MECHANIC FALLS – The Mechanic Falls-Poland Adult and Community Education winter program is under way. The Learning Center is accepting new day and evening students for skill upgrading, high school diplomas and General Educational Development testing.

Call the adult education office at 345-3217 for more information about these classes and for classes that are offered at Minot Consolidated School.

Other classes will be offered as follows;

Baton Twirling Workshop, MaryEllen Baizley: Girls age 5 to 12 can attend the hands-on interactive workshop, which will teach the beginning twirls, tosses and march techniques used by competitive twirlers. Wear comfortable clothing. Batons will be available for class use. Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration: $4/$5 Mechanic Falls and Poland resident/nonresident.

Line Dancing, Tanya Whittier: Learn or improve line dancing skills. No partner necessary. Children 8 years and older welcome with parent or guardian. Tuesdays, Sept. 27 to Nov. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration: $20/$23.

“Enhancing Your Backyard Habitat,” Evelyn Duplissis and Penny Jessop: Learn to look at landscape from the point of view of wildlife. The backyard habitat introduction will feature presentation and discussion. Thursdays, Sept. 22 and 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Free.

CPR Heart Saver Course, Wayne Cotterly: American Heart Association course is designed to teach the necessary skills to perform CPR on adults, children and infants. Practical skills will be performed on mannequins to learn CPR and rescue breathing. Monday, Oct. 3, or Monday, Dec. 5, both from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Registration: $35/$40.

Picture Matting, Deborah Housley: Learn basic matting designs. Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration: $25/$28. Lab fee: $5 paid to instructor.

Cake Decorating, Eunice Bartlett: Learn how to decorate a cake for a birthday party, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter or some special event. Wednesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: $20/$23.

E-Mail Basics, Sara Carson: Hands-on course will give the skills needed to navigate the Internet using Internet Explorer, and the ability to write, send and receive e-mail using Outlook Express. If time permits, learn how to use search engines, set up a home page and bookmark favorite places. Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (three weeks). Registration: $20/25.

Fitness for Life, Deb Conway: Aerobics classes featuring step aerobics and resistance exercises to tone and strengthen the entire body. Classes are taught in levels to accommodate adults of all abilities and fitness types. Teens are welcome with an attending adult. Registration: Monday, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m. Six-week sessions will continue from Oct. 31, 7 to 8:30 p.m., through the school year. When school is not in session, classes will not be held. Registration: $25/$28. Call Conway, 998-5282, for more information or call 345-3217.

“Good Discipline, Good Kids,” Dee Pratt: Learn how to engage cooperation and effectively set rules. Monday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration: $5/$6.

“Foster Parenting and Adoption,” Carol Brocker, RN/MA, Paula Lyons-Myrick, LSW: The program will provide information about the need for foster homes in communities as well as the steps to become a foster or adoptive parent. Discussion will include the role and responsibilities of foster/adoptive parents and support and resources available to them. Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. Free.

“Can You Glow in the Dark?,” Paul Thornfeldt: High radon in air or water can have serious effects. Learn how to test the environment. Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: $6/$7.

“Keeping Peace at Home,” Dee Pratt: Class will help parents understand why conflict occurs, how to prevent it and how to reach a peaceable solution. Monday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration: $5/$6.

Substitute Teacher Workshop, Marc Gendron: Ask about reimbursement for state mandated fingerprinting. Earn a certificate for a portfolio. Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Free, but must call to pre-register at 345-3217.

“Talking to Your Kids about Personal Safety,” Kristy Meisner: The workshop will help parents decide how best to talk with their children about their bodies and keeping them safe. Topics will include defining sexual abuse, different touches, safety rules and body ownership. Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registration: $5/$6.

“Want to Save Millions … of BTUs?,” Paul Thornfeldt: Learn proper installation of insulation, weather stripping doors and windows, resolving moisture problems, ventilation techniques and fuel cost comparisons. Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Registration: $9/$10.

Call the adult education office at 345-3217 for additional information.