7 min read

LEWISTON — University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn Senior College has announced upcoming classes.

Transforming Stress: The Heartmath Solution: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., Monica Dawe. Connect with the heart’s intelligence through scientific based techniques and technology. Learn how the heart’s rhythms and emotions can transform stress, anxiety, depression and anger into the physiology of quick recovery, increased energy, better sleep and behavior change. (30)

Modern Sculpture: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., John Stass. Students will be introduced to some of the most accomplished sculptors of the last 100 years. They will learn about the four approaches to creating sculpture. Expect to participate in plenty of dialog and classroom exercises. (30)

National Seed Swap Day: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 1 to 3 p.m., Jean Vose, master gardener. This program will provide an overview of saving seeds, including the history and tradition, why it is important, how seed saving relates to food security, and the best sources for seed. Bring favorite saved seeds, catalogues and gardening stories to share. Do not bring seed from hybrid plants or GMO. (30)

Zambian Life, Politics and Jo-Jo’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure on the Upper Zambezi River: Thursday, Jan. 24, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., JoJo Bollinger. The political situation and how that affects women’s initiatives that strengthen and empower and nonprofits in general in Africa. (30) (Zoom)

A Good Man with a Dog — A Memoir of 25 years with the Maine Warden Service: Friday, Jan. 25, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Roger Guay will speak about his 25-year career with the Maine Warden Service, share excerpts from his book and engage in a Q&A session. (30)

Advertisement

Wizard of OZ and the Man who Introduced OZ to the World: Monday, Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Alan Elze. A look at the life of L. Frank Baum, the man who wrote “The Wizard of OZ,” and how events in his life helped to invent the story. (30)

Ike and Me: All about Service Dogs: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 9 to 11 a.m., Eric Bellevance. This course will educate participants about service dogs by defining service dogs from other dogs; legal aspects; interaction etiquette; training and acquisition; and skills demonstration. (15)

Paris is Always a Good Idea: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 1 to 3 p.m., Lucy Bisson. Join Bisson as she visits Paris, Versailles, the Champagne region and Normandie. (30)

Let the Games Begin I: Trivial Pursuit: Thursday, Jan. 31, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Alan Elze. Class for folks who enjoy trivia. (30)

Born to Run: Friday, Feb. 1, 1 to 3 p.m., David Bernier. A look at the career and music of “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen. (25)

Boston’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919: Monday, Feb. 4, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Carol Hanscombe. What caused the massive tank holding more than two million gallons of molasses to collapse in the North End of Boston on Jan. 15, 1919? Terrorism? Faulty construction? Based on the book “Dark Tide” by Stephen Puleo, the class will review this tragedy and the five-year lawsuit that followed. (30)

Advertisement

Bahubali – Epic Film from Tollywood: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Judy Hierstein. One more film for lovers of Tollywood. Based on an ancient myth, this modern production is filled with special effects yet retains characteristics of Indian film: music, dancing and singing. (30)

Meet the Artist: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 1 to 3 p.m., Mike Everett. Everett hopes his everyday approach to art will be contagious. During this afternoon session he’ll discuss his influences, likes and dislikes, technique and will illustrate his work with examples. (30)

Pursuit of a Net Zero Energy Home in Maine Climate: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, Mike Brakey. This workshop reviews the 10-year attempt to achieve a net zero-energy Maine home (produces same amount of energy as it uses). The elements necessary to shrink any home’s energy footprint include: insulation; level of air tightness, efficient lighting and appliances; and efficient HVAC systems, while taking advantage of natural resources involving water, sun, wind and earth. (30)

The Science of Genetic Engineering, the Future of Mankind, and the Source of Human Happiness: Thursday, Feb. 7, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Charles Plummer (at Schooner). He will examine some of the experiments that have been carried out in the field of genetic engineering and the impact they may have on the future of natural selection and humankind. Then he will look at the sources that may, or may not, lead to human happiness. (25)

Genealogy Quick Start: Friday, Feb. 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Lin Wright. Most Americans can start with themselves and build a four-generation family tree in just a couple of hours. Explore some free resources to fill out a family tree, and get ideas about where to go next to establish roots. (30)

Let the Games Begin II: Gamer’s Choice: Monday, Feb. 11, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Sally and Paul Belisle for games. Bring a game to share. “Bethumped” and “25 Words or Less” will be available. (30)

Advertisement

Making Greeting Cards: Monday, Feb. 11, 1 to 3 p.m., Nancy Duplisea. Beginners or experienced card makers are welcome for creating two or more cards. Using various resources, such as rubber stamps and stickers, participants will explore the art form. (12)

Travelogue of China and Tibet: Tuesday, Feb 12, 1 to 3 p.m., Rachel Morin. See the Wonders of China: The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, Yangtze River, pandas and Tibet. Climb the steep, uneven, 500-plus stair steps to Potala Palace, the holiest place in Tibet, home of chanting monks, prayer flags and prayer wheels. (30)

A Pastor, a Priest, and a Rabbi: What Unites Us?: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 1 to 3 p.m., Rabbi Sruli Dresdner, Pastor Stephen Carnahan, the Rev. Robert Parent will discuss the meaning of life as they see it. (30)

The Lincoln Highway: Wednesday, Feb. 13, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Alan Elze. Ten years before the fabled Route 66 made its debut, a no less interesting road crossed the United States, from Times Square to San Francisco. A look at its beginning and how it is to travel today. (30)

Cultural Adventures in Saudi Arabia: Thursday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to noon, Kay Campbell. Join Kay Campbell, author, journalist and former resident of Saudi Arabia, as she shares her experiences researching and writing about traditional Saudi culture, especially the world of Saudi women. (30) (Zoom)

Some Shocking News about Electricity: Friday, Feb. 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Hugh Keene. This class will include the history of the development of electric theory and will look at some interesting and mysterious facts about electricity such as how more resistors added to a line results in less resistance. (15)

Advertisement

When Presidents Come to Town: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Doug Hodgkin. Presidents and presidential candidates have visited the Lewiston-Auburn area throughout history, beginning with Garfield and continuing through Trump. This presentation will illustrate how changes in views of presidents, campaigning, technology and election laws affect these important visitors to our small cities.(30)

The History of Reflexology: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Lynn Poor. This course is a brief introduction to the history of this non-invasive holistic modality. It can be utilized in daily life to assist in relaxation and wellness and can be practiced either on oneself, or others. A practical, hands-on course will be offered in the spring. (20)

Let the Games Begin III: Quest for the Antidote, Scrabble and other Board Games: Thursday, Feb. 21, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Carol Seward. It will feature “Scrabble,” “Quest for the Antidote,” a board game designed by Maine resident Tom Deschene or whatever game participants care to bring. (20)

The Many Facets of Stained Glass: Thursday, Feb. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., Janet Parkhurst. The owner of Stained Glass Express will explain what is happening in the art/craft/hobby world of glass and the many creative possibilities and techniques, old and new, using this colorful medium. (30)

Four Generations of Fine Art: Friday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon. Artist Anita Poulin will show a video of her family’s art and speak about what inspires and excites her creativity. (30)

Sampler: 1860s Civilian Life: Monday, Feb. 25, 1 to 3 p.m., Tizz Crowley. It’s been more than 150 years since the Civil War, and the City of Auburn is 150 years old on Feb. 22. Hear from a lady of those times. (30) (Zoom)

Advertisement

An Armistice Doesn’t End a War: Tuesday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (one-hour lunch), Christine Holden. The Armistice of Nov. 11, 1918, is often referred to today as the end of World War I. But the war didn’t end until the signing of the last treaty in 1920. Folks will learn about what happened in this particular case, and also how some other wars ended — or didn’t. (25) (Zoom)

Gentle Chair Yoga: Wednesday, Feb. 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tish Bremner. Increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance and find inner calm. This class combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches and gentle yoga postures with deep breath awareness to enhance a sense of well-being. Tisha has chair yoga videos available for purchase ($20). (10)

Fake News: Friday, March 1, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Marty Gagnon. The term “fake news” seems to be everywhere. This brief session will provide tips for looking critically and analyzing digital, television, and print media resources. He will look at biases, the business side of “fake news,” the technology used to create it and resources to help find the truth. (20) (Zoom)

Registration begins Jan. 3. Winter classes are free to members. To register for classes or become a member, go to usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege or call 207-780-5960.

Members can register for up to five courses this year when registration opens Jan. 3. After Jan. 10, members may register for additional classes as long as they are still open by calling 207-780-5960. Class registration and new memberships will be confirmed by email from USM’s Department of Conferences.

This winter, camera so people will be in five classes so folks can view the class on their computer anywhere in the U.S. Click on the ZOOM box when registering online, and organizers will be in touch. The day before the class, participants will be sent an email with a link to the classroom.

Advertisement

Classes will be held as scheduled if Lewiston-Auburn College is open. Call the Storm Line at 207-780-4800 or visit usm.maine.edu for updates.

Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the University of Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn Campus, 51 Westminster St. Class schedules and room locations will be posted at all three major entrances to the campus.

Comments are no longer available on this story