Please visit 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.
The Granby Senior Center is open for most classes and programs. Regardless of vaccination status, masks are required to enter the building and in all common areas—hallways and restrooms. Once vaccinated members have reached their destination activity, masks may be removed.
We are required to record attendance for contact tracing purposes. All persons entering the building must be members and scan in with their new membership card. If you haven’t received a new card you will be given one upon your return to the center.
If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for 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.
Membership Renewals due Sept. 1
Participation in programs, activities and trips at the Granby Senior Center require an annual membership. All memberships and van passes are renewed in September. Membership fees for Granby residents are $5 and $10 for out-of-town-guests. Van passes are $10. This minimal fee helps defray costs, allowing us to offer free and low cost events throughout the year. Pay online at schedulesplus.com/granby or stop by the office.
Special Events
Senior Day: Wednesday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join us for this fun and free event celebrating National Senior Center Month. Door prizes, food, blood pressure/sugar checks, memory screenings, resources and information and the first 75 people that pre-register will receive a free bagged lunch generously provided by Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks. Please pre-register by Sept. 15.
Come out and have some fun. Visit with our sponsors: Aetna, Alzheimer’s Association, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthology Senior Living, Arden Courts of Avon, CaptionCall, Celebrity Nurse Homecare, ConnectiCare, Edward Jones-Jim Hammel, Farmington Valley VNA, Hartford Health Care Center for Aging, Hayes-Huling and Carmon Funeral Home, Home Helpers, McLean Home Care and Hospice, MeadowBrook of Granby, Primary Eye Care Center, Seabury, Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks, The Residence at Brookside/Suffield by the River.
Aging Mastery Program: Mondays, Sept. 13-Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. No Oct. 11; graduation Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. This national, evidence based program is designed to help 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 10-week program includes lectures, expert speakers, sharing and creating the kind of life you want as you age. Supported by the CT Healthy Living Collective. Register by Sept. 7. Free.
Out of the Ashes–Finding Lessons from Loss: Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. Presenter Justine Ginsberg, Farmington Valley Health District. 2020 was a year that saw so many of us lose so much—loved ones, freedom, confidence, mobility and connection. Join us for a discussion on loss, talk about how to process it, learn from it and find the small blessings amongst the pain. Register by Sept. 8. Free.
Lifetime Learning Academy
History and Culture–Survey of the Old Testament: Wednesdays, Sept. 8-Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. No Sept. 22 or Oct. 6. Instructor, Skip Mission. This overview will familiarize you with the key biblical people, events and promises to Israel in the Old Testament. Psalms and Proverbs will also be covered. Pre-registration required. Free.
American History: Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. Instructor, 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. Pre-registration required. Free.
Teddy Roosevelt: Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Instructor, Jared Day. This lecture will focus on the exuberant life and career of the 26th President of the United States. Special attention will be given to his interest in environmentalism and conservation and his establishment of many of our National Parks. Register by Sept. 7. Cost $5.
Women of the Wild West: Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. Instructor, Joe Ouellette. From 1865 to 1900 a number of courageous women made their mark in the history books. From Calamity Jane to Annie Oakley and from Big Nose Kate to Belle Starr, they were unique and a few “took no prisoners.” Register by Sept. 21. Cost $5.
Technology–Let’s Get Technical: Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. Gail Altschwager will be instructing on several topics including operating systems, search engines, picture taking and storage, apps, and maintaining, backing up and restoring your computer. A schedule by topic is available upon request. Register by Sept. 22. Free.
Music and Arts–Music Jam: Wednesdays, Sept. 1, 15, 29, Oct. 13 and 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join in the fun. This is an informal gathering for those who love music and play an instrument. Pre-registration required. Free.
Karaoke/Sing-a-Long: Thursdays, Sept. 9 and 23 from 1-3 p.m. Emcee, Nick Faraco. Join us for this fun, informal event where you can sing karaoke if you dare, or just sing-a-long in the audience. Either way, it will be a blast! Pre-registration required. Free.
Fun with Fluid Art: Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Instructor, Katherine Tolve. Fluid art is a form of abstract art that uses acrylic paints with a runny consistency. Learn the basics of paint pouring including tips and tricks. Two 8”x10” canvases per person will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring additional canvases if they want. Register by Sept. 8. Cost $15.
Stamping: Thursday, Sept. 16 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Instructor, Sharon Holness. Enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Register by Sept. 9. Cost $5.
Wellness
A Matter of Balance: Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 26 from 9:30-11 a.m. Facilitated by the Farmington Valley Health District. Many older adults experience a fear of falling. This is an evidence-based program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Pre-registration required. Free.
Music Lessons
Suzuki Guitar Lessons: Thursdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. Instructor David Madsen, of the Hartt School, will offer a group class in finger-style guitar using the Suzuki Method. The class will focus on ease of playing and ensemble playing. All levels welcome. Ten participants needed in order to hold the class. Cost $90.
Intermediate Suzuki Violin Lessons: Fridays, Sept. 3-Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. Instructor, Selah Kwak. Violin lessons (15-week session) will continue for those who are at an intermediate level with the Suzuki Method. Minimum of 5 people needed to hold the class. Cost $195.
Support and Health
Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call 860-844-5352 to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join others like yourself to share friendships, ideas, and tips on being a parent again. Free.
Flu Clinic: Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2-5 p.m. Farmington Valley Health District. This flu clinic will offer seasonal flu vaccines. You must call 860-651-3539 to make an appointment.
Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Monday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Sept. 24. A specially trained nurse will perform an assessment of the feet and lower extremities, trimming, filing and cleaning of nails. By appointment. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Cost is $35 (not covered by insurance).
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, held in the Senior Center Community Room. Free. By appointment only. Call 860-844-5352 to register.
Chair Massage with Bev Harris: By appointment, Tuesdays, Sept. 7 and 21. 15-minute massage is $10. Call 860-844-5352 to register.
Ongoing Programs
You must be a Senior Center member to participate, and pre-registration is required. Sign up online at schedulesplus.com/granby or call 860-844-5352.
Knitting Group: Mondays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Set Back: Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Music Jam: Every other Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cribbage: Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Outdoor Activities
Kayaking–Rainbow Reservoir: Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Guide, Judy Cooper. Enjoy a fall paddle at Rainbow Reservoir in Windsor. Paddle length will be determined by water conditions, wind and weather. Take Rainbow Road to Merriman Road, then look for the left turn down to the parking lot. Pre-registration required.
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 860-844-5350 to schedule a ride or to get more information.
Shopping and Dine and Drive
Registration opens Sept. 1 for Granby members at 9 a.m. Registration for Out-Of-Town members opens Sept. 2, at 9 a.m. You must call 860-844-5352 to register. A current membership and van pass is required. We can only accept registration for the person calling. Voice messages and emails will not be accepted for trip reservations. Masks are required on the van.
Shopping
Olde Mystic Village: Friday, Sept. 10. Transportation fee $10.
Dine and Drive
Breakwater, Stonington Borough: Friday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Transportation fee $10.
Day Tripping
Registration opens Sept. 1 for Granby members at 9 a.m. Registration for Out-Of-Town members opens Sept. 2, at 9 a.m. You must call 860-844-5352 to register. A current membership and van pass is required. We can only accept registration for the person calling. Voice messages and emails will not be accepted for trip reservations. All meals and ice cream are your expense, not included in the trip cost. Masks are required on the van.
Road Trip–Historic Essex Village: Monday, Sept. 13, departing 9 a.m., returning 4 p.m. Main Street Essex is the quintessential New England village; full of charm with great shops and dining. Transportation fee $10.
The Big E: Wednesday, Sept. 29, departing 9 a.m., returning 3 p.m. The Big E returns with fun food, crafts, shows and more. Buy your tickets online or at the gate. Transportation fee $5.
Dreaming of vacationing again?
With an abundance of optimism, the Granby Senior Center is partnering with Collette Travel to offer some exciting travel destinations in 2022.
National Parks of America: May 14-May 25, 2022. There will be a special information session at the Granby Senior Center on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. Come to learn more about these 12 days including Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona, The Grand Canyon, Brice Canyon in Utah, Zion National Park, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, and Rapid City, South Dakota. Includes 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Cost $4,699 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transportation to the airport from Granby.
Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights: Oct. 22-Oct. 28, 2022. In seven days see all the magical wonders of Iceland: the Northern Lights, massive glaciers, Geysir thermal areas, double cascading waterfalls, the crest of the Mid-Atlantic ridge, natural rock formations, volcanic sand beaches, floating icebergs, glaciers, lava fields, geothermal pools and so much more. Includes 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Cost $2,999 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transportation to the airport from Granby.
Exercise Classes
No drop-ins for any exercise class; minimum of eight participants per class for all classes except Line Dancing. Remember to bring a water bottle.
via Zoom
Yoga Flow: Mondays, Sept. 13-Oct. 4, 9:45-10:30 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Emphasis in the four classes 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: $20 residents; $24 non-residents.
Chi Gong: Wednesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 27, 9 a.m. No Sept. 22. Eight classes in the session. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. 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. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Cardio and Strength: Fridays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29, 9:45-10:30 a.m. No Oct. 22. Seven classes in the session. Instructor, Mary Fuller. This is a quick-paced class with cardio and a concentration on strength building. Cost: $35 residents; $42 non-residents.
NEW In-person Exercise Class
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 18, at 9 a.m., at the Senior Center. No Nov. 11. Six classes in the session. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. In this new, beginner course we will learn some of the fundamentals of Tai Chi and eight of the many forms. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warm-ups that are suitable for abilities. Although this class will focus on standing exercises it is possible to do this class seated. Cost: $36 residents; $42 non-residents.
Exercise Classes at Senior Center
Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays, Sept. 13-Oct. 25 at 11:15 a.m. No Oct. 11. Six classes in the session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Cost $36 residents; $42 non-residents.
Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 26, at 2:30 p.m. No Oct. 12. Seven classes in the session.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. Cost: $42 residents; $49 non-residents.
Yoga: Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 26, 4 p.m. No Oct. 12. Seven classes in the session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Cost: $42 residents; $49 non-residents.
Line Dancing: Fridays, Sept. 3-Oct. 29, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Nine classes in the session. Instructor, Jim Gregory. This class is a great workout while having a lot of fun. Appropriate for beginner to advanced dancers. A minimum of twelve students needed to hold the class. Cost: $54 residents; $63 non-residents. You must pre-register for ALL classes. Register and pay for classes on-line at schedulesplus.com/granby