Bridgton Senior College

Nestled at the foot of the mountains in beautiful western Maine is Bridgton, the home of Senior College at Bridgton. Classes are held in the Memorial School just 3 minutes from the center of town. Ample parking is available outside your classroom.

History

One might say that Senior College at Bridgton started in a small conference room and very quickly spread into a regional program attracting members from over a dozen towns in the Lake Region of western Maine. Our Senior College is an outgrowth of a discussion among a group that provides services for seniors, called the "Elder Network." The group agreed that intellectual stimulation was as important as some of the social and recreational programs that were being provided for seniors.

Mickey Friedman, an avid Senior College (Portland) enthusiast, and the convener of the Elder Network, asked Terry Foster, USM Extended Programs, to join us to discuss bringing Senior College to Bridgton. The idea caught on fast. Instructors were recruited, courses described and, with Terry's cooperation, an Open House was held in Bridgton in May of 2000. More than 40 people attended to find out about the program and to hear glowing reports from Portland "senior collegers" notably Harry Sky, who may be considered the lightening rod of the Portland program.

The local school district offered space in the Memorial School, a building devoted to adult learning. USM offered administrative support, from Barbara Scola, and later, the OLLI staff. With all of this positive energy the Senior College at Bridgton presented its first program in September of 2000 with eight courses, and now offers a fall and spring semester of six weeks and a winter program of one day programs.

Senior College is directed by a steering committee of volunteers from many of the towns in our region. Strong support continues from both USM/OLLI and from the local school district, especially Tami Hathaway, building administrator. Having a motto, "Meet Together, Learn Together," Senior College at Bridgton represents the efforts and energy of a widening circle of enthusiast members and teachers.

Membership

Members who are 50 or older pay an annual membership fee of a membership fee of $20.00 per person (good for an academic year) and $15.00 for each course taken. The winter program of one day presentations is free to members and $5.00 per class to nonmembers. This entitles you to receive all newsletters and course listings. Fall semester runs September-October. Spring semester is April-May.

Volunteer Opportunities

A curriculum committee of volunteers seeks instructors with expertise in a wide variety of subjects. While teaching experience is helpful, a knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject matter are the most important criteria. Course proposal forms for new teachers and/or courses may be obtained from the Memorial School at 647-5054.

Location

All classes are held at Bridgton Memorial School, Depot Street, just off Main Street in Bridgton. Please phone the school at 647-5054 for registration information.

Fees

Annual membership fee: $20.00 for academic year. Course fees are $15.00 for each 6 week class; $10.00 for 3 week classes. Fee waiver applications, (simple and confidential) are available by request.

Visit or phone (647-5054) the Memorial School for more information.

Courses: Winter 2008

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, January 22 - February 13, 2008, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon

Senior College members: free. Nonmembers: $5.00 per class.

Step Out With Busby Berkeley

Tuesday, January 22. Busby Berkeley was the king of the 1930s musical extravaganza — loads of chorus girls, scads of dancing feet, and some of the most outrageous movie sets of the era. He was also a cinematic and choreographic innovator. Explore Berkeley's career by looking at significant clips showing his "style". (Meets 9:30-11:30) Margaret Reimer

Faces of the 14th Admendment

Wednesday, January 23. The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution has had a major impact on life and liberty in this country. Discuss some varied interpretations and uses of this important provision and see how these affected developing political, economic, and social issues. Dee Miller

A Date at the "Movies"

Tuesday, January 29. Explore the new Magic Lantern from the theater floor to the projection booth. Learn about the innovative construction for the special requirements of the theater. Discuss the why, how and economics of choosing and scheduling films and perhaps make a few requests as well. Group will meet in the theater lobby. Tom Watkins

Studying the Environment

Wednesday, January 30. Where do we start if we want to study the many challenges to the environment? An avid reader discusses what he learned about population growth, technological creativity and other factors affecting the Earth's biosphere — and some of the many sources he used to get there. Ron Fryer

The Power of Power Point

Tuesday, February 5. Could a report or presentation be in your future? Learn how to use power point to make your point. See how to create a professional style presentation that is clear, original, and appealing and run it as a slide show. JoAnne R. Harbourt

Why an Herb Garden?

Wednesday, February 6. As we try to understand and implement "green" philosophy, the techniques and tools of home gardening have become prominent. Why an herb garden is a question many people ask. Discuss the history of herbal use and learn how this applies to modern life. Whether your interest is culinary or medicinal, the advice, "look to the garden," is apt for each generation. Hear about research findings and observe dynamic applications from our presenter's own gardens. Discover the part you can play in keeping many traditions alive through the use of herbs. Holly Ihloff

Listening for Spring

Tuesday, February 12. Valentine's Day may seem early to be listening for Hyla Crucifer, as a harbinger of spring; but surely we may anticipate the sonorous valentines of peepers soon to be heard in wetlands all around Maine. What have poets written on the subject? Be amazed by the variety of poems: Ann Sexton's modern rehearsal of the frog prince fairy tale, Robert Frost's archetypal "Hyla Brook", Seamus Heaney's figurative "Death of a Naturalist", Richard Wilbur's quite literal "Death of a Toad" and others. Take the leap! John O'Brien

The Magic of Vernal Pools

Wednesday, February 13. Discover the importance of vernal pools. Focus on the amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates that rely on these ecosystems to complete their life cycle. Hear a synopsis of the new law that protects vernal pools and about recent findings from Bridie's master's thesis research which explored local decision makers' attitudes to vernal pool conservation in Maine. Bridie McGreavy

If schools are closed for snow, the missed class will be made up on the Thursday immediately following. If schools close for more than one day, classes will resume on the next regularly scheduled day. Every effort will be make to reschedule classes that were unable to meet. For information, phone 647-5054.

For More Information

Senior College at Bridgton
Bridgton Memorial School
Depot Street
PO Box 308
Bridgton ME 04009

By email: Dee Miller, dagmiller@adelphia.net

By phone: (207) 647-5054

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