Kristine Vincent, CPRP, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services
Daphne Shinder, Recreation Supervisor
Terri Ziemnicki, Recreation Supervisor
Jamie Savva, Special Events Coordinator
Telephone: 860-653-8947
Website: GranbyRec.com for more information and to register for all programs.
Special Events
The Great Granby Egg Hunt! Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Salmon Brook Park. Children ages 1-10 are invited to participate in this wonderful community event (though all ages are invited to enjoy the day). Enjoy coffee and snacks, bounce houses, arts and crafts, meet the Easter Bunny, and pick from three different age-group Easter Egg Hunts. Cost: $5 per egg-hunter.
Preschool Program
Granby Nature Preschool: This farm and nature preschool for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds is based at Holcomb Farm in West Granby. Offering a 5-day program for morning, afternoon or full day, except Fridays which are half day, with visits to or visitors from local farms and nature trails. Some part of every day is spent outdoors except in extreme weather. Offers rolling enrollment for new students including children who turn 3 after school begins.
Youth Programs
After School Childcare at Kelly and Wells: Monday–Friday, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Held at Kelly Lane School for children in grades K-5. Kelly Lane students will be dismissed from their classrooms after school and brought directly to the cafeteria and Wells Road students will be bused over. The program director is Melissa Young, current media teaching assistant at Kelly Lane School.
McArdle School of Irish Dance, ages 5–16: Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Learn traditional and contemporary Irish Step Dancing, ceili dancing and group figures. Classes are taught by Jack McArdle T.C.R.G. who has over 35 years of experience. Please wear comfortable street shoes that tie and street clothes allowing feet and knees to be seen.
After School Art Class with Mrs. Lankford: Mondays, April 1–June 3, 3:20–4:20 p.m. in Room 26 (Art Room) at Wells Road School. Create and build with clay, paint, printmaking, fiber arts and more. Learn about a different artist or type of art and use that as inspiration. Students will continue to build on their drawing, painting and sculpting skills they have from art class during the school day and have the opportunity to try new materials and techniques that they probably have not had the chance to try before. They will come home with new artworks each week. All supplies are included.
After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Norton: Mondays, March 25–May 20, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. Students will be active and have fun participating in such PE activities as capture the flag, climbing wall, tag games, floor hockey, kickball and basketball. All equipment will be provided. Child needs to bring own water bottle. Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothes to play in.
After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Migneault: Mondays, March 25–May 20, 3:40–4:40 p.m. at Wells Road. Students will be active and have fun with the games and activities you would find in a Wells Road PE Class.
After School Tuesdays Rock Wall Program with Mr. Norton: Tuesdays, March 19–May 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. The essential skills, techniques and important safety information will be taught. Students will learn various ways to climb a rock wall while improving their muscular strength, endurance and balance.
After School Tchouk Ball with Mr. Migneault: Thursdays, March 7–May 9, 3:40–4:40 p.m. at Wells Road. Tchouk Ball is a fastpaced, moving and passing game with teams and two rebound nets. Teams of 6-8 players try and move the ball close to the net and score points by bouncing the ball off the net so it hits the ground.
April Vacation Granby Bears Youth Basketball Co-ed Clinic: Monday–Wednesday, April 8–10, 9 a.m.–12 noon. Held at the SBP basketball courts or inside HS gym if inclement weather. Granby Memorial Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Mike D’Angelo, his coaching staff and players will work with the kids on ball handling, passing, shooting and incorporate skills games. Each participant should bring their own basketball and water bottle. Grades: K-8.
April Break Music Camp: Monday–Friday, April 8–12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Held at Martocchio Music, 1 Massaco St. in Simsbury. Have fun, make new friends and play in a rock/blues band this spring break. We emphasize vocal and ear training, rhythm class, instrument workshops and original song writing. Learn to solo on your instrument. Design a band t-shirt, take a pizza break, and at the end of the week participate in a concert performance. One year of playing experience, please. Grades 4–12, please specify. Space is limited so reserve early.
MPower Youth Sports Youth Running: Wednesdays, April 17–May 29, 6–7 p.m. For ages 6–14, held at SBP band shell. Finishing a 5K is an impressive achievement at any age—now imagine the sense of accomplishment and pride your child will feel when they cross the finish line of the Celebrate! West Hartford 5K on June 9! MPower Youth Running will prepare them to do just that. The training program is designed for all levels of runners, from beginners to experienced racers. We will concentrate on proper form and pacing while we build endurance over the weeks through a combination of running drills, games and core strength exercises.
Adult Programs
Aroma Yoga: Thursday, March 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Immerse yourself in a yoga class designed to delight your senses and unwind your body. Experience the wonderful synergy of yoga and essential oils. Open to all levels. Bring your own yoga mat and water. Aubrey Schulz is the instructor for this delightful class held in the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Dress comfortably.
Basketball, Adult Rec Program: Tuesdays and Thursdays, through April 18, 7–9 p.m. at the high school community gym. Granby residents can pay $75 for the entire session (includes both nights) or pay a $5 drop-in fee per night. Non-residents drop-in fee is $10 per night.
Pickleball, Adult Spring Program: For those who want to learn the game of Pickleball, as well as those who know how to play and are looking for a place to play this fun game with old and new friends. Equipment will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own racquet. Instructors teach the game/rules to any interested beginners and will set up tourneys for the experienced players. This fun, lifelong activity is becoming more popular. Choice of five schedules.
Mondays, April 15–May 20, 4–5:30 p.m. Instructor, Nancy Geaglone.
Mondays, April 15–May 20, 5:30–7 p.m. Instructor, Nancy Geaglone.
Tuesdays, April 16–May 21, 5:30–7 p.m. Instructor Eric McPeat.
Thursdays, April 18–May 23, 4:30–6 p.m. Instructor Kim Chamberlain.
Thursdays, April 18–May 23, 6–7:30 p.m. Instructor Kim Chamberlain.
Scrapbooking Spring Weekend/Crafting Event: Friday, April 26, 1–9 p.m. for $25 and Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. for $40. Sign up for both days and pay $60, saving $5 and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in the secure facility. There will be demonstrations and classes. Please feel free to bring your own food or other beverage. This event is being held in the North Barn Pavilion at Holcomb Farm. You may contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@cox.net if you have any questions.
Pawsitive Steps Dog Training: Beginner classes on Thursdays, Intermediate classes on Mondays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this introductory 7-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Open to all dogs. Please contact Kim with any questions, 860-614-6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail.com
TAZ Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8–8:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle.
TAZ Low Impact Fitness Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this easy-to-follow low impact class including cardiovascular and strength training exercises to fun and motivating music. Balance and stretching exercises are incorporated in each workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle.