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 of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352.
The senior center is closed for holidays on Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and Jan. 20.
Special Event
Holiday Dinner (SOLD OUT): Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5 p.m. Catered meal by Tucker’s Restaurant with entertainment by the one and only Elderly Brothers! We cannot guarantee that any food served is free from ingredients that may affect those with food allergies.
Lifelong Learning
Coping with the Holidays: Mondays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 2 p.m. The weeks between mid-November and early January are not necessarily “the most wonderful time of the year,” despite what Andy Williams sings. Seasonal fatigue, stress and anxiety may test our emotions and drain the holidays of festivity. Even our own expectations can sabotage our joy. Nearly 40 percent of Americans report that they become more stressed out during this time of year, according to the American Psychological Association. Do the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed or simply not “jolly”? Megyn, a marriage and family therapist, will be here to listen and share some coping skills to get you through the next few weeks. Free.
Secrets Your Parents Never Told You About the History of Christmas Carols and Songs: Friday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. Carols used to be sung all during the year, but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has survived. Early Christians replaced the pagan solstice galas with Christmas and substituted their Christian songs. Over the centuries the words and meanings of the songs have changed. Discover more of the fascinating legends and realities that surround the traditional songs of the season. Free.
Holiday Trivia: Monday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Join Jennifer for holiday trivia, hot cocoa and treats. Time to get cozy and test our knowledge! Free.
Acupressure Facelift: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m. Learn this simple, 15-minute routine that has been used for over 4,000 years by women of the Chinese court to keep their youthful beauty. In addition to instruction on how and where to gently massage your face, receive a chart with the acupressure points and the benefits of each point. This face lift can even help you sleep better. With Gail Altschwager, RMT, EMP. Free.
Origami Boxes: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m. Join Gail Altschwager to make exquisite origami boxes. Origami paper and full printed instructions will be included for all attendees. Class size is limited to 8, so please sign up early. Free.
Estate Planning Seminar: Friday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. This presentation outlines strategies to help individuals leave a meaningful legacy by caring for the people, organizations and causes they love. It also includes slides on overview of what clients can expect when they work with an Ameriprise advisor. With Financial Advisor Matthew J. Sondrini. Free.
Trips
Fascia’s Chocolates: Friday, Dec. 6, depart center at 9 a.m. Since 1964, Fascia’s Chocolates of Waterbury has been dedicated to making high quality, handcrafted confections. The Fascia Family has always had a passion for chocolate. John and Helen began making chocolate in their basement as a hobby, and the business slowly grew from there. They use time-honored traditions —stirring in a copper kettle and cooling on a marble slab may seem quaint, but the Fascias feel it is important to the finished product. Make your own chocolate bar and learn a brief history of Fascia’s and chocolate. Cost: $15.
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 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.
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 the 60s to 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, Dec. 4 (no January date), 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free 30-minute consultation.
Ask the Realtor: Wednesdays, Dec. 11 and Jan. 8, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment only.
Lifelong resident of Granby, Judy Guarco has worked for more than 20 years representing both buyers and sellers. 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 30-minute consultation.
Ask the Registered Dietitian: New, starting in January. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment only. Amy Woodman, registered dietitian from Farmington Valley Nutrition and Wellness, will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation to answer your nutrition questions.
Ask the Financial Advisor: Wednesday, Jan. 22 (no December date),10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment only. Meet with Financial Advisor Matthew Sondrini from The O’Brien Group for a free 30-minute consultation.
Health and Wellness
Chair Massage: Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 17, 31, Jan. 7 and 21, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. by appointment only. Bev offers 15-minute chair massages for $10.
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association.
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: Wednesdays, Dec. 11 and Jan. 8, by appointment only. Sarah from Mobile Manicures offers 30-minute foot care appointments. Cost: $35.
Exercise Programs
See the current Center Life newsletter for session dates and cost 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! 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. 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. Sport of Olympic Fencing is open for everyone, with any physical abilities. Sport of Fencing does not have weight categories or age limits and there are fencing tournaments even in 90+ age groups. Fencing is an elegant and complex sport that makes your brain think fast and clearly, keeping it healthy and alert while maintaining your motor skills in top condition throughout your life.