E-news August 21, 2016

Getting to Class

For members who cannot, or prefer not, to drive to the Hutchinson Center, if you live in Belfast (unfortunately not beyond), there is an option to use public transportation provided by WCAP. The cost is $2.00 each way. You must call WCAP, 338-4769, at least 2 business days in advance to schedule the ride. While Senior College is in session, you may set it up as a “subscription” so you wouldn’t have to call and make a reservation every week.

Theater Outing

Senior College students are invited to spend the afternoon of Sunday, September 11 at a performance of George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man,” offered by the highly regarded Midcoast Actors’ Studio of Belfast. The afternoon includes a pre-play introduction to Shaw and his work with Charlotte Herbold, long-time Senior College teacher; a brief conversation with the director, Wendy Schweikert, and reduced-price tickets to the matinee performance. We will meet at 12:30 at the Troy-Howard Middle School library; the cost of the ticket will be $10 per person; which includes the introduction and admission to the play. All are welcome.

Aging Well in Waldo County

Something very exciting is happening in Waldo County. Thanks to Samantha Paradis, a new Belfast community public health nurse, a new initiative called Aging Well in Waldo County is gaining momentum. Marje Stickler and Wendy C. Kasten have been attending the meetings, which have been supported by many important organizations in Waldo County, including the Belfast City Council.

In these meetings, we have learned that AARP designates cities and towns as “Age-Friendly” when they meet certain criteria; Bucksport and Bangor are two such cities. About 100 cities nationally have this designation, and now about 20 of these are in Maine (wicked good, Maine!)

This week, the Community Service Committee members voted overwhelmingly to support this cause. As the initiative proceeds, volunteers will conduct a community assessment to identify strengths and needs. While some of this will be conducted online, accessing residents in Waldo County’s smaller communities will require a team of volunteers. These assessments might be followed by focus groups, which will also be conducted by volunteers. In due course, the CSC will be seeking volunteers from the Senior College membership.

The goal is to gain “age-friendly” status by AARP, and to find creative solutions to Waldo County challenges for aging friends and neighbors. Stay tuned for more information on this project.

Marje Stickler and Wendy C. Kasten, Co-Chairs
Community Service Committee

In conjunction with John Elberfeld and Jane McLean’s course “Preserving and Sharing Your Family History,” Senior College and the Thomaston Place Auction Galleries will be offering free informal valuations of your most precious treasures. If the treasure is too large, you may bring photos of it.

This will be open to ALL Senior College members after classes (3:00 – 5:00pm) on Thursday, October 6th. Bring your treasures to Room 138C for valuation