing technology.