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. New Ventures Maine's professional staff will cover what to consider when making a career choice and the resources available to help you succeed. Please complete your registration by clicking this link to fill out New Ventures Maine's form. Choose your class from the listing on the page. This will ensure that you get the online meeting link.

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.

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.)

Questions about Medicare? Join Jo-Ann Neal for this informational seminar outlining the basics of Medicare. Jo-Ann will answer your questions including what Medicare does and does NOT cover when to enroll, the difference between MedicareAdvantage and Medicare Supplement Plans, and which plan is best for you. Following the presentation, Jo-Ann will be available for a question and answer session. Jo-Ann Neal of Allen Insurance and Financial is a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare. Jo-Ann joined Allen Insurance and Financial in May 2013, bringing with her 10+ years of human resources and benefits administration experience. In 2016, she earned a Benefits Account Manager certification from the National Association of Health Insurance Underwriters and became appointed to work with customers on Medicare plans.

Learn how Alexander Calder created his famous kinetic sculptures, also known as mobiles and stabiles. Choose among sea shells, pieces of driftwood, or feathers to create a relaxing, balanced piece of art that moves and shifts in the slightest air currents. All materials included. If you have a favorite pair of needle nosed pliers with wire cutters feel free to bring them along. $10 supplies fee included in price.

Tired of paying crazy expensive prices for candles? Are you looking for a great gift-giving idea? Learn how to make handmade candles with non-toxic soy wax and scented with all-natural essential oils. Each student will receive 2 lbs. of soy wax, wicks, a variety of scents, and containers to choose from, leaving the class with their creations that night to give away or keep for themselves. $10 materials fee included.

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.