Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. All programs are currently being held online via Zoom. If you need instructions on how to connect, or to become a member, please call 860-844-5352.
For anyone eligible under the State COVID-19 vaccine rollout who is having difficulty registering to get a vaccine, please contact the Granby Senior Center, 860-844-5350.
Enjoy Free Programming
The Granby Senior Center will be offering all special events and Lifetime Learning programs free to all current members during March and April. Exercise classes are excluded. You must register for all programs in order to receive the Zoom log-in information. To register, visit SchedulesPlus.com/granby
Special Events
St. Patrick’s Day Bingo: Wednesday, March 17, 1 p.m. Will the luck of the Irish be with you as we play St. Patrick’s Day Bingo? We will play 10 games for fun gifts and prizes. Register by March 10.
Bagels and Coffee Drive Thru: Wednesday, March 24, 10–11 a.m. The Senior Center will be handing out bagels with cream cheese and coffee. Sponsored by Stonebrook Village of Windsor Locks. Come by just to say hello. Register by March 17.
Lifetime Learning Academy
American History, Revisited: Tuesdays, March 2–April 27, 10 a.m. Jerry Perkins has a unique way of bringing history to life. Join this informative and fun view of events from Pre-Columbian times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review.
Survey of the New Testament: Wednesdays, starting March 3, 10 a.m. This seven-week overview of the New Testament will familiarize you with the key New Testament people, events and promises. The discussion will include the Gospel of Jesus, the growth of Christianity and letters to the churches as well as the prophecy and eternal state in Revelation.
Thomas Jefferson: Fridays, March 5 and 12, 1 p.m. Revered as the author of the Declaration of Independence (the most sacred document in American history) yet condemned as a lifelong owner of slaves, Thomas Jefferson remains the enigma that is America. This film, produced by Ken Burns, takes you from a young Jefferson through the end of his remarkable life.
The Life of Christ: Tuesdays, starting March 9, 10 a.m. With this seven-week class, take a chronological walk through the life of Christ including His three-year ministry and teachings, key events, miracles, parables and people; in order to bring out His humanity and the divine. Register by March 2.
Stories from the Attic: Thursday, March 11, 1 p.m. Join urban archeologist Greg Van Antwerp for Stories from the Attic—Military Memories in honor of those who have made the greatest sacrifice for their country.
Van Antwerp will reveal some of the best of his discoveries of hidden military history while searching through the attics and basements of New York and New England. Get ready for first-person accounts from major battles with artifacts and images including a tale of unrequited love and the sacrifice of a fellow soldier to fall on any kind of grenade for a brother in arms. There’s a lot to see and much of it has remained away from the public eye for decades. Register by March 4.
Lewis & Clark: Fridays, March 19 and 26, 1 p.m. This extraordinary film, produced by Ken Burns, tells the amazing story of the entire Corps of Discovery. It is not about just the two famous captains, but also the young army men, the French-Canadian boatmen, Clark’s African-American slave, and the Shoshone woman named Sacagawea, who brought along her infant son. Journey with them across a breathtaking landscape.
The Golden Age of Comic Strips: 1930 to 1970: Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m. Jared Day will take you through the world of Comic Strips from their inception through the 1970s. Register by March 18.
Carousel Carvers, An American Immigrant Story: Wednesday, March 31, 1 p.m. Did you know that most Golden Age carousel artists immigrated from abroad? Get an in-depth look at the lives of some of the most well-known immigrant carvers and factory owners and the obstacles they overcame in order to achieve the American Dream. Through examples of their work, we hope to instill an appreciation not only of their contributions to the amusement industry, but to the fabric of American life. Register by March 24.
Ongoing Programs
Knitting Group: Every Monday at 11 a.m. Open group for anyone who likes to knit.
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.
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
All classes are via Zoom, so pre-registration is required—no drop-in. Must have a minimum of eight participants per class.
Yoga: Mondays, March 1–April 26, 10–10:45 a.m. 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 for 9 classes: $45 residents; $54 non-residents.
Chi Gong: Wednesdays, March 3–April 28, 8:30 a.m. 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 for 9 classes: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Cardio and Strength: Fridays, March 5–April 30, 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. This is a quick-paced class with cardio and a concentration on strength building. Cost for 8 classes: $40 residents; $48 non-residents.
Tai Ji Quan: Mondays and Fridays, April 12–Sept. 30, 9 a.m. 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. You will learn the movements over 24 weeks in classes held twice a week. Classes are taught virtually by trained instructors in a supportive environment. No prior experience with Tai Chi is needed. No charge to participate but you must pre-register.
Check out the Facebook Page facebook.com/GranbyCTSeniorCenter and the website granby-ct.gov/senior-services for updates on exercise classes.