Autumn classes for seniors in Sebago Lake region starting soon by Allen Crabtree

It is time to start thinking about the Autumn Term at the Senior College at Bridgton, the home-town program for anyone 50 years or older who live in the Lakes Region communities to learn new things and meet new friends. 
  

The Autumn Term will run for six weeks from September 12 through October 20.  Four courses will be offered:  An Autumn Potpourri, All about Alaska, Peace of Mind before you “Rest in Peace”, and Shakespeare’s Henry IV.  All classes are held at the Magic Lantern Theater Pub, 64 Main Street, Bridgton from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Senior College at Bridgton membership fee is $20 once a year and the autumn course offerings are $15/course. Registration deadline is September 9.

Classes offered this session include the following:

An Autumn Medley - Tuesday classes from September 12 to October 17

September 12:  Helicopters and the Realm of Vertical Flight by Frank Howell

This course looks at the problems confronting the pioneers of vertical flight and some of the clever solutions they concocted. Frank will talk about what it’s like to learn how to fly a helicopter and the practical benefits of these amazing machines.

September 19:  Wealth Distribution Planning by Charlotte Kelly

An investment based discussion on converting your savings into a lifetime of inflation adjusted income.

September 26:  Moving & Reassembling an 1827 House by Greg Marston

Imagine finding the perfect antique house you’ve always wanted, but finding it in the wrong location. What do you do? Take it apart, of course - piece by piece, catalogue the parts, move everything, and then put it back together again. Greg relates his adventures in just such an undertaking.

October 3:  U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum by John Doughty

For forty-five years, our country has alternated between periods of energy security and insecurity, sometimes able to wield petroleum as a useful instrument of foreign policy, sometimes not. Despite the current “energy revolution”, the U.S. today is by no means disentangled from foreign energy dependence. Petroleum security considerations will continue to impact our foreign policy for the foreseeable future.

October 10:  The History & Evolution of Violin Making by David Polstein

This is a survey of the major historical violin makers and their methods, c.1500 to today.

October 17: The Tree in Winter by Alanna Doughty

We’ll explore how Maine trees adapt to survive the short days and long, bitter nights and examine the bare twigs to see how different they all really are. We’ll learn to identify our native trees without their leaves and get some hands-on practice using the guidebook, “The Forest Trees of Maine”.

All About Alaska: Twenty Years in the “Great Land”

These classes are offered on Wednesdays, September 13 to October 18 by Jim and Sue Dover

This class takes an in-depth look at Alaska from its geographic isolation, climate and native culture; to its history of exploration, settlement and path to statehood, resources and economic development as well as its geology and scenic splendor.

Peace of Mind Before You “Rest in Peace”

Classes offered on Thursdays September 14 to October 12.

September 14 - Encore! Writing Your Own Obituary and More by Allen Crabtree

Unfortunately, death comes to all of us. Before we leave this earth, however, there are a number of things we can do to make the transition easier for us and for our loved ones. This first session will deal with the lighter side of writing your own obituary, composing the epitaph on your gravestone and planning your own funeral and wake.

September 21 - Understanding Palliative Care & Hospice Services by the

Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice Services

Presenters will lead the audience through an interactive case scenario, taking you across

the onset of serious illness to end of life; exploring ways palliative care and hospice services help navigate the course.

September 28:  Thinking Outside the Coffin by Chuck Lakin

If you think this is a morbid class to be avoided at all costs, you’re wrong. Chuck’s purpose is to give you the information you need to make good decisions about what happens to your body after your death.

October 5:  Funerary/Mortuary Trusts by Dana Chandler

This, in effect, is pre-planning and pre-paying for your final arrangements. Why should you do this? How does it work and how it is regulated so you know your investment is safe.

October 12:  Hospital Issues in Dealing with Death by David Frum

David will share with the group his insights on healthcare, wellness and the hospital’s role in assuring families are actively involved in decisions about dying. He’ll also seek class input on how the hospital can be a better partner in the decisions families must make, often under difficult circumstances.

Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts I and II.

The classes are offered on Fridays, September 15 to October 20 by Margaret Reimer

This autumn’s Shakespeare offering: Henry IV, Parts I & II, will explore the history plays that follow the usurpation of the English throne by Henry Bolingbroke. This course follows 2016’s Richard II course but is suitable for anyone with an interest in Shakespeare and his history plays. Books of the play may be picked up, at no charge, from Bridgton Books.

Copies of brochures with descriptions of the Autumn Session course offerings as well as a Reservation Form are available at the Bridgton Library and at the Senior College web site www.seniorcollegeatbridgton.org.  Everyone should fill out the Reservation Form by September 9 to reserve a space in the class/classes you wish and return the form with a check to the Senior College at Bridgton, P.O. Box 308, Bridgton, ME 04009.  If you have questions contact the Senior College Registration at 207- 647-5593.