Phone

207-659-1359

Email

admin@pvscmaine.org

Penobscot Valley Senior College

Courses

Browse current learning opportunities and revisit courses offered in previous semesters.

Now Available

Current Courses

In Person Opens Jun 1

Summer Extravaganza 2026

Summer Extravaganza 2026 is a variety course held Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, and Sept. 1. Each session covers a different exciting topic! One…

Dates
Jul 7 - Sep 1, 2026
Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Location
UMA-Bangor, Eastport Hall, Room 135, 128 Texas Ave, Bangor, ME
Instructor
Various
Extravaganza Dates
9 selectable dates
Field Trip Opens Jun 1

Renys: Behind the Scenes

Presentation of the creation and history of this iconic Maine business, how it has grown, and a look at the processes for buying and stocking the stores.  Thursday, July 9, 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m., 46…

Dates
July 9
Time
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., Optional lunch
Location
Renys, 46 Springer Road, Bangor, Maine
Instructor
John Reny
Field Trip Opens Jun 1

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge: Pushaw Stream Life and Human Influences Past and Present

Join us for a naturalist-led hike along Pushaw Stream at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. The guided walk will involve an uneven, heavily rooted trail (hiking poles would be helpful). Bring your lunch for an optional…

Dates
July 15
Time
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Location
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, 1107 W Old Town Rd, Old Town, ME 
Instructor
Dick Andren
Field Trip Opens Jun 1

Cole Land Transportation Museum: Where History Comes Alive

Join us for a guided tour of Cole Land Transportation Museum. The museum's collection is a tribute to the thousands of Maine land transportation pioneers whose dedicated work cleared, reshaped the land, and constructed…

Dates
July 23
Time
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location
Cole Land Transportation Museum, 405 Perry Rd, Bangor, ME
Instructor
Pat Trice
Field Trip Opens Jun 1

JF Witter Research and Teaching Center (U Maine Farm)

Join us for a visit to the U Maine JF Witter Research and Training Center. The Center is home to teaching and research programs in animal sciences and sustainable agriculture with special focus on…

Dates
July 30, 11:00 a.m-12:15 p.m.
Time
Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Location
JF Witter Research and Teaching Center, 160 University Farm Road, Old Town, ME
Instructor
Patricia Henderson
Field Trip Opens Jun 1

Tour of Margaret Chase Smith Library and Home

Visit to the Margaret Chase Smith Library, which is an archive, museum, educational facility, and pubic policy center devoted to preserving the legacy of Margaret Chase Smith, promoting research into American political history, advancing…

Dates
Aug 13
Time
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location
Meet at Eastport Hall, 128 Texas Avenue, Bangor
Instructor
Christopher O'Brien
Field Trip Opens Jun 1

Dragonfly Farm and Winery Tour and Tasting

Tour and tasting at the Dragonfly Farm and Winery in Stetson, Maine. Opportunities to buy bottles, charcuterie boards, and snacks. Bring picnic lunch or purchase snacks.  Thursday, August 20, 10:30 a.m.- estimated return to…

Dates
Aug 20
Time
Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location
Meet at Eastport Hall, 128 Texas Avenue, Bangor

Previous Semesters

Past Courses

View all past courses
In Person Archived

Creating Rustic “Stick” Furniture – Wayne Hall

Course Overview “Stick” furniture is among the most popular rustic furniture styles.  Hardwood saplings and sticks are tenoned together to make furniture, which is highly expressive, yet thoroughly functional.  The class is open to…

Dates
3/24/26 - 5/12/26
Time
Tuesdays 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Location
Orland, ME Directions and address will be emailed
Instructor
Wayne Hall
In Person Archived

Hand Carved Wooden Spoon Shop – Wayne Hall

Course Overview In this eight-week beginner-friendly course, learn basic woodcarving using a gouge, curved knife, sloyd knife, rasps and files to craft your own unique wooden spoons and utensils. Repeat members can expand their…

Dates
3/24/26 - 5/12/26
Time
Tuesdays 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location
Orland, ME Directions and address will be emailed
Instructor
Wayne HaLL
In Person Archived

The Iliad – then and now- Ruth Nadelhaft

Course Overview Over six weeks, the members will read The Iliad in translation. The course will begin with several myths (which will be supplied by Ruth) that underlie The Iliad itself, which begins in…

Dates
3/27/26-5/1/26
Time
Fridays 10:00-12:00
Location
UMA-Bangor, Eastport Hall, Room 135
Instructor
Ruth Nadelhaft
Online Archived

IN-PERSON ADDED:3D and Me! – Dave Hopkins

Course Overview In-Peron Course: Update 3/7/2026:   We're excited to share an update that we  have added a second way to access this 3D and Me course, so members can learn together ans support…

Dates
March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Time
Thursdays 4:00-6:00 pm
Location
UMA-Bangor, Eastport Hall, Room 135
Instructor
Dave Hopkins
In Person Archived

“Wild Bangor and Orono” – Grace Bartlett, Laura Lewis, Robert Milardo, Judy Walker

Course Overview Do you like exploring and learning about the natural world? Wild Bangor and Orono may be the course for you. This course is provided by four Maine Naturalist instructors: Grace Bartlett, Laura…

Dates
3/24/26 - 4/28/26
Time
Tuesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Various locations in Bangor and Orono, ME
Instructor
Grace Bartlett, Laura Lewis, Robert Milardo, Judy Walker
In Person Archived

Beginner Line Dance 2026 – Carol Plummer and Mary Smith

Course Overview Let’s Line Dance! Grapevine, shuffle, stomp, and smile your way through this lively PVSC course. This active six‑week course begins on March 19, a week earlier than the others. Carol and Mary…

Dates
3/19/26 - 4/23/26
Time
Thursdays 1:30-2:30 pm
Location
Keith Anderson Community House (KACH), 19 Bennoch Rd. Orono
Instructor
Carol Plummer and Mary Smith
In Person Archived

*What’s Going Wrong in Maine? It’s the Economy Stupid!” – Bernard (Berney) Kubetz, Moderator with Guest Presenters

Course Overview This course will explore the ever‑changing state of Maine’s multiple economies—from regional disparities such as the relative prosperity of York and Cumberland counties compared to the financial challenges in Washington and Aroostook…

Dates
3/23/26-5/4/26, exclude 4/20/26
Time
Mondays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
UMA-Bangor, Eastport Hall, Room 135
Instructor
Bernard (Berney) Kubetz, Moderator

Affiliates

About PVSC

In 2002 a group of retired University of Maine professors in Orono decided that they would like the opportunity to take each other’s courses. To this end, these educators and community leaders founded Penobscot Valley Senior College (PVSC).

Today PVSC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run by volunteers. PVSC offers courses and events to members throughout the year. PVSC is part of the Maine Senior College Network (MSCN) which has 17 member organizations across the state.

Contact Us

499 Broadway
P.M.B. #274
Bangor, ME 04401

Email: admin@pvscmaine.org

Phone: (207) 659-1359