Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the 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 all 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. All must have a current Senior Center membership to participate in programs.
Special Event
Thanksgiving Luncheon: Thursday, Nov. 13 at 12 p.m. Join us for a heartwarming luncheon filled with gratitude, good company and all the traditional fixings from turkey and stuffing to mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie for dessert. Enjoy this delicious meal while being serenaded by light entertainment from Mass-Conn Fusion, bringing smooth sounds and festive flair to this special celebration. With many thanks to friends from ARK Healthcare and Rehab for their pumpkin pie sponsorship donation. Cost: $5.
Note: While we’d love to be able to accommodate everyone’s food allergies, we’re unfortunately unable to make adjustments at this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Programs
Taking Better Smartphone Pictures: Monday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m. This class will help you unlock the full potential of your device’s camera and transform your everyday snapshots into eye-catching images. Identify common pitfalls and show simple techniques to avoid them. Learn practical tips and tricks to elevate your photo-taking skills. From lighting and composition to making the most of your phone’s built-in features. Presented by Bert Sirkin, PhotoBert. Free.
America’s First Cookbook: Friday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Step back in time to explore the rich tapestry of early America cuisine, a melting pot of European traditions, Native American ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Self-published in 1796, American Cookery is considered a culinary milestone in American history and stands as the nation’s first-ever cookbook, penned by the enigmatic orphan, Amelia Simmons. American Cookery isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a culinary time capsule because Simmons also shared a glimpse into the fusion of European and Native American culinary influences, cooking methods and ingredients of her time. Join John Cilio as he reflects on the enduring legacy of this groundbreaking cookbook, Simmons’ life and accomplishments that have helped shape the course of American cuisine over the centuries. Free
Trips
Shopping, Old Mill Pond Village: Friday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Free with active van pass.
Dine and Drive, Republic Gastropub: Monday, Nov. 17, depart center at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $5.
Mead Art Museum: Thursday, Nov. 20, depart center at 8:30 a.m. Named for its founder, William Rutherford Mead (an 1867 graduate of Amherst College and a partner in the storied architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White), the Mead holds the art collection of Amherst College, celebrated for its American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings, English paneled room, ancient Assyrian carvings, Russian avant-garde art, West African sculpture and Japanese prints. Eight galleries feature regularly changing exhibitions and installations spanning a wide range of historical periods and artistic media. Lunch on your own at Bub’s BBQ after the museum. Cost: $10.
The Granby Senior Center is proud to partner with Collette Travel to bring unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime group travel experiences!
We are accepting deposits for these adventures:
Discover the Pacific Northwest and California
African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania.
Act fast—only four spots remain. Contact Jennifer Kielbasa at 860-844-5352 or senior@granby-ct.gov for more information.
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 Tuesdays at 6 p.m. 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–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 may 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. Note: This is not an instructional. Participants should already know how to play. Free.
Coffee & Chat with the COA: Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. Join us for coffee and conversation with members of the Commission on Aging on the second Wednesday of each month. 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, Nov. 5, 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, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment only. Lifelong Granby resident Judy Guarco has worked for 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 half-hour consultation.
Ask the Registered Dietitian: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10–12 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, Nov. 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
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: Wednesday, Nov. 12, by appointment only. Sarah from Mobile Manicures will provide 30-minute foot care appointments. Cost: $35.
Exercise Programs
See the current Center Life newsletter for session dates and cost.
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 and 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. Beginners welcomed and encouraged. Great for seasoned students as well.
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 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 at 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. Fencing is an elegant and complex sport that makes your brain think fast and clearly, keeping it healthy and alert and it’s maintaining your motor skills in top condition throughout your life. Classes are taught by Coach Marc.