IMPORTANT  

New Member to SSC?  Welcome to our Senior College.  Please click the button to proceed.

You will now be asked to “Type the name of an adult to use as the contact for this cart.” Please enter you first and last name. The system will then do a search to see if you have taken a class with us in the past.

It will then present you a list of names that may match what you typed in - scroll down through the names and check to see if your name is there. If your name is not there, at the bottom of the list you will be able to “Create New Account” and add yourself to our system.  Please be sure and select “My SSC Membership is Current” during your checkout process - it will prevent the system from adding an extra $5.00 non-member fee to your purchase.

Current member? When you renew or sign up for Membership, you must pick the option that says “My SSC Membership is Current” when you are checking out so you don't get overcharged for the membership fee.

                                                           MEMBERSHIP POLICY

This membership covers June 1st, 2025, to May 31st, 2026. SSC Members must have a valid membership entry on your file to enjoy the full benefits of our Summer-Fall 2025 and Winter-Spring 2026 programs that take place during this period. You should select your 2025- 2026 membership one time as part of registering for your first class in this new year. If you need to apply for a scholarship to cover your membership fees, this is done using a separate application which is located on the SSC website. Your request must be reviewed and processed by the Scholarship Committee before registering for any classes.

If you are not sure what your current membership status is, before registering for this please contact SSC at sunriseseniorcollege@maine.edu or call 207-255-1384 and leave a message – we will get back to you.

Did you realize that many of those seemingly innocuous items in your pantry or fridge have been the root cause of most of world history? For example, New England was discovered because Catholics needed more fish for Fridays, the Dutch sold Manhattan to get into the sugar and spice trade, and Columbus discovered Central America accidentally while seeking the shortcut to black pepper. Why not join Sandy Garson as she explores this unique way to look at history through the foods that people ate. During this fascinating six-week presentation, you will begin to appreciate just how powerful food really is as a driver of exploration and history. 

Instructor: Sandy Garson has been a caterer, cookie biz owner and cooking teacher who participated at Radcliffe in the inaugural university course in food history, is a lecturer in food history including for the Camden Conference, and began writing about food for magazines and in two cookbooks using her professional journalism skills. Sandy is now sharing with us the fascinating food history she’s learned over the last 35 years and telling us about inventions and ideas that are more impactful than the iPhone.

Class Information:  This is a hybrid class - held in-person in UM@M’s room SCI 102 and via Zoom. The instructor will teach this remotely on Zoom.

All facilities at the University of Maine at Machias (UM@M) are fully handicap compliant.  The facilities used by Sunrise Senior College (SSC) at the college have ramps, elevators and handicap accessible bathrooms.  Our offsite functions and activities have various limitations and restrictions and may not be fully handicap accessible.  SSC will endeavor to identify limitations at these to you in advance.

                                                    IMPORTANT:  See Below:

“Sunrise Senior College does not endorse any appeal or representation made by a presenter, non-profit organization or business during an SSC presentation.  SSC members attending the presentations may wish to pursue additional involvement with the organization or presenter based on the material that was presented and in doing so, they are acting on their own and not as part of SSC.”

This class is available to all current Maine Senior College (MSCN) Members. The general public not wishing to join Sunrise Senior College at this time may attend this class for a $20.00 fee.

Important: If at this time you are not a current member of Sunrise Senior College (SSC) but are planning to join as a member today, make sure you answer that “Your SSC membership is current” when checking out so that we can properly bill you for this class.

Sunrise Senior College (SSC) is a membership-based organization. Our SSC members receive special benefits as current members when they register for this course. Any member of another MSCN college is also able to enjoy this course, but may occur some additional charges. If you are a member of the general public, you can take this course but will have to pay additional fees associated with being a non-member. For any attendee that is not a current member of Sunrise Senior College, any materials required for the course are your responsibility. When checking out, please carefully read and answer the questions asked associated with this specific course so that you are charged appropriately for this class. Failure to do this may result in your being cancelled from the course. We hope you enjoy this offering.

                                                                   IMPORTANT  

New Member to SSC?  Welcome to our Senior College.  Please click the button to proceed.

You will now be asked to “Type the name of an adult to use as the contact for this cart.” Please enter you first and last name. The system will then do a search to see if you have taken a class with us in the past.

It will then present you a list of names that may match what you typed in - scroll down through the names and check to see if your name is there. If your name is not there, at the bottom of the list you will be able to “Create New Account” and add yourself to our system.  Please be sure and select “My SSC Membership is Current” during your checkout process - it will prevent the system from adding an extra $5.00 non-member fee to your purchase.

Current member? When you renew or sign up for Membership, you must pick the option that says “My SSC Membership is Current” when you are checking out so you don't get overcharged for the membership fee.

                                                           MEMBERSHIP POLICY

This membership covers June 1st, 2026, to May 31st, 2027. SSC Members must have a valid membership entry on your file to enjoy the full benefits of our Summer-Fall 2025 and Winter-Spring 2026 programs that take place during this period. You should select your 2026- 2027 membership one time as part of registering for your first class in this new year. If you need to apply for a scholarship to cover your membership fees, this is done using a separate application which is located on the SSC website. Your request must be reviewed and processed by the Scholarship Committee before registering for any classes.

If you are not sure what your current membership status is, before registering for this please contact SSC at sunriseseniorcollege@maine.edu or call 207-255-1384 and leave a message – we will get back to you.

Have you heard of the Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC)? Do you know about the work they do, how widespread their influence is? Come join Matt Kelley, Outreach Director for DCC, as he gives us an introduction to the origin and history of land trusts and the Downeast Coastal Conservancy. He will also tell us about how the DCC operates and their activities across the region as they serve to protect and be responsible stewards of the land and waterways of this our home - coastal Downeast Maine.

Instructor: Matthew Kelley joined DCC in April 2025 as the Outreach Director. He grew up in the Belfast area and throughout his childhood he was active in sports, outdoor activities, and helping on the family farm. Matt attended UMM for 4 years and when he wasn’t busy with school work, he spent his time appreciating Downeast Maine’s outdoor opportunities. After graduating with a BS in Outdoor Recreation & Leadership in 2024, Matt worked as a Land Steward for Frenchman Bay Conservancy. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Registered Maine Recreation and Fishing Guide.

Class Information:  This is a hybrid class - held in-person in UM@M’s room SCI 102 and via Zoom. This class will be recorded. The presenter will be in person.

All facilities at the University of Maine at Machias (UM@M) are fully handicap compliant.  The facilities used by Sunrise Senior College (SSC) at the college have ramps, elevators and handicap accessible bathrooms.  Our offsite functions and activities have various limitations and restrictions and may not be fully handicap accessible.  SSC will endeavor to identify limitations at these to you in advance.

                                               IMPORTANT:  See Below

“Sunrise Senior College does not endorse any appeal or representation made by a presenter, non-profit organization or business during an SSC presentation.  SSC members attending the presentations may wish to pursue additional involvement with the organization or presenter based on the material that was presented and in doing so, they are acting on their own and not as part of SSC.”

This class is Free to SSC members who have paid the $25.00 membership for our 2026-2027 term (6/1/26 to 5/31/27). This is also available to all current Maine Senior College (MSCN) Members for $5.00. The general public not wishing to join Sunrise Senior College at this time may attend this class for a $10.00 fee.

Important:  If you are not a current member of Sunrise Senior College (SSC) but are planning on joining SSC as a member today, when questioned about your membership make sure you select the response that “Your SSC membership is current” when checking out so the we can properly bill you for this class.

Sunrise Senior College (SSC) is a membership-based organization. Our SSC members receive special benefits as current members when they register for this course. Any member of another MSCN college is also able to enjoy this course, but may occur some additional charges. If you are a member of the general public, you can take this course but will have to pay additional fees associated with being a non-member. For any attendee that is not a current member of Sunrise Senior College, any materials required for the course are your responsibility. When checking out, please carefully read and answer the questions asked associated with this specific course so that you are charged appropriately for this class. Failure to do this may result in your being cancelled from the course. We hope you enjoy this offering.

The “Stock Market” - a digital, regulated marketplace where investors buy and sell ownership shares (stocks) in publicly traded companies. Prices fluctuate constantly based on supply and demand—if more people want to buy than sell, the price rises—influenced by company performance, news, and investor sentiment. Over the long term, stock prices tend to reflect the underlying financial strength and earnings of the business, though short-term volatility is driven by market sentiment and news. 

We’ve all heard how the Stock Market can be impacted by things happening in the world today – it’s been on the news quite a bit recently. From the war in Iran to interest rate changes, these activities help to contribute to the rise and fall of stocks. Join Tim Poulin from Edward Jones as he leads us on an exploration of market performance, navigating volatility, their key views, policy implications, and opportunities within an investment portfolio.

Instructor:  Tim Poulin has been helping others with their personal financial decisions throughout his adult life, which has been an integral part of who he is. His career in financial services has allowed him to make a difference in the lives of families in his community, both near and far. At Edward Jones in Lincolnville Beach, their mission to foster growth and improve lives is built on a foundation of inclusivity, kindness and appreciation within their practice and community.

Tim started with Edward Jones in 2025 following a successful 14-year tenure in financial services in New York City, most recently with Lord, Abbett & Co. In this position, he worked with large institutions across the eastern half of the country, helping them achieve various goals, including funding retirements and cash management. Tim has enjoyed bringing this experience to individual investors to help them prepare for and achieve their goals as well.

Class Information:  This is an in-person only class held in UM@M’s room SCI 102.  The instructor will be in person.

All facilities at the University of Maine at Machias (UM@M) are fully handicap compliant.  The facilities used by Sunrise Senior College (SSC) at the college have ramps, elevators and handicap accessible bathrooms.  Our offsite functions and activities have various limitations and restrictions and may not be fully handicap accessible.  SSC will endeavor to identify limitations at these to you in advance.

                                              IMPORTANT:  See Below

“Sunrise Senior College does not endorse any appeal or representation made by a presenter, non-profit organization or business during an SSC presentation.  SSC members attending the presentations may wish to pursue additional involvement with the organization or presenter based on the material that was presented and in doing so, they are acting on their own and not as part of SSC.”

This class is Free to SSC members who have paid the $25.00 membership for our 2026-2027 term (6/1/26 to 5/31/27). This is also available to all current Maine Senior College (MSCN) Members for $5.00. The general public not wishing to join Sunrise Senior College at this time may attend this class for a $10.00 fee.

Important:  If you are not a current member of Sunrise Senior College (SSC) but are planning on joining SSC as a member today, when questioned about your membership make sure you select the response that “Your SSC membership is current” when checking out so the we can properly bill you for this class.

Sunrise Senior College (SSC) is a membership-based organization. Our SSC members receive special benefits as current members when they register for this course. Any member of another MSCN college is also able to enjoy this course, but may occur some additional charges. If you are a member of the general public, you can take this course but will have to pay additional fees associated with being a non-member. For any attendee that is not a current member of Sunrise Senior College, any materials required for the course are your responsibility. When checking out, please carefully read and answer the questions asked associated with this specific course so that you are charged appropriately for this class. Failure to do this may result in your being cancelled from the course. We hope you enjoy this offering.

Attention all Active SSC Members - it's time to sign up to attend our 2026 Annual Meeting.  

As a Sunrise Senior College member, we are pleased to invite you to participate in our SSC Annual Meeting. This year's session will include a luncheon for in-person guests as well as being available on Zoom. Please sign up and join us at this great annual event that will inform you about what is happening at SSC and to cast your votes for the future of SSC.

                                        ~ Agenda ~

• Welcome
• Lunch
• Keynote Speaker - Tora Johnson, Sustainable Prosperity Initiative, Sunrise County Economic Council 
• Business Meeting - SSC Board Chair Remarks
• Minutes of the Twenty-second Annual Meeting 2025
• Treasurer's Report 2025-2026
• Election of Board Members
• Recognition of SSC Volunteers
• Adjournment

Artificial Intelligence is capable of amazing things, but it's also being used to create scams that are more convincing than a grandchild asking for money. Whether you're an Al pro or you're still not sure if "The Cloud" involves actual weather, this class is for you. We'll pull back the curtain on high-tech tricks like "voice cloning" and emails that actually use correct grammar for once, teaching you how to spot a "Deepfake" before it spots you. Join us for a stress-free workshop where presenter Fran Bradley will help us build our "Digital Shield" and show us how to use Al as a skeptical second opinion to keep our identity and our nest egg exactly where they belong.

Instructor: Fran Bradley is a Software Architect with over three decades of experience at Lockheed Martin Space, where he led advanced Al strategy and mission-critical projects. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with Master's degrees in Computer Science and Networking, Fran has spent his career at the intersection of complex technology and real-world application. He is dedicated to "translating" high-tech mysteries into practical, everyday tools. Fran's goal is to empower his neighbors to navigate the digital world with the same confidence and security as a career engineer.

Class Information:  This is a Zoom only evening class and our instructor will be presenting this class from Pennsylvania.  The session will be recorded.    

                                              IMPORTANT:  See Below

“Sunrise Senior College does not endorse any appeal or representation made by a presenter, non-profit organization or business during an SSC presentation.  SSC members attending the presentations may wish to pursue additional involvement with the organization or presenter based on the material that was presented and in doing so, they are acting on their own and not as part of SSC.”

This class is Free to SSC members who have paid the $25.00 membership for our 2026-2027 term (6/1/26 to 5/31/27). This is also available to all current Maine Senior College (MSCN) Members for $5.00. The general public not wishing to join Sunrise Senior College at this time may attend this class for a $10.00 fee.

Important:  If you are not a current member of Sunrise Senior College (SSC) but are planning on joining SSC as a member today, when questioned about your membership make sure you select the response that “Your SSC membership is current” when checking out so the we can properly bill you for this class.

Sunrise Senior College (SSC) is a membership-based organization. Our SSC members receive special benefits as current members when they register for this course. Any member of another MSCN college is also able to enjoy this course, but may occur some additional charges. If you are a member of the general public, you can take this course but will have to pay additional fees associated with being a non-member. For any attendee that is not a current member of Sunrise Senior College, any materials required for the course are your responsibility. When checking out, please carefully read and answer the questions asked associated with this specific course so that you are charged appropriately for this class. Failure to do this may result in your being cancelled from the course. We hope you enjoy this offering.

The Gates House is a remarkably high-quality Federal-style period house built in 1810 along the banks of the historic Machias River, in Machiasport, Maine. It is listed on the "National Register of Historic Places" and since 1966 has served as the home for the Machiasport Historical Society and a museum to foster, develop, and promote interest in historical matters, particularly those pertaining to the town of Machiasport and the surrounding Downeast region.

This summer we celebrate America's 250th birthday! What better way to celebrate than visiting the Gates House and learning about our local history and, in particular, “The Battle of the Margaretta," the first naval engagement of the American Revolutionary War. Come take a walk in the past as we visit the museum, explore the mementos and articles they have and hear about life in the time of the War.  You will find their tours are very interactive and you will gain an appreciation for the region's contributions to the War and its unique maritime history. Additionally, you will see how the community lived and worked in Machiasport over the years through local artifacts.

The Gates House also maintains a records and genealogy room, which is open to the public, for those individuals researching their family histories or seeking documentation for research projects. Engaging with the local community and visitors is a two-way conversation with and for the staff who also benefit from the knowledge and perspectives of their visitors.

Presenter:  Frank Rodriguez is President of the Machiasport Historical Society. He received an MA in National Security Affairs at Naval Postgraduate School in 1985 and an MBA in International Business from the University of Tampa in 2004. Frank was an Adjunct Professor for Military History & Leadership at the University of Tampa from 2000-2005. 

Other members of the society will assist with the presentation by serving as docents and knowledgeable guides throughout the tour.

Class Information:  This is an in-person only class – held at the Gates House Museum, 344 Port Road, Machiasport ME. The presenter will be in person.

Please note:  The Gates House was built in 181O and the tour includes ascending and descending stairs to and from the second floor. Wheel chair access is very limited. Because of the size of the house, this tour is limited to 10 people.

All facilities at the University of Maine at Machias (UM@M) are fully handicap compliant.  The facilities used by Sunrise Senior College (SSC) at the college have ramps, elevators and handicap accessible bathrooms.  Our offsite functions and activities have various limitations and restrictions and may not be fully handicap accessible.  SSC will endeavor to identify limitations at these to you in advance.

                                                IMPORTANT:  See Below

“Sunrise Senior College does not endorse any appeal or representation made by a presenter, non-profit organization or business during an SSC presentation.  SSC members attending the presentations may wish to pursue additional involvement with the organization or presenter based on the material that was presented and in doing so, they are acting on their own and not as part of SSC.”

This class is Free to SSC members who have paid the $25.00 membership for our 2026-2027 term (6/1/26 to 5/31/27). This is also available to all current Maine Senior College (MSCN) Members for $5.00. The general public not wishing to join Sunrise Senior College at this time may attend this class for a $10.00 fee.

Important:  If you are not a current member of Sunrise Senior College (SSC) but are planning on joining SSC as a member today, when questioned about your membership make sure you select the response that “Your SSC membership is current” when checking out so the we can properly bill you for this class.

Sunrise Senior College (SSC) is a membership-based organization. Our SSC members receive special benefits as current members when they register for this course. Any member of another MSCN college is also able to enjoy this course, but may occur some additional charges. If you are a member of the general public, you can take this course but will have to pay additional fees associated with being a non-member. For any attendee that is not a current member of Sunrise Senior College, any materials required for the course are your responsibility. When checking out, please carefully read and answer the questions asked associated with this specific course so that you are charged appropriately for this class. Failure to do this may result in your being cancelled from the course. We hope you enjoy this offering.