IN PERSON at APL and ZOOM

Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may attend either in-person or by ZOOM if desired.

As we are repeatedly told how divided and polarized our society has become, we may feel discouraged from trying to bridge those divides. This presentation is an antidote to that discouragement, providing practical tips for productive dialogue in divided communities. Drawing on his book Together We Decide, Craig Freshley emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, inclusivity and cooperation as he shares inspirational stories and teaches practical skills for getting along and moving forward together.

Craig Freshley is a professional facilitator, author and public speaker who is passionately committed to peacemaking and draws on his experience with consensus decision-making to promote healing in our world. In 2019, he received the American Civic Collaboration Award for creating and facilitating Make Shift Coffee Houses, community gatherings that provided a space where individuals from diverse political backgrounds could come together to engage in dialogue and understand each other’s perspectives.

ZOOM

Patagonia is an incredibly special place. Comprising about half of southern Chile and half of southern Argentina, it's famous for its breathtaking landscapes; vast forests; natural reserves; national parks; glaciers; and native wildlife. In short, it's a hiker's paradise. Join world traveler Eve Fralick as she shares her adventures trekking through this amazing region in one of the earth's least populated regions.

Eve Fralick began her career as a United States Air Force officer traveling internationally to develop and implement multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art, telecommunications programs. After leaving the military, she worked in healthcare technology and as an adjunct faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University's Graduate School of Business. She holds Master degrees in Public Health and Systems Management. Eve's passion is hiking far off the beaten path around the world. She develops, and presents, travelogues of her adventures to libraries, assisted living facilities, senior colleges, and other organizations.

IN PERSON at APL and ZOOM

Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may attend either in-person or by ZOOM if desired.

The East Coast Greenway is a developing trail and transformative vision, with the aim of creating nearly 3,000 miles of safe, off-road routes that connect Maine to Florida for biking, walking, and rolling. Join us to explore the current state of the Greenway in Maine, with a focus on the existing route in Lewiston, and to learn about exciting plans for future expansion into Auburn and statewide improvements. We'll also share stories of inspirational through-travelers and provide tips on how you can access the Greenway locally for multi-use recreation and sustainable transportation.

Based in Maine, Emily Paskewicz joined the East Coast Greenway Alliance in 2024 as its Northern New England Manager. In this role, Emily carries region-wide responsibilities for all aspects of Greenway development, advocacy and state committee and volunteer engagement. She supports communities along the route in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts as they plan, build and maintain sections of the Greenway.

ZOOM

Several years ago, my wife and I decided to hike two hundred miles along the Southwest Coast Path on the northern coast of Devon and Cornwall, England. We encountered lovely vistas, lots of steep hills to climb up and stagger down (called combes by the locals), many historical sites, and many charming little fishing villages that cling to the rugged coast of Southwest England. When our legs grew weary we “hop scotched” around the southern coast of Cornwall utilizing public buses and trains to eventually reach the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral and the incredible stones of Stonehenge. Come with us while we revisit our journey.

After through-hiking the Appalachian Trail Tom, who was later joined by his wife Judy, simply could not stop walking. Their hikes include long-distant trails in Vermont, the United Kingdom and Spain.

ZOOM

This course will present a brief history of the iconic Scottish garment, the kilt. The evolution of kilts will be presented from the belted plaid, or great kilt, to contemporary kilts. Some examples of different kinds of kilts and kilt accessories will be available for students to see first-hand. A discussion of the history and significance of tartans will also be presented. Contemporary kilt fashion will be presented with a focus on practical aspects of wearing a kilt. Students will be shown how to don a belted plaid. 

Eric has been wearing kilts for years and is an avid aficionado of kilts and kilt fashion. 

IN PERSON at APL and ZOOM

Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may attend either in-person or by ZOOM if desired.

Paul Linet is the Founder and CEO of 3i Housing of Maine, a non-profit organization working to promote Independent community based living options for adults (of all ages) with disabilities through Innovative, Affordable Housing and Integrated Support Services.

Since its establishment as a non-profit in 2020, 3i HoME has been pursuing unique models that leverage smart-home assistive technology with person-centered enhanced care coordination. Paul will be detailing the 3i HoME totally accessible housing developments occurring in southern and western Maine and the potential for replication in the L/A area.

Following a lengthy career in business and law, Paul Linet, founded 3i HoME drawing on 25 years of family caregiving advocacy, as well as regulatory and legislative experience at the state and federal level.  The 3i HoME team is creating supportive/accessible housing, thereby addressing the needs of thousands of Maine citizens dealing with the shortage of direct care workers, nursing home closures and the needless institutionalization of older adults and adults with disabilities. 

IN-PERSON at APL

Join us in exploring Flash Memoir, a short form, non-fiction way of recording your memories, and to share them with our group, if you wish. All suggested assignments will be written outside class time and be no longer than 500 words (about two pages, double spaced, 12pt type). In this workshop you will find a safe place to hear your work read aloud, and to invite our group to engage in constructive discussion. All are welcome, no previous experience is necessary. Our first meeting will be an open forum, so bring your questions and curiosity!

Barbara Gravinese is a published writer of memoir, poetry, and informational booklets, born in New York City, who has lived in Vermont, Kansas, New Mexico, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Her work experience has included teaching painting and drawing, English language, and human anatomy. She holds Master Degrees in Folklore and Counseling, and was awarded a US-Canadian Fulbright Fellowship to study abroad. Barbara is currently a resident of Brunswick, Maine.

Zoom and in person at APL

Lindsay will join us via Zoom. Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may either Zoom in from home or come to the library to watch the presentation on the big screen.

Lindsay Ware will introduce us to the work of Science Dogs of New England, an organization that trains both dogs and their human handlers to use the superior scent-detection abilities of dogs for low-impact conservation and research work. The presentation will include a video of the dogs working on important environmental research. 

Lindsay has partnered with dogs for conservation purposes since 2011, when she began training dogs to find mortally wounded large game animals for hunters. Passionate about wildlife and conservation from a young age, Lindsay earned her B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Unity College, and her M.S. in Biology from the University of Western Ontario. She spent many years traveling the U.S. and Canada working as a wildlife research technician for several government and non-profit agencies.