By Otterbein Granville resident Steve K.
This blog was originally published in 2021. It was updated in June 2022.
Otterbein Granville independent living doesn’t have an activities director to plan programs and special events. Instead, the residents decide what activities we will pursue, and we all pitch in to make it happen.
Joining Together to Organize an Activity Program
We join together in groups and committees depending on our interests. There are over 25 of these groups, and more get formed each year. There is a book club, a woodworking group, a library committee, an entertainment group, a speakers bureau, a newsletter group, and many others.
When my wife and I moved to Otterbein Granville in 2014, there was a Meet and Greet group that organized a happy hour on the second and fourth Thursdays from 5 - 6 p.m. in our gathering room. The happy hour was great, but it was only held twice a month.
Several of us wanted something more, so we formed a Pub Committee. Our idea of a Pub isn’t like the conventional definition where you can buy food and adult beverages. We just wanted a place where we could socialize before dinner every day. The emphasis was on socializing, not on drinking alcohol. It didn’t matter if participants drank adult beverages or not. Everyone was welcome.
Setting Up the Otterbein Granville Pub
We were able to set up our Pub in a seldom-used lounge area across from an activities room. We advertised the grand opening, and we overflowed with interest! The Pub Committee was delighted.
Some time later, when it was apparent that the Pub was going to be a permanent fixture here, a generous resident donated money toward improving the space. Another resident, who was an interior decorator, donated her time in order to refurbish the activities room with a nicely configured arrangement of a comfortable sofa, chairs, table, refrigerator, storage cabinets, new carpeting, and wall decorations.
Eventually, we arranged our own monthly pizza party. The special event was wildly successful, and we even saw residents who rarely came to the Pub.
Welcoming New Neighbors at Otterbein Granville
Otterbein Granville welcomes fresh ideas and perspectives, and residents are always ready to meet and greet new neighbors who quickly become friends. Learn more about this supportive environment of lifelong learners located within a campus in a park-like setting. Our life plan community offers amenities, wellness programs, and nursing care to meet all needs.
