Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of the 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
Veterans Luncheon: Wednesday, May 24, 12–2 p.m. We will be honoring our veterans and remembering the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice with a special lunch and entertainment by the one and only, Bill Benson. Free for our Granby Senior Center Veterans, $8 for others.
Hill-Stead Museum May Market: Friday, May 5, departs at 9:30 a.m. May Market is produced with enormous support by The Hill-Steaders, volunteer ambassadors of Hill-Stead, who have supported the museum with fundraising and outreach initiatives for over 30 years. This is one of their largest events which serves as a fundraiser in support of Hill-Stead’s gardens, grounds and trails. Lunch after at Butchers and Bakers. Cost: $15.
Dine and Drive–Crepes Tea House: Friday, May 12, departs at 11 a.m. A beautiful family-owned restaurant in Southwick offering crepes, tea and Eastern European cuisine. Cost: $5.
Shopping–Lee Outlets: Monday, May 15, departs at 9 a.m. Cost: $5.
Bridge of Flowers: Friday, May 19, departs at 10 a.m. The Bridge of Flowers is currently home to several hundred types of flowers, shrubs and trees. On the bridge, honeybees, bumblebees, and the occasional hummingbird zoom by, while butterflies flutter serenely from bush to bush — all hard at work in their little slice of heaven. At the center of the bridge stand a granite bench and a flagpole, both overlooking a small memorial dedicated to the veterans of World Wars I and II who lived in Buckland and Shelburne. Lunch on your own. Cost: $5.
Lifelong Learning
Spring Wreath Making Workshop: Wednesday, May 3, 12:30 p.m. Join program coordinator Jennifer in making a beautiful spring wreath to display at your home. All materials included. Bring a friend and your creativity and have some fun. Cost: $15.
Celebrating 300 Years of Connecticut’s Remarkable Women: Friday, May 5, 10–11 a.m. Join us for an interactive multi-media program by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame and learn about some of our state’s most remarkable women. Be inspired by well-known figures like Ella Grasso, Katharine Hepburn and Marian Anderson and lesser-known heroines like Maria Sanchez, Barbara McClintock and Hannah Watson. This live presentation will be conducted via zoom. Free.
Spring Mini Felt Wreath with Katherine Tolve: Thursday, May 11, 12:30 p.m. Participants in this workshop will learn how to make a variety of simple felt flowers which will be used to decorate their own spring-themed wreath. Pre-made flowers will also be available for decoration. Please bring a good pair of scissors if you have one. Taught by local artist and instructor Katherine Tolve. Cost: $25.
Mental Health First Aid: Thursdays, May 18 and 25, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support. Free.
This Business of Fighting–A Human Face on WWII: Wednesday, May 24, 10–11 a.m. This Business of Fighting is a live performance story, based on Lt. Tony Pritchard’s letters to his parents between his sailing for Europe in 1944 and Germany’s surrender about 15 months later. You will hear a young man wonder how he will respond to his first combat, describe the Battle of the Bulge and more. The material for this performance was recovered from Tony’s footlocker after his death by his son, Arnie Pritchard. Arnie now presents the incredible content of these letters and documents to us. Cost: $8.
Ongoing Programs
CRT Hot Lunch: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12–1 p.m. 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 complete a one-time informational survey. A donation of $3 per meal is suggested to help cover costs, however no one is denied a meal if unable to pay. Reservations are accepted until noon on Friday for the following week by calling 860-844-5350.
Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, May 3, 10 a.m.–noon. By appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.
Cribbage: Fridays, 3-5 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Join this lively group, experienced players will assist with refreshing your game play. Free.
Set Back: Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m. Free.
Music Jam–Back in Time: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from 60s, 70s and 80s. Free.
Stamping: Thursday, May 18, 9:30–11 a.m. Make beautiful cards for all occasions. All materials provided. Cost: $5
Makers Club: Mondays, 10 a.m. Bring your latest project to work on and enjoy some great conversation. Free.
History Revisited: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–noon. Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor has a way of bringing history to life. Join this information and fun view of events from Pre-Columbian times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review.
Camera Club: Monday, May 1. The club is for photography enthusiasts. Each month a different topic of interest is discussed. Annual membership is $10. This month, meet at Salmon Brook Park at 6:30 p.m. to take photos.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, May 3, 8:30 a.m. Harry Townsend and the Realities of War with guest speaker Christine Pittsley, project director, State Library. Cost: $5.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, May 12, 8:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Mark Williams with A Road Less Traveled: Old Messenger Road and 200 Years of Granby Politics. Cost: $5.
Health & Wellness
Hearing Screenings: Friday, May 12, 9–11 a.m. by appointment. Hearing Care Centers will conduct hearing screenings that include hearing aid cleaning and evaluation. Free.
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.
Healthy Minds: By appointment only. Situations such as the death of a loved one, failing health or strained family relationships can be daunting to face alone. Working with our Marriage and Family Therapist may help you move forward. To schedule a confidential appointment, call 860-844-5350.
Footcare with Sarah: Wednesday, May 10, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Sarah from Mobile Manicures will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file, and clean nails. By appointment only. Cost $35, not covered by insurance.
Exercise Programs
Gentle Movement: Mondays, 11:15 a.m. Class currently in session, next session: June 5–July 31. Instructor, Paula Pirog. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. See current Center Life newsletter for cost.
Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. Class currently in session, next session: June 6–July 25. 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. See current Center Life newsletter for cost.
Yoga: Thursdays, 4 p.m. Class currently in session, next session: June 6–July 25. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. See current Center Life newsletter for cost.
Every Body’s Exercise with Mary Root: Thursdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Session: May 4–June 29. Mary Root will be piloting this new class. Every Body’s Exercise is suitable for anyone and everyone. This class will include strength and weights, some cardio, balance and flexibility. All movements can be modified for chair or standing. Mary will personalize your routine based on current flexibility, strength, etc. Nine-week session is $54 for resident; $63 for non-resident.
Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Session: May 3–June 28. Instructor Jim Gregory has been teaching dance full-time for 40 years. His expertise will have you learning the steps in no time and having a blast too. This class is for beginners to advanced dancers. Nine-week session is $54 for resident; $63 for non-resident.
Chi Gong–Virtual: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m. Class currently in session, next session: June 7–July 26. 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. See current Center Life newsletter for cost.
All About Balance: Thursdays, 2:45 p.m. Class currently in session, next session: June 1–July 27. 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. See current Center Life newsletter for cost.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, 9 a.m. Class currently in session, next session: June 1–July 26. Continuing the forms learned in previous sessions, this class will move on to learn Forms 9–12 of the Yang style Tai Chi. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warmups that are suitable for abilities. Experience in first 8 forms required to participate. Instructor: Mary Ellen Mullins. See current Center Life newsletter for cost.
Cedar Hill Cemetery–Hiking: Tuesdays, May 9, 10 a.m.–noon. Join hike leader Judy Cooper for a leisurely walk around the park-like cemetery and scout out some of its notable residents. Distance approximately 3 miles. Park at 453 Fairfield Ave., Hartford. Free.