There are two adult education classes that started up in January. Betsy’s Intro to Knitting will be held on Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. This is a six-week program starting on Jan. 19. Students will learn the basics of knitting and make a simple project. Ideas will be presented and depending on the project, some material costs may be incurred. Please bring size 8 needles to first class. Practice yarn will be provided. The cost of this 6-week class is $40, and folks can register online at MSAD 44 Adult and Continuing Education or by calling 824-2136. The instructor, Betsy Raymond, has taught many beginners how to knit. If you have always wanted to learn how to knit, this is the class that can get you going on a lifelong knitting journey. Knitting is a great pastime and there are so many options when it comes to knitting projects.

Another adult ed class is with potter, Joshua Rysted, learning how to make a pair of gnomes. This one-day class will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 1-3 p.m. at a pottery studio located at 630 West Bethel Road. Charming and adorable, these little gnomes will start your year off right. Create a pair of gnomes to brighten up your shelf or window sill in this one-day hand-building class. Your finished gnomes will be glazed in your choice of color and ready for pick up approximately two weeks after class.  No previous clay experience is required for this class. All tools and supplies will be provided by the clay studio. The cost for this class is $40 and you can register online or call 824-2136.  Great Saturday class to learn a new skill and create a project.

Jan. 1 saw many ice fishermen on our local ponds. Five ice fishing traps per person is an opportunity to catch freshwater fish. It is always responsible to drill test holes to measure the thickness of the ice.  Reported ice thickness showed Songo Pond at 6 inches, Twitchell Pond at 5 inches, and North Pond at 7 inches.  With cold temperatures expected in January, the ice thickness should continue to grow over time.
Over the holiday vacation, I got to cross country ski with my granddaughter, Willow Raye Howe. She is doing a good job and soon it will be time to upgrade her equipment, as her feet are growing. I also got a chance to check out Carter’s Cross Country ski trails and the Bethel Inn’s trails, and they are all excellent. Time to get out and enjoy the winter months!

News and or events can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com