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
Please note that the center is closed Feb. 17 for Presidents’ Day.
Special Event
Valentine’s Lunch: Wednesday, Feb. 12 at noon. Love is in the air! Enjoy a delicious lunch with wonderful entertainment by Freddie Marion. Cost: $5.
AARP Tax Program
The program begins on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Appointments available on Tuesdays (9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) and Wednesdays (afternoon only) through February and March. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in- person tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, by appointment only, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS certified every year to make sure they understand the latest changes in addition to tax codes. Cost: free with active membership.
Lifelong Learning
S.A.F.E: Monday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m. (snow date: Feb. 10) Situational Awareness for Empowerment (S.A.F.E.) program designed and instructed by Cheri De Maria. This two-hour class focuses on awareness and prevention and takes a common sense approach to personal safety geared toward senior citizens. Learn how to navigate and recognize potentially dangerous situations and individuals and how to listen and trust your gut feelings before there’s an issue. Learn basic but effective self-defense techniques that focus on how to escape grabs and holds gaining valuable seconds to get away. Discuss the use of non-lethal self-defense tools, as well as how to use canes and walking sticks to your advantage. It is not necessary to participate in the physical portion of the program, but you are encouraged to stay and observe. Free.
Horizon Wing Birds: Monday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m. Horizon Wings was formed in 2001 by Mary-Beth Kaeser as a non-profit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The center has several raptors that cannot be released into the wild but fortunately remain at the center and participate in educational programs. Free.
Ways of Listening: Consoling Beauty: Friday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. Some of the most beautiful music ever written is also intensely sorrowful. It is the nature of all art to delve deeply into the experience of being human, but music has the capacity to lead us through the depths and into something beyond. Listen to a great masterpiece by Beethoven and explore its place in his life, as the composer encounters his own sorrows and shapes them in musical experience. Using performance clips and illustrations at the piano, David Stein will help explore this remarkable music. Free.
Trips
Shopping: Super Walmart: Monday, Feb. 3, depart center at 9 a.m. Cost: $5.
Connecticut Flower and Garden Show: Friday, Feb. 21, depart center at 9 a.m. Spring in February arrives annually at the Connecticut Convention Center. Explore exhibits overflowing with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds, gardening books, garden equipment and much more. View beautifully landscaped gardens and stop by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut design and horticulture competition. Lunch afterwards on your own at Red Rock Tavern. Cost: $25.
Dine and Drive: Pottery Cellar, Westfield Ma: Friday, Feb. 28, depart center at 11 a.m. Cost: $5.
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 every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Come 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 to 80s. Open to any type of musician. 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, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., by appointment at the Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.
Ask the Realtor: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 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: Wednesday, Feb. 19 ,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, Feb. 26, 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, Feb. 4 and 18, 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 Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Litchfield County.
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 with the better part of life. To schedule a confidential appointment, call 860-844-5350.
Foot Care by Sarah: Wednesday, Feb. 12, by appointment only. Sarah from Mobile Manicures will be here on the second Wednesday of every month for 30-minute foot care appointments. Cost: $35
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 most importantly to 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. 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. 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, alert and helps maintain your motor skills in top condition throughout your life.