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 of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352 to register.
Special Events
Holiday Dinner: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. Sponsored by Arden Courts of Avon, with entertainment provided by Airborne Jazz. This holiday favorite starts off with hors d’oeuvres followed by a baked ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, vegetables and dessert. Seating is limited. Register by Dec. 8. Cost $10.
Holiday Sing-a-Long with Lori: Thursday, Dec. 16, 1–2 p.m. We will be singing many familiar favorites as well as some new Christmas songs. Register by Dec. 9. Free.
Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance: Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 7 through June 29. Instructor: Marcey Hickey. The program 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 by trained instructors in a supportive environment. No prior experience with Tai Chi is needed. This program is provided for free by a grant from the State Unit on Aging.
Lifetime Learning Academy
Smithsonian Series—Aerial America: Tuesdays, Jan. 11 through March 29 at 1 p.m. Take off on a thrilling flight across America. This epic series offers rare glimpses of our nation’s most treasured landmarks, all seen from breathtaking heights. From busy city scapes to quiet landscapes, we capture the history and the pageantry of our amazing country, which is as diverse as the people who occupy it. Sign up for one or for all. Pre-registration required.
January Schedule: Jan. 11, Connecticut; Jan. 18, Made in the USA (see the crowning achievements and the people behind them); Jan. 25, Washington DC.
Winter Wonders: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m. Presenter, Margery Winters. Learn the many ways winter transforms gardens and landscape, why snowflakes have six sides, and how strangely beautiful and startling winter can be in this fun visual presentation. Register by Jan. 19. Cost $5.
Music and Arts
Music Jam: Dec. 8 and 22, Jan. 5 and 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join in the fun, this is an informal gathering for those who love music and play a non-wind instrument. Free.
Intermediate Suzuki Violin Lessons: Friday, Jan. 7–April 29, 9 a.m. No April 15. Instructor, Selah Kwak. Violin lessons (16-week session) will continue for those who are at an intermediate level with the Suzuki Method. Minimum of five people needed to hold the class. Registration required. Cost $210.
Stamping: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Dec. 16 and Jan. 20. Instructor, Sharon Holness. Enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Registration required. Cost $5.
Crafting with Tully: Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. We will be making conversation heart magnets just in time for Valentine’s Day next month. These creative magnets let you share your sentiments in a fun way. Register by Jan. 5. Free.
Health and Wellness
I Can’t Hear My Phone Calls: Thursday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. Presented by CaptionCall. Do you have trouble hearing on the phone? Do you keep asking people to repeat themselves? Come learn what captioning services are all about, how it works and how you may be eligible for a no-cost phone. Register by Nov. 23. Free.
Lunch and Learn: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Presented by Hearing Care Centers. Jack Felix will answer questions about hearing health including: What’s new in hearing aid technology? When do I need hearing aids? What about the costs of hearing aids? Why do hearing aids sometimes end up in the drawer? Come learn everything you need to know. A light lunch will be served. Register by Dec. 1. Free.
Medicare Fraud Patrol: Wednesday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. Presented by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, the presentation will cover types of fraud and the steps that seniors can take to protect themselves. Register by Jan. 12. Free.
Support and Health
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.
Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Friday, Jan. 28. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. By appointment. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Cost $35 (not covered by insurance).
Chair Massage with Bev Harris: By appointment, Tuesdays, Dec. 7, 21 and Jan. 4, 18; 15-minute massage is $10. Call 860-844-5352 to register.
Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Call 860-844-5352 to set appointment for a free consultation.
Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by appointment only. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. Call 860-844-5352 to register.
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.
Ongoing Programs
You must be a Senior Center member to participate, and pre-registration is required. .
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.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Jan. 14, 8:30 a.m. Status of the Town of Granby, with Erica Robertson, Town Manager. Cost $2.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Jan. 5, breakfast at 8:30 a.m., program at 9 a.m. Program is On the Road Again with Charmaine Glew. Cost $4.
Windsor Center River Trail Hike: Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. This hike, guided by Judy Cooper, will lead you on a 1.25-mile flat loop along the Farmington River. Parking and trail head just north of 10 Palisado Avenue in Windsor.
Exercise Classes via Zoom
Chi Gong: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m., Jan. 5–Feb. 23, eight classes in 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.
Exercise Classes at Senior Center
Low Impact Cardio I: Mondays at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 3–Feb. 28, no Jan. 17 or Feb. 21, seven classes in session. Instructor, Marcey Hickey. Includes warm-up, cardio, strength training and stretching as well as interval training for an overall great body workout to great music. Cost: $42 residents; $49 non-residents.
Low Impact Cardio II: Fridays at 10:45 a.m., Jan. 7–Feb. 25, eight classes in session. Same class as Mondays, but adding another day gives your heart that much more of a great workout. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m., Jan. 3–Feb. 28, no Jan. 17 or Feb. 21, seven classes in 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 $42 residents; $49 non-residents.
Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m., Jan. 4–Feb. 22, eight classes in 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: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Yoga: Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Jan. 4–Feb. 22, eight classes in session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong December Session: Thursdays at 9 a.m., Dec. 9–30, four classes in 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.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays at 9 a.m., Jan. 6–Feb. 24, no Jan. 13 or 20, six classes in session. Same class as offered in December, but with two extra days in session. Cost: $36 residents; $42 non-residents.
Line Dancing: Fridays, 1:30–3 p.m., Jan. 7–Feb. 25, eight classes in 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 12 students needed to hold the class. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.