PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Seniors Achieving Greater Education, a program of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, will host its 20th anniversary and spring kick-off event at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 12, in the Campus Center Multipurpose Room. (Event rescheduled to this date due to Friday’s snowstorm.)
No registration is necessary and all are welcome. This event will include both a celebration of SAGE’s history and an introduction to both new elements and future offerings. Instructors will give overviews of their upcoming course classes.
SAGE welcomes intellectually curious older adults, ages 50 and greater, with a desire to learn in the company of others, with both shared and different perspectives. It brings members together in a relaxed atmosphere for stimulating learning opportunities, fun activities and excursions to interesting locations.
SAGE has no entrance requirements, grades or tests, and no college background is needed. The spring session will run between April and May, with a few exceptions. Courses generally meet once a week for approximately two hours. Formats range from lectures and discussions to hands-on learning. Instructors and facilitators are volunteers who have both knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject they are presenting.
This spring, SAGE will offer 32 courses, learning events and excursions, including: Let’s Fix It: Grammar Repair; Television: The Exciting Early Years; Trash to Fashion Show: Create Your Entry; Life on the Ohio and Maine Frontiers; Learning to Knit; Senior Water Fitness; Learning to Read Music; Meet Your Ancestors; and Simple Home Repairs.
Some of the one-day classes are: How Color Affects Us; How to Protect Your Personal Information from Identity Theft; Health, Life and Long-Term Care Insurance; Paper Making: A Bit of History and a Bit of Fun; and Using your iPhone or iPad. Learning excursions include: Tour a Goat Farm and Make Goat’s Milk Soap; Wind Angel and Garlic Farm; and McAdam Historic Railway Station.
UMPI’s Outing Club will offer several unique opportunities to explore Aroostook’s great outdoors. SAGE is also partnering with the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department for excursions and classes.
Spring session membership is $22. Courses are free for members, who may take as many courses as they’d like. Some hands-on courses and field excursions have additional fees. Full or partial scholarships are available. SAGE members also have free access to most events sponsored by UMPI’s Cultural Affairs and Student Activities Board just by showing their SAGE membership card.
Members can participate in Share a Ride as either a volunteer driver or passenger; information is included on the SAGE membership/registration form.
For more information, email umpi-csp@me.edu or call 768-9501. To view course offerings and a registration form, visit www.umpi.edu/sage.
