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 then create 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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Cell Phones 101: Start with the Basics for Android and I-PhoneThursdays, April 18-May 23, 2-3 p.m. (No class on May 2).
Presented by Clear Computing. This 5-week course will start at the very beginning and teach you how to get the most out of your Android or iPhone. James Giordani earned his Master's in Social Work at the University of Michigan focusing on older adult tech literacy; learning and discovering ways to use technology to better the quality of living and extend the independence of older adults. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 13320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required by contacting 734.480.8362 or [email protected]. Cost is $60 (paid at first class to Clear Computing. Cash, check, credit card, Venmo, or Paypal accepted). Scholarships are available by contacting Alli (you must obtain the scholarship prior to the first class).
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Travels With George: IcelandThursday, May 2, 1:30-4 p.m. A trip to Iceland has long been on travelogue host George Jabol's bucket list. Although short on duration, lasting only 6 days, the journey proved long on extraordinary scenic beauty. The trip began with a comprehensive city tour of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, which included visits to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church and the Northern Lights Center, followed by an evening search for the mysterious swirling and dancing Aurora Borealis. A unique adventure followed with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, which is a natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal water set in the middle of a lava field in the Icelandic wilderness. A full day's tour called the Golden Circle showcased the Thingvelir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located where the European and North American tectonic plates meet. And yet another tour visited the southern coast of Iceland where there is a black sand coastline, the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and other stunning scenery. This active, long-awaited trip kept George's camera exceedingly busy and was truly the fulfillment of a dream. 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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Creative writing workshop: Just get started...or unstuck
Tuesday, May 7, 1-2 p.m. Join us for a fun, generative session where we'll play with words! Having trouble staring down the blank page, or want to reinvigorate a writing practice? This creative writing class will give you exercises to help you get the words out. We'll write story beginnings and learn to enjoy the process of starting from a word, idea, or image. You don't have to consider yourself a writer to participate. Bring something to write with. Class will be led by Emily Buckler, a professional editor and writing coach. We'll have extra notebooks and writing utensils on hand if you need to borrow either. Instructor: Emily Buckler. All levels welcome. Located at The Ann Arbor Senior, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free for members; $2, nonmembers.
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| Care Management by Natalie – Senior Support
Wednesday, May 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m. A Care Manager is a senior resources expert that can assist clients with: Discharging from the hospital, starting, or stabilizing caregiving structure in the home, remaining independent at home, choosing, and preparing to move to a senior community, creating medical stability or a new diagnosis roadmap, and support, education, and future planning. Together with
Care Management by Natalie we can help find your right path through the aging process. To learn more about Care Management by Natalie click
here. Sign up for a free 1-hour initial consultation, free of charge. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Visit
a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
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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: Brain Health
REGISTRATION FULL
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
REGISTRATION FULL
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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Lunch & Learn: Digital Health Literacy Workshop
Wednesday, May 1, noon-1 p.m.
Hosted by
CareYaYa. Join us in learning how to use artificial intelligence for health and entertainment, and for an exclusive chance to try CareYaya's AI Art Therapy! A light lunch will be provided. Space is limited. 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 Artist
New! Artist Exhibit Featuring Mickey Alan Taylor
Exhibit will be on display through the end of June. Come experience the emotionally profound work of Mickey Taylor! Mickey was born and raised in New York City on Manhattan's upper west side. Although his childhood horizon was set on the Hudson River, his world included the Museums of Modern Art and “The Met." He painted through his teens but then became an academic physician, clinician, researcher, and teacher, and so his creative juices went to those efforts. He worked at the University Medical Center here for a dozen years, retired in 2012 and started painting again.
Today, Mr. Taylor paints with brushes and oils on canvas in a basement studio filled by artificial light. The images come from public domains, personal photos, and imagination. He is self-taught, so he doesn't adhere to the styles and techniques encouraged in art schools. He has no overarching philosophy or theories to satisfy. The objects and people in his paintings are superficially representational. The places he paints have a personal connection while the people he paints are doing things that reflect the human condition. Mickey hopes to capture an underlying mood that the viewer will emotionally and cognitively experience: he wants the viewer to feel something. He gravitates to sad or pensive situations (abandoned towns and buildings, the elderly, people doing foolish things). He hopes the viewer's initial impression will be that the painting is attractive even though the topic may be less so. Please stop by the show at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave., (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday) to browse Mickey's unique, and moving work. Call the center at 734.794.6250 for questions about visiting the exhibit.
Weekly Activities
Bluegrass Jam
Wednesdays, April 10 and 24, 7-9 p.m. (every second and fourth Wednesday) 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. Open to all ages. 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. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.
Trivia Over Zoom!
Wednesday, April 3 and 17, 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 (please call ahead to see what supplies are available). Friends encouraged. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Free for members, $2 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. Open to all ages 18+. 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. Open to all ages 18+. 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. Open to all ages 18+. 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]. Open to all ages 18+.Cost of each course is: $130, member; $156 nonmembers (drop-in option members, $15; nonmembers, $17).
Bridge II, Play of the Hand, Part III: Mondays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., May 13-August 12 (No class May 27). Instructional bridge classes are directed by Ray Gentz and are open to all ages. 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, Part III: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon, May 14- August 13 (No class on August 6 due to Election). Instructional bridge classes are directed by Ray Gentz and are open to all ages. This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play and do play practice with analysis. The class will run with lecture and discussion from the text for the first 60-75 minutes. Students will then play hands from a previous duplicate game during the remaining time. We will study chapters 7-9. Prerequisites: Bridge I/equivalent or prior experience.
Required text: Defense in the 21st Century by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460653).
Bridge Conventions with Supervised Play: Tuesdays, May 14-July 16, 1-3 p.m. Instructional bridge classes are directed by Ray Gentz and are open to all ages. This class is for advanced beginner through middle intermediate players who wish to learn new bidding and defense conventions, as well as review former ones like Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, Blackwood, opening leads, and more. No text needed! Handouts will be provided. Each class will start with 20-45 minutes of presentation on the topic at hand, followed by play where students will bid and play hands from the previous days' duplicate game. Hands are analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play, and defense. Prerequisites: Bridge for Beginners Parts I and II or instructor approval. Cost is $100, members; $120 nonmembers (drop-in fee: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).
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) (REGISTRATION FULL)
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 abilities.
Line Dancing for Seniors (REGISTRATION FULL)
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.
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 (REGISTRATION FULL)
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.
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.
Strength and Conditioning for Seniors (REGISTRATION FULL)
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!
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.
