This course provides focus and motivation to write life stories. The course will help participants organize and write their life stories using the Guided Autobiography (GAB) method. Each week, students are required to write at least two pages based on a theme-of-the-week, and share their work with a dedicated group. Students will participate in discussions relating to the theme topics. Associated writing exercises will enhance memory recall and storytelling skills. Joanna, a recent Life Story Writing participant, shared this comment regarding the sharing nature of the course: I found it very touching -a human connect- to hear the childhood memories of my classmates. It made them become “very real people” to me. Abstractly, we know “everyone has a story”, but this class made it tangible, real.

Everyone has a story to tell—and your family's history is a treasure trove of unforgettable characters, dramatic moments, and personal triumphs waiting to be preserved. This course will help participants to transform memories, oral histories, and genealogical research into compelling, readable stories. Whether you're writing about a single ancestor, a cherished family tradition, or a multi-generational narrative, this class will help you build essential writing skills while discovering new ways to explore your heritage. No prior writing experience is necessary—just a love of family and a desire to share their stories.

Join seasoned forager David Spahr on an immersive mushroom hunt, exploring habitats, structures, and safe foraging practices. Uncover surprises in each walk, shaped by season and location. Suitable for all ages (8-15 with a registered parent), this moderate-difficulty hike promises an exciting, educational adventure. Supply List: Notebook and pen to take notes, sensible clothing and footwear, water, snack and bug repellant. A basket or bags are optional. NOTE: This class will start with an outdoor talk at the waterfront followed by the walking portion.

This class is designed to accommodate those that are new to acrylic pouring and those that would like to fine tune their pouring techniques or learn a new technique. It is not crucial that you have drawing or painting skills, but we will discuss composition and color theory in the first class. Students will learn how to do a Dirty Flip Cup Pour, Ring Pour, Dutch Pour and Pearl Pour in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Developing a painting after it is dry, varnishing and preparing a piece for hanging will also be demonstrated at the end of the class. This class is not one of control, but rather letting go. If you love color and texture you will enjoy this class. Students are responsible for purchasing their own materials for this class and will be given a materials list upon enrollment. *Please note: Materials cost vary depending on market value and personal preferences. A materials list can be provided upon request before registration. Class is 6 sessions.

Please bring a birth certificate or passport to the first class and a pen to every class. Parents/Guardians must attend the last 45 minutes of the first class and participate in a ride-along with their child, which will be scheduled by the instructor and the parent. 

**Please Note: A make-up fee applies to all missed classes and driving sessions. ** **

Class and Driving Makeup Fees:

• Classroom: $40/hr
• Driving: $80/hr

Review all Rules and Expectations on our website: https://merrymeeting.maineadulted.org/home/driver-education/

 Are you between the ages of 15 and 19 and want your State of Maine permit to prepare for your driving exam? We offer driver education courses to help build strong, safe, and confident drivers. Students are awarded an instructional permit upon successfully completing the course with a grade of 80 percent or better and completing the required hours of instruction. The total hours of instruction are 40; 30 are in the classroom, and 10 are behind the wheel. A full payment of $575 is due at the time of registration. If a student withdraws from the course, $75 is withheld from the refund to cover program costs. Only employee discounts for this class. Please call Merrymeeting to register by phone if you are employed by MSAD 75, RSU 1, Brunswick, or Wiscasset school departments. The list is available on our website for students with a medical diagnosis. Please contact the office or click the link below for the required CR-24 medical form. This form must be faxed from your doctor to the state before a student is permitted to drive. Driver Medical Evaluation CR24 Topsham Campus

 September 8-30

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• Class Time: 4:45 - 7:45 pm
• September: 8,9,10,15,16,17,22,23,29,30
  
• Final Exam: September 30

October 6-28

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• Class Time: 4:45-7:45 pm
• October: 6,7,8,14,15,20,21,22,27,28
• Final Exam: October 28
  

January 12 - February 3

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• Class Time: 4:45-7:45 pm
• January: 12,13,14,20,21,26,27,28
• February: 2,3
• Final Exam: February 3

This 6-week course is for students who are beginning their study of Chinese as a world language. Students will acquire interpersonal, interpretive and presentational skills in Chinese. Everything that we do in class has some element of culture and we will learn about the world of Chinese culture through the study of current events, literature, art, history and music using authentic sources. *No Class: 10/13.

Embark on a creative art and crafting journey with Catherine to design your own image transfer on a wood panel. Delve into collage on the first night, crafting a captivating background with vintage papers and paint. Then, unleash your creativity on the second night, revealing the vibrant design. Add finishing touches with a variety of mixed media tools and techniques. Seal your masterpiece with matte varnish for longevity or take it home and continue to work on the details. Don't miss this chance to let your creativity flourish! Kit fee of $25 payable on the first night. *2nd night is 530-730pm.

This class focuses on how to brighten our homes with hand decorated paper. On the first evening we will learn to make our paste papers for the following classes. The second night we will create our pendant lights, and learn how to hang them, or set them on a desk top light fixture. Finally we will assemble our cone flower wreaths, which can be hung on any wall. A materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor is due on the first night. Tools will also be provided.