E-news April, 2017

As we wrap up the Spring session, I thought it would be a good time to thank our instructors. The core of the Senior College experience is the smorgasbord of classes offered each session. Having those classes depends entirely on volunteer instructors who offer to share their knowledge and experience purely for the joy of doing it, without being paid. We are extraordinarily fortunate in having a very talented corps, some of whom are regulars and some of whom are new to us. When you run into any of these people, be sure to thank and encourage them.

Best regards,

Arlin Larson

Festival of Art

We are still in need of a few more volunteers from Senior College to act as Greeters and Security Guards, and to provide a plate for light refreshments, i.e. cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, cookies or brownies.

If you could give us an hour or two at the Greeting Table or as a Security Guard, it would be most appreciated. Sign-up sheets will be available on a table in the Atrium each Thursday during the Spring Semester. Please stop by and see if there might be a time slot convenient for you.

Thank you so much!

The Special Events Committee is planning a picnic!

To celebrate the end of another academic year and to give us an opportunity to get to know one another outside of classes, we are planning a potluck picnic at the home and garden of committee member, Nancy Perkins at 133 Miller Street in Belfast on Thursday, June 22 rain or shine from 6 to 8 pm. Guests can bring an appetizer, salad or dessert to share. Call Nancy at 218-1369 or email her at nanella@aol.com to reserve a space. All Senior College faculty, staff and students are invited and there will be no charge to join us. We will provide cups, plates, napkins, lemonade, hamburgers and hot dogs.

Publicity Committee

Senior College President Arlin Larson has asked Nancy Perkins to chair the recently reformed Publicity Committee. Members of the Committee are Don and Jane Woodruff, Mayo Bulloch, and Marie Underwood. Nancy and Arlin met recently to discuss the goal of spreading the word of Senior College (informally dubbed by Jane as School for the Curious), and helping maintain a stable and active membership as well as strong course registration. The Committee will also assist other Senior College initiatives, as requested, such as Special Events and Brown Bag Lunches.

We will be sending postcards once again, which Sara Shute has graciously offered to continue to design. She will also assist the Committee to update both the brochure and the ever popular bookmark.

The Committee will focus on distributing these items to regular spots as well as seeking new locations to place both postcards and the brochure. Marie suggested doctor’s offices, health clinics and retirement communities. We compiled an excellent list of sites and will call on members living throughout the geographic area to help us distribute these items in a timely fashion.

We also discussed areas of wide media distribution and will be exploring feature ideas in local publications and periodicals. Your input and your comments about the value of Senior College would be wonderful advertising for this unique and special adventure.

If you are interested in working on this Committee and/or have ideas to share please email Nancy at nanella@aol.com or give her a phone call at 218-1369.

Request for Course Proposals

The Curriculum Committee is requesting anyone who would like to teach a summer or fall course to please submit a course proposal form to us. The form for electronic submission can be found at: http://www.thierryb7.sg-host.com/curriculum-proposal-form/. If you prefer to print it out, you can find the form for printing and mail submission at: http://www.thierryb7.sg-host.com/curriculum-committee/.

We have received a lot of good course suggestions from our members. If there is anyone out there who could teach on these topics, please consider submitting a proposal. If you know someone who might be willing to teach a course, please send their contact information to sydney59602@yahoo.com.

Course Suggestions:

• Genetics
• Math puzzles or brainteasers
• Dead modern musicians – Prince, Bowie, Cohen, etc.
• International human rights treaties and conventions
• Longer world culture course
• Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation
• Genealogy
• Technical course dealing with personal electronic equipment (Roku, computers, tablets, mobile phones, etc.)

History of:

• China – Opium Wars through Cultural Revolution
• The Supreme Court
• Medicine/Nursing
• Art, Film, Music
• Maine

Senior College Wants You!
Board Member Nomination Sought

Because of term limits, our current Senior College president, Arlin Larson, will be able to serve for only one more year. We are, therefore, looking for someone willing to join the Board of Trustees this fall, who would serve as vice-president for one year in preparation for assuming the role of president the following year. Senior College presidents are elected by the Board of Trustees for a one-year term, with a maximum of six terms allowed.

The following are the duties and expectations of board members:

Duties of Board Members

• To manage and administer the business of Senior College.
• To develop rules, regulations, and policy for the organization and functioning of Senior College.
• To approve an annual budget.
• To elect Board officers.
• To appoint a member nominated by the Nominating Committee to fill a vacancy for the remaining term.

Expectations of Board Members

• To attend and participate in Board meetings, which are generally held monthly but may occur more or less frequently.
• To notify the President of an expected absence.
• To prepare for meetings by reading material sent/e-mailed before the meeting about issues to be discussed or voted on.
• To read and reply to communications regarding Board business, when requested, between meetings.
• To complete tasks agreed upon at Board meetings.
• To serve periodically on committees or task forces.

If you are interested in serving Senior College in this worthy manner, you will find the form “Nominations to the Board of Trustees” on the Senior College website under “TRUSTEES.” Or, you can visit or call the office (338-8033) Thursdays 10-1 when Senior College is not in session to request a hard copy of the form, which you would return to the office when completed. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Debbie Bailly, chair of the Nominating Committee, at debbiebailly@gmail.com.

The Nominating Committee