Issue No. 97
May
2018 
The MSCN Newsletter
Welcome to Your May 2018 Newsletter!

Surf scene at the entrance of Portland Harbor, Portland, Maine (Postcard circa 1930-1945)

This newsletter reflects a bustling network! Please use the "Newsletter Menu" below to find your way around the broad range of news items. I have two sets of congratulations to share with you. First of all, congratulations to Midcoast Senior College on finding a new home! And, congratulations to SAGE at UMPI on winning three "Trash to Fashion" awards! Last but not least, a big thank you to USM Lewiston-Auburn SC and OLLI members for supporting our first ever USM Symposium on Aging. The event was a great success! 

Newsletter Menu for May

News from the network:

 
MidcoastNewHomeMidcoast Senior College Press Release

Midcoast Senior College will move to new location this summer
Midcoast Senior College signs lease at 29 Burbank Ave., Brunswick - l to r Tom Wright, TBW, LLC, Doug Bates vice president, MSC, James Wilkes, president MSC, Erv Snyder, Treasurer MSC

Midcoast Senior College will move to new location this summer Brunswick, Maine - April 23, 2018 - Midcoast Senior College will move to 29 Burbank Ave., Suite 1, Brunswick, ME 04011 this June. The announcement was made by James Wilkes, President, Midcoast Senior College Board of Directors.

The search for a new location began in the fall of 2017 when Southern New Hampshire University, from which MSC currently subleases space, announced plans to discontinue offering classes in Maine. Through the winter and early spring, MSC worked diligently to secure administrative and classroom facilities that would allow it to continue to offer seniors a variety of intellectually stimulating courses under one roof. 

MSC will move to its new location in the Seeds of Independence building at 29 Burbank Ave., Brunswick this summer. From l to r Tom Wright, TBW, LLC, and James Wilkes, President MSC

MSC's new location is in the Seeds of Independence building at 29 Burbank Ave., at Brunswick Landing. Seeds of Independence is a collaborative network of non-profits, for-profits, municipal and state organizations that offer youth a range of social, educational, health, and nutritional services. Its Community Campus Collective supports its mission to provide youth with the structure and support they need to become independent productive members of the community.

"We are looking forward to being in the same building with Seeds of Independence because both not-for-profit organizations have mission statements that support community and encourage people to learn," said James Wilkes, "The Board is excited to move into the building and prepare classrooms for use by our students. However, the building is just that - a building. The real excitement is going to come when we open these doors and fall classes begin." 

Midcoast Senior College's mission is to provide non-credit academic courses and other
"We are looking forward to being in the same building with Seeds of Independence because both not-for-profit organizations have mission statements that support community and encourage people to learn," said James Wilkes, "The Board is excited to move into the building and prepare classrooms for use by our students. However, the building is just that - a building. The real excitement is going to come when we open these doors and fall classes begin."

Submitted by Donna Marshall, Midcoast Senior College
SAGEfashion
SAGE, University of Maine in Presque Isle


SAGE Wins Three Categories in UMPI Trash to Fashion Show 
Left to Right: Nancy Theriault, Janet Snow, Phyllis Taylor, Gary Smith, Karen Hilt, Susanne Sandusky, Theresa Lown, Ruth Kerr, Judy Mann, and Pam Crawford

Presque Isle, ME - Seniors Achieving Greater Education (SAGE), a special program of the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI), included a course in its spring 2018 curriculum to create entries in UMPI's third annual Trash to Fashion Show. The event was held on Friday, April 21, as a celebration of Earth Day. 

This SAGE course, instructed by Pam Crawford, led and assisted participants in creating clothing and accessories from recycled items to enter in the Show. Ten SAGE members created and/or modeled their entries in three of the five categories. Judges awarded SAGE members Judy Mann, Nancy Theriault and Karen Hilt trophies for winning their categories.

Submitted by Susanne Sanduskey, SAGE at the University of Maine in Presque Isle

LASC-Adventure
USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College


Trip to Wolfe Neck State Park
USM LASC Outdoor Adventure Club
The USM LASC Outdoor Adventure Club

We were a hearty group from the Outdoor Adventure Club that took a chance on early spring weather - it had snowed the night before- and ventured for a walk along the Wolfe Neck State Park Trails.  Mild winds and strong sunshine accompanied us in search of the osprey nest on Goggins Island. 
LASC Outdoor Adventurers

The Park Ranger informed us that the osprey have not yet returned, but we were amazed by the formations created by the extensive and severe blow downs from winter gusts. Lunch at Jameson Tavern with lots of stories and laughter capped off a beautiful day.

Submitted by Janet Sanburg - USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College
Acadia-Schoodic
Acadia Senior College


Schoodic Getaway 2018
Schoodic Point photograph taken by Janice Kenyon

On March 4th, ASC members gathered at Schoodic Education and Research Center for our third annual Schoodic Getaway. After a hearty and tasty lunch, we headed out on a guided photography walk.

Photographer Bob Thayer had been hoping for some snow, so we could hone our winter camera skills, but the ground was bare. Still, the weather here on the Maine coast always has some surprises in store - and we were greeted at Schoodic Point with unexpectedly big surf. The March 2nd nor'easter lingered out at sea, generating rollers that crashed into the granite ledges, sending huge plumes into the air. Mesmerized, we took shot after shot with cameras and phones, as Bob continued to give us pointers. Everyone braved the chilly wind to see if the next wave might yield an even greater spectacle than the last.

Next it was time to warm up at Schooner Commons, a beautiful building on the SERC campus, where we were fortunate to have the ballroom, complete with roaring fire, as our gathering space. Scott Worcester ( Sawyer's Specialties) and Bob Bartlett ( Bartlett's Winery) offered us an array of Bartlett's local wines to taste, including dry pear, rich blueberry, and sweet berry dessert wines. Our wine and cheese hour was a great way to warm up and socialize.

After lobster stew, New England boiled dinner, and ice cream sundae bar, we headed out to Moore Auditorium, where we enjoyed "The Secret of Roan Inish." The main character of this lovely film, set on the coast of Ireland, is a young girl who discovers more than the family secret (that they have seals in their ancestry), as she prods them to resettle their island home. Cloudy skies precluded our planned stargazing session, but many of us stayed up late anyway, watching the Oscars with our suitemates.

By Monday morning, most of the clouds had cleared, and we set off with Schoodic Institute ornithologist Seth Benz to look for sea birds. The still-rough seas and unrelenting wind kept the birds hunkered down, but we still saw many species, including strikingly-feathered Harlequin ducks.

Lunch was a hands-on experience: Retired Ranger Ed Pontbriand and friends led us through all the steps as we filled eight cast iron Dutch ovens and tended them with glowing coals. The March sun offered some welcome warmth, as did the big fire burning by the Picnic Pavillion. We were even entertained by some historic logging camp music as we enjoyed our black-bean-enchilada, sausage- lasagna, and broccoli-cheese casseroles, along with biscuits, and finished up with apple-rhubarb crisp and pineapple upside-down cake, all cooked outside in Dutch ovens.

This article originally appeared in the Acadia SC Newsletter - April 2018
More beautiful photographs can be seen by visiting the Schoodic Institute website.

Article written by Ann Caswell, Acadia Senior College

LAFoodForTHought
Food for Thought Luncheon
at USM Lewiston Auburn Senior College

The Androscoggin Land Trust, Protecting Our Future
May 11
Androscoggin River in Winter

USM LAC Senior College welcomes Shelley Kruszewski, Executive Director of the Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) as its guest speaker for May. ALT is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3), membership supported organization with headquarters in Auburn. Founded in 1989, it currently protects over 5,000 acres including 10 miles of the Androscoggin riverfront between Lisbon and Jay. 

Androscoggin Land Trust logo
Much as Senior College students are forever learning, the Androscoggin Land Trust is forever conserving forests, fields, wetlands, and farmlands for habitat, resource protection, outdoor activities and sustainable agriculture. Conservation efforts are then followed by creating opportunities to enjoy the land. Volunteers help create and maintain trails. They organize paddling events, snowshoeing, and habitat education hikes. They even teach kids how to fish in downtown LA! 

Photo above: Shelley Kruszewski with her dog on an ALT recommended dog friendly trail.
Is there really a bog with a boardwalk in Lewiston? 
Yes, Garcelon Bog at the end of Russel Street. 
Where can I paddle on the River? 
Lots of places have boat launches, get an ALT map. 
How do I know what I'm looking at? 
ALT has an app for that! 
Can I take my dog on these trails? 
Most of them, on a leash, but pick up after them! 

Stevens Island Aerial (Source: ALT Website)

Bring your questions, bring your concerns, bring your enthusiasm and join us at Food for Thought as we find out more about the treasures ALT has created for us to enjoy. The public is always welcome. 

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin at noon. Food for Thought luncheons take place in Room 170 at USM's Lewiston-Auburn campus, located at 50 Westminster Street in Lewiston. If you wish to have lunch, the cost is $8 and an advanced reservation is required. To reserve, call 753- 6510 before noon on Wednesday, May 9th. Food may also be purchased at the campus cafeteria.


Submitted by Mary Jane Beardsley, USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College
JewettConcerts
University of Maine in Augusta Senior College 

"Concerts at Jewett"
Sunday, May 20, 2018, 2PM 
Chiharu Naruse
Chiharu Naruse
 
The Concerts at Jewett series, sponsored by University of Maine at Augusta College of Arts and Sciences and UMA Senior College, will feature the Chiharu Naruse. A classical pianist, Chiharu holds master's degrees in Music Performance and Music Instruction from the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin. She has toured in France and won the silver prize in the Hyogo Piano Competition in Japan. She is currently on the Applied Music Faculty (Classical Piano) at Bates College.

For information about tickets - available at Pat's Pizza in Augusta, Dave's Appliance in Winthrop and at the door - call 207-621-3551, or email.


OLLIWriters
University of Southern Maine Portland Campus presents:

Writer' Showcase
Featuring some of OLLI's Talented Writers 
and Julia Spencer-Fleming Keynote Speaker

Friday, May 18, 2018. 3:00 - 6:00 PM
WISHCAMPER CENTER
ATRIUM AND ROOM 133

You do not have to book a seat in advance!
Just show up!


ArcticTravelsThe Gold LEAF Institute

The Art Among Us



Gold LEAF Institute is about to embark on a totally new expression of its creativity and community involvement.  On the afternoon of June 22, the Emery Community Arts Center (known at ECAC on the University of Maine at Farmington campus) will hold the opening reception for a special exhibit of art created by Gold LEAF members.  The Flex Space room in ECAC has been set aside by Director Ann Bartges for this display, which will run through the third week of July.

At this point in the planning process, the final call is going out to artists wishing to be involved, and the response to date has already exceeded expectations.  The art works being submitted for consideration include carved wood items of much intricacy, drums, sketches, stained glass, quilts, afghans and of course many photographs.  Other artistic items include such mediums as paint on canvas, watercolors, reverse painting, and modern art approaches to local scenery.  Each artist will have a limit of five pieces and will submit all the specific information about its creation to be printed and hung near the artwork.

A small committee is in full swing, and the poster and postcard notices are being graphically designed by member Phil Poirier.  Office manager Heidi Wilde, an artist herself, is involved in all the communication going out, as is committee chair Joe Terranova.  

The Art Opening (and the following month of the special exhibition) will celebrate the creative urges of senior college membership and provide exposure in the wider community.  Already new members are joining so that they can be a part of this show.

Submitted by Eileen Kreutz, Gold LEAF Institute

MidcoastSummerWisdom
Midcoast Senior College Presents

Summer Wisdom 2018
At the Morrell Room of the Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., June 7, 14, 21, 28
Free and Open to the Public

Sponsored by Sunnybrook Senior Living Community, Brunswick


Midcoast Senior College has planned another intellectually intriguing series of lectures for June 2018.
This year's Summer Wisdom lecture series will explore a variety of topics, both contemporary and historical. Each lecture and discussion lasts about 90 minutes.

June 6 - CAN POLITICAL POLLING BE TRUSTED?
Political polls are ubiquitous, but they have been wrong in recent years in predicting the outcomes of elections. Why do polls sometimes mismeasure the public's support for candidates or public policies? What characteristics of polls make them more or less accurate? This lecture will review common pitfalls of polls, but also review the many reasons to consider polls useful and valuable.

Michael Franz is Professor of Government and Legal Studies at Bowdoin College. He studies campaigns and elections, with a specific focus on campaign finance and political advertising. His most recent book is Political Advertising in the United States.

June 13 - AFGHANISTAN 2005-2017: A PERSPECTIVE ON AFGHAN LIFE AND CULTURE
This presentation will focus on the presenter's experiences with and general insights into Afghan society, changes over the past 12 years, and impact of political structures and international presence, especially in terms of aid and development projects, from the perspective of a veterinarian working in the country.

Susan Chadima is a veterinarian who has spent time in Afghanistan for over a decade. From 2013-2016 she was team leader for the Animal Health Development Programme, which is a long-term project funded by the European Union working directly with the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture's Directorate of Animal Health.

June 20 - AVOIDING THE CRACKS-A STORY OF SURVIVAL, 1939-49
This presentation will follow the ten-year story of the presenter's survival of both the holocaust and the communist dictatorship in Poland after WWII.

Rudy Horowitz was born in Poland and immigrated to the U.S. after surviving both the Nazi occupation and Polish communism. He lived and practiced architecture in New York until 2000. In 2017 he moved to Topsham, where he now resides.

June 27 - SALK VS. SABIN: THE CONFLICT OVER THE ERADICATION OF POLIO
The eradication of polio is one of medicine's greatest triumphs. However, the development of effective vaccines was marked by infighting, sniping and medical activities that would be banned today. This presentation will outline that fascinating story.

Richard Neiman, M.D. is Emeritus Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and of Internal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine. He has had a longtime interest in the history of medicine.

PDF flyer available

Submitted by Donna Marshall, Midcoast Senior College

BelfastArtShowSenior College Belfast

16TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF ART 
June 7- 10, 2018
 
"Gladiolas" Oil on canvas 2017 by Jerri Finch

THE EXHIBIT 
Friday & Saturday, 9am - 5pm , 
Sunday, Noon - 3 pm

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION and First Viewing Thursday, June 7, 6-8 p.m.


Senior College at Belfast welcomes members from all other senior colleges in Maine to their 16th Annual Festival of Art. We have been receiving entries from other Senior Colleges for the exhibit, and also see many who come to view the artwork. Our opening night is a festive occasion, with the lively Belfast Bay Fiddlers providing toe tapping music. A new addition this year, guitarist Eric Bishop, will also perform for the enjoyment of our guests. Younity Winery and Vineyards will introduce some of their excellent product, and of course the main attraction is the wonderful work of 150+ Maine artists. This is an all-volunteer endeavor offered to the public free of charge. All are welcome.

Submitted by Cathy Bradbury, The Festival of Art Committee, Senior College at Belfast

NoTicks4MEMaine CDC Alert

No Ticks 4 ME
Unfortunately, unlike the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" it is hard to see ticks lurking in the undergrowth!
 

The warmer weather is on its way, which means that we need to be using proper protection methods against ticks and the diseases they may carry. Maine had 1,769 cases of Lyme disease reported in 2017 (preliminary data as of 1/16/18). May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month each year in Maine, which is the perfect time to remind you to use "No Ticks 4 ME" when spending time outdoors since ticks are most active in warmer weather.

Lyme disease is treatable and most individuals recover completely with a proper drugs. However, the easiest way to avoid disease is prevention, using "No Ticks 4 ME": 
1) Use caution in tick infested areas by staying in the center of paths 
2) Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and light-colors to be better able to see the tick 
3) Use an EPA approved repellant such as: deet, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus 
4) Perform daily tick checks after any outdoor activity. Taking a shower after being near a tick habitat is a good way to wash off any unattached ticks and provides good opportunity to do a tick check.

Please download flyer for additional information 


GeriatricsConference

28th Annual ME Geriatrics Conference, Bar Harbor, ME.
June 14 & 15, 2018 (Thursday and Friday)

Sponsorships available! First Come First Served!
Postcards from Maine: "Moonlight along Ocean Drive, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine"  (circa 1930 and 1945)

Do you know anyone at your Senior College who would enjoy attending and participating in the 28th Annual ME Geriatrics Conference, Bar Harbor, ME?

First Come First Served until the sponsorship money is depleted.

Budget (Per Person)  $125 to be applied to lodging and gas and FREE Conference Registration.  So if a couple or pair of friends attends the conference then that would help with the room allowance for 2 nights (Wednesday night and Thursday night) and travel costs. This project is funded in part by York Hospital, Maine Community Development, Maine Health Access Foundation and The Annual Maine Geriatrics Conference Budget.

GEMS Program
This is the 4th year we are doing this GEMS Program - Geriatrics Education Mentorship w/ Seniors.  Older adults attend the plenary sessions and workshops and are encouraged to speak up! It is a GRAND opportunity for all!

If you, or someone you know, would like to attend this conference:
Please have them contact Ami Esquivel via email or by  phone 207-423-2134 (Office).  Ami will then add them to the list first come first served, keeping track of funding available until the $$ runs out.  We will confirm who gets in!  

Hopefully, all Senior College attendees will plan on staying for the ATTENDEE FORUM (Friday 2:30 pm): Changing the Face of Aging in Maine: Tips for Future Health and Service Providers from Those Who Know Aging Best. (Especially as Senior College members they will probably have a fair amount to contribute to this session!)



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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Links

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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
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Contact Information
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Portland, Maine 04104-9300 
(207) 228-4128

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