May 2025 Newsletter

Stimulation - Knowledge - Interaction - Fun

Happy 25th Anniversary!


Did you know Acadia Senior College is celebrating its 25th anniversary?


We’re proud to mark 25 years of lifelong learning, with a vibrant community that has grown to over 470 members! This past year alone, we offered 47 unique courses — all made possible thanks to our incredible volunteer instructors and the enthusiastic participation of members like you.


Thank you for learning, volunteering, and celebrating with us — and congratulations to everyone who has helped make Acadia Senior College such a success!

Changing of the guard!

A big welcome to Kathleen Hall, who will take over as ASC’s Administrator in June. Kathleen hails from the northeast and is happy to now permanently live in such a beautiful place that feeds her creative soul. Writer, marketing communications professional and artist — Kathleen brings diverse skills to this role. 


“I’m excited about this opportunity,” she says, “The depth and breadth of the knowledge and expertise in ASC is impressive, and so far, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I look forward to meeting and engaging with even more members.”



Kathleen lives on MDI and loves running, walking, kayaking, reading and painting. She’s the proud mom of a 36-year-old son who lives in the Research Park Triangle area in North Carolina and two beloved cats, Smudge and Willow.


Kathleen and Janice will work together during June to ensure a seamless transition.

Teach a Class this Fall!

We need you - join our roster of talented instructors this fall!


Teaching at Acadia Senior College is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. You'll connect with new people, exchange ideas, and even learn from your students along the way. Plus, as a thank-you, instructors receive one free class for every course they teach. If you have a passion, a special skill, or knowledge you'd love to share, we want to hear from you —consider teaching a class!


Course proposals for the Fall 2025 term are due May 19th.


Email us or call to discuss your ideas.


Click here to submit a Course Proposal

Food for Thought

The Cartography of Early Exploration: Facts, Faith, Fantasy, and Fraud

Michael Pancoe


Friday, May 23rd, 11:30 a.m.


Birch Bay Village, and on Zoom


Michael Pancoe will share his love and knowledge of historical maps. From their profound insights, often obtained at great sacrifice, to their misconceptions, sometimes lasting for centuries, maps are amazing cultural documents. On the one hand, maps attest to the quest for knowledge, the bravery of explorers, and the advancement of technology. They can be profoundly artistic. On the other hand, maps often reflect cultural prejudice, fierce nationalism, wishful thinking, and sometimes downright fraud. Our brief discussion will explore the intersection between these forces, all on a single sheet of paper. 

While a physician by trade, Michael Pancoe has enjoyed an enduring interest in maps since childhood. He grew up literally on the shores of Lake Michigan but migrated East to Dartmouth College for both undergraduate and medical education. For the past 44 years, Michael has called Downeast Maine home. His earliest cartographic interests were driven by “cutting-edge” knowledge of the Great Lakes and New England. However, for more than 3 centuries, “cutting edge” proved to be more like the tide of the Gulf of Maine — fluid, changing, and not always predictable.

The in-person lunch and presentation will be at Birch Bay Village in Hulls Cove, starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost for attending both is $17.


The Zoom-only presentation is free and begins at noon. If you register for the online talk, you will receive the link the day before the event.


Click for more information and to register



Please let us know by Wednesday, May 21st if you cannot attend.

ASC Members' Art Show

Don't miss it!

Above: the 11th annual arch by Susan Lerner, Sydney Roberts, and Melita Westerlund

The annual ASC Members' Art Show is on display at the Northeast Harbor Library during May.


More than 45 member artists are showing works in oil, watercolor, mixed media, wood carvings, fiber art, photography, and more.


The art show is open for in-person viewing in the Mellon Room of the Northeast Harbor Library during library hours except when the room is booked for private use. Please check the library website for hours and the availability of the exhibit.

Camden National Bank generously sponsors this year's show.

Artists' Reception and Member Appreciation Party

The artists' reception attracted over 100 members and guests who enjoyed refreshments, the art, and a chance to connect with friends, instructors, and volunteers.


The Membership & Volunteers Committee provided delicious and plentiful food and lovely decorations. Thank you, Linda Uberseder, Ann Caswell, Donna Gaines, Sharyn Hastings, Pamela Hattem, Nancy Howland and Mary Galperin.

Save the Date! Potluck Supper and Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, June 4th, 5:00 p.m.


Neighborhood House

Northeast Harbor


Please join us for this important and fun evening. This is your opportunity to learn a bit more about Acadia Senior College, elect new board members, and enjoy a potluck supper and conversation with ASC members and friends.


5:00 - Appetizers and Conversation

5:30 - Business Meeting and Elections

6:15 - Potluck Supper


For the potluck supper please bring:


  • your own place setting (plate, utensils, glass)
  • an appetizer, main dish, salad, side or dessert to share
  • your favorite beverage


Guests are welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there!  

No RSVP is required.

Our Spring Appeal is Underway

Your support helps us continue offering a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and social events. While membership fees and course tuition cover much of our costs, contributions still make up about one-third of our annual budget.


You can donate online, or if you prefer, mail a check to:

ASC, PO Box 475, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679


Would you consider becoming a monthly donor? It’s an easy way to give a little at a time throughout the year. And don’t forget — you can also make a gift in honor or memory of someone special anytime.


We truly count on your support — thank you!

Spring course evaluation reminder

Spring courses are wrapping up (or will be soon.) Don't forget to submit your online course evaluations. The Curriculum Committee reviews comments to help them evaluate class sizes and locations, and learn what topics you enjoy. Please use the online form - your anonymous comments will automatically be shared with the committee and instructors.

More learning opportunites

There are 16 senior colleges in Maine, offering a variety of classes and presentations, some of which are free and many are offered by Zoom. To learn more, read and subscribe to the MSCN newsletter.


Did you know that as members of Acadia Senior College, you are eligible to register for classes offered by other Senior Colleges in Maine without paying an additional membership fee? Space permitting, you can register for courses and pay only the course fee.


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

 

Acadia Senior College

PO Box 475

Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

acadiaseniorcollege.org

learn@acadiaseniorcollege.org

207-288-9500

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