Wiscasset Adult Ed writing students featured at upcoming poetry reading

SMCC Midcoast Campus hosts Poetry and Popcorn

Brunswick – On Tuesday, April 23rd, poetry lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy well-known and not so well-known local poets reading their own work at the Southern Maine Community College Midcoast Campus. The events will be called Poetry and Popcorn.  There will be two separate sessions, an afternoon session at 1:00 and an evening session at 6:30.  Both are open and free to the public. Each event will include an hour of poetry followed by a popcorn reception.  The College chose to offer popcorn because the Midcoast students have fallen in love with their movie theatre popcorn machine and they request popcorn at every event.

The poets for the afternoon program include award-winning poet Jim Thatcher, along with Paul Dostie, Elizabeth Potter and members of the Wiscasset Adult and Community Education Program Writing Circle. The poets for the evening program include Helene McLaughlin, Joyce Pye, Maryli Tiemann, Margie Kivel, and two talented SMCC student poets.

The Poetry and Popcorn events will take place in the Hannaford Auditorium in the Academic Building on the SMCC MidcoastCampus at Brunswick Landing.  For directions or more information contact Nancy Collins at 844-2064 orNCollins@smccME.edu.  Directions to the campus are available at http://www.smccME.edu/midcoast.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on April 9, 2013 | Read more in: News and Events

DIY Twelve Days of Christmas in Wiscasset

Black Friday... Small Business Saturday... Cyber Monday... Get back to basics and in the spirit of the holidays by putting your time and attention into lovingly crafted handmade gifts. With twelve days of Christmas crafts, there is something for everyone! Spend an evening or two—or twelve!—out with friends in a supportive and relaxing environment, creating memories and gifts.

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is offering a new crafting workshop every night for twelve nights in December. Each of these “Twelve Days of Christmas” will provide an opportunity for friends and strangers to join together in creating their own homemade holiday gifts. Each workshop costs $15 (plus materials, if applicable). Register for more than one and get the 4^th night free (use Promo Code XMAS). Classes meet 6:00 – 9:00pm at Wiscasset High School. Call 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org to register.

1st Day of Christmas: Wreath Making Participants will be creating a wreath (approximate value from $15-$50 or more) in an unconventional way, using multiple types of evergreens. Some materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own evergreen materials that they may have from their gardens, like holly, cypress, juniper, fir, scotch pine or other pines, holly berries, rose hips, ornamental crab apples, pine cones, or other natural materials to add color and texture. Monday December 3 Tuition: $15 Materials: $10 Register Now

2nd Day of Christmas: Candy Wreath Join in on the holiday fun! Come learn how to make a Retro Holiday Wreath. You will learn this easy method of making a wreath, filled with hard candies, to keep and share with your holiday guests or give away as a hostess gift. No special skills necessary. You don't even have to be crafty to be successful with this! Tuesday December 4 Tuition: $15 Materials: $5 Register Now

3rd Day of Christmas: Quilted Table Runner For this Holiday table runner will use the Ohio Star pattern. You will need: 3 colors of fabric: 1st color ½ yard (part of Star and square in corner.); 2nd Color 1–½ yards boarder/back; 3rd Color ? yards (for 2nd star color), & thread to match your colors. Please bring cutting mats, rulers, rotary cutters, and machines. Extras will be one available. Please notify us if you do not have a machine. Wednesday December 5 Tuition: $15 Register Now

4th Day of Christmas: Baubles, Bangles & Beads Are you a fashionista! Do you like to change accessories as much as you like to change your clothes? Learn the simple art of crafting beaded jewelry including, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Make a matching set for a favorite person or how about a different pair of earrings for each day of the week? Thursday December 6 Tuition: $15 Materials: $5 Register Now

5th Day of Christmas: Personalized Coasters Looking for a special gift to give to that person that's so hard to buy for? Come make an inexpensive set of coasters that will be personalized for your person. Think about what would be meaningful to them, photos of your children, a destination on a map, fashion design pictures, etc. Alternatively, you could make your coasters feature a collage of various materials. Bring your own materials or select from an assortment of provided images and materials. Monday December 10 Tuition: $15 Materials: $10 Register Now

6th Day of Christmas: Wine Glass Charms Wine glass charms are attached to a glass to easily identify your drink throughout the evening at a dinner party or reception. A unique set makes a great gift for any host or hostess. Bring some of your own trinkets or odds and ends, or try a combination of the materials we supply to create masterpieces that truly express you! Tuesday December 11 Tuition: $15 Materials: $10 Register Now

7th Day of Christmas: Cashmere Upcycle Woooowhooooo! Cashmere Galore! Come learn how to upcycle your old cashmere sweaters. A variety of projects will be offered using sweaters of all kinds, but cashmere makes the softest! Pillows, handbags, heirloom baby blankets, and even luxuriously soft undies--the possibilities are endless! Bring your own sweater or choose from a variety that will be available. Wednesday December 12 Tuition: $15 Materials: $10 Register Now

8th Day of Christmas: Canning Jar Lamps A canning jar lamp makes a lovely gift for holiday giving or for giving to yourself! Using a little ingenuity, you can be as creative or simple as you choose. Useful, but delightfully frivolous, this handmade lamp will thrill anyoe who receives it. Fill with small items, ganish the lampshades with beads, pins, or stencil an image on and you have a thougtful present that shows how much you care. Thursday December 13 Tuition: $15 Materials: $20 Register Now

9th Day of Christmas: Holiday Candy Making Soft, chewy caramels... Sweet and salty, smooth and chunky peanut butter balls... Rich, creamy, chocolaty truffles... Who wouldn't love to receive a box of hand-crafted candies? Learn how to make these sinfully scrumptious treats, and taste a few along the way. Monday December 17 Tuition: $15 Materials: $25 Register Now

10th Day of Christmas: Cookie Swap Join us for a good old fashioned cookie swap! You supply your favorite recipe and special ingredients; we provide the kitchens, baking goods, and packaging tins. Bake a few batches of grandma's tasty biscuits, then we’ll each swap a few to make up cookie tins with a variety of goodies. Tuesday December 18 Tuition: $15 Materials: $5 Register Now

11th Day of Christmas: The Bag Lady Make a fun and fashionable utility bag to give this holiday season that one can throw all their stuff in: groceries, laptops, a good novel and a sandwich to go with it, babies play things, whatever!! You will have the opportunity to choose coordinating patterns and materials of various textures to create a beautiful bag of your own or for giving! Please bring a sewing machine, scissors and rotary cutter and board if you have one on hand. Materials will be provided. Wednesday December 19 Tuition: $15 Materials: $10 Register Now

12th Day of Christmas: Elf's Surprise! On the Twelfth Day of Christmas the elves have a surprise! What will this mystery craft be? Will it be a holiday scrapbook? Will it be fancy gift wrap? Will it be sea glass art? We’re not telling, because it’s the Elf’s little secret. Sign up to find out. And the materials are on us this time! Thursday December 20 Tuition: $15 Register Now

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Posted by Anne Fensie  on November 26, 2012 | Read more in: Events

Rediscover Why You Love the Midcoast

Themed Educational Tours of Midcoast Maine

Wiscasset Adult and Community Education has released their schedule of educational tours with a focus this fall on the many splendors of midcoast Maine.   If you are hungry for adventure, day excursions include a Seafood Safari (September 22), Tour de Thrift (September 22), Winery Tour and Vinfest (September 29), and a Swine & Stein Oktoberfest Tour (October 13).  These events are open to residents of any community, and participants are encouraged to register early as seats are filling quickly.

The fun begins on Saturday, September 22^nd, with the Seafood Safari!    Participants will travel comfortably in a Mercedes mini-coach, sample delicious seafood all day and learn the harvesting process that happens every day on the midcoast of Maine.  You will even get to ride along on a lobster boat, enjoy the natural wonders of the coast and experience authentic lobstering.  The day will end with a scrumptious meal at Waterman’s in South Thomaston!  This trip departs from Wiscasset High School at 11:00 a.m. and returns at 8:00 p.m.  The fee for this adventure is $175 per person.

If shopping is your thing, then the Tour de Thrift is for you.  On Saturday, September 22^nd, travel up and down the mid coast from Damariscotta to Falmouth with like minded bargain hunters.  The group will be stopping at many of the well-known, and maybe some not so well-known, ladies’ consignment stores!  Along the way, participants will play games and earn prizes that will add even more to their savings!  Board the bus at Wiscasset High School at 8:00 a.m and return by 8:00 p.m.  The fee for this extravaganza is $25 per person.

The following Saturday, September 29^th, wine lovers can hop on the All Aboard Trolley Mini Coach for a Winery Tour and Vinfest!  The tour will include stops at Fat Friar’s Meadery, Sweetgrass, Savage Oaks and Cellardoor wineries.  Participants will delight in samples all along the way!  Find your favorite varieties and try some new ones as well.  The tour will end at the Cellardoor’s annual Vinfest where there will be grape-stomping, food and wine pairings, a BBQ, music, demonstrations and much more.  Depart from Wiscasset High School at 11:00 a.m. and return at 5:00 p.m.  The fee for this excursion is $95 per person.

Mark your calendars for the Swine and Stein Brewery Tour & Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 13^th!   Visits and sample  some of Maine’s unique creations at regional breweries with a final stop in Gardiner for the Third Annual Swine and Stein Oktoberfest!  Delicious beers. farm-to-table pork and live music will be enjoyed by all.  The Oktoberfest includes dunk tanks, chicken flings, pony races and other merriment galore!  Departure is at 11:00a.m. from Wiscasset High School and return is 5:00 p.m.  The fee will be $95 per person.

Additional tours in October include a Fall foliage Getaway (October 20), a Coastal Nature Tour (October 6), and a Midcoast History Murder Mystery Tour (October 27).

Each year Wiscasset Adult and Community Education offers educational events and excursions that are designed to appeal to locals and visitors alike.  These often include cultural experiences that one wouldn’t ordinarily embark upon on their own.  With thoughtful planning and input from local experts, the staff at Wiscasset Adult and Community Education has created a mixture of lively opportunities that are sure to be of interest.  To find out more about these events or to register, please call Wiscasset Adult & Community Education at 207-882-9710 or register online at www.MyAdultEd.org.   

Posted by Anne Fensie  on September 11, 2012 | Read more in: News and Events

FREE WorkReady Career Training: In Person w/ Local Employers

Learn about your chance to earn the WorkReady Credential from the Maine Department of Education! While the name "WorkReady" may imply that the program is designed for individuals with little to no work experience, it is actually highly applicable to a wide variety of individuals with varying degrees of training, education, and occupational skills. So, why should you learn about WorkReady? In this program, you will... Learn what it takes to get and keep a better job. Find out what employers expect. Network with businesses! No cost to participants. Network with Local Employers Here are just SOME of the local businesses who have participated in previous training sessions by hosting site visits, conducting mock interviews, or delivering guest presentations: Lincoln County Healthcare Hannaford Home Depot Sebasco Estates Mobius Midcoast Behavioral Health Bath Savings Bank Coastal Enterprises, Inc BIW Join us at the FREE information session on Monday June 18, 2012 at 12:00pm or Tuesday June 26, 2012 at 6:00pm at the Wiscasset High School to learn more about this FREE training program. Call Wiscasset Adult & Community Education at 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org to register. The next WorkReady training program runs July 9 - 25, 2012. Classes meet Monday through Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on January 11, 2012 | Read more in: News and Events

College Admit-in-a-Day Event at Wiscasset Adult & Community Education

JumpStart Your Journey to SUCCESS

If you have been thinking about going to college, it’s time to Jumpstart your Journey! Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is pleased to host a free “Admit-in-a-Day” event for learners of any age. This is an exciting opportunity to complete the entire college enrollment process in just one day. This includes career exploration, college applications and interviews, placement testing, financial aid application, and more. All application fees will be waived!

Admit-in-a-Day will be held at Wiscasset High School on Friday January 28, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. An additional session is being planned for early spring at the Bath CareerCenter. Registration is required as space is limited. There is no charge for this event. To sign up, call 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org.

“College isn't a luxury anymore,” says Anne Fensie, Director of Wiscasset Adult & Community Education. “The latest figures from the Department of Labor state that 45% of the job postings in Maine during 2010 required a college degree. In 2020, this will climb to nearly 2 out of 3. Most of us can’t afford not to go to college. Thanks to a college access challenge grant from the Finance Authority of Maine, our program can provide additional services to make the college dream a reality for so many more in this area.”

For adults who have been out of school for a while, knowing where to begin or how to navigate the whole process of getting started with higher education can be overwhelming. By providing all of these steps in one day, people can leave with an acceptance letter, information about support services, and a concrete plan for starting college.

The event features admissions representatives from a variety of colleges, qualified professionals to assist with completing financial aid forms, career counselors to advise on educational preparation for specific occupations, and college transitions coaches to identify further needs. Participating organizations include University of Maine at Augusta, University College Bath/Brunswick, Southern New Hampshire University, Southern Maine Community College, Central Maine Community College, Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC), Bath CareerCenter, Goodwill Workforce Solutions, Maine College Transitions, and more.

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education provides additional free college and career programming throughout the year. For example, The Lincoln County College Connection is a comprehensive college transitions program offered during the daytime and evening at various locations throughout Lincoln County. Surviving & Thriving Distance Education features a series of workshops to ensure success for students who do not attend classes full time on a campus. The Adult Learning Center operates throughout the year to assist adults with a variety of educational needs, and now features the addition of videoconferencing for those who have transportation challenges. To find out more about these programs, call 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on January 19, 2011 | Read more in: News and Events

College for ME?? FREE Info on FREE Programs Can Make it Happen

Let's make your college dreams a reality!

What will she be when she grows up?
What did you want to be?
Are you satisfied with your career?
Would more education make a difference?

College isn't a luxury anymore. 45% of the job postings in Maine during 2010 required a college degree. In 2020, this will climb to nearly 2 out of 3. What will YOU be doing in 10 years?

Join Wiscasset Adult & Community Education and The Lincoln County College Connection as we help you explore how to make college a reality. In our FREE information sessions, you will learn about these FREE programs:

• The Lincoln County College Connection —a comprehensive college transition program with daytime classes in Wiscasset & evening classes in Newcastle
• Admit-in-a-Day—meet with local college admissions counselors, financial advisors, career counselors, and more!
• College Goal Sunday
• College Access Challenge Grants
• Competitive Skills Scholarship Program
• OSHER Scholarship

...and more!

These FREE information sessions are schedule for

• Monday January 10, 2011 at 8:30am at the Wiscasset Primary School
• Wednesday January 12, 2011 at 6:30pm at Lincoln Academy
• Thursday January 13, 2011 at 6:00pm at Wiscasset High School

Don't go it alone---get college connected with The Lincoln County College Connection!

Call 882-9710 or email afensie@svrsu.org for more information.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on January 9, 2011 | Read more in: News and Events

Midcoast Skilled Workforce Forum

On Friday October 1, 2010 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Wiscasset Adult & Community Education and University College Bath/Brunswick will host the Midcoast Skilled Workforce Forum at Wiscasset Middle School.

Midcoast Maine has a unique economy with rapidly changing workforce needs. The key to maintaining economic prosperity is an educated workforce. With dwindling resources, how do we make this happen?

All those who have a stake in the educational attainment of adults in our region are invited to participate in this discussion. The format of the day will include a panel discussion with leaders in higher education, followed by choices of presentations from a variety of organizations throughout the midcoast, as well as plenty of opportunities for networking. With a capacity of 75 attendees, this is a great opportunity to build new and strengthen old relationships with partners.

This year will feature panelists Dr. James Ortiz, president of Southern Maine Community College, and Dr. Curt Madison, Director of Distance Education for the University of Maine System.

Dr. Ortiz has spent the last year experiencing the challenges and triumphs of developing the Maine Advanced Technology Center in Brunswick. MATC focuses specifically on building the capacity of community colleges to train workers in high growth/high demand industries. Dr. Madison spent many years as the Director of the Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning at the University of Alaska/Fairbanks and brings with him a deep understanding of the challenges in reaching a rural population.

The panel discussion: Collaborative initiatives to improve the skill level and educational attainment of the workforce will be moderated by Rosa Redonnett, Executive Director of Student Services at UMS.

This is an exciting opportunity for business, education, and workforce development to come together to sustain our local economies with a highly skilled workforce.

This event is offered courtesy of Wiscasset Adult & Community Education and University College Bath/Brunswick and is open to the public with advanced registration. Registration can be completed online at www.Wiscasset.MaineAdultEd.org. For additional information, please email Anne Fensie or Dennis Unger or call 882-9710.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on September 22, 2010 | Read more in: News and Events

A Degree for Every Maine Worker?

While Mainers are pretty good at earning a high school credential, the state ranks well below its neighbors in achievement of degrees. Higher levels of education mean higher salaries and lower rates of unemployment, which is why those hit hardest by the recent economy include the majority of workers in this state. Year after year, Maine tops the list of worst states for business due to the low educational attainment of its workforce. A degree in the hand of every working Mainer would make this an attractive state to entice young families and big business.

• Why does Maine need more degrees?
• Why do we need to focus on adults in postsecondary education?
• What are the obstacles to non-traditional students?
• What is currently in place to address these?
• Where do we fall short?
• What can be done?

65% of high growth/high wage jobs in the pine tree state require at least some college. In addition, job growth in the near future will be found in the highest and lowest paying jobs, meaning that those desiring a steady paycheck can choose between a minimum wage job or becoming highly qualified to meet the demand of growing industries.

So, how do we get more degrees in Maine? A rapidly aging population and the exodus of college-going youth from this state means we must raise the educational attainment of adults currently in the workforce. The most skilled, experienced, and connected workers in this state will retire within 15 years, leaving a huge gap that must be filled with qualified workers—workers that currently are getting by on less than family-sustaining wages, probably on public assistance, and most likely have a low level of education.

Nontraditional students face many obstacles when they return to school, from weak academic skills, to inexperience with college culture, procedures, and use of technology. Many are working parents who struggle to juggle work, family, classes, and mounds of homework. Most give up. Some don’t apply when they find their financial aid award doesn’t meet the cost of attending college. Still others cannot afford the cost of both college and childcare, or do not live within commuting distance of a campus.

Fortunately, there are programs to help adults improve their education. The University of Maine System offers an abundance of distance courses, and the Rural Maine Childcare Initiative assists parents with childcare while they attend a community college. Most campuses also offer a variety of student support services. However, the biggest hurdles come before these students even begin college: namely, awareness and aspirations for college, academic readiness, and an understanding of how to navigate the systems. The Maine College Transition Program was developed to address these issues through adult education at.

The goal of Maine College Transitions is to raise student performance on college placement tests, while providing a comprehensive program on college preparation and success. Students learn time management, reading and note taking, stress management, and career exploration, while receiving support and encouragement from other nontraditional students who are facing similar life challenges. Participants visit colleges, meet with counselors, and receive help with filing financial aid forms and college applications. College Transitions is tremendously successful in preparing adults for a successful college experience.

Maine needs to reward adults for choosing to enter postsecondary education, becoming equipped with the skills to persist, and utilizing resources to continue to degree completion. A program should be established for Maine adults who successfully complete a College Transitions program that provides a $2,500 cash grant over and above their financial aid award. Further, by maintaining a C+ average and utilizing institutional support services, they will continue to receive these funds for 4 years. This program will cover some of the unmet financial need facing most Mainers who want to go to college, while ensuring that they first obtain the skills that will make them successful in school. With a plan like this, I think it is truly possible for every Maine worker to earn a degree.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on April 11, 2010 | Read more in: News and Events

The Lincoln County College Connection

College Transitions Information Evening

Put Yourself on the Road to Success

The New Year brings with it renewed possibilities and the opportunity for a fresh start.  If you have been thinking about attending college, don’t miss this opportunity to further your education, improve your earning potential, and enhance your quality of life.   The Lincoln County College Connection (TLC³) is hosting an information night for adults who want to enter or return to college on Wednesday, January 20^th at Lincoln Academy from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

TLC³ is a collaborative effort between the Central Lincoln County, Boothbay Region, MSAD40, and Wiscasset Adult Education programs with classes offered in each program.  The goal of TLC³ is to offer free services to adults who are planning to enroll in post-secondary education, change careers, or return to school.  TLC³ offers services to help students get ready for college and ultimately earn a college degree.  College Transitions in adult education works by providing classes in subjects such as: study skills, college writing, algebra, biology and chemistry; by helping with completion of applications and financial aid forms; and through college counseling and career planning. All the college transitions courses and workshops offered through TLC³ are free.

Come learn first hand about the advantages of being a College Transitions participant, meet the staff and find out which classes would be right for you. Refreshments will be served and families are welcome.

For more information, or to register please call Megan Dichter, Lincoln County College Transitions Coordinator at 350-6344  or contact AOS 93 Adult Education at 563-2811, MSAD 40 Adult Education at 832-5205, Wiscasset Adult Education at 882-9710 or Boothbay Region Adult Education at 633-3224.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on January 5, 2010 | Read more in: News and Events

Basket of Thanks & Merry and Bright Family Night in Wiscasset

Families Learning Together Events

Local families enjoyed two recent events hosted by Wiscasset Adult and Community Education’s Families Learning Together Program, a free program funded by the Barbara Bush Foundation, which helps parents achieve their educational goals and helps children succeed at school.

Family Fun Cozy Cookout

On November 13^th , Maine Heritage Village on Route 1 in Wiscasset put on a magical evening for families to kick off the holiday season and celebrate family literacy. The evening commenced with dinner and live music in the Lobster Shack; then families gathered in the village gazebo to watch the holiday lights come on. Afterwards, the children had story time and played wonderful old fashioned games, such as, Pin the Gobbler on the Turkey and an apple-spoon relay. To top it all off, families enjoyed s’mores and hot cocoa, face painting, ice cream cones and a game of charades accompanied by live music.

Basket of Thanks

The following week on November 24^th, Families Learning Together hosted their Basket of Thanks event at Wiscasset Primary School, featuring Thanksgiving crafts, pie making, and a class on how to read food labels. Finally, families had the opportunity to put together a free Thanksgiving basket of food for their holiday dinner.

Merry and Bright Family Night

Families Learning Together will be hosting another free family event, Merry and Bright Family Night, on Thurdfay evening December 17^th from 5-730 pm, which will include holiday gift making and crafts for both the children and parents, pictures with Santa and singing  holiday carols. There will be free books, a “gently-used” toy swap and gift wrapping. Finally, families will have the opportunity to put together a basket of food for their holiday meal. Don’t miss this opportunity to get together with other families and celebrate the season!

To register for Merry and Bright Family Night or for further information about the Families Learning Together Program, please call the Wiscasset Adult & Community Education office at 882-9710 or attend registration morning at the Wiscasset Primary School on Tuesday, December 8^th from 8:30-9:30 am. Participating families must have a child 0-8 years old and a parent (s) who is committed to improving their education.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on December 9, 2009 | Read more in: News and Events