Ramp up your workout with this one-hour class of weekly stretching and body sculpting and a little bit of cardio, line dance style, thrown in to get your heart pumping just a little bit. This class is low impact and zen in nature for the person who is in decent shape but just needs a little more regular exercise and toning. Please bring a water bottle, towel or yoga mat, and comfortable shoes (ballet/yoga slippers or socks with grip bottoms and clean sneakers). Register in advance $40/month ($10/class); sign up with a friend and you both pay $30/month vs. $40 - save $10 each = one class free; $15/per class drop in rate. Drop ins for September only. Pay at class. Please pre-register as class size is limited to 12 people.

To register, email your name, phone number, email address, and home address to rpayeur@sad55.org or call us at (207) 625-3092 and leave a message. Please note, there is no beep.

The “Knotty Knitters” is a group of fiber enthusiasts with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. The members would like to invite new individuals to join. If you’re a novice, instructional support can be arranged. If you’re a pro, this is an opportunity to pass along your knowledge. This group meets year-round except for major holidays. Ongoing. Join anytime!

How can a family of four on an average Maine income save 4-6% of their earnings? Join us and see through this extensive overview of food budgeting, planning, and shopping; avoiding food waste; how to make fast, inexpensive, and nutritious meals; meal prep; and food safety. Free professional materials from major institutions will be used. Class meets every other week, allowing students time to put what they learn into practice. Optional: Interested participants can join an informal study comparing the amount spent on groceries and food services for the two weeks before the class and the final two weeks of class. Pre-registration is required for access to online link.

John Kirk is Director of the AOK Basic Skills Project in Portland, ME, a nonprofit sharing workshops to help people learn important basic educational and nutritional skills. John holds an AA5 Dietetic Technician certification.

Gain the benefits of yoga exercise without being on the floor! The chair is used as your foundation and support. This program is beneficial to all, regardless of age or flexibility. Simple stretching, guided breathing, and individual adjustments aid in gaining strength, balance, and vitality. Optional: Bring water for hydration. You may also bring a mat to place under your chair if you would like. Please pre-register as we need a minimum of 4 people to run the course. 

It’s not just a matter of teaching old, young, or other “dogs” new tricks. You can do it! Technology is more user-friendly than you may realize. Learn the basics of informational and transferable skills focusing on what you want to do and how to simplify life using your computer, laptop, or tablet as well as the Internet and Gmail. Bring your laptop or tablet. If you need one to use, just let us know. Please pre-register as space is limited.

We know this is no easy task! Join Robert Harvey 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 5 people is required to run the course.

About Bob: Bob has been educating people about Medicare for over 14 years. He has offices in Brunswick and Scarborough and travels the whole state assisting people with Medicare plan review and enrollment.

The wooded landscape of Maine today is vastly different than it was 100 years ago. Learn to “read” the forest’s history through natural clues. Topics covered include: why different tree species dominate different wooded parcels, how to identify and date logging stumps and roads, the role of the “nurse tree”, why stone walls are found in the middle of wooded areas, what created those “potholes'' peppering certain areas of the woods, and so much more! Learn to differentiate a man-made rock dump from a boulder train left by retreating glaciers. Discover the health of a forest and its vast communication network between trees by observing physical clues all around you. Did you know that forests release a powerful biochemical compound scientifically proven to fight cancer cells and strengthen the immune systems of both people and animals? Learn all about the symbiotic relationship between us and our wooded and forested lands. Walk away with a better understanding of the anatomy of our forests and why we need to conserve them. Please note: Deb graciously volunteers her time and property. Donations in support of maintenance and set up are appreciated and can be made at the time of the course. The class will be held outdoors or, in case of intermittent weather, a small outdoor structure. Rain dates will be scheduled if needed. Bring a lawn chair and bug spray and dress for the outdoors. Please pre-register as we need a minimum of 4 people to run the course.  

In 2005, Deb became a registered Maine Guide, guiding people in Maine’s great outdoors. A former reserve police officer, EMT, firefighter, and crisis counselor, she was also part of the search and rescue team with the USAF and a member of its critical incident stress management team. She has spent her entire life as an amateur archeologist, historian, and naturalist. In 2014, she retired from farming in Aroostook County and moved to her 50-acre wooded lot, living off the grid and close to nature.

William Blazo built the Blazo-Leavitt Homestead in North Parsonsfield. The ell, with one large chimney, was built in 1812. The main section of the house, with four more chimneys, was added in 1817. It is a two-story Portsmouth Federal-style home with elaborate doorways, ornate interior woodwork, a Palladian window over the front door, and a large central hall. It was in the same family until 1974. Then, from 1977 until 2008, the homestead went through four different owners. From 2008 until late 2013, the structure was vacant. The present owner has worked hard to restore the homestead. The Rufus-Porter type murals and graining by artist Sandy Howe are outstanding. The Blazo-Leavitt Homestead was featured in the October 2019 issue of Early American Life, a copy of which is at the Brown Memorial Library. The homestead is located on Route 160 South in North Parsonsfield, diagonally across the street from the Parsonsfield Seminary.  Please note: There is no charge for this tour. The $5 registration fee will be donated to the Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society. If you would like to contribute other funds to the historical society, you may also 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.