The “Skinny” on October

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Lifetime Learning Academy Fall Semester

Register early as space is limited. 

History

World War II Remembered—Generals and Admirals: Tuesdays, Oct. 2 and 9, 1:30 p.m. Presented by Lieutenant Colonel James Shelmerdine. Learn about the lives of those who made history and how they changed the outcome of WWII. Cost $10 for both classes.

Creative Arts

Pumpkin Centerpieces: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m. Instructor Linda Markee. Learn how to make a beautiful arrangement of flowers in a pumpkin that will give your home a touch of fall. Cost $25.

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Presented by Fortieth Muse Designs. Learn basic wire wrapping techniques and use your new skill to make a beautiful piece of jewelry. All materials provided. Students should bring glasses or safety glasses to this class. Cost $25. 

Fabric Wreaths: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 1 p.m. Instructor Valerie Galinski. If you love crafting or making handmade gifts, this fabric wreath class is for you. Cost $25.

Health And Wellness

The Symphony of Nutrition: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. Presenter Dr. Andrew Paterna. As your body functions, it does not look for just one nutrient. Nutrition is like a symphony orchestra. When all the nutrients work together, your body functions properly. Cost $5.

Great Courses, Video Based

The World’s Greatest Paintings: Part I, Mondays Oct. 15 to Nov. 26 (no Nov. 12), 1 p.m. This 6-week course takes you from the 14th century to the 17th century. Professor William Kloss reveals a group of works that, in his expert judgment, rank among the greatest paintings ever made. Artists include Van Eyck, Michelangelo, El Rubens, Rembrandt and more. Part II will be offered in 2019. Cost $25.

Travel

VT Fall Foliage: Sunday, Oct. 14. Ride the Green Mountain Flyer through Chester and Ludlow, next stop is the Vermont Country Store for all of your favorites. End your day with dinner at the New England House with your choice of pot roast, roast turkey or herb crusted whitefish. $159pp.

Newport RI Servant Life Tour at the Elms: Sunday, Oct. 14. Especially for Downton Abbey fans, experience life at the Elms in the Gilded Age, visit the Breakers Mansion and enjoy a 10-mile ocean drive. End the day at Bowen Wharf for shopping and lunch. $109pp.

Kittery Maine Holiday Shopping and Lobster Bake: Saturday, Nov. 10. This coastal town is known for having some of the best outlet shopping in New England, as well as the best lobster. Enjoy shopping along Route 1 in Kittery and then head to Foster’s for a Lobster Bake. $119 includes lobster bake; $81 for ride and shopping only.

Christmas by Candlelight, Old Sturbridge Village: Saturday, Dec. 8. A celebration of favorite holiday music and food. Carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, Father Christmas and more—learn how many of today’s favorite traditions originated. Enjoy a four-course traditional turkey dinner. $149pp.

Special Extended Tours

Florida Snowbird-Clearwater Beach: Jan. 4–31, 2019. Escape a harsh New England January for a fabulous vacation in warm and sunny Florida. Accommodations will be at the Marriott Residence Inn. Each suite has separate sleeping, dining, lounging space and complete kitchen. Includes full breakfast daily, planned and independent activities and more. Cost $3,799 for double occupancy, $5,799 for single occupancy.

Quebec Winter Carnival: Feb. 1–4, 2019. The world’s largest winter carnival featuring special events, parades, parties and a Quebec City “highlights tour”. Visit Montmorency Falls and Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. Cost $729 for double occupancy, $999 for single occupancy.

Savannah, Charleston and Myrtle Beach: March 17–25, 2019. Celebrate the arrival of spring in these spectacular southern cities. Eight nights’ hotel accommodations, full breakfast each morning, four dinners included several historic tours, leisure beach time and more. Cost $1,649 for double occupancy, $2,399 for single occupancy.

Reflections of Italy: April 3–12, 2019. Revel in the magic of Italy on this tour that explores Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice, Assisi, Perugia and Milan. Includes round trip airfare from Boston, hotels, 13 meals, sightseeing and admission costs. Cost $3,949 for double occupancy, $4,449 for single occupancy. Passports required.

Call the Senior Center for triple occupancy rates on extended tours. For a complete list of available travel opportunities stop by the Senior Center. All trips are non-refundable.

Fall Chef Series

We are excited to bring back our Chef Series this fall, offering three fabulous entrees prepared by some of our favorite local Chefs. Free.

Monday, Oct. 1, 1:30 p.m. Suffield by the River, a Senior Living Community. Chef Carlos returns making a fabulous harvest soup that you can make at home.

Healthy Living

BenefitsCheckUp®: Thursday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. Presented by Stephanie Soucy, North Central Area Agency on Aging. This comprehensive, free online tool connects older adults with benefits they may qualify for. Through this tutorial session you will learn how to access and navigate the website. Enrollment forms for programs will also be available. Free. Register by Oct. 22.

AARP Safe Driver Course: Wednesday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 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 on day of class day. Register by Oct. 10.

Discussion of Depression in the Elderly: Thursday, Oct. 25, 1–3 p.m. Presented by Erin Leavitt-Smith and Judith Stonger. Join the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Wheeler Clinic and the Granby Senior Center for an important discussion on the issue of depression in senior citizens. Topics include warning signs, coping mechanisms and what resources are available. Free. Register by Oct. 18.

Flu Clinics: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 3–5 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 20, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Provided by the Farmington Valley VNA. Flu vaccines include: High Dose for ages 65 and older and Quadrivalent for ages 5 and older. Call 860-651-3539, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make an appointment and to verify insurance. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Holcomb Farm Fresh Access for Seniors Center Members: Available Thursdays after 11 a.m. This highly successful program is back for another season. Enjoy fresh produce graciously donated from the Fresh Access Program through the Holcomb Farm CSA. Please bring one reusable bag, limit one bag per household. Must have valid Granby Senior Center membership.

Parkinson’s Support Group: Monday, Oct. 15, 1:30 p.m. Facilitated by Krisztina Jarai, Residence at Brookside. This is a support group for those with Parkinson’s and their families. Free. Please call 860-844-5350 to register.

Familiar Favorites

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 8:30 a.m. Kenya Healthcare Initiative for Girls, Dr. Ralph Stroup and Mary Ann Stroup. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m. Therapy Dog Program with guest speakers Sally King, Paula Johnson, Karyn Corner. Also Eric Lukingbeal with a brief referendum explanation. Cost $2. Register by calling 860-844-5350.

Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Join Days for Girls International (www.daysforgirls.org) sewing for women in need of sanitary products. Need both sewers and non-sewers as volunteers. To learn more please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@gmail.com.

Senior Van Service And Excursions

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

Evergreen Walk, Target in South Windsor on Friday, Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m. $4

Dine and Drive: Friday, Oct. 19, to Banana Brazil Grill, Hartford $4

Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y in Southwick every Tuesday, departs at 1:30 p.m.  Big Y’s 10 percent senior discount is available every Tuesday. 

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

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

Trips

Worcester Art Museum: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 9:15 a.m. The museum’s collection of nearly 38,000 objects contains superlative examples representing 51 centuries of creative spirit and cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch on your own at the café. Cost $20.

The Mount, Home of Edith Wharton: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 8:45 a.m. The Mount is a country house in Lenox, Mass., the home of noted author Edith Wharton. The guided tour allows a view of interpretive exhibits throughout the house and gardens. Cost $33, includes lunch. Sandwich selection includes roasted turkey, chicken salad, roast beef or veggie wrap. Register by Oct. 3.

Adventure Club, Art in the Orchard: Monday, Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. Art in the Orchard is a sculpture exhibition along a walking trail in Easthampton, Mass., showcasing three-dimensional outdoor works and installations created by local and regional artists. Cost $5. Donations to the Orchard are optional and on your own. Lunch on your own at The Tavern. Register by Oct. 9.

Goodspeed Opera House, The Drowsy Chaperone (Sold Out): Wednesday, Oct. 31, 10:15 a.m. This hilarious musical comedy features one show-stopping song and dance number after another. Lunch on your own at the Gelston House or La Vita. Cost $69.

Fitness And Exercise

The Granby 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 your Center Life Newsletter.

October’s Featured Class:  Body Blast on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. Cardio, strength and core work are all concentrated in this intensive 45-minute class. Taught by Mary Fuller, you will get a thorough workout.