What's Happening at Maine's Senior Colleges

Online registration Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USM Summer is just around the corner. Why not spend it taking a class, joining a creative workshop, or visiting a local treasure? The Osher Lifelong Learning Insitute summer catalog is online and ready for browsing. Pick what interests you the most, and be ready for online registration to open at 10 a.m. on June 3. Not an OLLI member? That's ok. Members of Maine's senior colleges can re

Sunrise Senior College is pleased to host a lecture and tour of the Downeast Institute’s Marine Research Laboratory, Hatchery and Education Center located in Beals, ME. Scheduled for April 30 starting at 10 a.m. the lecture will be available by Zoom. Kyle Pepperman, Executive Director, will discuss the work being done at the easternmost Marine Research Laboratory in the U.S. Participants will learn about the different types of clams, mussels, lobsters, oysters, scallops, and

I want to add an invitation to anyone interested in joining us at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Erica will be there in person and we will have lunch after the class. It is going to be hybrid so you do not have to. It usually doesn't snow in May and with Spring budding out, it is a beautiful trip. Oh, you can visit the planets, moons and the sun (located on the UMPI campus) located along Rte 1, to entertain you the last 40ish miles. Erica will take us through the

On April 16, 2026, members of the Gold LEAF Institute visited artist and printmaker Meredith Mustard at her Two Imagine Studio in Farmington, Maine. Participants experienced a unique demonstration of printmaking using a specially prepared gelatin, or Gelli plate. They were fascinated by the layering techniques and the creative process behind producing these one-of-a-kind works of art. Many members were inspired as they observed the transformation of color and texture through

This in-person, two-session class—held on April 8, 2026, with a second session scheduled for April 22—was offered by Deb Stahler and Cathy Wimett. The class explored the rich characters, evocative settings, and thought-provoking themes found in Louise Penny’s mysteries. Participants enjoyed discussing the beloved details of the series—from memorable questions and relationships to the ever-present dogs and ducks that bring the village to life. Together, the group let their

On April 9, 2026, Gold LEAF Institute offered a 2 session digital hybrid class. GLI hosted A License to Browse: Safety While You Scroll , presented by Tyler Provencher, Program Coordinator for the Greater Franklin Digital Literacy Program in Farmington, Maine. The first session, Tyler focused on built-in safety features and settings for smartphones, laptops, and tablets, while also guiding participants through the expansive landscape of the internet, smart devices, and the gr

May 7 and May 14 10:00 AM to Noon Hybrid Free and membership not required. The mission of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine is to promote universal respect for human rights through outreach and education. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other events, past and present, we encourage individuals and communities to reflect and act upon their moral responsibilities to confront prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination. Erica will take us through the F

Gold LEAF Institute and Sandra Garson offered 6 sessions on the Pathways of Resistance on February 17, 24, March 3, 20, 17, and 24, 2026. Zoom class. Sandra Garson’s informative presentation used the Nazi era as a lens to understand how authoritarianism can emerge and how it can be resisted. She showed that resistance took many forms. Religious communities often served as moral anchors, with clergy and congregations opposing Nazi ideology and, at times, helping protect those

Ted Wright, owner of Ted Wright Forest Services, delivered an informative Zoom presentation on March 31, 2026, to members of the Gold LEAF Institute. Drawing on his extensive experience as a licensed forester, Ted shared valuable insights from his work with landowners and his strong advocacy for sustainable forestry practices. He emphasized the vital role that working forests and rural economies play in connecting Maine’s small landowners with emerging carbon finance opportun

Gold LEAF Institute participated in the Business Showcase event on Saturday, March 28, 2026, held at the Mt. Blue High School gym. GLI took this opportunity to conduct outreach, share information about the benefits of becoming a member, and provide insight into the wide variety of self-enrichment classes offered. Attendees had the chance to connect with a diverse range of local business owners, learn about community services, discover new products, and build valuable connecti

On March 26, 2026, the Gold LEAF Institute held a class titled “Understanding Climate Change and the Sandy River,” presented by Amanda Simoneau, Franklin County Emergency Management Director, and Sara Bickford of Somerset Emergency Management. Hosted at their new facility, the session highlighted the impact of recent flooding, offered practical mitigation strategies, and explored the connection between climate change and its effects on the Sandy River. The presentation was bo

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Southern Maine offers a SAGE+ Lecture: Reimagining Shakespeare After 400 Years Thursday, April 23 , 6 p.m. Free and open to the public, registration required OLLI at USM, 34 Bedford Street, Wishcamper Center room 133, USM Portland, or online via Zoom Celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday! What inspires contemporary theatrical companies to perform Shakespeare’s plays? Why do we still find them fascinating? Delve behind the

Franklin County Regional Communications and Government Center, Farmington, ME On March 19, 2026, ten Gold LEAF members attended a Talk and Tour of the Franklin County Government class held at the new Emergency Operations Center on Fairbanks Road in Farmington. Amy Bernard, Franklin County Government Administrator, provided a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities of the Franklin County Commission and its five commissioners. Commissioner Fen Fowler was also in attendan

Offered by Seniors Achieving Greater Education, UMPI The mission of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine is to promote universal respect for human rights through outreach and education. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other events, past and present, we encourage individuals and communities to reflect and act upon their moral responsibilities to confront prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination. Erica will take us through the Fundamentals of Nazis Antisemiti

Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 Hybrid 9:00 – 10:30 AM Fee is $10 This four-week course invites senior learners to explore artificial intelligence with curiosity, clarity, and confidence. Participants will learn what AI is (and isn’t), see everyday examples such as voice assistants, image generators, and writing tools, and discuss how AI is already shaping daily life. The class emphasizes safe and ethical use, including privacy, misinformation, and bi

Seniors Achieving Greater Education is offering Astronomy 101 on Tuesday, Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. This class is free This is a basic class for those individuals who are interested in astronomy. During this class we will look at the history of astronomy, the creation and the end of the universe, the solar system, and space flight. We wi

3D and Me! (ZOOM option) – Dave Hopkins $35.00 Class Schedule: Thursdays 4:00-6:00 pm (EDT) Duration: 6 Weeks Hybrid: Online course on ZOOM or In-Person option to bring your device to the UMA-Bangor campus to view Dave Hopkins' screen with other members Start Date: March 26, 2026 “3D and Me!” — A Zoom Course with Dave Hopkins! Join PVSC for an introductory exploration of 3D printing. Instructor Dave Hopkins will guide participants through the fundamentals of the technology, i

Burn It All Down without Burning Out: Lessons from YA Dystopia’s Transformational Heroines - Sarah Hentges Fridays 1:30-3:30 pvscmaine.org 4 sessions: Fridays March 27, April 3, 10, 17 Young Adult Dystopian Literature; No Maximum Location: UMA-Bangor Campus, Lewiston Hall Room 119 and on Zoom Sessions are recorded and link is available for each session to view for two weeks. This course is offered as hybrid, and sessions are recorded. Please register for one of the two

Dr. Andrew (Drew) Barton, professor of biology at the University of Maine at Farmington, recently delivered a passionate and engaging presentation on March 11, 2026. His talk provided Gold LEAF Institute members with a deeper understanding of wildfire ecology and the growing risks associated with wildfire in the United States and Maine. Dr. Barton highlighted how states and communities can work together to reduce accidental fires through increased public awareness, improved i

On February 26, 2026, Ann Arbor and John Rosenwald presented a program titled Back to China . Using a slide projector alongside a PowerPoint presentation, they juxtaposed images and experiences from their time in China in 1987 with the country as it is today. Their presentation highlighted the many national and local changes that have taken place over the decades, offering Gold LEAF members a deeper understanding and awareness of China’s transformation. They also shared perso