Learn about the different types of internet fraud and scams, the dos and don’ts of protecting yourself online and what to do if you have experienced online fraud or abuse. This course is held at the Adult Learning Center at 172 Maine Street, Suite #3 in Cornish, however, we will have an online instructor from the National Digital Equity Center delivering the material. No devices are needed. Please pre-register as space is limited.

There are many different facets to the student loan programs 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 student 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. Pre-registration is required to receive online link.

Review camera settings, composition, and how to acquire great images of nature’s best, such as moose, birds, seals, and other subjects! Learn how to set up a blind to get great images. Discuss the best options in lenses for this type of photography and in tripods to get the best stability for your images! Required: a computer, a stable internet connection, and your fully charged digital camera. Registration closes at noon on May 11. Pre-registration is required to receive online link.

Steve McGrath is a professional freelance photographer and teacher with 25 years of experience shooting sports photos for local high schools, then weddings and stock agencies. His love of the great outdoors led him to his true passion–nature photography. Steve was an active member of the Gateway Camera Club for many years and has won many ribbons and awards at fairs and competitions through the group and on his own. Many of his images have been published in school textbooks.

The entire process of purchasing a home is covered in this ME hoMEworks course, including making the decision, setting a budget for homeownership, improving credit, getting a mortgage approval, working with a realtor, inspections, insurance, the closing process, energy efficiency and avoiding predatory lenders. Learn about closing cost and down payment assistance programs available for first-time homebuyers, veterans, and others. Attendees will earn a Certificate of Completion required by USDA, ME State Housing Authority, and other mortgage lenders. Free individualized counseling is offered after the class. Please have pen and paper available. Registration closes at 10 a.m. on 2/5. Note: You must reply to the email that will be sent to you from YCCAC to complete registration and receive the Zoom link. Register the person with whom you are buying your house at the same time and receive a $10 refund. Pre-registration is required to receive online link. 

Lee Sullivan is the Homebuyer Education Coordinator at York CountyCommunity Action Corp. In addition to experiencing the  homebuying process multiple times, she is Certified by hoMEworks, HUD and the USDA RD Direct mortgage program.

Join Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) representatives and find out what this free financial literacy program is all about and the various programs and services that are available in helping seniors deal with financial issues in today’s fast-paced economy. Volunteers make an incredible difference in helping people continue to live independently, without the fear of losing control of their finances. Money Minders might be just what you need! Please pre-register as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

In-person appointments for one-on-one counseling are now available at the Cornish Town Hall with certified counselors who provide free, expert advice on selecting the right plans, understanding benefits, and maximizing your coverage. Clients receive unbiased assistance with enrolling in Medicare, comparing plan options, and resolving issues related to claims and coverage. Please call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) at (207) 396-6524 or visit their website at smaaa.org to make an appointment.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s (SMAA) Money Minders program is partnering with New Ventures Maine and other community partners to provide one-hour Financial Skills Workshops for adults 60+ the last Thursday of each month. Workshop discussions include money management attitudes and styles, setting realistic financial goals, creating and following a budget, how to consolidate credit card debt, online banking, and much more! Each workshop is unique and tailored to coincide with financial matters related to older adults throughout the calendar year. The more workshops you attend, the more your financial competence will increase, helping you gain greater confidence in your financial skills. Increase your financial literacy and boost your financial wellness, one month at a time! 

The focus of the April 24th workshop, Bite into your Benefits: Food, Home and Health Resources, is to ensure seniors are aware of benefits and resources available to reduce stress around finances. This workshop will review a list SMAA services, as well as those available in the community and how to access them. Topics include availability of SMAA nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels, Simply Delivered, Community Cafes, and As You Like It (AYLI); how to apply for additional nutrition programs such as food stamps, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Maine Senior FarmShare, and food pantries; and what home and health benefits you may qualify for, including Medicare savings, heating, tax credits, and prescription drug cost discount programs. Workshop sizes are limited. Pre-registration is required at www.smaaa.org/events

     Last Thursday of each month, 10-11 a.m.