Come and enjoy the comfortable, climate-controlled center. Activities are free unless a cost is indicated. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Please visit www.granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.
Special Events
Destination Connecticut: Thursday, July 12, 1 p.m., presented by Alfred Strong, CT Office of Tourism. Find hidden treasures to explore in your own state for day tripping and vacations. Learn about the many off-the-beaten path destinations that Connecticut offers.
The Upside of Downsizing: Wednesday, July 25, 1 p.m., presented by Ann August, Senior Transition Services of CT. This presentation focuses on the advantages to downsizing and how to decide what kinds of items to keep. Register by July 18.
Dog Days of Summer Lunch: Monday, July 30, 12 p.m. Embrace the dog days of summer with a casual lunch of hotdogs, chips and dessert. Take a break in the air conditioning and join us for this fun afternoon. Cost $4. Register by July 23.
Intergenerational Talent Show: Wednesday, Aug. 8, 1:30 p.m., co-presented by the Granby Public Library and the Senior Club. Can you dance, love to sing or play a musical instrument, tell jokes? This is your big chance to shine. Intergenerational acts (grandparent and child, parent and child) are especially encouraged to join the fun. Stop by the Children’s Room at the Granby Public Library to fill out an application and register your act. Application deadline is Aug. 1.
Hoover Dam: Tuesday, Aug. 14, 1 p.m., presented by Kurt Glaser, Home Helpers, Inc. A historical presentation of the driving reasons behind the building of the Hoover Dam. Learn about the costs in terms of human endeavor as well as the monetary and environmental considerations. Register by Aug. 7.
Ice Cream Sundae Afternoon: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m. What could be better than an ice cream sundae on a hot afternoon? Make your own sundae with a choice of toppings, cherries and nuts. Cost $3. Register by Aug. 15.
Programs For Your Health and Wellness
Hula For Happiness: Thursdays beginning July 5. Summer is the perfect time to learn to hula. Get your grass skirt on and join us for this 9-week session (end Aug. 30) as we learn the art of this traditional Hawaiian dance. No experience necessary, grass skirts optional. Instructor, Barbara Freno.
Skin Cancer—Do You Know All the Signs? Thursday, July 19, 1 p.m., presented by Farmington Valley VNA. We always hear about the common signs of skin cancer, but do you know that some symptoms can be confusing or more subtle? Learn to recognize what is normal and what is not and how to protect your skin. Hear testimonials from skin cancer patients. Register by July 12.
Healing Meals—Healthy Cooking Series: Friday, July 20, and Wednesday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m., presented by Sarah Leathers, Healing Meal Project. Do you belong to a CSA, shop at local Farmer’s Markets or get produce from the Holcomb Farm Fresh Access program? Learn traditional and healthy ways to make use of local, fresh produce. Register by July 13.
Middle Stage Caregiver Series: Friday, Aug. 3, Sept. 7 and Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., presented by Esther Corcoran, Alzheimer’s Association. In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this three-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe and comfortable care. Register by July 27.
Summer Creative Arts Series
Fresh Pineapple and Flower Arrangement Workshop: Tuesday, July 17, 1 p.m., presented by Bouquets of the Valley. Make a beautiful summer centerpiece with fresh flowers in a pineapple that will brighten up any room in your home. Cost $35 includes instruction and all supplies. Register by July 10.
Ivy/Butterfly Wreath Workshop: Tuesday, July 24, 1 p.m., presented by Bouquets of the Valley. Make an ivy wreath decorated with lovely butterflies that will enhance your door or wall. Cost $35 includes instruction and all supplies. Register by July 17.
Basket Weaving Workshop: Friday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., includes a half-hour break to enjoy your own bagged lunch. Presented by Liz Carnes. Learn how to make a small, versatile weaved market basket. Cost $30 includes all supplies. Register by Aug. 17.
Collage Workshop: Wednesday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m., presented by Kim Desrosiers, Be Brave Art and Design. Create personal art with collected photos, patterns and textures to make an interesting composition that is uniquely yours. Cost $25. Register by Aug. 22.
Veteran’s Coffee: Tuesdays, July 17 and Aug. 21, 10 a.m., presented by Hartford HealthCare at Home. Learn about benefits, entitlements and other services. Veteran Liaison, Wayne Rioux, will facilitate the group discussion. Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome.
Senior Van
The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over to medical appointments, shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling.
Kohl’s and Wal-Mart in Canton on Friday, July 27, departs 9:30 a.m. Cost $4.
Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester on Friday, Aug. 10, departs 9:30 a.m. Cost $4.
Dine and Drive, Metro Bis in Simsbury on Friday, July 20, and Dish ‘n Dat in Canton on Friday, Aug. 17. Cost of ride $4, lunch is on your own.
Grocery Shopping
Call to arrange a time.
Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y in Southwick every Tuesday
Geissler’s every Wednesday. Geissler’s 5 percent senior discount available every Wednesday.
Stop & Shop every Thursday
Trips
Panache on New Park: Wednesday, July 11, 10 a.m. Everyone loved the Panache on New Park presentation at the Vintage Jewelry and Tea event so we will be heading out to visit the boutique in West Hartford. Find one-of-a-kind eclectic clothing, jewelry and accessories. There are several other shops to explore at the complex. Lunch on your own at Olive Garden.
Adventure Club, Kayaking: Monday, July 16, 9:30 a.m. Travel to the shoreline in Clinton for a wonderful morning of kayaking in a peaceful, tranquil setting. Lunch will be on your own. Cost $32. Register by July 8.
Lavender Pond Farm: Monday, July 23, 9 a.m. Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth is a relaxing and inviting oasis for the body and mind. Enjoy 25 acres of lavender plants and the farm store. Lunch on your own at The Killingworth Cooking Company. Cost $6. Register by July 16.
Essex Lunch Train and Riverboat: Wednesday, July 25, 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a three-course lunch aboard a restored 1920s Pullman Diner as part of a leisurely lunch, train and riverboat sightseeing excursion. Choice of either beef tips or baked chicken for lunch. Cost $54. Register by July 18.
Hammonasset Beach State Park: Wednesday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m. Visit the state’s largest shoreline for swimming, strolling along the boardwalk or just relaxing. Brunch on your own at Friends and Company. Cost $4. Register by July 25.
Adventure Club, Beach Walking: Monday, Aug. 13, 9:30 a.m. What better way to get your exercise than a brisk walk on the beautiful beach at Harkness State Park in Waterford? Also enjoy walking through the grounds and flower gardens. Bring a bagged lunch and plenty of water. Cost $7. Register by Aug. 6.
Nature’s Art Village Shops, Salem: Wednesday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. Shops include jewelry, unique gifts, toys, antiques, fossils and more. Lunch on your own at The Cobalt Café on the premises. Mini-golf, museum and panning for gold available for an additional cost. Cost of ride $5. Register by Aug. 8.
Adventure Club, Dragon Boating: Friday, Aug. 24, 9:30 a.m. Join us for the exciting 1.5 hour Dragon Boat program. Instruction includes Dragon Boat history, paddle technique, paddling drills and on-water terminology. You and your teammates will practice what you’ve learned as you navigate the Connecticut River. Cost $32. Must register and pay by July 23. Stop by the Senior Center to sign up.
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.
Featured Class For Summer
Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. Learn to line dance from the Boot Scootin’ Boogie to the Cha-Cha. This class is a great workout and a lot of fun. Appropriate for beginners as well as advanced line dancers. Instructor Jim Gregory has taught a variety of dance classes for many years including folk, English, contra as well as line dancing; he is also a professional choreographer.