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 Senior Center 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.
Special Events
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon: Wednesday, March 16, 12 p.m. Join us for this traditional meal of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Entertainment will be provided by Pierce Campbell. Register by March 8. Cost $8
Lifetime Learning Academy
Veterans Benefits: What are you Eligible For? Wednesday, March 2, 1 p.m. Presented by the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration. Representatives from the VHA and VBA will share an overview about veterans’ healthcare including eligibility, compensation, pension and survivor benefits. Free although registration required.
The Smithsonian Series’ Aerial America: Mondays, March 7–April 11 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. 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 cityscapes 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. Free although pre-registration required. March schedule is: March 7, Natural Wonders; March 14, Alaska: Call of the Wild; March 21, Hawaii; March 28, Amazing Destinations.
Rosy the Riveter: Wednesday, March 9, 1 p.m. She’s a cultural icon of World War II, representing the women who worked in factories and other businesses replacing the male workers who were serving in the military. Rosie the Riveter is used as a symbol of feminism and women’s economic power. Through Joe Ouellette’s presentation you will meet Mary Doyle Keefe and Geraldine Doyle, the original models. Register by March 8. Cost $5.
Connecticut’s Story: Wednesday, March 23, 1 p.m. Geologically, Connecticut was once the center of the world, with mountains higher than the Himalayas and was once located just off the coast of Africa. Presenter Margery Winters will unravel the stories of Connecticut’s exciting geological past that are told by the rocks around us. Register by March 16. Cost $5.
Medicare Made Easy: Thursday, March 24, 10 a.m. Sponsored by United Health Care. New to Medicare or turning 65? Or do you simply have some Medicare questions you want addressed? Join us for an educational Medicare Made Clear event. A licensed sales representative will answer all questions that you have regarding Medicare. Light refreshments will be provided. Free. Register by March 17.
Coffee with First Selectman Mark Fiorentino: Wednesday, March 30, 10 a.m. Meet Granby’s new First Selectman. Fiorentino will share his take on the state of Granby and answer your questions. Free. Register by March 23.
Music and Arts
Music Jam: Wednesdays, March 2, 16, 30, April 13 and 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join in the fun. This is an informal gathering for those who love music and play an instrument. Free. Pre-registration required.
Stamping: Thursdays, March 17 and April 21, 9:30 a.m. With instructor Sharon Holness, enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Registration required. Cost $5.
Health & Wellness
Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of each month, by appointment. 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.
Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, March 1, 15, 29, April 5 and 19, by appointment. 15-minute massage is $10. Call 860-844-5352 to register.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at Noon. This is 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.
Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Mondays, March 21, April 18; Fridays, March 25, April 22. By appointment. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Cost is $35 (not covered by insurance).
Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Thursday 11 a.m. – 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.
Hearing Screenings with Hearing Care Centers: Fridays, March 4 and April 1, by appointment only. Have your hearing checked by a professional audiologist who will also clean and assess your hearing aids. Free. Call to register.
Memory Screenings: Tuesday, March 8, 1 – 3:30 p.m., by appointment only. Presented by Hartford Healthcare Center for Aging. Memory screenings are simple: they average 10 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. Call for appointment.
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. – 12 p.m.
Setback: 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.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, March 2, 8:30 a.m. A Day in the Life of an Animal Control Officer, presented by Jennifer Abalan. Cost $4.
Wednesday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. Native American Women: Their Past and Impact on our Lives Today, presented by George Ducharme, Ph.D. Cost $4
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, March 11, 8:30 a.m. Activities and Happenings at the Mark Twain House, presented by Mike Campbell, CFO of the Twain House. Cost $2.
Friday, April 8, 8:30 a.m. Life and Career of a Retired Marine Helicopter Pilot, presented by Mindy Gould. Cost $2.
Exercise via Zoom
Chi Gong: Wednesdays, 9 – 9:45 a.m. March 2-April 27, no March 16. 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.
Exercise at Center
Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. March 7-April 25. 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 at 2:30 p.m. March 1-April 26. Nine 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. Cost: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Yoga: Tuesdays at 4 p.m. March 1-April 26. Nine classes in the session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Cost: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays at 9 a.m. March 3–April 28; no March 17 or 24. Seven classes in the session. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. In this new beginner course, 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 abilities. Although this class will focus on standing exercises it is possible to do this class seated. Cost: $42 residents; $49 non-residents.
Line Dancing: Fridays, 1:30 – 3 p.m. March 4-April 29; no April 15. Eight 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 12 students needed to hold the class. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Spring Hikes
LaSalette Open Space Hike: 120 Mountain Road, Bloomfield. Tuesday, March 15, 10:30 a.m. 2.5+ miles on open trails and farm roads (wet and muddy at times).
Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve: 253 Loomis Street, North Granby. Tuesday, April 12, 10:30 a.m. Two to three miles on well-maintained trails. There are two healthy but short up-hills.
Trips
Registration for trips opens March 1 at 9 a.m.
Shopping at Christmas Tree Shop/Trader Joe’s/Manchester: Monday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m. Cost $5.
RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison: Monday, April 18 at 9:15 a.m. Calling all book lovers…we will be heading to one of the state’s most famous book sellers, RJ Julia. You will have time to browse the shelves of all the latest bestsellers, classics and more. Relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy the opportunity to enrapt yourself in a good book. Lunch on your own at Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale. Cost $10.
Crepe’s Tea House Southwick: Friday, April 22 at 11:15 a.m. Cost $5, Lunch on your own.
New Britain Museum of American Art: Friday, April 29, 9:15 a.m. The New Britain Museum of American Art offers over 8,300 works of art including colonial portraiture, the Hudson River School, American Impressionism and the Ash Can School as well as many others. There will be three special exhibits including The Poetry of Nature: Hudson River School Landscapes from the New-York Historical Society. Lunch on your own at Staropolska, featuring Polish cuisine. Cost $15.