SeniorsPlus Center announces January workshops

LEWISTON — SeniorsPlus Center will be offering workshops for the month of January. The Center is located at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston. Advance registration is required for all workshops by calling 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241. The facility is fully accessible and hard-of-hearing assistive equipment is available. These services are free except as noted and open to anyone. In case of snow, call 795-4010 to be sure the Center is open.

January 11 — Home Fire Safety Checkup, from 10 to 11 a.m. The instructor is Richard E. Taylor, MA PPM, senior research and planning analyst, Maine Fire Marshal’s office. As older adults we want to maintain a quality of life through independence and safety. Come learn about what we can do to prevent fires around us and what we can do if we have a fire.

January 13 — Nutrition Basics for Aging, from 1 to 2 p.m. Instructor is Deb Bugel, manager Clinical Nutrition Services, St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion. Learn about the amount of liquid we need each day, what are the good fats, which vitamins and minerals are important and how age changes the way our bodies react to the foods we eat.

January 14 — Card Making, from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $5 for supplies. Instructor is Tammy Cook, card maker. Come have fun with Tammy and make beautiful cards to keep or send. Choose everyday designs or make a Valentine’s Day card.

January 18 — What’s Happening to My Body as it Ages, Bones and Joints, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Instructor is Dr. Alan Verrill, MD, FHM, CMMC Hospital. Creaky joints and shrinking bones — what’s up with that? The doctor shares his knowledge and time. Bring your questions.

January 19 — Medicare Basics, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Instructors are SeniorsPlus Medicare staff. Come learn the basics of a complex Medicare system that we are all part of, or will be. Parts A, B, C and D will be covered.

January 20 — Vision Changes and Supports, from 10 to 11 a.m. Instructor is Samantha Green, MA, Certified Vision Rehabilitation therapist, Iris Network; Chelsie Bellistle Independent Living counselor, Division of the Blind, State of Maine. This is an informative session on where you can get your questions answered when you have a vision problem. Join others to learn more about the services available, the emotional adjustments and tips to help you continue cooking, cleaning and reading.

January 21 — Dementia: Ten Warning Signals, from 9 to 11 a.m. Instructor is Ann Quinlan, manager of Education and Training, Alzheimer’s Association. Come learn about the many forms of dementia, some of its causes and its warning signs and how you can help yourself or someone you care for. The speaker will be available after class for individual conversations.

January 21 — Scams, Fraud and Just Plain Untruths, from 1 to 2 p.m. The instructor is Guy Desjardins, sheriff, Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office. Do you know someone who’s been taken advantage of by someone pretending to help them out? Come learn what to look for and what to do when you or a friend are approached by smart, savvy, but unethical people.

January 24 — Sleep and Aging, Getting Your ZZZs as You Age, from 1 to 2 p.m. Instructor is Dr. Thad Shattuck, St. Mary’s Sleep Clinic. Do you wake up feeling alert and refreshed? Approximately 70 million Americans don’t experience that wonderful feeling. What is normal sleeping as we grow older? Hear medically-sound strategies for healthy and restorative sleep.