LEWISTON — The Education Center at SeniorsPlus has announced its November Calendar. Unless stated otherwise, classes are free at 8 Falcon Road.
Living Well for Better Health: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 31 to Dec. 5, Instructors: Rebecca L’Italien and Todd McKenna. The six-week workshop teaches 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 use, talking with health care providers, physical activity, weight management and healthy eating. At the end of the workshop, there will be a drawing for a $25 gift card. Snacks will be provided each week. Limit 16.
Matter of Balance: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 31 to Dec. 19, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Mexico Recreation Department, 3 Recreation Drive in Mexico. Instructors: Amanda Peralta, Jackie Gammon, Mitzi Sequoia. The eight-week workshop is designed to reduce the fear of falling and to increase activity levels among older adults. They will learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple strength and balance exercises. Limit 14.
Living Well for Better Health: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Nov. 2 to Dec. 14 (no class Nov. 23), Chisholm Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital, 111 Franklin Health Commons in Farmington. Instructors: Laure Johnson and Cheryl Moody. The six-week workshop teaches 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 use, talking with health care providers, physical activity, weight management and healthy eating. At the end of the workshop, there will be a drawing for a $25 gift card. Snacks will be provided each week. Limit 16.
Living Well with Diabetes: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 6 to Dec. 11. Instructors: Robyn Spugnardi and Carmen Carney. The six-week workshop will teach skills for day-by-day management of Type 2 diabetes. This fun and interactive workshop is open to individuals who have Type 2 diabetes and those who are caring for someone who does. Topics include menu planning, monitoring levels, healthy eating, communication skills, physical activity and foot care. Snacks will be provided and there will be a drawing for a $25 gift card. Limit 16.
Coping with Holiday Stress: 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Instructor: Angela Moore, Beacon Hospice. The holiday season is a time of joy, cheer, parties and family gatherings. It can also be a time of loneliness, sadness and tension. Many seniors are affected by losses, which can become magnified during the holidays. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of depression and stress, and review ways to cope with stress and overcome the winter blues.
Honor Flights Program: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Instructor: Don Robitaille, ambassador of Honor Flight Maine. The Honor Flight program is a nationwide group of nonprofit organizations solely created 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: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Instructor: Eric Lynes, American Red Cross. Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following three simple steps in advance to ensure people can weather a crisis safely and comfortably. It’s as easy as 1-2-3. First, learn the essential supplies to put in first aid and survival kits; second, make an effective plan in case of an emergency; and, three, understand which disasters are likely and what one must know to stay safe.
Safe Driving:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14. Instructor: George Davis, AARP. Cost: $20, payable to AARP; $15 for AARP members. Drivers 55-plus who complete this class are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance for three years. Bring a driver’s license, lunch and AARP membership card.
Taxes 101: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16. Instructor: Joan Jagolinzer, IRS retiree and district coordinator of AARP Tax-Aide. The instructor will review provisions of federal and state individual income tax law, in general and specifically those that impact those 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: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Instructor: Marguerite Stapleton. This session invites attendees to think deeply about gratitude and to find new ways to live gratefully. A notebook and pen should be brought to class.
Gentle Chair Yoga: 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Oct. 30 to Dec. 18. Instructor: Tisha Bremner. Cost: $40 for eight weeks; $8 drop-in. Designed to increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance and find inner calm. Combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches and gentle yoga postures.
Gentle Chair Yoga: 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays, Nov. 3 to Dec. 22 (no class Nov. 24). Instructor: Tisha Bremner. Cost: $35 for seven weeks; $8 drop-in. Designed to increase vitality, gain a deeper sense of balance, and find inner calm. Combines meditation, easy warm-ups, light stretches and gentle yoga postures.
Total Strength & Balance: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Mondays; 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays (no class Nov. 24). Instructor: Linn Morin. Cost: $3 for one class per week; $5 for any two classes per week; $6 for three classes per week. These classes are for all – beginner or advanced – who are interested in improving strength, balance and bone density. FMI, register: Linn, 207-523-9055.
The SeniorsPlus Education Center is handicapped-accessible. Hearing assistive equipment is available.
FMI, register: 800-427-1241
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