There are many different facets to the student loan program that can be powerful in helping you achieve your financial goals but also can be confusing. If you are struggling with your payments, did you know there are several income-based repayment plans as well as deferment or forbearance? Did you know you could get .25% off your interest rate if you sign up for auto-debit on your federal loans? Do you know you can work towards loan forgiveness now if you work for a non-profit, government or tribal agency? Whether you have recently graduated from college or have been repaying your students loans for a long time, join us to learn how to best manage your student loan repayment. Join Nikki Vachon, College Access Counselor from the Finance Authority of Maine as she shares pro-tips and answers questions.

Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on music. A very practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing-all expressed in everyday language. This is an ideal follow-up to the “Instant Piano” class and is open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Expand your musical horizons, and free yourself from sheet-music dependence, and be the life of the party! Prior experience with chords recommended. Fee includes the online book, online follow-up lessons, a recording of the class and an optional monthly question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom.

Participants will learn how to season, care for, and use a Chinese wok and cleaver. The recipes for the class will include stir-frying, oven roasting, and preparing steamed rice. Each student will take home a specially selected kit including a lightweight cast iron wok, wok spatula, carbon steel cleaver, honing steel, a heavy duty cutting board, and one of Chris Toy's 6 cookbooks. The retail value of the kit is $230, but participants will pay Chris just $120 on the night of class. Those in the know bring containers just in case! Class size is limited to 6 so register today!

Please note that the date for this class has changed from the one listed in our Spring / Summer 2025 brochure. The new date is Tuesday, May 13th. 

Did you know that the number of people turning to choosing Airbnb for lodging in Maine has almost doubled from two years ago? The revenue earned by Airbnb owners in Maine topped $100 million in 2020. If you have entertained the idea of opening up your guest bedroom or summer camp for short term rental, this is a class not to miss. The instructor, herself an Airbnb owner, has interviewed many other Airbnb or VRBO owners and put together a packet with good information, tips and actual stories of unusual events in the life of a short term landlord. This course will address issues dealing with ordinance, insurance, expectations, fees, hosting, guests, safety, communication, neighbors and more.

Many of our most beautiful and important insects rely on specific native plants for food and during certain phases their life cycle. Make your flower garden a haven for wildlife by learning which plants attract insects and what the insects do for your plants. This class will focus on specific plant-insect relationships. We will look at host and nectar plants for butterflies and moths. What bees need to feed. How to shelter a firefly for winter. And a host of other hints for bringing winged life back to your garden. Students will receive a reference list of native plants and the insects they attract and one packet of easy-to-grow seeds of a local native plant species to take home.

Laurel Dodge is a naturalist and author. She has worked at nature centers and a zoo.

Learn the basics of machine sewing and troubleshooting problems while working on 3 fun projects.  As we learn about machine sewing, we'll be making an envelope pillow with insert, a pillowcase using the roll-up method, and a zippered pouch. Skills learned will include basic sewing machine care and problem solving; preparing, measuring, and cutting fabric; sewing French seams; installing a zipper; and using various machine feet. We will also learn what to do when things go wrong (this varies from class to class). Please bring a working sewing machine if you have one as there will be only a limited number of machines available.

Learn to play the ukulele! It has never been more popular and you don't even need to know how to read music! On the uke you can knock out folk music, rock, blues, jazz, pop, country, tunes old and new -- even classical music. Duncan Perry, who has taught more than 900 students of all ages, will introduce you to essential chords and playing skills using familiar songs. There are lots of laughs along the way and learning to play an instrument is good for your brain! You will need a playable ukulele and an electronic tuner or a tuner app. And when folks hear you play this happy instrument, well, they just have to smile! If you don't own a ukulele, please contact us for information. What are you waiting for? Grab a uke and get ready for a musical adventure, then spread the joy!

This class welcomes all levels of students wanting to experience watercolor painting. The weekly exercises are designed to build confidence through step by step instructions. Techniques such as wet on wet, dry brush, blotting etc. are integrated into each watercolor painting. Color theory and mixing is covered along with how to create a successful composition. Many students have returned each year remarking how much they enjoy the class. They learn something new each time they attend. Come and enjoy meeting great people who love to paint and have fun! The supply list available on our website or by calling the adult ed office.