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.

Holly Smith is a Maine native who graduated with a B.S. degree in Art Education from the University of Southern Maine. Retired from teaching high school art and photography for 31 years she now happily teaches adult ed. Holly is represented by the Portland Art Gallery, Bonnie Farmer Assemblage Art & Gallery, and the Lincolnville Art Gallery.

This series is for writers who are looking for constructive feedback and revision techniques for existing drafts in any genre. We will explore the process of submitting final drafts to literary journals.

Diana Mullins is a writer and editor who has taught writing workshops for three decades. She is an expert on feedback and revision techniques, and has advanced degrees in education. Her creative writing has been published in literary journals.

Please note the date for this class has changed from the one listed in our brochure. The new date is Thursday, May 9th.

Celebrate spring in Maine! In this 3 hours class we will refresh our palette by making Lemon Portuguese Tartlets, Lemon Poppy seed Scones and Easy Lemon Bars! No experience required. Debra has been teaching adult baking classes for nearly a decade. You are sure to have fun and not leave with a sour face. Bring tubs to take home baked goods you can resist eating!

Debra Arter has won many awards for baking as have her students!

Mid Coast Maine has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but within the beauty are hazards that can quickly ruin your day on the water. Geography, tides and weather can combine to make even the most experienced mariner opt to stay ashore. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5, located in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, offers an introduction to navigation course that can help recreational boaters cruise the area.

The basics of coastal navigation are covered using the chart of the Boothbay area. What we cover applies to all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) navigation charts. Navigating Mid Coast Maine covers the basics of navigation and trip planning while taking you to the far corners of the local “Cape Small to Pemaquid” #13293 chart. Our experienced instructors have hundreds of hours cruising the waters covered in this course as recreational boaters and on the water conducting Coast Guard Auxiliary patrols. They are certified CG Auxiliary Small Boat Coxswains and Boat Crew members as well as local residents.

Topics include basic navigation using both traditional paper charts and various electronic chart formats, understanding navigational aids, and buoy systems. Problem sets will help you understand the building blocks of course planning including exercises on tides; time, speed, distance; and course layout and labeling. To take the course you need either a printed chart or access to an electronic chart of the Boothbay Harbor area.

Paper Chart and Nav Tools: We recommend charts printed on quality paper so you can draw (and erase) course lines using a pencil and add information easily. The NOAA chart of the area is The Three Rivers Chart (#13293). In addition two charting tools are recommended. The chart and tools may be purchased separately at the start of class. The chart costs $30. Along with a paper chart you should have two navigational tools. One is a divider (compass) cost: $10. The other is a roller plotter or parallel rule cost $35.

Please note: The date for this class has been changed from what is listed in the brochure. The new date for the class is Monday, May 20th.

Woks are great for stir-frying! Join Chris and learn the other things woks do well including roasting, deep frying, steaming, and more. Chris will also explain how to choose, season, and care for woks. His award winning book, The Complete Wok Cookbook will be available for purchase and signing as well!

Chris Toy is a Stonewall Kitchen Cooking Instructor and award winning cookbook author with a lifelong interest in cooking with an Asian-Downeast fusion flavor.

This talk is a comprehensive introduction to Hiking Basics but includes tidbits for all levels of hikers. Hike Smart, Hike Safe. Participants will be introduced to essential hiking knowledge and skills required to hike safely. Topics include gear selection: footwear, clothing and equipment; navigation tools; planning for various weather conditions; safety and basic first aid supplies; and what to include in a survival kit. A list of resources will be provided, a collection of hiking books will be available for perusal, and gear will be available for hands-on review. The evening will conclude with a slide show of hiking and backpacking trips. The slides showcase breathtaking images capturing the essence of hiking and backpacking adventures across various U.S. national parks, the beautiful state of Maine and the stunning landscapes of the French Alps. It takes viewers on a visual journey through iconic trails, showcasing diverse terrains, from the Grand Canyon's majestic vistas to the red sandstone of Canyonlands, to Knife Edge and Baxter State Park. The narration highlights key experiences, including search and rescue in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, emphasizing the thrill of exploration, encounters with wildlife, and the visual richness and natural beauty of each location. The information presented and narrative of unforgettable outdoor experiences is intended to inspire you to hike! Compasses and whistles will be available at the class for a fee.

Jenny Cusick is an avid outdoors person. Her passions include running, hiking, backpacking, bicycling touring/bikepacking, and kayaking. Jenny spent ~10 years volunteering with the Pemigewasset Search and Rescue Team in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In 2023 she spent 66 days bikepacking 2700 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelop Wells, New Mexico.

Bikepacking is the fusion of biking and minimalist camping, an adventure-rich experience. This class takes a thorough trip into the essence of bikepacking: Self-sufficiency, exploration, and connecting with nature are part of the transformative experience of traversing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail and showcasing its challenges and rewards. This “how to” presentation will use Jen’s adventure on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail (Stretching from Canada to Mexico, a 2,700-mile journey through diverse terrains), as the basis for covering the following technical topics: Lightweight and versatile gear: Tents, sleeping bags, stoves, navigation tools, and bike repair kits. Route Planning and Navigation: GDMBT's intricate route - Navigating through varied landscapes, terrains, and altitudes. The significance of thorough route planning, including understanding terrain challenges, water/food availability and wildfire hazards. Physical and Mental Preparation for both endurance and fitness - Preparing the body for long rides and varying terrains. Mental resilience: Coping with isolation, unexpected situations, and the demands of long-distance biking. Leave No Trace Principles & Environmental responsibility: Minimizing impact and preserving the natural beauty of the trail. Proper waste disposal, campsite ethics, and respect for wildlife. Safety Measures: Importance of safety gear: Helmets, first aid kits, and communication devices. Understanding potential hazards: Wildlife encounters, weather changes, and remote locations. Compasses and whistles will be available at the class for a fee.

Jenny Cusick is an avid outdoors person. Her passions include running, hiking, backpacking, bicycling touring/bikepacking, and kayaking. Jenny spent ~10 years volunteering with the Pemigewasset Search and Rescue Team in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In 2023 she spent 66 days bikepacking 2700 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelop Wells, New Mexico.