Stimulation - Knowledge - Interaction - Fun

Early morning kayak on Eagle Lake, Photo credit: Kathleen Hall

Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic?

Dr. Nirav Shah

2025 Clunan Lecture

Acadia Senior College welcomes Dr. Nirav Shah, featured speaker at the annual Clunan Lecture on September 11.

Dr. Shah became a hero to Maine residents as he lead the Maine Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a calm, reassuring presence and an unprecedented level of communications to a nervous population. Under Dr. Shah, Maine had the greatest immunization record and lowest mortality rate in the country during the pandemic. 

Most recently, Dr. Shah served as second in command at the National CDC before returning to Maine, where he teaches public Health at Colby College. He will speak about our country's preparedness for a future pandemic.

This event promises to fill up quickly, so we are offering early registration for ASC members. Registration opens to ASC members Monday, August 11, 2025 at 9 a.m.

What: Clunan Lecture with Dr. Nirav Shah

When: Thursday, September 11

Time: Presentation begins at 5:30

Where: MDI Bio Lab, Merritt Auditorium, 159 Old Bar Harbor Road, Salisbury Cove, Maine

To register: Visit Acadia Senior College Events Page

Registration opens to the general public Monday, August 18.

There's Still Time!

Registration for Fall Courses closes Monday, August 4!

There are still openings in a few of the classes. Visit the Courses page on the Acadia Senior College website to register.

Mark Your Calendars!

Upcoming Events

August 25: Fall classes start

September 11: Clunan Lecture, Dr. Nirav Shah

September 26: Food For Thought, The Gift of Conversation: Discussion of End-of-Life Wishes, Cookie Horner, Patient Care and Bereavement Volunteer, Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, 11:30 a.m., Birch Bay Village

October 24: Food For Thought, Maine Forests, Karin Tillberg

November 21: Food For Thought, History of Mapping -- Part 2, Michael Pancoe

Looking for a Rewarding Experience?

Do you have a deep passion for art, literature, cooking, history, computers, gardening or other subject? Would you like to share your passion?

or

Do you bring a lifetime of expertise in a particular subject area?

Acadia Senior College needs you! Become an instructor -- no experience necessary.

If the words teacher or instructor sound intimidating, think of it this way: There are hundreds of eager ASC members who want a mutually rewarding learning experience.

Share your knowledge and interests with fellow members who are highly motivated to learn. As an instructor, you will connect with new people, exchange ideas and learn yourself. Plus, as a thank-you, instructors receive one free class for every course they teach.

Still not sure? Read the profile below of instructor Marion Smith for more inspiration.

Course proposals for the Winter 2025 term are due September 19^th.

Email  Curriculum Committee Chair Alan Rosenquist to discuss your ideas, or Click here to submit a Course Proposal.

Sharing the Joy of Watercolor Painting

Despite a long career in education, Marion Smith did not see herself as a teacher when it came to her passion: watercolor painting.

"I just love watercolors and I've been painting with other people for years," she says. "I learned to paint by watching someone else. So, when I first thought about teaching this subject for Acadia Senior College, I reframed it in my mind to helping others experience the joy I feel in watercolor painting. Then I felt free to go."

She continues: "Most adults think they have to do something just right. But in my class, there are no rules. Participants are free to break out of their box and just have fun and experiment.."

"Don't worry about the rules! Just have fun!"

Marion was an original member of Acadia Senior College (25 years ago!) and the first chair of the Curriculum Committee. She says she's always believed in education above all else. Fortunately for her students, Marion teaches at her well-stocked studio in her beautiful home in Bar Harbor. At the 2025 annual ASC Member Art Show, many of Marion's students displayed their paintings for all to admire.

"If you have something you love and want to share, you don't have to be credentialed to teach at ASC," Marion says. "Many of our best teachers share expertise in a hobby or personal interest. Everyone can teach if they want to share something they feel passionate about."

More Learning Opportunities

Did you know that as members of Acadia Senior College, you are eligible to register for classes offered by any of the other 16 Senior Colleges in Maine without paying an additional membership fee? Each college offers a variety of classes and presentations, some of which are free and many are on Zoom. To learn more, read and subscribe to the MSCN newsletter.

You can also visit the What's Happening? page and subscribe to receive email notices for presentations from other Maine senior colleges (Click the Log In link to sign up).

Acadia Senior College

PO Box 214

Hulls Cove, ME 04644

acadiaseniorcollege.org

learn@acadiaseniorcollege.org

207-288-9500