What's next?

We've had our annual luncheon and fall courses are starting to wind down already. Six weeks seems really short when you're having fun! Already the Curriculum Committee is planning spring courses. The rest of us may be wondering what we'll do with ourselves when we have to say goodbye to our weekly learning-and-socializing.

Well, of course we can follow up on whatever line of thought/learning/reading we were pursuing in class. We can embrace fall, with its leaves and pumpkins and Thanksgiving dinner. And find ways to enjoy the cold and dark that follow.

Even better, we can find new learning opportunities in the area. Don't forget that, come January, seniors can take UMaine System courses tuition-free and can audit, so there's no cause to worry about grades. https://umaine.edu/dlladvising/senior-citizen-tuition-waiver/

If you're a member, you have free membership at nearby Senior Colleges; some have winter events and courses.
https://www.acadiaseniorcollege.org/
https://www.umasc.org/
https://hutchinsoncenter.umaine.edu/community-outreach/senior-college/

Local libraries, EAAA, and Gateway Seniors have all kinds of activities. AARP has frequent informative meetings.
https://www.eaaa.org/
https://www.bangorpubliclibrary.org/adult-programs
https://www.orono.org/504/For-Adults
https://gatewayseniorswithoutwalls.org/

Fall classes

We've been so busy with the last-minute summer jaunts and the start of fall classes that this blog has gone without posts for a while now. The good news: fall courses are off and running, and feedback says this is likely to be an excellent semester.

The variety is large. One class is enjoying a crash course in the highlights of Western music (as in European-American, not country-and-western), taught by retired UM professor of music Dennis Cox. Another group has just organized its road trip to Calas and the St. Croix historic site, the conclusion of Ray Pelletier's short course on that first European settlement in North America.

Other students are waxing creative as they learn watercolor techniques, or exploring the world of science fiction, or learning about DNA. And more. There's always something to learn with no pressure--just for fun and stimulation.

And there's a bonus: you can meet new people while you're investigating new ideas.

If you're not already a member, come on down! Join up and be ready for spring courses!

The A-word

Autumn. It's the word a lot of us in Maine don't want to hear. Yet for many, September is our favorite time: the tourists are gone, the (grand)kids are in school, and the weather is great.

So how do you spend your September? Taking a woodsy hike? Getting in a supply of wood and pumpkins? Stocking the freezer for winter while the farmer's markets are still going strong? Sitting in the sun with a good book? Hitting the coast while it's not so crowded?

However you enjoy your free time in September, don't forget the treats: the good times and food to be had at our members-only luncheon on September 18 (Black Bear Inn in Orono, 11:30. Be sure you've signed up); and, of course, the start of courses the week of the 23rd.

So maybe the A-word is OK. Good things come in autumn.

All the details

Now is a great time to sign up for the courses that begin the week of September 23.

Everything you need to know is in our catalog. It's available online at https://www.eaaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-Fall-Calalog-Non-Member.pdf

Dates to mark

Lots of things coming up in September:

Wednesday, September 4: presentation on Frances Perkins, "the woman behind the New Deal." 10:00-12:00 AM in Room 124, Eastport Hall, UMA-Bangor. Please register by calling 992-0118 and leaving your name, phone number, and email address.

Wednesday, September 18: members only: annual luncheon and short business meeting. Guest speakers: Bob and Sandy Duchesne, birders extraordinaire.

Monday, September 23: Fall classes begin!! If you are a member and didn't get your catalog, call 992-0118. If you aren't a member, this is a great time to join up! Call that same number and leave your contact info.

Learning computers

Whether you want to learn computer basics or expand your existing skills, there are FREE classes in our area!

Check them out at http://digitalequitycenter.org/events-classes/

Fall classes

They're so intriguing that we're repeating the list of fall classes. As soon as we have days, times, and locations, we'll post them. So many choices! Here they are, in no particular order:

Buddhism and Mindfulness

Steve McKay, psychologist (not the weatherman/minister)

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, Mastermariner

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