Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.
The Granby Senior Center is open for many classes and programs. Masks are required at the time of publication. Status will be updated according to Health District guidance.
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 or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352 to register.
Special Events
Coffee with the New Town Manager: Monday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. Erica Robertson, Granby’s new Town Manager, will join us for an informal get together. Ask questions, share concerns and hear Robertson’s vision for the town moving forward. Register by Nov. 8. No charge.
Thanksgiving Luncheon: Thursday, Nov. 18, 12 p.m. Sponsored by SafePals Home Care. Our most popular event is back—a traditional Thanksgiving lunch with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pumpkin pie. Seating is limited. Register by Nov. 12. Cost $8.
Lifetime Learning Academy
History and Culture
American History Revisited: Tuesdays, Nov. 2–Dec. 28, 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. Free.
Abraham Lincoln—Commander of the Civil War: Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m. Lincoln stated, “Plainly the central idea of secession is the essence of anarchy.” Jerry Perkins’ presentation is centered on how Lincoln, the president and commander-in-chief, managed and shaped the direction of the north in the Civil War. What key decisions and actions did Lincoln make that led the north to become victorious over the south? Free.
Sermon on the Mount: Wednesdays, Nov. 10–Jan. 5, 10 a.m. This seven-week class with instructors Skip and Beth Mission will review the picture of the Kingdom, as taught by the King. It covers Matthew Chapters 5-7 including the beatitudes, prayer, turning the other cheek, loving your enemies and more. No class Nov. 24 or Dec. 22. Free.
Music and Arts
Music Jam: Wednesdays, Nov. 10 and 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an informal gathering for those who love music and play a non-wind instrument. Free.
Origami: Wednesdays, Nov. 10 and 17, Dec. 1 Each week Gail Altschwager will be teaching a different type of origami. Nov. 10 is flowers; Nov. 17 is gift boxes, and Dec. 1 is Christmas ornaments. You do not have to attend all three classes to register. All supplies will be provided. Free.
Stamping: Thursday, Nov. 18. Instructor, Sharon Holness. Enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Registration required. Cost $5.
Personal Development
Medicare 101 and 2022 Updates: Tuesday, Nov. 2 , 1 p.m. Presented by Chris O’Neil, AIM Insurance. Would you like to understand Medicare better? What are the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, HMO, POS, PPO, and PDP? What is new in 2022 for Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D? What are your choices and when can you make changes? What are the 2022 updates? For accommodation of persons with special needs for this meeting call Lori at 860-844-5352. This is an educational event. Call to register. Free.
How to Avoid Probate with a Trust: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. Presented by Czepiga, Daly, Pope and Perri. You can avoid the probate process by using a living trust, but should you, and why would you want to? Attorney Ruth Fortune will explain what the probate process is and why you might want to avoid it. She’ll explain other probate avoidance techniques and give you the pros and cons of each. By attending this program, you will walk away knowing what is the best plan for you. Register by Nov. 10. Free.
Health and Wellness
Hearing Screenings: Friday, Nov. 5 by appointment. Have your hearing checked by a professional audiologist from Hearing Care Centers. They will also clean and assess your hearing aids. Call to register. Free.
Memory Screenings: Presented by Hartford Healthcare Center for Aging. Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1 to 3 p.m., by appointment only. Memory screenings are simple, they average ten minutes, and consist of questions and tasks to assess memory. They do not diagnose illness, but can indicate whether someone should follow up with a full medical exam. Free.
Covid Q and A Session: Monday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. Nancy Sheetz, Executive Director of the Farmington Valley VNA, will be here to answer your questions regarding COVID, vaccines, treatments, etc. Register by Nov. 15.
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 to share friendships, ideas, and tips on being a parent again. Free.
Foot Care Clinic: Monday, Nov. 15, by appointment. A specially trained nurse with Pedi-Care will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. 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. at the Senior Center Community Room. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. By appointment only. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Free.
Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, Nov. 2, 16 and 30, by appointment. 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 us at 860-844-5352.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m. at Granby Senior Center. Holcomb Farm’s Past and Present will be presented by Joseph O’Grady, Farm Manager. To register call 860-844-5352. Cost $4
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Nov. 12, 8:30 via Zoom. Don Rethke will talk about the Granby Grunts Robotics Team. To register, send an email to gmensbkfst@gmail.com Men of any age interested in joining the group should contact Howard Berg, membership chair at 860-218-5260 or email howardberg@gmail.com to be on distribution to receive Zoom link.
Knitting Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Set Back: Tuesdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Jewelry Making/Beading: Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Cribbage: Fridays, 1–3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Outdoor Activities
Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve: Tuesday, Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a morning exploring this beautiful Granby preserve offering beautiful fields and deep forests. Guide Judy Cooper will lead an approximately 3-mile walk on farm roads and woodland trails. Location: 70 Silver Street, Granby (drive past #70 and then look for the parking lot). Call 860-844-5352 to register.
Exercise Classes via Zoom
Yoga Flow: Mondays, 9:45–10:30 a.m., Nov. 1–Dec. 27. Nine classes in the session. 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: $45 residents; $54 non-residents.
Chi Gong: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m., Nov. 3-Dec. 29. Nine 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: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Cardio and Strength: Fridays, 9:45–10:30 a.m., Nov. 5–Dec. 17. Six classes in the session; no Nov. 26. Instructor, Mary Fuller. This is a quick-paced class with cardio and a concentration on strength building. Cost: $30 residents; $36 non-residents.
New in-person Exercise Class
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, 9 a.m., Dec. 9–Dec. 30. Four 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 warmups that are suitable for all abilities. Although this class will focus on standing exercises, it is possible to do this class seated. Cost: $24 residents; $28 non-residents.
Classes at the Granby Senior Center
Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays, 11:15 a.m., Nov. 1–Dec. 20. Eight 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 $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m., Nov. 2–Dec. 21. 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: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Yoga: Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Nov. 2–Dec. 21. Eight classes in the session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength-building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Line Dancing: Fridays, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Nov. 5–Dec. 17, no Nov. 26. Six classes in the session. This class is appropriate for beginner to advanced dancers. A minimum of 12 students needed to hold the class. Cost: $36 residents; $42 non-residents
Dreaming of Taking a Vacation 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 14-25, 2022. Twelve days including Scottsdale and Sedona Arizona, The Grand Canyon, Bryce 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 six dinners. Cost $4,699 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transportation to the airport from Granby.
Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights: Oct. 22-28, 2022. 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 five breakfasts and five dinners. Cost $2,999 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transportation to the airport from Granby.