I like your new format, especially the separation of the comics from the sports. Also, that you made a change due to readers' requests and now usually continue Page A1 items on the back page, or at least all on the same inside page.

But, you failed to even mention the Meeting of the Minds, the Maine Senior College Network conference held Nov. 4-6 at the South Portland Marriott. More than 300 participants attended senior scholar sessions ranging from "The Middle East Today" to "Laughing Matters" and operational discussions including "Board Operations" and "Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers."

Supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation and the Maine Legislature, the conference attracted students and board members from all 18 volunteer run senior colleges.

The newest, St. John Valley Senior College, was represented by a woman who made the 5-hour drive from Fort Kent.

There are about 5,000 senior college members in our state, lifelong learners with an appetite for knowledge and social interaction. The largest is Osher Life Long Institute at the University of Southern Maine, founded more than a dozen years ago with impetus by Rabbi Harry Sky.

David Bailey

Newcastle