The Senior Skinny

Print More

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. To register for a program please call 860-844-5352.

Octoberfest!

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m. It’s time to put some oompah in your step! Join us for this fun evening of great food, good company and entertainment. The meal will include traditional German fare: knockwurst, red cabbage, German potato salad and German apple pudding cake. John Banker will provide authentic German folk songs, polkas and many other favorites. Cost $8pp. Register by Oct. 2.

A History of G. Fox in Hartford

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. Presented by the Connecticut Historical Society. In the 1950s, just about every major city had a landmark department store. In Hartford, it was G. Fox and Co. This presentation will bring you back in time to Fox’s heyday, as we go from floor to floor and recall the various departments. You’ll also learn about Beatrice Fox Auerbach, the remarkable woman who made every visit to Fox’s special. Cost $7pp. Register by Oct. 15.

My Life in Sports with Joe D’Ambrosio

Thursday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.  Joe D’Ambrosio, Fox 61 Sportscaster and former voice of UConn Athletics, will share his stories from a life of reporting and calling sports in Connecticut. Free. Class size limited. Register by Oct. 7.

Major League Baseball in Gilded Age 

Friday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. Presented by David Arcidiacono, author and baseball historian. Enjoy a trip back to the nineteenth century, when “base ball” was young (yes, it was once two words) and Connecticut played a key role in its development. Arcidiacono will present the historical highlights of Connecticut’s three major league clubs. Cost $6pp. Register by Oct. 11.

Suzuki Method Violin Lessons

Fridays, Oct. 18 through March 6, no class Nov. 1 and 29, Dec. 13, Jan 24, Feb 21. Intermediate class at 9 a.m., beginner class at 10:30 a.m. Learn or continue to learn to play the violin through the Suzuki Method. Beginner class violin rental rate is $21.27 for the session. Intermediate students call for more information. Cost $160 members, $180 non-members. Register by Oct. 11. 

Wigs and Giggles

Monday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. Presented by Jan Webber. Have you ever wondered what you’d look like as a blonde? A redhead? Well now you can find out. Join us for this fun and entertaining morning as we put on a “new” look just in time for the holidays. Try different wigs, accessories and more to create a new you. Cost $5. Register by Oct. 28.


Lifetime Learning Academy

History and Culture

CT 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Connecticut: Friday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. Presented by Marty Podskoch, travel and history author. From the quaint splendor of the town of Kent in the northwest hills of Connecticut to the great restaurants that dot the shoreline of Westbrook to New Britain’s industrial roots, Podskoch will highlight the many wonderful places to visit in our home state. Cost $5. Register by Sept. 26.

History, Ghosts and Witches…Oh My! Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m. Presented by Webb Deane Stevens Museum. Just in time for Halloween, in this presentation about witches and ghosts and history in the 17th century and beyond, you will hear interesting stories and facts you may have never known. Cost $6. Register by Oct. 22.

Health and Wellness

Dry Needling—What is it? Tuesday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m. Presented by Bonnie Tormay, Hartford Health Care. Trigger points are irritable, hard knots within a muscle that can cause pain over a large area. This event will focus on dry needling as a treatment approach that releases the tight muscle bands and lead to decreased pain and improved function. Free. Register by Oct. 1.

Lavender Heat Packs—Make Your Own: Thursday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m. Instructor is Tully Meyer, McLean Home Care and Hospice. Lavender heat packs are helpful for restful sleep, muscle strain and tension and so much more. Make your own pack that can be heated in the microwave. Cost $5. Register by Oct. 17.

Walk With Ease: Wednesdays, Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, 10 a.m. Justine Ginsburg, Farmington Valley Health District. This Arthritis Foundation program offers many benefits, such as feeling better, reducing pain and stiffness, increasing energy, confidence and the opportunity to be active and social. Free. Register by Oct. 9.

Personal Development

Ask the Attorney with Kraner and Hess: By appointment on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call for an appointment for a free consultation.

AARP Safe Driving Course: Friday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Presented 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 on day of class day. Register by Oct. 4.

Creative Arts

Pottery Ornaments: Fridays, Nov. 1 and 8. 1 p.m. Instructor Cooley Buy, potter. If you missed Cooley’s Pottery Flowers class earlier this year, you want to make sure you sign up for this event. Make holiday ornaments to hang on your tree, for gifts or for home decorating. This is a two-part class. Cost $25. Register by Oct. 25.

Stamping Class: Thursday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. You will learn how to make four beautiful cards using a variety of techniques. Cost $5 member, $7 non-member.

Familiar Favorites

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 8:30 a.m. Tribute to Robin Williams, with Heather Styckiewicz, an instructor at Manchester Community College. Cost $4. To register call 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m. Granby Community Development with Abby Kenyon. Cost $2. To register call 860-844-5352.

Lend A Helping Hand: Helping Hands needed on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International to sew 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.

Support And Health

Alzheimer’s Support Group: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. Peggy Coburn, McLean Home Care and Hospice. Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Learning to cope with the changes in their behavior and understanding how to handle it is sometimes best explained by those who are dealing with a similar situation. Free.

NEW—Reiki Sessions: By appointment, Tuesdays, Oct. 8 and 22. Tannia Hotchkiss, Reiki Practitioner. Reiki promotes healing, stress relief and relaxation in a calm, quiet setting.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

MS Support Group: Monday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. Self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers.

On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, Oct. 9 and 23, 2:30 p.m. Led by Jane Johnson. Through discussion this non-therapeutic support group will help you in understanding and coping with grief. You will find support, information and strategies. 

Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: By appointment, Monday, Oct. 21 and Friday, Oct. 25. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. Cost is $29, not covered by insurance. Call 860-844-5352 for an appointment.

Free Blood Pressure Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with Farmington Valley VNA. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Free Blood Sugar Checks: First Thursday of the month, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with Farmington Valley VNA. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 15 and 29. Concentration is on upper and lower back and shoulders. Fifteen minutes is $10.

Travel

For extended tours and travel please visit granby-ct.gov.

Senior Van Service and Excursions

The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over for shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling, and call 860-844-5352 to register for all trips.

Canton Shoppes/Walmart, Friday, Oct. 25, departing 9:30 a.m. Cost $5.

Dine and Drive, Cheesecake Factory in West Hartford, Wednesday, Oct. 30. Cost $5.

Goodspeed Opera House, Billy Elliot: Wednesday, Oct. 16, depart 9:30 a.m., estimate return time 5:30 p.m. Young Billy Elliot is pulled between his family’s coal mining roots and his newly discovered passion for dance. Lunch on your own at the Gelston House. Register by Oct. 2. Cost $70.

New England Falconry: Wednesday, Oct. 23, depart 9:15 a.m., estimated return 3 p.m. New England Falconry is located on open meadows and forestland in beautiful Hadley. Experience the ancient art of falconry while learning about the life history of raptors, their role in the environment, and the efforts underway to ensure their survival. Enjoy lunch on your own at Ession Café. Cost $30. Register by Oct. 16.