IN-PERSON at USM-LAC

Only 6 poets have officially performed at a presidential inauguration. We shall look at these poems in the context of the inauguration ceremony. We shall also look at them in light of their respective historic moments.

Maureen Perry is Reference Librarian for USM's Lewiston-Auburn campus, a spoken word performer, and a lector for Prince of Peace Parish.

IN PERSON

Ever wonder how cannabis can help your wellness? What will it do for me? Why would I use it? Where do I get it? Or simply put, is it for me? This course answers these question, breaks down the barriers and stigmas associated with cannabis and examines how cannabis has impacted our culture, wellness and healing.

Suggested Reading: CANNABIS REVEALED: How the World's Most Misunderstood Plant is Healing Everything from Chronic Pain to Epilepsy by Bonni Goldstein, MD, ISBN: 9780998141305

Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Boston University. Joel founded Strain Doctor LLC in 2013, a medicinal cannabis wellness company located in Maine. Prior to this, he was a leading technology management consultant, founding YourTechnologySolutions, Inc. while working at the Harvard Business School. He has also been an adjunct instructor at ITT Technical Institute. And, during the summer he enjoys being a NASCAR stock car instructor at Stockcar Racing Experience located at the Pocono Raceway in PA.

In-PERSON at USM-LAC

All men are created equal,” it says in the Declaration of Independence, and it says this is a “truth” that is “self-evident.” Really? Ever since we’ve been arguing about the meaning and promise of this recognition of equality. What is the equality we are affirming and pursuing? We’ll look at some texts and some numbers, and talk among ourselves. (There will not be a class on October 25)

Doug Bennett taught political philosophy and public policy at Temple University, Reed College and Earlham College for 35 years. He retired as president of Earlham College in 2011 and now lives in Topsham.

IN PERSON at SCHOONER ESTATES

Living a life without meaning can lead to many personal problems and inappropriate behaviors and that is very evident in today's society. It is one of the big questions that a number of philosophers have been exploring.  In this course we will explore answers to that question from a wide range of intellectual traditions across a wide historical sweep. We will begin by exploring the Bhagavard-Gita which is a classic of Hindu thought and end with the views expressed by the 14th Dalai Lama that takes seriously such modern-day values as human rights, liberty, and a secular order that demands the cultivation of compassion.

Dr. Charles Plummer is a retired elementary school teacher and principal and is a firm believer in the importance of remaining mentally and physically active to keep his aging brain functioning at a good level. He is a strong believer in the claim of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, that happiness is the foundation for living a meaningful life and teaching Senior College courses for over 20 years has brought him much happiness, has kept his aging brain functioning at a good level, and has added much positive meaning to his life.

IN-PERSON at USM-LAC

Poetry. We have a love/hate relationship with it. As former US Poet Laureate, Billy Collins, writes, when some teachers introduce a poem they "begin beating it with a hose/ to find out what it really means. No rubber hoses here. We will just be discovering, and sharing, good poems, poems we like, poems which speak to us.

Bill Frayer is a long time Senior College instructor. He has degrees from Brown and USM, and taught for over 30 years at Central Maine Community College.  He writes poetry and loves reading the poetry of others. 

IN PERSON at USM-LAC

A one-hour workshop on how to write your own obituary before you go, and why you might want to write your own obit. We don't like drab obits. We'll talk about how to put some of you, and your humor, in the last story.

Bonnie is a retired Sun Journal staff writer, now weekend reporter for the Press Herald. Washuk, 67, lives in Portland and has written MANY obits!

ZOOM

Everything about eating--including what we consume, how we acquire it, who prepares it, who's at the table - is a form of communication that is rich with meaning. Food is a necessary part of your life, so it becomes linked to all aspects of it. Since ancient times, people have been attributing symbolic meaning to foods. Cultures across the globe have and will continue to assign deeper meaning to everyday food items. Explore the most sacred foods and places in this food-tainment presentation.

Chef Larry P. Canepa is a certified culinary educator with a dynamic, innovative and engaging style that incorporates food history, culinary arts, education and "food-tainment". Chef works closely with farmers, growers, and food artisans to create a delicious and informative food experience -- adult learning with specialized curriculum based on Culinary Arts.

ZOOM
The Baltic nation of Croatia, whose coastline hugs the deep blue Adriatic Sea, has a complicated, sometimes tragic history. The land is gorgeous, the people engaging, and the culture ancient. After completing a 12-day Road Scholar trip throughout Croatia, I will present a Zoom travelog to cover a bit of history, some stories, and lots of photos of this beautiful country

Bill Frayer is a long time Senior College instructor. He has degrees from Brown and USM, and taught for over 30 years at Central Maine Community College.