French, golf, yoga, pottery -- why not learn to do something new

Americans now work an astounding 50 percent more than the Italians, French or Germans, and while that is not necessarily a negative; especially if you enjoy your work, it does indicate that we need to learn how to take brief respites from our usual workday routines
Major companies have recognized that it is both a recruitment and team-building asset to install fitness centers at corporate headquarters. Encouraging employees to take breaks during and after the work day results in fewer sick days and helps to build better personal relationships among employees.

Seniors who have retired also need to take breaks from what can become a boring routine.

Now is an ideal time to check with your local senior center and adult education department and sign up for fall offerings Be open to new possibilities like line dancing, pottery making or even learning a foreign language.

Take a risk ... try something far afield. The investment is minimal if you don't like it, and nobody is going to judge you. The Guilford Senior Center's fall offering go from A to Z with adult aerobics to zumba lessons or oil painting and Italian language lessons if you want something more restful.

They are also offering a weeklong trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in October as well as an Oct. 16 trip to Westchester Dinner Theatre to see the wonderful musical, "Kiss Me Kate.".Speaking of wonderful musicals, I recently viewed two local productions which were every bit as good as the originals I had enjoyed on Broadway.

"Hello Dolly" has been extended until Sept. 14 at the Goodspeed Opera House and is one of their best productions ever. If you have never enjoyed this unique and beautiful Connecticut treasure (the first regional theater to ever win two Tony Awards) situated along the Connecticut River in East Haddam, treat yourself to this knock-out show. The other summer special is "Dream Girls" bringing the house down at the Ivoryton Playhouse until Sept. 1.

This is an unusually ambitious production for the smaller, less-expensive Ivoryton, where I have often enjoyed small-scale musicals and delightful comedies. "Dream Girls" requires an extensive cast of singers and dancers who can also act as well as elaborate costumes. The Ivoryton is to be congratulated that they pull it all off resoundingly; the cast is superb and had the audience clapping and stomping their feet during the show and giving a standing ovation at the end. A delightful drive, the Ivoryton is in bucolic Chester.

As long as I can enjoy wonderful productions like these, I don't miss my trips to New York during the summer. Come fall, however, despite an uncooperative hip and ankle, I will summon the energy to again sample some offerings in the Big Apple.

Another excellent source for short, stimulating classes with interesting people is the Institute for Learning In Retirement. A community-based group who share a love of learning. Classes are held in the afternoons, usually at Albertus Magnus College for a limited number of sessions. Join now for an annual fee of only $20 and you will then receive a listing of fall offerings. More at www.ilralbertus.org. Don't just sit there. Do something different.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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