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.
Granby Senior Center Re-opening
Beginning Monday, May 3 the Granby Senior Center will begin a gradual re-opening for specific classes and programs. If a program is scheduled in the building, you will find a location under the description. If it will be held via zoom, it will be noted in the title or description of the program. All in-person classes will be subject to pre-registration, social distancing and mask wearing while in the building. Programs and classes will have a strict capacity limit.
If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for all programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby
If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352 to register.
Special Events
Let’s Make Pomanders: Wednesday, May 5 at 1 p.m., at Granby Senior Center. Presented by Tully Meyer from McLean Home Care and Hospice, these are easy to make, delightful to look at and smell so lovely. Orange pomanders can be used at any time of year. All materials will be supplied. Pre-registration required, limited to six people. Social distancing and masks required.
Coffee and Conversation with Dennis House via Zoom: Thursday, May 6 at 10 a.m. Dennis House, formerly of WFSB, now with WTNH, will join us for a morning of interesting conversation detailing his life as a reporter in Connecticut.
Throughout his career, House covered many national news stories such as the 911 attacks on the World Trade Center, the O.J. Simpson trial and many political debates. He recently started a new position with WTNH as its chief political analyst. There will be time for questions. Pre-registration required.
Patriotic Tribute Concert via Zoom: Friday, May 21 at 1 p.m. Presented by Pierce Campbell and sponsored by United Healthcare Medicare and Retirement. As a tribute to our veterans, we will be holding a Patriotic Concert via Zoom. Campbell, a former Connecticut State Troubadour, will be performing patriotic songs as well as many popular favorites. He is known for his warm, powerful voice and gift of storytelling. You will not want to miss this event. Register by May 14.
Pick-Up a Picnic Drive-Thru Event: Wednesday, May 26, 12 to 1 p.m., at Granby Senior Center. Sponsored by Arden Courts of Avon and Farmington. This Grab-and-Go picnic includes a hamburger, pasta salad, watermelon slice, bag of chips and dessert. Come by and say hello. For current members only. Not a member? Sign up today—call 860-844-5352. Register by May 14.
Lifetime Learning Academy
American History… Revisited: Tuesdays, May 4–June 29, at Granby Senior Center. Instructor, Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history teacher. 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. Limited to six attendees. You must pre-register. Social distancing and masks required.
Intermediate Violin Lessons: Instructor, Kasey Calebaugh, at Granby Senior Center. Violin lessons will continue with a summer session. Class dates: May 7, 28, June 25, July 2, 9, 23 and 30. Minimum of five participants needed to hold the class. You must pre-register. Social distancing and masks required. Cost $105.
Smart Cooking from the Pantry via Zoom: Wednesday, May 12 at 1 p.m. Presented by Chef Nancy, Arden Courts of Avon. We’ve all been there; standing in front of the pantry wondering what to cook, tired of the same meals week after week. Join this interactive program where Chef Nancy from the Arden Courts Memory Care Communities in Avon and Farmington will use her years of experience to share practical, time-saving, and nutritious meal ideas. Register by May 5.
Women’s Breakfast: The Art of Flower Gardening via Zoom. Tuesday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Barry Avery, master gardener, will discuss how to master flower gardening. He will talk about and answer questions related to spring care for flowers, perennials, annuals and shrubs. To register, send email to gwomensbkfst@gmail.com
Men’s Breakfast via Zoom: Friday, May 14 at 9 a.m. Dr. Joseph Baxer, president of the Connecticut Chapter of the United Nations Association, will present The United Nations: 75th Anniversary and its Relevance in 2021. To register, send email to gmensbkfst@gmail.com
Hiking Club: Tuesday, May 4 at 10 a.m. Holcomb Farm Tree Trail with guide Jack Lareau. This is a gentle hike through relatively easy terrain. Please make sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring lots of water. Meet near the main entrance to Holcomb Farm at 113 Simsbury Road in West Granby. Registration required.
Hiking Club: Tuesday, May 11 at 10 a.m. Case Mountain Carriage Trail, Manchester. Guide Judy Cooper will lead this 3.5-mile hike that has some ups and downs, rocks, roots and possibly mud. This is a trail, not an open path. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of water. Registration required.
Health and Wellness
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic with the Farmington Valley VNA: Thursday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Granby Senior Center. By appointment only, call 860-844-5350 to register. Masks and social distancing required.
Ongoing Programs
Knitting Group:Every Monday at 11 a.m., at Granby Senior Center. Open group for anyone who likes to knit. Limited to six attendees. You must pre-register. Social distancing and masks required.
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 at the Granby Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call 860-844-5352 for an appointment for a free consultation. Social distancing and masks required.
CHOICES Counseling: CHOICES provides information and assistance about Medicare and its drug coverage plans. Call 1-800-994-9422 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. 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 860-844-5350 at least one week in advance when requesting rides for appointments. Annual van fee is $10.
Exercise Classes
No drop-ins for any exercise class—pre-registration required.
Must have a minimum of eight participants per class.
In-person classes limited to eight participants. Attendees required to social distance and wear a mask when not exercising.
Yoga Flow via Zoom: Mondays, May 3–May 24, at 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 4-class session: $20 residents; $24 non-residents.
Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, May 4–June 29, at 2:30 p.m., at Granby Senior Center. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Enhanced breathing, seated and standing classic yoga poses, plus balance training and core strengthening. Guided meditation finishes the class in a calm and relaxing manner. Participants will be required to social distance and wear a mask when not exercising. Cost for 9-class sessions: $54 residents; $63 non-residents. Limit of eight people in the class.
Yoga: Tuesdays, May 4–June 29, at 4:15 p.m., at Granby Senior Center. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Participants will be required to social distance and wear a mask when not exercising. Cost for 9-class session $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Chi Gong via Zoom: Wednesdays, May 12–June 30, at 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 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 8-class session: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Cardio and Strength via Zoom: Fridays, May 7–May 28 at 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. This is a quick-paced class with cardio and a concentration on strength building. Cost for 4-class session: $20 residents; $24 non-residents.