Catalog of Courses SENIOR COLLEGE - Spring 2020 - and counting - University of Southern Maine

Spring 2020
 USM’s Lewiston-Auburn
 SENIOR COLLEGE
 Catalog of Courses

C E L E B R A T I N G

 and counting

 51 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
 usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege

Courses at a Glance
MONDAY and TUESDAY, Mar. 16 and 17
9:30-11:30 (2 days) ZOOM Bootcamp FREE!

MONDAYS
9:30-11:30 (8wks) Mark Twain: Non-Fiction Works 1852-1890
9:30-11:30 (6wks) Fantastic Literature: Discovering the Worth of
 Fantasy Texts
1:00-3:00 (8wks) Art: Ever Present, Everlasting
1:00-3:00 (6wks) Phun with Physics 101

TUESDAYS
9:30-11:30 (6wks) French Canadian Immigration, Discrimination
 & Impact
9:30-11:30 (8wks) Baseball and the Pursuit of Happiness
Noon-2:00( 6wks) Beginning Conversational French
1:00-3:00 (4wks) Traveling in Europe and Asia
1:00-3:00 (6wks) Perennial Gardening (ZOOM in the Classroom)
3:00-5:00 (6wks) No Meat? So What? (St. Mary’s Nutritional Center)

WEDNESDAYS
9:30-11:30 (8wks) Happiness, Humor and Health
12:30-3:30 (5wks) The Sound of Silence
1:00-3:00 (6wks) Ayn Rand and the World She Made
1:00-3:00 (8wks) Cannabis Culture, Wellness and Holistic Healing

THURSDAYS
9:30-11:30 (5wks) I Write, Therefore I Am
9:30-11:30 (8wks) The Nature of Consciousness, Its Provenance, and
 Its Function (Schooner)
9:30-11:30 (6wks) The State of the American Economy 2020
1:00-3:00 (6wks) Darwin, Natural Selection, and Evolution
1:00-3:00 (8wks) A Republic, If You Can Keep It
 (ZOOM in the Classroom)

FRIDAYS
9:30-11:30 (6wks) Maine Trees, Top to Bottom
9:30-11:30 (8wks) That’s so Orwellian!
9:30-11:30 (6wks) Genealogy First Steps (ZOOM)
1:00-3:00 (6wks) About Face 
1:00-3:00 (8wks) Genealogy Lab

USM-LAC Senior College

Catalog of Courses
Our Mission:

 To provide a curriculum of intellectually stimulating
 learning opportunities and special events for persons
 50 years of age or older.

Table of Contents
Courses at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover
Our Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Greetings from Lucy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Membership Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Textbook Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Online options with ZOOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
 Information
 Online directions
 Mail-in directions
 Scholarships and Waivers
Mail-in form (volunteer checklist attached) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
FAQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
 Locations, Parking, Weather Cancellation Policy,
 Lost and Found, Senior College Policies, Café LA
Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Food for Thought. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Collaborations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Franco-American Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
A Note of Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 1

Greetings from Lucy...
Come join me as we continue our 21st year of Senior Lifelong Learning.
Looks like this spring will bring quite a variety of excellent courses. I
encourage you to participate in several courses and if you have mobil-
ity issues, consider one of our ZOOM courses which you can take from
home. I look forward to seeing you in person or via ZOOM this spring.
 Lucy
Our Board of Directors

Lucy Bisson, Chair
Mary Jane Beardsley
Claire Bilodeau
Robert Boilard
Cynthia Boyd
Susan Brown
Diane Clay
Richard Duplisea
Judy Hierstein
Sharon McGilvery
Reine Mynahan
Kevin Regan
George Soutiere
Janet Stenberg
Pat Vampatella

Page 2 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

Membership Benefits

Senior College is self-sustaining, administered by its own Board
of Directors, and supported through an annual non-refundable
membership fee of $25. This fee covers the academic year (Sep-
tember 1 through August 31). Your annual membership allows you
to receive mailings and notification emails and use the campus
Information Commons (Library). Senior College at USM LAC of-
fers 4, 6 or 8-week courses in the spring and fall, and free one-day
winter classes. Members may participate in classes and also join a
variety of activities beyond the classroom such as Special Interest
Clubs. Members may also take advantage of the offerings of other
Senior Colleges throughout the state

Textbook Policy

Members must acquire their own course books. Ordering sources
include local libraries, online vendors such as Amazon or Barnes &
Noble and the USM bookstore (207.780.4070).

New members are always welcome.
 Instructor Mark Silber shares a story.

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 3

Online options with ZOOM
We continue to explore online possibilities for our members. This semes-
ter we are offering two ZOOM in the Classroom courses and a ZOOM
from Home course, all delivered via ZOOM, a free program like Skype.
You can log on from home with ZOOM and take a virtual seat in the front
row! The instructor will also see and hear you on the computer monitor.
Once you sign up, before each class, you are sent an email with a link to
join the class. Simply click on the link and you are in! Your computer must
have a camera (built in or attached). Operating systems: Windows 7 or
newer, Mac OS 7.7 or newer, iPhone 4 or newer, Android 4.0 or newer,
or Kindle Fire HD. If you can enjoy YouTube videos on your computer or
preferred device, then you will enjoy using ZOOM! We are excited to ex-
plore all the possibilities this new online learning offers. Whether you are
in Auburn or Arizona or Australia, you can join us on this new adventure.

Pre-Semester Course
ZOOM Bootcamp
In this FREE course, we will ZOOM in on the basics, then explore some
of the possibilities this new course delivery system offers. You will learn
how to log on, join a meeting, and interact with other ZOOMers. With
these skills, you will even be able to ZOOM with friends and family near
and far.
Instructor: Mary Jane Beardsley
Mary Jane is an avid ZOOMer. She sees ZOOM as an opportunity to
extend the learning experience.
2 Sessions: Mon. Mar. 16, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at USM-LAC and
 Tues. Mar. 17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. from your home computer.
Courses
Mark Twain: Non-Fiction Works 1852-1890
This is a continuation of the Mark Twain class of last spring. Twain wrote
a prodigious amount of non-fiction stories and material.
Instructor: Alan Elze
Alan has taught many courses over the past 15 years.
8 Mondays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 23, 2020
Course Limit: 30

Page 4 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

Fantastic Literature: Discovering the Worth of Fantasy Texts
Commonly taught fiction texts will be paired with fantasy or science fic-
tion texts. We will compare the text pairs to discover their shared formal
literary elements.
Instructor: Danielle Letourneau
Danielle has a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the Univer-
sity of Southern Maine, focusing on Popular Fiction. Her favorite genre to
read, study, and teach is fantasy.
6 Mondays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 23, 2020
Course Limit: 20

Art: Ever Present, Everlasting
Each week a different presenter will explore a period or genre of art,
ranging from Prehistoric Art, Byzantine, Renaissance, 17th Century
Painters, Impressionism, Modern Sculpture, Abstract Painting, Outsider
and Mural art.
Facilitator: Judy Hierstein
Judy has been an art teacher, illustrator, and graphic artist.
8 Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 23, 2020
Course Limit: 30

Phun with Physics 101
This course will concentrate on basic concepts in physics that usually are
misunderstood. Demonstrations that are fun and interesting will make up
most of the class. There are six classes, and the topics for the last three
will be determined by class members.
 Outsiders Club

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 5

Instructor: Hugh Keene
Hugh received a BA from the University of Maine at Farmington, an MA
from the University of Maine at Orono, and an advanced degree in phys-
ics from Wesleyan University. He chaired the science department at Ed-
ward Little High School for 28 years.
6 Mondays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar.23, 2020
Course Limit: 30

French Canadian Immigration, Discrimination & Impact
History of French-Canadian immigration, study the discrimination era
many had to live through and view oral history taken of Little Canada ten-
ants. Class will help research the discrimination era by inviting commu-
nity to come tell their experience and the effect it had on them. Review
their cultural and economic impact in and on the community. Look at the
future of the language and new possibilities of revival.
Instructor: Rachel Desgrosseilliers and Camden Martin
Rachel is Founding Executive Director of Museum L-A, the Great Falls
Balloon Festival. She has received the Ray Geiger Award for leadership,
Auburn Citizen of the Year, Business Woman of the Year and was induct-
ed in the State of Maine Franco Hall of Fame. In 2004, joining Museum
L-A, she developed an oral history project of local workers which became
the basis of exhibits, education, experiences and community engage-
ment. Camden Martin, of French-Canadian descent works at Museum
L-A, has dedicated a large portion of his life to learn and excel in the
French language as a way to better connect with his heritage. He has
studied a great deal of information about the Franco-American history of
Lewiston-Auburn.
6 Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 24, 2020
Course Limit: 18

Baseball and the Pursuit of Happiness
The course will explore the unique hold which baseball has on the
American psyche, tracing the evolution of the sport from an 18th century
English bat and ball game, through its initial development in the U.S. as
an amateur sport for the professional and artisan classes, to today’s pro-
fessional game, featuring unprecedented popularity and commercial suc-
cess. The evolution of the professional game will include an analysis of
the role of baseball in racial integration, labor/management issues, and
the economic disparities which beset the game today. The course will
focus upon the interplay between baseball and American values of hard
work, deferred gratification, equal opportunity for all, and the evolving
promise of the sport and conclude with an assessment of the intergener-
ational hold which baseball has upon us.

Page 6 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

Recommended book: Strike Four: The Evolution of Baseball, Roman &
Littlefield (2019).Suggested books: Our Game: An American Baseball
History, by Charles C. Alexander and Baseball: A History of America’s
Favorite Game by George Vecsey.
Instructor: Paul Gauvreau
Paul Gauvreau served as an Assistant and Deputy Attorney General for
the State of Maine for 22 years. Previously he practiced law in Lewiston
and served for 10 years in the Maine Legislature. He holds a B.A. degree
in Political Science from the University of Maine in Orono and is a grad-
uate of the University of Maine School of Law. He is married to Evelyn
Greenlaw, former librarian at L-A College, and has two daughters. He
serves on several nonprofit agency boards. A lifelong baseball fan, he
has a keen interest in baseball history and its impact upon American so-
ciety.
8 Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 24, 2020
Course Limit: 18

Beginning Conversational French
Emmanuel will teach basic phrases necessary for conversing in French.
Instructor: Emmanuel K. Kayembe
Emmanuel K. Kayembe received his Ph.D. in French Language and
Literature from the University of Cape Town. He has served as a Se-
nior Lecturer and a Teaching Assistant respectively at the University of
Lubumbashi and at the University of Cape Town, before joining the Uni-
versity of Botswana. He is a former Research Fellow at American Coun-
cil of Learned Societies (Carnegie Corporation, New York, 2012), and is
currently working as a Fellow for Franco-American Studies and an In-
structor of French at the University of Southern Maine. Apart from having
extensively published on Francophone literatures and cultures, he has a
research interest in fundamental questions about pedagogy of French as
a foreign language, French proficiency evaluation, pronunciation, orthog-
raphy, grammar and stylistics, as well as in variations of French.
6 Tuesdays 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 24, 2020
Course Limit: 20

Traveling in Europe and Asia
In this course, the first two classes will be devoted to discussions of trav-
elling in Europe. The participants will share their cultural experiences in
their European travels and I will share my experiences of living and trav-
elling in Portugal. During the last 2 classes, the participants and instruc-
tor will discuss travelling in South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand
and Singapore. Some slides and handouts will be used.

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 7

Instructor: Anita Denis
Anita is a native of Lewiston. She studied History at both undergraduate
and graduate levels. She began teaching in Rhode Island but left for over-
seas and taught in international schools in Pakistan, Portugal, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Kuwait, Bahrain and in South Korea. She retired in 2012.
4 Tuesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 24, 2020
Course Limit: 20

Perennial Gardening
Spring is coming, and it’s time to indulge in dreams of gardening. This
course on ornamental gardening with perennial plants is for would-be
perennial gardeners, those who have dabbled in perennial gardening and
would like to improve their knowledge, and experienced gardeners who
would like more scientific underpinning for their practice. Class sessions
will include both lecture and time for sharing gardening tips and strate-
gies. Topics include the botany of perennials, understanding soil, choos-
ing plants, native plants, garden design, and garden maintenance.
Instructor: Jean Potuchek
Jean has been growing perennials in Poland, Maine for more than twenty
years. She holds a Certificate in Native Plants and Ecological Horticulture
from the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, is a Maine Master Gardener
Volunteer, and writes the gardening blog, Jean’s Garden.
6 Tuesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 24, 2020
Course Limit: 30 (ZOOM in the Classroom)
 Nancy Duplisea gets creative.

 Ready for class to begin.

Page 8 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

No Meat? So What?
Each week you will prepare and eat delicious meals from around the
world that just don’t happen to have meat. Held in the kitchen at St.
Mary’s Nutrition Center, a small fee for supplies will be required.
Instructor: Paul Drowns
Paul is the Community Cooking Educator at St. Mary’s. He spent some
formative years in France, which changed his attitudes toward cooking,
eating and life.
6 Tuesdays 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 24, 2020
Course Limit: 12 (St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, Bates and Walnut Sts.)

Happiness, Humor and Health
You don’t have to be a scientist to know that humor and laughter make
you feel good. But why? What makes it funny? What does humor and
happiness have to do with physical and mental health? Is it those endor-
phins?....the ridiculousness?....the punch line?....your dog?....identifying
with the joke or story? Have fun, laugh, share, explore, wonder and learn
together the connections and answers to these and even more questions.
Please bring your jokes, stories, whatever makes you laugh and brings
you happiness. Suggested book: Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily
Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, Tal ben-Shahar.
Instructor: Dr. Elcha Buckman
Elcha is a smart, nice and fun person who comes from a funny family,
and has passed this on to her sons (is it genetic?). She loves humor, but
since graduate school in 1974-1980 she sometimes takes her humor
very seriously. Elcha holds a BS, MS, and PhD from Boston University
and is a Board Certified APRN in child, adolescent, and family psychiatry
however, she says, these aren’t required to be humorous or laugh. Since
childhood Elcha has observed, listened, studied, researched, lectured,
published, and practiced humor to help people find their happiness,
sense of humor and health. When not having fun with friends, family and
her Mini-Schnauzer Shaina, Elcha, a die-hard Patriots fan, loves doing
needlework, music and theater, swimming, exploring, and a really good
discussion.
8 Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 25, 2020
Course Limit: 20

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 9

The Sound of Silence
The Holocaust’s influence on the second and third generation of Israelis
and Jews, will be discussed in this spring class. We will watch 5 films
and talk about this subject as it is presented in the movies, and perhaps
in our own lives. Due to the length of the movies the classes will be three
hours each. The class name is taken from The Sound of Silence by Si-
mon and Garfunkel.
Instructor: Ariela Zucker
Born in Jerusalem, Ariela and her husband left Israel in September 2001.
Followed by three of their daughters, they decided to stay in Maine. Over
the summer they own and operate a motel in Ellsworth, and in winter
they reside in Auburn, where Ariela dedicates her time to writing and
traveling.
5 Wednesdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 25, 2020
Course Limit: 30

Ayn Rand and the World She Made
Ayn Rand, born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum, was perceived as an
unremarkable 20 year-old Russian woman who entered America on a
one-year education visa in 1926. She spoke little English at the time.
We’ll attempt to examine the world this amazing future author/playwright
helped forge during her 77 years of life. Her two best-selling novels
are The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Recommended book: Ayn
Rand and the World She Made
Instructor: Mike Brakey​
Mike Brakey earned a BS degree from UMO, an EMBA from Baldwin
Wallace College. With eight worldwide energy patents, a software
 Great Expectations

Page 10 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

copyright, he founded two Ohio energy companies. He and his wife,
Cindy retired back to Maine in 2012 and have been participating in Maine
Senior college for several years.
6 Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.​
Beginning Mar. 25, 2020​
Course Limit: 30

Cannabis Culture, Wellness and Holistic Healing
​Ever wonder how Cannabis works? What will it do for me? Why would
 I use it? Where do I get it? Or simply put, is it for me? This 8 week
 course answers those questions, brakes down the barriers and stigmas
 associated with cannabis and examines the impact of modern day can-
 nabis culture, healing, wellness and medicine on the 55 plus community.
 Recommended book: CANNABIS REVEALED: How the World’s Most
 Misunderstood Plant is Healing Everything from Chronic Pain to Epilepsy
 Instructor: Joel S. Buckman​
 Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary
 Studies from Boston University. In 2013 Joel founded Strain Doctor
 LLC now MatureReLeaf, a medicinal cannabis company located here in
 Maine that services the 55 plus community. Prior to this, while working
 at the Harvard Business School as a leading technology management
 consultant, Joel founded Your Technology Solutions, Inc. He has also
 been an Adjunct Instructor at ITT Technical Institute. During the summer
 since 2005 Joel enjoys being a NASCAR style stock car instructor at the
 Pocono Raceway in PA.​
 8 Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.​
 Beginning Mar. 25, 2020
 Course Limit: 20 Finding your ancestors
 Historians in Europe

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 11

I Write, Therefore I Am
Writing can be a lonely occupation, and yet to those of us who keep writ-
ing it’s a rewarding and healing process. Writing gives us voice, a way to
look at ourselves and others with clarity. This 5-week class will be mostly
about trying different writing techniques. No prior experience beside the
will to write is needed.
Instructor: Ariela Zucker
Born in Jerusalem, Ariela and her husband left Israel in September 2001.
Followed by three of their daughters, they decided to stay in Maine. Over
the summer they own and operate a motel in Ellsworth, and in winter
they reside in Auburn, where Ariela dedicates her time to writing and
traveling.
5 Thursdays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 26, 2020
Course Limit: 20

The Nature of Consciousness, Its Provenance, and Its Function
The goal of this course is to help participants gain a deeper understanding
of consciousness which is a subject that has been a vexing one in the field
of philosophy, science, and psychology. We will undertake an exploration
of the subject and attempt to unravel its nature, its origin, and the purpose
for its existence.
 Recommended book: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
by Oliver Sacks
Instructor: Charlie Plummer
Charles Plummer is a long-time senior college instructor. He has a
P.h.D. in Religious Studies and one in Metaphysics. He has taught
courses about world religions, philosophy, mythology, biology, and hu-
man behavior and is a self-proclaimed student of the history of human-
kind which he has found fascinating.
8 Thursdays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 26, 2020
Course Limit: 25 (Schooner)

The State of the American Economy 2020
This course is for anyone interested in the American Economy. Topics
include the business cycle and world trade. We will also look at the
changing labor market, and the financial security of the country includ-
ing the National Debt, Budget Deficits, and the U.S. Dollar. This is not
a technical class. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and
questions.

Page 12 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

Instructor: Alene Staley
Alene has both bachelor and masters degrees in Business Administration
and taught Economics and other Business subjects at Saint Joseph’s
College in Maine. She also held professional positions in accounting and
school administration.
6 Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 26, 2020
Course Limit: 20

Darwin, Natural Selection, and Evolution
In this course we will look at the early life of Charles Darwin, and the sig-
nificance of his five-year, circumnavigation of the globe on the HMS Bea-
gle (1831-1836). We will look at how some of Darwin’s ideas developed,
explore how populations change, and how natural selection affects evo-
lution. There will be PowerPoint presentations and videos about Darwin
and his discoveries.
Instructor: Tom Hamilton
Tom Hamilton is a retired biology teacher, coach and counselor. He
is a graduate of Tusculum College, holds master degrees from Brown
University, The University of Pennsylvania and an Ed.D. from Ball State
University. He is an avid birder who has traveled to the Southern Cone
of South America and the Galapagos archipelago: areas that were im-
portant to Darwin’s thinking.
6 Thursdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 26, 2020
Course Limit: 25

A Republic, If You Can Keep It
When asked about the government created at the constitutional conven-
tion in 1787, Benjamin Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep
it.” 230 years later we still are trying to sustain the American republic.
Sometimes more successfully, sometimes less; always arguing about
what it means. What will it take today to “keep our republic?”
Instructor: Doug Bennett
Doug Bennett taught political theory and public policy at Temple Univer-
sity, Reed College, and Earlham College for 25 years. He holds a B.A.
from Haverford College and Ph.D. from Yale University. He retired from
the Presidency of Earlham College in 2011.
8 Thursdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 26, 2020
Course Limit: 30 (LAC) (ZOOM in the Classroom)

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 13

Maine Trees, Top to Bottom
Trees cover about 85% of Maine’s natural landscape, but what kind of
trees do we see? We will learn to identify trees by their features (leaves,
bark, twigs, and fruit) we will also discuss trees’ functions, values, and
roles within natural communities. As weather permits, we will also be out-
side looking at campus trees.
Instructor: Pam Davis-Green
Pam is a Maine Master Naturalist with interests in botany, landscapes,
and natural communities. She is a Maine native with a B.A. in Environ-
mental Science from the University of Maine at Farmington.
6 Fridays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 27, 2020
Course Limit: 15

That’s so Orwellian!
We will be reading George Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984. Discussion
will see if we recognize similarities in current events. If you have a Kindle
app, you can get both books combined into one on Amazon or you can
purchase a paperback edition. I was able to get my Kindle book for free.
I strongly recommend that you buy the study guide for each book, written
by Ray Moore. My students last fall found his study guide to be very help-
ful full of background information and interesting discussion questions.
Instructor: Laura Sturgis
Laura is a retired English teacher from Edward Little High School. She
was also an adjunct teacher of Syracuse University’s Project Advance.
8 Fridays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 27, 2020
Course Limit: 20

Genealogy for Beginners
Designed for those interested in beginning their genealogical journey, this
course will provide the foundational tools for your research.
Instructor: Lin Wright
Lin is a genealogist and historian with more than three decades of experi-
ence. She recently completed BU’s Certificate in Genealogical Research.
She serves as Registrar and Volunteer Genealogist for the DAR, is a
member AHS, NEHGS, MSOG, and MGS, a founding member Andro-
scoggin Valley Genealogy Interest Group, and as a church historian.
6 Fridays 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Beginning Mar. 26, 2020
Course Limit: 12 (ZOOM)

Page 14 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

Meet your local officials

 The Supreme Court
About Face
This mixed-media studio art course will focus on the human face, how
artists have interpreted it through time and across cultures, and how we
can interpret it using a variety of media
Instructor: Judy Hierstein
Judy has been an art teacher, a children’s book illustrator, and graphic
artist.
6 Fridays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 27, 2020
Course Limit: 18

Genealogy Lab
An opportunity for people of all levels of genealogical experience to
search for information about their ancestors online, guided by an expe-
rienced genealogist. This is an opportunity for genealogists and family
historians to hone their skills and explore the resources available online.
Basic computer skills are strongly encouraged.
Instructor: Lin Wright
Lin is a genealogist and historian with more than three decades of ex-
perience. She recently completed BU’s Certificate in Genealogical Re-
search. She serves as Registrar and Volunteer Genealogist for the DAR,
is a member AHS, NEHGS, MSOG, and MGS, a founding member An-
droscoggin Valley Genealogy Interest Group, and as a church historian.
8 Fridays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Beginning Mar. 27, 2020
Course Limit: 15

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 15

Registration begins
Monday Feb. 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Online Registration
Visit our website: usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege. You can access the
registration from the homepage or from Courses, Registration and
Scholarships on the left navigation bar. Follow the instructions. Credit or
debit cards are the only form of payment you can use for online registra-
tion.Once you pay for your courses, you will receive an email confirma-
tion.

Mail-in Registration
If you are unable to register online, fill out the form on the following page.
List the course titles you want and add up the total ($25 each) along with
$25 membership fee if you are joining this semester. Mail in the form and
a check for your total to the address on the form.

Need help?
There will be a board member available on Monday, February 24 from
10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the Senior College office to assist you in register-
ing, or call 207.780.5960. It is possible to register for courses until the
first day of class, as long as they are not filled. If you have already reg-
istered, you must call 207.780.5960 to register for additional courses. If
you must pay with a check, use a waiver or scholarship, you will need to
mail your registration with payment attached to the address on the mail-
in registration form. Please do not bring cash or checks to the USM
LAC campus to register. We cannot accept them! Any registration
using cash or checks must be mailed to the address on the registra-
tion form on Page 17.

Scholarships and Waivers of Course Fees
A limited number of tuition waivers are available upon request and are re-
viewed by the Chair of the Board of Directors. Schooner Estates provides
a scholarship fund for any senior taking a course who needs financial
help. To obtain an application, visit our website at usm.maine.edu/se-
niorcollege, or call the Senior College office at 207.753.6610 and leave a
message to have an application sent to you.

Page 16 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

Mail-in Registration Form
Name
Address
City State Zip
Home Phone Cell Phone
Email

Course Title (list in order of choice) Cost ($25/ea.)

 Total due for course(s)
 Membership $25
 TOTAL

Date of Birth:_________________MAR # :(see page 20)_____________
Permission to use my photo (See page 18) Yes o No o
I would like to volunteer for:
 o Catalog o Food for Thought
 o Curriculum o Photography
 o Finance o Photocopying
 o Nominations o Mailing
 o Policy/By-laws o Greeters
 o Public Relations o Answering phones
 o Special Events o ZOOM Squad
 o Bulletin Board o Board of Directors
Please make checks payable to: USM Senior College
Mail check and form to:
 USM-LAC Senior College
 c/o Conferences Services
 PO Box 9300
 Portland, ME 04104

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 17

FAQ: Answers!
Where is the Senior College Office? Our new office is room 169,
next to the Franco-American Collection.
Where Does My Course Meet? There will be a Senior College
course schedule posted on the website, and on each of the USM
bulletin boards near the three LAC campus entrances.
What is the Inclement Weather Policy?
If USM LAC is open, Senior College classes will be held as sched-
uled. Check the USM Weather Information Line, 207.780.4800, or
the website. If class is cancelled by the instructor, they will notify
you.
Is there Parking/City Bus Service? The USM LAC campus has
free, safe and well-lit parking for students, members of Senior Col-
lege and guests. USM LAC is served by the city bus.The bus stop
is located at the entrance by Room 189 in the new wing. Riders
may wait inside. Visit: purplebus.org for L/A bus schedule.
Where is the Lost & Found? In the Student Success Center.
Will You Use My Photograph? We are required to get permission
from members to use photographs taken during Senior College
courses or activities. Please check off “Yes” or “No” on the regis-
tration form. To revoke this permission the member must do so in
writing to the board at: laseniorcollege@gmail.com
What about Refunds, Drops or Changes? Within two weeks
from the start of your course you may Add/Drop. Send an email
to USM Conferences at usmconferences@maine.edu or call
207.780.5960. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY FOR YOU TO GET
YOUR REFUND. If you paid by credit card, you will receive a
credit on your credit card statement, or you will receive a confirma-
tion if you have switched to another course. If you paid by check,
USM Conferences will put in a refund request and your refund
should be mailed in about two weeks.
I’m starving! Anywhere to eat? Café LA has freshly baked
goods, salads, sandwiches, daily specials, and hot and cold
drinks. Hours are Mon.-Thurs. 7:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and
Fri. 7:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Page 18 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

Clubs

The Outsiders take part in physically challenging activities that
include hiking, mountain climbing, cross-country skiing, kayaking,
and snowshoeing. The frequency depends on the season. These
activities are generally at no cost to members; however, you pro-
vide the equipment. The Outsiders welcomes new members. For
more information, contact Reine Mynahan at reinemynahan@
gmail.com.

Monthly Dine Around members eat out at least once a month,
generally on the 4th Thursday in the evening. Restaurants are de-
cided by the members. Contact Diane Higgins at godianego32@
gmail.com.

Outdoor Adventure Club usually meets at least once a month.
Activities may include canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and
hiking. Activities, locations and frequency are usually determined
by the members. Contact Pat Vampatella and Cindy Boyd at
ppvamp@maine.rr.com.

Food For Thought
Food for Thought is a lunchtime program offered by Senior
College featuring thought-provoking speakers on varied topics
throughout the year. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Those attending can purchase a lunch at Café LA or bring their
own to eat in comfort at a table. We host the programs Septem-
ber through May, except for December, on the second Friday of
each month. Presentations will be held in room 170 at USM LAC.
Doors open at 11:30 am, the program runs from noon to 1:00 pm.
We welcome the community to join us and there is no need to
call ahead to make a reservation. Look for our announcements of
upcoming events in area newspapers, and on our website: usm.
maine.edu/seniorcollege

usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege Page 19

Senior College Community Collaborations

Senior College collaborates with Schooner Estates, Auburn
Public Library, and SeniorsPlus to offer some courses each
semester. We are excited to partner with St. Mary’s Nutritional
Center to offer healthy cooking courses in their kitchen facility.
Maine Association of Retirees (MAR) provides its members reim-
bursement up to $15 on membership in Maine’s Senior Colleges.
Please write your MAR member number on the Registration Form.
We will send reimbursement information to MAR when course
registration closes.
Lewiston Senior Citizens and other senior groups in the area
offer trips and excursions throughout the year. Senior College links
to these groups on our website.

Franco-American Collection

USM LAC houses one of the largest repositories of Franco- Amer-
ican archival material in the State of Maine. It consists of doc-
uments, photographs, artifacts, and audio/visual materials and
covers local history, government, religion, language, education,
industry, sports and the arts. The Collection focuses on Lewiston-
Auburn and other areas of Maine, with additional regional materi-
als providing a link to the wider contexts of French North America.
In keeping with its educational, research, and community service
mission, the College acquired this collection to develop and pro-
mote interest in Franco-American culture and history on the part of
the academic community and the community at large. The Collec-
tion is in Room 171.
For more information: usm.maine.edu/franco or call
207.753.6545.

This catalog contains a wealth of information beyond the
spring course offerings, but many of our members do not read
it! To encourage readership, we have hidden a blind monkey
 somewhere within the pages. If you find it, email us at
laseniorcollege@gmail.com and you will be included a
lottery to receive a small prize!

Page 20 laseniorcollege@gmail.com

A Note of Gratitude

 USM-LAC Senior College is grateful to the University of
 Southern Maine, “The University of Everyone”, for the
 incredible support they have provided over the past
 twenty-one years, and to our dedicated instructors,
 members, and board for their generous gifts of time and
 talent.

 Mary Jane Beardsley ZOOMs Steve Carnahan’s class.

 Thank you all so much!

Learn for the love of it!
Registration begins
 Mon. Feb. 24, 2020 at 10:00 am
CLASSES BEGIN Mar. 23, 2020