Meet me at the Center — November 2024

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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 all programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby

If you are not a member or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352.

Must have a current senior center membership to participate in programs.

The senior center is closed Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Nov. 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving recess.


Special Event

Thanksgiving Luncheon: Thursday, Nov. 14, noon. Enjoy a home cooked Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings, and light entertainment by the fabulous Mass-Conn Duo. Sorry, but no guarantee that the food offered will be free from ingredients that may affect those with food allergies. Senior Center members only. $5.

Lifelong Learning

A Right to Vote, the story of how America recognized its women as voters: Friday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. Can you imagine America without the opportunity for women to vote? It’s barely been 100 years since that opportunity was guaranteed by the 19th amendment. It took political engagements that gave way to open resistance, pickets at the White House and outright physical skirmishes along parade routes to change minds. The 19th amendment squeaked by to approval on the last day, and the last few hours of the amendment’s approval window. Learn about the struggles and successes that lead to women gaining the right to vote. Free.

Visual Moments in Iceland, A Winter Sequel: Rescheduled to Friday, Nov. 8, 1:30 p.m. As a follow-up to a previous program on the Essence of Place, Culture, and the Natural World, this program presents a return to the land of fire and ice. Focusing on the winter experience, specific strategies and techniques are revealed involving the photo shoot process, along with stories and impressions. Specifics regarding travel, hiking, clothing and other aspects are also shared. Ultimately, this presentation aims to spark the creative spirit, provide practical information and offer inspiring insights. Free.

Scams Targeting Seniors: Monday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Our friends from Windsor Federal Bank will be here to discuss scams targeting seniors. Topics include: Why seniors are targeted, red flags, common scams, what to do if you encounter a scammer. Free.

Trips

Collette Travel Colorado Rockies Presentation: Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. We have partnered with the Collette Group Travel to offer the Colorado Rockies trip, July 25 to Aug. 2, 2025. Learn all about what to expect from Tracy, a Collette representative. Free presentation.

Collette Travel Explore Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria: Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. We have partnered with the Collette Group Travel to offer the Explore Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria trip, Sept. 6–15, 2025. Learn all about what to expect from Tracy, a Collette representative. Free presentation.

New England Christmas Festival: Friday, Nov. 8, departs center at 8:30 a.m. Hosted at Mohegan Sun, the festival is an eagerly anticipated annual event that has kicked off the holiday season for 38 years. Offering everything a holiday shopper could desire under one magnificent roof, the Christmas festival makes preparing for the holidays a breeze by bringing together 350+ art, craft and specialty food American artisans from all over the country that come to display and sell their unique products, all made by hand. Cost: $20, includes fee for admission.

Ongoing Programs

CRT Hot Lunch: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 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. 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.

Cribbage: Fridays, 3–5 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. 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.

Ask The…Series

Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.

Ask the Realtor: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment. Lifelong resident of Granby Judy Guarco has worked for 20+ years representing both buyers and sellers in Connection 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. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.

Ask the Financial Advisor: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment. A new addition to the center, meet with Financial Advisor Matthew Sondrini from The O’Brien Group. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.

Health and Wellness

Chair Massage: Tuesdays, Nov. 5 and 19, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. By appointment. Bev offers 15- minute chair massages for $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 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.

Foot Care by Sarah: Wednesday, Nov. 13. By appointment. Mobile Manicures will be here on the second Wednesday of every month for 30-minute foot care appointments. Cost: $35.

Tibetan Singing Bowls with Brian: Friday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Relax and listen to the beautiful sounds of Tibetan Singing Bowls. Soothing sounds help to reduce stress and to create a deep sense of peace and well-being. This ancient practice has been handed down from generation to generation by the Tibetan Buddhist monks. Participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat or can sit in a chair. Cost: $5.

Eating Healthy for the Holidays: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. The holidays are often full of family, friends, great memories and delicious food. Join Amy Woodman, registered dietician from Farmington Valley Nutrition and Wellness, to learn how you can make healthier choices around the holiday season. Free.

Exercise Programs

See current Center Life newsletter for session dates and costs for all programs.

Gentle Movement: Mondays, 11:15 a.m. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Total Body Tone: Mondays, 12:45–1:45 p.m. Class will consist of circuit style strength training/cardio using a variety of equipment like bands, weights, and steppers, etc. Each class will be different to keep our muscles guessing, keep it interesting and keep it fun! Class will include chair and standing exercises. Instructor, Michelle Rancourt.

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30 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.

Yoga: Thursdays, 4 p.m. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays,1:30–2:30 p.m. 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.

Everybody’s Exercise: Thursdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. This exercise class is suitable for anyone and everyone, and includes 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. 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.

Adult Fencing: Fridays, 11 a.m. Olympic Fencing is open for everyone, regardless of physical abilities. Fencing is an elegant and complex sport that makes your brain think fast and clearly, keeping it healthy and alert, and maintaining your motor skills in top condition throughout your life. Classes are taught by Coach Marc, a fencing master with 45 years of experience.