Finding work in the 21st century involves navigating an ever-changing landscape shaped by technology, networking, and evolving job market demands.  This workshop will cover tailored resumes and cover letters, online application portals, establishing a professional presence online, developing a portfolio, interviewing online and in person, and networking.  This is an in-person class.

Google Sheets are spreadsheet files.  Spreadsheets were traditionally ledgers for financial recordkeeping, but now are used for organizing, tracking and retrieving all kinds of information. Google Sheets is a user friendly, online tool similar to Microsoft Excel.  It’s free, accessible from all devices and is easy to share.  Learn how to create a basic spreadsheet, format and reorganize information, and use simple formulas and filters.  This is an in-person class.

You’ll need a Gmail account for this workshop, and will need to know your account username and password.  It’s ideal if you access your Gmail on the web vs. a computer-based program.  If you’re not sure what this means, please contact us and we’ll be glad to assist you!  Google applications are free and are a practical way to learn programs without investing in software.

Vanessa loves working with adult learners. She is really easy to be around and makes people extremely comfortable; she even makes learning math and computers fun! She is committed to helping adults discover their strengths, build their confidence, and realize they can accomplish their goals. In her free time, she loves to travel and explore the outdoors. Vanessa teaches math, science, technology, and provides college and career advising.

The Ellsworth School Department is looking for substitutes in all departments - teachers, ed techs, secretaries, bus drivers, and custodians.  Effective substitutes need to know how to access policies and procedures, as well as the facilities.  This workshop addresses these topics, as well as the application process, tools and tips for classroom management and instructional practices for substitute teachers.  It will be followed up by a meeting with school administrators at relevant schools. This is an in-person workshop.

Finding work in the 21st century involves navigating an ever-changing landscape shaped by technology, networking, and evolving job market demands.  This workshop will cover tailored resumes and cover letters, online application portals, establishing a professional presence online, developing a portfolio, interviewing online and in person, and networking.  This is an in-person class.

Airbnb SuperHost Diana Merenda is committed to sharing her experience in building her status with Airbnb.  She has lots of very practical tips on how to build a strong business that will bring you joy and success.

She’ll cover registering on the Airbnb site, understanding the calendar and how to best describe your space, but that’s just the beginning. Robust communication from before guests book until they leave is a huge priority for Diana.  She’ll also focus on setting-up house rules from “Welcome” to “Goodbye” and preparing for perfection, while keeping your budget in mind. All of this will result in strong reviews which are critical for success as an Airbnb host.  This is an in-person class.

Diana Merenda, MBA, taught the Management Capstone course at CUNY’s Baruch College for 7 years, as well as Microsoft Suite classes within NY’s SCOPE Adult Ed. She worked within financial services for 30 years before moving to Surry’s Patten Bay.

In today’s competitive market, can you afford to not offer the very best customer service? 

When customers are pleased with a product or service they may tell one or two others, but when they are dissatisfied you better watch out!  One of the main reasons that customers stop doing business is because someone at that business treated them poorly. Offering consistent, friendly customer service is a key to repeat business and customer loyalty.  A big step to improving customer service is getting your employees to look at their jobs through the eyes of their customer.  

The Ellsworth Adult & Community Education is partnering with the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to offer businesses and individuals an opportunity to enhance their customer service. Trainers will be area employers who focus on quality customer service. Each session will have handouts that can be added to the student’s personal growth file or shared with others in their workplace.  A certificate of completion will be awarded to those who successfully complete all four sessions.

• No Class 4/25/2025
• Makeup class, if needed, 05/02/25.

Session I - Friday, March 7, 2025 – First Impressions – The Impact of Attitude and Appearance on Sales and Repeat Business. Participants will discuss positive and negative example of good customer service, 

• The importance of attitude – good or bad, both make a lasting impression
• The importance of dress – What is business casual?

Session III  - Friday, March 21, 2025– Communication – It’s What You Say AND How You Say It

• Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication – body language can speak louder than words
• Active Listening – taking in what is said and what is not said
• Using the right words – grammar is a reflection on you and your company
• Asking open-ended questions – seeking to fully understand situations
• Know your audience – diverse customers = diverse expectations

Session II - Friday, March 14, 2025 – Effective Problem-Solving and Strategies for Dealing with Difficult Customers, 

• How to tell people what they don’t want to hear
• Simple ways to help diffuse anger
• In person and on the telephone – smiles work

Session IV - Friday, March 28 , 2025- The Total Package – Going Above and Beyond 

• Taking the extra steps helps ensure customer satisfaction
• Effective problem solving

Wish you could find a money guide that doesn't make your eyes glaze over or your brain hurt?  Easy Money by Gail Vaz-Oxlade is for you.  She knows you work hard for your money, so in her honest and practical style she will show you how to make your money work for you. Budgeting, saving and getting your debt paid off have never been so easy to understand or to do.  Follow Gail's plan and take control of your money.  This is an easy-to-read book study so we can all work together to learn how to make our dollars stretch and plan for the future.   This is an in-person class.  No class 02/18/25.

Google Drive is an example of a cloud-based place where you can create and save files of all kinds - word documents, spreadsheets, surveys and more.  You can access the files from most devices and more than one person can work on them at the same time.  If you’re using it for personal use, Drive applications are free.  It’s a practical way to learn programs without investing in software. This workshop will introduce you to these features.  This is an in-person class. 

You’ll need a Gmail account for this workshop, and will need to know your account username and password.  It’s ideal if you access your Gmail on the web vs. a computer-based program.  If you’re not sure what this means, please contact us and we’ll be glad to assist you! 

Vanessa loves working with adult learners. She is really easy to be around and makes people extremely comfortable; she even makes learning math and computers fun! She is committed to helping adults discover their strenghts, build their confidence, and realize they can accomplish their goals. In her free time, she loves to travel and explore the outdoors. Vanessa teaches math, science, technology, and provides college and career advising.