Popular Senior College courses scheduled for March

Have you ever peered at the night sky and wondered what was really going on up there? Does all the technology of today leave you feeling a little lost? Do you want to know more about home efficiency and options?

These are just a few of the topics that will be covered by the Penobscot Valley Senior College’s spring semester, March 7 to April 11 at the University of Maine. Classes are offered between 10 a.m. and noon, or between 1 and 3 p.m. Fridays.

The Orono campus may seem large and difficult to navigate, but don’t be deterred. All classes are in buildings near the Maine Center for the Arts.

“Senior College is for anyone 50 or older who is interested in learning for enjoyment in a comfortable and nonintimidating setting,” said Madeleine Freeman, chairman of the curriculum committee at Senior College. “It’s a chance to interact with people who share similar life experiences and who have lived in the same time frame, all while learning something new.”

Freeman acknowledges that while she is not a great photographer, taking a course on the history of American photography was a very good experience.

“I learned a lot about photography. I don’t look at photos the same way,” she said. “I still can’t take pictures, but I appreciate the pictures more now. And my husband [Stan, coordinator of the spring course Health Care Then and Now] took it with me, so it was something we could share.”

No previous college experience is required.

“Just come and join the conversation and listen to what other people have to say,” Freeman said. “It’s very give-and-take, and there is no pressure because there are no tests.”

The Senior College membership fee is $25 a year. The tuition for each course, which includes all materials, also is $25. Occasional one-day programs are free to members. Courses are offered by request of members, and according to availability of faculty.

“We have asked people what they’d like for courses and the list is that long,” Freeman said, spreading her hands about the width of two imaginary pages. “It included everything from spirituality to ethnic foods to opera. And we did a survey at the end of the fall semester, and 95 percent of the responses said that the college was excellent.”

Maine has some 15 senior colleges, all run by volunteers.

“And more volunteers are always needed,” Freeman added. “Someone can volunteer as much or as little as desired. It is a good opportunity for people to use a lifelong skill, such as administration or teaching, and to keep their hand in without the pressure.” Even the professors donate their time to teach the courses, she said.

There seems to be something for everyone during the spring semester. In addition to astronomy, energy or technology for the non-techie, you could learn about wildlife, or read plays featuring older characters.

If documenting your family’s history interests you, check out “Write Now” with Barbara Wicks. The workshop will help you “share memories and celebrate significant events in writing for and about family and friends,” according to the brochure. Or maybe you’d like to explore cultural diversity, including Native American exhibits, through the Hudson Museum.

The college will hold an open house 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Jenness Hall on campus.

“This will give interested parties the opportunity to register, have questions answered, receive an orientation or maybe meet the instructors and get a feel for the class,” said Freeman. “The wonderful responses we’ve had prove that older people continue to learn, and want to learn. Everyone seems to have a very good time.”

For information on Senior College, call 581-1947 and leave your name and phone number. Someone will return your call promptly. Senior College brochures are also available at Eastern Agency on Aging.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA services and programs, call the resource and referral department at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.