Director of Recreation and Leisure Services: Kristine Vincent, CPRP
Recreation Supervisor: Daphne Shinder
Program Supervisor: Terri Ziemnicki
Telephone: 860-653-8947
Website: GranbyRec.com Open 24/7 for program registration.
Granby Youth Soccer
This is a recreational league where the primary objective of the Youth Soccer Program is for the players to develop skills, learn good sportsmanship and above all, have fun. The emphasis is on self-improvement — to provide each player the opportunity to reach his/her own maximum potential development for the enjoyment of soccer. The emphasis is NOT on winning: each child will contribute to the “We, the Team” concept through equal and fair play.
FUNdamentals (Grade K-1) Co-Ed Program: This is a two-year program where different skills are introduced and built upon each year, preparing the child for game play with referees in Division I. This year professional soccer coaches will oversee the 1-hour sessions beginning at 12:15 p.m. (Gr. K.) and 1:30 p.m. (Gr. 1). There are no weekly practices for the K and 1st Grade levels.
U8/Grade 2, Co-Ed: Grade 2 practices on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 2–Nov. 4 and are run by Soccer Shots. Parent volunteer coaches will run the Saturday morning games from 9–10 a.m.
U10, U12 and U14, Not Co-Ed: There will be some local travel for grades 3-8. We participate in the Farmington Valley Recreation Soccer League at U10-U14 levels. Children are to be registered in their appropriate age/grade division. We are not responsible for practice or game cancellations due to conditions beyond our control. First game is Saturday, Sept. 11.
Toddler and Preschool Programs
Soccer Shots Mini-Toddlers: 8:15-8:45 a.m., Sundays, Sept. 19-Oct. 31 at Salmon Brook Park. Soccer Shots Mini is designed for 2-year-olds. It is a high-energy weekly program introducing young children to fundamental soccer principles such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active. Each child will receive a Soccer Shots jersey. No equipment is necessary. All COVID guidelines will be followed.
Super Soccer Shots: 9, 10 or 11 a.m. classes, Sundays, Sept. 19-Oct. 31 at Salmon Brook Park. Soccer Shots Classic 45-minute program for ages 3-5 is designed as an introduction to soccer. Soccer Shots Classic utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. We also highlight a positive character trait each session such as respect, teamwork and appreciation. All COVID guidelines will be followed. Soccer balls are provided during this 6 week program.
Jump Bunch Little Jumpers: 9:45-10:15 a.m., Mondays, Sept. 20-Nov. 15 at Salmon Brook Park. JumpBunch Little classes for ages 18 months–3 years are 30 minutes of structured fun. Classes open and close with obstacle courses and creatively scripted songs using ribbon wands, stretch bands, scarves, rhythm sticks, bubbles and maracas. Classes feature a different sport or fitness activity each week. We strive to have little or no “sit and wait” time and children will have the chance to touch and experience each sport with their own piece of equipment each class. Sports may include lacrosse, paddle sports, field hockey, t-ball, basketball, soccer, football, track and field, golf, etc. Please have your child wear athletic clothes, sneakers, a mask and bring a water bottle. Caregiver must remain with their child.
Jump Bunch “Big Jumpers”: 10:30-11:15 a.m., Mondays, Sept. 20-Nov. 15 at Salmon Brook Park. Jump Bunch Big Jumpers classes for ages 3-5 are 45 minutes of structured fun. Classes open and close with obstacle courses and creatively scripted songs using ribbon wands, stretch bands, scarves, rhythm sticks, parachutes, bubbles and maracas. Classes feature a different sport or fitness activity each week. We strive to have little or no “sit and wait” time and children will have the chance to touch and experience each sport with their own piece of equipment each class. Sports may include lacrosse, paddle sports, field hockey, t-ball, basketball, soccer, football, track and field, golf, etc.
Youth Programs
Chess Wizards One Day Chess Camp: 12-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. For ages 6–12. Join us for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You’ll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle- your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a chess medal and puzzle folder. We include all of the materials necessary for your child to participate.
Farmington Valley Field Hockey League: 2:30-4 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 12-Oct. 24 at Granby High School Field. The Towns of Granby, Avon, Canton, Farmington, Simsbury, Harwinton and Wethersfield are part of the Farmington Valley Girls Field Hockey League. Teams will be formed in each town consisting of players in grades 5-6. Teams will practice one day each week in their respective towns and games will be played on Sunday afternoons in the various communities. Players will receive a reversible numbered jersey.
After School Programs
Field Hockey at Wells: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 21 at Salmon Brook Park Band Shell. Join the fun while learning the game of field hockey. For grades 3-5, no experience necessary. Develop fundamental skills with drills and scrimmages designed to teach stick handling, passing, receiving, dribbling and basic game play. The program will be coached by Mrs. Laflamme.
Spirit Club at Kelly and Wells: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 4. This program is being offered by All Star Certified Coaches from World Cup Connecticut. For grades K-5. The participants will have a great time learning cheerleading basics, such as beginner tumbling, stunts and jumps.
PE Games with Mr. Migneault at Wells: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Mondays, Sept. 27-Nov. 22. Students in grades 3-5 will be active and have fun participating in the PE activities such as The Game, Capture the Flag, Climbing Wall and Tchouk Ball, as well as Teamwork Challenges like Mission Impossible, The Maze and other games and activities!
Rock Wall Program at Kelly and Wells: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 28-Nov. 30. The essential skills, techniques, and important safety information will be taught. Students in grades K-5 will learn various ways to climb a rock wall while improving their muscular strength, endurance and balance. Through our daily activities students will have many challenges including timed activities and use of different paths. All of these challenges and skills will be presented in a fun and positive environment.
Hip Hop Majorette: Ages 8-12 from 4-5 p.m.; Ages 13-17 from 5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 15 at Salmon Brook Park. Hip Hop Dance Team is a team-style specific dance that specializes in hip-hop contemporary movement and does not require technical training. Our hip-hop classes use primarily urban music and stay with the latest dance trends. This is an energetic and fast-paced dance class. This class helps students develop rhythm, musicality, coordination and precision.
Irish Step Dance: Ages 8-12 from 4-5 p.m.; Ages 13-17 from 5:15-6:15 p.m., Mondays, Oct. 18-Dec. 6 at Salmon Brook Park. A style of performance dance with its roots in traditional Irish Dance. It is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and quick and precise movements of the feet. It can be performed solo or by groups.
Soccer Shots After School: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 22-Nov. 10 at Salmon Brook Park. Kids in grades K-5 will learn the fundamentals of soccer while focusing on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship. Children will be challenged through fun games and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Food Explorers at Holcomb Farm: 4:30-5:30 p.m. or 6-7 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Oct. 27. For grades K-5. Join us this fall as Food Explorers returns with a new after school/early evening program. Two programs are being run back-to-back—sign up for one or both.
Kids Make Dinner 4:30-5:30 p.m. Session: Food Explorers make your own dinner every week and learn all about food. You’ll be making: Taco Salad, Muffin Tin Pizzas, Ricotta Gnocchi, Greek Grain Bowls and Veggie Tacos. All recipes are nut free but may contain dairy and/or eggs. Children will make their own portions of food.
Kids Baking 6-7 p.m. Session: Food Explorers get your bake on every week. You’ll be making: Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips, Apple Pie Parfaits, Cheesecake Eggrolls, Baked Mozzarella Sticks and Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Parfaits. All recipes are nut free but may contain dairy and/or eggs. Children will make their own portions of food.
Adult Programs
Ballroom Dancing: 6-7 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 26-Oct. 31 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. We are very excited to offer this new adult program, for ages 18 and up. Come join the fun learning several types of dances. You can come to us for a variety of types of lessons. The couple is constantly moving on the dance floor, transitioning smoothly from one pattern to another. Great to spend time with others learning the dances, and getting some great exercise both physically and mentally. Dance types to include Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz and more.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED: 6-7:45 p.m., choose between Saturday, Sept. 18 from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23 from 2-4 p.m., or Tuesday, Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For ages 16 and up. This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
Gentle Restorative Yoga: 6-7 p.m., Wednesdays at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion.
Gentle Flow Yoga: 10-11 a.m., Saturdays in the fall, ongoing, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join Rachel Little for an easy-to-follow yoga practice that will leave you feeling great. We will combine deep breathing with basic yoga poses to build strength and flexibility, to energize the body and to improve posture and confidence. Modifications are offered as building blocks or to accommodate past injury. After warming the major muscle groups, deeper poses and stretches are offered, using support when appropriate. We will also build community as we reconnect to ourselves and others in a safely spaced, friendly and accepting environment.
Yoga For Strength: 8-9 a.m., Mondays and Fridays at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Develop strength and flexibility with this more challenging dynamic flow, integrating movement and breath with sun salutations, twists, back bends and core strengthening with an emphasis on proper alignment. Combine this with the cultivation of inner peace and the mindfulness of breath awareness. A complete practice for sure. Modifications always offered. Listening to your body always encouraged. This program is being taught by Laura Fetzer-Seger.
Yin Yoga Aromatherapy: 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9 and/or Friday, Oct. 8 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures (deep stretches held for 3-5 minutes) and aromatherapy (Wisdom of the Earth therapeutic grade essences). By combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. This practice will bring peace and healing on so many levels.
Taz Fitness Challenge: 8-8:55 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join long time certified and motivating fitness instructor, Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. All fitness levels welcome. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. Come be a part of this fun class and great workout.
Taz Low Impact Fitness: 9-9:55 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures (deep stretches held for 3-5 minutes) and aromatherapy (Wisdom of the Earth therapeutic grade essences). By combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. This practice will bring peace and healing on so many levels.
Dog Training Programs
Beginner Class: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Mondays, Sept. 13-Oct. 25 or Thursdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 19, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join well-known certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this great introductory 7-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Time will be spent learning to socialize your dogs to a variety of situations. Learn about normal canine behavior and how to problem solve to help your dog fit into our human world. Appropriate household behavior, handler attention, basic obedience and coming when called will be covered. Open to all dogs. There is no prerequisite for this class. Please contact Kim with any questions. 860-614-6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail.com
Intermediate Class: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, call for start dates, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. This 7-week course is open to puppies and dogs that know the basic obedience commands like sit, down, touch, come and walking nicely on leash. This class is geared to take your dog to the next level of training. You will take the behaviors your dog knows and work on them using a variety of distractions, increased distance and duration. We will slowly increase the criteria each dog is able to succeed at. We will also be working on getting your dogs to work for us without a treat on our bodies. There will also be some games incorporated into the class that use the basic skills your dog knows. *Prerequisite: Dogs and puppies must have a solid knowledge of the basic skills such as sit, down, walking nicely on a leash and recall.
Canine Good Citizens Certification Program: 4-5 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 12-Oct. 31 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. A certification program designed to reward dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. It is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs that pass the 10 step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. We will be working on the 10 skills that will be tested at the end of the 7-week class. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have solid obedience are a joy to be with and they respond well to household routines, and have good manners with people and other dogs. Prerequisite: Beginner Skills or comparable class at other training center.
Special Events
Fall Family Photo Session at The Holcomb Farm: Check out our portraits at beautiful Holcomb Farm. You choose the location either inside near the fireplace or on the grounds outside with a beautiful New England backdrop. Capture your family in a memorable way with professional, high-quality photos. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available (and we love pets too!) You will receive 3-4 digital photos that you can download and print. Once you register with us, Kristen Weldon Photography will contact you to set up a time that is mutually convenient for you between Sept. 15 and Dec. 15. This is a perfect way to knock that holiday card off your list early. Last year’s event filled up quickly so be sure to reserve your spot today.
Octoberfest Scrapbooking Weekend: Friday, Oct. 22 and/or Saturday, Oct. 23. Crop/Craft Event on Friday, 1 to 9 p.m. is $25 and on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. is $40. If you sign up for both days the cost is $60 (save $5) and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in our secure facility. Water and soda will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own food or other beverage. This event is being held at Holcomb Farm in the beautiful North Barn Pavilion. Contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@cox.net with any questions. She will also have demonstrations and crafting items for sale.
Pumpkin Run 5K at Salmon Brook Park: 9 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 17. Open to all ages. Join us for our 4th Annual 5K Pumpkin Run (rain date Oct. 24). Check in begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. This timed, two-loop course in beautiful Salmon Brook Park is mostly grass terrain around the soccer and baseball fields. Run your best 5K ever on a mostly flat course with this no pressure, low key event. Pumpkin medals for all participants. Run, walk, push a stroller or walk your dog, just have fun. Advanced registration $15. Day of registration $20.