Please visit our website at granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your 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
Summer Picnic: Wednesday, July 6, 12-1:30 p.m. Enjoy this fun lunch with traditional picnic food: hotdogs, macaroni salad, chips and dessert. Music will be provided by the Senior Center’s very own Wednesday Morning Jam Band. Cost: $8pp.
Summer Soiree: Wednesday, July 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Holcomb Farm. Enjoy a summer meal including grilled chicken, vegetable medley, rice and cake for dessert with entertainment by Double Trouble. Please register and pay by July 15. Cost: $15pp.
Pancake Breakfast: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Start your day off with a delicious pancake breakfast including blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and fresh fruit. Cost: $6pp.
Men’s and Women’s Breakfast Combined BBQ Social: Friday, Aug. 12, rain date Aug. 13. At Ahren’s Park. Join the fun—burgers and hot dogs will be served. For more information please email: gmensbkfst@gmail.com
Ice Cream Social: Wednesday, Aug. 24, 1-2 p.m. Cool off and enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae with all the fixings. Cost: $4pp.
Special Programs
The Golden Age of Hollywood Through Fashion: Wednesday, July 13, 1-2:30 p.m. Fashion on the silver screen during the 30s, 40s and 50s was not only glamorous, but influential. In the depression era, folks could attend movies as a way to forget their circumstances. Finally, the 1950s movies continued to show elegant fashions that were inspiring to audiences of that period. Join us as we travel through these fascinating decades and enjoy a glimpse of glamour of that golden age. Presented by Karen Antonowicz. Cost: $5pp
White House Memories: Friday, Aug. 12, 1-2:30 p.m. Former White House butler Alan DeValerio is coming to the Granby Senior Center and he’s going to give you the inside details about all the preparations involved in White House entertaining. Not only will he relate his first-hand experiences with history, but will pass on stories from those people twith whom he worked, such as Eugene Allen, on whom the movie The Butler was based. DeValerio will also display many of the White House artifacts (menus, programs, personal photos, etc.) that he has collected over the years. And after the program his new book, A History of Entertainment in the Modern White House, will be available for purchase ($20, cash or check) and signing. This is a presentation that you won’t want to miss. Cost: $10pp.
Lifetime Learning Academy
How to Tell a True Story Writing Class: Thursdays, July 7 thru Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Granby Senior Center invites you to join an 8-week writing workshop this summer taught by Dr. Josh Anderson, professor of American literature and creative writing at the University of Saint Joseph. The theme of the class will be How to Tell a True Story, combining discussions and activities with writing prompts focused on the craft and techniques for turning our own stories, memories and experiences into poems and creative nonfiction essays. No prior writing experience necessary. Anderson is a writer from rural North Dakota and a new Granby resident currently working with a film crew on a documentary about the Holcomb Farm Fresh Access program. Free.
Bible Hour with Skip: Wednesdays, July 20 thru Aug. 31,10-11:30 a.m. Skip Mission will host a weekly Bible Hour discussion group with topics of interest to the class ranging from the Bible itself, the Life of Christ, particular passages, prophecy, how the Bible applies to us today and much more. Free.
Creative and Healthy Ways to Beat Boredom: Thursday, July 28, 10-11:15 a.m. Jo Anne Harrison- Becker, MS, from My Senior Seminars will be presenting Creative and Healthy Ways to Beat Boredom. Feeling unsatisfied by an activity, or uninterested in it, can lead to boredom. Boredom may occur when we feel energetic but have nowhere to direct our energy. Finding creative and healthy ways to beat boredom will improve our everyday lives. During this workshop we will complete a boredom assessment; a leisure interest survey; discuss a variety of topics; and engage in some fun and stimulating anti-boredom activities. Free.
Recycling 101: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10-11 a.m. Lisa Pyatt from Granby’s Department of Public Works will provide an educational presentation on Granby’s recycling program. Free.
CHEAPR Electronic Healthy Way Program in Connecticut: Thursday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Did you know the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) offers incentives to Connecticut residents who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle from a licensed Connecticut automobile dealership? Jessica Moreno from the Center of Sustainable Energy will provide an educational presentation on the CHEAPR program and the incentives for using electronic vehicles. Free.
Trips
Denison Homestead Museum: Wednesday, July 13, 9:15 a.m. The Denison Homestead, a 299-year-old farmhouse, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of its former occupants with roots to the land going back to 1654. Captain George Denison, a prominent member of the Mystic area, was a militia commander, a surveyor (laying out the present Pequot Trail) and a farmer and politician. He was the War Commissioner for New London in 1653 and served as Captain in command of New London County troops in King Philip’s War. He fought in several Indian wars but also befriended many Indians. He was given land by Indian sachems Uncas and Oneco. Lunch on your own at S & P Oyster House.
Shopping Trip-Canton/Avon: Monday, July 18, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Shop at Walmart, Kohl’s, The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, Home Goods. We will be heading to Avon and Canton. Lunch is on your own.
Dine and Drive-The Boathouse: Friday, July 22, 10:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Boathouse (formerly Dockside) is Western Massachusetts’ premier destination for full-service dining alongside the beautiful Connecticut River. Enjoy classic New England fare—beer-battered fish and chips, fried scallops, flatbreads, chowder, burgers and more.
Canton Historical Museum: Wednesday, July 27, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Step back in time to a reconstructed 19th century general store, post office, barber shop and blacksmith shop. Examine a fire apparatus pulled by hand, a case containing old medical instruments of the “horse and buggy” doctor and a Civil War casket. The extensive collection of 19th century memorabilia is housed on three floors in one of the original Collins Axe Company buildings. The second floor of the museum is accessible by staircase only. Examples of everyday life include clothing, furniture, household, kitchen and decorative items and a Victorian parlor. Trades represented are carpentry, printing, black smithing, shoe making, farming, ice harvesting and tool-making. Lunch on your own at LaSalle’s Market.
Shopping, West Hartford: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Stops may include the Westfarms Mall, Trader Joe’s, TJ Maxx, DSW Shoes and Target.
Dine and Drive, White Horse Country Pub: Friday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Voted Best in Litchfield County for lunch for 2022, the White Horse Country Pub offers an extensive menu including soups, salads, entrees, comfort food, specialty items and fabulous desserts.
Shore Drive, Stonington to Westbrook: Monday, Aug. 15, 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Travel to Stonington and then meander up Routes 1 and 156 to Westbrook. Lunch will be on your own at Bill’s Seafood. Cash only, no credit cards accepted.
Thimble Islands Cruise: Wednesday, Aug. 31, 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m. The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the southeast coast of Branford in Long Island Sound. Take a one-hour tour of the islands aboard the Sea Mist. Lunch on your own at The Dockside Restaurant.
Ongoing Programs
Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month, July 6, Aug. 3,10 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.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, July 8 at 8:30 a.m. with guest speaker Dr. Peter Barwick. Cost: $3pp.
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. All participants are required to register.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Every Thursday, 12-1:30 p.m. Support group for grandparents are raising 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 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. Presenter is Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor. Free.
Music Jam: Every other Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. This is an informal gathering for those who love music and play an instrument. Free.
Crafting for the Center with Jennifer: Second Thursday every month, July 14, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Jennifer, our program coordinator, to create centerpieces, decor and more for our themed events throughout the year. Take pride in your work, share your creation with your friends and take it home after the event. Free.
Center Council: Fourth Monday every month, July 25, Aug. 22, 1-2 p.m. Do you have ideas you want to share or feedback for the center? Is there something you would like to see added to the calendar? Center Council is the time to discuss happenings of the center and share different ideas. All are welcome to attend. 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 conduct 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, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. by appointment only. Cost $35, not covered by insurance.
Fresh Access, Holcomb Farm: Every Thursday, June 23-Oct. 27, 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. Enjoy fresh produce graciously donated from the Fresh Access Program through the Holcomb Farm CSA. Please bring your reusable bag. Drive-thru only.
Outdoor Activities
Stanley Park Hike: Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at parking off Granville Road, Westfield, just before crossing Little River. Stanley Park has 300 acres of natural beauty to enjoy. You can walk around the Rose Garden, Duck Pond, Asian Garden, Athletic Fields or all four. If you are looking for a pleasant hike through the peaceful woods, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary offers 229 acres of forested walking trails. Led by Judy Cooper. Free.
Kayak Rainbow Reservoir: Tuesday, July 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at 118 Merriman Road, Windsor, turn left to the boat launch. Rainbow Reservoir is a section of the Farmington River that lies below the Rainbow Dam. It is a 234-acre reservoir, entirely tree-lined on one side by North West Park. Led by Judy Cooper. Free.
Hike Marion Wilcox Park: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at 46 Hoskins Road, Bloomfield for a 3-mile hike up to the Metacomet Trail. Expect rocks, roots and mud. Led by Judy Cooper. Free.
Kayak the Farmington River: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at Windsor boat ramp, Pleasant Street behind Barts. A back-country experience immersed in idyllic nature scenes, while meandering a water route of lush greens and trees far away from the hustle of Connecticut cities and suburbs. Led by Judy Cooper. Free.
Exercise Programs
Chi Gong via Zoom: Wednesdays, July 13-Sept. 14, 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 joints 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: Thursdays, July 14-Sept. 15, 9-10 a.m. 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. Instructor Mary Ellen Mullins. Cost: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays, July 11-Sept. 26, 11:15 a.m.-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: Tuesdays. Session 1: July 5-Aug. 9. Session 2: Aug. 16-Sept. 27. 2:30-3:30 p.m. 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. Instructor Paula Pirog. Cost: $54 residents; $63 non-residents.
Yoga: Tuesdays. Session 1: July 5-Aug. 9. Session 2: Aug. 16-Sept. 27. 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.
Zumba Gold Seated: Live-streamed at the Center Tuesdays, July 5-Aug. 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m. We use great upbeat Latin and International music and more. This class is suitable for those who have limited mobility or have balance issues, or anyone who just wants to sit while working out. You will be amazed at the great workout you can get seated. Instructor Monica Bengtson. Cost: $36 residents, $42 non-residents.
POUND! Mondays. Session 1: July 11-Aug. 15. Session 2: Aug. 29-Oct. 17. 4:15-5:15 p.m. Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out. Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out! The workout is easily modifiable, and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to rockstars of all ages and abilities. Instructor Bev LaBombard. Please bring your own yoga mat. Cost: $36 residents, $42 non-residents.