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Fall 2022
Solar Power with Dale Roy.
St John's Valley Senior College
In person class
Discover the theory behind, and operation of photovoltaic systems from light formation in the sun to the lightbulb in your home. These systems reliably produce electricity and have become an increasingly more affordable renewable energy option.
Tue. Nov. 15, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, UMFK Cyr Hall, Room 204.
In person class
Discover the theory behind, and operation of photovoltaic systems from light formation in the sun to the lightbulb in your home. These systems reliably produce electricity and have become an increasingly more affordable renewable energy option.
Tue. Nov. 15, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, UMFK Cyr Hall, Room 204.
Should The Next Car You Buy Be All Electric? - Paul Mullin
Gold LEAF Institute -
Dec 6, 2022 at 10 am - Online Class
For most of our driving lives vehicles had motors powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and their detrimental effect on the climate, there has been a push to transition from these carbon fuels to electric power. First came hybrid, then plug-in hybrid, and more recently all electric vehicles. Although only 5% of new cars now being purchased are electric, it is anticipated that most cars in the future will be electric. Paul will review factors to consider when deciding whether to go all electric, and his experience with purchasing, owning, and operating an electric powered vehicle.
Paul has been an active member of Gold LEAF for a number of years, and the moderator of the Views on the News discussion group.
Dec 6, 2022 at 10 am - Online Class
For most of our driving lives vehicles had motors powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and their detrimental effect on the climate, there has been a push to transition from these carbon fuels to electric power. First came hybrid, then plug-in hybrid, and more recently all electric vehicles. Although only 5% of new cars now being purchased are electric, it is anticipated that most cars in the future will be electric. Paul will review factors to consider when deciding whether to go all electric, and his experience with purchasing, owning, and operating an electric powered vehicle.
Paul has been an active member of Gold LEAF for a number of years, and the moderator of the Views on the News discussion group.
Clean Water is Vital - Alanna Yannelli
Bridgton Senior College. In-person class. October 4th.
Clean water is vital to all living creatures, including humans. We need it to survive on a daily basis and use it from everything from drinking, to showering to flushing the toilet. But did you know there is water tied up in all the goods that we purchase? From transportation to food to clothing, water is used all along the supply chain. Join Alanna Yannelli from the Lakes Environmental Association to learn about the water that is “hidden” in everyday items that we use, how land conservation, and a changing climate can affect water quality, and how to reduce your water use.
Alanna Yannelli grew up in Sebago and learned from a young age not to let the faucet drip. She works hard to incorporate all that she’s learned about water conservation into her daily life and enjoys sharing that awareness with others through education programs at LEA.
Clean water is vital to all living creatures, including humans. We need it to survive on a daily basis and use it from everything from drinking, to showering to flushing the toilet. But did you know there is water tied up in all the goods that we purchase? From transportation to food to clothing, water is used all along the supply chain. Join Alanna Yannelli from the Lakes Environmental Association to learn about the water that is “hidden” in everyday items that we use, how land conservation, and a changing climate can affect water quality, and how to reduce your water use.
Alanna Yannelli grew up in Sebago and learned from a young age not to let the faucet drip. She works hard to incorporate all that she’s learned about water conservation into her daily life and enjoys sharing that awareness with others through education programs at LEA.
The Journey from Climate Doom
to Active Hope -
THOMAS WHITE
When you think about climate change and ecosystem
destruction, do you experience feelings of despair or
helplessness? Do you want to leave these negative thoughts
and feelings behind and take a thought-provoking journey
to “active hope?” In this small, discussion-oriented class,
you will explore the ideas of scientists, social scientists,
and philosophers who have shown us how we could create
a more hopeful story for ourselves. You will consider this
question: How can I become more active — and hopeful —
in protecting the Earth and ensuring the well-being of
future generations? Repeat course. Course format will include
in-person lectures and discussions, with the exception of the
last two classes; these will be online via Zoom.
Thomas G. White has a PhD in developmental psychology. He has taught
at Gettysburg College, OLLI at the College of William and Mary, and OLLI
USM. A summer resident of East Boothbay, he has been inspired by Rachel
Carson’s books.
OLLI at the University of Southern maine - COURSE FRI, 9/16 – 11/4 • 12:45 – 2:45 P.M. • $50
destruction, do you experience feelings of despair or
helplessness? Do you want to leave these negative thoughts
and feelings behind and take a thought-provoking journey
to “active hope?” In this small, discussion-oriented class,
you will explore the ideas of scientists, social scientists,
and philosophers who have shown us how we could create
a more hopeful story for ourselves. You will consider this
question: How can I become more active — and hopeful —
in protecting the Earth and ensuring the well-being of
future generations? Repeat course. Course format will include
in-person lectures and discussions, with the exception of the
last two classes; these will be online via Zoom.
Thomas G. White has a PhD in developmental psychology. He has taught
at Gettysburg College, OLLI at the College of William and Mary, and OLLI
USM. A summer resident of East Boothbay, he has been inspired by Rachel
Carson’s books.
OLLI at the University of Southern maine - COURSE FRI, 9/16 – 11/4 • 12:45 – 2:45 P.M. • $50
Loon Echo Land Trust - Matt Markot
Bridgton Senior College.
October 11 - In-person class.
Over the past three years, the demand for and interest in outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities everywhere has skyrocketed. How do we balance access to the outdoors with impacts on natural resources? How do we move forward to a future with ample and equitable access to the outdoors? Matt will also discuss LELT's recent land protection & trail projects, collaborative efforts to protect land in the Sebago Lake watershed, and ways community members can help protect the important places in their community.
October 11 - In-person class.
Over the past three years, the demand for and interest in outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities everywhere has skyrocketed. How do we balance access to the outdoors with impacts on natural resources? How do we move forward to a future with ample and equitable access to the outdoors? Matt will also discuss LELT's recent land protection & trail projects, collaborative efforts to protect land in the Sebago Lake watershed, and ways community members can help protect the important places in their community.
Native Maine Plants and Pollinators: They Need Our Help - Nancy Donovan
Bridgton Senior College -
October 10
Looking out her window envisioning birds, bees and butterflies visiting colorful ground cover and gardens, Nancy Donovan enrolled in the Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program in South Paris. Her goal was to learn successful gardening practices for her own gardens and to potentially assist others in avoiding gardening errors.
In her presentation, Nancy will discuss the advantages of growing plants native to Maine and the benefits to pollinators. She will outline how to grow them from seed collected from native Maine plants. Also, describe the process of having a garden designated as Pollinator Certified by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Nancy Donovan, PhD, Retired PT – built her home in Bridgton in 2007. She
retired in December 2019 and in January 2020 enrolled in the Maine
Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
October 10
Looking out her window envisioning birds, bees and butterflies visiting colorful ground cover and gardens, Nancy Donovan enrolled in the Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program in South Paris. Her goal was to learn successful gardening practices for her own gardens and to potentially assist others in avoiding gardening errors.
In her presentation, Nancy will discuss the advantages of growing plants native to Maine and the benefits to pollinators. She will outline how to grow them from seed collected from native Maine plants. Also, describe the process of having a garden designated as Pollinator Certified by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Nancy Donovan, PhD, Retired PT – built her home in Bridgton in 2007. She
retired in December 2019 and in January 2020 enrolled in the Maine
Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Katahdin Woods and Waters Park with Elaine Hendrickson.
St Johns Valley Senior College -
In August of 2016, President Barack Obama signed a proclomation creating the 87,500 acres of land east of Baxter State Park as Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
Elaine will share what makes this newest National Monument in Maine such a special place to visit & explore. Tue. Oct. 4,
6:00 - 7:30 PM , UMFK Cyr Hall Room 204. In Person
In August of 2016, President Barack Obama signed a proclomation creating the 87,500 acres of land east of Baxter State Park as Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
Elaine will share what makes this newest National Monument in Maine such a special place to visit & explore. Tue. Oct. 4,
6:00 - 7:30 PM , UMFK Cyr Hall Room 204. In Person
April 2022
Video - "The Future of Shellfish in the Gulf of Maine” - Sunrise Senior College. Watch this presentation on YouTube
Downeast Institute's founder and Director of Research, Dr. Brian Beal, describes building the easternmost marine research institute and shellfish hatchery in the US and what our field research tells us about the future of the shellfish in the Gulf of Maine.
This presentation was an offering by Sunrise Senior College at University of Maine at Machias.
This presentation was an offering by Sunrise Senior College at University of Maine at Machias.
April 4th - "Carbon Negative Solutions in Maine and Beyond"
Presented by Penobscot Valley Senior College.
"Carbon Negative Solutions in Maine and Beyond" - This session will focus on “solutions”, or more accurately, opportunities to create negative carbon emissions that are an essential part of our integrated climate response. In the first hour, the session will cover aspects of the natural environment in Maine (e.g., in the wood and soil) and their ability to store carbon. The second hour will be focused on negative emission technologies to reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere with global potential as embodied in the Climate Restoration initiative.
Presenters: Ivan Fernandez and Peter Garrett.
Ivan Fernandez is a professor at the School of Forest Resources Climate Change Institute and School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine where he has taught courses in forest soils, carbon and climate, and climate adaption. Since 2019 he has been a member of the Maine Climate Council and serves as a Co-Chair of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. In 2021 he was also a member of the Governor’s Carbon Task force.
Peter Garrett has been a leader in developing a network of advocates on the climate change issue in Maine under Citizens Climate Education and Citizens Climate Lobby. Previously, he led a hydrogeology consulting team cleaning up and developing new groundwater sources for towns throughout the state and elsewhere.
You can still sign up for the Penobscot Valley SC"Climate Change Series" - FMI: https://bit.ly/36Tg7vY
Image by Daniel Chicchon
Presenters: Ivan Fernandez and Peter Garrett.
Ivan Fernandez is a professor at the School of Forest Resources Climate Change Institute and School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine where he has taught courses in forest soils, carbon and climate, and climate adaption. Since 2019 he has been a member of the Maine Climate Council and serves as a Co-Chair of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. In 2021 he was also a member of the Governor’s Carbon Task force.
Peter Garrett has been a leader in developing a network of advocates on the climate change issue in Maine under Citizens Climate Education and Citizens Climate Lobby. Previously, he led a hydrogeology consulting team cleaning up and developing new groundwater sources for towns throughout the state and elsewhere.
You can still sign up for the Penobscot Valley SC"Climate Change Series" - FMI: https://bit.ly/36Tg7vY
Image by Daniel Chicchon
Monday, April 18, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - Maine Won’t Wait: The State Climate Plan and How Mainers are Taking Action.
Presented by Penobscot Valley Senior College.
"Maine Won’t Wait: The State Climate Plan and How Mainers are Taking Action."
Maine Won’t Wait is a four-year climate plan presenting feasible strategies and goals to emit less carbon, produce energy from renewable sources and protect our natural resources, communities and people from the effects of climate change. This session will introduce the plan to participants and cover examples of Mainers taking action.
Presenter: Cassandra Rose Dr. Rose is a Senior Science Analyst and Climate Council Coordinator with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (Link below). Dr. Rose managed a policy and communications program for the American Geosciences Institute between 2015 and 2019, where she connected the geoscience community with policy makers at the local, state, and federal levels to support science-based decision making on issues related to climate, energy, water, mineral resources, and natural hazards.
For more information about the PVSC series go to https://bit.ly/3NNe8d9
Image by Justin Bisson Beck
Maine Won’t Wait is a four-year climate plan presenting feasible strategies and goals to emit less carbon, produce energy from renewable sources and protect our natural resources, communities and people from the effects of climate change. This session will introduce the plan to participants and cover examples of Mainers taking action.
Presenter: Cassandra Rose Dr. Rose is a Senior Science Analyst and Climate Council Coordinator with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (Link below). Dr. Rose managed a policy and communications program for the American Geosciences Institute between 2015 and 2019, where she connected the geoscience community with policy makers at the local, state, and federal levels to support science-based decision making on issues related to climate, energy, water, mineral resources, and natural hazards.
For more information about the PVSC series go to https://bit.ly/3NNe8d9
Image by Justin Bisson Beck
Monday, April 25, 1:30 - 3:30 PM ; Climate Justice: What is a Fair Share of the Costs?
Presented by Penobscot Valley Senior College.
"Climate Justice: What is a Fair Share of the Costs?"
Lecture followed by discussion. The focus will be on what is a fair share of the burdens of climate change mitigation (and adaptation), both globally and domestically. Some questions to be discussed include: What greenhouse gas emissions reductions are needed to keep global warming below 2 or 1.5 degrees Celsius? Who is responsible for making these reductions or paying for them? How much should a just policy take into account past emissions or ability to pay? What kinds of policies can bring about climate change justice?
Presenter: Michael Howard is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Maine, where he has taught since 1981 and has published scores of articles on topics in social and political philosophy, including economic democracy, universal basic income, and climate justice.
Image by Markus Spiske
Lecture followed by discussion. The focus will be on what is a fair share of the burdens of climate change mitigation (and adaptation), both globally and domestically. Some questions to be discussed include: What greenhouse gas emissions reductions are needed to keep global warming below 2 or 1.5 degrees Celsius? Who is responsible for making these reductions or paying for them? How much should a just policy take into account past emissions or ability to pay? What kinds of policies can bring about climate change justice?
Presenter: Michael Howard is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Maine, where he has taught since 1981 and has published scores of articles on topics in social and political philosophy, including economic democracy, universal basic income, and climate justice.
Image by Markus Spiske
Monday, May 2, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - "Achieving Maine’s Renewable Energy and Climate Goals "
Presented by Penobscot Valley Senior College.
"Achieving Maine’s Renewable Energy and Climate Goals."
Achieving Maine’s Renewable Energy and Climate Goals The State of Maine has been a leader in both recognizing the potential impacts of climate change on the state and in enacting policy to mitigate and prepare for the risks associated with climate change impacts. In this session, staff from the Governor’s Energy Office will discuss how Maine’s unique and abundant renewable energy resources can be responsibly developed to position the state to achieve its clean energy and climate goals, and how a transition to a greener, cleaner grid can be achieved in an effective, affordable, and equitable manner through careful policy design. This session will include both lecture and discussion portions.
Presenters: Caroline Colan, Ethan Tremblay Caroline Colan serves as the Solar and Storage Fellow for the Governor’s Energy Office, providing project management and research support for state solar and storage programs. She has a B.A. in geography from Middlebury College.
Ethan Tremblay is an Energy Policy Analyst for the Governor’s Energy Office, focusing on a variety of renewable energy policy initiatives. He has a M. S. in Resource Economics and Policy from the University of Maine.
Image by Appolinary Kalashnikova
Achieving Maine’s Renewable Energy and Climate Goals The State of Maine has been a leader in both recognizing the potential impacts of climate change on the state and in enacting policy to mitigate and prepare for the risks associated with climate change impacts. In this session, staff from the Governor’s Energy Office will discuss how Maine’s unique and abundant renewable energy resources can be responsibly developed to position the state to achieve its clean energy and climate goals, and how a transition to a greener, cleaner grid can be achieved in an effective, affordable, and equitable manner through careful policy design. This session will include both lecture and discussion portions.
Presenters: Caroline Colan, Ethan Tremblay Caroline Colan serves as the Solar and Storage Fellow for the Governor’s Energy Office, providing project management and research support for state solar and storage programs. She has a B.A. in geography from Middlebury College.
Ethan Tremblay is an Energy Policy Analyst for the Governor’s Energy Office, focusing on a variety of renewable energy policy initiatives. He has a M. S. in Resource Economics and Policy from the University of Maine.
Image by Appolinary Kalashnikova
Monday May 16, 2022, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - Drawdown Climate Solutions: What Mainers Can Do Now
Drawdown Climate Solutions: What Mainers Can Do Now This session will describe Project Drawdown and present ways we can move toward a climate-safe planet. Learn about Climate Solutions 101, which lays out a systems approach to the climate crisis with focus on solutions that are science based, currently in use, and available to implement. Breakout rooms will enable participants to explore these solutions and discover what each of us can do personally and together to meet climate change goals.
Presenters: Bert Cohen, Bill Fackenthall Bert Cohen has been working in the area of sustainability for over 30 years. Twenty-five of these years were spent as Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of New Hampshire in the Department of Natural Resources. During his fifty plus years of teaching he has been actively exploring how to form learning communities that support the wellbeing of the individual, enhance the health of society, and respect the integrity of our environment.
Bill Fackenthall is the course moderator and Vice President of Penobscot Valley Senior College. He has Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, California. He has a commitment to educating himself and others so we can all take appropriate actions to ensure a climate-safe place for our children and future generations.
Presenters: Bert Cohen, Bill Fackenthall Bert Cohen has been working in the area of sustainability for over 30 years. Twenty-five of these years were spent as Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of New Hampshire in the Department of Natural Resources. During his fifty plus years of teaching he has been actively exploring how to form learning communities that support the wellbeing of the individual, enhance the health of society, and respect the integrity of our environment.
Bill Fackenthall is the course moderator and Vice President of Penobscot Valley Senior College. He has Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, California. He has a commitment to educating himself and others so we can all take appropriate actions to ensure a climate-safe place for our children and future generations.
Monday, May 9th, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - The Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Climate Change Legislation
Monday May 2, 2022, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
The Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Climate Change Legislation Maine is working hard to address our climate crisis, but with only 0.3% of U.S. carbon emissions, we need national and international policy to avert the worst effects of climate change and prevent Maine from losing its natural heritage (fisheries, winter recreation, blueberries, forests, etc.). Learn about national policy options, the current state of climate policy negotiations, and compare policy 5 options using MIT's insightful EN-ROADS Climate Simulator, which compares the effectiveness of alternative solutions.
Presenters: Peter Dugas, Gerry Gross, Theresa Hainer, Glen Koehler, Kimberlee Hammond
Peter Dugan is the Maine State Coordinator of Citizens' Climate Lobby, a grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to building the political will for effective and equitable climate policy.
Gerry Gross is a retired Speech-Language Pathologist and longtime environmental advocate. She was drawn to Citizens’ Climate Lobby because of its focus on realistic solutions to climate change its efforts to reach across party lines to find common ground who now co-chairs the Bangor chapter.
Theresa Hainer is a retired Nurse Practitioner, master organic gardener, and longtime outdoor enthusiast. She joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby after taking Glen Koehler’s class on climate change and meeting Connie Potvin and Lyn Rohman (founders of the Bangor CCL chapter). She now cochairs the Bangor chapter.
Glenn Kohler is an associate scientist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension working on integrated pest management of tree fruits and weather-based predictive crop, pest timing and severity models. He contributes to the USDA Northeast Climate Hub and the Northeastern IPM Center Advisory and Steering Committee.
Kimberlee Hammond is a retired special education teacher, climate activist and volunteer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
FMI: https://bit.ly/36Tg7vY
Image by Mark Olsen - Red Blueberry Bushes at Blueberry Barrens (Kennebunk Plains Preserve)
Presenters: Peter Dugas, Gerry Gross, Theresa Hainer, Glen Koehler, Kimberlee Hammond
Peter Dugan is the Maine State Coordinator of Citizens' Climate Lobby, a grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to building the political will for effective and equitable climate policy.
Gerry Gross is a retired Speech-Language Pathologist and longtime environmental advocate. She was drawn to Citizens’ Climate Lobby because of its focus on realistic solutions to climate change its efforts to reach across party lines to find common ground who now co-chairs the Bangor chapter.
Theresa Hainer is a retired Nurse Practitioner, master organic gardener, and longtime outdoor enthusiast. She joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby after taking Glen Koehler’s class on climate change and meeting Connie Potvin and Lyn Rohman (founders of the Bangor CCL chapter). She now cochairs the Bangor chapter.
Glenn Kohler is an associate scientist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension working on integrated pest management of tree fruits and weather-based predictive crop, pest timing and severity models. He contributes to the USDA Northeast Climate Hub and the Northeastern IPM Center Advisory and Steering Committee.
Kimberlee Hammond is a retired special education teacher, climate activist and volunteer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
FMI: https://bit.ly/36Tg7vY
Image by Mark Olsen - Red Blueberry Bushes at Blueberry Barrens (Kennebunk Plains Preserve)