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LEWISTON — Since the pandemic hit, LA Senior College has been holding classes via Zoom. As of now, USM LAC will reopen in the fall for students, but not for Senior College because of the need for social distancing.
The college will not be going back to physical classes until spring 2022. In the meantime, Senior College is continuing to present online classes and Food for Thought programs. The good news is, Zoom offers the college the freedom to offer classes at any time, to anyone.
In the spring of 2020, with a sudden lockdown, many brave souls agreed to teach on Zoom and others tuned in skeptically, but quickly became engaged. Classes included cooking, learning to use Snapfish, recognizing birds and art to name a few. The number of classes jumped from eight to 17 in the fall. Students have been studying economics, women’s studies, science, geneology, French, and much more. Between Food for Thought and classes, the college has highlighted many well-known Mainers as teachers and presenters.
During the past year, LA Senior College has received two grants, one from Martin’s Point and the other from SeniorsPlus that paid for equipment that will allow some classes to still be broadcast once physical classes resume. Mary Jane Beardsley began the program using her own equipment over two years ago when she realized that people she used to see in the classes were not there any longer because of illness or mobility issues. COVID-19 made Senior College realize that as we age changes must be made to how classes and other events are prevented.
The USM LA Senior College Outsiders Club has been able to continue hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and kayaking while following pandemic guidelines. From sites in the western mountains of Maine to local Mount Apetite, the Androscoggin Riverlands and Thorncrag. The group has hiked masked and distanced. Now vaccinated, participants are mask-free and definitely appreciating the gifts of nature and companionship. The club is welcome to anyone enrolled in Senior College.
LA Senior College will hold its Annual Meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, on Zoom To attend please email laseniorcollege@gmail.com and the link will be emailed out the morning of June 8.
Have some Zoom fun this summer? Many Maine senior colleges offer summer sessions to encourage summer resident’s participation. As a member of LASC, you are also able to take part in these online classes via Zoom. There may be a minimal cost which varies from college to college and is payable directly to them. To learn about these courses, go to: www.maineseniorcollege.org
