Issue No. 81
February
2017 
The MSCN Newsletter
Welcome to Your February 2017 Newsletter!

Sheet music of "They All Look Alike", from the musical Have a Heart. (1916)

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is putting this newsletter together.   Each article or program listing is the tip of the Senior College iceberg! Every item represents many hours of behind the scenes voluntary work donated by Senior College committees and instructors.   

February's newsletter begins with Gold LEAF's "Studying the Landscape" report.  This is followed 
by listings and reminders for several excellent educational events taking place in the Southern area of the state: 
Lewiston-Auburn Senior College (LASC) present an in-depth look at the online meeting tool ZOOM. The talk explores ZOOM's potential for further use in the Maine Senior College Network. 
The University of Maine at Augusta Senior College (UMASC) present their February schedule of  Brown Bag Lunches
York County Senior College (YCSC) continues with their excellent Gary Sullivan Memorial Lecture Series.
While Acadia SC offer an educational change of scenery with their fabulous (don't forget your camera) Schoodic Getaway!

I was recently contacted by Betty Balderston who recognizes the important role played by Senior Colleges in their local communities. Betty is offering to travel to your Senior College to provide an information session titled "Elder Abuse: A Community Problem with Community Solutions." 

I am pleased to announce the second online memoir writing class with Elizabeth Peavey. There are still eight slots left if you or someone you know enjoys writing. This is a terrific opportunity to connect with kindred spirits across the state. 

Last but not least, UMA presents the Plaid Dragonflies at this month's Jewett Concert.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

GoldLEAF
The Gold LEAF Institute 
Studying the Landscape
Ansel Adams - The Tetons and the Snake River 

In the iced-in towpaths of Franklin County, certain lifelong learners have been very "on task" this winter; once the snow is shoveled, that is.  Gold LEAF's Curriculum Chair heads up a long series (spanning two terms) of programs on the National Parks.  So far, participants have been "virtually" to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons,  the parks on the various islands that make up Hawaii, and to all the parks that make up the Pacific volcanic "rim", such as Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helen's and the like.
Ansel Adams - Castle Geyser Coye, Yellowstone National Park

The geology of the various regions is being explained in depth and from hot springs to glaciers, the last class group is getting a comprehensive lesson for several hours each week. Those in the group who have visited the parks in person have been able to add stories from their experiences there.

Another, slightly more active, class that has started up is Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing, and that group tackled the Pico ledges just recently, and is picking a different venue for each outing.  Let's hope their snowshoe spikes don't wear off in this most recent dense ice layer.

Active in a different way are some of the Views of the News participants, who are weighing in on the cabinet nominees as they see fit. There is so much to keep up with on a daily basis with our changing political landscape that this class seems the most aerobic of all.

Deep breaths, everyone, and keep on climbing.

Written by Eileen Kreutz,  The Gold LEAF Institute
Food4Thought
USM's Lewiston-Auburn Senior College 
Food for Thought Lecture:

"We ZOOM - How About You?" with  Elizabeth Peavey and Anne Cardale

February 10
Elizabeth Peavey chatting to her online MSCN students via ZOOM on her laptop

Elizabeth Peavey, a Portland-based writer, performer and educator and Anne Cardale, Program Director for the Maine Senior College Network (MSCN), will be the presenters at the University of Southern Maine's Lewiston-Auburn Senior College Food for Thought luncheon on Friday, February 10, 2017.  The title of their session is "We ZOOM - How About You?".  This session will demonstrate how Elizabeth Peavey taught an online videoconference memoir writing class for seniors, who used the ZOOM videoconference platform and their computers and ipads to participate in class from their home locations.

 
Senior Story Share - MSCN Memoir Writing Class meeting together online

The session will include a live demonstration of the ZOOM technology as well as comments from class participants from Presque Isle, Machias, and Lewiston/Auburn.  Anne will share how this class originated and Elizabeth will discuss the importance of memoir writing as well as her experience being an instructor via ZOOM versus the classroom setting.

Elizabeth Peavey's one-woman show, My Mother's Clothes Are Not My Mother, has played to sold-out houses since 2011 and won the Maine Literary Award for Best Drama. She is the author of three books, including Glorious Slow Going: Maine Stories of Art, Adventure and Friendship, which was a Maine Literary Awards finalist. She has written a humor column for 20 years, and her writing has been featured in Down East magazine since 1993. She teaches public speaking at the University of Southern Maine.

Anne Cardale was born in the Lake District in the UK, the daughter of a Church of England Vicar. She holds a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design and a Masters degree in Photography from the Royal College of Art in London. Anne also worked as a freelance photojournalist in the UK for 15 years while teaching photography at different London art schools.  Anne moved to Maine to attend the Adult & Higher Education Master's Program.  She has worked for Women, Work and Community and the National Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Network.  She became the MSCN Program Director in 2014 where she works with the boards and staff of the 17 senior colleges throughout Maine.  Her office is on the USM Portland Campus.

Senior College, now in its 19th year, presents this monthly luncheon program that is open to the public in Function Room 170 at USM LAC.  Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin promptly at noon.  The cost, which includes lunch, is $7 with an advance reservation or $8 at the door.  To make your advance reservation, call Senior College at 753-6510 by noon on Wednesday, February 8. Reservation calls received after this date/time will be considered "at the doo


Interested in taking the Spring offering of "Senior Story Share?" 
 
UMA-Concert

The Plaid Dragonflies Singing Through Genres

2 pm Sun. Feb. 12 (Snow date Feb. 19)



Val and Tess will be playing tunes from a variety of genres as they weave their magical harmonies into the music of The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt and many others. Listen carefully as they explain their inspirations for music and writing - taking you through their journey of Singing Through Genres.

The Plaid Dragonflies: Val and Tess

Val Bennett has been performing solo and with bands for many years. She has played in major festival venues throughout Maine including the Maine Festival and The Balloon Festival in Lewiston, Maine. The last few years have found Val performing in Waterville, Hallowell, Auburn, and Westbrook both as a soloist and as the band leader of The Over EZ Band - an all girl band.
In 2004, Tess Zardus relocated to Maine, where she fell in love with a beautiful historic river town called Hallowell, frequenting the local venues and listening to the many talented musicians in the area. It wasn't until 2007, that a local performer said, "Hey, you're a musician aren't you?", and asked her to sing during local open mic nights, rekindling musicality that had been left behind for more than 10 years. She studied bass playing with local Maine musician, Dave Thibodeau.

Hailing from Providence, R.I., Guest Dave Thibodeau was a prodigy tutored by his touring bluegrass musician father and his concert violinist grandfather. Young Dave followed suit and took an interest in the guitar at the age of ten. After moving to Maine, he studied bass at the University of Maine in Augusta.

Tickets: $10, $5 student, 12 and under free, at the door or at our ticket outlets: Pat's Pizza of Augusta and Dave's Appliance in Winthrop 

Information/mail order: 621-3551and the  Concerts at Jewett webpage. 

Next concert: 2 pm Sun. Mar. 5, Choro Louco, a Brazilian Choro band from Portland.  

Download PDF

Info4MSCN
Information for Maine Senior Colleges
Elder Abuse: A Community Problem with Community Solutions

Presented by  Betty Balderston, the Elder Abuse Prevention Advocate at Legal Services for the Elderly. 

Elder Abuse is of growing concern throughout the U.S. today, including Maine since we're one of the oldest states in the country.  Statistics show that tens of thousands of older adults in Maine are abused each year.  Research shows that entire communities need be involved to combat the problem of elder abuse.

Contact Betty to schedule a Presentation at your Senior College. 
One of Betty's roles is to present information to community groups about the problem of elder abuse and the resources available to help victims. Maine's Senior Colleges would be a perfect venue to share this important information! Betty is currently scheduling presentations throughout Maine and would welcome your inquiry. The presentation could be as little as 20-30 minutes or as long as 45-60 minutes, with an opportunity for questions and answers. To obtain more information or schedule a presentation, contact Betty Balderston or call (207) 620- 3104.

Visit Legal Services for the Elderly for more information and resources.  For information about the issue of elder abuse and community resources in Maine, visit the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention website. 


OnlineClass
"Senior Story Share" - Online Memoir Writing Class
The Maine Senior College Network is pleased to announce a second online program this spring that will give you a chance to share some of your history with fellow writers, as well as preserve your stories for your loved ones. 

This course offering is a response to the requests for online classes from those who for one reason or another cannot easily reach their nearest Senior College. If you know someone who you think would enjoy this Maine Senior College experience, please let them know about this unique opportunity! 

What are the Dates?
Senior Story Share is an 11-week program that will run every two weeks from Valentine's Day (February 14) to April 25th. You will produce five writing assignments over the course of the seminar. 

Course Fee
The course fee is $40 for MSCN members and $50 for non-members. (If you are a Senior College member contact Anne for your discount code!)

Instructor 
Elizabeth Peavey will lead the class. She will provide lectures, writing instruction, weekly assignments, and written feedback. Enrollees will be broken into several small online groups and take turns reading and commenting on each other's work. (Participants will receive constructive and supportive critiquing techniques.) You will have one week from the assignment to complete your essay. That will be followed by an additional week. During this time, you will have your essay peer reviewed, and you will be responsible for reviewing the work of a member of your group. Each assignment, one essay from each group will be spotlighted by the instructor and given a full markup, for group participants to review and discuss. 

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! 
It doesn't matter if you've never written more than a grocery list. We all tell stories. The point of this program is to share and preserve them - and to get to know some other like-minded writers around the state a little better. Space is limited and is offered on a first-come, first serve basis. Don't miss this chance for a fun and engaging program. You'll be happy you joined - and so will the people you'll share your stories with in this unique class.

Interested in the class?
Contact Anne Cardale for your MSCN discount code!

Just want to sign up? Go straight to the Senior Story Share Registration Page (Located on the University of Southern Maine website.)


Requirements for class 
We will use the online meeting application "ZOOM" for the large and small group meetings. (ZOOM is very like Skype.) 

Can your computer manage ZOOM? 
To enjoy the class participants require a computer that is capable of using the Internet and can play YouTube videos. 

Camera and Microphone 
Each person will also require a camera and microphone attached to their computer. Most computers and laptops have built-in webcams and microphones nowadays. 

Uh Oh! No Camera on your Computer?
Purchase a plug-in webcam, the "Logitech B525 HD" is recommended cost $50. (There are cheaper webcams available but get advice to make sure everything is compatible for your computer.) 

Best Buy staff were very helpful to members of our earlier "Senior Story Share" class. They will recommend webcams and they helped two different participants install the cameras by going to their home.
AcadiaGetaway
 







Join us in March for a two day adventure at Schoodic Education & Research Center 

The indoor and outdoor programs include birding with a Schoodic Institute Naturalist, outdoor dutch oven cooking with a Park Service Ranger, trail walk with a Forest Ecologist, star-gazing, wine tasting with Sawyer's Specialties, and movie night. 

Private rooms, meals and programs included $150 per person 

Deadline for reservations is February 16, 2107 ($50 deposit due with reservation.) Space is limited, so don't wait! 


Submitted by Jude Lamb, Acadia Senior College



Dates: February 15

York County Senior College's Winter 2017 Gary Sullivan Memorial Lecture Series continues in February with a look at Maine as seen through poetry and the Franco-American experience. The lectures are slated for February 15, with sessions from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Steve Cowperthwaite

Morning Lecture
In the morning lecture, Steve Cowperthwaite and Claire Hersom will share poetry that tells "The Maine Story."  A native Mainer,  Steve Cowperthwaite began his teaching career on North Haven Island, later moving to Portland schools for 31 years.  He has accumulated memories of people and events and tells their stories in poetry.  His poetry lends itself to the Maine landscape, pace and voice, with many of his poems drawing the listener into a time of life gone past.  His work is full of humor, imagery, and resounding evidence of rascally human nature.
 
Clare Hersom
Claire Hersom grew up on a farm that had been worked by her family in central Maine for 150 years.  Her poetic works are informed by memories of the farm life and of the family-owned clothing store in Gardiner.  Claire's poetry speaks about Maine and its people: their beauty, humor, toughness, courage and strength. 


Afternoon Lecture
The afternoon lecture features James Myall, former Coordinator of USM's Franco-American
James Myall
collection, talking about the experience of the group in Maine. A British native who has lived in Maine for several years, Mayall looks at the impact of Franco-America on today's Franco population and draws parallels with other groups. Mayall holds a master's degree in history and previously managed the Franco-American collection at USM - Lewiston and at the Freeport Historical Society.


March Lectures
The series concludes in March with Thornton Academy teacher Dan Frost sharing insight into "Climate Change in the Arctic Region" in the morning, and Monica Grabin "Singing Songs of the 40's, 50's and 60's in the afternoon.

Lecture times
Morning lectures take place from 9:30-11:30, followed by lunch and a second lecture, given from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Additional Information
All winter lectures will be given at Denis Hall on the campus of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, 133 Shaker Hill Road, Alfred (off Route 202).  The fee for each day's program is $20 for York County Senior College members, $25 for non-members, payable at the door by cash or check made payable to the Brothers of Christian Instruction, and includes a lunch of soup, an entrĂ©e and dessert, as well as coffee breaks.  In case of inclement weather, if Sanford Schools cancel, so will Senior College.  Call 207-282-4030 for reservations by the Monday before each lecture. 
UMA-BROWN-BAG
University of Maine at Augusta Senior College Brown Bag Lunches

Dates: February 7 to March 7

The Brown Bag Series is a program of the UMA Senior College that encourages people to attend weekly presentations in January and February at the UMA campus. The series begins on the first week of January and runs for 8 weeks.

UMASC members and guests are invited to bring their lunch to each session at 12 noon on Tuesdays, to see and hear a different presentation each week. Topics will be of various subjects and content. Equipment for slide shows and PC based digital projects is available. The length of shows should be 60-90 minutes duration. There is no admission fee.
 
2017 BROWN BAG SCHEDULE 
(12 noon on Tuesdays)

February 7 - Presenter: Mike Bell 
Gettysburg for the Next Generation  

February 14 - Presenter: Art Ray 
Halifax, NS Explosion 

February 21 - Presenter: Elizabeth Reinsborough Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands  

February 28 - Presenter: Cassie Bouton 
Hallowell's Harlow Gallery: Past, Present and Future 

March 7 - Presenter: Jeanne Coleman 
BIG Birds

Snow dates: Thursday, January 26 and Thursday, February 23. (In case a regular lecture is canceled due to inclement weather).

Questions:  Please call 621-3551.

Submitted by Bev Ludden,   University of Maine at Augusta Senior College (UMASC)
 
LATE NEWS ALERT FROM AARP

Medicare is a Promise to Mainers we Need to Keep 

At AARP, we believe Medicare is a deal with the American people that must not be broken. 

President Trump repeatedly said during his historic campaign that he would not allow changes to this popular program. "I am going to protect and save your Social Security and your Medicare," he told voters. "You made a deal a long time ago." 

Older Americans and their families are counting on Congress to follow the president's lead and protect Medicare. 

In Maine, we know what a vital program Medicare is. Roughly 288,000 Mainers are on Medicare and another 315,000 will be eligible for Medicare in the next 15 years. 

That's why AARP is launching an aggressive national campaign to tell Congress that we've earned our Medicare benefits with every paycheck and that we're going to fight against any proposal to turn it into a voucher program, which would increase costs and risks for seniors and the workers who are paying in today. Watch our new 30-second ad here. To learn more about the Protect Medicare campaign and to sign our petition, go to AARP's Protect Medicare website 

Submitted by Portland Maine AARP
 

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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Images Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Sheet music of "They All Look Alike", from the musical Have a Heart.  (1916)









The Maine Senior College Network is a program of the  

Maine Senior College Network
Links

Acadia Senior College

Augusta Senior College
 
Coastal Senior College

Downeast Senior College

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
Maine Senior College Network 
P.O. Box 9300 
Portland, Maine 04104-9300 
(207) 228-4128

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