May 2026

news & updates

MSCN Maine Senior College Network logo
Two senior college volunteers stand behind the senior college event table with brochures and a prize wheel.

Janet (UMAugusta Senior College) and Lucy (L/A Senior College) shared information about the network at a recent event table.

We Love Our Volunteers

I recently joined the MSCN table at the Maine Educators Association - Retired annual meeting and spent the day telling everyone about the amazing programs our Maine senior colleges offer. The more I listed, the more amazed I was. And the more I reflected on just what our senior college volunteers accomplish.


Whether it's teaching a course, helping to register students, leading on the board, or just offering a smile as people enter the room, our volunteers are what makes our senior colleges work. Without volunteers, we wouldn't have these stimulating and fun learning opportunities.


So as we wrap up the (long) winter and prepare for summer, I'd like to take a moment and say a giant "thank you!" to all of the volunteers across the state.


If this inspires you, contact your local senior college to find out how you can volunteer to keep our colleges going.


Best wishes,

Joyce

Joyce Doyle

Communications Coordinator

Maine Senior College Network

In this issue

Scroll down the page to see each article.


UMA Celebration

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Midcoast's New Home

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Hello from Acadia Senior College

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What's new at our colleges

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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!

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!

UMA Senior College Celebrates Annual Meeting

Members of the UMA Senior College sit at round tables to eat a buffet lunch.

The UMA Senior College held its 25th annual meeting and lunch on April 16. It was attended by 130 members and guests including representatives from the University of Maine at Augusta. Volunteers and instructors who contributed to the success of the organization were recognized. UMASC also honored the University of Maine at Augusta on its 60th anniversary and thanked it for its support.

Midcoast Senior College Opens Doors to a New Home

Midcoast Senior College (MSC) has moved into a larger and newly renovated office and learning space at 14 Middle Street in Brunswick, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization and the community.


Designed with connection in mind, the new space offers a bright, welcoming classroom/meeting space that supports both in-person and hybrid programming, and flexible gathering areas throughout the office.

The Midcoast board members gather in the new meeting room.

The new location allows MSC the opportunity to expand its course and lecture series offerings, host more events, and it creates a true hub for intellectual engagement and social connection. Members will find improved technology to support hybrid learning, making it easier than ever to participate, whether in the room or from home.


“This space represents more than just a move,” said MSC’s Operations Director, Dana Eidsness. “It’s a convening place for our community. Our members now have a dedicated place to come, for classes, clubs, and conversations--and for open-house social events. 14 Middle Street is a welcoming and dynamic space, and it will evolve with our members’ interests.”



MSC extends its deep gratitude to the donors, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this vision a reality.

Several board members sit at tables while a television screen shows additional remote meeting goers.
A college member relaxes in a chair while chatting with two other people.

Hello from...

Acadia Senior College
(Hancock County)

Membership: $35

Classes: $60

Throughout the year, Acadia Senior College provides opportunities for learning, teaching and having fun. 

Members of Acadia Senior College sit along the side of a boat in the bay. One member uses binoculars.

Fall, Winter and Spring courses offer something for everyone. In the past five years alone, ASC has hosted over 150 courses. Everything from making cookies to the Geology of MDI to learning about the history of film has kept us interested and involved.


Read about Acadia SC

Acadia Senior College musicians play guitar and sing while standing at microphones.

What's New at Our Colleges

Bridgton SC / Downsizing Made Easy / May 12

Thinking about simplifying your home or planning a move? This session will guide you through the downsizing process, from deciding what to keep to understanding housing options, market timing, and financial considerations. Learn practical strategies, reduce stress, and gain confidence as you plan a transition that supports your lifestyle and needs.

Visit the BSC website to learn more and register.


Western Mountains SC / Wildflower Walk at Step Falls / May 12

Enjoy the Spring Wildflowers and the waterfalls on a walk with Lynne Zimmerman, a Maine Master Naturalist. It will be a leisurely walk, one-mile round trip.

Visit the WMSC website to learn more and register.


OLLI / Discover Voice-Over / May 19

Use your natural speaking voice for commercials, films, and more. Learn a unique way to break into the lucrative voice-over industry on your own terms. Concludes with a professional voice evaluation with your instructor. An online workshop.

Visit the OLLI website to learn more and register.


SAGE / SAGE on the Trail / May 30+

Join SAGE for a unique learning adventure across Aroostook County as we explore the history and heritage of the communities that define "The County." Traveling together to local historical societies, museums, and historical sites, participants will hear stories from local historians, see artifacts from earlier generations, and discover how each town contributed to the region's rich cultural history. Each trip has a separate registration.

Visit the SAGE website to learn more and register.


South Coast SC / Driving Fitness / June 16

How do aging-related changes in health and function impact on driving safety? How does Maine address medical concerns in driver licensing? How can older adults remain safely mobile behind the wheel? Learn answers to these questions & more!

Visit the SCSC website to learn more and register.

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.

Acadia Senior College

Bar Harbor (Hancock County)


UMaine at Augusta Senior College

Augusta (Kennebec County)

Senior College at Belfast

Belfast (Waldo County)


Bridgton Senior College

Bridgton (Cumberland County)


Coastal Senior College

Damariscotta / Newcastle (Lincoln & Knox Counties)


Gold LEAF Institute 

Farmington (Franklin County)


Lewiston-Auburn Senior College

Lewiston / Auburn (Androscoggin County)


Midcoast Senior College

Brunswick (Sagadahoc County)


Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USM

Portland (Cumberland County)



Penobscot Valley Senior College

Bangor (Penobscot County)


Seniors Achieving Greater Education (SAGE) at the University of Maine Presque Isle

Presque Isle (Aroostook County)


South Coast Senior College

Wells (York County)


St. John Valley Senior College

Fort Kent (Aroostook County)


Sunrise Senior College

Machias (Washington County)


Western Mountains Senior College

Bethel (Oxford County)


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The Maine Senior College Network is a program of the 

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