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There’s so much happening this Holiday Season at the Granby Senior Center

Visit our website at granby-ct.gov

Remembrance Ceremony

Monday, Dec. 3 at noon, sponsored by Hayes-Huling and Carmon Funeral Home, MeadowBrook of Granby and McLean Home Care and Hospice. This will be a reflective time to share memories and pay tribute to those who are no longer with us. This opportunity gives individuals the chance to be with others who are coping with loss as holidays can be a particularly difficult time. Participants will have the opportunity to honor their loved one on our Remembrance Tree. A light lunch will be served while enjoying relaxing music performed by Debra Vinick, professional harpist. There is no charge for this event, but registration is required. Call 860-844-5352 to let us know you will be attending.

Holiday Dinner and Dance

Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. Presented by Granby Senior Center staff. Begin the evening with hors d’oeuvres followed by an elegant baked ham dinner. Entertainment provided by the ever popular Elderly Brothers, singing tunes from the ‘50s, ‘60s and beyond. Be sure to leave room for dessert and dancing. Cost $8. Register by Dec. 5 as seating is limited.


LIFETIME LEARNING ACADEMY

Ballroom Dance Series: Mondays, Jan. 28 – April 22, at 1 – 2 p.m. Open to ages 25 and up. Enjoy a 12-week dance series where you will learn the waltz, the rumba and East Coast swing. A recent study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that dancing several times a week was the only physical or cognitive activity to offer protection against dementia and Alzheimer diseases. Frequent dancing was given a 76 percent protection rating—the highest rating compared to any other activity. Learn to dance and sharpen your mind. Certificate awarded upon completion of course. Bring a partner or come alone. Cost $12 per class or $120 for the series. The price will drop to $6 each per class when registration reaches 20 or more. Call 860- 844-5352 to register by Jan. 21.

The World’s Greatest Paintings, Part II: Mondays, Jan. 14 – March 4, at 1 p.m. This DVD course takes you from the 14th century to the 17th century. Great Courses Professor William Kloss reveals a group of works that, in his expert judgment, rank among the greatest paintings ever created. Artists include Monet, Whistler, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso and more. Cost $25. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Jan. 7.

Life in the World’s Oceans, Part I: Fridays, Jan. 18 – March 1, at 1 p.m. An award winning professor of marine science, Sean K. Todd, unlocks the mysteries of life in the world’s oceans. Enjoy Part I of this DVD course from Great Courses. (Part II in March). Cost $25.

Indoor Winter Gardening: Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. Presented by Barry Avery, Master Gardener. Avery will discuss and show us how we can create an indoor winter garden to brighten our souls and cheer us up during the cold, dark days of winter. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Jan. 23. Cost $5.

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Bobcat Presentation: Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. Presented by Jason Hawley, Wildlife Biologist with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The program discusses the natural history, biology, management and the current status of bobcats in Connecticut, along with the bobcat research project currently being conducted by DEEP. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Jan. 9. Limited seating. Cost $5

Be Prepared! How to Pack for an Emergency: Thursday, Jan. 17, 1 p.m. Presented by McLean Home Care and Hospice. During stormy winter times, be prepared and learn what you need to pack for an emergency in the event you need to leave home. Attendees will receive a red emergency bag with items. Please call 860-844- 5352 to register by Jan. 10. Free.

Electric Choices: Thursday, Jan. 31, 1 p.m. Presented by AARP. Learn about your own individual choices when it comes to electric suppliers. Participants are asked to bring their electric bills to the session so they may review and understand its components. Participants will then learn how to make informed decisions based on their own situations and where to go for the most reliable Connecticut electric supplier information and data. Session runs 45 minutes. Free.

Yellowstone Presentation: Thursday, Jan. 2, 10 a.m. Presented by photographer Gary Melnysyn. Enjoy the beautiful photography and presentation of Yellowstone National Park as seen through the eyes of this talented photographer. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Jan. 17, cost $5.

Handmade for the Holidays, Wheat Ornament Workshop: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m. Make a beautiful ornament for giving or your own tree made out of wheat stalks. Instructor, Liz Carnes. Cost $15. Register by Nov. 27.

Christmas in a Teacup: Tuesday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. Make this beautiful, petite flower arrangement in one of your own special teacups or one that will be provided. Instructor, Linda Markee. Cost $25. Register by Dec. 4.

Greeting Card Stamping Class: Thursday, Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. Create three cards. Instructor, Sharyon Holness. Cost $5 includes materials.

HEALTH and WELLNESS

Hearing Clinic with audiology concierge: Thursday, Dec. 6, by appointment. Services include complete audiological evaluations, earwax inspection and removal, hearing aid cleaning and repair, wireless solutions for TV, telephones, audio and more. Call 860-844-5352 to schedule.

Alzheimer’s Support Group: Tuesdays, Dec. 11 and Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. Led by 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.

Caregiver Private Consultations: Fridays, Dec. 7 and Jan. 4 starting at 10 a.m. Come with your questions and concerns. Offering half-hour personal consultations with Esther Corcoran, the Alzheimer’s Association. Call for an appointment.

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

MS Support Group: Mondays, Dec. 10 and Jan. 14, 28 at 1 p.m., (no Dec. 24) Self help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers.

On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, Dec. 12, 26 and Jan. 9, 23, at 2:30 p.m. Led by Jane Johnson. Through discussion this non-therapeutic support group will help in understanding and coping with grief. Find support, information and strategies.

Parkinson’s Support Group: Mondays, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Facilitated by Krisztina Jarai, Residence at Brookside. A support group for those with Parkinson’s and their families. Free. Please call 860-844-5352 to register.

Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Mondays, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21; Fridays, Dec. 28 and Jan. 25, by appointment. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. Cost is $29. (not covered by insurance)

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

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

Relax with Reiki, with Tannia Hotchkiss: Tuesdays, Dec. 11 and Jan. 8, 22, by appointment. Reiki is a non-invasive Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Half hour is $20.

Chair Massage, with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, Dec. 4, 18 and Jan. 15, by appointment. Concentration is on upper and lower back and shoulders. Fifteen minutes is $10.

Healthy Minds, with Colleen Golnick, LMFT: By confidential appointment, call 860-844- 5350. When challenges of aging become overwhelming, meeting with a professional therapist can help. Cost $20 per session.

TRAVEL

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

A Christmas Carol at North Shore Theatre: Sunday, Dec. 16, Beverly, MA. A musical ghost story that follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs and colorful costumes, this award-winning production of A Christmas Carol has been seen by more than one million people since its debut in 1989.

SPECIAL EXTENDED TOURS

Florida Snowbird–Clearwater Beach: Jan. 4–31, 2019. Escape a New England January for a fabulous vacation in warm and sunny Florida. 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 double occupancy, $5,799 single occupancy.

Atlantic City Holiday: Dec. 27–28. Round trip motor coach transportation, one night at Resorts Casino Hotel located on the worldfamous 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, with leisure time to relax, play, eat, party and shop. Headline entertainment, extravagant spas, elite shopping and more make this trip complete. Includes casino rebates ($15 slots and $30 food, subject to change), baggage, tax and service, tour director. Cost per person, $159 double, $185 single, $147 triple/quad. Bus only, $85pp.

Quebec Winter Carnival: Feb. 1–4. The world’s largest winter carnival featuring special events, parades, parties and a Quebec City highlights tour. Visit Montmorency Falls and Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. Cost $729 double occupancy, $999 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, several historic tours, leisure beach time and more. Cost $1,649 double occupancy, $2,399 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 double occupancy, $4,449 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, Dec. 5 at 8:30 a.m. Chorale Voices from GMHS. Wednesday, Jan. 9, My Years in South Africa, from a Global Gypsy, Ralph Mayer. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Dec. 14 at 8:30 a.m. GMHS Chorus. Friday, Jan. 11 at 8:30 a.m. Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Holcomb Farm’s Joe O’Grady. Register by calling 860-844-5350.

Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International (www.daysforgirls.org) 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! Served every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Monthly menus available at the office. Suggested donation $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. If you’re new to the program, 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

Sadler’s Ordinary on Monday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. Suffield By the River on Friday, Jan. 18 at 11:30 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 available every Tuesday.

Geissler’s every Wednesday, call to arrange a time. Geissler’s 5 percent senior discount available every Wednesday.

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

Trips

Call 860-844-5352 to register for all trips.

Olde Mystic Village: Friday, Dec. 7, 8:45 a.m. Enjoy an abundance of shops near the shore during the holiday season. Lunch on your own at S & P Oyster Co. Cost $5.

Berkshire Blanket: Wednesday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. Enjoy Christmas shopping and lunch at the classic Salem Inn. We will also stop at the Thorndike Mills carpet and braided rugs outlet. Cost $5, lunch on your own.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art: Friday, Jan. 4, 9:30 a.m. Daniel Wadsworth originally planned to establish a Gallery of Fine Arts, but he was persuaded to create an atheneum, a term popular in the 19th century used to describe a cultural institution with a library, works of art and artifacts, devoted to learning history, literature, art and science. Lunch on your own at the museum cafe, possibly an afternoon treat at an Italian bakery. Cost $17 includes admission.

Center Grill and Target: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked breakfast at Center Grill in East Granby, then shopping at Target in Windsor. Cost $5.

Footprints Shoes and Joey Garlics: Monday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. FootPrints in Newington offers the finest selection of footwear and fashion accessories in New England, with over 200 top name brands and more than 100,000 pairs in stock. Afterwards enjoy lunch on your own at Joey Garlics. Cost $5.

Cracker Barrel and Walmart: Monday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in East Windsor provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country store and restaurant. Enjoy real home-style food and shopping that’s reminiscent of America’s country heritage; on your own. Afterwards, let’s go to Walmart for more shopping. Cost $5.

Buckland Hills Mall: Friday, Dec. 14, 9:30 a.m. Cost $4.

Holyoke Mall: Friday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. 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 granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter.

December’s Featured Class

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. with Paula Pirog. Enhanced breathing, increased blood flow, reduced tension and better posture are achieved through the various yoga poses. Especially good for those with limited mobility.

NEW AT THE SENIOR CENTER

Holiday Gift Cards Looking for a special holiday gift for a senior friend, family member or loved one? Granby Senior Center Holiday Gift Cards are available for gift giving. The attractive gift cards can be applied to your recipients account and used for many programs offered at the Granby Senior Center. (Some restrictions apply).

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.

Granby Senior Center Beaders Showcase

The Granby Senior Center Beaders have a display of jewelry on sale from now until Christmas ranging in price from $5 to $35. Visit between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to see what you can find for Christmas gift giving. See the front desk regarding purchases. All proceeds from sales are donated to the Granby Senior Center.