A tin can with a string out the bottom to create a telephone.

Connections

Some of you may know (from previous newsletters) that Maine is the only state with a network of senior colleges. That means each of our colleges doesn't just offer their own lineup of amazing courses and workshops throughout the year, but members of one college can register at any of the other colleges in Maine without having to pay for a new membership. The result: connection.

Connection to knowledge and talent, connection to opportunities to try something new, and – perhaps most importantly – connection to each other where friendship and community bloom.

We're so excited to offer this connection and to keep it strong. Visit our website and scroll through the list of senior colleges, near and far – make a connection today!

While you're at it, tell us your connection stories. Email MSCN or message us in Facebook.

Best wishes,

Joyce

Joyce Doyle

Communications Coordinator

Maine Senior College Network

In this issue

Scroll down the page to see each article.

Getting out the Word

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Hello from Belfast Senior College

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What's new at our colleges

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Remembering Penny Kern

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Take a class near you

Stay up to date!

Visit our website to find out What's Happening and to discover a Senior College near you!

Visit our website

Questions? Contact your local senior college linked below.

How the senior colleges work

Become a member of your local college so you can join in classes for a small fee. Most memberships cost between $25-$40.

Your membership is good across the network!

Who Have You Told About Maine's Senior Colleges?

We know the best way to share news about our senior colleges is word of mouth. That means we rely on you to tell, well ... everyone! If you've taken a class, gone on a trip, attended a workshop, volunteered, taught, or just visited a senior college this year, share your experience. There are so many people who would benefit from hearing it.

Here are three ways you can get out the word:

Forward this email to a friend or family member.
Print the MSCN flyer and ask if a local library, church, or business would be willing to let you post it.
Send us your senior college stories. We would love to hear from you! Tell us how you found the college, your favorite class, or any story you would like to share. Email MSCN and we just may use it in a future newsletter! (We love pictures, too!)

Maine Association of Retirees Reimbursements

Are you a member of the Maine Association of Retirees (MAR)? Take advantage of your membership benefits and receive a $25 reimbursement toward your senior college registration!

MAR Website

Hello from...

Belfast Senior College
(Waldo County)

Membership: $30

Classes: $20-55

The mission of Belfast Senior College is to provide intellectual stimulation, practical knowledge, social interaction and fun for persons 50 years of age or older.

We are delighted to celebrate our 25th anniversary in our new home in The Belfast Center, which we have equipped with classroom/meeting furniture and extensive AV equipment. We are very proud of all we have accomplished!

Read about Belfast Senior College

Six senior class members sit a long tables surrounded by watercolor paints, jars, and paper.

Above: Beginners' watercolor class in our new classroom space.

Below: Spring class "Three 'Ordinary' Gentlemen and the War to End all Wars."

A large group of senior college members are seated and listening to a lecturer and looking at a slide.

Visit the Belfast website

What's New at Our Colleges

Gold LEAF Institute / Summer Term Kick-Off Event / June 10

Gold LEAF is ready for summer! Registration opens June 1, so be sure to pick your favorite classes. Then join the kick-off event on June 10 at St. Joseph Parish Hall, 130 Quebec St., Farmington. Summer term runs June 11 – October 30.

Visit the Gold LEAF website to learn more and register.

Three pictures of the St. Joseph Center building, a group of senior college members seated at round tables and listening to a speaker, and a long buffet table with food and a person selecting from it.

Lewiston-Auburn Senior College / A Time of Transition

When the Lewiston-Auburn Senior College separated from the University of Southern Maine in 2022 and became an independent 501(c)(3) corporation, Lucy Bisson, who had been serving as chair of the Board of Directors, volunteered to serve as an unpaid Executive Director of the new corporation for four years. This year, Lucy’s volunteer commitment is coming to an end. She has successfully guided our organization through the transition to an independent non-profit, and she can be proud of the strong foundation we now have for moving forward.

Remembering Penny Kern

SAGE's Penny Kern passed away last month. In her role as SAGE co-chair, Penny was quick to share her energy and expertise across the Maine Senior College Network and will be missed by all here. You can read Penny's obituary, share thoughts, and find memorial details through the Legacy website.

Take a Class Near You... or from Afar!

Did you know Maine is the only state with a Senior College Network? Our college courses are open to anyone age 50 and above. We offer multi-session classes, one-time workshops, local and international travel, and so much more. Members can take classes at any college. Discover what membership can do for you!

Visit a Maine Senior College for upcoming in-person and online class offerings.