MECHANIC FALLS – The Mechanic Falls-Poland Adult and Community Education winter/spring program is under way. The Learning Center is accepting new day and evening students for academic and business skill upgrading, computer literacy, high school diplomas and GED testing. Call the adult education office at 345-3217 or e-mail [email protected] for more information about classes and for classes that are offered at Minot Consolidated School.

General interest classes being offered include:

ATV-Snowmobile Safety: In this classroom based course, students will learn how to properly operate and maintain an ATV and a snowmobile. Laws and responsibilities, map and compass, environmental/landowner ethics, personal safety, first aid and survival skills will be covered. Exam and 100 percent attendance required. Children must be at least 10 years of age. Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. It will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 16, Tuesday, March 17 and Monday, March 23. Registration is $5. Ask about family discounts. Ten prepaid students are needed.

Boating Education: Learn how to properly operate and maintain a boat. The course is state approved, and successful completion will result in a certificate, which will serve as proof of compliance if stopped by New Hampshire law enforcement when boating on boundary waters. Exam and 100 percent attendance required. It will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 through Thursday, April 2. Registration is $5. Ask about family discounts.

College Admission Overview: Christy Le from the Maine Educational Opportunity Center will cover the entire college admissions process, including forms and financial aid. Bring W-2 tax forms. The program is free, call for more information.

Dance – Jazz/Tap: Tap and jazz are a combination of dance forms that share similar steps and techniques. The class will combine the two disciplines. It will run from 6 to 8 p.m. for six weeks, beginning Tuesday, March 3. Registration: $24/$27 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Diabetes Education: A medical doctor will share how healthy lifestyle choices can reverse type II diabetes and reduce the need for medications. Special diet supplies and support group information will be available. The class will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. Registration: $5/$6 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Digital Camera: Learn the basics of a digital camera. Class will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Registration: $16/$18 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Excel in a Hurry: Learn more about Excel. Class will be 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. Registration: $16/$18 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Fitness for Life with Deb Conway: Class features step aerobics and resistance exercises for tone and strength. Registration: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at Poland Community School, $25/$28 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident. Class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is a six-week session.

Heartsaver AED: The program provides training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) on adult and child victims. Students will receive a Heartsaver AED course completion card upon successfully completing course requirements, which include skills testing. The course is physically demanding. Participants should wear comfortable clothing.

The class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 16. Registration: $45/$50 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

QuickBooks: Computerized accounting software provides a practical approach to bookkeeping for small businesses. Computer literacy and knowledge of basic accounting principles required. Class meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18 and April 1, 8 and 15, dates are subject to change. Registration: $47/$52 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Quilted Sweatshirt: The project will help participants create a quilted sweatshirt. Must be able to thread machine and sew a straight line. Class will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, March 11, 18 and 25. Registration: $21/$25 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident. Call for list of materials.

Solar Technologies: Information on solar hot air, hot water and electricity, how they work, how much they cost and how much they can save. Information on state rebates and federal tax credits will be available. Class will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. Registration: $5/$6 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Solar Panels – How to Build and Cut Heating Costs: Learn more about this energy savings technology. A panel will be on display with the plans and a parts list. Class will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10. Registration: $5/$6 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Weather Spotting: Participants will learn how to become a weather observer for the National Weather Service. The free class will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18; snow date, Thursday, March 26.

Weight Management I: Participants will learn about stress management, nutrition, exercise and motivational strategies for achieving and maintaining an ideal weight. Class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24 and 31. Registration: $18/$22 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Weight Management II: Participants will receive individualized support and there will be a question and answer session. Class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, April 7 and 14. Registration: $9/$11 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.