Brown Bag Lecture: Monday, Sept. 29, noon. "Ancient Views, Machu Picchu and Galapagos." Join award-winning photographer Jack Holmes as he takes us on a digital slide show through Peru, including images of Machu Picchu and Ecuador featuring fascinating photos of Galapagos' wildlife. Bring a bag lunch if you wish; we'll supply dessert and beverages.
Fall Fest: Saturday, Oct. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m., advance tickets only $10. Be sure to stop by and pick up a ticket for our Fall Fest dinner. We'll be serving traditional favorites of harvest salad, Yankee pot roast, Virginia ham, twice baked potatoes, acorn squash and apple pie. After dinner we'll be showing a choice of two different movies, or you can get a group together and stay and enjoy card night.
Fix-it shop: Our fix-it shop will reopen for business on Monday, Oct. 6 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Seniors who have small appliances or household items in need of repair can stop in without an appointment.
Birding group: Pre-registration. If it's fall, then it's time to head out with the Retelles to explore and enjoy some of the local conservation areas. We'll be meeting at and heading out from the center at 8 a.m. on Fridays. Be sure and give us a call if you're planning to come with us.
ACCENT program: Would you like to have more "vim and vigor"? Has your doctor advised more exercise and a healthier diet, but you don't know where to start? Join a beginners class, and be part of a Massachusetts Department of Public Health research project at the senior center this fall. This class will meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. at a total cost of $10. Priority will be given to those who have not been able to participate in a previous research project. It's never too late to start to make changes, and you'll get support from other like-minded folks on the way to better health. Call Pat at the senior center for more information.
Craft corner: We're gearing up to work on items for the upcoming holiday fair season. If you enjoy crafts, come on down and join us on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Art For Everyone: A new ten week session of instructional art is now meeting on Monday afternoons from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. The cost is $50 for the ten week session. Come and work from still life or a subject of your choice. Emphasis will be on the effects of light, color and value. Students will work in a supportive atmosphere with individualized instruction. All mediums and levels welcome.
Intergenerational volunteers: Are you looking for a rewarding intergenerational opportunity? If you'd like to make a difference in a child's life and can make a commitment for an hour a week during the school year, then we'd like to talk with you about joining our intergenerational mentoring team. Alliance of Juniors and Seniors is a collaboration between the senior center and Bancroft Elementary School. Volunteer hours may be applied to SCRPT. Call Pat at the senior center for more information.
Letters At Large: Tuesday, Sept. 23 and 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration, $15. If you enjoy recounting experiences with family and friends, and if you're looking to improve your writing, you can do both in this innovative class which looks at the value of letters as gifts and bearers of history. The course will incorporate the study of listening, writing mechanics and packaging of our words.
Outdoor Adventures for Women: Pre-registration, Thursday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Crane's Beach. We'll offer two options on this outing, a moderate to strenuous dune hike as well as a more modified beach walk. Come enjoy this area after the summer crowds have all left. Bring a picnic lunch for a great outdoor day.
Fabulous Frames: Monday, Oct. 6, 20 and 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $15. Pre-registration necessary. This class will be suitable for artists, photographers, quilters, crafters or anyone who would like to learn more about the art of creative framing techniques including color theory in matting and frame selection. Demonstrations will also be given in mat cutting, mounting, conservation framing, wood and metal assembly and fitting. Instructor will be Larry Glickman, professional framer.
Book Club: Thursday, Oct. 16 at 1:30 p.m. We'll be discussing the book "Straight Man" by Richard Russo. The book club is open to all who enjoy reading a good book and gathering for a friendly discussion. Books can be checked out from the senior center approximately two weeks prior to each discussion.
Men's Breakfast: Friday, Oct. 17 at 8:30 a.m., $3 pre-registration. "World War II Memory Lane." Come see actual historic footage from WWII of the sub The USS Tirante. Captain George Street, U.S. Navy-Retired, formerly of Andover, now deceased, received the Medal of Honor for his heroic action while commander of the sub.
Zorvino Vineyards Trip: Monday, Nov. 3, $44. Zorvino Vineyards is a small piece of Tuscany located in Sandown, N.H. We'll have a delightful Italian meal while overlooking the vineyards. Following lunch, we'll sample their wines in the tasting room while enjoying a special afternoon at this nearby Tuscan Villa. Cost includes lunch, transportation and wine tasting.
Outdoor Fall Photography Class: Oct. 20 and 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., $10. Pre-registration. This two part workshop will be under the direction of professional photographer Jack Holmes and will be suitable for both digital and film cameras. The first morning we'll walk a nearby AVIS property and shoot the autumn scenery. The second meeting will take place at the center and the focus will be on image editing and processing.
Art in Bloom: Sunday, Oct. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. No need to travel to Boston for this great event. Come admire the work of the senior center art group complimented by beautiful floral interpretations designed by members of Andover's three garden clubs. Reservations are not necessary, and all ages are welcome to drop in and admire the exquisite work of these talented people.
Energy Forum: Friday, Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m. Would you like to save on energy bills and reduce the cost of heating your home this winter? Come join us for this forum. Representatives from both National Grid and Bay State Gas will be available to talk about ways to save and programs available to seniors. Pre-registration would be appreciated, no charge.
Shingles vaccine: The Andover health department has announced that it is the recipient of a generous grant from the Andover Home For Aged People. This money will allow the continued offering of the shingles vaccine Zostavax. The vaccine, at a cost of $10, is available for Andover residents age 60 and older who have had chicken pox but never had shingles. For further information, contact the health department at 978-623-8295.
Knit-Wits: a new drop-in group for those who enjoy knitting, will be on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Instruction will also be provided for those who would like to learn or improve their techniques. You can bring your own project, or if you'd like to knit for the senior center, we'll supply the yarn if you lend your expertise. Group leader is Sue Finn.
Massage: A licensed massage therapist will be on site every Monday morning for seated upper body chair massage. Therapeutic massage provides many health benefits including relaxation, improved circulation and joint mobility and improvement in muscular tension and body aches. Advance appointments are necessary and the reduced cost is $12 for a 20-minute treatment.