LEWISTON — The SeniorsPlus Education Center has announced the June calendar.
Unless stated otherwise, classes are free and located at 8 Falcon Road. Call SeniorsPlus at 800-427-1241 for more information and to register.
Living Well for Better Health: 8:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, May 30 to July 11; no class July 4; instructors, Robyn Spugnardi and Claire Bachand. The six-week workshop teaches real-life skills for living a full, healthy life with a chronic condition. Topics include communication, medication usage, talking with a health care 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. Class size limit is 16.
A Matter of Balance: 2 to 4 p.m. Fridays, June 1 to July 20; instructor, Dana Morrell of SeniorsPlus and three University of Southern Maine OT students. The eight-week workshop is designed to reduce the fear of falling and to increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple strength and balance exercises. Class size limit is 16.
Age Related Changes in Hearing and Speech: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 5; instructor, Dr. Ashlee H. Vandiver of LA Hearing and Stephanie Gelinas of Sandcastle Clinical and Educational Services. This course explores misconceptions about aging and the inevitable loss of hearing, speech and language skills. Discussed will be naturally occurring interventions that can be incorporated within a day to keep speech and language skills sharp, and the relationships between hearing loss, brain health and cognitive function.
Understanding Healthcare Options: Part 2: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6; instructor, Angela Moore of Beacon Hospice and Dave Bracket of Kindred at Home. Dave and Angela return to explain what the differences are in long-term care, assisted living and hospital care. Discussed will be where to turn when help is needed, what services are available to age in place, and how to ask questions of health care providers.
Volunteer Fair: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7. Join local nonprofit agencies to explore volunteer opportunities. Staff will be available to answer questions. Agencies include Red Cross, SEARCH, Good Shepherd Food Pantry, Girl Scouts and more.
Safe Driving: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14; instructor, Elwood Beach, AARP; cost, $20, payable to AARP or $15 for AARP members. 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.
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 19; instructor, Lee Pennington, The Alzheimer’s Association. Learn how to make lifestyle choices that may help keep your brain and body healthy. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
Falls Risk Assessment: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20; instructor, Nancy Donovan, Androscoggin Homecare & Hospice. Discussed will be risk factors and causes of falls, preventative measures including home safety tips, and can include an active demonstration of how to get up from a fall safely. Learn the benefits of receiving physical and occupational therapy to prevent falls, make home modifications, and/or obtain and use adaptive equipment to ensure safety.
The Choice is Yours: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 21; instructor, Chloe Giampaolo. This class will cover how older Americans spend their time, based on a U.S. government publication, including the three things retirees spend the most extra time on; popular retirement ambitions; six things you can/should do for a happy retirement; and volunteer options in Maine.
Ongoing fitness classes
Some insurance companies offer reimbursement for these classes. Those interested should call their insurance companies.
Gentle Chair Yoga: 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, June 11 to July 30; instructor, Tisha Bremmer; cost, $40 for eight weeks or drop-in for $8 per class. 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, May 4 to June 29; instructor, Tisha Bremmer; cost, $35 for seven weeks or drop-in for $8 per class. 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 and Balance: 11:15 a.m. to noon or 12:15 to 1 p.m. Mondays; 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays; 11:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. or 12:30 to 1:10 p.m. Fridays; instructor, Linn Morin, Certified Trainer; cost, $5 for drop-in, $15 for six classes, $25 for 12 classes. One month passes are nonrefundable. To register or for more info, call Linn at 207-523-9055.
Ongoing groups
Coffee & Comfort: 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 4. Meets on the first Monday of each month for those who have experienced loss and have completed the bereavement group at Beacon Hospice.
Knitting Group: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Work on your own project or learn how to knit — bring yarn and knitting needles. Please use back entrance.
Caregiver Support Group: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 11. Meets on the second Monday of each month. Offers a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. Participation in a support group can be an empowering experience, helping members feel better prepared to cope with their unique situation.
Book Club: 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 13. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The book to be read for this month’s group is “Saints for All Occasions” by Courtney Sullivan.
Franklin and Oxford counties
Living Well for Better Health: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, June 7 to July 12; instructors, Laure Johnson and Cecilia Natale; Carrabassett Public Library, 3209 Carrabassett Drive, Suite 3, Carrabassett Valley. This six-week long workshop teaches real-life skills for living a full, healthy life with a chronic condition. Topics include communication, medication usage, talking with your health care 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. Class size limit is 16.
Living Well with Diabetes: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 7 to July 12; instructors, Cheryl Moody and Cecilia Natale; Healthy Community Coalition, 105 Mount Blue Circle, Farmington. Participants in this six-week workshop will learn skills for management of Type 2 diabetes. Open to individuals who have Type 2 diabetes and those who are caring for someone who does. Topics include menu planning, monitoring your levels, healthy eating, communication, physical activity and foot care. There will be a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card. Class size limit is 16.
In Farmington at the Community Center:
Essential Oils: June 4 with Shirley Bourgault of Rainbow Alternatives.
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