Winter 2026 Classes
What Were Those Colonists Thinking?
Paul Bibeau
Wednesdays. Jan. 14, 21 & 28 10am - 12pm
It was approximately 250 years ago that 13 British colonies went to war to secure their independence from Great Britain.
The many years of political intrigues, protests, and violent unrest over how the American colonies should be governed by Britain boiled over into an 8-year-long War for Independence (1775-1783).
In the long span of years leading up to the war. tensions would grow into disagreements, and demonstrations, and even protests and riots, that turned into a military conflict!
In this three-session class Paul will give us a look into what the colonists and the British were thinking in 1775 and 1776.
Paul Bibeau has history and education degrees from Gettysburg College. He is a retired history teacher with 38 years of experience teaching American, European and Asian History to middle and high school students in Massachusetts and Maine.
Maine Mammals: Their Habitats and How to Track Them
Leigh Macmillen Hayes
Fridays, Jan. 16, 23 & 30 10am - 12 pm
Though we might see the mammals of Maine anywhere, most species have specific habitat needs that can only be met in certain ecosystems. We’ll spend time learning about the mammals and their habitats during session one. In session two, we’ll learn more about the track patterns of many of these species. Both session one and two will be indoors, while session three will find us exploring the Narrow Gauge Trail in Perley Mills Community Forest in Denmark. It's a snowmobile trail, so it should be rather easy to walk with microspikes or stabilizers.
Once again, Maine Naturalist Leigh Macmillen Hayes will share her knowledge and sense of wonder in three sessions exploring the mammals of Maine. Participants will learn about their habits, habitats, and the signs they leave for us to find.
Winter Crafting Fun
Kathie Watson
Wednesday, Feb. 4 10am - 12 pm
Do you enjoy the art of crafting? Join Kathie as she guides us through creating delicate snowflakes that capture the beauty of those falling from the winter sky. She’ll also introduce us to the creative process of making handmade greeting cards — a perfect way to share a personal touch.
This class will be limited to 10 people and will have an additional fee of $5.00 for supplies.
Kathie Watson has been creating arts and crafts since she was ten years old. In addition to crafting, she enjoys painting and has designed murals for friends. Before moving to Bridgton, Kathie spent 40 years as a preschool teacher and now volunteers at Bella Point Assisted Living, sharing her creativity with others.
Tucker’s House, Bridgton
Kirsten Wears
Friday, Feb. 6 10am to 12pm
“Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment which can serve as an integral part of the journey to a healthy and fulfilling life in recovery.”
Learn about the road to establishing the first sober house for women in Bridgton, what hurdles had to be overcome in opening the house, how it has grown and the vital work it does to support the women who live there on their road to recovery.
Kirsten Wears, Executive Director of Tucker House, has a passion for serving the underserved. She became a certified recovery coach and a coach’s coach. She has attended countless seminars and trainings, so that she can be the best version of herself while supporting women on their path to healing and recovery. She has an amazing Board of Directors with lots of knowledge and lived experience.
