Personal Enrichment

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 46 years. He is a member of the Maine Mycological Association and the North American Mycological Association. No discounts. This class will be offered through Zoom or Webex. Students must have an audio and video enabled computer, tablet or smartphone to participate. Merrymeeting will send you information about accessing the class prior to its start date.

Tap into new, surprising, inspiring words in this improvisational, studio-style, monthly afternoon writer's workshop. The focus is on creative flow, writing in the moment, and generating material for your own writer's notebook. You will produce writing in multiple forms, including fiction, poetry, memoir, even graphic narratives. Prompts to encourage and support your writing process will be given at the end of each class. Class dates are Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 6. This class will be offered through Zoom or Webex. Students must have an audio and video enabled computer, tablet or smartphone to participate. Merrymeeting will send you information about accessing the class prior to its start date.

Are you ready to independently publish your book? Now is the best time to finish your manuscript and learn about the publishing options available. This class will guide authors through the steps needed to publish responsibly, effectively and learn to avoid the many pitfalls in the fast-changing world of independent publishing. Independent writers now have a whole new way of producing and marketing their books. Recent innovations in the rapidly changing technology in printing have created a boom in self-publishing. Good books that don’t meet traditional publisher’s criteria can now be affordably printed and marketed by self publishing authors. No discounts. This class will be offered through Zoom or Webex. Students must have an audio and video enabled computer, tablet or smartphone to participate. Merrymeeting will send you information about accessing the class prior to its start date.

Did you know that the number of people turning to choose Airbnb for lodging in Maine has almost doubled from two years ago? The revenue earned by Airbnb owners in Maine was roughly $40 million. If you have entertained the idea of opening up your guest bedroom or summer camp for short term rental this a class not to miss. Debra has operated River Escape for two years in Damariscotta as an active and popular Airbnb. She has also interviewed many other Airbnb or VRBO owners and put together a packet with good information, tips and actual stories of unusual events in the life of a short term landlord. Included will be issues dealing with ordinance, insurance, expectations, fees, hosting, communication, neighbors and more. One night only. Class size limited to 25 people. Handouts provided. No discounts. This class will be offered through Zoom or Webex. Students must have an audio and video enabled computer, tablet or smartphone to participate. Merrymeeting will send you information about accessing the class prior to its start date.

This brief overview will describe the vital function of the volunteer on the hospice team. Did you know that hospices cannot operate without volunteers? They provide support, presence, companionship, silence, laughter, and diversion to people who are facing a vulnerable time of life and are often isolated. What motivates volunteers and what skills are helpful? How do volunteers function in a variety of settings? Find out what is involved in the fuller training program that leads to a nationally recognized certificate. Volunteering, in general, has been proven to help the volunteer live longer and better—hospice volunteering helps everyone involved live longer and better! No discounts. This class will be offered through Zoom or Webex. Students must have an audio and video enabled computer, tablet or smartphone to participate. Merrymeeting will send you information about accessing the class prior to its start date.

Make a modern, fun, piece of wall art for your home using the traditional craft of punch needle rug hooking! Learn the basics and tools of punch needle, as well as tips and tricks, ideas on how to finish your piece, and the confidence to start new ones on your own. $20materials fee included in the cost of the course. Students will pick up the materials kit at the Merrymeeting Topsham office prior to class. This class will be offered through Zoom or Webex. Students must have an audio and video enabled computer, tablet or smartphone to participate. Merrymeeting will send you information about accessing the class prior to its start date.