Wildflowers, artistic heritage and computer courses are among the new topics on tap.

LEWISTON – The Senior College program at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College will offer six new courses in its spring semester from April 5 to May 28.

The offerings will focus on a study of spring wildflowers, Lewiston’s artistic heritage, genealogy, the writings and speeches of Abraham Lincoln, an introductory computer course and the use of nutrition, exercise and fashion for life improvement.

The courses are open to persons 50 or older and their spouses. The cost is $25 after a mandatory annual Senior College membership fee of $25.

For those interested in registering for more than two courses, a reduced fee of $10 will apply per additional course. All classes will be held at the L-A College on Westminster Street except for the local art history course which will meet at the Bates College Museum of Art.

The course descriptions for the spring schedule are as follows:

“Spring Wildflowers: Stalking Nature’s Secrets”: Designed for those with little or no botanical background, participants will learn the identity and folklore of wildflowers, their anatomy and features and how to recognize and appreciate nature’s miracles.

The class will meet for four consecutive Mondays beginning May 3. Instructors Yolande Pare and Sally Belisle are experienced nature guides with a passion for wildflowers.

“Abe Lincoln in His Own Words”: The class will analyze and discuss the public speeches and writings used by Abraham Lincoln to evolve his views on slavery and the Union, and how rhetoric contributed to his career. Outside readings of selected Lincoln speeches and writings are a course requirement, and enrollment is limited.

Instructor Charles Plummer is a well known retired educator and a frequent teacher at Senior College.

“Lewiston’s Artistic Heritage”: The course is an introduction to local art history through the collection of the Bates College Museum of Art, and will present works by Marsden Hartley, Charlie Hewitt, D.D. Coombs and others. The class will meet at the Bates Museum in the Olin Arts Center for four consecutive Wednesdays beginning April 28.

Instructor Anthony Shostak is a practicing artist and musician, and works as education coordinator at the Bates Museum.

“Computers for Beginners”: An introductory course for those with no previous computer experience, it will provide participants with elementary knowledge of computer components and functions so they can e-mail friends and relatives, search the Internet and do word processing.

Instructor Wayne Hollingsworth has taught computer courses at various educational institutions, including Senior College.

“Working Backwards: An Introduction to Genealogy”: The course in basic genealogy will cover the fundamentals of goal setting, research strategies and techniques, record sources and locations and genealogical record keeping. Text materials will be provided along with opportunity for questions and discussion.

Instructor Ethelind Wright specializes in New England genealogy. She manages Internet Web sites as part of the USGenWeb Project network and works in the Psychology Department at the University of Southern Maine.

“Modeling Tricks for Mature Chicks”: The course will provide tips and suggestions on how to enhance appearance by maintaining a youthful outlook of mind and body through nutrition, exercise and fashion choices.

Instructor Ruth Gibson is best known for owning and operating the Gibson Girl School of Modeling in Portland from 1980 to 1995. Previously she operated the Ruth Gibson School of Classical Ballet in Brunswick, which led to teaching positions at Bowdoin College and the University of Southern Maine.

The “Spring Wildflowers” course will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays. On Tuesdays “Abe Lincoln” will be presented from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and “Modeling Tricks” from 1 to 3 p.m.

“Lewiston’s Artistic Heritage” will meet at the Bates College Museum on Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. On Fridays the computer course will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., and the genealogy course from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Unless otherwise stated, the courses run for eight weeks. Call 753-6510 for more information on the offerings and enrollment.

Senior College is part of the Center for Extended Academic Programs. No previous college attendance is required. An affiliate of the Elderhostel Institute Network, Senior College provides stimulating learning opportunities and special activities for persons 50 or older.