Adult Ed offers enrichment courses

MECHANIC FALLS — Mechanic Falls/Minot/Poland Adult Education is offering a variety of enrichment courses this semester.

AAA Safe Driving for Mature Operators. A video and lecture-based course designed to increase safe driving awareness for those 55 and older. This qualifies for Maine’s mandatory insurance premium discount for 55+ but does not qualify for driving record credit points. Friday, April 15 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.). Fee $20.

Budgeting Basics. This two-hour course will discuss the basic building blocks of creating a budget. Let them help you get your money management skills organized. Wednesday, March 2 (6-8 p.m.). Pre-registration for this free class is required.

Cribbage. Join a group of cribbage enthusiasts for four weeks of card-playing fun. No experience necessary. Instruction and game time 1:30-3 p.m. Fridays, March 25 and April 1, 8 and 15. Fee $7.

Gardening in Raised Beds. Learn techniques used to design and care for raised bed gardens. Choose one Saturday in May from 9-11 a.m. Fee $10.

Heartsaver CPR/AED. Receive training for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Heartsaver AED card will be given upon successful completion and skills testing. This course is physically demanding. Choose Wednesday, February 16 or Monday, March 21 (6-10 p.m.). Fee $50 due seven days in advance.

Internet Safety for Parents. Learn more about issues that can affect young people on-line as they are accessing the internet in so many ways. Topics such as cyber bullying, predators, and revealing too much information will be discussed. Resources on how to communicate with children about making safer decisions will also be given. Monday, March 14 (6:30-7:30 p.m.). Fee $5.

Preserving Food. Discover the steps to successful food preservation. This hands-on workshop reviews the USDA recommendations for safely preserving foods at home using the following methods: freezing, pressure canning, and boiling water bath canning. Saturday, April 9 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.). Fee $15.

Quilting Basics. Make a baby’s quilt, wall hanging, or pillow using a combination of hand and machine sewing. After learning the basics, you may join local quilters who meet regularly. Supply list provided upon registration. This is a four-week course starting March 24 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Fee $20.

Self Defense. Learn how to detect potential threats and avoid dangerous situations. Practice defense techniques for stand up and ground attacks in role playing exercises. Saturday, April 9 (9-11 a.m.). Fee $5.

Tree Pruning. Do you have apples in your backyard that need pruning? Learn the why, when and how of pruning. Begin with classroom instruction and end with hands-on learning. Thursday, March 3 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 5 (9-11 a.m.). Fee $12.

Call the adult education office at 345-3217, e-mail adulted@midmaine.com, or visit http://mechanicfalls.maineadulted.org for more information.

Classes require a minimum number of pre-paid registrations in order to run. Download a registration form from their website and mail to P.O. Box 129, Mechanic Falls, ME 04256 or stop by the office at 108 Lewiston Street (third floor), Mechanic Falls. Please note that credit card payments are not accepted.