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2025 - 2026 Membership

Membership in Lewiston Auburn Senior College is $35/year, non-refundable and runs from July 1 to June 30.
Please "register" for this "class" to renew or become a member.
Benefits of membership include access to clubs, free one day classes, and courses at all Maine Senior Colleges.
A Peek Behind the Public Theatre Curtain!
with Ray Dumont

IN PERSON AT AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND ZOOM
Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may attend either in-person or by ZOOM.
When you buy a ticket and see a show, what you’re seeing is just a fraction of the entire effort that goes into a production.
Ray Dumont, Executive Director of The Public Theatre, will offer participants a “backstage pass” into the professional theatre world and the many artists, builders, and supporters who make it happen. A production doesn’t come to life by accident. Each moment is precisely rehearsed. Every element you see is carefully chosen by the director and a team of designers.
Join in the discussion of the life of a production. You may never see a show the same way again.
Ray Dumont is Executive Director of The Public Theatre in Lewiston, Maine.
History and Cultures of Russia
with Jane Costlow

IN PERSON AT AUBURN-LEWISTON AIRPORT
For many people, Russia remains a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” (as Winston Churchill put it). This course will provide you with an introduction to this huge and complex country, beginning with its vast geography and continuing through an exploration of its political structures, private lives and vibrant culture. What did it mean to be a serf? Why did Peter the Great want to open a window to Europe? What role has revolution and war played in shaping Russian civic life? How have Russian rulers used propaganda, and why does it work? What was it like to live through the end of the Soviet era – and how did that experience shape people’s attitudes toward Putin. We’ll explore these questions with lots of power points, film clips and short readings.
Jane Costlow taught Russian and Environmental Humanities for over 30 years at Bates College. She has a Ph.D. in Russian literature, and has lived and travelled extensively (solo, with students and with her family) in Russia and Siberia.
Fjords, Vikings, and Trolls, Oh My!
with Alan Elze

IN PERSON AT SCHOONER ESTATES
We know that the Casco Bay Lines has a mail boat that visits the islands in Casco Bay, but Norway has mail boats that travel over 1,200 miles and visit 34 cities, towns, and villages. We'll see majestic mountains, waterfalls, incredible landscapes, and even a few trolls.
Alan has taught a wide variety of courses in over his 20 years being associated with Senior College.
Genealogy for Everyone
with Lin Wright

IN PERSON AT THE ANDROSCOGGIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
This is a small class, opportunity to explore the genealogical resources at Androscoggin Historical Society and receive individualised assistance.
(Students may wish to bring laptops or tablets. Wifi is available.)
Lin is a current staff member at Androscoggin Historical Society. She is an experienced genealogist and micohistorian. She has taught genealogical and related courses at Senior College for many years.
Alternative Pain Management and Healing Methods: Is our American 'Diet' hurting us?
with Joel Buckman

IN PERSON AT SCHOONER ESTATES
What we put into our bodies is critical in helping keep the body balanced and pain-free. Not very easy in today's poisonous over-stimulated world. How do you meander through life while doing our best to keep it wholesome? Why do we hurt so much by what we put into our body? We will be investigating, researching and structuring personal Activity, Lifestyle, Environment, Metabolism and Diet regiments to provide a natural non-pharma approach to soothing pain, reducing inflammation and restoring our metabolism.
Recommended book: Metabolic Freedom, A 30-Day Guide to Restore Your Metabolism, Heal Hormones and Burn Fat Author Ben Azadi ISBN: 978-1-4019-9436-5
Joel graduated with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from BU. He has been a leading technology management consultant, founded YourTechnologySolutions, Inc. while working at Harvard Business School and has been an adjunct Instructor at ITT Technical Institute. In 2013 he founded Strain Doctor LLC, a medicinal cannabis company located in Maine. In 2019 he founded MatureReleafTM, a consumer-focused pain management product wellness company geared toward the Active Adult, now called Miracle Balm, an all-natural chemical-free topical balm primarily used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in and around joints, ligaments and muscles. Since 2005, during the summer Joel has also enjoyed being a NASCAR stock car instructor for Stockcar Racing Experience at the Pocono Raceway in northeast PA.
Lives Worth Living: Happiness and Meaning in Later Life
with Bill Frayer & Jean Potuchek

IN PERSON AT THE LEWISTON-AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
For many people, the later years of life turn out to be the happiest, richest, and most meaningful.This course will explore factors which help us find satisfaction and meaning as we age. We will examine research about aging and happiness, identify some common barriers to happiness, explore possible resources for finding richness and meaning in later life, look at the role of sorrow and loss, and consider the challenges and opportunities of living alone. Our goal is to share information and insights that will help all of us enhance the qualty of our lives as we age.
Jean Potuchek holds a PhD in Sociology from Brown University and, before her retirement, spent 25 years as an award-winning teacher of sociology and women’s studies at Gettysburg College.
Bill earned his BA degree at Brown and a Masters in Adult Education at USM. He taught for 31 years at CMCC before retiring and living in central Mexico and teaching English for five years before returning to Maine.
Women of Fortitude
with Peggy Volock

IN PERSON AT SCHOONER ESTATES
A discussion of four novels based on historical accounts featuring strong female protagonist. The novels are Isola, Lioness of Boston, The Paris Express, and My Name is Emilia del Valle (The class will meet every other week to allow time for reading.)
Peggy Volock has presented several classes for senior college. Before retirement she was a medical technologist and a high school teacher. After retiring she worked as an adjunct instructor at CMCC and a library assistant at Lewiston Public Library.