New to the idea of DNA testing for genealogy research? Learn about the three major test types, Y-DNA, mtDNA, and atDNA. Find out what each test offers and which might be the best tool to help with your research. Genetic DNA testing can give clues to the origins of your paternal and maternal lines. It can prove or disprove a genealogical problem. This testing can help find unknown family lines in cases of adoption or other separations from biological lines. It will find relatives with whom you share a common ancestor. DNA is a wonderful tool to be used with traditional genealogical research.

Nancy Milliken Mason is a genetic genealogist who has been doing traditional genealogy research for over 35 years. She was born in Portland, Maine and grew up in Cumberland.

Have you ever taken a computer class before and walked away totally disappointed? Well, no more! Meet computer instructor Mike Wilson. He will help you really learn the basics of computers. Mike has 4-5 star ratings from 1000s of older adults in over 70 cities! During this free class, Mike will introduce many practical classes he offers. You will also see Mike’s teaching style. Consider taking this class as a “try before you buy” session. You will not be disappointed! Note: you may contact the instructor at backoncourse@att.net if you need help getting on Zoom. E-mail Mike at least a few days before class.

 E-mail Mike at least a few days before class. 

Explore the geological wonders of Piscataquis County! This class is not your typical exploration—it’s a captivating blend of in-class research and hands-on fieldwork. Dive deep into the rich mining history of the region, with a special focus on towns like Guilford (known for silver mines) and Blanchard (home to beryl and black tourmaline mines). Our adventure extends to the local rivers, where we’ll seek out precious stones and minerals, including gold, pyrite, feldspar, smokey quartz, jasper, chert, rhyolite, and other semi-precious gems that have left their mark on Piscataquis County. Stay tuned for exciting field dates and locations, all thoughtfully chosen for easy accessibility. Come prepared in comfortable clothing and footwear for an exploration that promises not just knowledge but a genuine hands-on experience of the geological treasures that define our region. Get ready to unearth the secrets beneath your feet!

Why not! Let’s get together for a three-hour class to go over some of my favorite treats. We will go over how to make homemade chocolate, turtles, peanut butter cups, peppermint patties, chocolate covered pretzels, coconut clusters, salted caramels, candy nuts, caramel corn, and maybe even maple fudge. We will learn the basic tools and materials, ingredients, recipes, and step-by-step process. 

All classes are taught by instructor, Jessica Steele and all materials are included. Registration and payment are required to hold your spot in class. Space is limited! Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to receive a refund. If our Adult Ed office or instructor cancel class, refunds will be issued to students.

FMI: www.woodthrushwilderness.com

Jessica Steele M.Ed. has a deep passion for the wilderness and for teaching. She has been working in the field of Adventure and Environmental Education for more than 30 years. This leg of her journey is about connecting more deeply with herself, others, and the wilderness. Join her for a program of connection, learning, and growing.

Explore intuitive movement, play and storytelling. Create connection to yourself and to others through improvisational theater exercises. Learn the “rules” of improv technique, like the practice of saying “Yes, And..” while enjoying shared laughter and personal catharsis in a group setting. We will practice being fully embodied in ourselves while experimenting with being other characters too. Improv is a wonderful tool for toning the mind and working spontaneously in the moment with others. Practice the art of being yourself, the art of being together and the art of being enough as you come as you are, ready to play! Elise Voigt is a trained actress and theater educator excited to share her skills with adults, both actors and non-actors. No experience necessary.

Come paint a gnome for your spring garden with Rosie's Artistry! This will be a fun-filled evening of laughter, smiles, and inspiration. Get out after a long winter and make new freinds -- being creative together is the goal of this very jolly class!

All materials will be provided. There will be a $25 materials fee (cash or check only) due to the instructor at the start of the class. Bring a friend!

Visit Rosie's Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/RosiesArtisty/. Limit 16 students.

Vinyasa yoga is a practice which strings postures(yoga stretches and poses) together seamlessly with the breath. In this class we will take a slower pace than traditionally practiced, mindfully moving from one yoga posture to another. This allows ample time to breathe in each pose. A slower pace also allows us to deepen the postures, while remaining present with each movement. This creative class encourages mind/body connection as we build fire in the physical body, simultaneously stimulating the mind. *No Class: 4/17.

Are you experiencing challenges in prioritizing and planning?  Do you routinely lose important items?  Do you find yourself always rushing and pressed for time?  Are you neglecting your purpose, your interests, your family, self-care, or something else you truly value?  Do you have piles of clutter?  Are you overwhelmed? I challenge you to move out of your comfort zone and gain a new awareness that empowers you to transform chaos and disorder into mindful organization and uncover behavior patterns and routines that contribute to disorganization.  Replace old habits with previous techniques that give you a new-found freedom to be more productive, effective, peaceful, and joyful.

• Learn practical list writing and management skills to complete daily activities on time, build action plans, and achieve your long-term visions and dreams.
• Apply proven scheduling techniques to organize your life - effectively using the calendar & other planning tools.
• Break down big projects into manageable segments and create a new list of actions in prioritized order.
• Create a plan to clear physical, mental, and digital spaces to implement new ideas, routines, activities, plans, goals & aspirations.
• Find time wasters to add more minutes and hours to your day to do the things you love.
• Transform haphazard thinking and behaviors into organized thoughts and meaningful activities

Roz Applebaum is a 30-year veteran of the conference industry and a successful life coach.  Juggling speakers, hotel logistics, audiovisual, attendee demands, and a myriad of other conference details demands strong organizational skills.  Today, Roz helps her coaching clients apply organizational skills to their daily lives to achieve short-and long-term goals while maintaining an ideal life balance.  Roz lives in Southern Maine where she dabbles in various art projects, walks the beach daily with her labrador retriever Conway, and engages extensively with her community, friends, and family.  She still has time to travel, go to the theater, and practice healthy self-care utilizing her core principles of planning, prioritizing, and actioning.