Western Mountains Senior College programs are expanding into January and February this year to give members and guests more opportunities to fight cabin fever. Registrations for the new “Winterim 2008” courses were mailed to members. Interested non-members may call Jackie Cressy at 824-0508 for membership applications and registration forms.

The programs listed below are open to the public free of charge. However, donations are gratefully accepted to help defray senior college expenses.

• Sunday Afternoon at the Movies, A Series on Robert Altman’s Work. This new series for movie buffs starts Sunday, Jan. 20, and runs for four consecutive Sundays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Telstar Regional High School library. Members and guests will review and discuss the work of director, Robert Altman, who led a productive and, at times, contentious career, producing over 30 films. Peter Gartner, WMSC co-chair and program committee chair, has researched the work of Altman (1925-2006) and will supplement the series with back-notes on each movie. He will also facilitate discussions about Altman’s directing style and popular movie critics’ views on these movies.

In order to have adequate seating and popcorn available, please call Gartner at 665-2181 or Cressy at 824-0508 and indicate sessions of interest.

Jan. 20: The Director’s Series. Robert Altman, plus back notes on coming films.

Jan. 27: M*A*S*H. Running time on this 1970 film is 1 hour; 56 minutes.

Feb. 3: McCabe and Mrs. Miller. Running time on this 1971 film is 2 hours.

Feb. 10: Buffalo Bill and the Indians, Sitting Bull’s History. Running time on this 1976 film is 1 hour, 23 minutes.

• Down Home Maine, Thursday, Feb. 7. Chris Sweet from MPBN joins the “first Thursday” Down Home Maine get-together of 2008 to be held from 4:30 to 6 pm at the Gehring House, 77 Broad Street, Bethel, co-sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society. This series brings unique and interesting speakers on a variety of topics. Chris Sweet will outline the Maine Public Broadcasting plans to begin providing online courses for seniors. Refreshments of wine, soft drinks and hors d’oeuvres will add to the discussion period. For more information, call Peter Gartner at 665-2181.

• To Your Health, Sunday, Feb. 10. The Full Angel, a presentation by award-winning writer and performer, Susan Poulin, is a celebration of life, loss, love and hope. The program creates a series of concise, arresting vignettes that chronicle the death of her mother, her family’s struggle and courage, and the healing power of love. Wayne DuPlessis will facilitate the discussion following Poulin’s talk. The program, free to the public, will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Gehring House, 77 Broad Street, Bethel. (Snow date: Feb. 24) Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Rosabelle Tifft at 824-2053. Winter Snowshoe Walk

• Join Dr. Rick Churchill for an invigorating walk through snowy woods and see the landscape with new eyes. The walk will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, beginning at the Sunday River Inn and Cross Country Skiing Center. The public is invited and there is no charge. For more information, call Cressy at 824-0508.