This informative workshop will provide attendees with all the information they need to enter NationalService through the AmeriCorps program.AmeriCorps is the program whereby citizens can Make A Difference in their community by enrolling to lend their energy and ability to advance a well thought out project and program. AmeriCorps members receive a stipend, fully paid health insurance (full time) and an education award that can be applied to any post-secondary school tuition/fees. Member terms are full or part time and there are many opportunities available, including the Augusta area. Hear more about how you can enlist to provide National Service through AmeriCorps in your own community by attending a lively in person seminar. The workshop will be led by Roy Gedat who recently retired from a career leading non-profit organizations, elected political service, and state/federal advocacy and is proud to call Maine his home for over 40 years. His experience and interests led him to many years of volunteer service to the Norway Historical Society, Maine’s Long Term Care Ombudsman and many other endeavors. Most recently he has been serving as a Trustee of the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity in Bridgton and enlisted in AmeriCorps. Email: roy.gedat@goodwillnne.org.

Session II: Wednesday, 4/5, 6:00pm-7:30pm, GMS, free

Do you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs but hate buying a package every time you cook? Join Master Gardener Joel Leak and learn how to grow your own. For the price of a package of fresh herbs you can buy a package of seeds or a plant and have a lifetime supply of delicious fresh herbs right outside your kitchen door. Joel will cover how to grow and use over 20 different herbs, how to preserve herbs by drying, freezing, and making herb butters and vinegars. Feel free to bring your favorite herb recipe to share. Joel has been gardening for 40 years and started with a small vegetable garden when he was young. He graduated from the Cumberland County Master Gardener program in 2001. He has over 40 fruit trees, 10 grape vines, many berry bushes, and a large vegetable garden.

Tuesday, 4/11, 6:30pm-8:30pm, GMS, $20

Perhaps you already use essential oils for you and your human family, but did you know that they can be used safely on your fur babies, as well as with farm animals? This class will give you the information you need to supplement veterinary care in between visits, or to add to doctor’s protocol for a specific issue (with their permission, of course!). There is a lot of misinformation out there about using essential oils on pets, but with guidance, caution, and the right information, you can support your fur babies safely for anxiety, skin and stomach issues, and so much more! Specific materials will be provided to you for a fee of $5.00 (cash only please), paid to the instructor on the night of the class. Elissa Nauman is the founder of Restoring Through Nature, LLC. She guides clients to achieve their physical, emotional,and spiritual health goals through the support of essential oils and energy work. She has a Master of Science in Counseling, is a certified essential oils coach, Chakra therapist, and is an Okuden (Level II) Reiki practitioner. She uses customized methods with her clients, and encourages them to take control of their health through knowledge and personal empowerment.

Tuesday, 4/11, 6:30pm-8:00pm, GMS, $29

Are you a do-it-yourselfer who wants to give your yard a simple makeover or design a new garden? Do you need to add curb appeal to the house you are getting ready to put on the market? Or do you simply want to enjoy enhanced beauty in your backyard? Whatever your final goal, knowing some basic landscape design techniques will make it easier for you. Learn how to assess your needs, evaluate your site, come up with a plan, and select the right plants. Amy Melissa Witt is a Naturalist, Horticulturist, Educator, and Director of Earth Walkers (www.earthwalkers.me). She offers a variety of nature-based programs, garden consultations, and leads people on journeys to invigorate their heart and fully experience Nature in more spiritual ways.

3 classes, Tuesdays, 5/2 - 5/16, 6:30pm-8:30pm, GMS, $69

Do you struggle with food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia? There is a Solution. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is holding a Free Information Session online and by phone.

Tuesday, May 16, 6:30-8:00pm. For more information and meeting ID and Passcode call the coordinator (Sharon) at 207-250-7373 or email fa.newcastle.maine@gmail.com

Pollinators have suffered greatly from habitat loss, pesticide use, and the spread of invasive plant species. As a result, planting a pollinator garden is more important now than ever. Even a small garden can make a huge difference. Learn how to create a landscape that supports pollinators including butterflies, bees, moths, and hummingbirds with native plants that serve as host plants and provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Amy Melissa Witt is a Naturalist, Horticulturist, Educator, and Director of Earth Walkers (www.earthwalkers.me). She offers a variety of nature-based programs, garden consultations, and leads people on journeys to invigorate their heart and fully experience Nature in more spiritual ways.

Monday, 5/22, 6:30pm-8:00pm, GMS, $39