New! This workshop provides structure for recording precious memories, life experiences and family stories of your own choosing – to share with others, including future generations. Learn to generate a journal that can be duplicated for your family. Jill has been designing and delivering seminars in management, organizing, as well as putting life into words; she holds a BA in organizational communication from Northeastern U. and an MBA from Framingham State U.

Two Mon, 4/1 and 4/8/2019

6:00 to 8:00 pm, $34

Instructor: Jill Braceland

If you took Sharon’s beginner Mah Jongg or other beginner MJ classes in the past, then come to up your game a notch! Also perfect for anyone who has basic familiarity with American MJ, but feels they need more instruction or game play strategy. Advance your knowledge of the game, gain an understanding of defensive and offensive strategies, and strengthen your ability to pick hands. Become part of southern Maine’s welcoming MJ community. Bring your 2019 American MJ card which you can purchase from the National Mah Jongg League at nationalmahjonggleague.org.

Sharon Ash Tancredi is a social worker with a private practice in Portland. She’s been enthusiastically playing and teaching Mah Jongg for many years and loves spreading its joy. 

Three Thurs, 6:30 to 8:30 pm

6/6 to 6/20/2019, $20, Limit: 12

Instructor: Sharon Ash Tancredi  

Knowledge is power, and now you’ve got the power to optimize your gut health! Learn several lifestyle steps you can take to support your digestive tract, improve your gut health and live a happier, healthier life! 

Thursday, 4/4/2019, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, $15

Gut health is key to brain health! What you eat can either support or compromise your brain activity. You’ll learn about the gut-brain connection, how stress and depression or anxiety effect your gut health, and what foods or supplements are vital for optimal gut and brain health. 

Instructor Stephanie Walsh MNT, CEPC, CPT, is a master nutrition therapist, eating psychology coach and personal trainer. She uses a holistic approach, treating each person as unique and creating programs specific to you.

Thursday, 3/28/2019, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, $15

We know the gut-health benefits of fermented foods, now let’s make some! Explore fermenting, basic equipment, recommended recipes and ingredients. Then get hands-on with UMaine Extension volunteers and staff by making kimchi; this Korean combo of cabbage, radishes and other ingredients has been dubbed the world’s healthiest food, according to one health magazine. It can be served as a main dish, with rice or noodles, or makes a perfect comfort-soup ingredient on a cold day. Unsure of kimchi? Skills learned transfer to making other gut-beneficial fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha, tempeh, apple cider vinegar, and yogurt. Take home handouts, recipes and some kimchi. Kate is author of “Portland Food: Culinary Capital of Maine” and “Distilled in Maine: A History of Temperance, Libations and Craft Spirits” (Also see her class: Cocktails from the Garden).

Tues, 4/23/2019, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, $26 

Instructor: Kate McCarty, UMaine Ext Master Gardener/Master Food Preserver

Think of geocaching as a sophisticated take on scavenger or treasure hunting! ‘Looking for a free, year-round, individual and/or family-friendly outdoor activity? Adventurers of all ages can enjoy the natural wonders of Maine, explore new places, and exercise the body and mind - while hunting for secret treasure. If you have a smartphone, you can geocache. Learn everything you’d need to get started here in southern Maine. Hear a brief history, then be introduced to the symbols, acronyms, types of geocaches, etiquette, and how to log caches. Geocaching also pairs well with family travel and/or service opportunities (cache in, trash out!). Children ages 8 and up welcome and free when accompanied by an adult. Amy has over 10 yrs of geocaching experience and has placed and maintains over 20 geocaches in southern Maine.

Wed, 4/24/2019, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, $12

Instructor: Amy Farwell 

Have you heard of the “mother sauces” but never tried to make them? Even if you haven’t, in this class you’ll learn what they are and how to make a few of the trickier ones: Hollandaise, Veloute and Tomato.

We’re pleased to have returning, Chef James Larvia, a graduate of Johnson & Wales School of Culinary Arts with concentrations in sustainability and wellness. He shares his experiences from cooking at Jedediah Hawkins Inn, NY; The Barn, Block Island, RI; Havana in Bar Harbor; and Emilitsa in Portland.

Prices for all classes include: food sampling, any leftovers to take home, handout Bring to all classes: apron, cutting board, knife, and a container to bring leftovers home.

Tues, 4/2/2019, 5:30 to 7:00 pm, $22, Limit: 8

What defines the “perfect Maine lawn”? One that’s safe for Maine kids, pets, wildlife and environment. Learn ways to minimize or completely eliminate pesticides and synthetic fertilizers; save money, time and effort; yet have a lush, beautiful lawn that’s “bare-foot safe” for kids and pets. Overview strategies to address fertilization, weed and thatch control, renovation of poor lawns, transitions to organic care and more. Whether you maintain your lawn or contract with professionals, round up your neighbors and join. Teachings compatible with Town of Scarborough’s organic pest management (OPM) policy for school and town properties, as well as Portland’s and South Portland’s new organic ordinances. Ali implements community education and outreach for Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, holds degrees in environmental studies and marine science, has taught in Cape Cod and with Audubon, and offers this through CCSWCD as a free community service.

Thurs, 3/28/2019, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

$5 adult ed processing fee

Instructor: Ali Clift, CCSWCD