**NEW CLASS

If you went to The Pottery Studio for the Behind the Scenes class, then you must be excited for this new class with WMSC. 

** This class is for WMSC members only. To become a member, please click this link and add it to your cart; https://sad44.coursestorm.com/course/western-mountain-senior-college-annual-membership

Martha Grover will guide you through the steps for this hand build pottery class. Participants will learn to take thier slab of clay, roll it out, design it, cut it, and attach the pieces to create your own one-of-a-kind butter dish. 

*NEW COURSE*

**This course is through Zoom. 

Join students across the state and learn to play this beloved instrument! 

The beginner's course is comprised of four lessons, one each week for four consecutive weeks. Each lesson lasts 1.5 hours. Because the beginner’s course is popular, in 2025, I will be teaching it once a month from February through May. 

Those enrolling do need to have a playable ukulele. For people who need to buy one, I have prepared a buying guide (contact Telstar Adult Education for more details) describing ukulele construction, sizes, and 2 options as well as how to care for the instrument. In addition, I am always glad to advise folks about what to buy and where they can find a decent reasonably priced instrument. I provide all the needed materials for my programs by email. For the Ukulele for Beginner’s course, this means 66 songs and over 60 pages of instructional items, including detailed notes summarizing what was covered in each lesson. I do not charge for these materials. 

I have found that students like being able to take the classes from the comfort of their homes without the need to travel, a particular advantage in winter. They can kick back, dress comfortably and even grab a bite to eat before class, instead of driving to and finding a place to park at a community site. The online Zoom format also facilitates my ability to help students, no matter where they are. When a current or former student needs a little extra help or advice, I'm just a phone call or email away and, if useful, we’ll have a one-on-one Zoom meeting to address the issue. I am also happy to do individual makeup lessons for those who can't attend a scheduled class owing to work or family complications. I am especially sensitive to the needs of seniors and work with individuals needing special attention. Please note that I never cancel classes for low enrollment and have been known to create new sections if class enrollments get too large.

Finally, I make it a point to be a forever-resource for past, current and future students. As to my background, I am a retired journalist and academic who has been playing the ukulele since 2007. While performing with a ukulele ensemble in 2014, an adult ed director came along looking for someone to offer ukulele classes in his program. Having taught the ukulele previously, I raised my hand and that’s how my connection to adult ed programs began.

Owing to the Pandemic, I shifted teaching from a few in-person, location-specific programs, to using the Zoom platform. This has enabled me to reach a much larger audience of ukulele enthusiasts in different and far-flung parts of Maine and other states. To date, I have taught over 1,000 adults the art of playing the ukulele. 

Don't be shy! Register now and learn to play from the comfort of your own home. 

**There may be an opportunity for a group zoom class to get together here at Telstar Adult Education if there is interest from local students. 

Four Sessions this winter/spring

Session I;Wednesdays,  February 5, 12, 19, 26

Session II; Tuesdays,  March 4, 11, 18, 25

Session III; Wednesdays,  April 16, 23, 30, May 7

Session IV; Tuesdays,  May 13, 20, 27, June 3

Time: 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Tuition: $79

Where: YOUR HOUSE!

February is American Heart Month. To Your Health is pleased to host its popular annual heart-health educational program presented by Dr. Daniel van Buren, FACC, Director of Cardiovascular Medicine at the New England Heart Institute at Androscoggin Valley Hospital of Berlin, NH.

A resident of Bethel and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. van Buren will discuss recent advances in cardiovascular medicine.

Popular and well-respected on this subject, Dr. van Buren returns for the 11 th year, having presented a broad range of topics to the community over the past decade including Women and Heart Disease, Facts about Cholesterol, Atrial Fibrillation, Congestive Heart Failure, Valvular Heart Disease and more.

This year’s topic, entitled “Recent Advances in Cardiovascular Medicine,” will provide up-to-date information about new developments in the field. Following the program, Dr. van Buren will address questions from the audience and the program will conclude with an expression of gratitude and honorary recognition for Dr. van Buren’s decade of service to the community.

Dr. van Buren has been a member of the Androscoggin Valley Hospital Board of Directors since 2014, having joined the medical staff there in 2010. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medicine, and Adult Echocardiography.

Now in its 19 th year, To Your Health, in collaboration with Western Mountains Senior College, the Bethel Family Health Center, and MSAD#44 Continuing Education, has been providing free health education programs to the Bethel area communities.

For more information, please contact MSAD#44 at 207-824-2136 X1340 or email wmsc@sad44.org

When: Thursday, Feb. 6th 2025 (Snow date; Feb. 13th)

Time: 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Where: West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church St. Bethel, Maine

Disasters, like the storm and flooding that struck Western Maine in December of 2023, can strike with little warning and cause enormous damage. The impact, especially to our emotional and mental wellbeing, can be long-lasting. This class will cover common emotional and behavioral responses to disasters and provide guidance on how to build resilience for yourself and your loved ones. It will also give information about how to be prepared for the next disaster by knowing where to turn for help, what to have on hand for emergencies, and how to respond when a disaster strikes.

 Join Brendan Schauffler, MPPM of Healthy Oxford Hills as he presents this class. 

This class is free and open to the public. 

Where: Telstar Adult Education 

Whether you are a beginner wanting to learn more about woodworking or an expert woodworker, this class is for you. This is an eight-week course where you can build small or big! The first week will be an informational session, learning about machine safety and what to expect in the class. Brainstorm about what you would like to make, then come back the next class with your wood and supplies ready for class. Tools are supplied. 

When: Wednesday, February 12th for 8 weeks.

The first session (2/12) is for working out your project, working with the instructor to figure out your supplies etc. There will be a one week break  on 2/19,(SAD #44 School is closed) giving you time to get our supplies and bring back them when class starts again on 2/26. Final class will be 4/16.

Time: 5:30 p.m.-8:30p.m.

Where: Telstar High School 

An enriching 8-week women’s writing workshop exploring feminine archetypes & the creative process. 

* free your authentic voice while keeping the inner critic at bay * strengthen your connection to your creative Muse * grow more rooted & confident as a writer * deepen an understanding of yourself & your characters through archetypes * fortify your spirit through mindful, embodied writing practices * savor in-person camaraderie with other women writers. 

Dates: Mondays, February 24 - April 14

Time: 9:30am - Noon

Where: Cafe DiCocoa,125 Main St. Bethel

Cost: $80 Register at MSAD 44 Adult & Community Education, 207-824-2136 Ext.1340

Bring: pen and notebook This will be a safe & welcoming space for beginning and seasoned writers alike.

Learn more at stephaniefrykholm.com/.

“I know myself better and trust my voice more than I did before we started.” ~ K. G.

Led by Stephanie Frykholm, a writer, life coach, healer, & spiritual midwife who creates welcoming spaces for transformation. Her workshops & retreats explore the intersection of creativity, mindfulness, embodiment, & spirituality. Stephanie lives in West Paris. stephaniefrykholm.com.

This course will be held at Telstar Adult Education located at Telstar High School. To register for this course, please go to; https://mainefoodsafety.com/

At the DFS Maine Food Safety website, locate the schedule/calendar for this course happening on Feb. 25th. Click on the link on the calendar and it will bring you to a registration page with DFS ServSafe. 

FS Services proudly provides in-house ServSafe Food Safety Certification classes across Maine. Our training utilizes the latest 7th Edition Text, incorporating the 2022 FDA Food Code updates. In addition to food safety certification, we also offer ServSafe Alcohol Certification, Basic Food Handler classes, and Allergen Training. Join us to ensure your team is equipped with the best knowledge for safe food practices!

Full Certification (In-House)Includes book, exam, and certification:$165 (payable online or at class)$140 (if book is not retained, used as a loaner)

This course runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the exam immediately following. The exam is nationally recognized, will be sent and scored in Chicago. Your results will be emailed to your personal servsafe account that you will create on the day of the course. 

Join Cathi in this hands-on cooking class as we go through the process of bagel making from start to finish! 

You will learn how to take care of your bagels while fresh and repurpose those you can’t eat right away.

Enjoy your own fresh bagel in class and take some home to share. Tasty braggin’ rights!          

Cathi is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in education. In 1992, she began teaching cooking classes in Bethel with a goal to inspire and encourage her students.     

When: Tuesday, Feb. 25

Time: 9:00-noon

Where: Cafe DiCocoa, Main St. Bethel

Tuition: $35