Please visit 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 Event
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon: Friday, March 15, 12 p.m. A wee bit of fun to be had—come enjoy a traditional corned beef and cabbage meal with good people. Wear your green and maybe you will be in luck! Entertainment by Dave Giardina and friend! Cost: $5.
Lifelong Learning
The Journey of the Countess: Monday, March 4, 2 p.m. The Marriage of Figaro has been called “the most perfect opera ever created.” It is a romantic comedy that evokes both Shakespeare and Broadway, full of divine music, bawdy humor and rich characters. We will explore the opera through the fascinating character of the Countess Rosina as she grows into self-knowledge and reforms her philandering husband. This one-hour program will use performance videos of the great arias and comic ensembles and live demonstrations at the piano to convey the music and the Countess’ deep humanity. The program is non-technical and accessible to anyone with an interest in classical music. Free.
Let’s Get Technical: Tuesdays, April 16–May 7, 1 p.m. Gail Altschwager is back to teach IT classes in this 4-week series. Class 1: Basic Functions: What’s an operating system and why you need to know which operating system your devices uses, calling, texting, voicemail, managing contacts, email, and being security savvy online. Class 2: Finding Stuff: What search engines are, how to use them and how to learn how to use your device. Class 3: Pictures: Taking, storing and sending them. Class 4: Apps: What are apps, passwords, how to find apps, how to install apps, how to use apps and how to delete them. Free.
The Sport of Prohibition—Bootlegging: Monday, March 25, 10 a.m. The Prohibition Era began in 1920 when the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed. Bootlegging wasn’t new then, but the amendment expanded bootleggers’ markets. Needless to say, the law was difficult to enforce. The competition between the bootleggers producing and transporting illegal liquor and police trying to stop them almost became a sport. Sometimes the sport had a deadly outcome. Presented by John Cilio. Free.
Spymistresses—A Story of Allied Women Spies: Monday, April 22, 2 p.m. Spies belong to a special group of people with flexible identities, elastic morals and what has been referred to by some as situational ethics. During WWII, several women risked their lives to work within the enemy territory to uncover secrets. They covertly served the Allies and made significant contributions to the war. Learn about some of these women who worked in the European and Pacific theaters of the war. Presented by John Cilio. Free.
Trips
Mohegan Sun: Monday, March 25, depart 8:45 a.m. Test your luck on winning big or take time to explore some of the lovely shops… or do both! Options are endless with your time here. Wear your lucky socks and get ready for a great time! Enjoy lunch at the buffet or one of the amazing restaurants Mohegan Sun has to offer. Cost: $15. Lunch paid on your own.
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory: Tuesday, April 30, depart 8:45 a.m. The Lepidoptera source in Western Massachusetts, featuring an 8,000-square foot indoor conservatory home to some 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies in a tropical environment, Magic Wings focuses on butterfly-related education, recreation, entertainment and gardening needs. Stop by Bub’s BBQ, one of Jennifer’s friend’s restaurant, for lunch. Cost: $20. Lunch paid on your own.
See Center Life Newsletter for Monthly Shopping/ Dine and Drive Trips
Ongoing Programs
CRT Hot Lunch: 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, March 6, 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.
New–Ask the Realtor: Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment only. Lifelong resident of Granby, Judy Guarco has worked for 20+ years representing both buyers and sellers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Her goal is always to be a trusted advisor to help navigate the ever-changing world of home ownership with good advice, solid market knowledge, customer service and attention to detail. Guarco will be here for free 30-minute consultations.
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–80s. Open to any type of musicians! 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 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. Free.
Camera Club: Monday, March 4, 7 p.m. A club for photography enthusiasts—each month a different topic of interest is discussed. Annual membership is $10.
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. Cost $5.
Men’s Breakfast: Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. Cost $5.
Health and Wellness
Chair Massage: Tuesdays, March 5 and 19, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. By appointment only for 15-minute chair massages, $10.
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.
Exercise Programs
See current Center Life newsletter for cost for all programs.
Gentle Movement: Mondays, 11:15 a.m. Next session: April 1–May 20. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog.
Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. Next session: April 2–May 28. 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.
Yoga: Thursdays, 4 p.m. Next session: April 2–May 28. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog.
Chi Gong–Virtual: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m. Next session: April 3–May 29. 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. Beneficial to all skill levels. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins
Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Next session: March 6–April 24. 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.
Tai Chi Yang Style 24 Forms 1-6: Wednesdays, 2:45–3:45 p.m. Next session: April 3–May 29. This class is suitable and encouraged for beginners. Tai Chi is a practice that involves a series of slow, gentle, low impact movements, a relaxed, meditative mind set and controlled breathing. People of all ages, especially seniors can benefit from Tai Chi such as improved balance, flexibility, and increased energy. The balanced work of Tai Chi can also help reduce inflammation, improve mental health, chronic pain and increase longevity. It takes time and a commitment to learn Tai Chi as the forms are linked together and
progressive. This first session we will work on Forms 1-6. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, 9 a.m. Next session: April 4–May 30. 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
Everybody’s Exercise: Thursdays,1:30–2:30 p.m. Next session: March 7–April 25. This exercise class 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. Instructor Mary Root will personalize your routine based off current flexibility, strength, etc.
All about Balance: Thursdays, 2:45 p.m. Next session: March 7–April 25. This class focuses on strength for balance efficiency, such as squats, handheld weight maneuvers, and walking drills, as well as core conditioning. Instructor, Paula Pirog.