The Orchard Park Senior Center, located at 70 Linwood Ave., offers several programs to people more than 55 years old. Contact the center at 662-6452 to register for programs, said Senior Center Director Anna Willems.

Men’s Fitness Program will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays between now and Oct. 14.

To make your exercise routine convenient and not interfere with your golf, tennis, sailing, gardening or working around the house, the center is offering the eight-week summer men’s fitness programs. The session is $25.

Join Club 99 for free at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What is Club 99? The Erie County Department of Senior Services and Senior Nutrition Program are teaming up to present Orchard Park with Club 99. Club 99 is a free fitness program offered to those older than 60. Ray Steck is the instructor who will explain how using the resist-a-band will tone and build muscle. Everyone is welcome.

Bocce is a fun game similar to lawn bowling. There are four players on a team who take turns rolling the bocce ball toward the pallino. Players are awarded points for the balls thrown closest to the pallino ball. This is a game of strategy, which can be developed only by playing the game.

Games are played at Green Lake at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Couples bocce is at 10:30 a.m. Monday. The sign-up sheet is found in the lobby.

The University Express Program sponsored by Erie County RSVP brings academic classes to seniors older than 55 years and residents of Erie County. Seniors may attend any of the free classes. To learn more about the classes that are offered, call the Orchard Park Senior Center at 662-6452.

Sit and Be Fit Session is at 10:15 a.m. on Mondays and at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays between now and Sept. 27.

Arthritics know that exercise is essential to your well-being. Those participating in Flo’s Sit and Be Fit Sessions testify that taking this class has improved their mobility and flexibility. Exercise while sitting and at the same time, strengthen and tone your arm and leg muscles. The cost to attend the class is $30.

Dinner and Entertainment Featuring The Quakertones at Romanello’s South will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23.

There will be a prime rib dinner and cocktails from 4 to 5 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. There will be a cash bar with music until 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Senior Center. The last day to purchase tickets is Sept. 16.

Intermediate Bridge will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays from Sept. 15 through Oct. 20.

Some knowledge of bridge is required. Cost for this program is $30.

Acrylic Painting will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 7 through Oct. 12.

The class will study landscape and still-life; scumbling and palette knife techniques. Easels are provided. Please call the Senior Center at 662-6452 to register. The instructor will contact you as to materials needed. The cost is $25.

Watercolor Painting will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays between Sept. 15 and Oct. 20.

This six-week course encompasses how to use wash and dry brush techniques. Students will also learn selected textural methods.

Sharon Orendorf will demonstrate landscape styles. Students will study shading, wet to wet, and color theory and mixing. Students are asked to bring their own brushes and watercolor paper and paints. The cost is $25 and beginners are welcome.

The Orchard Park Senior Center Dinner Club is now in its fourth year of existence and continues to grow and welcome new participants. It started with the thought that there are many good restaurants in the area and why not explore these restaurants with others who enjoy good food.

The dinners begin on Sept. 23 at Romanello’s South in Hamburg. Other dinners include:

Suzanne’s Fine Dining in Wheatfield on Oct. 7; and Francisco’s at 2026 Seneca St., Buffalo, on Nov. 4.

Cost for the dinners is $20.

The next Dinner Club Meeting is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the Orchard Park Senior Center to discuss future outings.

Everyone is welcome to attend the class.

There are several health-related seminars sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York that are free. To register, call 662-6452

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease is at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult illness for both patients and caregivers.

This seminar provides an in-depth look at dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, including the diagnostic process, the stages and the symptoms.

This seminar will be presented by a speaker from the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York

Osteoporosis — The Silent Disease will be at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin, weak and break easily. It is called a “silent disease” because you cannot feel or see your bones getting weaker. Osteoporosis can happen to anyone. Approximately 44 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. Find out what you can do to avoid being one of them. This seminar will discuss the causes of osteoporosis, the value of prevention and early detection, and treatment options.

Vegetarianism Explained is a class offered at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23.

Do vegetarians eat fish? What does “vegan” mean? Is it really healthier to be a vegetarian? Maybe you are considering eating less meat or cutting it out altogether. Maybe a friend or family member has recently decided to become a vegetarian, and you have some questions.

Join as the group discusses the vegetarian diet and lifestyle and pick up some recipes that even meat-lovers will enjoy.

Book Group meets the last Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.

The following books are scheduled for discussion in 2010 and are available in the office.

“The Winter Gardens” by Kristen Hannah will be read in September; “Pawley’s Island” by Dorthea Benton Frank in October; “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson in November; and there will be no book group in December. Everyone is welcome.

Beginner Line Dancing is held at 10:15 a.m. every Wednesday.

Instructor is Lois Steck. The cost is $1.50 and you pay as you go.

Identity Theft, Scams and Fraud, and Elder Abuse is a seminar that will he held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10.

What is identity theft? Why and how are seniors targeted, and how can one protect their identity? Is there a sure way of protecting one’s identity? Find out the answer to many of these questions and other topics such as elder abuse, safety at home and more. Lisa Videl from the Erie County Sheriff’s Department will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have. This free presentation is sponsored by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department. Please sign the sign-up sheet found in the lobby if you plan to attend.

A Salute to Columbus Day will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8.

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue and discovered America. Everyone is familiar with that verse, and to salute this great Italian explorer, Ramundo will entertain with his humor and Italian songs. The event is free, but seating is limited. Pick up your free ticket at the office starting Sept. 10.