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

Ever wonder what those unpronounceable ingredients are in your food? There are a lot of hidden toxins in our food supply. Learn where those artificial foods are coming from (hint: think of your car’s gas tank), how pesticides and other toxins effect your overall health, and why gut health is important in protecting you from these insults. 

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.

Thurs, 3/21/2019, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, $15

Join Dr. Potvin, a naturopathic doctor, as she presents how to winterize the whole family! Hear about ways our immune system naturally responds to cold and flu viruses, and how we can best support the body to do what it’s designed to do at any age. Learn to use nutrition, lifestyle changes, environmental considerations, and herbal remedies to provide a foundation for prevention. Make an immune system support tea blend together for you to take home. Come away from this class with basic strategies to support your family! Dr. Potvin is a naturopathic doctor, teacher, outdoor educator, and herbalism mentor who runs a family practice in Biddeford, working primarily with women who suffer from autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, chronic inflammation and digestive issues.

Thurs, 1/24/2019, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, $15

plus $5 for tea payable at class

Instructor: Dr. Aline Potvin, ND

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

New! Beginners and more advanced sewers will enjoy making this 10-inch beautiful, creatively-designed teapot trivet or casserole hot pad. Open the back panel, insert potpourri, then let the warm dish or teapot bring out the aroma. This class is mostly hand sewing, folding, and ironing, with use of a machine during last class. Supply list provided once class determined to run. June is an accomplished quilter and sewer who has recently moved back to Scarborough; she was past teacher of the year at Portland Adult Education.

Three Mon, 3/18 to 4/1/2019

6:00 to 7:30 pm, $21

Instructor: June Lacke

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 

New! Chef James will teach you more about his favorite type of food by instructing you on how to make flavorful German Potato Salad, Spaetzel, and Braised Pork Ribs with Sauerkraut! 

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.

Mon, 2/11/2019, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, $25

Limit: 8