This three-hour course is for firearm owners and nonowners. You’ll learn what to do when you see an attack or if you are attacked and respond with force. You’ll learn how to contact the first responders, how prosecutors might view what you did, rules about concealed carry in the U.S. and Maine, and various ways to protect yourself without using a firearm. Part 2 of a 3-part series but can be taken separately. 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.

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.

This meditation class is suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners. We will come together once a week to sit in meditation. Natural meditation is a form of meditation in which we let go of the need to do something and learn to just sit and observe what arises - our thoughts, feelings, mental perceptions, and emotions. Through this process, we slowly reduce our reactivity to events, develop calm abiding, and gain insight into the nature of our intrinsic mind, the non-dualistic mind beyond all thoughts and concepts. A simple yet profound way to work towards developing equanimity in the face of life's many challenges. We will sit in chairs, but please bring a meditation cushion if you prefer.

Spoon carving is a wonderful craft that allows you to create functional and beautiful wooden spoons using traditional hand tools. These spoons will be the size of a serving spoon with a handle of 6-8 inches.

Field Course for Old House & Barn Owners 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 awardwinning business has specialized in preserving our early buildings since 1975. 

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 Medicare Advantage 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. 

Please note the date of this class was changed from Jan. 21 to May 6.

We will be making Chinese dumplings with pork filling made from scratch in this class. You will learn the multiple styles of folding dumplings using wonton wrappers, then we boil the wonton to make 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 pork upon request. Dumpling wrappers include gluten.

Ready for a career change but don’t know where to start? This one-hour workshop will point you in the right direction. Our professional staff will cover what to consider when making a career choice and the resources available to help you succeed. 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. For more information, visit newventuresmaine.org