Kristine Vincent, CPRP, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services
Daphne Shinder, Recreation Supervisor
Terri Ziemnicki, Recreation Supervisor
Jamie Savva, Special Events Coordinator
Telephone: 860-653-8947
Website: GranbyRec.com for more information and to register for all programs.
Preschool Programs
Granby Nature Preschool: This farm and nature preschool for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds is based at Holcomb Farm in West Granby. Offering a 5-day program for morning, afternoon or full day, except Fridays which are half day, with visits to or visitors from local farms and nature trails. Some part of every day is spent outdoors except in extreme weather. Offers rolling enrollment for new students including children who turn 3 after school begins.
Mommy, Daddy, Music and Me Morning Preschool Music: For ages 18 months–3 years, Wednesdays, Jan. 10–Feb. 28, 10–10:50 a.m. For ages 3–5 years, Wednesdays, Jan. 10–Feb. 28, 11–11:50 a.m. Martocchio Music has developed a very special musical program for you and your toddler. Classes are designed to help develop your child’s ability to understand the concepts of music, rhythm and dance by singing, dancing and using real musical instruments.
Youth Programs
After School Childcare at Kelly and Wells: Monday–Friday, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Held at Kelly Lane School for children in grades K-5. Kelly Lane students are dismissed from their classrooms after school and brought directly to the cafeteria and Wells Road students will be bussed over. The program director is Melissa Young, current media teaching assistant at Kelly Lane School.
Ski Sundown After School Ski Program: Register today for this very popular program. Ski/snowboard lessons are optional. If you do not purchase a lesson your child does not receive any instruction from Ski Sundown staff or the parent chaperones. Begins in January.
McArdle School of Irish Dance, ages 5–16: Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Learn traditional and contemporary Irish Step Dancing, ceili dancing, and group figures. Classes are taught by Jack McArdle T.C.R.G. who has over 35 years of experience. Please wear comfortable street shoes that tie and street clothes allowing feet and knees to be seen.
Chess Wizards Winter Break Camp, ages 6–12: Tuesday–Friday, Dec. 26–29, half and full day programs available. Chess Wizards teaches children many important life concepts, such as learning the ability to win graciously and accept defeat with dignity and sportsmanship. Students will be divided into groups according to their chess experience. At the end of this session, each student will have had the chance to participate in a mini-chess tournament. At Holcomb Farm Workshop. $243.
Evening Rock Ensembles with Elijah Atwood: Grades 6–12, Mondays, Jan. 8–March 11, 7–8 p.m. Plunge into the diverse history of Rock and Blues by forming your very own Rock Band. Students will sharpen their playing skills, learn the classics both old and new, write their own tune, name their ensemble and make their own band t-shirts. This will culminate in a fine performance at the end. Students should have two years of playing experience. All instruments are welcome.
Middle and High School String Ensembles: High school, Mondays, Jan. 22–March 18, 7–8 p.m. Middle school, Tuesdays, Jan. 16–March 5, 7–8 p.m. These string ensembles are for violin, viola, cello and bass; all experience levels. Students will play music together, learn how to be their own conductor, further their musical and listening skills, and most importantly, have a good time! We will learn and play all types of music, including Baroque, folk tunes, classical, romantic, pop, film music, and more.
After School Vocal/Theater Ensembles with Julie Rumbold: Grades K–2, Wednesdays, Jan. 17–March 6, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. This exciting new program will teach young students singing, theater and movement through the vast repertoire of Disney tunes, culminating in a theatrical performance of selected Disney songs. Rumbold will concentrate on vocal technique, theater presence and movement and having fun!
After School Fit and Fun Running Club at Wells Road: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. This is a chance for any 3rd–5th graders to improve their fitness and learn the basics of running. Please make sure your child is prepared to run outdoors, wearing proper clothing, sneakers and has a water bottle. This program will be held outside on the grounds of the school and/or inside in the gym.
Food Explorers: Fall Desserts at Wells Road: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Each week make a new recipe focused on fall flavors and ingredients. All recipes are nut free.
After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Migneault: Mondays, 3:40–4:40 p.m. at Wells Road. Students will be active and have fun participating in the games and activities you would find in a Wells Road PE Class.
After School Tchouk Ball with Mr. Migneault: Thursdays, 3:40–4:40 p.m. at Wells Road. Tchouk Ball is a fast paced, moving and passing game with teams and two rebound nets. Teams of 6-8 players try and move the ball close to the net and score points by bouncing the ball off the net so it hits the ground.
After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Norton: Mondays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. Students will be active and have fun participating in such PE activities as capture the flag, climbing wall, tag games, floor hockey, kickball and basketball. All equipment will be provided. Child needs to bring own water bottle. Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothes to play in.
After School Tuesdays Rock Wall Program with Mr. Norton: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. The essential skills, techniques, and important safety information will be taught. Students will learn various ways to climb a rock wall while improving their muscular strength, endurance and balance.
After School Mad Science: Wednesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane and Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Wells Road. Learn about the tools scientists use in their laboratories, as well as atoms, molecules and reactions, acids and bases, fluorescence and phosphorescence. Continue the science at home with fun labware take-homes and experiments.
Adult Programs
Aroma Yoga: Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Immerse yourself in a yoga class designed to delight your senses and unwind your body. Experience the wonderful synergy of yoga and essential oils. Open to all levels. Bring your own yoga mat and water. Aubrey Schulz is the instructor for this delightful class held in the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Dress comfortably.
Basketball, Winter Adult Rec Program: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 9–April 18, 7–9 p.m. at the high school community gym. Granby residents can pay $75 for the entire session (includes both nights) or a $5 drop-in fee per night. Non-residents drop-in fee is $10 per night.
Grandparents Safe Sitter: Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. New course for grandparents with guided discussions on: child development/child care, behavior management, injury prevention/first aid, choking infant and infant CPR. Also, demonstration on diapering. The CPR portion is NOT a certification, but you will be able to practice CPR training. Held at Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Hands on Use: Thursdays, Nov. 30–Dec. 14, 6:30–8 p.m. This course will cover entry level artificial intelligence education (context, history and terminology) and cover real-life examples along with guided hands-on use of multiple AI platforms (generative AI bots and text to image technologies). Each session will also include a “highlights, headlines and happenings” section that will be dedicated to current, timely AI topics that could span from government and regulation, legal action, products and feature releases, etc. You will need to bring your own laptop. Held at Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park.
Adult String Ensemble: Mondays, Jan. 22–March 18, 1–2 p.m. Students will play music together, learn how to be their own conductor, further their musical and listening skills, and most importantly, have a good time! Playing in small groups together (chamber music) helps students become more well-rounded musicians, embraces collaboration and community, and inspires further musical endeavors. We will learn and play all types of music, including Baroque, folk tunes, classical, romantic, pop, film music, and more! There will be a concert at the end of the session. There is a 20 percent military and senior discount for this program. Please call the office to register if this applies to you.
Evening Adult Rock Ensemble: Tuesdays, Jan. 9–Feb. 27, 7–8 p.m. Unlock the inner rock star! Plunge into the diverse history of Rock and Blues by forming your very own Rock Band. Students will sharpen their playing skills, learn the classics both old and new, write their own tune, name their ensemble and make their own band t-shirts! This will culminate in a fine performance at the end. Students should have two years of playing experience. All instruments are welcome.
Pickleball, Adult Winter Indoor Game Play: Wednesdays, Dec. 6–Feb. 21, 6:30–8:30 p.m. We will be setting up three indoor courts at the middle school gym for those interested in playing indoors during the winter season. Rotating partners of teams will be formed each time with games playing until the score of seven. Bring your own racquet; balls will be supplied. This is just game play, no instruction.
Pawsitive Steps Dog Training: Beginner classes on Thursdays, Intermediate classes on Mondays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this introductory 7-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Open to all dogs. Please contact Kim with any questions, 860-614-6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail.com
TAZ Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8–8:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle.
TAZ Low Impact Fitness Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this easy-to-follow low impact class including cardiovascular and strength training exercises to fun and motivating music. Balance and stretching exercises are incorporated in each workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle.
Letters from Santa: Imagine the excitement when your child receives a personalized letter from Santa! Our team of elves are ready to help Santa spread some holiday cheer and good wishes! Each letter is sure to add some magic to the Christmas season and can set a worried mind at ease, as each reader learns that he or she is, indeed, on Santa’s “good” list! Once you register, please print out Santa’s Questionnaire and complete the questionnaire (with assistance from your little one), and bring him/her to Salmon Brook Park and place it in Santa’s special mail box! Leave the rest to the elves! Letters are mailed in early December, to ensure delivery before Christmas Day.