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 Events
St. Patrick’s Day Lunch: Wednesday, March 11 at 12 p.m. Treat yourself to a hearty meal, friendly conversation and a cozy afternoon surrounded by friends. We’ll bring the flavors of the season and a sprinkle of Irish charm—just bring your appetite and your brightest green. Traditional corned beef and cabbage catered by Geissler’s, as well as a traditional Irish Session by the New Leaf Irish Band. Cost: $5.
AARP Tax: Tuesdays (all day) and Wednesdays (afternoons only), continues through April 1. AARP Foundation Tax–Aide provides in–person tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, 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. Appointment priority to Granby residents 50 years old+.
Programs
Bloom Where Planted, Shamrocks and Clovers: Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m. We are thrilled to launch this new monthly series bringing people together through plants, nature and wellness-based activities. Join us to learn all about the story of shamrocks and four–leaf clovers in a celebration of spring and green. We will learn about and plant a “house” shamrock that you can grow as a houseplant. Cost: $10.
Mindfulness with Megyn: Mondays in March at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. Join Family and Marriage Therapist Megyn Craine to learn what mindfulness is and gain an understanding of mindfulness practices during this five-week program. Some of the benefits of mindfulness practice: help manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, improve focus and attention, increase self-awareness, and foster emotional regulation and self-compassion. Free.
Paint with Nina: Friday, March 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Monthly seasonal learn-to-paint 11 x 14 canvas. No art experience required; you’ll be guided step by step in this fun class. This month, paint a beautiful winter scene. All supplies included. Cost: $10.
Those Daring Young Women in Their Flying Machines: Monday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Today it’s not unusual to see a woman flight officer on a commercial airplane, but that wasn’t always the case. Come to know the courageous women who broke the barriers and learned to fly. You will learn of their love of flying, their challenges, their obstacles and, in some cases, their sacrifices to be part of this special group who found magic in the sky. Presented by Carol Harris, commercial instrument-rated pilot, Angel Flight pilot, aviation historian. Free.
Green, Gold and a Bit of Blarney: Tuesday, March 17 at 10 a.m. Explore the history of St. Patrick’s Day, discover Irish culture and traditions, learn fun facts, and put your knowledge to the test with a lively trivia game. Perhaps some Irish soda bread to snack on. Free.
Trips
Shopping, Clinton Outlets: Monday, March 30, departs center at 9:30 a.m. Cost: $5.
Dine and Drive, Wood-N-Tap (Enfield): Monday, March 2, depart center at 11 a.m. Cost: $5.
The Mountaintop, at Playhouse on Park: Thursday, March 12, departs center at 9 a.m. This Olivier Award-winning play offers an intimate and empathetic portrait of Martin Luther King Jr., one of history’s most consequential leaders, told by one of today’s most important writers, Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall. We are attending the 10:30 a.m. matinee show. Show is two hours with one 15–minute intermission. Lunch on your own at AC Petersen Farms. Cost: $30.
MGM Casino: Wednesday, March 25, departs center at 8:30 a.m. Try your luck at the MGM Casino in Springfield then head over to the legendary Red Rose for a delicious lunch. Cost: $5.
Ongoing Programs
Lunch Program: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12–1 p.m. We are thrilled to trial our new and improved lunch program with ChartWells! The program offers a healthy, low-cost lunch for seniors and the opportunity to join with others. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center. Reservations are accepted until 4 p.m. on Thursday for the following week by calling 860-844-5352. Cost: $5 per meal.
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: Tuesday, 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.
Mahjongg: Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. This is a beginner-friendly group, but experienced players are also welcome and encouraged to join. Please note that this is not instructional—participants should already know how to play. Free.
COA Coffee Hour: Wednesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. Join members of the Commission on Aging for coffee and conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your ideas or simply connect with others in the community. Free.
Ask the… Series
Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, March 4, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment. Specializing in elder law. Please call to schedule an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.
Ask the Realtor: Wednesday, March 11, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment. Granby’s Judy Guarco has worked for 20+ years representing both buyers and sellers with the goal 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. Call for a free 30-minute consultation.
Ask the Registered Dietitian: Wednesday, March 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment. Amy Woodman, registered dietitian from Farmington Valley Nutrition and Wellness, will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation.
Ask the Financial Advisor: Wednesday, March 25, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment. Meet with Financial Advisor, Matthew Sondrini from The O’Brien Group for a free 30-minute consultation.
Health and Wellness
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Courtesy of the Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Litchfield County. 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: Wednesdays, March 11 and March 25, by appointment only. Sarah from Mobile Manicures provides 30-minute foot care appointments. Cost: $40.
Exercise Programs
Please see the Senior Center web site for program costs, session dates and to register.
Barre: Mondays, 9 a.m. A new low to no–impact total body workout that fuses the strength, conditioning and flexibility of dancers with the repetition, muscle loading and structure of a traditional fitness class. Exercises are done to music and blend elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga and strength training. No dance experience necessary, all abilities are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat. Instructor, Kara Morin.
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, 12:45–1:45pm. Class will consist of circuit style strength training/cardio using a variety of equipment like bands, weights and steppers, etc. 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: Tuesdays, 4 p.m. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog.
Tai Chi: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements, deep breathing, and meditation. It is a form of mind-body exercise that has numerous health benefits. Join us to learn simple Tai chi basics, stretch, breath and increase stamina and vitality. Beginners welcomed and encouraged. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.
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. 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 and strength.
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, with any physical abilities. Fencing does not have weight categories or age limits and there are fencing tournaments even in 90+ age groups. It is an elegant and complex sport that makes your brain think fast and clearly, keeping it healthy and alert. It helps to maintain your motor skills in top condition throughout your life. Taught by coach Marc, a fencing master with 45 years of experience and a member of USA Fencing.
Travel
The Granby Senior Center is proud to partner with Collette Travel to bring you unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime group travel experiences! We are now accepting deposits for these adventures. Contact Jennifer Kielbasa at 860-844-5352 or senior@granby-ct.gov for more information.
Discover the Pacific Northwest and California, Aug. 23–30.
Nashville and the Smoky Mountains Holiday, Nov. 28–Dec. 5.
The Northern Lights of Finland, March 3–10, 2027
Southern Charm, April 19–25, 2027
Sunny Portugal, October 2027
Antarctica, Dates TBD