E-News December 2019

Register for classes on the Senior College website.
Registration opens December 12.

The Committee is pleased with the offerings for the Winter session and believes that there are wonderful choices for all interests.

Once again, if there is anyone interested in teaching a course or has an idea for a course please do not hesitate to let us know. We are well underway soliciting courses for the Spring session and have several one-day courses already lined up for Summer 2020.

Best wishes to all for the holiday season and a most Happy Senior College New Year!

Nancy Perkins, Chair

Dear Members:

We’re probably all sounding like broken records, but I might as well say it for all of us – It’s hard to believe that 2019 is coming to an end. There it’s done! I’m reminded of Walter Cronkite when he hosted the TV show “You Are There.” He ended by asking what kind of day was it – “ A day like all days, filled with those events that alter and illuminate our times. And you were there.” That might be a little dramatic to describe a day at Senior College, but we were there … and that’s very, very good!

As you can see we have an extremely good selection of courses to be offered this Winterim Semester. Again, I am in absolute awe at the work of our volunteers. Our Curriculum Committee puts in so many, many hours and the results show it. Sometimes we do get lucky and instructors and courses come to us, but that is not always the case. The committee members are always soliciting college members, community members, friends and acquaintances and anyone else who crosses their path who might teach. Think of it. Three times a year, each semester we usually offer 16 new courses plus a few one day courses. For almost 20 years this has been happening! Fortunately, we live in a part of Maine rich in talented people and that helps tremendously. Now, having said all that, we continually need new instructors. If you have been sitting on the sidelines, or know of someone who could be teaching, please contact any member of the Curriculum Committee and talk it over. Two courses which for sure we should teach this year are: Maine’s Bicentennial (200yrs ), and Women’s Suffrage (100yrs). Any takers?

Sometime after the first of the year, we are going to ask all members to fill out a survey in order to learn what we as a college can do better and to assess our progress in delivering our mission – ”… to provide intellectual stimulation, practical knowledge, social interaction and fun for persons 50 years of age or older.” We need your feedback, so please help us with the survey when it comes.

I must mention that our Registrar, Sue Garrett, has left the Registrar position to work on our Festival of Arts event coming next year. Sue is a truly dedicated volunteer and provides insights that help us in so many ways. A warm Thank You to Sue.

Lastly, all of us on the Board of Senior College, wish all of you a very happy and joyous Holiday Season! Be safe and enjoy!

Peter F. Reilly