Belfast Senior College’s fall semester begins on Thursday, Sept. 15 with three morning and three afternoon courses which, after a more than two year hiatus, are returning to in person classes at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center.

Two of these classes will be “hybrid” classes, available on Zoom as well as in person, using interactive technology. There are also five free “Brown Bag” lunchtime classes that are free and open to the public, covering topics of import and interest for all Mainers. In addition, there will be three Zoom-only classes starting in October.

“This affordable program enters its twenty-first year with a range of course subjects that are sure to appeal to everyone,” said Senior College spokesperson Richard Koralek, in a news release.

Registration is open now for all classes. Registration fees for courses other than Brown Bag offerings range from $24 to $37. A $25 Belfast Senior College annual membership fee is required to register, and courses are designed to appeal to anyone over the age of 50. Membership and registration can be made online at belfastseniorcollege.org.

The courses will include discussions of Bob Dylan and Walt Whitman, Toni Morrison and Mark Twain, drawing, the game of bridge, living frugally, bogs, Sears Island and a new documentary film on Maine artist Eric Hopkins. Other courses cover online dating “for mature beginners,” Plato, a virtual “mystery tour” of the British Isles, and the career of Maine poet laureate Stuart Kestenbaum.

Senior College’s fall semester instructors include Kestenbaum, Belfast Senior College Board president Nancy Perkins, Susan White of Friends of Sears Island, Georges River Land Trust’s Annette Naegel, filmmaker Dale Schierholt, Wendy Kasten, Arlin Larson, artist Sandi Cirillo, Peter Reilly, Juliet Baker, Carol Gator, John McClenahen and Donna Telerico.

“We are very excited about the fall semester,” said Board president Perkins. “Senior College provides stimulation, knowledge, social interaction and fun for people age 50 and up. Members’ spouses and partners of any age are also welcome to become members, and membership and course fees are deliberately kept low. Scholarships are also available.”

University of Maine Hutchinson Center provides Zoom services and classroom space for Senior College, which is an independent all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Its winter semester begins in January, the spring session in April and the summer semester begins next June.