September is membership renewal month
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. All programs are currently being held on Zoom. If you need instructions on how to connect, please let us know.
All memberships and van dues are renewed in September. Membership fees for Granby residents are $5 and $10 for out-of-town-guests. Van dues are $10. These minimal fees help defray costs—allowing us to offer free and low-cost events throughout the year.
There are three ways to register and pay for Senior Center membership and van dues and programs.
• Online registration and payment is now available. Use your Membership Tag to register and pay online at myactivecenter.com/#centers/USA.CT.Granby.Granby-Senior-Center If you have lost your membership tag, please call 860-844-5350 to speak with a Senior Center staff member.
• Call the Senior Center to register and pay with a credit card by phone at 860-844-5350.
• Call the Senior Center to register and mail a check to 15C North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035.
Special Events
Autumn Bingo: Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. Join us as we play Bingo, with special cards featuring everything autumn. Prizes will be mailed. Register by Sept. 8. Cost $5 members, $7 non-members.
Trivia with Keith Alan Productions: Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. Prizes Sponsored by the Farmington Valley VNA. Keith will be bringing the same energy and enthusiasm we have experienced with Music Bingo to this fun and interactive Trivia Game. Prizes will be mailed. Register by Sept. 9. Cost $7 members, $9 non-members.
Make Your Own Friendship Bracelet: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. Instructor Tully Meyer, McLean Home Care and Hospice. Tully will be teaching you how to make beautiful friendship bracelets, to keep or to give away. We will be mailing all the necessary supplies and Tully will be instructing on Zoom. Register by Sept. 10. Cost $8 members, $10 non-members.
Aging Mastery Program: Mondays, Sept. 28 to Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. The Granby Senior Center will be participating in this national, evidence-based program designed to help millions of baby boomers and older adults take critical steps to improve their well-being, add stability to their lives, and strengthen their ties to the community.
The ten-week series explores how to repurpose and support the “Bonus Years” that many Boomers and Seniors will enjoy. Includes lectures, expert speakers, sharing and creating the kind of life you want as you age. Generously supported and funded by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, The CT Healthy Living Collective and Anthem Foundation. This program is valued at $150 per person, but we are offering it at no charge. Limited space available. Register by Sept. 14.
Special Guest Program, Coffee and Conversation with Kelsey Riggs: Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. Kelsey Riggs, ACC sideline reporter and anchor for ESPN, will be sharing her experience. She will also talk about how she got into Sports Reporting, her early career and more. Register by Sept. 24. Free for members, $5 for non-members.
Kayaking Meetup: Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Winchester Lake, Winchester. Call 860-844-5352 to register and for more details.
Lifetime Learning Academy
History Lessons: Tuesdays, Sept. 8–Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. Presented by Jerry Perkins, history teacher. Jerry brings his unique sense of history to life, teaching on a variety of topics from Pre-Columbian times to current events. This is a discussion-based group with participants helping to choose which topics are covered. Register by Sept. 5. Cost $10 members, $15 non-members.
Survey of the Old Testament: Wednesdays, Sept. 9–Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. Instructors, Skip and Beth Mission. This seven-week class is designed to familiarize you with the Old Testament of the Bible. It starts with creation, the fall, and the flood. Next, we will discuss Abraham, the Father of many nations followed by Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Life in the Promised Land includes lessons on David (Israel’s greatest king), Psalms and Proverbs, as well as the other Kings and prophets. No class on Sept. 30, Oct. 14. Cost $10 members, $15 non-members.
Health and Wellness
Coffee and Conversation with Kaitlin Cuas: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. Cuas, transitional care nurse for Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will present How to Make the Most of Your Telehealth Appointment. Learn about the different types of virtual telehealth services, pros and cons, tips for your virtual environment, technology and preparation. Free for members, $5 for non-members.
CBD and Medical Marijuana: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. Presented by Nancy Sheetz, Executive Director Farmington Valley VNA. Can medical marijuana cure cancer? If I use CBD oil will I sleep better? Does it matter if I buy online or will I need a prescription? Few topics stir up as much emotional debate as the use of medical marijuana and its part in medical miracle cures. Learn what is available, recommended and how to best be informed. Register by Sept. 14. Free for members, $5 non-members.
Personal Development
Intermediate Suzuki Method Violin Lessons: Fridays, Sept. 4–Dec. 18. No class Oct 30. Instructor, Kasey Calebaugh. Our intermediate violin lessons will continue with a fall session. Must have experience to join in. Cost $170 members, $190 non-members.
Support Services
Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900.
Ask the Attorney: The first Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free consultation. 860-844-5352.
CHOICES Counseling: For information and assistance about Medicare and its drug coverage plans. Call 1-800-994-9422 to speak with a counselor.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren via Zoom: Thursdays at Noon. Join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.
Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Tuesday from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Farmington Valley VNA. Held at the gazebo behind the Granby Food Bank, 248 Salmon Brook Street, Granby. Please wear a face mask.
Senior Van Service
The Senior Vans operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Out-of-town medical appointments may be made no earlier than 9:30 a.m. and no later than 2 p.m. Call at least one week in advance when requesting rides for appointments. Annual van fee is $10. Call 860-844-5353 to schedule a ride or to get more information.
Exercise Classes Via Zoom
No drop-ins for any exercise classes; pre-registration required.
Check out our Facebook Page (facebook.com/GranbyCTSeniorCenter) and our website (granby-ct.gov/senior-services) for updates on exercise classes.
Tai Ji Quan: Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m., Sept. 11–March 22. Instructor: Mary Ellen Mullins. Moving for Better Balance® is a research-based falls prevention exercise program that uses Tai Ji Quan based movements to improve strength, mobility, balance and daily function to prevent falls. It is designed for older adults and people with balance difficulties. No prior experience with Tai Chi is needed. You will learn the movements in twice-a-week classes over 24 weeks. Classes are taught virtually by trained instructors in a supportive environment. This program can accommodate individuals who need some assistance with walking, such as use of a cane. Limited space available. No charge but you must have a current Granby Senior Center membership.
Yoga: Mondays at 10–10:45 a.m., Sept. 14–Oct. 26. Instructor, Mary Fuller. 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. Cost: $30 members; $36 non-members.
Chi Gong: Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Chi” means “Energy” and “Gong” means “To activate”. In this gentle, low impact, standing (or seated) class we Activate our vital life force or Energy with a series of breathing, stretching and balancing techniques. The practice of Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. It is also wonderful for healing and pain management. Like Tai Chi, Chi Gong is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Classes will feature the elements and poses appropriate for the current season. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost: $48 members; $56 non-members.
Strength and Sculpt: Wednesdays at 4:30–5:15 p.m., Sept. 2–Oct. 28. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Strengthen and sculpt your body using free weights and body weights. Cost: $45 members; $54 non-members.
Cardio and Strength: Fridays at 10–10:45 a.m., Sept. 4–Oct. 30. Instructor, Mary Fuller. This class offers an emphasis on strengthening mixed with cardio. Cost: $45 members; $54 non-members.