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Welcome to Your May 2019 Newsletter!
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| "Breaking Sky, Monhegan" - George Wesley Bellows |
Time for a nice cup of tea as you sit back and read
May's news from the Maine Senior College Network. Your reports are the best antidote for all the rain we have had recently! Thank you to everyone for submitting articles and photographs.
 Newsletter Menu
Upcoming Events for May (& June)
Don't forget to send in your news items, the Network wants to hear from you! Share your achievements and inspire other Senior Colleges.
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| Western Mountains Senior College
The Stress of Aging:
Growing Old is not for Sissies
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Study of a Seated Man with a Dog by Ladislav Mednyánszky
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On April 4th, at the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel, a panel of experts presented a program on STRESS as it affects the older population. The
event was sponsored by the To Your Health committee of Western Mountain Senior College, The Bethel Family Health Center, and MSAD#44 Continuing Education. The panel included Brie Weisman, OTR/L; Jane Chandler, R.N., BSN; Karen Reilly, Sc.D.; Rev. Dr.Tim LeConey; and Wendy Youmans, LCSW. Ellen Cocker, M.Ed. served as moderator.
The speakers detailed the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges that are a normal part of aging. We learned how important it is to our health to
recognize and find ways to deal with stress. The loss of a loved one, moving away from the community, financial worries, loss of independence, fear of
death.....these are common stressors. We cannot do all we once did. We may feel an estrangement from ourselves because we are no longer the same
person. How to manage? How to find purpose? Joy?
Among the footnotes provided by the panel: Be sure our doctors know about all of our medications. Poor posture increases your risk of falling. Oldsters have
more cavities than youngsters! Maine not only has a high percentage of elders, it has increased cases of depression.
The second half of the program was given over to the audience. Many had suggestions and some themes kept coming up. Love of music for one. Enjoyment of the outdoors, gardening, taking classes, having a pet were others.
Resources mentioned were AARP, the Age-Friendly Community Initiative (200 rides were provided last year by the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program), the University of Maine system, and the many overlapping organizations in the area.
Here's the bottom line. Stay physically and mentally active. Search out whatever brings you joy. Lastly, make connections because that will give you a purpose
for being and doing. And it can help RELIEVE STRESS!
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USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College
Wit, Wisdom and Whimsy
and the
Monday Morning Poets
Front cover of "
Wit, Wisdom and Whimsy"
April 4 was a special day for a group of USM Lewiston Auburn Senior College students gathered in the Campus Library. They had chosen April,
National Poetry Month, to present an a
nthology of their poems titled
Wit, Wisdom and Whimsy
to Librarian Evelyn Greenlaw, with Brian Toy, Interim Dean in attendance.
The anthology is the result of a creative project inspired by a workshop taught by Bill Frayer, a long time LASC instructor and published poet. The authors are Diane Clay, Linda DeSantis, Bill Frayer, Darlene Glover, Nancy Orr, Anita F. Poulin, Kathryn Tracy, and Brigitte Whiting.
Bill Frayer encouraged the group to write original poems each week, read them aloud then critique each other's work. The feedback from classmates was always constructive, and each author revised their poems, before returning for a second critique session. During this process, the group improved in the use of language, the application of description and the feeling of the poems. More importantly, they bonded as poets.
A poetry reading was held in the final class with invitations sent out to family and friends. This event was well attended with the audience coming to hear a selected reading from each student. The reception of their work was so supportive that a group of seven women decided to continue to gather every week to hear and critique each other's poems. They then invited Bill Frayer to join them at the end of the semester.
The Monday Morning Poets
It didn't take long before the "Monday Morning Poets," as they called themselves, had a collection of poems and started thinking about having an anthology of their work self-published.
Brigitte Whiting took on the time-consuming task of researching the how-to's of self-publishing. She studied Kindle Direct Publishing requirements at Amazon. and then launched into the formatting, editing and proofing of the book.
Brigitte relates "
When I received the final versions of each poet's work, I formatted them for the book, based on each writer's vision of their poems, and included Anita Poulin's artwork for the book covers, and sent it to Amazon."
Anita Poulin designed the book's cover (pictured above). " I took pictures of each poet's hand in a writing position and then created a circle of hands writing."
"Proof copies were ordered and these were then approved by the group before the publication went 'live' on Amazon. It was a group effort" sums up Brigitte. Anyone interested in purchasing a copy, may access it via Amazon.
This collection of poems includes a variety of themes on Maine and Mexican villages, the beauty and mysteries of the natural world, and reflections on life's various experiences. Copies of the book have also been donated to the following libraries: Auburn Public Library, Lewiston Public Library, Gardiner Public Library, Mann Memorial Library at West Paris, South Paris Public Library and Norway Public Library.
The Monday Morning Poets donate their recently published poetry
book, "Wit, Wisdom and Whimsy" to the USM Lewiston-Auburn Campus Library.
(Photo by Rachel Morin). L to R, are LA Senior College members, Pat Vampatella, (Past Board Chair);
Diane Clay, Bill Frayer, Nancy Orr, Brian Toy, (Interim Dean USM Lewiston-
Auburn College); Evelyn Greenlaw, (Librarian); Brigitte Whiting, Anita F.
Poulin, Lucy Bisson, (Board Chair). Absent are Linda DeSantis, Darleen
Glover and Kathryn Tracy.
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University of Southern Maine, Lewiston-Auburn Senior College
Food for Thought Luncheon Series
Presents:
Myles Felch
"Maine Gem and Mineral Museum"
Friday, May 10, 2019
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
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| Elbaite gemstone, a member of the tourmaline group of gems. Location: Dunton Gem Quarry, Newry, Oxford County, Maine |
Myles Felch, geologist and Assistant Curator at
The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) will be our guest speaker this month. Many in Maine are familiar with the presence of tourmaline, mica, and other gems in our state.They may have hiked locally in
Auburn's Mt. Apetite Park and collected some resplendent stones from this area. This should be an excellent Food For Thought presentation for all interested.
The MMGM is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization located in Bethel, ME, which promises a mission to celebrate the mineralogy of Maine through a range of exhibits and educational programing. It will also display one of the most robust collection
s of meteorites from Mars, the Moon, and the Asteroid Belt, on the planet. MMGM plans to open in 2019.
Mr. Loren B. Merrill collecting rocks. Location: Mount Mica Oxford County, Maine. (1911)
Astronaut collecting rocks. Location: Moon. (1972)
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum "will display one of the most robust collections of meteorites from Mars, the Moon, and the Asteroid Belt, on the planet."
Myles Felch, will give a presentation that will introduce some of Maine's most well-known gem minerals including, beryl, quartz, topaz, and the Maine state mineral, tourmaline. He will also discuss many of the most notable mineral discoveries in the states mining history.
Myles Felch, holds a B.S. and M.S. in geology from the University of Maine at Farmington and the University of New Orleans, respectively. His research interests include granitic pegmatites, igneous petrology, and northern Appalachian geology.
We provide a lunch - if wanted - and the cost of the luncheon is $8.00 pp by RESERVATION ONLY and must be made by noon on Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Senior College reservation line is 753-6510 and follow the prompts.
Those without a reservation can purchase a lunch at "Cafe L-A" on campus and are welcome to listen to the speaker for free. Or if you choose, just come in to hear the speaker for free!
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and the program is from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Myles Felch, will give a presentation that will introduce some of Maine's most well-known gem minerals including, beryl, quartz, topaz, and the Maine state mineral, tourmaline. He will also discuss many of the most notable mineral discoveries in the states mining history.
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University of Maine at Augusta Senior College Presents:
Concerts at Jewett
UMA Jewett Auditorium,
Sunday, May 19, at 2 pm
The "Concerts at Jewett" Series sponsored by University of Maine at Augusta College of Arts and Sciences and UMA Senior College will feature Masanobu Ikemiya, classical pianist, ragtime aficionado, peace activist, organic farmer, in "Classics to Ragtime" on Sunday, May 19, 2019, 2PM at UMA Jewett Hall Auditorium.
Masanobu, a classically trained pianist, became interested in ragtime
while volunteering at a homeless shelter in Harlem. Founder and leader
of the New York Ragtime Orchestra, he has also toured with members of
the New York Philharmonic. He has been the recipient of an award from the United Nations for promoting world peace through music. Masanobu came to Maine in 1972 to join the Zen Buddhist Monastery in
Surry, where he was a practicing monk for 10 years. In 1980 he founded the Arcady Music Festival and was its artistic director for 24 years. He and his wife live on an organic farm on Mt. Desert Island.
- Tickets are $10, students $5, 12 & under free.
- Tickets are available at Dave's Appliance in Winthrop and at the door.
- Call 621-3551, or email for more information or for mail order tickets.
- You can also visit the Concerts at Jewett web page.
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| Senior College at Belfast
Belfast Senior College
17th Annual Festival of Art
May 30 - June 2, 2019
It all takes place at The University of Maine,
80 Belmont Avenue, Belfast
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"Colorful Corals" Fiber Art by Sandi Cirillo
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Opening Reception
Thursday, May 30. 6 - 8 p.m.
Featuring 120 Maine artists
Belfast Bay Fiddlers
Light refreshments
Exhibit Hours:
Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday Noon to 3 pm
Featured Artist
Sandi Cirillo has been a fiber/mixed media artist for over 25 years specializing in creating artwork which pleases the eye and craves to be touched. The inspiration for her work focuses on the textural qualities of man-made and natural fibers which she incor
porates into her artwork. Her work reflects her love of traveling throughout Maine where she lives, and her appreciation of the natural environment around her. Sandi also creates solar plate etchings on both paper and silk fabric.
Sandi is a retired art educator who gives many different fiber workshops in the Northeast and North Carolina. She teaches many of her workshops in collaboration with various arts centers throughout the Northeast. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Alfred University and Nazareth College in New York State. She currently teaches drawing and fiber classes at Senior College in Belfast, Maine.
Visit her website: www.especially-for-ewe.com to see more examples of Sandi's work. You can also see her work at Local Color Gallery in Belfast, Lupine Cottage in Belfast, River Arts in Damariscotta, Ocean's Edge Restaurant in Belfast, Lightouse Arts Center in Bucksport, The Arts of the Southern Fingerlakes in Corning, New York and Franklin Street Gallery in Watkins Glen, New York. She exhibits her work locally and nationally and her artwork is in many private collections.
Sandi lives in Searsport, Maine where she has her studio and where she teaches many different workshops which are listed on her website.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Saturday, June 1, at 2:00 pm
"J. Fred Woell: An American Vision"
A documentary film by Richard Kane
PDF Poster Downloads:
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Midcoast Senior College present:
Midcoast Senior College
Summer Wisdom
Curtis Library, Brunswick
Wednesdays in June. 12:15-1:45 pm
Sponsored by Sunnybrook Senior Living Community
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Get in the mood for Midcoast SC's Summer Wisdom Lecture Series with "Couch on the Porch" by Childe Hassam
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June 5:
"Art Cleaning And Restoration"
The science of cleaning and repairing aging or damaged canvases, frames, and sculptures while maintaining the artist's original creation and intent is a challenge that will be described in detail. Examples will be presented, and processes explained.
Peter and Teresa Fogg have operated an art conservation practice from their Wiscasset studio since 1987. Trained in the U.S. and Europe, they are affiliated with the American Institute for Conservation, Sotheby's and the Smithsonian Institute, among others. They enjoy a world-wide reputation and are known for their quality and expertise.
June 12:
"Maine Public Radio: A Community Resource"
Maine Public Radio and NPR are unlike other media outlets. Committed to serving the public good and eschewing the profit motive, this broadcaster occupies a unique position in the broadcast spectrum. Mark Vogelzang will describe the mission and the metrics which Public Radio uses to assess its effectiveness within our state. He will describe revenue streams, tax considerations, and community responsibilities.
Mark Vogelzang became President of Maine Public Radio (MPR) in January, 2012. Initially interested in broadcasting as a college student, he joined Terri Gross (Fresh Air) in Philadelphia, then progressed to station manager at several public radio stations before joining Vermont Public Radio as President.
June 19:
"Bowdoin College: Town And Gown From The College's Perspective"
How does Bowdoin College perceive its relationship with the greater community? What services and benefits does the college offer and what services does it receive from the town? What are the tax consequences and what are the costs and benefits to each by the presence of the other? What about auditing of classes, use of facilities, admission to athletic events, and support of town commerce?
Matt Orlando will explore and explain these issues from the college's perspective and answer questions.
Matt Orlando graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College and received an MBA from St. Xavier
University. He is a chartered financial analyst. Matt is active in community affairs, and serves on boards at Mid Coast-Parkview Health Systems, and as Treasurer of the United Way and the Cal Ripken Youth Baseball League.
June 26:
"Mid Coast Health Systems: Community Citizen And Provider"
We have an outstanding community health care system, primarily the result of an excellent community hospital and a full complement of highly trained physicians and surgeons. Yet, there are major challenges. Can Mid Coast Health Systems continue to provide excellent care and availability 24/7 and compete with competitors? Lois Skillings will discuss this challenge and describe efforts to address it.
Lois Skillings is President and CEO of Mid Coast-Parkview Health Systems. A life-long Mainer, Lois is a nurse by training, graduating from University of Southern Maine. She was motivated to join the executive ranks when she participated in the Robert Wood Executive Nurse Fellow Program in 2008. She subsequently was Vice President of Nursing Services at Mid Coast Hospital before becoming CEO and President in 2011.
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| Maine Department of Health and Human Services
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Maine
Remember to be "Tick Aware and Tick Alert":
1) Use caution in areas where ticks may be found
Babes in the Wood - illustrated by Randolph Caldecott
2) Wear light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs
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| Man's yellow wool suit c. 1785 |
3) Use an EPA approved repellent such as: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus
4) Perform tick checks daily and after any outdoor activity on yourself and pets. Taking a shower after exposure to a tick habitat is an effective way to wash off any unattached ticks and provides a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Before a Mirror by Robert Wiedemann Barret Browning
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University of Southern Maine Aging Initiative
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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:
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Contact Information
Maine Senior College Network
P.O. Box 9300
Portland, Maine 04104-9300
(207) 228-4128
Email:
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