This course covers basic genealogy concepts for researching and documenting one's ancestors.What is a genealogy brick wall and how do you break it? This course will offer key ideas on solving even the toughest research barriers.

Topics include: general ideas to get started, where and how to find key genealogy records, paper and digital organization strategies, using online databases and resources, where to go in the community to research family history. One class meeting may include a field trip to a research site.

Craig Siulinski is an experienced educator and writer, as well as an avid researcher and genealogist. He holds a Master of Science degree in Education from Cal State University EastBay, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Maine. Craig started a business in 2014 called Sharing Legacies with the goal to help people write, share, and preserve their stories for generations to come. In addition to teaching genealogy classes, Craig has taught other courses in blogging and life story writing.

**ONLINE CLASS SATURDAYS AT 1:00 PM**

Description: There is no time like the present to start or continue your life story! The Life Story Writing Course has two main components: weekly theme-based writing and small group sharing.

 Learn to organize and write your life story,  two pages at a time. Stories will come alive by active participation in writing exercises and related discussions pertaining to the varied themes. The writing can go as far and wide as students wish to take each writing experience.

By reading the individual stories in class each week in dedicated small groups, the students learn to listen deeply, understand and appreciate other life stories, as well as gain perspectives on their own writings. At the end of the course, the participants will have nine written stories,which can be made into a book for oneself or given as a gift for family and friends.

Craig Siulinski is an experienced educator and writer, as well as an avid researcher and genealogist. He holds a Master of Science degree in Education from Cal State University EastBay, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Maine. Craig started a business in 2014 called Sharing Legacies with the goal to help people write, share, and preserve their stories for generations to come. In addition to teaching writing classes, Craig has taught other courses in blogging and genealogy.

This is a 6 week online class that meets on Sundays January 26th-March 2nd.  1:00 pm -2:30 pm

Join FAME’s College Savings Counselor, Maire Pelletier, in exploring Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur. This course is a great introduction to investing. All experience levels are welcome! (For general education purposes only, and should not be used as legal, tax, or financial advice)  Book Synopsis: Your step-by-step guide to financial independence―from the creator of the #1 investing education podcast, Girls That Invest . Ever wondered how on earth the stock market works, but felt too intimidated to ask "those" questions? This is the book for you! In this guide to investing in stocks (aka shares), Simran Kaur teaches the essential principles you can apply to any market, anywhere in the world. Because money provides the freedom to say yes or no, the freedom to handle whatever life throws at you, and the freedom to grow and prosper. This book is your invitation to join the thriving community of women who are building a better financial future. Investing is for everyone. Pick up Girls That Invest , become an investor-in-training, and claim a space for yourself in the world of finance―so you too can find financial independence and create generational wealth.   Students will need to purchase their own copy of the book to participate.

*** Students are expected to attend all 5 sessions***

2/4/2025, 2/18/2025, 3/4/2025, 3/18/2025, 4/1/2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm.

Zoom link will be emailed

Adulting is tough. Finances can be one of the trickiest parts of adulthood. Whether you’ve been Adulting for decades or are just getting started, banking basics, spending plans, credit scores and budgeting tools are available to make things a little bit easier. Join Steve Kautz, Financial Education Programs Specialist from the Finance Authority of Maine for this 1-hour virtual workshop as we explore fundamental money skills.

**Zoom link will be emailed to you**

Scholarships can go a long way in helping students cover college costs, but being successful in the scholarship application process can take some work. In this session you’ll learn to build and work your own scholarship application plan. You’ll also learn about and try out different scholarship websites, learn how to best use a scholarship information tracker, and learn to avoid some of the challenges of the scholarship process. Students and parents interested in learning about the scholarship process can join Jessica Whittier, College Access Counselor with the Finance Authority of Maine for this 1-hour workshop as we talk scholarships.

**Zoom link will be emailed**

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) workforce training program follows the Maine CNA curriculum, offering classroom instruction, clinical practice, and skills lab training. Students gain expertise in patient care, vital signs, infection control, and mobility support while emphasizing dignity, safety, and communication. Graduates are prepared to pass the state certification exam and succeed in healthcare roles such as long-term care, hospitals, or home health, meeting Maine’s high standards for compassionate care.

Class meets on the following dates: 3/3 3-8pm, 3/4 5-8pm, 3/5 3-8pm, 3/10 3-8pm, 3/12 3-7pm, 3/13 3-8pm, 3/17 3-8pm, 3/18 3-8pm, 3/19 3-7pm, 3/24 3-7pm, 3/25 3-8pm, 3/26 3-7pm, 3/31 3-8pm, 4/1 5-8pm, 4/2 3-8pm, 4/7 3-7pm, 4/8 3-8pm, 4/9 3-7pm, 4/14 3-8pm, 4/16 3-7pm, 4/18 CLINICALS, 4/28 3-8pm, 4/29 3-8pm, 4/30 3-8pm, 5/5 3-8pm, 5/6 3-8pm, 5/7 3-8pm, 5/12 3-8pm, 5/14 3-8pm

The cost of the program is $1,500. If this presents a financial challenge, we encourage you to reach out, as support options may be available. Please contact Alice Shea at sheaa@westbrookschools.org for more information.

Join Master Gardener Joel Leak and explore the many different small fruits you can grow in any sized yard. 

 Fruit are delicious and nutritious, and many are easy to grow.  Joel will cover over 20 different kinds of fruit - both native and cultivated.  Many you are already familiar with and some you may not have thought of growing before.   

Join Joel at the Westbrook Adult Education office for this one evening class.

Do you have children who will be looking at college in the next few years or might you be thinking of returning to school yourself? Now is a great time to start thinking about the college financial aid process and ways to boost college savings. The earlier you start, the more confident and relaxed you will feel when it is time to apply for financial aid. Join Michelle Radley, College Access Counselor with the Finance Authority of Maine for this 1-hour workshop as we talk all things paying for college.

** Zoom link will be emailed to you**