During the past 75 years, over 80,000 synthetic chemicals have been released into the environment. Humans have been exposed to a vast number of man-made chemicals via food, breathed in, or through the skin. Relatively few of these chemicals have been tested for toxicity, and each year about 1,500 new chemicals are produced. Academic research has shown that a significant number of these chemicals have the potential to adversely impact human health, especially in the developing fetus and young children. There is no doubt that many man-made substances are a benefit to society, but others, such as Agent Orange (dioxin), and DDT are associated with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

This course will offer an introduction to our understanding of how these chemicals interfere with normal body functions, especially with regard to natural hormone actions that are important at critical stages of growth and development during pregnancy and early childhood.

Dr. Timms is an emeritus professor in the Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota and former lecturer and course director for Medical Histology. He received an MPhil from Aston University, and PhD in Biological Sciences from Cardiff University School of Medicine, UK. Dr. Timms completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Iowa. He has served on scientific review panels for the National Institutes of Health (NIDDK), Department of Defense, National Toxicology Program and the Environmental Protection Agency. Dr. Timms’ research interests included investigations of the cellular growth control mechanisms in the prostate, and the effect of environmental endocrine disruptors in reproductive biology. His research was supported for many years through grants from NIDDK, NIEHS and EPA.

We will be working on completing a project together, learning the steps of this craft and the tools needed.

Monica took a one day glass mosaic course about 7 years ago, and that one lesson launched her into a new hobby. She hopes to show you the basics so that you can then take it in any direction.

Materials each student will need:

1. Cardboard box large enough to fit your sheet of glass and deep enough, so that when we cut our glass the box will keep glass shards from flying out.2. Safety glasses and gloves3. Tweezers4. Washcloth or sponge and a medium bowl to hold water (only for the final class)5. Pre-mixed sanded grout, color of your choice to best match the color of your glass.6. Aleene's 3 Pack, 8 oz Tacky Glue, 8 FL OZ, Original Version 3 Count7. A 12 inch round wood canvas of at least ½ inch thickness. You can orderor pick up from Lowes or Home Depot

These will cost a bit over $100. A more detailed, specific list will be provided to registered students. 

A hands-on course to explore connections between mathematics and nature through art. We will investigate Fibonacci numbers, the Golden Section, Platonic solids and how they present in Nature and Art. Each session will include hands-on explorations with paper, adhesive, pencils and color. Art experience of all levels welcome.

Cyrene Slegona has explored the connections between Nature, Art and Mathematics as a student and classroom teacher for more than 30 years. As a Maine Master Naturalist and through nature journaling she has continued to explore and discover new connections between the three disciplines. Sharing the connections is an ongoing ways of discovering even more. She is a Master’s graduate of the University of Maine in education and a life-long residents of Maine.

Ever wonder why great photos invite your attention? Well here's the scoop. We will investigate light, space, time, composition, color, point of view, lens effects, editing and more to get a full understanding of how to make your best images. Participants must make new images to share in a lively workshop environment.

Jim Kosinski is a popular teacher at the senior college. He has extensive experience in teaching photography. He recently wrote, illustrated and published Maine Coast Outings on Penobscot Bay: for All Ages & Abilities, a book providing 25 day trips from Monhegan to Castine.