Ever gone for a walk in the woods and come back feeling more relaxed and happier? This class examines the science behind Forest Bathing or what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is simply spending time outdoors under the canopy of trees. In Japanese, “shinrin” means forest and “yoku” means bath, or immersing oneself in the forest and soaking in the atmosphere through the senses. Research shows a wide range of health benefits from forest bathing, including decreased stress, improved mood states, a variety of mental health benefits, improved vigor, reduced fatigue and feelings of awe. This class is led by Marty from Mellow Mainer Meditation.

Beacon Hospice volunteers make a difference! This free, 21 hour course is covered 1 evening a week for 7 weeks and will prepare you to support our patients and their families at end of life. The course covers the medical aspects, family dynamics, cultural awareness, spiritual wellbeing, how to communicate effectively and the Important role the volunteer plays at end of life. Our volunteers not only provide companionship to our patients, they also have the opportunity to develop lasting friendships with other volunteers. We hold pot lucks, go Christmas Caroling, have coffee hour and many other options for socialization and support.

This 12-session program via Zoom is tailored to meet the needs and learning styles of any male parenting a child! The class focuses on and explains the roots of fathering, nurturing children & self, positive discipline methods, managing anger, resolving conflict, co-parenting, balancing work and fathering, and much more. Books and materials will be provided. No class on Nov. 24. Make-up date of Dec. 22. Limit 15 students.

MOVED UP ONE WEEK

Whether you're starting from scratch, needing to renovate existing plantings, wanting to plan a new vegetable garden or create a special habitat for birds and beneficials, this field-based class is for you! After the first meeting classes will meet at each participant's property where individualized, site-specific options will be explored. Organic practices will be emphasized as will the incorporation of native plants, especially those important for birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficials. Please give us your physical address when registering. The first night is mandatory, students will receive information and subsequent garden visits will be planned for all participants - this will be the only meeting held in a classroom. Dates and times of subsequent meetings will be determined that evening. $10 for materials (handouts) to be paid to instructor. Approximately 8 weeks total, with some meetings at gardens on weekdays and some on weekends. This class will include meting at the instructor's nursery in Washington.

Review the basics of making a simple will. A will can protect your assets and help minimize the chances of a contest over your estate. If you die without one, your estate may not be distributed as you would choose. Use a will to: provide for your family, specify to whom you would like to receive your property, state your funeral and burial instructions, create a trust for minor children, disinherit a person(s), or name a guardian for minor children. Join local attorney Susan Farnsworth for this one-evening class as she explains the process of creating a will and discusses how to determine whether a simple will is sufficient or if a more complex document is in order to protect your assets.

Are your investments working hard enough for you? During this complimentary session, you’ll learn about: Seven fundamental components of smart investing that can be applied during volatile periods and when markets are stable. Common risks that can throw your financial goals and retirement plans of track. How to break financial planning into manageable and actionable steps.

If you have a passion for caring for others and are looking for a way to make a difference in people’s lives consider becoming a Beacon Hospice Volunteer. Our volunteers are an important part of our team approach to caregiving. You can expect to provide companionship, play cards etc. helping patients live all the days of their lives to the fullest. Special programs for veterans by veterans.

Do you get your policy renewals for your car and home insurance and file them away without looking at them? Are they full of terms you’re not familiar with? Do you have questions about what your policy DOES and DOES NOT cover? Join industry expert Jonathan Priest for an educational and interesting series of classes on the most common policies (Auto, Home) to learn how your policies work, what coverages to look for, and which ones to avoid! Please have your most recent policy declarations pages available to reference.