Enjoy an evening together while learning to paint mesmerizing mandala patterns on rocks. Mandala painting is a beautiful art form as well as a proven way to relax the body and mind. We’ll combine this calming art process with mindfulness games and guided meditation to make a tranquil evening for the entire family. Ages 6+PLEASE NOTE: The class fee is for one adult and one child. 
Please register under adult’s name only.

Turn simple tasks into wild chain reactions. Inspired by the zany world of Rube Goldberg, you’ll design and build machines where one thing leads to another—and another! Use marbles, ramps, and everyday objects to explore momentum, timing, gravity, and force. Embrace your inventive side and see how creative your contraptions can get.

Learn about natural and sustainable approaches to post-death care, funerals, and body disposition and how these choices can benefit families, communities, and the environment. We'll discuss family-directed and home-based natural death care, legal rights, practical aspects of body care after death, green and conservation burial, and emerging options currently under consideration for legalization in Massachusetts. You’ll also learn about DIY choices such as building a casket and creating meaningful commemorative rituals. Leave with a better understanding of the possibilities and greater confidence in planning an end-of-life experience that reflects your values and priorities.

Menopause is a natural transition, yet many women enter this stage with limited information and support. Get a clearer understanding of the physical, emotional, and mental changes that can begin as early as your 40s during perimenopause and continue through menopause and postmenopause. We’ll explore how shifting hormones may affect areas such as metabolism, bone and heart health, muscle strength, body composition, pelvic health, sleep, mood, and cognitive function. Discover five key lifestyle strategies to support your long-term health and well-being, and begin creating your own Personal Menopause Mastery Plan (PMMP) with practical approaches tailored to your needs, priorities, and goals.Class 1: Understanding the Menopause Transition Learn about the phases of menopause—perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—and the ways changing hormone levels can affect the body and mind. Explore common physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, including their impact on metabolism, bone and heart health, muscle strength, sleep, mood, and overall well-being. Discuss the history of menopause diagnosis and treatment, current approaches to support, and ways to seek guidance and advocate for your health. Introduction to five key lifestyle strategies that support long-term health and well-being during and after the menopause transition Class 2: Strength, Pelvic Health, and Nutrition Explore the role of progressive strength training, pelvic health practices, and nutrition in supporting health during menopause and beyond. Learn about nutrition, chronic inflammation, the gut-brain connection, and other factors that influence overall wellness. Begin creating your Personal Menopause Mastery Plan (PMMP) by identifying strategies for movement, pelvic health, and nutrition that align with your needs and goals. Class 3: Brain Health, Stress, Sleep, and Connection Learn how the autonomic nervous system influences stress, anxiety, and the body’s response to change. Explore evidence-informed approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-management techniques. Discuss common sleep challenges during menopause and strategies that may help support better rest and recovery. Examine the importance of connection and community during the menopause transition. Refine your Personal Menopause Mastery Plan (PMMP) with practical next steps for supporting your long-term health and vitality.

Shrubs are a key part of our New England landscapes. We will take a close look at about a dozen common native New England shrubs such as highbush blueberry, silky dogwood, and staghorn sumac, as well as a few non-native invasive shrubs. The class will focus on plant identification as well as fun and interesting natural history. We’ll see a plant that can be used to make a lemonade-like drink packed with vitamin C and a plant that the Chippewa used to produce a remedy for craziness. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one. Please note: Children ages 10+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult. Meeting location will be emailed upon registration.