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 Event
Strawberry Shortcake Social: Wednesday, June 15, 12–1:30 p.m. It’s strawberry time! Your lunch includes a sandwich, watermelon, chips and strawberry shortcake for dessert. You won’t want to miss the special entertainment provided by the all-girl band Sister Funk. Sponsored by Arden Courts of Avon and McLean Home Care and Hospice. Cost: $8
Lifetime Learning Academy
The Farmington Mastodon: Wednesday, June 1, 10–11:30 a.m. In August 1913, workmen digging a ditch on the Hill-Stead estate in Farmington uncovered the remains of a mastodon. It is the most complete mastodon ever found in Connecticut. This talk focuses on what these old and new discoveries tell us about Connecticut’s history and environment at the end of the Last Ice Age and examines the question of whether people and mastodons might have once shared the Connecticut landscape. Free.
Seasonal Foods: What’s for Dinner Tonight? Tuesday, June 7, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Sponsored by Arden Courts of Avon. Join Chef Nancy as she teaches us how to make the best use of seasonal vegetables for delicious meals. Free.
The Historical Realities of God: Thursday, June 9, 10–11:30 a.m. This presentation will survey various events and people of God in history and their significance including: The Great Awakening in New England, the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient historian quotations, George Mueller, archaeological findings, related Bible references and more. Presenter: Skip Mission. Free.
A and B’s of Your Care at Home: Tuesday, June 14, 1–2 p.m. Join your peers to learn about the complement of insurance covered and non-insurance covered services designed to keep you and your loved ones safe at home. Presenter: Tully Meyer from McLean Home Care and Hospice. Free.
USSR and Russia: Myths, Mysteries and Spying: Wednesday, June 22, 1–3 p.m. Presenter Henry Quinlan began his ventures in Russia in 1986 when he agreed to publish a book by the Soviet Diplomat Vitaly Churkin. This was the beginning of a 30-year involvement with the former Soviet Union and Russia. His presentation includes insider knowledge on living in Russia during the demise of the USSR, The Amber Room, The Czar’s Jewels, the impact of WWII, Vladimir Putin, spying for the FBI, and so much more. Register by June 15. Free.
Teddy Roosevelt: the person and his accomplishments: Wednesday, June 29, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Teddy Roosevelt once stated, “It’s not the critic that counts, but the person who is in the arena.” Roosevelt was a man of incredible energy and accomplishments. A young asthmatic who became a Rough Rider, cowboy, big game hunter, governor and president. As president, he became known as a “trust buster”, founded the FDA, built the Panama Canal, received the Nobel Peace Prize and was a leading conservationist. The presentation will discuss his personality and each of his accomplishments. Register by June 22. Presenter: Jerry Perkins. Free.
Music and Arts
Music Jam: Every other Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Join in the fun, this is an informal gathering for those who love music and to play an instrument. Free.
Make a summer wreath: Wednesday, June 8, 10–11 a.m. Make a beautiful summer wreath to decorate your door or home. Instructor: Tully Meyer from McLean Home Care and Hospice. Free.
Paint your own planter: Thursday, June 30, 1–3 p.m. Learn the tricks to designing and painting your very own medium-sized terracotta planter. This workshop is perfect for any artistic capability. You bring the inspiration and Instructor, Katherine Tolve, will help you complete your vision. Cost: $5.
Trips
Road Trip to Essex: Monday, June 6, 9:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m. We are heading to the town of Essex for some downtown shopping and dining. Browse Main Street, walk by the waterfront and discover why Essex is named one of the best small towns in New England. Lunch will be on your own at the “Gris”, Griswold Inn. Credit Card only. A 20 percent gratuity will be added to your bill. Cost: $10.
Shopping at Blue Back Square: Monday, June 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. We will be heading to Blue Back Square to do some shopping and dining. Lunch will be on your own at any of the many restaurants available including: The Cheesecake Factory, Flemings Steakhouse, Playa Bowls, Rizzuto’s Restaurant (Italian and pizza), The Place2Be and World of Beer (serving great tavern food). Cost: $5
Dine and Drive-Royal Coachman Tavern: Friday, June 24, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The Royal Coachman Tavern is a new tavern in a building that has a history dating back to 1796. The Tavern is named after the Royal Coachman fly. Fly fisherman have frequented this establishment for over 220 years after climbing the banks of the Farmington River. Cost: $5.
Harkness Park: Wednesday, June 29, 9:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m. We will be heading to Harkness Park for the morning. Enjoy the beautiful flower gardens, beach, pathways and the scenic view of Long Island Sound. Lunch will be on your own at Dad’s Restaurant. Cost: $10.
Ongoing Programs
Ask the Attorney: June 1, first Wednesday of each month, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. Imagine a Wildflower Farm in Granby, presented by Susan Ranstead. Cost: $4.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. Tom Baxter, Hartford Yard Goats Community Relations Manager. Cost: $3.
CRT Community Café hot lunch: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12–1 p.m. Let someone else do the cooking. Community Café offers a healthy, low-cost lunch for seniors 60+ and the opportunity to join with others. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Every Thursday, 12–1:30 p.m. Support group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Free.
Crafting: Every Monday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Bring your latest project to work on and enjoy some great conversation. Free.
Corn Hole: Every Monday and Thursday, 1:30–3:30 p.m. One–hour slots will be available for up to four people to play Corn Hole at the Granby Senior Center. Reservations are required. Free.
Set Back: Every Tuesday, 1–3:30 p.m. Free.
Cribbage: Every Friday,1–3:30 p.m. and every Tuesday, 6–8 p.m. Free.
History Revisited: Every Tuesday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Jerry Perkins has a unique way of bringing history to life. Join this informational 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.
Health and Wellness
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free.
Hearing Screenings: First Friday every month, 9–11 a.m. Hearing Care Centers will be onsite conducting hearing screenings that include hearing aid cleaning and evaluation. Free.
Chair Massage: First and third Tuesday every month, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Bev offers 15–minute chair massages for $10. Must have a current Senior Center membership to participate.
Pedicare Footcare: Third Monday and fourth Friday every month, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. By appointment only. Cost $35, not covered by insurance.
Outdoor Activities
Burr Pond State Park: Tuesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. This is a 2.5–mile loop on the Wolcott Trail, with plenty of rocks, roots and mud. Hopefully the mountain laurel will be in full bloom. Guide: Judy Cooper. Free.
Exercise Programs
Chi Gong via Zoom: Every Wednesday thru June 29, 9–9:45 a.m. 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 joins and bring balance to our emotions. Accessible and beneficial to all skill levels. Instructor: Mary Ellen Mullins. Cost: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Every Thursday thru June 30, 9–10 a.m. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.
In this new, beginner course we will learn some of the fundamentals of Tai Chi and 8 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: $54 residents; $63 non-residents
Gentle Movement for strength and balance: Every Monday thru June 27, 11:15–12:15 p.m.
This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Instructor: Paula Pirog. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Chair Yoga: Every Tuesday thru June 28, 2:30–3:30 p.m. 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: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Yoga: Every Tuesday thru June 28, 4–5 p.m. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Cost: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Low Impact Cardio: Every Friday thru June 24, 10:45–11:45 a.m. This class includes warm-up, cardio, strength training and stretching as well as interval training for an overall great body workout. Instructor, Marcey Hickey. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.