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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education



Outdoor

Mushroom Walk

$45

with David Spahr

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 7, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week

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.

Mushroom Walk

$45

with David Spahr

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 14, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week
1 additional session on Oct 5, 2025

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.

USCG Captain License Course

$1,095

with John Coffin

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 17, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 10 weeks

This course qualifies students for a Coast Guard license to operate vessels carrying up to six passengers for hire (OUPV). The fee includes access to the Blended OUPV Course using Captain School Key West’s Learning Management System, charts, navigation tools, and the USCG-approved and accepted test. *Online sessions start on September 17, 2025, and run through November 12, 2025. Students’ progress will be monitored online by the instructor, and students will have assignments to complete. During this time, there will be online mentoring and coaching using Zoom, on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. **Once online requirements are complete, 16 hours of required in-person classroom sessions will be required, followed by U.S. Coast Guard-approved and required examinations, all in Maine. The in-person sessions will run from Merrymeeting Adult Ed in Topsham.

Map and Compass Fundamentals (Level 1)

$50

with Alice Bean Andrenyak

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Hike, snowshoe, geocache, hunt, and enjoy the woods and fields of Maine with confidence that you can read a topographic map, understand the symbols, know which way a river flows, plot a course bearing, use online resources, and how to get to safety. Familiarization to using a compass and map outdoors included. Students must have a DeLorme Maine Gazetteer, and a 2-degree baseplate compass. This course is offered via Zoom over two sessions. This is a LEVEL 1 program.

Foraging Walk

$45

with David Spahr

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 28, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week
1 additional session on Oct 12, 2025

Crave the forest's bounty? Join David (65+ years of experience!) for an immersive foraging adventure. Learn to identify edible treasures, from berries to mushrooms, and uncover the secrets of plant ecology. This isn't just a walk, it's a transformative experience that fills your basket and your soul! Limited spots, register today! David is a member of the Maine Mycological Assoc. NOTE: This class will start with an outdoor talk at the waterfront followed by the walking portion.

Coastal Navigation Fundamentals (Level 1)

$50

with Alice Bean Andrenyak

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 6, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 2 weeks
1 additional session on Feb 26, 2026

Learn the basics of coastal navigation using local charts, parallel ruler, and dividers. Learn what the symbols mean, how to determine safe and dangerous routes, create courses, learn rules of the “road”, what aids to navigation look like and do, plan for emergencies and more. For kayakers, sailors, powerboaters, and future Registered Maine Guides. Students will need access to either a Casco Bay Chart or Penobscot Bay Chart, parallel ruler and dividers. This course is offered via Zoom over two sessions. This is a LEVEL 1 program.

Developing A Personal and Home Protection Plan

$35

with Alice Bean Andrenyak

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 18, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 1 week

This 2.5hr course is NOT about installing an alarm system. It is about adjusting your awareness around you as you move through your day and your home. It is about doing mental exercises to handle the “What if’s” to keep you and your loved ones safe. Learn situational awareness, conflict avoidance, and how to access your home’s defense. Part 1 of a 2-part series but can be taken separately. Class taught via Zoom.

Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms of New England

$35

with David Spahr

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 20, 2025 at 5:30 pm, runs for 1 week
2 additional sessions through Feb 12, 2026

Join author David Spahr for an indoor presentation and discussion of edible and medicinal mushrooms, identification, tools and equipment for harvesting, as well as books, materials, and other resources. David has collected edible mushrooms for 50 years. He is a member of the Maine Mycological Association and the North American Mycological Association.





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