Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Holiday Happenings on Grand Island

Fri, Oct 9th 2015 04:25 pm

By Susan Mikula Campbell

Fall has arrived, and it's time for flu shots, hot chili, craft events and fundraising for good causes.

Find them all, and more, at Holiday Happenings to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

An important item on fall "to do" lists is getting a flu shot. Kristen Wudyka, pharmacy manager at the downtown Buffalo Walgreens, will be at Holiday Happenings from 1 to 2 p.m. to provide both regular flu shots and the high dose flu shots (recommended for those age 65 and above).

Go to the meeting room to the left of the center's office. Bring your health insurance card.

"Really, flu is one of the most preventable diseases there is," Wudyka said.

"You're also helping out other people," she added, explaining that Walgreens has a get-a-shot-give-a-shot program that provides vaccine for children in developing countries through the UN Foundation Shot at Life Program.

Wudyka also will have the pneumonia vaccine on hand. The government has just changed its recommendations for pneumonia shots for seniors, suggesting a second vaccine be administered about 6 months after the first.

"Check with your physician first to see what he (or she) recommends," Wudyka advised.

She also will answer questions on prescriptions and vitamins at the event.

Wudyka provides regular senior outreach clinics and education at the Island's Golden Age Center. The connection? She's the sister of Recreation Attendant Jennifer Menter.

In the center's dining area, get a head start on holiday shopping with crafts and goods from 15 vendors.

Among them will be Mary McClive, who will be selling her beaded jewelry, including earrings for Halloween or Christmas.

"I have to keep busy," the Island resident said. "I sell at very reasonable prices, just so I can buy more beads."

She explained that she has carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis in her hands, so her beadwork is a type of movement therapy.

Holiday Happenings is a fundraising event for the Golden Age Center, according to Menter. One fundraiser will be a bake sale with all sorts of baked goods available. Coffee and tea also will be sold.

Buy lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A selection of chili ($3), chicken noodle soup ($3) and roast beef sandwiches ($5) will be available. Pop and water will be sold for $1.

"We will be having a great basket raffle, full of great themed baskets," Menter said.

Tickets are $6 for one sheet and $15 for three sheets. Winners' names will be drawn in the 2 p.m. hour. You do not have to be present at the drawing to win.

For those not familiar with the Golden Age Center, open house tours will be given from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Check out and see the new activities, programs, events, and happenings taking place at the Golden Age Center," Menter said. "We encourage all Grand Island residents age 50 and above to stop in, see what's new and become a member. Membership is free."

Visit www.gigov.com/departments/gac.php for the center's latest updates and happenings.

Hometown News

View All News