LEWISTON — SeniorsPlus has announced its Education Center classes for October.

Classes are held at 8 Falcon Road and free, unless noted.

Androscoggin County

Community Engagement Forum: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 3, The Dolard & Priscilla Gendron Franco Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston; 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, St. Mary’s Lepage Conference Center.

The Androscoggin Community Health Stakeholder Coalition will host a forum for the Maine Shared Community Health Needs Assessment to present Androscoggin County health data. The purpose of the forum is to identify health priorities for our county, and together, identify what we think is important in addressing the health of our community. Registration is not necessary.

Gearing Up for Flu Season:  1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3. Instructor Angela Moore, Beacon Hospice. Learn ways to avoid getting sick. Learn how to identify different types of viruses and how to prevent them. Also, learn ways to communicate with physicians when sick to get the best care possible.

Volunteer Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. A variety of agencies including SEARCH at Catholic Charities, BookReach, Girl Scouts and American Red Cross will be tabling this event. There will be staff available from each agency to answer questions on a host of volunteer opportunities available.

Good Grief, the Gift of Final Expense Planning: 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9. Instructors Zoe Theriault, Jacob Daniels, and Jennifer Uwaechia of Banker’s Life. Learn how to plan for final expenses, the options and the costs associated with cremation or burial. Discuss probate and different talking points between you and your loved ones during this often difficult time. Light refreshments provided.

Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11.  Instructor Martin Raj, The Olive Branch. A class on preventative and therapeutic nutrition.

Crafting with Corinne: Halloween Edition: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11. Instructor Corinne Saindon, local artisan. Projects are simple. All class supplies provided for $5.

Safe Driving: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16. Instructor George Davis, AARP. Cost is $20, payable to AARP; $15 for AARP members. Drivers 55 and older who complete this class are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance for three years. Bring driver’s license, lunch and AARP membership card.

Fraud & Scams: 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23. Instructor Valerie Cole, SeniorsPlus. This workshop will provide information needed to determine what is real and what is a scam. 

Simple Activities for Seniors with Alzheimer’s: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 25. Instructor Albert L’Etoile, Woodlands. This presentation will provide simple, easy activity ideas for caretakers and family members of seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamins, Herbals, and Supplements: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29.  Instructor pharmacist Elizabeth Clark, Walgreens. Learn about common vitamins and why they are important. Participants will also learn about the effectiveness and uses of herbal supplements, calcium, and probiotics, as well as safety using supplements with prescriptions and when people need to talk with their pharmacist or doctor.

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Instructor Peter Baker, LCSW, Alzheimer’s Association. The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If  someone is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection provides a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies, and plan for the future. We’ll separate myth from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s in America. Hear from people who have the disease and find out how to recognize the signs.

Being Mortal: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1. Instructor Angela Moore, Beacon Hospice. PBS special “Being Mortal” will be shown. Based on the best-selling book by Atul Gawande, MD, “Being Mortal” explores the implications of coming to terms with your own mortality. Attendees will learn ways to approach these challenging conversations with loved ones and will be provided with resources to help develop their own wishes for end-of-life care. It is a must-see for everyone who is a patient, caregiver, or loved one.

Medicare 101: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Instructor Melissa McCarthy, University of New England graduate student. Open enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Get the basics of Medicare in this introductory course. This presentation will be perfect for people new to Medicare or for anyone looking to brush up on their knowledge.

 The Books of Harper Lee: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, except Oct. 16. Instructor Laura Sturgis. This course will explore two books authored by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Go Set a Watchman.” Class involves reading and discussing both books and hopefully, viewing the Gregory Peck film. Laura taught English at Edward Little High School for 15 years, primarily to freshmen, but also taught the Syracuse University’s Project Advance for three years. The class is for Senior College members only. Please call Senior College at 207-780-5960 to register.

 

Franklin and Oxford counties

Caregiver Support Group: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, SeniorsPlus, 218 Fairbanks Road, Farmington. 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.

Living Well for Better Health: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 27 to Nov. 1, SeniorsPlus, 218 Fairbanks Road, Farmington. Instructors Laure Johnson and Cheryl Moody. Learn 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 one’s health care provider, physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating. Limit 16.

Aging Well Living Well Expo 2018: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry. $25 includes breakfast and lunch. Choose three workshops from dozens offered. Visit seniorsplus.org/AWLW for details. Call 207-795-4010 to register. Bus available from Lewiston office for $25.

Open House at New Norway Office: 7:30 tp 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 9 Marston St., Norway. Meet-and-greet at the new Norway office of SeniorsPlus. Light refreshments prepared by the nutrition team will be provided.

SeniorsPlus is fully accessible. Hearing assistive equipment is available upon request.

Register for classes by calling 207-795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241. For more information and a list of ongoing classes and groups, visit seniorsplus.org/education-center.