The Senior Skinny

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LIFETIME LEARNING ACADEMY FALL SEMESTER 

HISTORY 

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

HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Instructor, Lisa Picharik. 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. Cost $25. Call 860- 844-5352 to register by Nov. 7. Seating limited. 

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. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Nov. 21. 

Greeting Card Stamping Class: Thursday, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. Learn the basics of creating your own greeting cards. $5. 

HEALTH and WELLNESS. 

Opiod Drug Addiction in Seniors: Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m. Presented by the Farmington Valley VNA. Learn about opioid use and the dangers of addiction. This presentation will speak to the inherent risks that come with alcohol and drug use as people age. Discussion includes complications that come from mixing alcohol with prescription medications. Know the risks and help prevent problems before they happen. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Nov. 4. 

Medicare Open Enrollment—What do I need to Know? Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. Presented by Chris O’Neill from AIM Insurance. Whether you are new to Medicare or want to review your best options, come and hear the most up to date information. Call 860-844-5352 to register. 

Veteran Spousal Benefit Presentation: Thursday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. Sponsored by VITAS Healthcare. Spouses of veterans may be eligible for a number of benefits including insurance, health care, pension and housing assistance. Learn more and get your questions answered. No charge, please call 860-844-5352 to register. 

TRAVEL 

Kittery, Maine Holiday Shopping and Lobster Bake: Saturday, Nov. 10, only a few seats left. This coastal town is known for having some of the best outlet shopping in New England—and the best lobster dinners. Enjoy shopping along Route 1 in Kittery and then head to Foster’s for a Lobster Bake. $119 with lobster bake, or $91 for shopping only. 

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

SPECIAL EXTENDED TOURS 

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

Atlantic City Holiday: Dec. 27 and 28. Includes round trip motor coach transportation, one night at Resorts Casino Hotel Location on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. This new resort is stylish and sophisticated, from the Grand Lobby to the guestrooms to the lounges, dining and pool areas. Prepare to be swept away into an era of indulgence and fun. Leisure time to relax, play, eat, party and shop. Headline entertainment, extravagant spas, elite shopping and more make this trip complete. Casino rebates, $15 slots and $30 food (subject to change). Includes baggage, tax and service, Tour Director. Cost per person, $159 for double, $185 for single, $147 for triple/quad. Bus only is $85pp. 

Quebec Winter Carnival: Feb. 1–4. The world’s largest winter carnival features 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. Celebrate 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. 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. 

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

FAMILIAR FAVORITES 

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. Program is North End of Hartford Memories. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-653-9891. 

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m. Guest Speaker is Connor Hogan, new caretaker at McLean Game Refuge. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-844-5350. 

Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, November 28, 9 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. 

Community Café: Let someone else do the cooking, every Tuesday and Thursday at 12 p.m. Monthly menus available at the office. Suggested donation is $2.50 for seniors 60+, all others $4.50. Join us twice a week and save on your groceries! Imagine…mouth-watering, lemon baked chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, peas and carrots served with wheat dinner roll and fresh, juicy grapes. Meet and enjoy new friends over lunch. Call 860-844-5350 to reserve lunch by the Friday before the day attending. 

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. 

Dine and Drive at The Yarde Tavern in Enfield on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. Cost $4. 

Sadler’s Ordinary: Monday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. Cost $4. 

Grocery Shopping 

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 every Wednesday. 

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

Trips 

Kringle Candle: Friday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m., Bernardston, Mass. The Kringle Candle Company was created by the son of the founder of Yankee Candle. Visit the store and do some holiday shopping, then enjoy lunch at the Farm Table restaurant located on-site. Lunch is on your own. Cost $5. 

IKEA Trip: Monday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m., New Haven. Do some holiday shopping and enjoy an extensive array of items to decorate your home. The café has a variety of delicious food. Cost $4. 

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. 

November’s Featured Class: Yoga Flow, Mondays at 10:15 a.m. (No Nov. 12) Instructor, Mary Fuller. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. 

NEW AT THE SENIOR CENTER 

Holiday Gift Cards: Are you looking for a special holiday gift for a senior friend, family member or loved one? Consider giving a Granby Senior Center Holiday Gift Card, now available. The attractive gift cards can be used for the many programs offered here at the Granby Senior Center. (Some restrictions apply). Give the gift of Life, Learning and Fun! 

Friendly Caller Program: Seniors can now receive a weekly phone call from a caring volunteer. If you are interested in having a short, enjoyable conversation and weekly contact, call the Senior Center at 860-844-5352. Our volunteers are eager to say hello.