Travels With George: South America Thursday, April 4, 1:30-4 p.m. Join host George Jabol as he narrates this 3-week cruise journey through the southern perimeter of South America. The adventure started in Santiago, Chile, as our ship rounded the continent at turbulent Cape Horn, and it ended in Buenos Aires. We sampled Pisco Sours and Empanadas as we began our travels through the Andes Mountains and Patagonia and cruised through the Chilean Fjords, the Strait of Magellan and Beaver Channel. We visited a prison at Ushuaia, Argentina, which touts itself as the “world's southernmost city," and we walked among penguins at the Lagoon Bluff rookery on the Falkland Islands. We visited Uruguay's beautiful capital, Montevideo, and then arrived wearily at our final destination in sophisticated Buenos Aires, Argentina. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregister by contacting 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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Live Sneak Peak of Ballet Chelsea's Cinderella at the Senior Center! Friday, April 5, 11 a.m. Come watch a short live performance of Ballet Chelsea's Cinderella at the Ann Arbor Senior Center! Ballet Chelsea's premiere production of Cinderella with new Artistic Director Michelle Quenon at the helm, this timeless classic promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Join Cinderella on her enchanting journey filled with breathtaking music, exquisite dancing, and, of course, lots of magic! This production will showcase the exceptional talent of Ballet Chelsea's dedicated students and professional artists. The actual show will debut April 20 and 21 at Chelsea High School. Visit https://balletchelsea.org/tickets/ for tickets. The sneak peek at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin, is free of charge, and does not require registration. Visit a2gov.org/senior. To contact the senior center, call 734.794.6250. We hope to see you at both events!
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The Art and Science of Invasive Species Series
Fridays, April 26, May 3 and 10, 1-3 p.m. Join our friend Eleva Potter, Natural Area Preservation Environmental Educator, for this new, three-part series! Eleva will help us learn how to identify common invasive species, cook with them and turn them into beautiful art! Each session will focus on a different topic: Session 1: Become familiar with the four most common invasive plants you can find in Ann Arbor City Parks, learn which ones are edible, and try some easy dishes you can make out of them. Come hungry because you will be taste testing these recipes; Session 2: Learn more about invasive forbs and how to turn them into different colors of paper; Session 3: Collect woody invasives the creating an Earth Loom by weaving invasives together between trees, that will be open to the public to enjoy. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250. Free of charge. |
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April Drive-Through: Welcome Spring! Wednesday, April 10, noon-1 p.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and Regency at Bluffs Park for this “Welcome Spring" themed event! Senior geared goodie bags will be given out to patrons that sign up; limited spots available. Enjoy snacks, pick up information and socialize! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by contacting 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free for members; $5 nonmembers.
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Lunch & Learn
Join us every Wednesday for a new hands-on learning experience! Workshops provide an opportunity for members to learn from specialists in our community. Each week we invite a different local organization to come and share a presentation about their expertise and new ways to become involved in the community. A light lunch will be provided. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250 or emailing [email protected]. Free of charge.
Lunch & Learn: Meeting Resource Needs Wednesday, March 27, noon-1 p.m. Hosted by Oasis Senior Advisors. Oasis Senior Advisors Greater Ann Arbor will be providing lunch and a presentation describing the free services we provide to the Senior community. We will discuss the importance of having a plan A and a plan B, as well as points to ponder as we age, such as: Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance policies, and provide Alzheimer's/Dementia awareness and signs to know, and much more. A light lunch will be provided to workshop participants. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250 or emailing [email protected]. Free of charge.
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| Lunch & Learn: Living with Our Wild Neighbors Wednesday, April 3, noon-1 p.m. Whether you love them or merely tolerate them, the wild animals that share our community are here to stay. So, how can we coexist peacefully with our wild neighbors? Join representatives from the Humane Society of Huron Valley to discuss humane solutions to human-animal conflict, what to do about orphaned baby wildlife, and dispelling some common myths. The program will conclude with a Q&A session with Eric Wright, Manager of HSHV's Cruelty and Rescue team. A Jimmy John's lunch will be provided. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by contacting 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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Lunch & Learn: Brain Health Tuesday, April 16, noon-1 p.m. Elizabeth Shafer will introduce the Healthy Brain Initiative from the CDC, which discusses how to maintain and promote a healthy brain and which chronic conditions and modifiable risk factors can increase the risk for conditions, such as cognitive decline and dementia. These risk factors include traumatic brain injury, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, poor sleep quality, depression, and hearing loss. Light lunch served.Space is limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by contacting 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge. |
| Lunch & Learn: Senior Living Options Wednesday, April 17, noon-1 p.m. Hosted by Brookdale Memory Care Ann Arbor. Join us for a discussion about independent living, assisted living, and memory care. We'll learn about the different levels and what they entail; what makes someone appropriate for each area of senior living; when might the time be right to make that move. A pizza lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by contacting 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge. |
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Lunch & Learn: How to Advocate for Me While Aging Wednesday, April 24, noon-1 p.m.
Hosted by EHM Senior Solutions and the LifeChoices program. Navigating the healthcare system can feel extremely complicated, making it seem like you don't have control over your healthcare decisions. However, with the right skills and knowledge you can feel more confident about the options that are available to you. Learn how to better communicate your needs, concerns, and preferences with your doctor and other healthcare professionals. Lunch will be provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by contacting 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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Featured Artists (Update Coming Soon)
Weekly Activities
Bluegrass Jam
Tuesdays, March 12 and 26, 7-9 p.m. Starting April 10, every second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The A2 Bluegrass participants, from expert to novice, come from all over southeast Michigan to have fun with bluegrass jamming and singing. We draw a wide variety of musical Instruments including banjos, fiddles, standup and electronic bass, percussion, washboard, dobro, mandolin and the occasional harmonica. All ages are welcome. Visit the Bluegrass website for more information. Cost is $5.
Move and Groove
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. In cooperation with
Ballet Chelsea's Adaptive Dance Program (ADP), and with support from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, this Move and Groove class for Seniors, taught by Kari Becker, is tailor made to the needs and abilities of the participants and aims to improve coordination and balance, endurance, flexibility, self-confidence and, for students, teamwork. Call to register. Free of charge.
Scrabble (New Time!)
Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. What has 100 tiles, 225 squares, a multi-colored board and millions of fans of all ages, backgrounds, and locales? Calling all Scrabble lovers! Easy to teach, easy to learn and fun to play: this group is for people who like a little friendly competition and riotous conversation. All experience levels are welcome, so if you like the occasional game of Scrabble, then join us! Friends encouraged. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.
Trivia Over Zoom!
Wednesday, March 6 and 20, 1-2 p.m. Join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Invite your friends, grandchildren and neighbors to login and play with you, or be placed on a team with others. We will keep a tally of winners and at the end, will have prizes that you can pick up. Join Zoom Meeting URL by clicking here. Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740 Passcode: 194912. Questions? Contact [email protected]. Free for members; $2 nonmembers.
Mind Matters
Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Join us for fun brain exercises that are designed to keep your brain young, strong, agile and adaptable. No experience necessary – just bring a pen, paper and an open mind! Join Zoom Meeting URL by clicking here. Meeting ID: 947 2633 1603 Passcode: 739714. Free for members; $5 nonmembers.
Artist's Open Studio
Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Calling all artists and craft enthusiasts! Join us for a weekly open studio where we invite you to bring your own projects and art equipment to work on in a creative, and supportive environment. Don't have your hands on a project or equipment? Not to worry – we have a collection of materials and craft projects that you can choose from. Friends encouraged. Please call ahead of time to learn what materials we have on hand. Free for members, $2 for nonmembers.
Introduction to French
REGISTRATION IS FULL Thursdays starting Jan. 11-April 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Melissa Levesque in this fun, interactive Introduction to French class! Students will develop the ability to understand and speak everyday conversational French within the context of French-speaking cultures and through introduction of vocabulary, basic grammatical structures, and idioms. Listening activities and some reading/writing activities will be included. Students are expected to spend considerable time outside of class practicing with materials provided. Students must bring their own copy of the required text "French for Dummies, 2nd Edition" (ISBN-13: 978-1118004647). Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250 to register. Free for members; $2 per class for nonmembers.
Winter Mall Walks
Fridays, 10-11 a.m. (Brunch will be held at the Ann Arbor Senior Center on Friday, April 5) Walks will run through April, and in May we return outdoors to the parks! Meet staff from the Ann Arbor Senior Center at Briarwood Mall, near the Panda Express entrance (between JCPenney and Macy's) and walk one-mile together indoors. These will take place every Friday except the first Friday of the month (when there will be a brunch at the Senior Center) and on holidays. Preregistration required to ensure all waivers are completed. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for non-members.
Care Consulting: Senior Caregiving Resources & How to Decide What's Best
Friday, March 22, 10-11:30 a.m. Miriam Vincent, care specialist of Ann Arbor Care Consulting, will teach about different caregiving resources and options in Washtenaw County. Topics will include in-home care, respite, assisted living, long term, memory care, palliative, and hospice care. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. For questions and to RSVP contact [email protected] or 734.972.1074. Free of charge.
Bridge
ACBL Sanctioned Games
Thursdays, 12-3:30 p.m. Join us for sanctioned bridge at the Ann Arbor Senior Center with director, Matt Evett! No partner? No problem! Arrive by 11:30 a.m. and tell the director. Cost is members, $8; nonmembers, $9.
Non-sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Games
Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life masters to beginners. Members, $2; nonmembers, $3.
Instructional bridge classes are directed by Ray Gentz and are open to all ages. Each class requires its own registration. Call to register. For more information, contact the instructor Ray Gentz at [email protected]. Cost of each course is: $130, member; $156 nonmembers (drop-in option members, $15; nonmembers, $17).
Bridge II, Play of the Hand, Part II: Mondays, Jan. 15-April 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (No class on Feb. 19). This course focuses on declarer play using methods described in the required textbook. Also covered will be smaller sections on bidding review, defense and more. Each class consists of 90 minutes of presentation including a brief break. The last 30 minutes will be for students to play hands which will be analyzed with an emphasis on declarer techniques. Required text: “Play of Hand in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460947).
Bridge Defense Class Part II: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon, Jan. 16-April 16 (13 weeks. No class February 27). This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. The class will run with lecture and discussion from the text for the first 90 minutes. Students will then shuffle, deal and play about three hands during the last 30 minutes. Hands will be analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play and defense.
Required text: Defense in the 21st Century by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460653).
Bridge for Beginners Part II: Tuesdays, Jan. 16 – April 16, 1-3 p.m. (13 weeks. No class February 27). Prerequisite: Part I or Instructor permission. A beginning course focusing on basic aspects of bridge featuring bidding using the Standard American system taught using the required textbook. Also included are sections on scoring, defense and more. Each class consists of 90 minutes of presentation including a brief break. The last 30 minutes will be for students to play pre-dealt hands that deal with the material from the lecture. Required text: “Bidding in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460939).
Registration Now Open!
Senior Focused Classes: Wellness and Enrichment
Sign Up for Spring/Summer 2024 Classes! Senior Focus classes are offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Classes are held at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. If after registering, you find you are unable to attend, please let us know so that we may open spots for other participants. Please note that all WCC senior-focused classes are free of charge regardless of membership status.
Tai Chi (All Levels)
Tuesdays, May 14-July 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class June 18 and July 2). This free Tai Chi class combines martial arts movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques. This class helps improve balance and overall health. Instructed by Karla Groesbeck. Class is open to all ages and abilities.
Intermediate Tai Chi
Wednesdays, May 15-July 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class June 19 and July 3). This free Tai Chi class combines martial arts movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques. This class helps improve balance and overall health and is suitable for intermediate level Tai Chi students. Instructed by Karla Groesbeck. Class is open to all ages.
Senior Focus Yoga
Wednesdays, May 8-May 29, 2-3 p.m. This gentle, fun Yoga practice welcomes folks of all mobility levels and experience. Senior Focus Yoga is led by Tammy Wingfoote and includes modifications for individual needs and safe transitions in and out of yoga postures. Motor planning and fall prevention awareness is woven throughout the class to help improve mobility. Explore yoga postures in seated, mid plane, and standing positions, finishing the class in reclined peaceful relaxation. Enjoy the benefits of improved alignment, balance, strength, flexibility, and breath awareness through the ancient practice of Yoga. The use of props; chair, straps, or yoga blocks to support your practice is welcome. Students may use one of the limited number of mats at the Senior Center; it is suggested to bring your own mat.
Line Dancing for Seniors
Tuesdays, May 14-July 23, noon-1 p.m. (No class July 2). A line dance is a choreographed dance where everyone dances a repeating sequence of steps while arranged in one or more lines. This class provides low impact exercise and socializing. Instructed by Deliena Grantham.
Adventures in Watercolor
Tuesdays, May 14-July 23, 1:30-3:30 p.m. (No class June 18 and July 2). Join this mindful community of painters for artistic inspiration, painting demos, art history, lively discussion and fun. All skill levels welcome. Participants will be required to provide their own materials. Instructed by Debra Golden.
Strength and Conditioning for Seniors
Fridays, May 17-August 2, 1-2 p.m. (No class June 14 or July 5). This fun and energetic class will improve your quality of life by providing training that will improve your strength, balance and mobility. We will keep it moving with easy-to-follow cardio moves. Classes are taught by fitness expert Michele Williams. Join us and let's get this fitness party started!
Italian Language Class - Intermediate
Thursdays, May 16-July 25, 10-11 a.m. (No class July 4). Planning a trip to Italy? Or are you passionate about the riches of this beautiful country known for its scenic landscape, excellent cuisine, operas, art, history and most important, its warm, fun, loving people? Come join native speaker, Nicola Parravano in learning to speak the language of love – Italian! The class will also explore the many wonderful characteristics of Italian culture. Class will be held in a supportive, friendly and fun place to learn this beautiful language. Required book: “Italian for Dummies” 2nd Edition,
ISBN-10: 1118004655.
Catholic Social Services
- A “go to” place for a comprehensive Senior Resource Connect Program including a list of phone numbers of the services seniors need. No religious affiliation necessary.
Jewish Family Services
- Providing expertise, compassion and personalized support through the aging experience. No religious affiliation necessary.
Call AgeWays to Get Connected with Resources and Programs
- The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2024 with a name change! The nonprofit is now known as AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services, a name that reflects its mission: helping people to age in the ways they choose. Call 800-852-7795 to learn about services, resources and classes for older adults and family caregivers.
Solo Learning: Aging In Place and Healthy Aging Highlights
As people age, they tend to want the same
things: to stay in their homes, maintain independence, and turn to family and
friends when they need help. If living at home is important to you, you may
worry about getting around, staying safe, and keeping connected. Information on healthy aging and more tips from the National
Institute on Aging at NIH is available here.
Trualta: New Skills-Building Platform Offered for Family Caregivers
Ageways is now offering Trualta, a free online platform designed to help family caregivers navigate challenges, find local resources, and connect with other caregivers. Trualta’s learning modules, on subjects ranging
from handling a loved one’s resistance to taking medications to managing
pressure wounds, to taking care of oneself, can be read, listened to, or
watched. There are resources, articles, checklists, videos, quizzes, and
webinars to choose from.
NEW! LGBTQ+ Pride In Aging
- The Turner Senior Wellness Program at Michigan Medicine and MiGen are teaming up to create a welcoming and inclusive space for older and maturing LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in Washtenaw County and the surrounding areas to connect, share resources, and support each other. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with other older adults in the community who share similar experiences. To sign up and receive communications about upcoming offerings click here. Contact [email protected] or call 734-998-9353.
Donations & Equipment Lending
- Looking to donate medical equipment? Looking to borrow equipment? The Ann Arbor Senior Center will take and lend gently used ADL equipment such as shower chairs, walkers, canes, and more. Call us at 734.794.6250. If you have other types of medical equipment to donate, please click here for a list of places that accept varying types of medical supplies.
Senior Moments
CTN's monthly series, Senior Moments, provides valuable information for senior citizens on such issues as health, wealth, finance and entertainment by covering events and activities at senior centers in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Click below to watch the series and catch it on Comcast CTN Channel 16, on the last Sunday of the month at 5 p.m. Reruns Sundays at 5 p.m., Mondays at 8 a.m., Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Fridays at 5 p.m. To access the series online, visit Senior Moments - YouTube. The February segment features Ritchie Coleman of the Pittsfield Township Public Safety Department with some important tips on how to avoid being a victim of ID Theft and Fraud.
Monthly Featured Article
Here at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, we welcome our members to engage with one another through their creative outlets. This month we are featuring an article by Claire Wentz. Claire is the creator of Caring from
Afar.
She is a former home health nurse and recognizes that our aging population
means many more people will become senior caregivers over the years.
Specifically, she is interested in providing assistance and support to those
caregivers who do not live near their loved ones. She hopes her writing will
inform them, uplift them, and give them peace of mind when they need it. This month's article is “Embrace
Proximity to Elderly Loved Ones for Enhanced Support and Care". Interested in submitting an article for our website? Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected].
Deciding to move closer to a senior loved one is a profound step that intertwines compassion with responsibility. This journey, while emotionally enriching, demands careful consideration and meticulous planning. This article, courtesy of the City of Ann Arbor, explores some essential factors and pragmatic strategies to facilitate a seamless and supportive transition for both you and your elderly family member.
Embrace this path with confidence and commitment, and you will create a nurturing environment that benefits both you and your senior family member. This thoughtful approach not only strengthens family bonds but also enriches the quality of life for everyone involved.