Join us for a morning of learning various techniques for finishing, hanging, or preparing a rug for a gallery exhibit. All past Folk Art Rug Hooking students AND anyone who has a damaged or unfinished hooked rug to be completed are welcome. Numerous examples will be provided to illustrate each strategy, and with Janet's guidance and support, students will select and start using the one they want.

In addition to a sewing machine, iron and board, and labeling supplies, Janet will also have some books and used tools that are popular with intermediate rug hookers ready to make a bigger commitment to the craft.

If you would like to email Janet in advance, please send a photo of the trivet, chair pad, small, or room-size hooked rug you would like to bind and finish to jconnerhookedrugs@gmail.com, so she can plan exactly what materials to bring. Handouts will include outlines of the various methods, a bibliography, and website listings.

Bring sharp fabric scissors, hand sewing needles, pins, and heavy-duty thread (quilting, upholstery, or button threads are best).

If you have cotton twill rug binding you want to use, bring it. If not, there will be different materials available for purchase.

Janet Conner, BS in Art Education from Moore College of Art & Design, is a member of the Saco Valley Fiber Artists and exhibits regionally and at ME Fiber Arts Center. Her hooked designs, as well as those of her students', have been highlighted in Finishing Hooked Rugs and Rug Hooking Magazine. In 2016, Janet co-authored the book Rug Hooking Traditions with James and Mercedes Hutchinson. She released Magnificent Hooked Rugs, influenced by Western art history, in 2020. She teaches both domestically and abroad.

What are the first native plants of Spring? What bird is making that call? Combine your love of plants and birds on this special walk to identify and learn about both, as well as how they work together to create the unique and special ecology at the heath! This trail, located on beautiful Wabanaki land, is moderately flat and may be muddy in spots, depending on whether we had rain recently. Half of the trail is a narrow wooden board walk with several stopping points with benches. Registration closes at noon on 5/2. Wear comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and an optional brimmed hat or cap (which helps with both sun and bugs). Bringing binoculars is highly encouraged! Walk starts promptly at 9am. Rain date 5/4, 4-6pm.

Note: Please communicate any accessibility concerns at registration, and we will ask Laura to contact you to discuss any needed accommodations.

Laura Grover is a plant and bird hobbyist, botanical illustrator for Fedco Seeds, and a mindfulness ambassador. She has led many plant identification and mindful foraging walks for people of all ages. She enjoys bringing people together to look closely in nature, practice mindfulness outside, and be a sensory animal in the woods.

Watch Brianne as she designs her signature arrangement, then get hands-on instruction as you create your own masterpiece! Celebrate the return of spring with fresh blooms and make new friends. Come sip, play, and create alongside your local florist! Materials for one arrangement and light refreshments will be provided.

Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety.

NOTE: Registration closes at noon on 4/25.

Brianne Emiser is the owner of stem & vine, a florist shop located in downtown Biddeford. An avid gardener herself and a seasoned event florist, she has significant knowledge of plant life, local florals, seasonality, and sustainability practices. She graduated with a degree in biology and art, which plays a direct role in her love of creating with flowers.

Bind, fold, and twist your cloth to create beautifully dyed patterns while using Japanese resistance-dyeing dating back to the 8th century. Explore techniques with a selection of objects for manipulating the fabric using a pre-reduced indigo dye. Leave with four dyed-by-you creations: two tea towels, a tote bag, and the fourth–bring an item of your choice! Dye ingredients, vat, washbasin, materials for manipulating fabric, booklet of instructions, tea towels, and tote bag provided.

Bring one pair of heavy-duty plastic gloves and one light-colored 100% cotton item to dye (T-shirt, handkerchief, pillowcase, etc.). Wear clothing for dyeing and bring a lunch/drink.

Note: Dyeing is outside, so wear weather-appropriate clothing.

Kristen Bartlett, owner of Alley Oop Apothecary, established in 2020, practices many forms of art and has studied drawing, oil painting, graphic design, and photography. Additionally, she has been passionately immersed in the foodie and holistic worlds most of her working life and brings decades of experience and knowledge about both food and local producers of food through her former work as a local producer forager for Whole Foods Market.

The nation's first refresher course specifically designed for drivers aged 50 and older. In this simple format, brush up on your driving abilities and knowledge of traffic regulations. Driver distractions, using safety features on cars properly, left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts are some of the topics covered. There are also state-specific rules and regulations in 19 important areas such as construction zones, child safety seats, school buses, cell phone use, and more. Help lower accidents and traffic penalties while learning something new since 97% of participants improve at least one driving behavior!

Note: Instructor will collect a fee for materials: $20 for AARP members, $25 for nonmembers.

Andrew Grant, certified Smart Driver instructor, also offers Smart Driver TEK and Car-Fit programs.

The Key to a Comfortable Retirement

How much will you need? Learn how to calculate the amount of money you need to retire comfortably, based on your unique lifestyle and financial situation. Get step-by-step guidance through the process of determining your retirement "number." Gain a clear understanding of your current financial position and what's required to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Through engaging exercises, take stock of your income, expenses, and savings, and develop a personalized plan for reaching your retirement goals. Leave feeling empowered and motivated to take actionable steps towards securing your financial future. Please bring a notebook/pen and a calculator.

Anthony Corsino, owner of Zen Financial Planning, LLC in Andover, MA, holds a BS from Bentley, a Certificate in Financial Planning from BU, and other designations and certificates from The American College of Financial Services, The College for Financial Planning, and Villanova. He teaches financial planners nationwide in multiple university programs and serves as a subject matter expert at BU, Regis College, and through Greene Consulting, which partners with several universities, including UNH and James Madison.

Let's mend together! With the instructor and fellow students, we'll share practice and take time out of our busy lives to repair worn clothing. Start off each class with a mini-lesson on a certain mending technique, then break into groups to work on mending projects. Bring an article of clothing (or two) each session that you would like to mend, and learn techniques to help fix them! Supplies will be provided, but please bring a pair of scissors and any specific tools that you would like to use. All levels are welcome, but a familiarity with hand stitching will be helpful.

Sara Ottomano has more than 10 years of experience teaching art classes. She enjoys encouraging others to play with materials, explore sustainable artmaking practices, and create stories together.

Wondering what it would be like to sell your home in today's market? We have you covered! Learn when the best time to sell is, what buyers are looking for, current market conditions, pricing strategies, staging, and how to sell your home for top dollar! Please bring a pen/notepad.

Scott & Denise Reiff are a successful local husband/wife realtor couple affiliated with Caldwell Banker Realty, specializing in helping homeowners navigate the home selling process with ease. Whether you are upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, Scott & Denise will make selling your home a stress-free and successful experience.