With both humor and knowledge, two local attorneys and estate planning specialists will address the fundamentals of estate planning. Essentials: Estate planning is for everyone, not just the wealthy or elderly. Learn how to plan for incapacity with tools like health care proxies, advance directives, and powers of attorney. Discover strategies to avoid probate court and its costs, and understand how trusts can protect assets, reduce taxes, and simplify estate administration. We’ll cover how to reduce capital gains taxes for your heirs, and examine Massachusetts estate tax laws, learning how to minimize this “death tax”—often by as much as $150,000 to $300,000. Prepare for Long-Term Care: This class builds on the foundational concepts of Estate Planning Essentials. As we get older, many of us wrestle with important questions: Do I want to age in my current home or move to a new living environment? What will my health needs require? What can I afford? What resources are available to me to help accomplish these goals? This class will focus on leveraging both human and financial resources to provide for your best possible life and care. Learn about various long-term care strategies and the pros and cons of each. We will discuss reliance on family members for care needs, reverse mortgages, long-term care insurance, public benefits through MassHealth, various estate planning techniques (using wills, trusts, and lifetime gifting), protecting assets for children and other heirs, and pulling together a team of advisors to help you navigate your long-term care goals.

Celebrate the season with the freshest ingredients from local farmers markets. We’ll start with a vibrant soup of mixed greens, new potatoes, and fragrant herbs. Then we’ll make a delicious French asparagus tart and roasted salmon with a creamy Italian-inspired sauce made from fresh spinach and peas. Finish on a sweet note with a classic strawberry-rhubarb crisp made from just-picked fruits.

Caring for grandchildren comes with responsibilities—especially when it comes to safety. This course brings you up to date on first-aid practices that may have changed since you raised your own children. Learn how to respond to injuries and medical emergencies during the critical first minutes until help arrives. Topics include medical, injury, and environmental emergencies; CPR for all ages; using an AED; and managing severe allergies with EpiPens. You’ll earn an American Safety and Health Institute certification in Pediatric CPR, AED, and First Aid.

Biking is a great form of exercise and transportation. These clinics, led by certified trainers, are designed specifically for adult riders—whether you’re getting back on a bike or learning for the first time. Safety Refresher: For those who haven’t ridden in a while and want to refresh their skills. Review basic bike maintenance, current rules of the road for cyclists and drivers, and techniques for riding safely on streets and bike paths. After practicing on a traffic-free course, we’ll take a short ride on neighborhood streets. (Rain date: May 17) Learn to Ride: Even adults can learn to ride. Practice getting on and off a bicycle, building balance, understanding the rules of the road, and riding safely and confidently on streets and bike paths. Held entirely in a traffic-free parking lot. (Rain date: June 7) Check to ensure your bicycle is in good, working order (air in the tires, operating brakes and chain, and gear shifters adjusted and lubricated). Wear comfortable clothes for biking and bring a bike helmet, water bottle and sunscreen. If you have an ebike, it must be a Class 1 e-bike to participate in this program.

Create your own hand-painted chiffon scarf using fabric-friendly liquid paints that can be easily heat-set with an iron. This spring, we’ll focus on tulips in bright, cheerful colors—perfect for a Mother’s Day gift. Learn how to paint in a loose, flowing, watercolor style that celebrates transparency, light, and natural beauty. No experience required. All materials will be provided.

Thinking about updating your kitchen, bath, or closet but not sure where to begin? Spend the evening with a well-known local design team as they guide you through the decision-making process. Explore key considerations, clarify your design preferences, and learn how to make the most of your space. Choose the kitchen or closet session and start visualizing the transformation your home can achieve.

Bring your creativity to an open design workshop. With access to a wealth of locally-grown flowers and greenery, come explore and experiment as you create your own lavish arrangement. In addition to the abundance of materials, the experts at Derby Farm will provide basic design techniques and tips to develop your own skills and knowledge. Please note: Bring a vase or container with a mouth of about 3-5” wide and the ability to hold water. You can always bring your own garden scissors or shears as well.

Mezze are the small plates of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, designed for sharing, grazing, and lingering at the table. In this hands-on class, you will prepare a balanced mezze platter featuring homemade dips such as hummus, babaganoush, and vegetarian side dishes that work together as a complete spread. You will learn techniques for seasoning, texture, and presentation, as well as how to adapt mezze for casual meals or entertaining. We’ll finish by sitting down to enjoy the platter together. Please note: This class is vegetarian but not vegan.

Explore your creative vision in this dynamic, open studio-style class for intermediate and advanced students. With one-on-one personalized guidance, you’ll navigate from an idea to project completion, advancing your skills along the way. The instructor will help you determine which metals and stones to purchase before the first class. Prerequisite: Students enrolled in this class should have completed three beginner-level classes in metalsmithing technique and/or possess basic skills such as soldering, sawing, flex shaft use, sanding/polishing, and be able to work safely with basic shop tools and equipment. You must also be able to work independently between instructor consultations. Please contact the instructor at laurieasavage@gmail.com prior to the class to discuss project ideas and purchasing materials.

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Dusk is a magical time to be on the water, so what could be more blissful than paddling a canoe by moonlight? We’ll push off as the sun sets for an evening of relaxation, good food, and conversation. As the moon rises to light our way, we’ll watch herons browsing along the banks of the Charles, river otters fishing for their last meal of the day, and other wildlife settling in for the night. Your guide will share the rich history of the area, including the Canoe Clubs, Norumbega Park, and the Totem Pole Ballroom. After a light dessert and non-alcoholic beverages, we will return to the dock. This slow, relaxing 2–3-mile group paddle is suitable for folks of all paddling abilities. Children ages 12+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.