NEIGHBOR BRIGADE named Wayland’s Iron Chef 2011…   And  “SWEET VICTORY” for the WAYLAND GARDEN CLUB in  the Cake Design Competition at Sandy Burr on Sun, Sept. 18. WAYLAND’S IRON CHEF, a fundraiser for the Friends of the Wayland Council On Aging hosted an amazing event with over 9 organizations and town departments competing in a n outdoor grilling and indoor cake decoration competition. Over 20 caterers and restaurants offered a strolling hors d’oeuvres and dessert buffet. This has become a highly anticipated annual event filled with community spirit.

MEDICARE INFORMATION SESSION  with SHINE Community Educator, Kathy Worhach.  Wed., Sept. 28, 10:30am at COA (includes Q&A period).  The Medicare Open Enrollment dates have changed.  The new open enrollment dates are Oct. 15 -Dec. 7, 2011.  This is the time to enroll or CHANGE your Medicare coverage for next year.  If you have questions or concerns, be sure to join us for morning coffee at this information session.

ROBERT FROST FARM, Derry,  NH.  Thursday, Sept. 29.  Depart Wayland at 10:30am – Return by 3:30pm.   Join actor, teach and tour guide Stephen Collins for this tour of Robert Frost’s farm in Derry, New Hampshire.  During the 75 minute drive to the farm, Stephen will recite many of Robert Frost’s beloved poems and talk about his life and times.  Once at the farm, the Park Ranger lead us on a 45 minute tour of this National Historic Landmark.  There will be a stop for lunch (not included in tour price).  On the drive back, Stephen Collins will continue to recite Frost’s poetry and answer questions about Robert Frost’s life.   Roundtrip transportation and admission and guided tour (does not include lunch):  $30 per person.

Second Wednesday BROWN BAG SERIES continues!  “Conversations with an Expert”, Wed., Oct. 12 at Noon.  This new COA series is patterned after the Lifelong Learning Courses at area universities.  Enjoy a presentation by an expert and then an informal roundtable conversation with the speaker. Bring a sandwich. Appetizers, Beverage and Dessert will be provided . Registration fee is $10 if you are just joining the series (Oct, Nov)

• Wed., Oct 12 VIVIEN LI, President of the Boston Harbor Association, Vivien Li is a visionary who has balanced private and commercial interests to promote a clean, alive and accessible Boston Harbor. She was the guiding  force behind Harbor Walk that links the water’s edge to the city’s open space system. Enjoy a roundtable discussion with the speaker.  
• Wed., Nov. 9 TBA-Speaker to be announced.
• REGISTER NOW for this dynamic new series.

GENTLE CHAIR YOGA, 4 week session starts: Sept. 28 (Hearing Room).  Pre-register for 4 week session ($32); Course Instructor: Leslie Worris, The Wellness Alliance; A can-do class for beginners, those with injuries, or anyone living with special challenges, such as limited mobility or recent surgery. For students who find it difficult to transition to and from the floor, we will explore a great variety of Yoga poses, both sitting and standing with a chair assist. Increase flexibility and strength, improve balance, endurance, mobility, circulation and decrease stress. Chair Yoga encourages proper breathing and better posture. Meditation, breath work and relaxation techniques included. (Please note: the Oct. 5 class will be held in the COA due to the flu clinic in the Hearing Rm).

TAI CHI  FOR STRESS REDUCTION, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am with Certified Instructor: Robin Natanel.  Pre-register for the 4 week session in September = $20 (or $8.00/class if not pre-registered.)  Free “Try It Class” for first time students.  Learn to use the Tai Chi form to increase your physical balance and  "sense" of balance. Tai Chi allows you to physically, mentally and emotionally feel YOUR flow aligning with the flow of nature. The class begins with music and meditation, some Qi Qong breathing techniques, temple exercises for flexible joints and strength, then the Tai Chi form itself.  Class adapts to the participant’s individual needs.  Tai Chi can lower blood pressure, improve balance and reduce pain. * Tai Chi is open to non-seniors*

FRIDAY MOVIE MATINEE.  Showtime: 12:30pm, Wayland C.O.A. ENJOY self-serve popcorn, and cold drinks from our “Hospitality Cart” – it’s all complimentary! Bring a friend, and/or bring your lunch.

• Friday, Oct. 14   MAO'S LAST DANCER (2010), PG, Drama, 2hr 7min. Eleven-year-old peasant villager Li Cunxin is sent to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China's greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to  possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin's autobiography. 
• Friday, Oct.  28  BUCK (2010), PG, Documentary, 1hr 28min. Buck Brannaman, inspiration for “The Horse Whisperer,” is revealed as a complex figure in this Sundance Audience Award winner for Best Documentary by Cindy Meehl.  Brannaman reveals how details of his troubled childhood created his  successful approach with horses and how the animal-human relationship became a metaphor for facing life’s challenges. 

BETTER BALANCE.   “Independent and Upright Living”  Next session on the following dates: Sept 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, $25/4 wks.  All classes are on Fridays, 10:30-11:30am in the Hearing Room.  Leslie Worris of the Wellness Alliance, teaches strategies to avoid and prevent falls.  Have fun while learning to improve your balance and increase strength.  Using balls, bands, weights and incorporating yoga and tai chi, improve your  posture, flexibility, mobility, stability, breath, endurance and maintain your independence. Pre–registration required – no less than one week before classes start.  We cannot pro-rate class fee for missed classes; participants may not join mid-session.

LOIS’s FIT FOR THE FUTURE, Tues., Thurs, 10-11am, Hearing Room. $2/class.  Let the music motivate you for an aerobic work-out with stretching, toning and weight work with instructor Lois Leav.  Pay only when you attend.  

FALL FEVER WITH THE MASTROS AT LUCIANO’S LAKE PEARL IN WRENTHAM, Wednesday, October 19, $66.95 for luncheon, show AND roundtrip bus transportation.  Enjoy a luncheon and entertainment at the lovely Luciano’s Lake Pearl function center on Lake Pearl in Wrentham.  Frank and Maura Mastro will perform an original show of singing, comedy and celebrity impressions. Luncheon choices are baked haddock or chicken parmesan and will include salad, vegetables, bread, dessert and coffee/tea. For those wishing to provide their own transportation to Lake Pearl, directions will be available at the COA when you register for the trip. Pricing includes all taxes and gratuity. 

COA VAN: Call the COA office or refer to the calendar in the COA newsletter to see the numerous trips for Wayland residents to Market Basket in Ashland, “Around Town” errands, even the band concerts in Natick! Van will pick residents up at their homes.

SHAKESPEARE comes alive!   Four Mondays, 10:30am-11:45am;  Starts: Oct. 17.   $40.00. Instructor/Actor: (the charismatic) Stephen Collins! The class will work together to “demystify” the language and study some of the famous soliloquies.  Some of Shakespeare’s sonnets will also be studied.  This will be a memorable course. Pre-register,  as enrollment is limited. (Class dates: Mondays  – Oct. 17, 24, 31 and Nov. 7, 2011)