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LEWISTON — The Education Center at SeniorsPlus has announced its November calendar.
Unless stated otherwise, classes are free at 8 Falcon Road. SeniorsPlus programs are made possible through donations. Please call SeniorsPlus at 800-427-1241 for more information and to register.
Living Well for Better Health, Tuesdays, Oct. 31 through Dec. 5, 5 to 7:30 p.m. — Rebecca L’Italien and Todd McKenna will lead this six-week workshop, teaching real-life skills for living a full, healthy life with a chronic condition. Classes are fun and interactive. The workshop builds confidence around managing health, staying active and enjoying life.
Topics include communication, medication usage, talking with your healthcare provider, physical activity, weight management and healthy eating. At the end of the workshop, there will be a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card. Snacks will be provided each week. Limit 16.
Matter of Balance, Tuesdays, Oct. 31 through Dec. 19, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Mexico Recreation Department, 3 Recreation Drive, Mexico — Amanda Peralta, Jackie Gammon and Mitzi Sequoia will conduct this eight-week workshop designed to reduce the fear of falling and to increase activity levels among older adults. Learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change your environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple strength and balance exercises. Limit 14.
Living Well for Better Health, Thursdays, Nov. 2 through Dec. 14 (no class 11/23), 9 to 11:30 a.m., Chisholm Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington — Instructors Laure Johnson and Cheryl Moody will teach this six-week workshop featuring real-life skills for living a full, healthy life with a chronic condition. The workshop builds confidence around managing health, staying active and enjoying life.
Topics include communication, medication usage, talking with your healthcare provider, physical activity, weight management and healthy eating. At the end of the workshop, there will be a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card. The more you go, the better your chances of winning. Snacks will be provided each week. Limit 16.
Living Well with Diabetes, Mondays, Nov. 6 through Dec. 11, 1:30 to 4 p.m. — Robyn Spugnardi and Carmen Carney will lead this six-week workshop, in which participants will learn a variety of skills for day-by-day management of Type 2 diabetes. This fun and interactive workshop is open to individuals with Type 2 diabetes and to those caring for someone with this condition. Topics include menu planning, monitoring your levels, healthy eating, communication skills, physical activity and foot care. Snacks will be provided, and there will be a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card. Limit 16.
Coping with Holiday Stress, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 10 to 11 a.m. — The holiday season is a time of joy, cheer, parties and family gatherings, but it also can be a time of loneliness, sadness and tension. Angela Moore from Beacon Hospice will talk about how seniors are affected by losses, which can become magnified during the holidays. This session will help participants learn how to recognize the signs of depression and stress, reviewing ways to cope with stress and overcome the winter blues.
Honor Flights Program, Thursday, Nov. 9, 10 to 11 a.m. — Are you a veteran of WWII, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or do you know someone who is? Don Robitaille, ambassador of Honor Flight Maine, will explain the Honor Flight program — a nationwide group of nonprofit organizations created solely to honor veterans. They transport veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials at no cost to the veteran. This presentation will provide information on the program, including how to sign up.
Be Red Cross Ready, Thursday, Nov. 9, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Eric Lynes, American Red Cross, will help participants become “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency. By following three simple steps in advance, it’s possible to weather a crisis safely and comfortably.
Safe Driving, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Instructor George Davis will give a driving refresher course; drivers 55 and older, who complete this class, are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance for three years. Bring your driver’s license, lunch and membership card if you have one. The cost to participate is $20, payable to AARP; $15 for AARP members.
Taxes 101, Thursday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Joan Jagolinzer, IRS retiree and district coordinator of AARP Tax-Aide, will review provisions of both federal and state individual income tax law in general and specifically those impacting individuals ‘of a certain age.’ Emphasis will be on deductions that may be missed, such as the Maine property tax fairness credit and the sales tax credit. There will be time to answer questions posed by attendees.
Gratitude, Friday, Nov. 17, 1:30 to 3 p.m. — Marguerite Stapleton will explain why November is a perfect time to reflect on gratitude. The signs of harvest are all around, and Thanksgiving is soon to be celebrated. This session invites participants to think deeply about gratitude and find new ways to live gratefully. Bring a notebook and pen, and take a moment to reflect upon this quotation from Linda Douty: “The more one says thank you, the more one sees things to be thankful for.”
There are several ongoing classes in addition to these workshops. Some insurance companies offer reimbursement for classes, but participants must call their own insurance company to find out if they qualify.
Gentle Chair Yoga is designed to help participants increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance and find inner calm. This class combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches and gentle yoga postures. This course is held at a variety of times and days; call SeniorsPlus for more information at 800-427-1241.
Also offered is Total Strength & Balance, Mondays, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (no class 11/24). Instructor Linn Morin notes the classes are for all levels — beginner or advanced — interested in improving strength, balance and bone density. The cost is $3 for one class per week; $5 for any two classes per week; $6 for three classes per week. To register or for information, 207-523-9055.
