Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – For 10 years, the SAGE (Seniors Achieving Greater Education) program has provided learning opportunities for Aroostook County’s senior citizens. To celebrate the milestone, a birthday party, including a well-attended dinner featuring guest speaker Rabbi Harry Sky, was held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle at the beginning of the 10th year of classes.
“SAGE is about ownership. Learners develop their own college-level educational programs – no tests or prerequisites. This is a community of older learners teaching older learners,” said Mary Lawrence, program director.
Sky said for the older generation it’s been a “lifetime of learning” and the lessons never stop, noting that “the Redeemer is in you and grants us power we never thought of having.”
“As a child, we were told what the limits are. A lifetime of learning tells us there’s a message in us all, just waiting to be heard. You won’t be at peace until it’s heard,” said Sky, who is rabbi emeritus of Temple Beth El and rabbi-in-residence at Congregation Etz Chaim, both in Portland, and founder of Senior College – now called the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – a program for elder education at the University of Southern Maine.
Sky said as we age, it’s important to, “Wake up and thank God for me and the gift that is me and the message inside of me.
“Think of yourself as an artist. You capture (a skill or particular talent), bring it out and share it with others. The little piece you share could be the piece that changes the moment,” Sky explained.
For 10 years now, seniors have shared their knowledge – and subsequently that little piece of themselves – with other seniors through a variety of courses and outings, ultimately effecting the change Sky referred to during his speech.
For years, instructors have stepped forward, sharing a wealth of knowledge with fellow senior citizens, proving with age comes wisdom. Recent courses included: Inspired Drawing, Aroostook Folk Music, Eskimos of the Kuskokwim River, You and the Universe – A Personal Guide and the History and Art of Making Traditional Snowshoes.
Dan Ladner, member of the Steering Committee and sometimes instructor, was one of the many folks who gathered to enjoy the dinner and company of like-minded participants.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to make friends, learn new skills, but most importantly keep our minds active. It’s such a pleasure working with others who enjoy similar interests,” said Ladner.
Lawrence said learning is the common bond for participants.
“A commitment to learning is the common bond among the members. The curriculum is chosen, designed and led by peers providing a unique learning environment,” said Lawrence.
Sky summed it up well during his speech.
“The gain of one is the gain of many,” said Sky. “Everyone has creative energy.”
And it’s that creative energy, combined with a thirst for knowledge, that keeps local seniors coming back year after year, looking to learn yet one more fact or unleash that inner artist.
“SAGE has been a huge success. While many of the same people sign up for courses year after year, we see a growing number of new participants registering as well,” said Ladner. “This just proves you’re never too old to learn something new.”
FMI on SAGE or upcoming courses, contact mary.l.lawrence@umpi.edu or call 768-9502.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A BIRTHDAY PARTY, complete with a delicious dinner, was held at UMPI for the SAGE (Seniors Achieving Greater Education) program, which entered its 10th year of offering educational courses for area senior citizens beginning with the fall 2008 semester.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
RABBI HARRY SKY, founder of Senior College – now called the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – a program for elder education at the University of Southern Maine, is pictured at left, joined by Oscar Nelder and Dan Ladner at a recent dinner held at UMPI marking the 10th birthday of the SAGE program. Sky served as the guest speaker for the event.
