Senior College combines fun with learning

Teaching may be its own reward, but sometimes there are special perks when teaching a classroom full of seniors.

“I am looking forward to saying, ‘When Rehnquist was appointed, and you all remember that,'” said Sol Goldman, 55, an attorney who is teaching “Constitutional Law: The Current Supreme Court Term” for the Penobscot Valley Senior College at the University of Maine, Orono, in the fall. Goldman, also an instructor at Husson College, generally has students from a much younger generation.

More than a Senior College instructor, Goldman also has been a student.

“I took a couple of courses and had a great time,” he said. “I was actually the baby of the class. The classes are very relaxed, there are no tests, and there is never a feeling that people are watching you. People participate a lot and everyone enjoys themselves.”

And that’s the goal of Senior College – to have fun while learning.

Open to anyone age 50 and older, the Senior College annual membership fee is $30. The tuition fee for each course, which includes all materials, is $25. There are occasional one-day programs that are free to members.

As usual, Senior College has something for everyone.

Like mysteries? Maybe “Scenes of the Crimes” is a class for you. Instructors Mary Lou Colbath and Sharon Jackiw ponder the allure of mystery novels and discuss just what keeps readers turning the pages in search of the villain.

Often, convicting a criminal can depend on DNA evidence. Ever wonder how that works? Signing up for “DNA For Beginners … And the Curious” with Dee Virtue will take you through the early history of DNA, its chemical structure and behavior.

Do you like getting your hands dirty? Then consider taking “Glorious Gardens” with Natalie Gregory. Her hands-on approach to teaching will have you learning about soil composition and improvement, composting, plant division, pruning, flower-bed design, and critter protection.

If toe-tapping is your thing, “Popular Music” with David Klocko fits the bill. Styles of music through the last 100 years will be featured, including Tin Pan Alley songs and singers, blues, gospel, ragtime and boogie-woogie, jazz, country, rock and roll, among others. Recordings and videos will be played during class. “Popular Music” will be offered at University College in Bangor.

This is but a sampling of the classes offered by Senior College. While each class is distinctly unique, every one promises to be filled with lots of fun and good information. These courses are also a great way to meet people who have similar interests. And tales of lasting friendships, formed during classes, are not in short supply.

Learning has never been so much fun and taken so little time.

The classes are held Fridays, Oct. 1, through Nov. 5, between 10 a.m. and noon. Afternoon sessions are between 1:10 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. While the Orono campus may seem large and difficult to navigate, don’t be deterred. All classes are in buildings near the Maine Center for the Arts. Walking from the parking lot to class could be considered a little physical fitness bonus. It could be said that Senior College improves mind and body.

“Senior College gives you a sense of how learning is a lifelong experience, and I like to share that view,” said Goldman on why he loves teaching. “It’s fun getting people excited about things. There really is no end to learning.”

For more information on Senior College courses and parking, call 581-1947. Remember, this is a message phone only and staffed solely by volunteers, so leave your name and phone number and be patient. Someone will return your call soon.

Senior College brochures are also available through Eastern Agency on Aging.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org, or email info@eaaa.org.