December and January Special Events
Holiday Dinner: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5 p.m. Sponsored by The Residence at Brookside. Your dinner includes stuffed pork roast, mashed potatoes, vegetables and dessert. We are bringing back Granby Senior Center favorites, Airborne Jazz for dancing and entertainment. Register by Dec. 4. $8 members, $10 non-members.
NEW—Tai Ji Quan, Moving for Better Balance®: Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. starting Jan. 3, through the end of June. This nationally recognized program incorporates elements of Tai Chi proven to enhance stability and walking. The specialized fall prevention program aims to improve range of motion around the ankle and hip joints and lower extremity muscle strength. Limited space available—this class filled up quickly last time so don’t delay. Free. Held at The Park House at Salmon Brook Park. Register by Dec. 15.
AARP Tax Preparation: By appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning mid-February. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest tax assistance and preparation service. These trained volunteer professionals will assist those 60 years and over with Form 1040 and the standard schedules, including A and B. Electronic filing is available. Call 860-844-5350 after Jan. 15 for an appointment.
Super Bowl Party: Wednesday, Jan. 29, noon (snow day Jan. 30 at 1 p.m.) Join us for some pre-game excitement and fun as we get ready for the Super Bowl. Wear your team colors or jerseys and enjoy games, trivia and fabulous tailgate style food including meatball sliders, pizza, grinders and a big Super Bowl cake for dessert. Register by Jan. 22. $7 members, $9 non-members
Please visit our website at granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of our health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. To register for a program please call 860-844-5352.
LIFETIME LEARNING ACADEMY
An 18th Century Wardrobe: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m. Presented by the Noah Webster House Staff. Clothing has changed substantially in the past 250 years. Learn about the everyday clothing of the Revolutionary era and how words like shift, stay, and undress meant something completely different. $5 members, $7 non-members
American Lives Biography—Mark Twain: Tuesdays, Jan. 14 – Feb. 4 (four sessions) at 1 p.m. Based on the award-winning Ken Burns series. This DVD-based presentation features the life of Samuel Clemens from his boyhood in the backwoods of Missouri to his days as Mark Twain, America’s best-known and best-loved author. This series tells the story of his life, full of rollicking adventure, stupendous success and crushing defeat, hilarious comedy and almost unbearable tragedy. Register by Jan. 7. $15 members, $20 non-members.
CT Wildlife and the Changing Landscape: Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. (snow date Jan. 17). Presented by Ellen Castaldini, master wildlife conservationist. The program includes a presentation that describes how changes in Connecticut’s landscape over the past 400 years have impacted wildlife. Beautiful wildlife photos highlight the presentation. Participants can handle wildlife pelts, skulls and tracks, and (if they want) test their knowledge of the characteristics and habits of CT wildlife. Register by Jan. 8. $5 members, $7 non-members
Spiritual Writing: Friday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. Presented by Tannia Hotchkiss. Have you ever felt there was something interesting beyond your five senses? Would you like to learn to communicate with whatever interesting thing that is? Come to this workshop and learn a written technique of questions and answers that will let you communicate with and channel your Spirit Guides. Register by Jan. 17. $5 members, $7 non-members
American History Lessons: Mondays, Jan. 27 – March 9 (six sessions) at 1 p.m. No Feb. 17. Presented by Jerry Perkins, former history teacher. Perkins will be starting the series with a lesson on The Constitution and Bill of Rights. From there attendees will get to choose the discussion topics for the next five weeks. Choices include The Role of Religion in America, The Presidency, Native Americans, History of Immigration and more. Register by Jan. 6. $15 members, $20 non-members
FAMILIAR FAVORITES
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m. The Choral Voices from GMHS, with director Mindy Shilansky. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8:30 a.m. Bobcats—The Spitfires of the Animal Kingdom, with Ginny Apple, master wildlife conservationist with DEEP. Cost $4. To register call 860-653-9891.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m. The Choral Voices from GMHS, with director Mindy Shilansky. Friday, Jan. 10, 8:30 a.m. Religious History in the CT Valley Circa 1740s, Skip Mission. Cost $2. To register, call 860-844-5352.
Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. – noon. Please join Days for Girls International (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.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
NEW—Reiki Sessions: By appointment, Tuesdays, Dec. 10, 24, Jan. 14, 28. Tannia Hotchkiss, Reiki practitioner. Reiki promotes healing, stress relief and relaxation in a calm, quiet setting.
Alzheimer’s Support Group: Tuesdays, Dec. 10 and Jan. 14 at 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.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.
MS Support Group: Mondays, Dec. 9, 23, Jan. 13, 27, at 1 p.m. Self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers.
On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, 22, at 2:30 p.m. Led by Jane Johnson. Through discussion, this non-therapeutic support group will help understanding and coping with grief. You will find support, information and strategies.
Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: By appointment, Monday, Dec. 16 and Fridays, Dec. 27 and Jan. 24. 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 VNA, held in the Senior Center Community Room.
Free Blood Sugar Checks: First Thursday of the month, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Farmington Valley VNA, held in the Senior Center Community Room.
Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 17, 31, Jan. 7, 21. Concentration is on upper and lower back and shoulders. Fifteen minutes is $10.
TRAVEL
For extended tours and travel please visit our website at www.granby-ct.gov.
Senior Van Service And Excursions
The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults age 60 and over to shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling. Please call 860-844-5352 to register for all trips.
Olde Mystic Village: Friday, Dec. 6, departing at 8:45 a.m., estimated return 3 p.m. Come out and enjoy an abundance of shops in scenic Mystic during the holiday season. Lunch on your own at S & P Oyster House with a prix fixe menu, $21 per person. Cost $5. Register by Nov. 15.
CT Supreme Court Session and Museum of History: Monday, Jan. 13., departs 8:30 a.m., returns 2:30 p.m. Your day begins at the Hartford Supreme Court House where a Justice will give you an overview of the court and what types of arguments they hear. Next will be inside the Court Room to watch all the action and listen to arguments in a case. There will be time to enjoy the Museum of CT History afterwards (in the same building). Lunch on your own at The Republic in Bloomfield. Register by Jan. 6. Cost $5.
Adventure Excursion—All in Adventures: Wednesday, Jan. 22, departs 10:30 a.m., returns 3 p.m. Your day starts out with lunch on your own at Ted’s Montana Grill. Then join your fellow travelers for a Treasure Island Adventure. You are part of the crew aboard HMS Lion, currently hunting the pirate ship, The Dancing Lady, believed to be operating in the Caribbean. Wreckage found last month from the merchant ship Salty Dog indicates The Dancing Lady is trying to bury their loot on one of the many islands in the area. You are a landing party searching the island for evidence. You will have lots of fun and laughs as you solve this mystery. (Adventure takes place in a locked room that will be unlocked when you solve the mystery or after 60 minutes). Register by Jan. 14. Cost $28.
Shopping
Evergreen Walk/Walmart on Wednesday, Dec. 30, departs 9:30 a.m., returns 3 p.m. Cost $5
Super Target/HomeGoods/Super Walmart, Windsor/East Windsor on Friday, Jan. 17, departs 9:30 a.m., returns 3 p.m. Cost $5
Dine and Drive
LaFigata’s, Granby on Wednesday, Dec. 18. No trip fee.
Effie’s Place, West Hartford, Monday, Jan. 27. Cost $5