Seniors' guide to staying active in the cooler months

There's no need to hibernate during the cooler months. The Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department has planned several upcoming events and classes to keep older adults active until the holidays. Best of all, most are free! Below is a calendar of what's coming up.

Mon., Oct. 29

Make a Difference, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. Join county, state and older adult organization representatives for an informative workshop on how to be an effective advocate for older adult issues. Learn to help foster change at the local, state and national level. Free.

Thurs., Nov. 1

Chesterfield Graveyards, 10:30 a.m.- noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. In Chesterfield County, cemeteries can be found along busy streets, deep in the woods, adjacent to churches, on industrial sites and even in the front yards of suburban homes. The Cemetery Committee of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia researches church, community, family and slave graveyards in the county. Join Rachel Lipowicz, editor of the committee's 1998 book, "Gone But Not Forgotten," for a look at the work being done to research, document and record graveyards in Chesterfield County. Free.

Painting on Canvas, 1-3 p.m., through Dec. 13 (no class on Nov. 22), Enon Library, 1801 Enon Church Rd. This new course will explore still life and landscape painting with an emphasis on composition, balance and structure. Classical works from art history textbooks will be viewed and discussed. Cost is $55.

Mon., Nov. 5

Low Impact Aerobics, 9-10 a.m., Mondays through Dec. 17, Ampthill Presbyterian Church, 2800 Falling Creek Ave. Class will include a low impact cardiovascular workout with warm-up and cool-down exercises. Some strength training and stretching will be included. Cost is $12.

Introduction to Yoga, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Mondays through Dec. 17, Ampthill Presbyterian Church, 2800 Falling Creek Ave. Class will incorporate easy physical postures, deep relaxation, breathing practices and meditation to help reduce stress, improve mental and physical balance, strength and flexibility. Cost is $12.

Tues., Nov. 6

Discover Chesterfield Walking Club, 9 a.m., Rockwood Park (meet at the Nature Center), 3401 Courthouse Rd. This walking club introduces participants to county parks, open spaces and greenways while meeting new walking partners. Once a month, parks and recreation staff will lead a walk at a different location.

Thurs., Nov. 8

Low Impact Aerobics, 9-10 a.m., Thursdays through Dec. 20 (no class on Nov. 22). See listing under Nov. 5 for more details.

Introduction to Yoga, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Thursdays through Dec. 20 (no class on Nov. 22). See listing under Nov. 5 for more details. Tues., Nov. 20

Snapshots of Chesterfield's Past, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. Celebrate the county's heritage with a program that discusses the history of the Chesterfield County Museum. From its beginning, the original 1749 Courthouse was the staging area for many historically important events in the county. It served until 1917 when a new courthouse replaced it. The reconstructed building today serves as a county museum with a new exhibit on 400 years of local history. Free.

Wed., Nov. 28

Four Smart Money Questions, 10:30- noon, Midlothian Library, 521 Coalfield Rd. Learn the four smart money questions everyone in retirement should ask of themselves. With each question, a structure and process will be provided for finding and clarifying each attendee's unique decision-making style, needs and timing. Free.

Tues., Dec. 4

Discover Chesterfield Walking Club, 9 a.m., Harry G. Daniel Park at Ironbridge (meet at shelter 3), 6000 Whitepine Rd. See listing under Nov. 6 for more details.

Thurs., Dec. 6

Four Smart Money Questions, 10:30- noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. See listing under Nov. 28.

Wed., Dec. 12

Christmas at the New Randy Parton Theatre. The Chesterfield Traveler program is organizing this daytrip to the theatre in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. The trip will include a live show set to country, pop and gospel music and lunch at the Mayflower Seafood Restaurant. Cost is $90 per person and includes transportation, lunch, matinee tickets, tax and gratuities. Pick up will be at two locations: Beaufont Shopping Center at 9:30 a.m. with a return time of 7 p.m. or Breckenridge Square at 10 a.m. with a return time of 6:30 p.m. Registration is required by Nov. 21.

Tues., Dec. 18

Fitness for Older Adults, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. Learn tips on staying healthy and fit by a personal trainer from American Family Fitness. Free.

ONGOING Tennis

Looking for a new tennis partner? Seniors ages 55 and older play on courts 5-9 at Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Rd., on Mondays from 9-11 a.m. through December. Previous tennis experience is necessary. Free.

Men's basketball

Men 50 and older can meet up for recreational play at Swift Creek Elementary School, 13800 Genito Rd., from 6:30-9 p.m. on Mondays, Nov. 12-Mar. 24. Free.

Volleyball

Come ready to bump, pass and set during weekly recreational play from 6:30-9 p.m. on Mondays through May 21 at Hopkins Elementary School, 6000 Hopkins Rd. Free.

For details or for registration information on any of these programs, call Judy Jones, 751-4135.