The “Skinny” On May Activities

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To register for any activities, call 860-844-5350. No charge, except as noted.

Special Events

Beginner Zentangle: Thursday, May 3, 10 a.m. Presented by Laura Marks. Zentangle is a method of creating abstract art through structured patterns. Learn about the origin and principles of Zentangle and create a Zentangle tile using patterns and shading. Cost $20 includes your own starter kit with all the supplies needed.

Tornado at the Air Museum: Thursday, May 10, 1 p.m. Presented by Carl Stidsen, research librarian, New England Air Museum. In October 1979, the Connecticut Air Historical Association’s outdoor aircraft museum at Bradley International Airport was demolished by a freak F4 tornado. The New England Air Museum rose phoenix-like out of the wreckage. Learn more about the storm and the rebuilding process. Cost $5.

War at Home—Era Stories From CT Newspapers: Tuesday, May 22, 1 p.m. Presented by Christine Gauvreau, CT State Library. Gauvreau will present a slideshow relating stories of the home front during the World War I era, culled from the digitized runs of the Norwich Bulletin, Bridgeport Evening Farmer and the Bridgeport Times. Register by May 14.

Emergency Preparedness: Wednesday, May 23, 1 p.m. Presented by Tully Meyer, McLean Home Care and Hospice. “Preparedness” means “readiness”. Each day we are faced with challenges—weather conditions, injuries, power outages, job loss, etc. Learn skills to help you be ready. Register by May 16.

Intermediate Zentangle: Thursday, May 24, 10 a.m. Presented by Laura Marks. This class is designed for anyone who has taken a basic or intro to Zentangle Class with any Certified Zentangle Teacher and is seeking to learn more patterns and techniques. Please be sure to bring your starter kit to this class. Cost $15.  Register by May 17.

Step Up To Golf: Starts Thursday, May 24, 11 a.m. Four-week session, located at Copper Hill Golf Club, East Granby. Need a refresher, or just starting out? This is a great bridge to the “Boomers” Golf League. Optional two holes afterwards. Cost $65.

CT Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Wednesday, May 30, 1 p.m. Marty Podskoch will present on the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in Connecticut which began in 1933 to relieve poverty and unemployment during the depression. Cost $5. Register by May 23.

For Your Health and Wellness

Medicare 101: Tuesday, May 15, 1 p.m. Presented by John Silliman, AETNA Retiree Services. Are you starting to explore the process of applying for Medicare, or do you have Medicare or a Medicare Supplemental plan that isn’t working for you? Silliman will provide you with knowledge and the answers to many questions you may have. Register by May 8.

AARP Safe Driver Course: Wednesday, May 16, 9 a.m. Facilitated by AARP. Learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, reaction time and much more. Cost $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members; pay instructor the day of the class. Space is limited, register by May 9.

Reflexology Presentation: Monday, May 21, 1 p.m. Presented by Darla DiRusso, certified reflexologist. Learn what Reflexology is and what the benefits are for your overall well-being such as stress relief, digestive issues, balance, relaxation and more. Register by May 14.

Stroke Awareness/Knowledge is Power: Thursday, May 24, 12:30 p.m. Did you know a stroke can happen to anyone at any time? Learn the common and uncommon stroke symptoms, whether a blood clot always lead to stroke, the symptoms of blood clots. Jean Pickens from the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association will provide medical information. Hear from stroke survivors about their experiences. Class size is limited, please register early.

For Veterans

Veteran’s Coffee: Tuesday, May 15, 10 a.m. Presented by Hartford HealthCare at Home. At this monthly coffee to learn about benefits, entitlements and other services, veteran liaison Wayne Rioux will facilitate a group discussion. Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome.

Familiar Favorites

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, May 2, 8:30 a.m. Vine to Vine, a virtual trip to Lost Acres Vineyard, presented by Michelle Niedermeyer, co-owner of the vineyard. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, May 11, 8:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Walter Harrison, former president of the University of Hartford and a baseball historian. Cost $2.

Lunch for the Mind: Wednesday, May 16, 12:30 p.m. Exploring Scandinavia’s Cities and Countryside, presented by Mallorie Ostrowitz, fine arts photographer. Travel to Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark and Greenland through photography and narrative. Cost $5, bring your own lunch, desserts and beverages will be provided.

Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, May 23, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International sewing for women in need of sanitary products. Need both sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. To learn more please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@gmail.com.

Senior Van

The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over to medical appointments, shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling.

Kohls, Wal-Mart in Canton on Friday, May 11, departs 9:30 a.m. Cost of ride $4.

Dine and Drive, Russell Inn in Russell, Mass. on Monday, May 21. Cost of ride $4, lunch is on your own.

Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y in Southwick every Tuesday, departs 1:30 p.m.

Geissler’s every Wednesday, call to arrange a time. Geissler’s 5 percent senior discount is available every Wednesday.

Stop & Shop in Granby every Thursday, departs 1:30 p.m.

Trips

Adventure Club: Guided Walk, Middlefield: Tuesday, May 8, 8:45 a.m. Join naturalist Lynn Kochiss on this 1.5–2 mile walk to explore the flowers of the season at Highlawn Forest. Hiking sticks are available to borrow. Dress for the temperature and weather including covered footwear. Bring snacks and water. Lunch on your own at Lyman Orchards Deli. Cost $14.

Yard Goats vs Binghamton: Wednesday, May 9, 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Hartford ballpark with Connecticut’s Yard Goats team vs. Binghamton. Box lunch included, additional food on your own. Cost $17. Payment required with registration, by May 4.

The Glass House Museum in New Canaan: Monday, May 14, 7:30 a.m. Tour this unique, all glass museum along with 14 other structures and a collection of 20th Century painting and sculptures. Cost $43. Lunch on your own at the Little Pub. Limited to 12 participants, register by May 7.

Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill in Bridgeport: Wednesday, May 30, 9:30 a.m. Twelve full lanes of bowling that offer a fun, underwater ocean-themed experience. Lunch on your own on the premises. Cost $9 plus $3.25 for shoe rental. Register by May 23.

Fitness and Exercise

The Senior Center offers a variety of affordable exercise classes throughout the week including yoga, Chi Gong, line dancing, aerobics and more. Intensity levels range from house cat to cheetah. Classes run by session or you can pay a drop-in fee. For the complete listing of classes, visit www.granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter.

Featured Class for May

Tone-Up Tune-Up: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. A low impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. Does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing. A great intro class to get you moving. Instructor Mary Fuller has an extensive background teaching a variety of exercise classes at the Senior Center and elsewhere in the Farmington Valley. Fuller varies the intensity of any workout within a class based on individual abilities. Her style is energetic, engaging and so much fun! You not only get a great workout, but also get to belong to a group of folks who encourage each other.