Enjoy free programming this winter
The Granby Senior Center will be offering all special events and Lifetime Learning programs for free to all current members during December, January and February; exercise classes are excluded. Participants still need to register so call 860-844-5352 or email senior@granby-ct.gov for your Zoom program invitation.
Please visit our website at granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. Programs are currently being held on Zoom. If you need instructions on how to connect, please let us know.
All programs, except the Santa’s Elves event and the FVVNA clinics, will be held online via Zoom.
Special Events
Coffee and Conversation: Thursday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. Connecticut native, film producer Andrew Gernhard has produced movies for the Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, SyFy and Telemundo. Learn what it is like on the set, behind the scenes, what a producer actually does and what is in his future. Register by Nov. 25.
Santa’s Elves Drive-Thru Event: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1–2 p.m. Stop by and see Santa’s Elves as they give out special gifts and goodies to those who have been naughty and nice. This is a drive-thru event, please feel free to decorate your car and yourself for the holiday. Register by Dec. 2.
Violin Performance: Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. Our violin instructor, Kasey Calebaugh, will be showcased in this special event. Calebaugh is an accomplished violinist, who has performed with groups like the Flagstaff Symphony, the Vermont Symphony, and the Verdi Valley Signonietta. Register by Dec. 5.
Holiday Bingo: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1–2 p.m. Join us for a holiday-themed bingo with fun holiday prizes. Register by Dec. 8.
New Year’s Celebration: Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. Join the Granby Senior Center staff as we play games, sing songs, share New Year’s Eve past stories and more. If you want, dress in your best New Year’s Eve attire and have your favorite party food recipes on hand. Register by Dec. 23.
Jukebox Bingo: Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. Keith Alan is back, bringing his Music Bingo games to Granby Senior Center members. This entertaining version of bingo includes songs that will make you sing and maybe even dance as you play along. Don’t miss out—it’s a guaranteed fun time. Register by Jan. 13.
Coffee and Conversation: Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. Joe O’Grady manages Holcomb Farm and is instrumental in the Fresh Access program they do for the Senior Center every year. Come learn more about his role at Holcomb, future plans for the farm and, most of all, let’s give him a big thank you for all they do for us. Register by Jan. 20.
Lifetime Learning Academy
American History—What do you know? Tuesdays through Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. Jerry Perkins, a former history professor, 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 subjects will be studied.
Bible Prophecy Made Simple: Wednesdays, Dec. 9, 16, Jan. 6, 13, 20, Feb. 3 and 10 at 10 a.m. Presented by Skip Mission. The Bible has many fascinating fulfilled and yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies regarding Israel, Jesus Christ and mankind. This seven-week class will take you through Old and New Testament Messianic, historical and “end times” prophecies. December will include an introduction class and a class on fulfilled Christmas prophecies. January and February will include Christ’s life, death and return, Israel’s history and future, and a class on eternity. This program is open to Senior Center members and the community. Register by Dec. 7.
Horatio’s Drive—The Hilarious Saga of the First Road Trip: Thursday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Directed by Ken Burns. Get out the popcorn and join us for this simultaneously inspirational and hilarious saga of Horatio Nelson Jackson, an eccentric Vermont doctor, who in 1903, on a visionary whim and a fifty dollar bet, became the first person to drive an automobile across the continent, heralding the future of the “horseless carriage” as a vehicle destined for more than inner-city travel and as a machine that would transform American life.
Mark Twain—An Extraordinary Life: Thursdays, Jan. 14 and 21. Two 2-hour sessions with a 15-minute intermission. 10 a.m. Directed by Ken Burns. Samuel Clemens rose from a hardscrabble boyhood in the backwoods of Missouri to become, as Mark Twain, America’s best-known and best-loved author. This remarkable film tells the story of his extraordinary life, full of rollicking adventure, stupendous success and crushing defeat, hilarious comedy and almost unbearable tragedy. Register by Jan. 7.
What You Need to Know About the Uniform Trust Code and Secure Act: Thursday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. Presented by Attorney Brendan Daly. Trust laws changed quite a bit in 2020. The Connecticut Uniform Trust Code (UTC) provides benefits that didn’t exist before. And on the flip side, the UTC may also cause you to consider updating or changing what you have in place. If you have a trust or are thinking of starting one, you don’t want to miss this session. You’ll also learn about the 2020 SECURE Act, which brought on changes to IRA rules, like raising the distribution age and raising the maximum age for making IRA contributions. Register by Jan. 21.
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 860-844-5352 to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
CHOICES Counseling: CHOICES provides information and assistance about Medicare and its drug coverage plans. Call 800-994-9422 to speak with a counselor.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. 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. to 12:30 p.m. by appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Call 860-844-5350 to reserve your time. Please wear a mask. Sponsored by Farmington Valley VNA.
Senior Van Service
The Senior Vans operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 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
All classes are held via Zoom, so registration is required—no drop-ins. Must have a minimum of eight participants per class.
Yoga: Mondays at 10–10:45 a.m. Jan. 4–Feb. 22. 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 residents; $36 non-residents.
Chi Gong: Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 6–Feb. 24. 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. Classes will feature the elements and poses appropriate for the current season. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Cardio and Strength: Fridays at 10–10:45 a.m. Jan. 8–Feb. 26. Instructor, Mary Fuller. This is a quick-paced class with cardio and a concentration on strength building. Cost: $40 residents; $48 non-residents.
For updates on exercise classes, visit Facebook or the website, facebook.com/GranbyCTSeniorCenter or granby-ct.gov/senior-services