Midcoast Senior College invites you to explore our Summer Wisdom 2024 through a series of four presentations.  

All sessions are held at Curtis Memorial Library’s Morrell Meeting Room on four consecutive Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. beginning May 14. Come join us for this informative and free lecture series. 

May 14 “To Err is Human: Philatelic Errors and the Stories they Tell” with Richard Neiman 

Since the appearance of the first adhesive postage stamp in 1840, hundreds of political entities have issued billions of such stamps. It is natural to expect that among these there would be errors in their production. This lecture will illustrate a number of blunders by a variety of postal entities, tell the unusual stories surrounding some of them, and relate how these stamps have become, pound for pound, among the most valuable items known.  

May 21 “New Wine in Old Bottles- Conflict or Peace in the Middle East:  The Gaza War” with Kathleen Howard Sutherland 

The Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel climaxed a 75-year-plus conflict between Israelis and Palestinians over the question of the land of Palestine: Whose land is it? Palestinians’, Israelis’, or both? In this presentation we explore the historical basis for this conflict, as well as the colonial legacy, and the social, political, and religious issues involved. Where do we go from here?  

May 28 “A Fulfilling Chapter: Happy and Healthy Retirement Years” with Chris Bowe 

Dr. Bowe will speak about ways to make our lives happier, healthier, and more fulfilling in retirement and the healthcare system’s role in promoting wellness. He will be happy to answer questions about his first year as president of Mid Coast-Parkview Health.  

June 4 “Puppet-Making for Dummies” with Austin Phillips 

With the art of ventriloquism making its way back into mainstream entertainment, Austin Phillips finds himself  busier than ever meeting a unique demand. Based in downtown Portland, he is a builder and restorer of professional ventriloquist figures as well as puppets. Austin is also a ventriloquial history and Punch and Judy enthusiast possessing an extensive collection of antique figures and artifacts dating back to the 1800s. 

For more information please visit our website at Midcoast Senior College:  midcoastseniorcollege.org, or contact us at 207-725-4900 or email Donna Marshall, Executive Director, mscoffice@midcoastseniorcollege.org