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 Programs
Strawberry Shortcake Social: Wednesday, June 14, 2–3:30 p.m. It’s strawberry season again and we will celebrate with strawberry shortcake and entertainment by our very own Wednesday afternoon jam band Back in The Day. Strawberry shortcake graciously sponsored by our friends at Arden Courts of Avon. Free.
Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge: Monday, June 12, 10–11 a.m. (Rain date, June 13) Located in Simsbury, this is an amazing 1892 metal truss flower bridge spanning the Farmington River. The Flower Bridge committee will provide a 20-minute interactive presentation on the history and transformation of this one-lane car bridge into a pedestrian-only flower bridge. After a tour, there will be time for an outdoor box lunch from Fitzgerald’s Foods. Boxed lunches will be delivered to Hop Brook Landing Park where you may sit in the shade of the new pavilion beside the Farmington River. Box lunches include a sandwich or wrap of choice (turkey, ham, tuna or veggie (with or without cheese) a bottle of water, bag of potato chips, condiments and a chocolate chip cookie. (Gluten free options.) Please specify meal choice when registering. Cost: $15, lunch included.
Farm Stand Tours: Fridays, June 23, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 15, van departs at 9 a.m. Local farm stands offer SO much—so let’s check them out! We will make stops at local farms such as Holcomb Farm, Maple View Farm, The Garlic Farm (starting in July), Sweet Pea Cheese Farm and more. Cost: $5.
Lifelong Learning
Understanding Estate Plans—Creating a new plan and updating existing plans: Friday, June 2, 10–11 a.m. with Attorney Lara Bomzer from Czepiga Daly Pope and Perri Law Firm. Everyone, young and old, needs an estate plan. Life circumstances can change in an instant so be prepared. Do you want to be on life support? Who will pay your bills if you can’t? And if you pass away, how will your estate be divided amongst your heirs? If you don’t have a plan in place, the State will make some of these decisions for you. Learn about important estate planning documents like Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives that you can create to make sure your wishes are met and your family knows how to care for you when you can’t care for yourself. Free.
Beyond the Breed–Exploring dog DNA: Monday, June 5, 2–3 p.m. with the Connecticut Humane Society. As dog owners are becoming more interested in the genetic make-up of their furry family members, the need for a general understanding of dog evolution and genetics grows. To fully understand how small mixed breed dogs could possibly have German shepherd in its DNA, owners need a basic understanding of canine genetics. This program will provide the skills needed to identify dog breeds based on phenotypic characteristics, give background information in canine evolution, and provide a basic understanding of canine genetics. Cost: $5.
Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow: Tuesday, June 6, 10–11 a.m. Aubrey from the Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow will be here to share all about the fabulous group. Free.
Author Meet and Greet–Chick Pritchard: Friday, June 9, 10–11 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet and book signing with author Chick Pritchard who began his studies for the Catholic priesthood when he entered the seminary as a 14-year-old boy. Twelve years later he was ordained a Catholic priest. His years in the clergy were filled with the immense satisfaction that comes from helping others, but there was a lingering doubt and deep sense of sadness that lived in his heart as well. After much soul-searching, Pritchard left the ministry and became a cop. He was a highly respected police officer, selected for many honors including several Proclamations from the State of Connecticut recognizing his outstanding career in law enforcement. His time on duty ended in a cruiser crash which in turn began many new chapters. He was twice elected to the Farmington Town Council and has been a successful teacher, business consultant and public speaker who has mentored hundreds of people. Free.
Medicare Made Perfectly Clear: Friday, June 9, 1–2 p.m. Are you new to Medicare, coming off a group sponsored employer plan or not sure if you have the right Medicare plan? Help with these questions will be provided by Madison Roberson, from Roberson Tierney and Associates, during this class. Free.
Ongoing Programs
CRT Hot Lunch: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12–1 p.m. Community Café offers a healthy, low-cost lunch for seniors 60+ plus 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, June 7, 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.
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 with Back in Time: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from the 60s-80s. Free.
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.–12 p.m. Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor has a 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.
Camera Club: Monday, June 5, 7 p.m. The club is for photography enthusiasts. Each month a different topic of interest is discussed. Annual membership is $10.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, June 7, breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and program at 9 a.m. A Fashion Show Especially For Us, presented by Chico’s of Canton. Cost: $5.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, June 9, breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and program at 9 a.m. Guest is Kevin Riggott speaking on The Science of Winemaking. Cost: $5.
Health and Wellness
Hearing Screenings: Friday, June 9, 9–11 a.m. by appointment. Hearing Care Centers will be onsite conducting 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 a Marriage and Family Therapist may help you move forward with the better part of life. To schedule a confidential appointment, call 860-844-5350.
Footcare with Sarah: Wednesday, June 14, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. by appointment. Sarah from Mobile Manicures will assess feet and lower extremities, trimming, filing and cleaning nails. Cost $35 not covered by insurance.
Exercise Programs
Gentle Movement: Mondays, 11:15 a.m. 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. 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. June 8–July 27. 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. May 4–June 29. Mary Root is piloting this new class, suitable for anyone and everyone! Includes strength and weights, some cardio, balance and flexibility. All movements can be modified for chair or standing. Mary will personalize your routine based off current flexibility, strength, etc. Nine-week session. Cost per session: $54 resident; $63 non-resident.
Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. 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. Cost per session: $54 resident; $63 non-resident.
Chi Gong–Virtual: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m. 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. 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. 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 eight forms required to participate. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. See current Center Life newsletter for cost.
Hiking Simsbury Land Trust, Cathles South: Tuesday, June 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. A moderately strenuous hike of 3.6 miles that will offer some views, waterfalls, roots, rocks and mud. Parking on North Saddle Ridge Drive, on street in the cul de sac. Free.
Urban Hiking: Tuesday, June 27, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. From Riverside Park to Hartford, over the Connecticut River to East Hartford. Enjoy some of the 16 sculptures that make up the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk. Distance is 3 to 4 miles on mostly level terrain but many stairs getting up to the bridge and down from the bridge. Parking at 20 Leibert Road in Hartford. Free.