By Ruth Troy

Director

This is an important time of year for all Medicare recipients. Medicare Open Enrollment begins soon. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is an annual period of time when current Medicare users can choose to re-evaluate part of their Medicare coverage (their Medicare Advantage and/or Part D plan) and compare it against all the other plans on the market. The open enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, 2019.

If you have questions, the HIICAP representative can help. HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program) offers free and unbiased information and assistance. This program is brought to you by the Onondaga County Office for Aging. The HIICAP representative will be available at Canton Woods at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4.

Upcoming activities

You can support Canton Woods Senior Center by purchasing Canton Woods’ environmentally friendly reusable grocery bags. Be prepared for the single use plastic bag ban. The reusable bags are available at the center for $3.00 each. The bags are practical, attractive, and support your senior center!

It is never too late to unearth your inner artist. Retired B’ville art teacher Mike Conway leads an Art Group at Canton Woods that focuses on drawing and painting for beginner and intermediate students. The Art Group next meets at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. New participants are welcome!

The next Make and Take Card Making Workshop will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. The cost is approximately $2 for supplies. You will go home with a beautiful handmade card or two.

Canton Woods Craft Group meets at 10 a.m. every Tuesday. Come on in and join the fun! Create something special for the Canton Woods Craft Fair, which takes place Dec. 7.

Sharing Memories Writing Program takes place at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. The group is facilitated by Tina Trainham. Just come with your memories.

Canton Woods Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. The book for the month is “The Huntress” by Kate Quinn. Start reading and join the lively discussion! The Book Club is facilitated by Edwina Hay.

Baldwinsville Mayor Dick Clarke will lead a program called “Down Memory Lane” at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21. Come and share your stories about the people, places, and things you remember as you from growing up.

Nadine Kerr, B’ville family and consumer science teacher, will offer Smartphone, iPad, Tablet or Laptop Computer Assistance from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22. Need help figuring out how to use the calendar, email or going online? Bring your devices and questions (it’s a good idea to write them down) and she will try to help you! Please schedule a 20-minute appointment by calling 315-638-4536.

Welcome autumn with apple crisp at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 (takeout available). Enjoy this favorite Fall treat for $3 per serving. Sign up by Oct. 18. Proceeds benefit Canton Woods Library and other special events.

Health and fitness

At 11:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, James Ciacco will present on the Senior Emergency Department: GEM Care at Upstate University Hospital at Community Campus. Gem Care offers special emergency services to those over 65 years of age in an environment especially conducive to seniors.

There will be two flu immunization clinics provided by your local Walgreens pharmacist at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Nov. 1. Please be sure to bring all of your insurance cards with you.

Fall is here so all of our fitness programs have started their fall sessions. Find the fitness program that meets your needs and get moving!

Zumba Gold is back! Join instructor Susan Petrilli for 45 minutes of fun on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Class fee is $5 (pay as you go), payable to the instructor. Zumba Gold is an easy to follow program that lets you move to the beat at your own speed. Zumba Gold provides modified low-impact moves for all levels, and is designed for active older adults and beginners. Zumba is invigorating and fun!

A licensed massage therapist will offer chair massage at Canton Woods from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 16 and 30. The fee is $10 for a 10-minute massage. Call 315-638-4536 to make an appointment.

Instructor Yvonne Martin brings Kripalu “chair optional” yoga to Canton Woods. Kripalu yoga is a gentle mindful practice that emphasis compassionate self-acceptance, and awareness. Class is held every Monday at 10:30am. Call the center for more information.

Aerobics is held at 9:15 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. There is a fee payable to the instructor September through May. The fall session has begun!

Canton Woods offers a free falls prevention class at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday lead by licensed physical therapist, Julie Hall. Julie is back to lead the class for the fall season!

Canton Woods has a medication return collection unit. This is a safe, environmentally friendly way to dispose of medications. You may drop off your unused medication to the return box at Canton Woods from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The next AARP Defensive Driving class is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Classes fill up quickly. Call 315-638-4536 to register.

Senior nutrition

The center is a PEACE senior nutrition lunch site on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Make your reservation by calling 315-638-4536 and stop by at noon for lunch. Suggested donation is $3.50. The nutrition program is open to anyone 60 years of age and older. Join your fellow seniors for a delicious lunch and good company.

Wondering what’s for lunch? On Friday, Oct. 18, the menu includes glazed home style meatloaf, O’Brien scalloped potatoes, Capri blend vegetables and mandarin oranges.

Canton Woods Senior Center is located at 76 Canton St. in Baldwinsville. The center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more or to register for programs, call 315-638-4536 or visit baldwinsville.org/departments/cantonwoods.