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.

It’s been a long week, and time to relax! Join local artist Sue Cannafarina for this two-hour class of monthly Friday evening painting fun while learning techniques used by the impressionists and Bob Ross (Lol). Bring a beautiful image to life ranging from still lifes, landscapes, and object studies. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. These are great opportunities to spend time with friends or make new ones. Bring home a work of art each meeting! Classes run once a month through June. Please Note: Each month is a separate session. Each session is $30/pp/per class. Pre-registration for each class is required as class size is limited.

Effective horsemanship for both the horse and handler begins with mutual respect and understanding. In this course, you will learn how to be safe while grooming and handling horses. You will work individually with one of Mike’s horses, getting right down and dirty! He will help you get comfortable working around these 1000 pound animals, enjoying your time together. Wear old clothes and hard sole shoes. No sneakers.  FMI: (207) 890-2959 Please pre-register as we need a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 people to run the course.

Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: playing songs without relying on written music. A very practical presentation of music theory, expressed in everyday language, will include predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing. This is an ideal follow-up to the Instant Piano class and open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Expand your musical horizons, free yourself from sheet-music dependence, and be the life of the party! Prior experience with chords is recommended. Course includes the online book, follow-up lessons, a recording of the class, and an optional monthly Q&A session. Required: a stable internet connection; a computer, tablet or cell phone; and a piano or keyboard available during class. Registration closes May 1. Pre-registration is required to receive online materials and link.

Craig Coffman, an experienced piano and guitar instructor, professional pianist, and music director, has 30+ years of experience teaching piano privately. His piano and guitar seminars have been attended by 30,000+ students throughout the US over the last 27 years.

At the first meeting, Fred will introduce you to the historical geology of Southern Maine to include, but not limited to, how this area was formed and the events which made it happen. From plate tectonics to volcanism and glaciation, the geological formation is astounding. Discussion of local wells, radon, earthquakes, and Mount Cutler will also be included. The second meeting, focusing on physical geology, will include a field trip to Hiram Falls. Along the way, you will be introduced to pegmatite granite, basalt dikes, faults, and minerals. Then return to the classroom to discuss what we saw and other local features. Please feel free to bring your locally found rocks and minerals. Please pre-register as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

Interested in learning more about solar energy for your home? Join ReVision Energy for an overview of all things solar! We'll discuss how grid-tied solar and net metering works and the all-electric household models (including heat pumps, EV charging, and battery storage) and explain how we design and price systems. The cost of solar panels has dropped 75% in the past 10 years, and there's a 30% Federal Tax Credit for solar, so now is the time to explore solar energy for your home. Please pre-register if possible for the purpose of providing materials.

This is your chance to learn to play this amazingly versatile instrument. You’ll need a ukulele, some curiosity, a love of music, and time to practice. Join our stress-free program for plenty of fun and learning. You won’t want to stop once you have mastered the fundamentals. The nicest part is that you don’t have to read music! Sign up, tune up, and show up to start your musical adventure now! Buying a ukulele? Duncan can provide you with brand, price, style, and size recommendations as well as local stores where you can purchase an excellent beginner’s ukulele. Contact us and we’ll have him reach out to you! Required: Five days before the start of the program, important documents will be sent to the email address you provided at registration. Before attending the first session, please read the email and documents carefully. 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.