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.

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.

There are many myths surrounding the drama of the Trojan War, from the causes of the conflict to the aftermath and fates of the characters. Why not join Thiela Schnaufer, our resident Latin educator, as she takes us on a journey looking beyond the stories of Helen and the famous horse to see how these myths have captured the imagination of generations of artists and in the telling have exposed timeless human emotions.

Instructor:  Thiela Schnaufer received a BA in Latin and an MA in Classics from the University of Georgia. She has taught in a wide variety of educational institutions in Georgia and South Carolina. She also received numerous awards including Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Georgia. Her experience with professional education societies is deep and she has publications in New England Journals dealing with Classic education. She has also taught a number of classes for SSC.

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.

More than one billion birds die in the US every year after accidentally colliding with glass windows – we have all probably had this happen to us.  Did you know that we can reduce that number by taking simple actions at home? Come listen to Maine Audubon's Nick Lund as he shares information about why birds collide with windows, what's being done about it around Maine, and what we can do to help. We all love having bird feeders near our homes so that we can discover the different types of birds we have in our area. Now we can help them to be safe so we can continue to enjoy watching them.

Instructor:  Nick Lund lives and birds in southern Maine.  He is the co-founder of BirdSafe Maine, the Advocacy and Outreach Manager at Maine Audubon and runner of The Birdist blog. Nick has done a number of classes for SSC before and is one of our popular presenters.

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

For centuries the very existence of the city was disputed and even doubted until a German with a passion for the ancient myths set out to prove the reality of the myth. In this class, Thiela Schnaufer will examine the life of Heinrich Schliemann and his obsession with the Trojan myths which drove him to his discovery of ancient ruins and artifacts attributed to the Trojan stories. Thiela’s knowledge and enthusiasm will bring life to these myths and Schliemann’s drive to discover the truth to the delight of Sunrise Senior College.

Instructor:  Thiela Schnaufer received a BA in Latin and an MA in Classics from the University of Georgia. She has taught in a wide variety of educational institutions in Georgia and South Carolina. She also received numerous awards including Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Georgia. Her experience with professional education societies is deep and she has publications in New England Journals dealing with Classic education. She has also taught a number of classes for SSC.

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.