Andover Townsman, Andover, MA

August 19, 2010

Senior center activities

By Senior Center Staff

September is National Senior Month. Help us celebrate with events throughout the month. For more information call the Senior Center at 978-623-8321 or drop by at 30 Whittier Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grill night: Sept. 1 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Free entertainment by the new, New Orleans Band. Entrees costs are from $4 to $8. Call for specials.

Franks' Famous Buffet: Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. the cost is $4 by ticket only. Stop by for tickets and to see the menu.

"And Now Mark Twain!": Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Mocktails in the four Season Room, Delicious Heritage Chicken Dinner, and a delightful look at the life and work of America's foremost humorist in his centennial observance. This one-person play is full of wit and wisdom and the special brand of storytelling that made Sawyer a legend in his time. The Friends of the Andover Senior Center will be on hand to offer some door prizes and let everyone know what is up for the coming year. The cost is $7 by ticket only.

Cataracts - New research and cures: Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. Presented by Dr. Robert Kwon, specialist in refractive surgery. Refreshments served; call to reserve a place.

"The Crystal Ballroom at the Townhouse": Sunday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., the cost is $10 singles and $15 couples. Beginning in September, a monthly ball will be held at The Andover Townhouse. The evening will begin with one hour of dance instruction from 6 to 7 p.m., with the ball following until 10 p.m. There will also be a ballroom dance exhibition by the dance instructors during intermission. Music will be provided by different bands and deejays and refreshments will include hors d 'oeuvres and a cash bar. This dance is a partnership between the Andover Senior Center and The Andover's Village at Home. Tickets available at the TAVAH office 978-623-0070 or at the Senior Center.

Meet the Author: A Brown Bag Lunch Sept. 14 at noon the cost is $2, pre-registration is a must. Hear Rose Mula talk about her most recent book, The Beautiful People and Other Aggravations.

High Tea and History: Wednesday, Sept. 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Join with Andover Historical for a lively discussion as we celebrate monthly, with the Andover Historical Society, afternoons of Andover memories. The first topic of our "High Tea and History" will be The Crystal Ballroom, an institution in Andover until the late 1950's, as told by Bernice Haggerty, who danced the night away at the original Crystal Ballroom. We'll provide the tea and cookies please bring your memories. Pre-registration appreciated to hold your spot.

American Renaissance: Survey of American Literature from 1850-1855. Thursday, Sept. 9 and 16, 1:30 to 3 p.m. the cost is $6. Hawthorne, Melville, Emerson, and Whitman all wrote what would become their seminal works in that short span of time. What were the main currents involved in the culture of the time to "flower" this important body of work that formed the heart of the American canon. Instructor: Claudia Heller, local scholar and literary historian.

Scamps, Scoundrels and Other Misguided Individuals: Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. The cost is $3. Throughout the ages many a wayward relative or two have embarrassed their respectable Andover families. The unforgivable deeds of these black sheep don't go unnoticed in town and state records. These scandalous stories, throughout the ages have colored Andover's past and show us that human nature has changed very little over the centuries. Presented by Joan Patrakis, local historian and author.

Hooked on Hooking: Wednesdays, Sept. 16 to October 7, 10 a.m., the cost is $40 and will include a kit with everything to get you started. Learn the art of hooking to create anything from purses and pins to pillows and rugs. Continue this as a drop-in class after series.

Mixed Media Art Instruction: Mondays, Sept. 13 to Nov. 15; 9-weeks for $45 at 1 p.m. Beginners to intermediates are welcome. Watercolor, acrylic, pastel and oil mediums. Teacher's goal is to encourage students to try new ideas and feel safe making "mistakes", as well as being excited about learning a new skill, or reaching a new level. Bring materials.

Castle in the Clouds trip: Thursday, Sept. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $45 includes transportation, admittance, tour and lunch. After a scenic drive along the shore of Lake Winnipesauke you will enjoy a guided tour of this unique home with an incredible view. Following our tour we'll have lunch with a view in the Carriage House Café©, and then it's on to Wolfeboro for a little shopping and or a harbor side ice cream.

Fun and Games: Every Tuesday in the Four Seasons Room, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., play Wii, ping pong, scrabble, checkers, for free.