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 will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.
Special Event
Memorial Day Lunch: Wednesday, May 21, 12 p.m. On Memorial Day, we come together to honor and remember the brave veterans and beloved family members who have given so much for our country. Please join us for a special lunch as we pay tribute to their sacrifices and celebrate their enduring legacy.
Light entertainment by Bill Benson. Cost: $5 for non-veterans, free for veterans.
Lifelong Learning
AT: The Musical: Monday, May 5, 2 p.m. On Pi-Day 2021, then 67-year-old Skip Fredericksen of New Hartford began the adventure of a lifetime, accompanying his two daughters on a 205-day through-hike of the Appalachian Trail—from Amicalola Falls, Ga. to Katahdin, Maine. Along the way he became “Whitecap”, and his daughters took on the trail names “Nocs” and “Zazu”.
Fredericksen will present a slideshow of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of that hike, accompanied by songs he conceived over the course of more than 6 ½ months of hiking. AT: The Musical is a tongue-in-cheek look at the challenges he faced as an older hiker trying to keep up with the many young speedsters on the trail. From 2016 to 2023 he completed all 875+ miles of Connecticut Forest and Park Association blue-blazed trails and is recognized as one of around 20 official 800-milers. Free.
Women’s Work in WWII: Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. As WWII began, the United States bravely faced overwhelming challenges and found itself in a difficult position. The country needed to mobilize millions of men to defend the country while also ramping up production of essential war materials. The demand for tanks, airplanes, trucks, ships, ammunition, food and medical supplies was unprecedented, stretching far beyond just the American military’s needs. In a surprising turn of events, American women stepped up to the plate, taking on the roles in factories and serving in the armed forces, shattering stereotypes about women in the workforce. Embark on this exciting journey with John Cilio as he highlights the incredible efforts of women in the 1940s who transformed the course of the war effort and forever reshaped the employment landscape. Free.
Medicare Made Perfectly Clear: Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. Seminar hosted by Madison Levins. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the different parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C, and D). Learn about eligibility criteria and enrollment periods. Discover supplemental coverage options available to enhance your Medicare benefits. Receive expert advice and insights from a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry. Ask questions and engage in discussions to clarify any doubts you may have. Free.
Rita’s African Show: Monday, May 12, 2 p.m. Rita Wagener (Kabali) is a native of Uganda, a country located on the eastern side of the African continent. Wanting to keep her culture alive, Wagener started sharing her roots with communities in her area. Even though she left her motherland in the early 1980s, she still remembers the culture, customs, and beliefs of her people and shares her experiences of living in two cultures. She also talks about living in America’s biggest state, Alaska, before Connecticut. At the end of the show, you feel like you have traveled to Africa, without even being on a plane!
Rita resides in Bethel with her husband Mitch Wagener and daughters Rohanna Ssanyu and Danika Ssuubi, plus a family dog named Mugsy. Free.
Trips
Shopping at Lee Outlets: Monday, May 5, depart center at 9 a.m. Cost $5.
Ongoing Programs
CRT Hot Lunch: Every 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.
Cribbage: Every Friday, 3–5 p.m. and every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Experienced players will assist with refreshing your game play. Free.
Set Back: Every Tuesday, 1–3:30 p.m. Free.
Music Jam, Back in Time: Every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from 60s–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: Every Tuesday, 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 informational 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, May 7, 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.
Ask the Realtor: Wednesday, May 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Lifelong Granby resident 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. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.
Ask the Registered Dietitian: Wednesday, May 21, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Amy Woodman, a registered dietitian from Farmington Valley Nutrition and Wellness, will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation to answer your nutrition questions. Call for appointment.
Ask the Financial Advisor: Wednesday, May 28, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Meet with Financial Advisor Matthew Sondrini from The O’Brien Group for a free 30-minute consultation. Call for appointment.
Health and Wellness
Creative Mind Workshop: Monday, May 5, 2 p.m. Practice mindfulness and self-expression in this playful, therapeutic art workshop. We’ll use simple tools to help guide ourselves from our thinking minds into our creative minds. This is an opportunity to practice being present with your own creativity, without judgment, for the pure enjoyment of be-ing! Megyn Craine has been studying and practicing mindfulness meditation for over a decade. With a bachelor’s degree in visual art and a master’s in family therapy, Craine brings creativity and a sense of deep compassion to her work with others. Free.
Chair Massage: Tuesdays, May 6 and 20, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. by appointment only. Bev offers 15-minute chair massages for $10.
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the Senior Center Community Room. No appointment needed. 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 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, May 14 and Thursday, May 29, by appointment only. Sarah from Mobile Manicures will provide 30-minute foot care appointments. Cost: $35.
Tibetan Singing Bowls: Friday, May 16, 10 a.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 sit in a chair at the center. Cost: $5.
Exercise Programs
See current Center Life newsletter for session dates and cost of all programs.
Gentle Movement: Monday, 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: Monday, 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. 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: Tuesday, 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: Tuesday, 4 p.m. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog.
Tai Chi: Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. Mary Ellen returns with a new class. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements, deep breathing and meditation. It is considered a form of mind-body exercise that has numerous health benefits. Learn simple, tai chi basics, stretch, breath and increase stamina and vitality. Beginners welcomed and encouraged. Great for seasoned students as well.
Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesday, 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: Thursday 1:30–2:30 p.m. This exercise class is suitable for anyone and everyone. It 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: Thursday, 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: Friday, 11 a.m. The sport of Olympic fencing is open for everyone, with any physical abilities. 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 and maintaining your motor skills in top condition throughout your life. Coach Marc is a Fencing Master with 45 years of experience and he is an official coach and a member of USA Fencing.