In this hands-on cooking class, you'll dive deep into the art of making Chinese Steamed Char Siu Bao, the beloved fluffy buns filled with savory Chinese BBQ pork. Learn the secrets of creating the perfect bao dough from scratch. Jeff will guide you through each step, from mixing and kneading to proofing, ensuring you achieve that perfect pillowy texture. Master the rich and flavorful char siu filling. Discover the blend of spices and techniques that make this BBQ pork so irresistible. Take a culinary journey through history as we explore the legend of how bao were first invented. You'll hear captivating stories that add a cultural dimension to your cooking experience. By the end of the class, you'll not only have a batch of delicious Char Siu Bao to enjoy but also the skills and knowledge to recreate this traditional treat at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and educational adventure. Class fee includes a set of traditional Chinese bamboo steamer baskets. (Bao contains gluten and soy) 

Join Heather for a night of still-life painting in a 'watch and copy' format that anyone can do. No previous painting experience needed! Join in the fun and take your masterpiece home that night. All materials supplied, and included in your registration fee.

Learn to play the ukulele! It has never been more popular and you don’t even have 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 700 students of all ages, will introduce you to essential chords and playing techniques using commonly known songs. Oh, and 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. Students must have an audio and video-enabled laptop, desktop, or tablet with reliable internet to participate in class. We do not recommend using a smartphone.

If you have had flat or tough dry scones this might be just the class you have been waiting for.

Debra will show you step by step how to make light and tender Chocolate Cherry Scones, Apricot Ginger Scones and Bacon, Cheddar, Chive Scones as well as classic Basic Scones.   This class will be participatory, and samples of all items will  be tasted, and the rest divided among the class.  Remember to bring a container to store all that you will take home. $55 fee includes $10 materials fee.  No experience necessary.

This is a course for people who have an old house and/or an old barn, want to, or just love them! The first session is in the classroom. After that, meetings will be held in the old homes and barns of class members. There will be as many sessions as are required to visit the houses of class members who want their houses visited. The last class will be a potluck supper at the instructor’s house, where class members can visit the historic features of Alna, see the instructor’s cabinet-making shop and barns, and delve into his reference library on early buildings. Les Fossel is one of Maine’s foremost experts on early buildings. His award-winning business has specialized in preserving our early buildings since 1975. Class meetings are held based on accommodating everyone’s schedules.

Have you thought about keeping a flock of chickens for eggs or meat birds? It's not hard to do with a little know-how. Join Heather for the ins and outs of keeping a backyard flock and start becoming more self-sufficient.

Ready for a career change but don’t know where to start? This one-hour workshop will point you in the right direction. Our professional staff will cover what to consider when making a career choice and the resources available to help you succeed.  Offered by New Ventures Maine.

Students must have an audio- and video-enabled laptop, desktop, or tablet with reliable internet to participate in class. We do not recommend using a smartphone. For more information visit newventuresmaine.org

We will make Chinese dumplings with pork filling made from scratch in class. You will learn the multiple styles of folding dumplings using wonton wrappers. Then we will boil the wonton to make a classic wonton soup or chili oil wonton. Additionally, we’ll learn to make our own Sichuan-style chili oil and learn about other common Chinese condiments used for dipping sauces. All ingredients, materials, equipment, and recipes will be provided. (Plant-based ground meat can be substituted for the pork upon request. The dumpling wrappers include gluten.)