Thomas Jefferson and his colleagues worked long and hard on the society they wanted to live in before writing the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. They also knew that what they envisioned could be improved. Our collective failure to do the kind of homework Jefferson and his colleagues performed – engaging the creative, critical mind and learning from our mistakes – now demands that we develop a renewed social and economic order that matches people’s needs and aspirations. Our current economic system relies on growth without limits and exudes waste at every step of its extract-produce-market-consume-dispose routine. In contrast earth’s millions of living species prosper within each organism’s budget of available energy. There is no hierarchical management structure, no money, no externalities and no waste. Students will be challenged to engage in some collective, Jeffersonian thinking based on the premise that we are not masters but part of nature. We will draw on history, the social sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology to help solve our common economic and ecological problems as we build a healthier and happier 21st century “learning society” capable of governing itself. Registration $30. 4 wks 6:00-8:00 p.m. Begins Mon 1/23 CHRHS Rm 235 Paul Kando is well known in the midcoast area and beyond as the “go to” person on energy issues and policy. He is also well known at Coastal Senior College, where he teaches, as the resident philosopher. It is in this latter capacity that Paul presents our challenging new Adult Ed course “After Capitalism”. Come prepared to think about and discuss the enormous issues our society currently faces on the economic, social, political and personal levels. “Change will come from the people or it won’t come at all.” (Paul Kando quoted in a February 6, 2015 Revision Energy interview in Solar Power) .

This advanced ASL course will build on the foundation of ASL I by adding vocabulary to increase conversation as well as grammar skills. We will look at the use of contrastive structure, how to ask questions, tell time and sign with numbers. Vocabulary topics will be based on class interest. We expect there will be opportunities for interaction with members of the deaf community. This course is taught without use of voice but with use of games and other activities as well as peer interaction. All students are required to have at least 12 hours of prior experience with a certified deaf instructor. Registration $60. 8 weeks 6:30-8:00 p.m. Begins Wed 4/5 CHRHS Rm 219 Carrie Pierce enjoys teaching ASL to people of all ages. She provides a dynamic and fun environment where participants take part in a variety of interactive learning experiences. Carrie is certified by the American Sign Language Teachers Association, the State of Maine (for Early Childhood Special Education and Deaf Education), and has both Bachelors and Masters degrees from Gallaudet University. She has taught in schools and universities all over Maine.

American Sign Language is one of the most used languages in the U.S. It is a visual language with its own grammar, gestures, and syntax. American Sign Language can help you communicate better in a new way, using your eyes and hands. In addition, if you need to know ASL in order to communicate better with a friend, family member, client, student or employee, this is a perfect opportunity for you. This class is rigorous, but fun, and you will come away with new knowledge about ASL and the deaf community. This class is not for children. $60. 8 weeks 5:00-6:30 p.m. Begins Wed 4/5 CHRHS Rm 219 Carrie Pierce enjoys teaching ASL to people of all ages. She provides a dynamic and fun environment where participants take part in a variety of interactive learning experiences. Carrie is certified by the American Sign Language Teachers Association, the State of Maine (for Early Childhood Special Education and Deaf Education), and has both Bachelors and Masters degrees from Gallaudet University. She has taught in schools and universities all over Maine.

Do you struggle when you have to write a formal letter, a paper or a request? Do folks wince when you speak publicly? Grammar doesn’t have to be boring as you will learn in this fun, hands-on class taught by two professed “grammar snobs”. You will learn quick “scientific ways” to check yourself to see if what you are saying is correct as you improve your spoken and written English skills. Best selling books like "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" and "Between You and Me" will make the task easier and more gratifying. No matter your level of expertise, join this class to have pleasure with words. Registration $45. 5 weeks 6:00-8:00 p.m. Begins Tues 1/24 CHRHS Rm 221 Susan Foltz is a retired English, Speech Therapist and administrator with both a BA and a Masters Degree. Jan Gilley has a BA in English and an MA in Liberal Studies, and taught English grammar, AP Language and Composition, electives in history and ESL.

Spring is here and the birds are arriving and singing up a storm. Have you ever wondered what bird is singing just out of view? if so, join Maine Guide and Naturalist Gary Roberts, as we continue to delve into the identification of spring birds not with binoculars and spotting scopes, but by listening to a species' individual songs and calls. The class will begin with a review of the birds and bird songs covered in Birding by Ear I and continue with emphasis on the local bird and migrants that we may encounter on our final class field trip. Birding by Ear I is not a prerequisite for this class. Registration $35. 6 weeks 6:00-8:00 p.m. Begins Tues 4/25 CHRHS Rm 222 Registered Maine Guide Gary Roberts is a resident of Appleton and has been a volunteer naturalist, trip leader, and speaker for over 30 years. He specializes in guiding from a natural history perspective and focuses particularly on the native flora and fauna of Maine. Gary has been a long time volunteer for Maine Audubon and has volunteered with the Maine Plant Conservation Volunteers, Mountain Birdwatch, Maine Owl Survey Project, and Seanet.

Join other like-minded people in a fun card game that will exercise your brain. Learn in a comfortable, no stress environment and in eight weeks you will be able to play bridge with anyone. Registration $65. 8 weeks 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Begins Thurs 2/9 Midcoast Recreation Center Sally Morrison has played, taught and loved bridge for many years.

Intermediate bridge is for those seeking to improve their knowledge of competitive bidding and current conventions in this greatest of all card games. Registration $65. 8 weeks 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Begins Tues 2/7 Midcoast Recreation Center Sally Morrison has played, taught and loved bridge for many years.

What is cloud computing? How does it differ from land computing? Do you need it? Do you have it? Odds are, you're using it--though you may not realize it. This class will teach you what cloud computing is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how and why you should use it. We will touch on such software titles as Office 365, Google Drive, Dropbox, Carbonite, and Quickbooks Online. Registration $20. 1 night 6:00-8:00 p.m. Class Thurs 2/9 CHRHS Rm 225 Bill Batty, Jr. is the Customer Service Manager at Rockbound Computer. For 13 years previous, he was Customer Manager and P/R Director for Midcoast Internet Solutions.. When not working with computers, you can find him deep sea diving, ninja training, splitting atoms, and exaggerating short bios. He plays the drums, too.

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