Seniors Achieving Greater Education [SAGE] will host its 20th Anniversary Spring Kick-off event at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 12 in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room. SAGE is a Special Program of the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The Kick-off is open to all. No registration is necessary. This event will include both a celebration of SAGE’s history and an introduction to new elements and capacity to provide even more exciting offerings in the future. Attendees also hear from instructors who will give a brief overview of their upcoming course or class.
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. Course formats range from lectures and discussions to hands-on learning. All SAGE instructors and facilitators are volunteers who have both knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject they are presenting.
This spring, SAGE will offer 32 exciting courses, learning events and excursions. Some of the courses offered are: 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.
The Outing Club will offer several unique opportunities to explore Aroostook’s great outdoors. SAGE is also partnering with the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department on a number of exciting excursions and classes.
Spring session membership in SAGE is $22. Courses are free for members, who are encouraged to 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, by showing their SAGE membership card, to most events sponsored by UMPI’s Cultural Affairs and Student Activities Board.
Members can participate in SHARE a RIDE as either a volunteer driver or passenger. Information about this option is included on the SAGE Membership/Registration form.
SAGE is one of 17 senior colleges in the Maine Senior College Network, and one of two senior colleges north of Bangor. For more information, email umpi-csp@me.edu or call 207-768-9501. To view the SAGE Spring course offerings and a registration form, please visit www.umpi.edu/sage. You can also follow SAGE on Facebook.