Wednesday, July 31, 2019

While you're thinking longingly . . .

. . . about our fall classes (scroll down for the list), don't forget our One-Day Event on September 4. Summer visitors will have come and gone, Labor Day festivities will be over, and you'll definitely need something to get those brain cells going!



Highlights of the Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins:  The Woman Behind the New Deal

Presenter:  Michael Chaney

September 4, 2019

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Room 124 Eastport Hall
U Maine Augusta—Bangor

"Highlights of the Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins" is a 30-minute documentary presenting her Maine roots and early career, her contributions enacting the New Deal, her life through the letters of her solicitor general, Charles E. Wyzanski, Jr. and her programs for jobs, infrastructure and art in the New Deal.  Audience discussion will follow the documentary, which is accompanied by a six-panel traveling exhibition on Frances Perkins.

Michael Chaney is the Executive Director of the Frances Perkins Center, based in Newcastle with administrative offices and a public exhibit on Main Street in Damariscotta.  Chaney, a native of Alna, holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine-Orono and a Master’s in history from the University of Connecticut.  Before returning to Maine in 2010, Chaney’s career was in non-profit management and public history in Vermont and New Hampshire, including serving as President (2001-2009) and CEO of the New Hampshire Political Library, a non-profit educational organization founded to preserve New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary.  From 2010 until earlier this year, Chaney was the Executive Director of the Yarmouth Historical Society.

To Register: PVSC members please call 992-0118 and leave your name, phone number, and email address. If you’d like to bring a guest, please register their information as well. Confirmations will be emailed approximately one week prior to the event.



Friday, July 19, 2019

Courses for fall: update

Our catalog is going to press soon, and we have the final course line-up for fall! Classes begin the week of September 23. 

Members can look for their catalogs in mid-August. Non-members can call 992-0118 to join up!

Buddhism and Mindfulness
Steve McKay, psychologist

Readers Theatre
Mark Bilyk and Tellis Coolong. co-founders of True North Theater in Orono

The Merchant Marine Now and in the Future
Larry Wade, Master mariner

Music of the Western World: A Survey
Dennis Cox, retired professor of music

Science Fiction for Grownups
Ruth Nadelhaft, retired professor of English

Bridge for Beginners
Lorraine Taylor, long-time player

The First European Settlement on St. Croix Island
Raymond Pelletier, retired French instructor

DNA for Beginners
Dee Virtue, retired biology teacher

Learning MORE about your IPhone/IPad (Advanced)
Ed Brazee, retired professor of education

Learn to Paint with Water Colors
David Whalen, art instructor

Respecting the Elders: Traditional Teachings Through Wabanaki Stories
John Bear Mitchell, lecturer in Wabanaki Studies

The Aging Brain Owner’s Manual
Dr. Cliff Singer, Chief of Geriatric Mental Health, EMMC, and Josh Bridges, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Supreme Court follow-up

A couple of weeks ago, Sol Goldman, popular explainer of the Supreme Court's current cases, held a special mini-class to recap the Spring 2019 Court session. Seniors got caught up on some landmark decisions, and shared insights with one another at the break.






Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Maine's Bicentennial


Our birthday is coming up! In 2020, it will be 200 years since Maine became a state.1820 was particularly important, because Maine came into the Union as part of the Missouri Compromise, an event that forever changed how the nation developed.

So two of our PVSC classes for fall will have a Maine connection: Native Elders and Their Stories, and First French Settlements in Maine (St. Croix Island). There will be more Maine topics in the spring.

And don't forget that there are a dozen other fascinating topics on deck for fall, from watercolor painting to bridge to DNA to Buddhism. Be sure you're a member so you get first dibs!