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 Event
Summer Bingo: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1 p.m. Did someone say BINGO!? Wear your lucky socks and maybe you will be our big winner! Sponsored by our friends at Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks. Free.
Lifelong Learning
Medicare Made Perfectly Clear: Friday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m. New to Medicare? Coming off a group-sponsored employer plan? Already on Medicare but not sure if you are on the right plan? All of these questions will be answered by Madison Roberson, from Roberson Tierney and Associates, during a master class. Free.
The Space Race, From Sputnik to the Shuttle: Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. The space race was a 20th century competition between two Cold War rivals, the Soviet Union and the United States. The race persisted nearly 15 years with each country claiming multiple victories along the journey. The space race spawned pioneering efforts to launch artificial satellites, unmanned probes to many planets and human spaceflight in Earth orbit and to the Moon. John Cilio’s presentation explains how America ultimately won the race and the journey required to achieve that goal. Free.
Trips
Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center and Planetarium: Friday, July 12, depart at 8:30 a.m. Join the experts for the special planetarium show, The Skies Tonight. The experts will take you on a fantastic journey through the nighttime sky. Spectators are shown how to locate and identify the stars, planets, and constellations visible in the evening sky at the time of their visit. The Galaxy awaits. Enjoy lunch on-site and time to look through the gift store. Cost: $25
Garden Tour: Friday, Aug. 2, depart at 8:45 a.m. First stop will be Stanley Park in Westfield, Mass. to explore the Rose Garden, Asian Garden, take a moment to feed the ducks, herb garden and more! Then take a stop at Grandmother’s Garden to walk through this intimate, historic garden nestled in a corner of Chauncey Allen Park. A formal flower and herb garden established in 1934, Grandmothers’ Garden was designed in the colonial revival style and constructed entirely by volunteers. That spirit of community and civic involvement inspires the garden to this day. After taking in all the beauty, stop over at Moolicious, in Southwick, for a delicious lunch and ice cream! Important: Must be able to ambulate distance without assistive device for this trip. Cost: $5, lunch on your own.
Harkness Park: Friday, Aug. 9, depart at 9:15 a.m. Enjoy a morning strolling through the flower gardens, beach and take in the view of the Long Island Sound. Lunch will be on your own at When Pigs Fly Café. Cost: $10.
Thimble Islands: Wednesday, Aug. 21, depart at 9:15 a.m. The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the southeast coast of Branford in Long Island Sound. We will be taking a 45- minute tour of the islands aboard the Sea Mist. Lunch will be on your own at The Dockside Restaurant. Cost: $30.
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.
Ask the Attorney: Wednesdays, July 3 and Aug. 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: Wednesdays, July 10 and Aug. 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment only.
Granby resident Judy Guarco has worked for 20+ years representing both buyers and sellers in Connecticut and Massachusetts with the goal to always be a trusted advisor, helping 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.
New—Ask the Financial Advisor: Wednesdays, July 24 and Aug. 28, 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.
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 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.
Health and Wellness
Chair Massage: July 2, 16, 30, Aug. 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: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. 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.
Tibetan Singing Bowls with Brian: Monday, Aug. 12, 2 p.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 can be done sitting in a chair. $5.
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.
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.
Chi Gong–Virtual: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m. The practice of Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. Beneficial to all skill levels. 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.
Tai Chi Yang Style 24 Forms 1-6: Wednesdays, 2:45–3:45 p.m. This class is suitable and encouraged for beginners. Tai Chi is a practice that involves a series of slow, gentle, low impact movements, a relaxed, meditative mind set and controlled breathing. People of all ages, especially seniors, can enjoy the benefits such as improved balance, flexibility and increased energy. Tai Chi can also help reduce inflammation, improve mental health, chronic pain and increase longevity. It takes time and a commitment to learn Tai Chi as the forms are linked together and progressive. This first session we will work on Forms 1-6.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, 9 a.m. Continuing the forms learned in previous sessions, this class will move on to learn Forms 9–12 of the Yang style Tai Chi. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warmups that are suitable for abilities. Experience in first eight forms required to participate. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.
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. 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.