Please visit the website at granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.
The Art of Car Collecting
Tuesday, April 9, 1 p.m. Presented by Richard Dabrowski, president of the Connecticut Car Club. Have you ever thought about collecting old cars? Perhaps you’ve wanted to restore one or even purchase as an investment? Come learn all about car collecting as a hobby or even a business. Free. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 2.
Billiards Clinic Series
Thursday, April 18, 1 p.m. Instructor, Mark Kulungian, National Trick Shot Champion, certified Billiard Congress of America. Come in and enjoy some trick shooting by a National Champion followed by instruction and help with the game. Class size limited. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 11.
The Game of Golf
Tuesday, April 23, 1 p.m. Presented by Paul Banks, Copper Hill Golf Course. Golf may be your game. Consider taking up golf for fun and exercise. Learn the basics of playing golf, what is needed for equipment, costs and how to adjust the game around issues of aging. Learn about swings, techniques, when and where to play, lessons, etc. Free. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 16.
Jukebox Bingo and Dinner
Wednesday, April 24 at 4:30 p.m. If you missed this event last year, you will want to sign up early as it is fabulously fun. This is not your traditional bingo—listen to your favorite songs from the 40s to the 70s, guess the title and see if it is on your bingo card. A light dinner will be served. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 17.
AARP Safe Driving Course
Tuesday, April 30, 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. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 23.
Familiar Favorites
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, April 3, 8:30 a.m. Kate Bogli presents Maple View Farm: Children’s Horse Program and Organic Food Brewery. Cost $4. To register call 860-653-9891.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, April 12, 8:30 a.m. Agriculture in Granby, presented by Tom Vaughan. Cost $2. To register call 860-844-5352.
Lifetime Learning Academy
MUSIC
Music Jam Sessions: Wednesdays, April 3 and 17, 11:45 a.m. Facilitated by Michael Walter. Do you play an instrument and long to play with others? Join this fun, informal music jam session and play along, all instruments are welcome. Bring your own instrument (we have a piano). Free. Call 860-844-5352 to let us know you will be coming.
CREATIVE ARTS
Greeting Card Stamping Class: Thursday, April 18, 9:30 a.m. Instructor, Sharyn Holness. Create four beautiful cards. Cost $5 includes all materials.
“Stained Glass” Collage, with tissue paper on canvas: Thursday, April 25, 1 p.m. Instructor, Katherine Tolve. Make one-of-a kind works of art using tissue paper as a means of experimentation. This workshop is perfect for the novice artist looking to explore colors and shapes as well as the experienced artist seeking to explore a new medium and ways of creating. Bring your favorite scissors and wear old clothing. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 18 to register.
WELLNESS
Feeling Good with Essential Oils and Massage: Monday, April 1, 10 a.m. Presented by Kelley Brown of Back in Touch Wellness. In this workshop you will learn the many benefits of essential oils and how they can heals one’s body. Several different types of oils will be discussed as well as how to use them properly and which brands are truly safe to use. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by March 25 to register.
Ethnic Cooking: Thursday, April 11, 1 p.m. Sponsored by Anthology of Simsbury. This presentation will explore Polish cuisine. Learn how to make a classic, Polish pierogis. Our guest chef will offer a demonstration and tasting. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 5 to register.
GAMES
Cribbage Club: Mondays at 1 p.m. Facilitator, Robert Coughlin. Cribbage, a card game based on English game Noddy, involves playing and grouping cards in combinations which gain points. Points are scored. Object of the game is to be the first player to score a target number of points. Group will meet and play for approximately 2 hours. All are welcome, from beginners to advanced players. Bring a friend and learn to play. Group will meet every Monday. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Free
GARDENING SERIES
Gardening Myths and Truths: Wednesday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. This workshop will explain many of the common mistakes made by many gardeners, why they went wrong and how to correct them. It will cover a number of myths from planting, fertilizing, transplanting and more. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 10 to register.
Your Questions…My Answers: Wednesday, May 15, 10:30 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Topics from abscission to Zoysia and anything in between are fair game. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by May 8 to register.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Medicare 101: Monday, April 22, 10 a.m. Presented by Robin Graham, ConnectiCare. Considering Medicare for the first time, or need a refresher if you are already on it? Come to class and learn the basics. Review the options offered by Medicare, simplify the confusion and discuss what plans benefit you the most. Free. Call 860-844-5352 by April 15 to register.
Ask the Attorney with Kraner & Hess: Wednesday, April 3. Kraner & Hess specialize in Elder Law. Please call for an appointment for a free consultation.
Your Personal Best, Wigs and Wardrobes: Wednesday, May 1, 10 a.m. Presented by Elizabeth Nicole Wig Studio. It’s springtime, the perfect time of year to refresh and rejuvenate and have some fun. Come and learn how to maximize your ‘look’ with wig, wardrobe and styling tips. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 24 to register.
LEND A HELPING HAND
Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, April 24, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International (daysforgirls.org) sewing for women in need of sanitary products. Need both sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. Please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@gmail.com.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Alzheimer’s Support Group: Tuesday, April 9, 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.
Caregiver Private Consultations: Friday, April 5, starting at 10 a.m. Esther Corcoran, the Alzheimer’s Association. Come with questions and concerns for a half-hour personal consultations if you are a family member or caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s. Call 860-844-5352 for an appointment.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. This is a group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.
MS Support Group: Mondays, April 8 and 22, 1 p.m. Self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers.
On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, April 10 and 24, 2:30 p.m. Led by Jane Johnson. This non-therapeutic support group will help you in understanding and coping with grief. You will find support, information and strategies.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Monday, April 15, 1:30 p.m. Facilitated by Krisztina Jarai, Residence at Brookside. This is 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: Monday, April 15 and Friday, April 26. 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. Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, held in the Senior Center Community Room.
Free Blood Sugar Checks: First Thursday of each month, April 4, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Farmington Valley VNA, held in the Senior Center Community Room.
Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, April 2, 16 and 30. Concentration is on upper and lower back and shoulders. Fifteen minutes is $10.
TRAVEL
Through partnership with Silver Mill Tours, the Granby Senior Center is able to offer the following travel opportunities. Call the Senior Center to confirm availability and for triple rates on extended tours. For a complete list of available travel opportunities stop by the Senior Center. Trips fees are non-refundable.
DAY TRIPS
New York City Food and Markets Tour: Saturday, May 4. For all you foodie fans—weave your way through Asian, Italian, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and American bakeries, delis, pizzerias, gourmet shops, candy shops, pasta makers, meat markets, street vendors and more. You will be visiting Katz’s Deli, Eataly and Arthur Avenue. Cost $79.
Broadway Your Way: Saturday, July 20. Design your own day on Broadway. Round trip motor coach travel and Orchestra/Mezzanine Seating to the matinee performance of your choice. Call the Senior Center for available shows. Cost from $199.
Whale Watch: Saturday, Aug. 10. Imagine being within feet of some of the most graceful, rare animals in the world. Your trip includes transportation, Whale Watch and a trip to Plymouth Rock. Cost $99.
SPECIAL EXTENDED TOURS
Atlantic Canada: June 30–July 6. Your trip includes guided tours of Nova Scotia (Lunenberg and Peggy’s Cove), Halifax and beautiful Prince Edward Island, motor coach transportation, cruise to Nova Scotia, six nights hotel, six breakfasts and five dinners, all sightseeing and admission fees, tickets to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (military bands and display teams). Cost: single $2,639, double $1,849.
Lake George in the Fall: Sept. 13–15. Called the “Queen of the American Lakes” with 300 plus islands as a magnificent landscape. Your trip include round trip transportation, two nights at the Clarion Lake George, two breakfasts, lunch cruise on Lac du Saint Sacrament and a tour with a local guide including Millionaire’s Row, Prospect Mt. Scenic Highway, Fort William Henry and more. Cost: single $599, double $489.
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.
Trips
Dine and Drive on Wednesday, April 17. The River Restaurant, Wethersfield. Cost $5.
Target and Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester on Friday, April 5. Cost $5.
Lee Premium Outlets in Lee, Mass. on Friday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Coach, J. Crew, Michael Kors and Talbots are just some of the wonderful outlets you will find at this premium outlet mall. Lunch on your own. Cost $5.
Excursions
Anthony Edwards Tribute to Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond at Chez Josef, Agawam on Thursday, April 25, 10 a.m. Anthony Edwards of the Edwards Twins brings to stage his art of celebrity impersonation, which is lauded by critics, audiences and celebrities. Anthony performs incredibly accurate tributes to these famous artists with live singing and no gimmicks, just plain talent. Lunch includes choice of pot roast or stuffed haddock. Cost $25. Register by April 11.
Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox on Monday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. Ventfort Hall offers you a glimpse into the opulent Gilded Age era of the Berkshire Cottages. Enjoy lunch on your own at Alta. Cost $20.
FITNESS AND EXERCISE
The Granby Senior Center offers a variety of affordable exercise classes throughout the week. Only $6 per class for Granby residents when you pay the session price. Intensity levels range from house cat to cheetah. Classes run by session or you can pay a drop-in fee.
Yoga Flow: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. Instructor, Mary Fuller.
Gentle Movement and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. Designed to increase strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Will help to improve activities of daily living in a fun and social environment. Instructor, Paula Pirog.
Cardio & Strength: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. Vigorous cardio workout in a fun and encouraging environment. Instructor, Mellanee Harmon.
Chair Yoga: Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Enhanced breathing, increased blood flow, reduced tension and better posture are achieved through the various yoga poses. Great for those with limited mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog.
Yoga: Tuesday at 4 p.m. Thoughtful breathing and controlled postures. Instructor, Paula Pirog.
Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. A low impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. Does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing. Instructor, Mary Fuller.
Body Blast: Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. This fast paced class gives you an all-around great workout. Instructor, Mary Fuller
Chi Gong: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A gentle, low-impact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management. Chi Gong is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins
Cardio Combo: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. Quicker pace and more aerobics. Instructor, Mary Fuller.
Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. This class is a great workout while having a lot of fun. Appropriate for beginner to advanced dancers. Instructor, Jim Gregory.
Peak: Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Vigorous aerobics and weights. Instructor, Jennifer Dzielak.