Issue No. 73
June
2016 
The MSCN Newsletter

Welcome to Your June 2016 Newsletter!
 
Welcome to the June issue of the Maine Senior College Network news! We are sporting the "Radio Hat" in this month's introduction as a special thank you to Coastal Senior College's Jo Cameron. Due to Jo's work, the Senior College Network was recently featured on MPBN's "Maine Calling." You can hear the show on MPBN's website, many thanks and much appreciation to my co-panelists  Betty Welt, founding and life member of Coastal Senior College  and Jack Lynch, Vice Chair of the Advisory Board at  USM OLLI. 

This month's newsletter also provides the opportunity to congratulate USM LASC's Rachel Morin. Rachel was honored with the title of Auburn Business Association Citizen of the Year for 2016.  

In addition, you can read about a number of excellent Senior College activities planned for the summer months. These include Midcoast SC's Summer Wisdom series and an exciting collaboration between Acadia Senior College and the College of the Atlantic.

Additional newsletter items cover updated news about MSCN's Online Memoir Writing Class with new (lower) course fees. Belfast's 14th Festival of Art and an invitation to MSCN members to participate in an important conversation about the future of our state with the Envision Maine.

Finally, should  you prefer alternative head gear to MSCN's red radio hat we have a light hearted article about  Mob Caps  from Sunrise SC.


Rachel
Rachel Morin of Lewiston Auburn Senior College is Auburn Business Association Citizen of the Year 2016

One of our own, Rachel Morin of Lewiston Auburn Senior College was named Citizen of the Year 2016 by the Auburn Business Association at the Martindale Country Club on May 5, 2016. The 150 in attendance were made up of friends, family, colleagues, Senior College members, business owners and other admirers.
 
Morin was recognized for her work as a "public relations dynamo" for various non-profit organizations in the Twin City area including Community Little Theatre, Lewiston-Auburn Senior College, and the Lewiston and Auburn Public Libraries.  She is a frequent contributor to the Turner Publishing Inc. papers, Lewiston Leader and Auburn Highlights and also the Lewiston Sun Journal.  She has a regular column - Out and About with Rachel Morin in the Twin City TIMES.    A strong advocate for LA Senior College and its curriculum and events, her Out & About columns in the Twin City Times have kindled interest in "lifelong learning" and the membership has increased significantly.  


When most people retire, especially a widow, some might say they will take up a hobby or perhaps travel a bit.  But the true Rachel blossomed at this time in her life.  "Volunteers are the backbone of America" she stated, "and that is where my interests are." 

"Auburn is not only a great place to work and raise a family...it is a great place to retire."    A native of Lewiston, she moved to Auburn after marrying her husband, Gerard L. Morin and they raised their family there. 

She says that there are so many interesting events and opportunities in the Twin Cities.  She is a shining example of how to grow old gracefully -- keeping active and connected with her community. 
 

Stitches
Ladies in Stitches

Elizabeth Billings Ashley  sporting her Mob Cap 

It was on Earth Day 2016 that seven Sunrise Senior College students met, with absolute delight, University of Maine in Machias Assistant Professor of Psychology, Dr. H. Lori Schnieders and her cousin, Stephanie Patrick-Chalfant, Theatre Costume Coordinator  at University of New Hampshire Department of Theatre and Dance. The two-session course, "Costuming from Scrap and Scratch"  should have been titled "Ladies in Stitches." This is because we laughed, giggled and had such a merry time. We each created a  period Mob Cap suitable for the Margaretta Days Festival  (June 11-12, 2016 at the UMM campus) while we learned  basic sewing techniques.

As we cut and sewed those Mob Caps, Stephanie and Lori shared their experiences in costuming and touring with stage icons including Canadian Brass, Cher and Steve Tyler. We caught a glimpse of life "behind the scenes."   
Martha Washington (with Mob Cap)

Before the class, Stephanie and Lori had shopped at our local Bags-O-Rags and found costuming treasures for little cost.  A men's dress shirt and leather boot lacing became a men's period shirt, a discarded pillowcase became a child's  period tunic. Pair these tops with knee length breeches (baggy pants cut off and cuffed or stuffed into tall boots) or  leggings from PJ pants and a rope belt and see centuries disappear. A tapestry valance, a nubby curtain, and an old bed sheet came with a show-and- tell of what can be: a handsome dress bodice, a wonderfully textured apron, and many more Mob Caps!  

We brought our own favorite pieces for renewal with a nip, a snip, a tuck, a pleat, or a suggestion. A dowdy shirt  became a jaunty vest, a much-loved T-shirt became a sleeveless nightie, a skirt was reshaped and sized down to fit, and a  flowered shower curtain became an apron.  

Personally, this was the second time I had anything to do with my sewing machine.  My debut was a simple pillowcase.  Eight hours later I finished it.  I mention this because these Sunrise Senior College classes do not usually require senior skills or knowledge.  Stephanie introduced me to my bobbin and informed me that the tension was not necessarily my own.  As she circled the class, most were merrily sewing on the caps. She stopped once again beside me to explain the bobbin with much encouragement.



We all had success! And as you can see we took much pleasure in our bonnets as we posed for the paparazzi.
Mob Cap Ready Sue O'Clair, Stephanie Patrick-Chalfant, Michelle Van Hoose, Helen Kozlova, Nancy Skala, Jermar Inman, Lori Schnieders with Princess. Missing from photo: Benita Gaddis and Gretchen Cherry. 

Submitted by Michelle Van Hoose, Sunrise Senior College
 

LASC-SpeakersLASC speakers at the Lewiston and Auburn Public Libraries

Lewiston Auburn Senior College has provided speakers from its winter series classes to the Auburn Public Library and the Lewiston Public Library for their programs of speakers open to the public free of charge this Spring.  This is part of the collaboration LAC has with the libraries.   These library presentations  were also an opportunity for Senior College.

Public Library, Auburn, ME; from a c. 1910 postcard

Speakers and their topics presented at the libraries were Rachel Morin, Sunny Portugal Travelogue; Alan Elze, Trip Across America;   Chuck Lakin,  Managing Your Final Affairs;  Joanne Potvin, Emergency Preparedness for Seniors;   Charles Plummer, The Philosophy of Freedom and Liberation;  Rabbi Sruli Dresdner,  The Sacred and Not-So-Sacred Music of East European Jewish Communities; Mike Lachance, Strength Training For Elders; and Douglas Hodgkin, Androscoggin Historical Society.

Submitted by Rachel Morin. USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College
EnvisionMaine
Be part of the conversation!

Innovations In Education
A Discussion Between Educators, Entrepreneurs And For A Changing World Students On The Leading Edge Of Change

MSCN members are invited to participate in this important conversation about the future of Maine. This will be of particular interest to former educators and those with experience of the business world.

Location:
Kresge Auditorium, Bowdoin College 

Date:
Thursday, June 30 8:30 - 4:00

Tickets: 
$25 - Full Time Students and MSCN Members
$50 - Teachers
$75 - Regular Admission

Aim of the Conference
Maine's economy is in transition and the jobs of tomorrow will require new skills and training. What are the state's education innovators doing to respond? What do Maine's entrepreneurs, businesses and students need to succeed? Join us for this important conversation about Maine's future.

Visit the  Envision Maine Website for program and registration.

ElizabethPeavey
MSCN
 
Share Your Life Stories In A Friendly And Nurturing Online Environment!
Senior Story Share

Updated Information now available and new reduced course fee! 

Dates: September 12 to November 21, 2016 
(Every 2 weeks)

$40 for MSCN members 
$50 for non-members

The Maine Senior College Network is pleased to announce a special online program coming this fall that will give you a chance to share some of your history with fellow writers, as well as preserve your stories for your loved ones. 

This course offering is a response to the requests for online classes from those who for one reason or another cannot easily reach their nearest Senior College. If you know someone who you think would enjoy this Maine Senior College experience, please let them know about this unique opportunity! 

Senior Story Share is a 10-week program that will run every two weeks from September 12 to November 21 in which you will produce five writing assignments over the course of the seminar. 

The group will be lead by facilitator Elizabeth Peavey, who will provide taped lectures, writing instruction, weekly assignments, and written feedback. Enrollees will be broken into several small online groups and take turns reading and commenting on each other's work. (Participants will receive constructive and supportive critiquing techniques.) You will have one week from the assignment to complete your essay. That will be followed by an additional week. During this time, you will have your essay peer reviewed, and you will be responsible for reviewing the work of a member of your group. Each assignment, one essay from each group will be spotlighted by the instructor and given a full markup, for group participants to review and discuss. 

The goal is for each participant to create five stories or essays that can then be collected and given out to friends and family members around the holidays. 

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! It doesn't matter if you've never written more than a grocery list. We all tell stories. The point of this program is to share and preserve them - and to maybe get to know some other like-minded writers around the state a little better.

Space is limited and is offered on a first-come, first serve basis. Don't miss this chance for a fun and engaging program. You'll be happy you joined - and so will the people you'll share your stories with in this unique class.

Elizabeth Peavey is a Portland-based writer, performer and educator. Her one-woman show, My Mother's Clothes Are Not My Mother, has played to sold-out houses since 2011 and won the Maine Literary Award for Best Drama. She is the author of three books, including Glorious Slow Going: Maine Stories of Art, Adventure and Friendship, which was a Maine Literary Awards finalist. She has written a humor column for 20 years, and her writing has been featured in Down East magazine since 1993. She taught public speaking at the University of Southern Maine for 20 years and now independently teaches and coaches writing groups across the state.

If you are interested in the class, or you simply have questions, please contact Anne Cardale at the MSCN office for more information.

BelfastArt
14th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF ART 
June 9 - 12, 2016, at the UMaine Hutchinson Center, Belfast. 


One hundred thirty-nine artists will show their work during this four-day event sponsored by Senior College at Belfast. 

The Opening Night Reception and first viewing is scheduled for Thursday, June 9, from 6:00 p.m to 8 p.m. The Belfast Bay Fiddlers, back by popular demand, will add some toe-tapping music to the festivities. Light refreshments and a wine bar will also be offered. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Regular viewing hours on Friday and Saturday are 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. 

On Saturday, June 11, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p. m., harpist Nancy Schroeder will entertain guests with her beautiful renditions; a lovely enhancement to the impressive variety of art on exhibit. 
John Whalley in his studio

At 1:00 p. m. on Saturday, June 11, JOHN WHALLEY, this year's Guest Artist Presenter, will talk about his work, his life, and other interests, and respond to questions from the audience. Born in Brooklyn, New York, John is now a Maine resident. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and for almost forty years, he has been a painter in oil, egg tempera, and watercolor. He is also celebrated for his fine graphite drawings. 

On Sunday, June 12, the exhibit is open from 12:00 noon to 3 p. m.


Submitted by Cathy Bradbury,  The Senior College at Belfast

AcadiaCourse
Acadia Senior College and College of the Atlantic Summer Collaborative 
The Best of Acadia

Date: July 11 - 15, 2016 
 

Join Acadia Senior College members for a summer lecture series by noted speakers including a panel of elders, and featuring Noel Stookey on music of protest including some musical presentations. 

Weekly Pass ($60) includes seating at all talks and the Friday evening boat cruise, available at Acadia Senior College. 

Passes for the week are open to the public. Seating is limited. Make your reservation soon!

For more information visit Acadia Senior College and Summer Programs at the College of the Atlantic.

MidcoastWisdom
Midcoast Senior College Presents:
Summer Wisdom 2016

Allegory of Wisdom by Benedetto Luti (1666 - 1724)

Curtis Memorial Library - Morrell Room, 7:30 pm
Free and Open to the Public

June 8  
Translating Dante: Isabella Stewart Gardiner's Museum as "Paradiso"  
This talk will examine the influence of Dante on Isabella Stewart Gardiner's museum in Boston, and will show how she borrowed aesthetic motifs from Dante's Paradiso as exemplified in the Italian poet's ideal of civic virtue.   Linda Docherty is Associate Professor of Art History Emerita at Bowdoin College, where she taught American and nineteenth-century European art. Her research focuses on art and identity, art and spirituality and the relationship between American and European art.

June 15 
An Insider's Experience in the Carter White House 
This presentation will recall a four year stint in the White House by the speaker as Appointments Secretary to First Lady Rosalynn Carter, where she had a birds-eye view of the inner workings of the Carter administration, and travelled extensively while arranging state visits. A veteran of Edmund Muskie's senate staff, Jane Fenderson Cabot received a call in 1976 asking her to join the Carter national presidential campaign as scheduling and advance director for Ms. Carter. After her years in the White House, she became Executive Vice-President of a New York City public relation firm. She currently serves as past co-president of the Maine Women's Giving Tree.

June 22  
Perspectives on Recent Events in North Korea  
This presentation will review the recent internal and external developments in North Korea, put them in historical perspective and discuss implications for future U.S. engagement policies with North Korea.   Bradley Babson is a consultant on Asian affairs with a concentration on North Korea. He worked for the World Bank before retiring in 2000.  He is chair of the DPRK Economic Forum at the US-Korea Institute, and serves on the advisory council of the Korea Economic Institute of America.  He is also president of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust.

June 29 
Greece's Current Crisis: A Historian's Reflections 
The dimensions of Greece's current crisis, which began in 2009 as a volatile component of a global economic crisis, captured the world's attention. This presentation will attempt to explain aspects of the situation in historic and cultural terms, and to point out that although many of the root causes of its debt crisis are self-inflicted, the Greeks alone are not totally responsible for it. S. Victor Papacosma is Professor Emeritus of History and Director Emeritus of the Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Studies at Kent State University. A Bowdoin graduate, he has published extensively on Balkan and Greek issues. He is currently a member of the board of Senior College.


Submitted by Bianca Chambers, Midcoast Senior College

SummerOfferingsMore Summer offerings!

Visit the following Senior College websites for information about their classes:

The Senior College at Belfast is waiving their membership fee for all summer courses.

Seniors Achieving Greater Success (SAGE)
The Summer Schedule will be available shortly

The Gold LEAF Institute will have their Summer Term Kick-off and Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 29.

Sunrise Senior College offer us their "Summer Shorts."

Essays on Aging
Nautilus - Aging the Universal Process
 
Nautilus the science magazine recently devoted an entire issue to the topic of aging. 

There are a wide range of topic areas covered by the magazine and arranged into chapters:
Chapter One: Years 
Chapter Two: Reframing 
Chapter Three: Back & Forth 
Chapter Four: People

Located in Chapter Two you can find Anil Ananthaswamy's article "The Wisdom of the Aging Brain: Tantalizing evidence suggests that brain activity shifts to increase wisdom as we age."

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" subscribe here! 
 
Newsletter Submissions Deadline Date: 
The 26th of each month!

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

 

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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

Email:

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