This winter’s Noontime Series programs feature a trio of CSC members whose governmental careers total nearly a century of service. The second program, “Reagan and the Russians: A Conservative Program That Worked,” led by Louis Sell, will be held at noon on Monday, Feb. 23, at the Waldo Theater in Waldoboro.

Early in his tenure Reagan was much criticized for his approach toward Moscow, which included a large US military build-up and strong rhetoric. By the end of his tenure Reagan had concluded the first major US-Soviet arms control agreement in almost two decades, and the landmark START accord, which cut strategic nuclear weapons by 50 percent, was mostly complete. Program participants will discuss why Reagan enjoyed such success and end with some thoughts on why more recent administrations have not.

Louis Sell had a 28-year career in the US Foreign Service, dealing in many aspects of US-Soviet relations, including six years at the US Embassy in Moscow. He witnessed the collapse of the USSR and the 1991 Ukrainian independence referendum.

The final program in the CSC Winter Noontime Series will take place on March 9, in person at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. Programs are free to Coastal Senior College members; $5 apiece for non-members. Registration is required. To register and to obtain more information about Coastal Senior College, go to coastalseniorcollege.org.