AREA — The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, (CRCofWM) located at 59 Winter Street, Norway, on the Stephens Memorial Hospital campus, announces their schedule of free in-person and virtual classes and activities for the month of October. They do ask participants of in-person classes to please wear a mask. Anyone impacted by cancer (cancer survivors and caregivers) can participate.
Special activities
“Improve How You Move” – Four Fridays in October – 11 a.m. to 12 noon beginning October 7. Somatic Movement with Erin Girzone: Essential Somatics® Movement Teacher, Yoga Instructor, and ACE Certified Fitness Trainer & Behavior Change Specialist. A somatic movement practice is a fabulous way for cancer patients and survivors to manage their ability to move as freely and pain-free as possible and for all ages and abilities. You will learn movement patterns that can be done seated in a chair that improve how you feel and how you move.
Weekly Public Drop-in hours – Thursdays, 9-3 p.m.; other weekdays by appointment. Masks required.
Weekly Ongoing Virtual classes – pre-register for the virtual classes listed below at www.crcofwm.org:
“Mind full of Good” – Monday morning meditation – Mondays, 9-9:30 a.m. This enrichment series offers new ways to grow the good in one’s life. Built upon the science of positive neuroplasticity, each week will focus upon cultivating an opportunity to grow inner resources for peace, satisfaction and joy. Classes include instruction, discussion and is suitable for anyone who meditates or is interested in starting a meditation practice. Led by Karen Vasil-Busch, LMT, CAP is a PNT Teacher, Licensed Massage Therapist, Karuna™ REIKI Master and Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner.
MBSR – “A Mindful Hour” – Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. Learn how the practice of Mindful-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can assist with reducing stress through breath, movement and meditation. Join Kat Larsen as she leads this weekly class, integrating other practices from her work as a certified yoga therapist and registered yoga instructor.
Weekly in-person classes
Chair Yoga in Harrison, Caswell House Conservancy, 42 Main Street, Harrison – Mondays and Wednesdays – 10-11 a.m. Chair yoga can lessen the impact of chronic illness and pain. It may also help cope with feelings of isolation. Being calmer and more relaxed inevitably leads to a greater feeling of happiness and well-being. Susan Kane teaches this class, which can easily be modified to everyone’s ability level. You do not need to register in advance.
New! Chair Yoga in Bridgton, Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot Street, Bridgton – Weekly on Fridays – 9-10 a.m., starting October 14. Susan Kane also teaches this class, which can easily be modified to everyone’s ability level. You do not need to register in advance.
Strength & Balance for Cancer Wellness – Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Rush Fitness, 141 Western Avenue, Paris. This full body workout class, led by Lori Britting, is tailored to the comfort level and ability of each individual to maintain mobility and strength. Resistance training (with the use of bands, free weights and body weight) has been shown to enhance flexibility and decrease bone loss, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. Train at your own pace while receiving encouragement and assistance toward achieving your goals. Call the CRCofWM at 890-0329 to register.
Craft & Chat at CRCofWM, 59 Winter Street, Norway: Tuesdays 1-2 p.m. Drop in, explore your creative side, and meet new friends at the same time. All supplies provided, masks are required.
Chair Yoga at the CRCofWM 59 Winter Street, Norway: Thursdays 1-2 p.m. Join Kat Larsen for this gentle form of yoga, which utilizes both seated and standing poses using a chair for support to provide all the benefits of traditional yoga. Chair yoga can help improve core strength and balance, promote better breathing techniques, increase flexibility and help reduce stress. Masks are required. Please call the CRCofWM to register.
Special Groups
New Day & Time!
Women’s Support Group (Thursday, October 20 – CRCofWM, 59 Winter Street, Norway 2-3 p.m. For more information, please call 890-0329.
Men’s Rally Group (Thursday, October 20) – CRCofWM, 59 Winter Street, Norway 4-6 p.m. For more information: Nel Bernard – 207-312-9955 or Vance Jordan -207-583-2975.
The Cancer Resource Center is hosting virtual Dempsey Center Classes beginning 10/28/2022:
The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine (CRCofWM) has partnered with the Dempsey Center to make their educational classes available to the Norway area. Using the Dempsey Connects virtual platform, clients of the CRC will be able to participate at the CRC office in Norway with CRC staff or virtually from the comfort of their own home. These telecast classes are open to the public across the state at no charge. To sign up for any of these classes, please call the call the CRCofWM at (207) 890-0329.
Programs offered October – December 2022 will include:
1. Managing Cancer Treatment Side Effects with Cannabis/CBD
Friday, October 2,10-11:15 a.m. From treating pain and nausea to helping to ease the symptoms of neuropathy, more and more studies are coming out that demonstrate positive benefits from the safe use of CBD and other cannabinoids. Join the Dempsey Center and experts Dr. Dustin Sulak and Shari Berman to discuss alternative and adjunctive ways to manage the side effects of cancer and cancer
treatments.
2. The Next Chapter: Support After Cancer Treatment Wednesdays, November 2 thru December 9, 5-6:30 p.m. When cancer treatment ends the impact of cancer can often continue. Join us for this 5-week series to learn techniques for coping with the new physical and emotional reality of your post treatment cancer journey. While connecting with other survivors, learn the importance of eating well-coupled with strategies to optimize your diet, identify how movement and fitness can care for your body and mind, and explore how complementary therapies can improve your well-being.
• Nov 2 – Connect with others in a similar place in their cancer journey
• Nov 9 – Emotional realities post-treatment
• Nov 16 – Movement + Fitness strategies post-treatment
• Nov 23 – Holiday – No meeting
• Nov 30 – Optimizing nutrition
• Dec 7 – Improving well-being through complementary therapies
Facilitators: Maureen Higgins, MSW; Judy Donnelly, RDN; Tish Caldwell, Certified Oncology Fitness Instructor; Liz Como, LMT, Kailie Sullivan, LCSW. This program is open to cancer patients at the end of treatment or post-treatment.
3. Soups On! (LIVE at Dempsey, virtual at the CRC)
Thursday, November 10, 2-4 p.m. Calling all soup lovers! Learn the art of making delicious soup and adjusting the flavor to meet your personal taste bud needs. Discover new recipes and tricks to freeze your favorites for later meals. Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, LD, Nutrition Program Coordinator
4. What to Eat During Cancer Treatment
Wednesday, November 16, 10-12 p.m. Cancer treatment can affect what you are able to eat and how your body handles food. Join us to learn basic information about maintaining good nutrition to help you feel your best during cancer treatment. Led by Kelly Falone, RDN, LD
Note: As with all Dempsey Center and Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine services, these telecast programs will be provided at no cost. This program is possible thanks to the support of Jane’s Trust, a charitable foundation located in Boston, MA, and Hannaford Foundation.
Monthly Activities
Stamping Up – Making Greeting Cards: October 3. 1-2:30 p.m. Join Cathy Pulsifer for this fun, social activity and make some beautiful greeting cards to take home. Space is limited; masks are required. Materials are provided. Call (207) 890-0329 to sign up.
Wellness Share – 2nd Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Center for Healing Arts & Treatment, 180 Main St., Norway. Reiki is always available, other modalities are available upon request. A somatic movement practice is a fabulous way for cancer patients and survivors to manage their ability to move as freely and pain-free as possible and for all ages and abilities. You will learn movement patterns that can be done seated in a chair that improve how you feel and how you move. Practitioner availability: Reflexology, Massage, Foot Soaks, Crone Sessions, Meditation and more. This is a free event, sponsored by the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine and hosted by Teresia REIKI & Friends. You do not need to sign up in advance. For more information: Charlotte LaBelle, 207-890-2177.
Drum Circle – 4th Saturday of each month, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Center for Healing Arts & Treatment, 180 Main St., Norway. You do not need to sign up in advance. This is a free event, sponsored by the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine. For more information: Dan Gravel, 207-604-0323 or Nel Bernard, 207-312-9955.
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