Seniors Achieving Greater Education [SAGE]—a special program of the University of Maine at Presque Isle that serves local residents over 50 and believes in “learning for life”—will host its Fall Kick-off event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7 in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room. The kick-off includes lunch at 11:30 a.m., the introduction of courses, and door prizes, and is open to all; cost is $5 for those who RSVP by Sept. 1, $7.50 at the door.
SAGE, one of 17 senior colleges in the Maine Senior College Network, and one of two senior colleges north of Bangor, welcomes intellectually curious older adults with a desire to learn in the company of others with both shared and different perspectives. It brings members together in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere to discover new ideas about the world and themselves. There are no grades and no tests; learning and fellowship is its own reward.
Participants can learn about the Geological Wonders of the Western National Parks, UFOs and Astronomy, or the Benefits and Risks of Optimism. Other opportunities include exploring a variety of TED Talks, or delving into Theatre Arts Appreciation. Through SAGE, participants can learn about Maysville Pioneer John Allen and a local jeweler who served in the Civil War.
This fall, SAGE is offering 20 courses and several special activities, including Let’s Go to the Movies, Lockbox Lunch, and SAGE Night Out, as well as a variety of SAGE groups, including Games, Book, Outing, and Chess clubs.
For those who want to try a new holiday craft, there are courses on Decorating a Gingerbread House, Making a Homemade Christmas decoration, and working on the SAGE entry in the Festival of Trees.
SAGE is again offering the very popular Presque Isle Citizens’ Academy, Red Cross Ready for Seniors, Finding your Ancestors, and the AARP Smart Driver Course.
In addition, the SAGE Outing Club offers several opportunities and partners with the Caribou Recreation Department for a number of excursions.
For a complete listing of SAGE Fall 2018 courses and a Registration form, please visit www.umpi.edu/sage. For information and to make reservations for the Kick-off lunch, please call the SAGE Office at 207-768-9501, or email umpi-csp@maine.edu. Follow SAGE on Facebook at SAGE-UMPI.
Annual Membership in SAGE is $25. Courses are $5 each for members, though some hands-on courses and activities have additional fees. Membership scholarships are available. Thanks to a donor, free bus tickets are offered for transportation to SAGE courses for members within ARTS bus routes.