WMSC Teachers' Tea

On Wednesday, September 11, WMSC teachers and board members got together for an informational tea party, hosted by Adult Education director Jeanne Waite and WMSC Board Member/ Teacher Liaison Judy Whitman. It was a sweltering afternoon, but we were all attentive as Jeanie informed us of the new safety procedures now in place at Telstar.  You will hear about these procedures in your first classes of the fall.  Judy then went over the nuts and bolts of how our classes function.  Once we'd gotten through all the nitty-gritty of what happens behind the scenes we were free to socialize and eat the wonderful goodies, as you can see from Rosabelle's photos!

Judy Whitman pouring from her Grandmother's teapot into Jeanie Waite's grandmother's teacup.

Judy, Jeanie, Jim McLean and Marvin Ouwinga check out the food.

Jeanie, Sharon Lyon, Marvin, and Lucia Owen looking over their handouts.

Kathleen DeVore, Ginny Gamble, Sharon Lyon

New WMSC Chair, Marvin Ouwinga, and new WMSC Board Member Janet Stowell

Peter Gartner, Marvin Ouwinga and Jim McLean

RoseMary Mclean, Jim McLean, Judy Whitman and Jan Stowell

Our teachers: Lucia Owen, Marvin Ouwinga, Sharon Lyon, Jim McLean. Suzanne Taylor, Peter Gartner, Mary Haberman, Ginny Gamble

Hostesses Jeanie Waite and Judy Whitman

photos Rosabelle Tifft

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

New Directions for Senior College Players

by Rosabelle Tifft

Senior College Players resume this fall under the leadership of Ross Timberlake, as director, and Lorrie Hoeh, assistant director. Ross and Lorrie along with a team of veteran players are excited about continuing and moving in new directions.

Ross Timberlake and Lorrie Hoeh  (photo Rosabelle Tifft)

Current plans call for three plays to be performed in a ninety-minute fall production. Newcomers and veteran players alike are invited to join the troupe. Ross plans to hold a special orientation for newcomers and assures everyone that the “senior theater” tradition of carrying scripts on stage will be continued. There are also roles for interested persons who wish to become involved as “behind the scene” volunteers, such as the stage crews, props, costumes and other tasks associated with a dramatic production. Ross said, “The goal is to create a wonderful learning experience for new members, veterans and volunteers as we prepare to entertain our friends and neighbors.”

Ross brings extensive experience to his new role. He majored in theater at USM and has written and produced a number of plays, including the “Porch Plays” and “The Legend of Lefty” dinner theater play. He also co-founded the Bethel Performing Arts Project.

Lorrie’s interest in drama started in grade school when she played Joan of Arc in a play put on by her French teacher, and it continued while studying at Hiram College in Ohio. Through her experience performing, she has developed a keen interest in directing but she still plans to continue her love of performing.

Weekly rehearsals will take place on Mondays beginning September 16, from 1-4 pm at the West Parish Congregational Church. Dress rehearsals will be held on November 18 and 19. Performances are scheduled for Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, beginning at 7 pm in the Gould Academy Trustees Auditorium.

Senior College Players is a course sponsored by Western Mountains Senior College and registrations will be held during WMSC’s annual meeting on September 4 from 5-7 pm at the West Parish Congregational Church. Those unable to attend the annual meeting may register at the Adult Education office at Telstar High School.

For more information about the players and volunteer opportunities, call Ross at 824-6545 or Lorrie at 824-2917.  

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Photos from WMSC Tour of Vigilante Farm August 20

Picking blackberries while waiting for the tour to start. (photo K. DeVore)

Marvin Ouwinga in front of peach tree. (photo K. DeVore)

Scott Hynek telling one of his tales. (photo K. DeVore)

Steve Smith, Kathy Thrall and Kathy's granddaughter with goats Maggie and Paulette.
(photo K. DeVore)

The lovely Paulette!  (photo Lee Smith)

Looking across into the emu pen. (photo K. DeVore)

Scott and friend following emus. (photo Lee Smith)

Lee Smith getting friendly with an emu; Sara Wright and friend. (photo Steve Smith)

Emus were the big hit!  (photo Lee Smith)

Kathleen DeVore  (photo Lee Smith)

A very interested Tom turkey..... (photo Lee Smith)

This year's pig happily eating leftovers and trimmings from Cathi DiCocoa.   (photo Lee Smith)

The geese!  (photo Lee Smith)

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Picnic, Picking and Poetry

by Rosabelle Tifft

“Blueberries are so spectacular, you can pick them with both hands,” said Ruth Barrett, one of those

Ruth Barrett, picking with both hands

attending Beth and Walter Brough’s “Picnic, Picking and Poetry” afternoon.  Walter’s classical music offered a meditative air, and the mountain views added to the peaceful atmosphere.

In less than an hour, we’d picked up to a quart of berries or more and Beth called us inside for poetry and dessert.  We enjoyed a variety of original poems and roared with laughter at Marvin Ouwinga’s limericks and Walter’s comical verses. Beth’s pumpkin cake and frosted brownies had all of us drooling for more.

Ruth Barrett laughing at Marvin Ouwinga's limericks

Beth invites anyone interested to come to her home and pick blueberries anytime. “No need to call ahead,” she said. “Just come along and pick even if we’re not at home, as the berries are very plentiful, but they won’t last long.”

We extend special thanks to Beth and Walter for once again opening their lovely home and grounds for this special event. Even the rain held off, as promised, until everyone headed home.

Mary Tyler and Ruth Barrett

Walter Brough in his element

Walter clears brush in blueberry field

Beth Brough gives pointers to Marvin Ouwinga

Rosabelle Tifft, Ruth Barrett and Beth Brough

Blueberries everywhere - Beth says come and pick while they last!

photos by Rosabelle Tifft

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Down East Magazine Names Maine Senior College Network "Best of Maine"

The July issue of Down East Magazine features their choices for "Best of Maine." The Maine Senior College Network has been included in the "Best of Maine: Self" category. Here's what Down East has to say about MSCN:

Senior Education - Maine Senior College 
Network 
Started in 1997 at the University of Southern Maine, the Maine Senior College Network is a consortium of seventeen independent learning centers from York to Fort Kent. Courses include everything from foreign languages to religion to the history of opera, all for a minimal tuition and annual membership, starting from twenty-five dollars. 
No tests, papers, or grades — just intellectual stimulation for those over the age of fifty. Find the college 
nearest you. 207-780-4128. maineseniorcollege.org 

Although we have yet to hear of anyone contacting us at WMSC, the Maine Senior College Network office says they have been getting inquiries.

To read the entire article go to Best of Maine. 

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Thank You, Lin Chapman!

by Kathleen DeVore

Lin Chapman

If you've ever gone into the Adult Education office at Telstar you've probably spoken with Lin Chapman. She's the woman who sits at the desk by the windows, managing the fiscal affairs of WMSC, helping solve audio/visual challenges in the classroom, and so much more.

After 24 years of working with SAD 44, Lin is retiring. On Friday, June 14, the Adult Ed staff invited all of us to an informal coffee/ lunch to say thanks to Lin.

Lin chatting with Lorrie Hoeh, other WMSC members in background

We aren't really saying goodbye, as she will still be working in the office one day a week, and as Lin said on Friday, she's only a telephone call away. I believe that someone even mentioned the word “Skype.” (Watch out, Lin, those words may come back to haunt you!) 

Mary Leimbach, Peter Gartner, Roberta Taylor and Mary-Ellen Gartner

When asked what she would be doing now that she's retired Lin said she looks forward to having more time to devote to all the projects she's involved with already. We're hoping that she also has time to add a WMSC course or two to the mix.

Thank you, Lin, for all you've done for us over the years.

Adult Education's Fantastic Four: Lin Chapman, Lois Ruff, Jeanie Waite and Lauren Gailitis

photos by Kathleen DeVore 

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Western Maine Passport to the Arts

With the approach of summer it seems timely to once again mention the Western Maine Passport to the Arts, your ticket to the visual and performing arts. For a purchase price of $20 you will receive discounts on tickets, art, meals and lodging, a $300 value.

Some of the nearby performing arts venues offering discounted tickets include Arts Institute of Western Maine (Farmington), Art Moves (Norway), Brick Church for the Performing Arts (Lovell), Celebration Barn Theater (South Paris), 49 Franklin (Rumford), Kingfield Pops, June 29 (Kingfield), Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center (Fryeburg), Mahoosuc Arts Council (Bethel), and Skye Theater (South Carthage).

Galleries taking part in the program include Artistic Endeavors (Bethel), Bonnema Pottery (Bethel), Elements Art Gallery (Bethel), Gallery 302 (Bridgton), Frost Farm Gallery (Norway), Harvest Gold Gallery (Lovell), and Painted Mermaid (South Paris).

Business associates of the Passport offer discounts as well. Some local and nearby businesses include 76 Pleasant Street (Norway), The Bethel Inn Resort (Bethel), Good Food Store and Catering Company (Bethel), King's Hill Inn (South Paris), Restaurant Maurice (South Paris), River View Resort (Bethel), Rooster's Roadhouse (Bethel), Ruthie's Boutique/Bethel Village Motel (Bethel), Tucker's Pub (Norway), and True North Adventureware (Bethel).

If you frequent any of these venues, galleries, or business associates you might benefit from purchasing a Passport to the Arts. They can be purchased at any of the arts organizations or businesses listed above.

The Western Maine Passport to the Arts is sponsored by the Western Maine Arts Collaborative and is underwritten in part by a grant from the Maine Lakes & Mountains Tourism Council.  For more information go to Passport to the Arts.

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Remembering Carol Brearley

Carol Brearley

by Ellen Crocker and Marcia Foster-Austin

(Carol Brearley, member of WMSC and the Board of Directors, died on May 26, 2013. Ellen Crocker and Marcia Foster-Austin share some of their memories.) 

The first time Carol came to our Creative Writing class we went around the table and, as was our wont, read aloud a piece we had written. When Carol’s turn came, she shuffled through a few loose hand-written papers, pulled one out, and shyly read a poem. There was a stunned silence, and finally someone blurted out in awe, “Where did you come from?”

When we asked further, “No, she had not published these poems…” She had not even compiled them or typed them up because she truly did not know they were extraordinary. She had an exquisite talent to capture a vista, a sentiment, a moment in her life that resonated and touched us all. 

When a few of us went to visit her after she became sick, she was her gracious self, but still incredibly humble and unaware of the power of her writing. She did agree that she would allow us to gather some of her work and make it available to a larger audience. We hope we will soon be able to share some of her gems with you. 

Carol had been an athlete, and in earlier days she beat Ellen handily on the tennis court. But also on the tennis court she was tactful, merciful, and fun. She was grateful for the kindness of friends and of her ex-husband (and good friend) Gary and his partner Susie.

Carol came into our lives for a short time; we wish that we had had more time to share with her. She will be missed and fondly remembered as a woman and poet. 

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

 

A Final Wrap-up of WMSC's Tenth Anniversary

(The following article will be appearing the the June edition of the Maine Senior College Network's Newsletter)

 "Bridging the Generations" - a Public Celebration

by Nancy Davis 

The Western Mountains Senior College celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. We received a Chamber of Commerce commemoration last spring, the member dinner in September was a huge success, and we were trying out options for the public celebration we had targeted for this spring. Our ho-hum ideas finally coalesced into a very exciting project. Bridging the Generations - or What do your grandparents do all day? was held on May 2 in the community’s high school cafeteria. 

The concept for this community event derived from two projects, both successful collaborations for the past several years. For the third annual combined art project, our students and the advanced middle school art class exchanged beginning art pieces and finished each other’s illustrations. This summer the middle school garden project will, for the fourth year, benefit from a highly organized summer program of WMSC “Garden Masters” and local businesses.

Bethel Senior Citizens display designed by Telstar Middle School students.

We had also, in recent months, made good progress in working with the local Senior Citizens group. And finally, several youth organizations in the area had - fortunate for us! - identified working with seniors as an annual goal.

The food, prepared by seniors and students.  Not surprisingly, none was left!

Combining all these preliminary initiatives, we formed a planning committee headed by a WMSC team and expanded to involve a wide variety of local organizations. Throughout the early spring, seniors from both WMSC and the Senior Citizens group met with middle school classes on collaborative projects in art, music, creative writing, drama, community needs, and cooking, all of which were exhibited or presented (or consumed!) at the May 2nd event. 

We are excited about the interactions and learning that occurred and the resulting

Lego robotics team demonstrating their project.

projects that were featured at the event. In addition to the projects described above, a middle school robotics team demonstrated an elaborate project they had constructed to portray the challenges facing elders. Another group had produced an attractive, heart-felt endorsement for the community’s dog park initiative. The Local Foods Connection demonstrated how seniors could become part of the local buying group.

Telstar Interact students introducing volunteer day.

One especially exciting outcome was a volunteer day (which grew to two days) last weekend. The high school Interact group had for some time envisioned such a project, but needed a vehicle to make it happen, and the Bridging the Generations event met that need. In 13 different projects, youngsters performed household and property services for community seniors who had registered with Interact. This event, having laid the groundwork (so to speak), is sure to continue into the future.

Roberta Taylor and student thespian from The Eddy Middle School.

Our intergenerational celebration was a huge success and certainly propelled WMSC and its mission into major community awareness. It enabled the college to significantly contribute to a growing spirit of collaboration within the Bethel community.

The audience at the May 2 celebration.

photos by Melissa Prescott

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

On a Good Day - WMSC/TMS Poetry Collaboration

Ruth and Jim Bebko from the WMSC Creative writing class teamed up with several Telstar Middle School students in writing a collaborative poem.  They chose "A Good Day" as their topic. Here is their poem, which they read on May 2 at the Tenth Anniversary Celebration "Bridging the Generations."

On a Good Day

Ruth Bebko

We met four young ladies from Telstar
Who hoped to be poets exemplar.
      They played with Haiku
       As we seniors did too.
So hear our new products so far.

************************

Bailey Daniels

I get up so slow
The dew drops feel like heaven
Morning sun peaks out

School still feels boring
But my friends are still the best
With them I can laugh

Walk into the dark
Listen to the warm breeze
This was a good day

************************

Ana Rossow

Waking to the bright sun,
Shining gently through my window,
Covering the world in glow.

Jumping into the
Cool, blue water of the lake,
Swimming all day long

************************

Jim Bebko

Sunrise over the ridge
        Awake, alive, feeling good
                  A day ahead - plans

Sun at zenith
       Chores over, hobby time spent
                  Brighten another's day

Learning something new
        Good book and music enjoyed
                  Some exercise too

Sunset over mountains
         Pleasant meal, friend's conversation
                   A good day, good night

************************

Marta Opie

I run downstairs to
and find an awesome surprise
Bacon sizzling OMNOM

friends are laughing
at the lake we swim
in the bright sun

************************

Anna Montagna

 A good day is great
Good days are so relaxing
A good day is nice
Good days are very amazing
A good day is calm

************************

Mrs. Prescott

sun in the morning
windmills on the horizon
in love with Friday

neon yellow wheels
leather and laces tied up
rollerskate day dream

sneakers on pavement
moving, strong, beautiful
April ice can't last

************************

Ruth Bebko

So, using Haiku as our way
With our poems we have tried to convey
              That regardless of age
               Be it, youthful or grayed
We just wish you a very good day.

Telstar Middle School students and Jim Bebko reading their collaborative poem at WMSC's 10th Anniversary Celebration.
photo Melissa Prescott                                                                                                                                             

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college