PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A University of Maine at Presque Isle program that serves local residents over 50 and believes in “learning for life” will host its fall kick-off event at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 in the Campus Center.
For 18 years, Seniors Achieving Greater Education (SAGE) has brought short courses in arts, sciences and specialty areas to the region’s senior community. SAGE is one of 17 senior colleges in the Maine Senior College Network, and one of two senior colleges north of Bangor.
SAGE brings members together in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere to discover new things about the world and themselves. On Sept. 18 participants will be able to socialize with SAGE members and learn about upcoming classes. Coffee will be served, followed by brief presentations by this fall’s learning facilitators, and then class registration.
Following the kick-off, there will be a “Volunteering YOUR Way!” presentation that will provide details about ENCORE and RSVP and how attendees can make a real difference helping in ways that interest them when it fits in their schedules.
This fall, SAGE will offer 23 courses, learning events and excursions on topics ranging from opera and chess to plumbing, the elections, and timekeeping the Amish way. Learning excursions include trips to the Fort Fairfield Library and the North Maine Woods. Classes range in length from one day to four weeks and will be offered between Sept. 25 and Nov.14.
Individual classes generally meet once a week for approximately two hours and are led on a volunteer basis by SAGE members and guests. Course formats range from lectures and discussions to field trips and hands-on learning.
SAGE has no entrance requirements, grades or tests, and no college background is needed. The cost is minimal; membership in SAGE is $17 per semester or $32 for the year (Sept. 1 to Aug. 31). Courses are free for members; some hands-on courses and field excursions have additional fees and some courses may require the purchase of a book.
Full or partial scholarships are available through a confidential process. SAGE members also have free access to most events sponsored by UMPI’s Cultural Affairs and Student Activities Board by showing their membership cards.
For more information, contact Nancy Roe at 768-7271. To register or to make a reservation for the Sept. 18 kick-off, contact Mary Lawrence at 768-9502. To view fall course offerings, visit www.umpi.edu/sage.
