BETHEL — Western Mountains Senior College has announced three new multi-session courses and three returning courses this fall. Fall newsletters with registration forms were recently mailed to senior college members. Newsletters were also placed at Books and Things, Main Street, for interested nonmembers.

Members may renew memberships and register for classes at the WMSC annual meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the Bethel Congregational Church. However, since class sizes are limited, interested persons are urged to renew their memberships and register for courses in advance. Enrollment in classes is filled as received. Class fees are $20 which includes books and materials. Nonmembers who join WMSC may register for classes of interest.

“Another Look at the Conflicted Samuel Clemens, Mark Twain and Huck Finn,” with instructor Peter Gartner is one of the new courses. In addition to “Huck Finn,” the literature course will cover some lesser-known works by Twain to further illustrate some of Samuel Clemens’ personal conflicts. Course meetings will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, Sept. 29 through Nov. 3, at Telstar High School.

Another new course, “An In-depth Study of European Renaissance Art,” will be taught by Marvin Ouwinga. The course will cover the influence of Greco/Roman mythology and the Old and New Testaments on the works of the great Renaissance painters, sculptors and architects. The course will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Sept. 27 through Nov. 1,  at Telstar High School learning center.

“Drawing and Painting,” with instructor Suzanne Taylor, is the third new course. The course is designed to meet the needs and talents of many students, even the very beginner, and any medium may be used. Class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, at Telstar High School, with some classes outdoors, weather permitting.

The “Great Decisions” course will return, bringing some of today’s most critical issues for discussion. Topics will include: “The Global Financial Crisis,” “U.S. China Security Relations,” “Russia and Its Neighbors” and “Kenya and R2P.” Materials are provided by the Foreign Policy Association and by both rotating facilitators and participants. Class will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Sept. 28 through Nov. 23, at the Telstar High School learning center.

“Creative Writing,” with instructor Suzanne Taylor, will return to provide individual and group writing activities for participants. Course times are from 10 a.m. to noon alternate Fridays, Sept. 24 through Nov. 19, at Telstar High School.

“Senior College Players” will return with members exploring literature through short vignettes, readings, plays and poetry. Under the direction of Lynn Arrizi, the format will attempt to meet a range of participants’ expertise. Rehearsals will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 16 through Nov. 4, at the Bethel Congregational Church. Dress rehearsal dates will be held on Nov. 11 and 18, at a location to be announced. Performances will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at a location to be announced.

Three special interest groups open to members without charge include the WMSC Walking Group, Explorations in Spirituality and a Theater Lovers group. The walking group meets at 8:30 a.m. Monday and Thursday mornings at various sites in Bethel. For more information, contact Marcia Foster-Austin at 824-3400.

The spirituality group is open to interested members who take turns choosing topics, facilitating sessions and sharing materials. The group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon alternate Fridays, Oct. 1 through Dec. 3, at a location to be announced. For more information, contact Jackie Cressy at 824-0508.

Interested members who enjoy live theater are invited to join the theater lovers group. Contact Jackie Cressy at 824-0508 for more information or to be added to the contact list.

WMSC is a community of adult lifelong learners who actively seek new knowledge and experiences. Members participate in multi-session courses, workshops, outdoor activities, special events and social gatherings. Membership is open to anyone age 50 and over, with an associate membership for interested persons under the age of 50. For membership information, contact Eileen Meisner at SAD 44 Adult Education, at 824-2780.