Classes have begun!

Spring classes have started, and what a rich variety! We have everything from Bangor history and Maine literature to iPhone/iPad instruction to the nature of reality, and everything in between. Something for everyone!

And if you look closely at the course list, a theme emerges. Bangor history. Maine in the Civil War. Maine literature. Maine geology.

Why? Because we're beginning a walk toward 2020, when Maine will celebrate its bicentennial: 200 years since we became a state. Of course, plenty of folks were living here already in 1820, but they were citizens of Massachusetts. In 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise, Maine was created as a separate, non-slavery state, to balance the admission of Missouri as a slave state.

So stick around! Lots of interesting bicentennial events and information will be coming our way!

A life of service

From time to time, we profile a member. Our folks have led interesting lives! Check the "Notes" section on our Facebook page for earlier posts featuring some of our people. Meanwhile, enjoy Lin Lufkin's story:

Lin Lufkin, Vice President of Penobscot Valley Senior College, has led a life of service. Born in Levant, Maine, Lin and his lovely wife, Mabel, have raised 4 children and have been blessed with 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Lin is very involved in his church, the North Brewer/Eddington Methodist Church as well as being an active participant in the Bangor Rotary Club, the Habitat for Humanity, and our very own PVSC. In addition, Lin was an active duty member of the Army Corps of Engineers for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Along the way, Lin graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, later gaining a Master’s degree from Texas A&M in Civil Engineering and studying International Relations at the Army’s War College in Carlisle, PA. During his time with the Corps of Engineers, Lin participated in the dewatering of the Eisenhower Lock on the St. Lawrence Seaway, studying the structural integrity of its walls. He was part of a team, in 1969 that diverted the water from the American Falls at Niagara to the Horseshoe Falls, so that the Corps of Engineers could study the riverbed and the faults, and stabilize points being affected by hydraulic pressure.

During his military career, Lin was stationed for a time in Germany, was part of the First Calvary Division in Vietnam, and also was stationed at the Pentagon.  Following Lin’s retirement from the Army, he went to work for the Cianbro Corp in Pittsfield, Me., building bridges. He later joined Nickerson & O’Day of Brewer. With them he participated in some of the memorable projects in our area, including the expansion of the Bangor Public Library, the Buchanan Alumni House in Orono, and the innovative Camden Library addition, constructed completely underground.

Now retired, Lin volunteers many hours per week with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that has built over 20 houses in our area, Lin Lufkin is indeed a man of service! We are so fortunate to have him serve as our Vice President of Penobscot Valley Senior College.

Help wanted!

Two wild and crazy requests:

Can anyone volunteer to teach ukelele?

Can anyone volunteer experienced grant-writing skills?

If either of these appeal to you, please fill out the "Email Us" form on the right and give us your contact info. We have a project in mind that might be great fun!

Meanwhile, don't forget to get on board the wonderful spring course selection. The catalog is at  https://www.eaaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-Spring-Calalog.pdf

Spring course catalog!

An exciting array of courses is on offer for spring. Classes begin the week of March 25, so if you're not a member, now's the time to get involved! Remember: no requirements, no tests, no homework (well, maybe a little reading in literature classes). Nothing but learning for fun and stimulation.

So come on along! The catalog is online at https://www.eaaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-Spring-Calalog.pdf

If you're not a member, the application form is at https://www.eaaa.org/wp-content/uploads/Membership-application-revision-10-18.pdf.

Unfortunately, we can't yet take online applications or registrations, but you can print the forms out or call 992-0118 and leave a message. The friendly folks at Eastern Area Agency on Aging, who handle our registrations, will get back to you promptly.

Y'all come!

All about Islam

Could there be a more timely topic? Here's a chance to learn about Islam right here at home, from the wonderful folks at the Islamic Center in Orono. It's open to all and free.

Click the image for a larger view.

Learn about UTC!

There's a fascinating school right here in Bangor. Now's your chance to learn more about this wonderful place and see some technology and courses we'll bet you didn't know existed. SIGN UP NOW to be sure there's a place for you! (Click on it to enlarge the poster.)

Spring classes!

Enough teasing! We've given hints about spring classes, which begin the week of March 25. Here's a full list of great course titles. The compete catalog, with times and locations, will be in the mail soon to members.

If you're not a member, this is a great time to join, but you can also get a catalog if you're on our mailing list. Just call 992-0118 to be sure you get a catalog.

Sol Goldman: The Current Supreme Court Term

Bob Tredwell: The Nature of Reality and Other Matters

Capt. Charles Weeks: The Business of Shipping

Judy Hakola: Maine Behind the Postcards: Maine Writers Offer Another View

Steve Norton: Maine’s Geology 

Ned and Diane Smith: Maine in the Civil War

Kal Elmore: Sketchbook/Journaling : Fun and Easy

Judy Tredwell: Not If, But When….

Ed Brazee: Getting the Most out of Your IPhone/IPad: beginner and advanced classes

Lisa Feldman: Thistle, Shamrock and Rose: Folk Music of England, Scotland and Ireland

Tom McCord: The Republic of Bangor: Six New Views of a Small City’s History

Michael Grillo: Documentary Film

Hal Borns: Global Warming: Causes and Effects