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Welcome to Your September 2016 Newsletter!
Senior Colleges are swinging into action as Fall classes start up across the state. At the same time, there are several Senior College community events also making their Fall appearance. Lewiston-Auburn Senior College will launch the first of their excellent Food for Thought lecture series with the intriguing question "Were There German Spies on Monhegan Island During World War I?"
Meanwhile, UMA Senior College has been busy collaborating with the UMA College of Arts and Sciences to prepare their Forum on the Future and the Jewett Concert Series. This month's Forum seeks to decipher the turbulent 2016 elections and then in October you can jig and reel your cares away at their "Fiddle-licious" concert!
In addition, you will find links to the network's class catalogs, always an interesting read and source of inspiration for Curriculum Committees planning future classes. The Gold LEAF Institute casts a spotlight upon the Golden Guys of their Senior College, "real bricks" as P.G. Wodehouse would say!
Last but not least you can read three short poems from UMASC's Megan Antonucci.
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Food for Thought at USM's
Lewiston-Auburn Senior College Presents:
"Were There German Spies on Monhegan Island During World War I?"
Friday, September 9, 2016
Postcard
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Postcard - View of Monhegan Island
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Steven B. Rogers is the presenter for the Friday, September 9, 2016, USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College "Food For Thought" luncheon. His talk last year on his fascinating work for the Justice Department was so well received that he was invited back for this year's enticing session entitled, "Were There German Spies on Monhegan Island During World War I?" What do you think? Let's set the stage: The year is 1915. War has been raging in Europe for a year and the United States is trying hard to remain strictly neutral in that conflict. But Germany raises the stakes when it declares unrestricted submarine warfare against neutral shipping and a German sub sinks the Lusitania claiming the lives of over 100 American civilians. That summer three mysterious German men appear on Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine and the rumors rage. Were they German spies? And why were they on Monhegan Island? Join us on September 9 - the public is cordially invited -- and find out!
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New York Times Front Page. Date: 05-09-1915
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Steven B. Rogers is an independent historian and research consultant based in Washington, DC having retired from the US Department of Justice in early 2010 after 32 years of service investigating war crimes and human rights violations.
 Steve is originally from Chicago and holds a foreign diploma from the Pädagogische Hochschule-Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; a BA in German and English from Florida Southern College; a MA in German Literature from the University of Arizona in Tucson; and a PhD in Germanic Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park.
His essays, articles, poems, reviews and translations have appeared in several books, journals, magazines, encyclopedias, and anthologies. He is currently working on a novel set in Halifax, Nova Scotia during World War I, and several pieces of shorter fiction taking place in Maine.
Steve and his wife SallyAnn, a watercolorist and jeweler, now travel extensively and divide their home time between historic Mount Rainier, Maryland, on the edge of Washington, DC, and a lakeside cottage in New Gloucester, Maine.
Senior College, now in its 19th year, presents the monthly 11:30 luncheon program in Function Room 170 at USM LAC. The cost, which includes lunch, is $7 with advance reservation or $8 at the door. To make your advance reservation, call Senior College at 753-6510 by noon on Wednesday, September 7. Reservation calls received after this date/time will be considered "at the door".
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UMA Senior College Present "Forum on the Future"
Elections 2016 - Significance for Maine's People
2 pm Sun., Sept. 18 Jewett Hall, Augusta
We think lots of folks are as confused and troubled about the upcoming elections as we are. We asked ourselves, "Where can we find unbiased, objective, well-informed help?" Answer: The Political Science Departments of Maine's colleges. UMO Prof. Mark Brewer and Colby Prof. Sandy Maisel accepted our invitations. We asked them to address the respective party platforms, how important these will be and to what extent candidates (and the Congress) are likely to act on them; their positions on health care and Social Security, college loans, terrorism, gun control, and climate change.  Mark Brewer is Professor and Interim Dept. Chair of Political Science at the University of Maine. His research interests focus generally on political behavior, with specific research areas including partisanship and electoral behavior at the mass and elite levels, the linkages between public opinion and public policy, and the interactions that exist between religion and politics in the United States.
 Sandy Maisel is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Government, chair of the Department of Government, and founding director of the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement at Colby College, where he has taught since 1971. He is the author or editor of more than twenty books.
Panel Moderator: Marilyn Canavan, a former State Representative.
Forum on the Future is free! Next Forum: 2 pm Sun. Oct. 30, Climate Change - How Maine Will Cope
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UMA Senior College Present "Concerts at Jewett"
Fiddle-icious
2 pm Sunday, October 16, 2016
Cony High School: 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta, ME
We delight in hosting Fiddle-icious at Cony H.S. a second year and anticipate another near-capacity audience. This is the thirteenth year they will entertain audiences with traditional music, creating an atmosphere of infectious energy and joy! Fiddle-icious is a non-profit, all volunteer community organization with members from Kittery to Augusta. This large and vibrant group of Maine musicians plays fiddle, piano, harp, guitar, banjo, accordion, cello, tin whistle, concertina and upright bass. Their tunes are passed on from the Irish, Scottish, Quebecois and Acadian traditions and include reels, jigs, marches, hornpipes, waltzes, step-dancing and singing. Fiddle-icious is directed by Don Roy, a designated Master Fiddler from Gorham who is hailed as a "living cultural treasure" here in Maine. Don and his wife, Cindy, who provides piano accompaniment, grew up in French-Canadian families where music was an integral part of their lives. Don and Cindy's desire to share their heritage with others and foster community through music is a testimony to their commitment to keep the cultural music of Maine and eastern Canada alive.
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: 621-3551, the websites at UMA Senior College and Concerts at Jewett.
See Announcing the 14th Season of "Concerts at Jewett" for a list of all concerts.
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The GUYS of Gold LEAF
This summer term has brought out the absolute best of the Gold LEAF members of the male persuasion. Without belaboring this point too much, let me give a few examples, and please believe there are many more.
Special Kudos first of all to the inspiration for this article: three fellows who at the end of a paddle trip on Egypt Pond stayed uncomplainingly to do a truly remarkable job of mounting and strapping down a kayak for one of the women. By itself this would not merit praise, but let me explain: Wayne, Joe and Ray not only accomplished the proper procedures; rather, more to the point, they taught the steps in precise detail (better than the LLBean staff, I'm told), and then had the woman take it all apart several times to do it herself, step by step, until she fully understood how to do it. Now she is all set for safe transporting to the next paddle location.
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| | La Boheme - Pavarotti- "Che gelida manina" Fiamma Izzo d' Amico "Si, mi chiamano Mimi" |
Then there are specific classes being led/taught by some other "guys" this summer. It started off with the moving experience of learning about the opera LaBoheme, listening and studying the music, the plot development, the poetry of the words. And who better to communicate all of this, not without a few tears here and there, than Andy, our outgoing president's spouse, who told us repeatedly how this and that scene made him think of his wife. Touching indeed, and to the depletion of every Kleenex box in sight.
Only slightly less dramatic are the "Platforms and Promises" current events discussions so ably chaired by our Incoming Board President. Paul guides us unflapplingly through the list of topics, and with good humor, pulls us back somewhere in range of what we started out discussing in the first place. If you think any of this easy in these times, come give it a try.
 
My last kudos is to Frank, who has been faithfully submitting photos of many of our events, including our recent trip down Belgrade Stream. I had the good fortune to be paddling along with him when we sighted, at the far end of a nearby cove, not one but four, count them, FOUR herons doing some of the most amazing choreography I've ever seen. Probably keeping an eye out for frogs, they marched (evenly spaced, no less) back and forth along the rear edge of that cove, leaving Frank and myself spellbound and silent. What a gift it is to find like souls who need not do everything with words, but rather, take in an awesome sight in breathless silence!
Speaking of silence, time to end this verbose missive, and simply say Cheers to the "guys of Gold LEAF", including the ones not mentioned herein. Thanks to all of you for your carpool driving, you teaching, your helpfulness. We couldn't do it without you.
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Megan Antonucci - Poetry
UMA Senior College
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The Plains of Heaven by John Martin
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Hard Telling, Not Knowing
Hard telling, when someone asks what heaven is like.
Not knowing makes it a place of wonder . . .wonder what it's like?
Hard telling when she asks, "Will we always be this happy?"
Not knowing makes us anticipate the next day.
Hard telling how the stew will turn out,
Not knowing his mother's recipe
Hard telling if the next illness will suck our bank account dry.
Not knowing if we will continue to be a family.
Hard telling.
Not knowing.
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| | An Inspiring Italian Portable Toilet! |
Ode to a Portable Toilet
Gray, squat, ever vigilant,
Wearing a white top,
The door beckons to one and all.
(Just one at a time, please!)
It eases panic.
It becomes a retreat.
(Maybe not a treat!)
Regal Structure
She stands alone with stately grace.
The lady needs repair.
She stands all dressed in a white sheath gown.
All around her people scurry to wherever they must be.
But the lovely lady in white stands still, waiting patiently.
People stare as they go by.
They've not seen something like this before.
The wind ruffles the layers of plastic sheeting. Perhaps she waits patiently for the man who named her,
Edmund S. Muskie
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Maine Senior College Network
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Announcing the 14th Season of "Concerts at Jewett"
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Waiting for the Concert by Jerome Myers
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The University of Maine at Augusta College of Arts and Sciences and UMA Senior College announce the 2016-2017 concert schedule for the 14th season of "Concerts at Jewett" held at Jewett Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $10, students and ages 13-18, $5, and children 12 and under free. Tickets are available at Pat's Pizza of Augusta, Dave's Appliance in Winthrop and at the door.
Subscriptions (7 or more concerts) at reduced rates are available by mail. Be a PATRON - contribute $100 or more to the Community Presentations Fund and attend all concerts free. For further information call 621-3551, email umasc@maine.edu, or visit concertsatjewett.com.
The series, sponsored by local businesses and private contributions, features talented Maine performers representing a variety of musical forms. Profits will be used to subsidize present and future lectures and concerts to benefit the community.
The following artists will perform: Sunday, October 16, 2016, 2PM - Fiddle-icious. A multi-generational orchestra from across Maine, preserving the cultural heritage of Maine, French and Canadian fiddle music and step-dancing; directed by legendary Don Roy. At Cony High School, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta.
Sunday, November 6, 2016, 2PM - (snow date Nov.20) - Don Campbell Honors American Veterans. Don and his band join UMA/UMASC in honoring Veterans of all ages and branches of the military. Vets admitted free. Invite an American hero to join you for this very special concert.
Sunday, December 18, 2016, 2PM - A Christmas Concert with Downeast Brass and Jay Zoller, organist.This annual concert features a stellar brass quintet, an outstanding organist and a restored 1866 E.&G.G. Hook organ. At South Parish Congregational Church, 9 Church St., Augusta.
Sunday, January 8, 2017, 2PM - (snow date Jan.15) - Dave Rowe and The Squid Jiggers return to Jewett at our audience's request. Dave presents his reflective originals and, when paired with Troy Bennett, great vocal and instrumental harmonies on robust Maine and Maritime songs.
Sunday, February 12, 2017, 2PM - (snow date Feb. 19) - The Plaid Dragonflies. Enthusiastically recommended by Senior College students, Tess Zardus and Val Bennett will present a medley of popular songs from the 40's through today.
Sunday, March 5, 2017, 2PM - ( no snow date) - Choro Louco, a Brazilian Choro band from Portland will present the unique rhythms and intricate harmonies of Brazil's Choro music.
Sunday, April 9, 2017, 2PM - Sarah Geller, a young Farmington native who performs in NYC, will share her outstanding violin skills. "Ms. Geller's talents shine through to audiences who thrill at her abundant musicality and probing interpretations." Michael Shapiro, Music Dir. and Conductor, The Chappaqua Orchestra (NY).
Sunday, May 7, 2017, 2PM - Masanobu Ikemiya, a highly acclaimed concert pianist, peace activist and environmental steward. He is also a Concerts @ Jewett favorite, featuring intricate pieces by master composers, light-hearted ragtime rhythms and videos of places and projects that inspire him.
All concerts, except for Oct. 16th and Dec. 18th are at UMA Jewett Auditorium. Call 207-621-3551 for information and/or tickets visit Concerts at Jewett website.
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The Maine Muster Of Storytellers "Heirloom Stories: Passing Stories Through Generations"
Saturday, September 17, 2016. 10:00 - 3:00
Registration: $20.00
Location: Pleasant St. Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St. Waterville, ME
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| | The Two Sisters by Pierre-Auguste Renoir |
An opportunity to learn ways to develop and share family and community stories. Morning workshops on research, organizing the story, creating characters for first person narratives, oral histories and interviewing. Lunch included. Afternoon story swap.
Opening Session
Workshop Sessions
Debb Freedman: The Languages Of Legacy: How Creating Fairy Tale is Like a Quilt
History In My Own Words
History is the story of people - it should not be boring!
The Art of Interviewing for Stories That Matter
Phone: 207-860-6622 (leave a message)
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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!
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Newsletter Submissions Deadline Date:
The 26th of each month!
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Like MSCN on Facebook
 Now you can "like" Maine Senior College Network on Facebook. We've created an MSCN page on Facebook, so please visit it to share experiences, ideas, photos, and information about upcoming Maine Senior College happenings. We'll also post links to articles about lifelong learning and other topics relevant to senior college members. |
Images Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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The Maine Senior College Network is a program of the
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Don't forget to go to the Maine Senior College Network website to find out what is happening around the state!
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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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