Western Mountains Senior College
The Western Mountains Senior College (WMSC) is headquartered within the Adult Education Office of MSAD #44, located in Bethel. We welcome participation from the surrounding areas of Rumford/Mexico, Andover, Woodstock, Greenwood, Waterford, Gilead and the Norway/South Paris area.
Who Are We?
We are a membership organization committed to supporting lifelong learners in their quest for new knowledge and experience.
What Do We Believe and Value?
WMSC believes mature learners continue to benefit from and be stimulated by a variety of new experiences. WMSC values the life experience, talent, and knowledge every member brings to the organization — regardless of past formal educational opportunities. WMSC values collaboration with other community organizations to provide the widest range of social and learning experiences for its members
History
WMSC began in October, 2002. We have grown to over 80 members and offer a variety of courses, study groups, and special events. Further, we offer our members and the general community a "To Your Health" series on topical health concerns, and a "Down Home Maine" series, pairing wine and hors d'oeuvres with unique speakers of local and state interest. Our Senior Players have successfully completed their fourth season with dramatic and comedic performances before enthusiastic "full-house" audiences.
Membership
Membership in WMSC is $25 for the year (September 1 to August 31). We offer an Associate Membership to those who are not "chronologically gifted" (under 50 years of age). A class fee is $25 with $15 for a second course in the same term. Book costs are included in the class fee. We offer a limited number of sponsorships and scholarships for those who could not otherwise participate. Classes are offered (ranging 5-8 weeks) in an Autumn and a Spring Term. A brief mid-winter term, "Winterim", begins in January '08. Special events, field trips, and themed series such as "To Your Health" and "Down Home Maine"" are scheduled from September to June, and are open to the public without charge; donations are gratefully accepted.
Location
Courses are held at various locations in the Bethel Community including: The Lewin Center's Gehring House, Gould Academy sites, West Parish Congregational Church, Bethel Historical Society, and Telstar High School (MSAD #44).
Winterim Courses: January-February, 2008
Sunday Afternoon at the Movies
Robert Altman's genius and early contribution to films. Films to be viewed and discussed include M*A*S*H, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Buffalo Bill and the Indians.
The Bard Aloud
A readers' theater. The group will turn its attention and dramatic reading talents to A Midsummer Night's Dream. Great literature is more fun read aloud in a group. Come, see, hear and enjoy Shakespeare in a whole new way!
Explorations in Spirituality
This longstanding group welcomes new participants as it now reads and discusses Susi Hastings' Walking a Spiritual Path with Practical Feet.
Tentative Spring Courses: March-May, 2008
Great Decisions Study and Discussion Group
(Materials sponsored by The Foreign Policy Association).
Multiple Intelligences
Challenging traditional views of "intelligence".
A Shattered Peace
Ramifications of the unfinished business of the peace treaty of WW I and its effects from Europe to the Middle East.
Explorations in Spirituality
An ongoing book study and discussion group emphasizing spirituality, balance and focus in our lives.
Readers' Theater
Group participants will study and engage in the dramatic reading of Oedipus Rex and King Lear.
For More Information
WMSC
PO Box 1305
Bethel, Maine 04217
By phone: (207) 824-3209, or the Adult Education Office at Telstar High School can offer information as well.
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photography by Tim Byrne©