Issue No. 70
March
2016 
The MSCN Newsletter

Welcome to Your March 2016 Newsletter!
  

Bottles by Dante Gabriel Rosetti


This month's newsletter is brimming over with wonderful nuggets of information. I have articles reviewing MSCN activities as well as notifications of events. The newsletter begins with an invitation to MSCN artists from the Senior College at Belfast. Please consider entering your work if you are an artist or give a gentle nudge to your artist friends. 

Western Mountains SC have a summary of their recent "To Your Health" presentation on Atrial Fibrillation with information of a new treatment. Acadia SC recounts a wintry adventure at Schoodic Point. The Gold LEAF Institute share information on their fun  study of European painters that makes use of (free) online technology.

If you are looking for something to do there are some great events available for Senior College members: Lewiston-Auburn's "Food for Thought" lecture is a presentation by the inspiring Julia Sleeper, Founder and Executive Director of Tree Street Youth Center. Augusta's Senior College present Dave Rowe and the "Squid Jiggers!"  Meanwhile, York County SC are bringing in historian Elizabeth DeWolfe to share her strange tale of intrigue and scandal in York County SC's last Gary Sullivan Memorial Lecture.

Finally, for the Shakespearean fans among you, there is surely a trip to Portland in your future! Portland Public Library, the University of Southern Maine and Maine Humanities Council have worked together to bring Shakespeare's "First Folio" to Maine.

Enjoy this month's news and don't forget to encourage your artist friends to enter a piece of art into the Belfast Art Festival!

Belfast-Art
Senior College at Belfast 
Festival of Art Invitation to MSCN artists!
"Blue Vocalist" by John Walley
John Walley is the Featured Guest Artist Presenter for this year's Festival. 

Senior College Artists, It's Time To Show Your Stuff!

Our goal is 150 artists this year; please be one of them!

The 2016 Senior College at Belfast Festival of Art is initiating it's CALL TO ARTISTS, and a special invitation is extended to Maine Senior College members. 

Festival Dates: 
June 9th through June 12th, 2016 

Location: 
UMaine Hutchinson Center in Belfast. 

Registration Period for Artists: 
March 1st through March 31

Drop-off date for artwork: 
Wednesday, June 8th. 

Plenty of time to prepare a piece for the exhibit!
As you see, there is plenty of time to prepare a piece for the exhibit. We would especially love to have students of Senior College art courses participate in this year's show. If you were in the show last year, you have already received a "Save the Date" notice from Juliane Dow, and will soon receive information and a registration form from her. 

If you are a new artist to the Festival, informational materials may be requested at seniorcollegefestivalofart@gmail.com

Featured Guest Artist 
John Walley is the Featured Guest Artist Presenter for this year's Festival. His presentation is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, at 1:00pm at the UMaine Hutchinson Center. 
Free and open to the public.


Submitted by Cathy Bradbury, Senior College at Belfast

WMSC-Heart
Western Mountains Senior College 


Dr. Daniel van Buren Speaks on Atrial Fibrillation 

On Thursday, February 4, Dr. Daniel van Buren spoke on Atrial Fibrillation at a  To Your Health presentation sponsored by Western Mountains Senior College, in collaboration with MSAD #44 and the Bethel Family Health Center. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm affecting nearly 5 million people in the U.S., 7% of everyone over the age of 65. It is responsible for 15% of all strokes.  Individuals with AF have a problem with the heart's electrical system. Very simply, disorganized electrical activity in the upper chambers causes the lower chambers to beat erratically. Blood is not pumped properly, which results in the formation of clots, hence the greatly increased risk of stroke. 

Symptoms of AF include palpitations, shortness of breath, racing heart, general malaise and fatigue. Some experience no symptoms at all. AF is diagnosed with an EKG. Dr. van Buren described the EKG as showing a heartbeat that is "irregularly irregular."

Daniel van Buren speaks with WMSC members Jacquelyn Cressy, Janet Stowell and Rosabelle Tifft.

Because of the increased risk of stroke, medication that inhibits clot formation is usually prescribed. Traditionally that drug has been warfarin. But warfarin requires a great deal of tweaking and monitoring, which has led to under treatment. Newer drugs are now available that have proven to be at least as effective as warfarin, at least as safe, and do not require constant monitoring. The downside with any blood thinner is the risk of bleeding, but in the case of preventing stroke the benefits outweigh the risks.

An interesting new development is the Watchman Device. Most clots form in the left atrial appendage. The Watchman Device is inserted over the opening to the appendage to prevent blood from entering and clots from forming.

The thirty-five people in attendance asked many questions, which Dr. van Buren graciously answered.

The next To Your Health presentation, "Is Your Tummy Talking to You?" will be held on Thursday, March 3 from 4:30 - 6:00 at the West Parish Congregational Church. It is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Rosabelle Tifft (207-824- 2053).

Submitted by Kathleen DeVore, Western Mountains Senior College
SchoodicPoint
Acadia Senior College
 
Schoodic Trip for Acadia Senior College and their Senior College Friends
Schoodic Point Geology Walk  
Photo by Jance Kenyon

A small but hearty group of Acadia Senior College members bundled up and headed out for Schoodic Point early in February. This "winter camp" event was our first overnight field trip, an opportunity to experience winter at the Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC) and the natural beauty of its surroundings. We were joined by senior college members from SAGE in Aroostook County, Senior College of UMA, and Gold Leaf Institute of UMF. There were four organized programs during our stay, plus free time to socialize and enjoy this remote section of Acadia National Park.

After our arrival, gathering over brown bag lunches and checking into our rooms and suites, we met Duane and Ruth Braun, ASC geologists, at Frasier Point. Picking our way over seaweed and ice in the intertidal zone, we learned about eons of geological activity that formed Schoodic and MDI. With the February sun reflecting off Frenchman Bay, snow-covered Cadillac shining from across the water, we had a beautiful setting for our informative class on magma, continents, glaciers, granite and basalt. The program then continued on to spectacular Schoodic Point, where waves had exposed enough of the bedrock for us to make more fascinating observations. We examined two basalt dikes cutting through pink granite. The dikes were formed at different times in geological history and actually criss-crossed each 
other!

The next program, held at Schoodic Point after dinner, was a stargazing tour of the night sky led by Ann Caswell. With not a cloud in the sky, we could view from horizon to horizon. We saw the circumpolar constellations in the north and the bright "winter hexagon" in the south. Ann pointed out some interesting features such as the white giant Rigel, 700 light years away, and the red giant Betelgeuse, 400 times the size of our sun. We caught a glimpse of Deneb, last of the summer stars setting in the west, and had a full view of Leo, a spring (!) constellation, rising in the east.

Birding - Photo by Ann Caswell

There was some talk of rising before dawn to see the five visible planets, but the weather turned cloudy, 
wi ndy and very cold. Seth Benz, Schoodic Institute Naturalist, joined us after breakfast to talk about the birds that inhabit our area in the winter. Especially fascinating was the work being done here on phenology - the study of the timing of natures' life cycles and in particular, how climate change is impacting various species. If an insect population that used to appear in May, for example, starts appearing in April, how does that affect the migration of birds? Birds that migrate to the region in May expecting to feed on these insects would have to find other food sources, and their breeding could be negatively affected. With the study of birds in particular, Seth told us, citizen scientists, such as those who participate in annual bird counts, are of tremendous value.

Glaucous Gull 

In spite of the frigid air, we headed down to the cove and Point to look for winter seabirds. Seth was able to set his scopes for us to observe some ten species, including loons, eiders, longtails, scoters and a rarely-seen glaucous gull from the Arctic.

Thanks to the flexibility of photographer Bob Thayer (and a bit of serendipity), we were able to have a photography workshop without venturing back into the below zero wind chills after lunch. Concerned about freezing batteries and fingers, we opted instead to view the photo exhibit Bob had installed at Moore Auditorium for the upcoming Winterfest. Several in our group are photographers themselves, and as well as enjoying images displayed, we were able to engage in an informative question and answer conversation with Bob.

The ASC group found SERC to be a great place for gathering, learning and socializing. The accommodations might be described as "comfortable" rather than "charming" or "luxurious." We had private rooms in apartments complete with kitchens and satellite tv. So in one apartment you could find folks watching the Superbowl with popcorn in hand, while next door a group broke out wine and crackers, viewing Downton Abbey. The food and meals were all tailored to our requirements, and we found dining in the gorgeous Schooner Commons quite a treat. From chili and apple pie at dinner to pumpkin scones and coffee for morning break, all the food was healthy, hearty, and delicious. 

Participants described the Schoodic event as "fun," "really great," "challenging," "a perfect mid-winter get-away," appreciating the setting, the company, and the combination of educational programs and free time. Although time for snowshoeing or hiking was envisioned, the early arrival of a snowstorm cut that short, and we all headed home a little early, feeling tired and refreshed, like we had really been away for more than 24 hours!

Article written by Ann Caswell, Acadia Senior College

ARTAges
Gold LEAF Institute
Art Through the Ages - Art appreciation with no tests and great technology!

Curriculum Chair, Susan Wahlstrom, observed at our term Kick-off, that Gold LEAF Institute's Spring Classes "are an eclectic bunch of offerings!"  Recent weeks have witnessed the following classes: "Self-Defense for Seniors", "Platforms and Promises", "Tai Chi" and "Art Through the Ages".  This last class seamlessly integrates modern technology into the study of European painters dating from 1400 to 1800.
 
Fra Angelico "Annunciation"

A group of very appreciative participants are studying the end of the Middle Ages with the assistance of You-Tube as well as videos from an Ed X class. The lesson format employed by instructor Jeanne Houston begins by setting the scene, followed by reflections on famous works of art by recognizable and less recognizable names; then it is time for discussion! At this early stage of the course, the 15th and 16th centuries are our focus. Following our class format, we study one particular artist in depth in each lecture. Of course, there is Leonardo, but then who remembers Fra Angelico? Reflecting on the changing times of the Renaissance, we explore concepts such as the early use of linear perspective, and the value of a painting based on the gold and other gems embedded in it rather than on the talent of the artist.
Leonard da Vinci page as viewed on Google's Art Project. (Click on individual art work then zoom for a quality closeup look! 

Our topics are so wide-ranging it is intriguing to ponder where these next seven weeks will go? Which of the social changes erupting after the High Middle Ages will we examine? As the group has already discovered there will be more questions raised and more racing to the Google machine for our answers! As in previous classes, the Google Art Project will lend a helping hand, especially since the paintings there can be enlarged to the point of examining brushstrokes. It is always amazing to find new resources and take a few hours to really explore them -- and no one is getting sore feet standing on the marble floors of European Art Galleries! 

There is still some room in the classroom, so perhaps other senior college members want to scamper up to Farmington for this one. What a gift the presenter is sharing with us all!

Submitted by Eileen Kreutz, Gold LEAF Institute
 
Food4Thought
USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College Presents:

"Food for Thought" with  Julia Sleeper, Founder and Executive Director of Tree Street Youth Center - March 11
Julia Sleeper, Founder and Executive Director of Tree Street Youth Center, will be the presenter at the USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College "Food for Thought" 11:30 luncheon on Friday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m. The public is cordially invited. 

Julia has a wealth of knowledge and material to share about the Center located in the heart of downtown Lewiston and the youth it serves. She is passionate about the youth and will detail the daily happenings at the Center as well as highlighting some of the leadership and enrichment programming. She will discuss the power these programs have in supporting at risk youth as they aspire for higher education and positive future opportunities for themselves and others in the community. Each day 120-150 youth grades K-12 are served. 

Tree Street Youth website

Tree Street Youth Center's Mission is to support the youth of Lewiston-Auburn through programs rooted in academics, the arts, and athletics in a safe space that encourages healthy physical, social, emotional, and academic development while building unity across lines of difference. Nearly all youth at the center live at or below the poverty level with approximately 65% of the youth served being recent immigrant and refugee arrivals. 

A Bangor native, Julia initially moved to the Lewiston Auburn area as an undergraduate at Bates College. During her time as a student, she began connecting to the Downtown Lewiston community youth through service learning opportunities afforded to her as a Psychology and Education major. 

After completing her Masters in Leadership and Organizational Studies at USM-LAC she began what is now Tree Street Youth Center. For the past 10 years Julia has continued to build on these relationships providing after school programming for the at risk youth living in the Downtown Tree Street neighborhood 
Tree Street Youth website

"Food for Thought" Location and Meeting Details:
Senior College, now in its 18th year, presents the monthly 11:30 luncheon program in the Function Room 170 at USM LAC, 51 Westminster St. The cost, which includes lunch, is $7 with advance reservation or $8 at the door. To obtain an accurate food tally, reservations must be made by noon on Wednesday, March 9, by calling 753-6510. Any late callers will be considered "at the door."

Submitted by - Rachel Morin, USM Senior College at Lewiston-Auburn College
SquidJiggersUMA Senior College "Concerts at Jewett" Series Presents:

Dave Rowe with The Squid Jiggers at UMA Jewett Auditorium, Sunday, March 13, 2016, 2PM

The "Concerts at Jewett" Series sponsored by University of Maine at Augus ta College of Arts and Sciences and UMA Senior College will feature Dave Rowe with The Squid Jiggers on Sunday, March 13, 2016, 2PM at Jewett Hall Auditorium. (Snow date: March 20th) 

Dave Rowe
This concert will include both the easy listening originals of singer/songwriter Dave Rowe and the robust vocal harmonies of Dave Rowe and Troy R. Bennett as The Squid Jiggers. Dave Rowe, son of Tom Rowe of the popular folk group Schooner Fare, started in "the family business" early on and added songwriting to playing. Dave and Tom perform many Schooner Fare songs together, and combine their talents on guitar, bass, bodhran and tin whistle. In addition to appearing with The Squid Jiggers, Troy R. Bennett tours extensively across New England with the Half Moon Jug Band, a high-octane folk group. 

"Concerts at Jewett" Further Details:
Tickets are $10, students $5, 12 & under free. Tickets are available at Pat's Pizza in Augusta, Dave's Appliance in Winthrop and at the door. Call 621-3551, or email umasc@maine.edu for more information or for mail order tickets. UMA students may obtain free tickets from the Student Life Office in Randall. For additional information visit the Concerts at Jewett Website

The next concert is Sunday, April 17, 2016, 2PM/1PM pre-concert talk-Da Ponte String Quartet

Media contact: Irene Forster. Phone: 445-5227 



YorkCounty
York County Senior College Presents: The Gary Sullivan Memorial Lecture
March 16 

Saco/Sanford:  York County Senior College's Winter 2016 Lecture Series concludes March 16, with a nod to the literary talents of local educators.

The Congressman's Mistress and the Girl Spy
The final installment of the Gary Sullivan Memorial Lecture series features author and professor Elizabeth DeWolfe, who shares her research about the Maine connection to a true story of intrigue layered in scandal in " The Congressman's Mistress and the Girl Spy."  In 1894 Congressman William Breckinridge's secret extramarital affair became very public when his long-time mistress sued him for Breach of Promise, calling him out on his failure to make good on his promise of marriage. Desperate to defend himself in court, Breckinridge hired a girl spy to befriend his mistress and gain information that would help him in the trial. Dr. DeWolfe's presentation about this little-known chapter in Maine history is sure to encourage conversation far after the lecture ends.

Elizabeth DeWolfe has taught for two decades at The University of New England and is the author of 
several books, including " The Murder of Mary Bean and Other Stories ." She is particularly interested in nineteenth-century American women's history, especially the stories of ordinary women who find themselves in extraordinary situations.  Dr. DeWolfe has received the Outstanding Book Awards from The New England Historical Association and The Northeast Popular Culture Association.

"Creative Writing" 
After lunch, teacher David Arenst am will share with participants his process of writing and creativity, as well his first novel, Homecoming: A so ldier's story of loyalty, courage, and redemption. Creating something out of nothing-which he does as a writer-is "a dream come true" for David Arenstam, who also shares his passion with students at Thorton Academy in Saco. Arenstam writes regularly for local newspapers, magazines, and online media companies. A lifelong student, he continues to study and recently completed a graduate degree in journalism at Harvard. ." 

March 16, Lecture Times: Morning lectures take place from 9:30-11:30, followed by lunch and a second lecture, held from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Location:  All winter lectures will be given at Denis Hall on the campus of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, 133 Shaker Hill Road, Alfred (off Route 202). 

Fee:  The fee is $15 for York County Senior College members, $20 for non-members, payable at the door by cash or check made payable to the Brothers of Christian Instruction, and includes a lunch of soup, salad, sandwiches, dessert and beverages, as well as coffee breaks.

In case of inclement weather: if Sanford Schools cancel, so will Senior College. 

Reservations: Call 207-282-4030 for reservations by the Monday before each lecture. York County Senior College, providing low cost educational and social opportunities for adults, is affiliated with the University of Maine System. Classes in the spring and fall semesters are given in Saco and Springvale, starting in March and September. 

Winter lectures are open to the public; membership in Senior College is not required.

Contact Person: Ted Hargrove, York County Senior College ( Phone: 324-4478)
 
Shakespeare
Shakespeare's First Folio


One of literature's most iconic printed books arrives in Portland and goes on display at Portland Public Library On  Friday, March 4th,

Portland Public Library in partnership with USM Libraries and Maine Humanities Council has been selected as the host site for the state of Maine for First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare, a national traveling exhibition of the Shakespeare First Folio, one of the world's most treasured books. 
Macbeth - First Folio 

Many of Shakespeare's plays, which were written to be performed, were not published during his lifetime. The First Folio is the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays. It was published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare's death. Two of Shakespeare's fellow actors compiled 36 of his plays, hoping to preserve them for future generations. Without it, we would not have 18 of Shakespeare's plays, including Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, The Comedy of Errors, and As You Like It. All 18 appear for the first time in print in the First Folio, and would otherwise have been lost.

Besides the panels that travel with the  First Folio, there will be supplemental displays from the Osher Map Library, Portland Public Library, and a full calendar of events during the month of March. These include  many performance pieces during the month, ranging from performances by Portland High School, Portland Stage, and Monmouth Theater. In addition, USM English Professor, Dr. Ben Bertram will be delivering a talk titled:  "Looking for Hamlet" by  on  Wednesday, March 09 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm in the Rines Auditorium at Portland Public Library. 
 

Class Catalogs Maine Senior College Network - Spring 2016 Courses

DanceLikeJane

The MSCN newsletter is sent to each Senior College board. The boards then forward the newsletter to their membership. However, if you are not a member of a Senior College or perhaps you are, and you simply want the news "hot off the press" then you can  subscribe here! (This option has been added following readers' requests.)
 
Newsletter Submissions Deadline Date: 
The 26th of each month!

Please submit your articles and photographs to Anne Cardale at acardale@maine.edu.

 

Like MSCN on Facebook

Facebook logo Now you can "like" Maine Senior College Network on Facebook. We've created an MSCN page on Facebook, so please visit it to share experiences, ideas, photos, and information about upcoming Maine Senior College happenings. We'll also post links to articles about lifelong learning and other topics relevant to senior college members.

 







The Maine Senior College Network is a program of the  

In This Issue
Don't forget to go to the Maine Senior College Network website to find out what is happening around the state!

Maine Senior College Network
Links

Acadia Senior College

Augusta Senior College
 
Coastal Senior College

Downeast Senior College

Gold LEAF Institute

South Coast Senior College

Midcoast Senior College

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Penobscot Valley Senior College

SAGE at UMPI

Senior College at Belfast


St. John Valley Senior College

Sunrise Senior College 
 
Western Mountains Senior College

York County Senior College
MSCN Promotional Videos




Maine Senior Guide is a comprehensive web resource about all things senior that provides "one stop shopping" for Maine's seniors at the link below: 

    
Contact Information
Maine Senior College Network 
P.O. Box 9300 
Portland, Maine 04104-9300 
(207) 228-4128

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