Lake Region Lifelong Learning
Spring 2024 Classes
Lovewell’s Fight and the Last Two French & Indian Wars;
And why did Colonel Westbrook need a secret burial?
Paul Bibeau
Tuesday, April 23 - 9:30am - 11:30am
In May, 1725, Captain John Lovewell and his 33 men attempted to surprise a village of Pigwacket Indians in Fryeburg. Instead, they were ambushed by Paugus and 80 Pigwackets in a 10-hour long battle next to Lovewell Pond. That battle left Lovewell and Paugus dead, but was inconclusive and the fight led to two more large French & Indian Wars, which involved many local heroes! Why was it important?
Paul Bibeau of Bridgton and Scarborough has history and education degrees from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA. He is a retired history teacher with 38 years of experience teaching American, European and Asian history to middle and high school students in Massachusetts and Maine.
Walt Whitman
Ken Gibbs
Thursdays, April 25 and May 2 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Walt Whitman aspired to write poems celebrating the great American experiment in democracy in a style accessible to all readers. Did he succeed in becoming our national bard? Focusing on his greatest poems, especially “Song of Myself,” discussion in this course will evaluate whether he succeeded or failed.
Ken Gibbs is a retired professor, having taught 19th century American literature, Modern Poetry, Creative Writing, and multiple courses in popular contemporary literature. He always enjoys conducting courses for the Bridgton Senior College.
Lichen and Moss
Leigh Hayes and Dawn Wood
Fridays, April 26, May 3, May 10, and May 17 - 9:30am- 11:30am
This four week class will be divided into two two-week sessions: an indoor workshop followed by an outdoor exploration.
April 26: The Lilliputian World of Mosses and Lichens (at St. Peter's Episcopal Church}
May 3: The Lilliputian World of Mosses and Lichens in situ (at Peabody – Fitch Farm)
May 10: Spring Ephemerals and Ferns Take The Stage (at St. Peter's Episcopal Church)
May 17: Spring Ephemerals and Ferns Take the Stage in situ (at Pondicherry Park)
This is a basic introduction to these species. Come prepared to meet these lesser known marvels of nature and watch your worldview change through these experiential learning sessions. We'll provide hand lenses. BUT . . . if you have a lighted magnifier, please bring it. For outdoor sessions, muck boots or rain boots are highly recommended. Plus bug nets and repellant.
Maine Master Naturalists Leigh Macmillen Hayes and Dawn Wood of Bridgton will lead these experiential classes. Both have a sense of wonder about the natural world and have a reputation for spending hours exploring only a few feet from a trailhead.
Introduction to Poetry
Tom Durkin
Tuesday, April 30 - 9:30am - 11:30am
In this course, we will explore various forms, styles, and techniques of poetry, delving into the rich tapestry of poetic forms. Through close readings, and listening to poets and actors read, you will gain a deeper understanding of poetic devices, imagery, metaphor, symbolism, and themes. Whether you seek to appreciate the works of renowned poets or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of language, this course offers a dynamic and engaging exploration of the poetic craft. So, let's embark together on this odyssey of words and emotions. Beginning poetry readers, as well as people who have had experience reading poetry, will enjoy this course. The emphasis for this course will be on making poetry accessible.
Tom Durkin dedicated 35 years of his life to teaching English. His students ranged from those with advanced skills to those preparing for New York State Regents exams, as well as those requiring special attention. Tom has taught poetry to high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and has trained other teachers on how to teach poetry. His specialty is demystifying poetry and making it accessible to all.
Qi Gong - “Acupuncture without Needles”
Theresa Puckett
Tues. May 7 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Qi Gong - “Acupuncture without Needles”. Come learn (more) about this very accessible gift from the ancient Taoists, intended to optimize our health & harmony. In this session we will address lymph drainage, assess joint mobility, learn a couple of simple classical forms, and more! 85 - 90% of the practice can be done from a chair.
Theresa Puckett has practiced various forms of yoga over 4 decades, but became fascinated with more “yin” forms of yoga and Qi Gong in 2020, when the ability to gather together vanished. Though her careers have taken many forms, she has always experienced the greatest joy when cultivating and helping others cultivate what she values most::consciousness.
The History of Maine Minerals and Gems
Jim Mann
Tuesday, May 14 - 9:30am-11:30am
Jim will discuss the history of the Maine Minerals and Gems Museum and his career as a professional gem cutter and metalsmith. Western Maine is known for the tourmaline and other gemstones found in our area. The Maine Mineral Museum in Bethel Maine showcases displays from mining to jewelry to meteorites.
Jim Mann had a career as a professional gem cutter for 55 years and metalsmith for nearly 40 years. Jim met Larry Stifler and Mary McFadden (philanthropists and founders of the museum) in 2004 and expressed the idea that Maine's mineral and gem history was being lost. Months later he started acquiring collections and important historical memorabilia and made over 104 acquisitions for what is now called the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum. Jim became a member of Gallery 302 in 2017
The Geopolitics of the Israel-Hamas War
John Doughty
Wednesday, May 15 - 9:30am - 11:30am
The surprise attack launched by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023 against Israel was unprecedented in scope and sophistication. The attack has raised fundamental questions about Israel’s readiness and cohesion, the role Iran played, the probability of a multi-front war, diplomacy and stability in the Middle East, the risk that the war spirals into a wider conflict, and impact on global crude flows.
John Doughty is currently a Principal and the Chief Investment Officer for R. M. Davis, a Registered Investment Advisor located in Portland, Maine. John specializes in energy, economics, markets, and geopolitics and presents regularly on global economic and market trends to business partners and others in the community. In addition, John frequently lectures at Bowdoin and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on economic and geopolitical topics.
Picture This : Learn How To Take Great Photos
Nancy Campbell and Pam Ward
Thursday May 16 - 9:30am - 11:30am
This course will cover the following topics: Basic Shooting & Composition, Which Lens & Viewpoint, Exposure, Basic Image Editing, Cell Phone and Drone Photography
Nancy Campbell -Professional Photographer. Focuses on Nature Landscapes, Wildlife & Drone photography. FAA Certified Drone Pilot. Nancy’s photos have been featured in Portland Monthly Magazine, DownEast Magazine, and used as promotional material by the Town of Bridgton, Pleasant Mountain and SkiHot Ski Shop.
Pam Ward - Photography Enthusiast. I love to be out in nature and capture moments I want to remember and share. My favorite photo tool is my mirrorless Canon EOS R6, but due to its size and weight, I frequently use my Samsung cell phone. My photographs can be seen on facebook, instagram and in the Bridgton News.
Poland Springs Museums
Thursday, May 30 - arrive at the Museum for a 10:00am start.
37 Preservation Way, Poland, ME 04274
Come and learn about the history behind the Poland Springs Museum. The College has reached out to the Museum and arranged to have us join a tour of the 3 museum buildings. The cost of admission is $8.00 payable upon arrival. Due to insurance the College is not able to arrange for transportation so everyone will be on their own to arrange transportation. The Museum buildings include: The Maine State Building from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago which was dismantled and brought to Poland Spring Resort; the 1912 All Souls Chapel made of Maine granite, quartered sawn oak , hand painted windows and a floor of inlaid mosaic design ; and the original bottling facility and spring house. A Release and Assumption of risk form must be signed by anyone attending this session.
