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.
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.
Special Events
Cornhole: Mondays and Thursdays, starting May 2, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Join in the fun as we learn to play or perfect our cornhole skills. Games will be held indoors at the Senior Center. There will be four players (two teams) to each one-hour time slot. Reservations are required.
Magic and Mind Reading Show: Thursday, May 19 at 1:30 p.m. Jim Sisti, Mystery Performer, will amaze the audience with his unique brand of comedy, magic and mentalism. He has performed for numerous Fortune 500 companies and celebrities. We are excited to have him perform at our Senior Center. Cost $5.
Cupcake Decorating Class: Monday, May 23, 1 p.m. Learn how to beautifully decorate cupcakes with an instructor from Mimis Cake Decorating School. You will get one dozen cupcakes to decorate and take home. This is a two-hour class and is limited to 12 students. Register by May 16. Cost $5 includes all supplies.
Veterans Luncheon: Wednesday, May 25, 12 p.m. Sponsored by Home Helpers of the Farmington Valley. We will honor veterans with a special luncheon. Menu includes ham, macaroni and cheese, vegetable and dessert. Entertainment provided by Bill Benson. Register by May 18. Granby Senior Center members who are veterans are free. Cost $8 for members who are not veterans.
Lifetime Learning Academy
American History: Tuesdays, May 3–June 28 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. Free but you must pre-register.
Fishers in Connecticut: Wednesday, May 11 at 10 a.m. Ginny Apple, Master Wildlife Technician, will discuss the history of the fisher, or fisher cat, in Connecticut. will provide an overview of the fisher’s habitat, diet, behavior and reproduction. Practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with the fisher population will be discussed and fisher artifacts will be presented. Register by May 9. Free.
Connecticut Bees: What are Biodiversity Checklists Anyway and Why Should We Care? Wednesday, May 18 at 1 p.m. Tracy Zarrillo from the CT Agricultural Experiment Station will discuss the biodiversity of bee species that live in Connecticut, which surprisingly is home to over 378 species of wild bees. There are more types of bees than just honey bees and bumble bees, and a lot of these beautiful creatures go unnoticed in your surroundings. Learn about the current research being conducted to catalog these pollinators, and what efforts are underway to help conserve them. Register by May 11. Free.
Presentation and Book Signing: Tuesday, May 24 at 10 a.m. Author C. D. Peterson will talk about his book, Home Front: A Memoir from WWII, and accompany his presentation with photos and music from the era, telling the true story of the turbulence confronting his American farm family during and post-World War II. Register by May 14. Free.
Music and Crafts
Music Jam: Wednesdays, May 11 and 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an informal gathering for those who love music and play an instrument. Free but pre-registration is required.
Stamping: Thursday, May 19 at 9:30 a.m. With instructor, Sharon Holness, enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Registration required. Cost $5.
Intro to Needle Felting: Thursday, May 26 at 1 p.m. Mixed media artist Katherine Tolve will cover the basics of needle felting at this introductory workshop. Start by making a shape with a cookie cutter. Then have fun working the wool to make a beautiful 3D creation. All supplies included. Register by May 19. Limited to 12 participants. Cost $5.
Support and Health
Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call for appointment for a free consultation.
Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, May 3, 17 and 31, by appointment. 15-minute massage is $10. Call for appointment.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at Noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Share friendships, ideas and tips on being a parent again. Free.
Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Monday, May 16, and Friday, May 27, by appointment. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. Cost $35, not covered by insurance. Call for appointment.
Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Thursday 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., by appointment. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. Call for appointment.
Hearing Screenings: Friday, May 6, by appointment. Have your hearing checked by a professional audiologist from Hearing Care Centers, who will also clean and assess your hearing aids. 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.
Crafting Group: Mondays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Set Back: Tuesdays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Cribbage: Fridays 1 to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, May 4 at 8:30 a.m. David Emery, Granby Land Trust, presents The Wonder of Dismal Brook. Cost $4.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, May 13 at 8:30 a.m. John Spatcher discusses Lions Club Service Projects. Cost $2.
Exercise Classes
Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays, May 2–June 27 at 11:15 a.m. No May 30. Instructor, Paula Pirog. This eight-class session will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Cost $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Low Impact Cardio I: Mondays, May 2–June 27 at 4:15 p.m. No May 30. Instructor, Marcey Hickey. The eight-class session includes warm-up, cardio, strength training and stretching as well as interval training for an overall great body workout to great music. Cost $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Low Impact Cardio II: Fridays, May 6–June 24 at 10:45 a.m. Instructor, Marcey Hickey. The eight-class session of this low impact cardio class includes warm-up, cardio, strength training and stretching as well as interval training for an overall great body workout to great music Same class as Monday, but adding another day gives your heart that much more of a great workout. Cost $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, May 3–June 28 at 2:30 p.m. Instructor, Paula Pirog. The nine-class session includes 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 $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Yoga: Tuesdays, May 3–June 28 at 4 p.m. Instructor, Paula Pirog. The nine-class session covers 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, May 5–June 30 at 9 a.m. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. In the nine-class session of this new, beginner course you 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 $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Line Dancing: Fridays, May 6–June 24, 1:30 to 3 p.m. No June 10. Instructor, Jim Gregory. This seven-class session 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 $42 residents; $49 non-residents.
Chi Gong via Zoom: Wednesdays, May 4–June 29, 9–9:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. In this nine-class session, find that 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.
Spring Hike at Northwest Park: Tuesday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m. Meet at 145 Lang Road, Windsor. Register in advance.
Senior Van Service and Excursions
The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over. Annual donation is $10. Vehicles are accessible and lift equipped. Rides are provided for medical and personal care appointments, grocery shopping and in-town errands. Please call 860-844-5350 one week in advance for scheduling.
Hill-Stead Museum and May Market in Farmington: Friday, May 6 at 9:15 a.m. The Hill-Stead Museum is a Colonial Revival house and art museum, best known for its French Impressionist pieces, architecture and stately grounds. The May Market includes over 30 vendors selling wonderful products, arts and crafts and more. Lunch on your own at Butchers and Bakers. Cost includes entrance fee to the museum and market. Cost $15.
Shopping at Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods Casino: Monday, May 9 at 9:15 a.m. Enjoy the many shops. Cost $10.
Connecticut College Arboretum Tour: Wednesday, May 13 at 9:15 a.m. We will be taking a guided tour of the Connecticut College Arboretum in New London. The Arboretum consists of over 750 acres of Plant Collections including the Native Plant Collection, the Caroline Black Garden, Campus Landscape and Greenhouse and Natural Areas including Mamacoke Island and Bolleswood. Lunch will be on your own at Fred’s Shanty offering hotdogs, hamburgers, seafood and ice cream. Cost $15.
Dine and Drive: Tomato Joe’s in Rocky Hill: Monday, May 16 at 11 a.m. Get out and have lunch with friends. Cost $5 for the ride, lunch is your expense.