We know this is no easy task! Join Aaron Manning of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency as he explains some of the ”ins'' and “outs'' to include when an individual is eligible for Medicare benefits, the timeline to enroll for benefits without penalties, what original Medicare does and doesn’t cover, what additional plans are available that work in conjunction with Original Medicare, and even possible financial assistance options. Come with your questions and concerns! Please pre-register as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

History says that the Amish began arriving in Maine in the mid-1990s, buying reasonably-priced farmlands to practice their faith and raise their families. In the Sacopee area, there is a growing Amish Community on the Porter Plain off of South Hiram Road. You have most likely noticed the bicycles and horse-drawn wagons in our area and enjoyed fresh, delicious products from the First Fruits Produce Market on South Hiram Road. One of their newest community-friendly businesses is the Rise and Shine Greenhouses and Nursery with beautiful hanging baskets, ready to plant flowers, both annuals and perennials, vegetable and herb starts, and a full line of nursery products. Other ventures in the community include multiple sawmills providing rough-cut lumber, a furniture shop, an insulation business, a harness shop, and an egg farm. Join us and learn more about this unique and peaceful community. No fees or donations are expected. You are welcome to make purchases from the Greenhouse; cash or check only. The Meeting place is located inside the Amish Community of Porter Plains at the Rise and Shine Greenhouses. Please note: This tour is to discuss our overall community. We will not be going to each property. Please pre-register as space is limited.

Located at North Wind Road off of South Hiram Road.

If it weren’t stressful enough to lose a loved one, the paperwork and details that need attention after a funeral can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect helps you plan ahead. This course is designed to inform you of the steps you need to take to ensure that this process goes smoothly. Please pre-register as a minimum of 3 people is required to run the course.

What happens if you get a flat? How do you take off your wheel? What if your chain falls off when you’re out on a ride? What should you do if your brakes are rubbing? Don’t be caught walking your bike home! The Local Gear is offering a class to teach you the skills needed to get home safe from common mishaps on a ride and how to address problems with your bike before they happen. Limit 10 people. Register by emailing Dave at dave@thelocalgear.com or calling (207) 625-9400.

Tired of paying rent? Wondering how you can buy a home and start building equity instead of paying someone else's mortgage? Come learn all about the home buying process from industry experts! This is a chance to have all your questions answered. Best of all, participants can earn a closing cost credit by attending this class! Join us and learn how you can take the next step towards home ownership! Pre-registration is not required but is very helpful due to available space.

     Megan and Erl Brown, Realtor Team

     Maine Real Estate Experts

     BrownMaineRealty.com

Collages can be used to express ideas, create works of art, or both! This versatile art form originated in the 1900s and was used by Picasso, Braque, and others as they experimented with different styles. Join Ann in exploring different colors, textures, and ideas to create a unique work of art. Variety is, after all, the spice of life. Please pre-register as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

All parts of purchasing a home are covered in this ME hoMEworks course, including making decisions, setting a budget for homeownership, improving credit, getting a mortgage approval, selecting a realtor, inspections, insurance, the closing process, energy efficiency and avoiding predatory lenders. Learn more about the closing cost and down payment assistance programs offered to veterans, first-time homebuyers and other groups. Learn about obtaining the Certificate of Completion needed by the USDA, the ME State Housing Authority and other lenders for their mortgage programs.Register the person you are buying your home with at the time of your registration and get a $10 rebate. Free individualized counseling is available following the class. Please have a pen and notepad available. Registration closes on May 15.  Required: You must respond to the email from YCCAC to finalize registration and receive Zoom link.

The Brown Family or their caretakers owned Valley Lodge for 181 years until 1973. Brothers David and Ephraim Brown came to Flintstown (now Baldwin) with their father, Captain David Brown, from Concord, Massachusetts, in 1783. Captain David Brown helped lay out the plot plan and worked on the roads in Flintstown. He never lived in Maine, but his son Ephraim built Valley Lodge. Ephraim's brother David built Saddle Back Farm (now gone) right above Valley Lodge. Ephraim had seven children who all lived to be adults. Thus, in the early 1800s, he added to the original cape by building a Federal Colonial over the front half of the cape. However, none of the early features of the cape were disturbed. It is possible to see the evolution of architectural styles from the mantels. From pre-revolutionary to the late Victorian periods, 95% of the original features are still present. Valley Lodge was featured in the April 2011 issue of Early American Life; a copy is at the Brown Memorial Library. Valley Lodge is located at 67 E. Saddleback Road, West Baldwin. Take Brown Road, which goes up behind Limington Lumber on Route 113. Take the first right, which is E. Saddleback. Valley Lodge is the first house. Please note: There is no charge for this tour. The $5 registration fee will be donated to the Baldwin Historical Society. If you would like to contribute other funds to the historical society, you may do so at  the time of the tour. Pre-registration is required due to spacing and safety issues. Extra sessions will be available as needed.