Membership
Individual and Family Membership
Ann Arbor Senior Center Membership Advantage Please consider joining the center to start receiving discounts on classes and senior center rentals! Consider the facts: Most ACBL players come two times a week and play - that's nearly 100 games a year. Your membership would cost you just $25 a year and you would save $75. Most Scrabble and Mahjong players play 50 times a year, and with a Senior Center membership, you will save $75 a year!
The Arts
Movie Matinee
Watch an array of movies from new features to our favorite classics with your friends at the Ann Arbor Senior Center! Bring snacks to share while you enjoy watching the flick.
Wednesdays, noon-3 p.m., Fee: Free members.
Movie Schedule:
Oct. 4
King Arthur, Ledged of the Sword PG 13
When young Arthur's father is murdered, his uncle Vortigern seizes power. Arthur is forced to grow up in the back alleys of the city, never knowing his true identity. Fate leads Arthur on a quest of pulling the sword Excalibur from the stone. Arthur must now embrace his destiny and take back the crown.
Oct. 11
Zoo Keepers Wife PG 13
Based on a true story in 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinski and her husband, Dr. Jan Zabinski love running the Warsaw Zoo. When Poland is invaded by Nazis the couple are forced to report to a new chief zoologist, Lutz Heck. Jan and Antonia have a choice to make and decide to do what is right. Putting their own lives in danger, they decide to help save the lives of hundreds of people in the Warsaw ghetto.
Oct. 18
United Kingdom PG 13
King Seretse Khama of Botswana shocks the country and causes an international uproar when he marries Ruth Williams, a white woman from London, in the late 1940's. Just as apartheid was being introduced in South Africa, this choice changed history as we know it. Based on a true story.
Oct. 25
The Shack PG 13
A Family Tragedy sends Mack Phillips into a deep depression that causes him to question all of his beliefs. Mack receives a letter that leads him on an adventure to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. On his way he meets a trio of characters that will change his life by helping him find the truth and understanding of tragedy.
Nov. 1
Everything, Everything PG 13
Because of an illness, 18 year old Maddy is unable to leave her the hermetically-sealed environment in her house. Maddy might not be able to leave, but this doesn't stop next door neighbor Olly from making sure the two of them are together. Only being able to see each other through windows or talk over texts messages, the two form a bond. They must make a decision on how to be together, which could risk everything.
Nov. 8
The Dinner R
Estranged Brothers, Stan and Paul Lohman and their wives find themselves in a tense scene when they decide to have dinner together at their town's fashionable restaurant. Even though the brothers don't speak, their 16 year old sons are friends and have committed a crime shocking the entire country. The boys haven't been caught yet, and their parents must decide what to do. They will figure out truths about each other and decide how far they will go to protect their loved ones. Based on the novel by Herman Koch.
The Art of Altered Books
Learn how to create your own one-of-a-kind altered book masterpiece! Altered books can be a showcase for personal memorabilia, an artistic canvas, a coffee table centerpiece or a beautiful personalized gift. Using a book of your choice, Carol Morris will lead you through the steps of design, page preparation, altering/painting techniques and theme inspiration. When you register for this class, we will send you additional details to help you make your book reflect your special memories or theme. Additional crafting meet-up times will be available to help students to inspire each other and work on their books.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 7-9:30 p.m., Fee: $15 member; $20 nonmember.
Watercolor Skills Course
Join this mindful community of painters for artistic inspiration, painting demos, a bit of art history, lively discussion and fun. All skill levels welcome. This class is offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College. Preregistration at the senior center required. WCC will be offering a winter term; please check with senior center staff in November. Classes led by Cathy Doran-McMillion.
Thursday, Sept. 14-Nov. 16, (10 weeks), 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: Free for age 65 and older.
Cards and Games
ACBL Open Bridge
ACBL Open Sanctioned Games are played in the well-equipped Gallery Room. Pre-dealt hands from "Dealer 4" offer players immediate hand records and player analysis printouts. Players also benefit from quick and accurate scoring from the electronic score pads. The sanctioned bridge game has players with all levels of expertise from beginner to expert. The director will serve light refreshments, while coffee and tea are available for purchase from the center.
Wednesday, noon-3:30 p.m., Fee: $8 member; $9 nonmember -Director, Dick Fortune.
Thursday, noon-3:30 p.m., Fee: $8 member; $9 nonmember - Director, Stacey Tessler.
Bridge for Beginners Part I
This is a beginning course focusing on basic aspects of bridge featuring bidding using the Standard American system taught using the book "Bidding in the 21st Century," by Audrey Grant. 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. The first five to six chapters of the text will be covered during the course. Open to all ages. Come and learn this fun yet challenging game. Class is instructed by Ray Gentz.
Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m., Sept. 19-Dec. 12 (13 weeks), Fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember. Drop-in fees: $15 member; $17 nonmembers.
Bridge for Beginners Part II
This class will cover the last part of chapter 6 along with chapters 7-9 of the text "Bidding in the 21st Century," by Audrey Grant. The format will include 90 minutes of instruction followed by 30 minutes of play practice. Prerequisite: Bridge for Beginners course or equivalent class or instructor approval. Class is instructed by Ray Gentz.
Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Jan. 23-April 17 (13 weeks), Fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember. Drop-in fees: $15 member; $17 nonmembers.
Bridge II, Play of the Hand
This course focuses on declarer play using methods described in the book "Play of the Hand in the 21st Century," by Audrey Grant. Also covered will be smaller sections on bidding review, defense and more. The class will be a combination of lecture and play with an emphasis on declarer techniques. Open to all ages. Prerequisite: Bridge I or equivalent class. Class is instructed by Ray Gentz. Drop-in fees: $15 member; $17 nonmembers.
Part I – Tuesdays, Sept. 19-Dec. 12 (13 weeks), 10 a.m.-noon, Fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.
Part II – Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Jan. 23-April 17 (13 weeks), Fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.
Bridge Defense Class Part I
Defensive concepts studied in depth using the text "Defense in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. The class will be a combination of lecture and play with analysis especially geared toward defense. Open to all ages. Prerequisites: Bridge I and II. Class is instructed by Ray Gentz.
Mondays, Sept. 18-Dec. 11 (13 weeks), 9:30-11:30 a.m., Fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember. Drop-in fees: $15 member; $17 nonmembers.
Bridge Defense Class Part II
This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. The class will be a combination of lecture and play. The focus will be on chapters five-nine of "Defense in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. Students should have some type of previous bidding class or experience. Class is instructed by Ray Gentz.
Mondays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 22-April 23 (no class on April 2; 13 weeks), Fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.
Duplicate Non-sanctioned Bridge
Non-sanctioned Duplicate Bridge attracts players of all levels and all ages! You do not need to be a member to play at our club. This bridge game has players with varied levels of expertise including life masters, beginners and intermediate-level players. Come with a partner or without! Games are directed by Ray Gentz.
Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Fee: $2 member; $3 nonmember.
Mahjongg
Play or learn to play an ancient game, Mahjongg. It's a four-player tile game that plays somewhat like rummy and poker. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Mondays, noon-3 p.m., Fee: Free member; $2 nonmember.
Scrabble
Calling all Scrabble lovers! 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.
Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Fee: Free member; $2 nonmember.
Supervised Bridge Play - Drop-in
These sessions are designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their bidding, declarer and defensive play. It is highly recommended that students have some type of previous bidding class or experience. Please note that this is not a duplicate game, just practice. Players will be partnered with people of the same skill level when possible. For details, contact instructor Ray Gentz at 734.769.3994 or the senior center office at 734.794.6250.
Mondays, Dec. 18, Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Drop-in fees: $ 10 member; $12 nonmember.
Tuesdays, Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2, 9, and 16, 1-3 p.m., Drop-in fees: $10 member; $12 nonmember.
Senior Fitness Classes
Body, Mind and Spirit, Tai Chi
Join Karla Groesbeck from Good EnerChi for Studio at the Ann Arbor Senior Center for this six-week Tai Chi.class. Tai Chi is a healing martial art that combines many martial arts movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques that improve balance and overall health. Open to all ages and abilities.
Wednesday, Nov. 29-Jan. 3, 9-10:30 a.m., Fee: $45 member; $50 nonmember.
Senior Fitness, Fun and You!
Join Mark Harris, in this 10-week free class for adults 65 and older offered in partnership with WCC. You will be working to improve five components of fitness: strength, conditioning, flexibility, balance and even your cognitive skills while having a lot of fun. Mark holds his education from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has been a certified personal trainer for over 15 years with expertise in senior health and fitness. Register now to achieve your personal fitness goals while having fun in this safe, effective fitness class.
Tuesday, Sept. 12-Nov. 14, 1-2 p.m., Fee: Free for adults 65 and older.
Tai Chi, Wednesday
Tai Chi, is a healing martial art that combines many martial arts movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques that improve balance and overall health. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College. Preregistration is recommended, as space is limited. Classes are instructed by Karla Groesbeck. Fee: Free for adults 65 and older.
Session 1: Sept. 13-Nov. 15, 9-10:30 a.m., Fee: Free
Session 2: Jan. 24-March 28, 9-10:30 a.m., Fee: Free.
Rec & Ed Partnership, Chair Yoga
Combining breath and movement, chair yoga provides a gentle stretch for your body and brings a sense of clarity to the mind. Learn how to practice yoga sitting in a chair and how to use the chair as support in standing poses. Your focus is on breath work, stretching, strengthening, bringing a greater ease of movement to the joints and relaxation. This gentle one-hour yoga class is open to all abilities and offered through Ann Arbor Public Schools Rec & Ed. Chair Yoga is instructed by Jeanne Hagadone and held in the Gallery Room at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Please Note: To register and pay for this class, visit:
www.a2schools.org/reced. Session 1: Friday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m.: Session 2: Friday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m.
Senior Safety
AARP "Defensive Driving" Driver Safety Program
Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50+ have never looked back since they got their first driver's license, but even the most experienced drivers can benefit from brushing up on their driving skills. By taking a driver safety course, you'll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. Those who complete the course are eligible for a discount on their auto insurance premiums.
You can register on line with the Parks and Recreation and
when you arrive at the class you will pay the volunteer AARP instructor directly with a check.
Register at
www.a2gov.org/parksregister or call the Ann Arbor Senior Center for registration assistance at 734.794.6250.
For more information on this AARP class visit:
www.aarp.org/drive
Session 2: Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
AARP HomeFit Program
A HomeFit facilitator will help you understand how homes can be designed and modified to help you get around independently in all of your living areas and how to make your home as safe as possible. You will also receive a personal copy of the AARP Home Fit Guide. This workshop is designed help individuals plan for independence, choice and dignity as they age. To register for this event please call, 877.926.8300 by Oct. 15. Friday, Nov. 3, 1-3 p.m.
Life Line Screening
Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will be hosting an event on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Ultrasound screenings to Identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease include; carotid artery (plaque buildup is a leading cause of stroke), abdominal aortic aneurysm (an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body), Peripheral Arterial Disease (hardening of the arteries in the legs), a heart rhythm screening (an EKG to detect atrial fibrillation-irregular heartbeat) and an osteoporosis risk assessment for men and women. Being proactive about your health by knowing your risks helps you and your doctor address problems early. Register TODAY at
www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle and receive your "Community Circle" discount and your preferred appointment on Friday, Sept. 15.
Senior Resource Guide
Click
here to access a Senior Resource guide for older adults in Washtenaw County from U of M Geriatrics Center.
Cultural Arts Community Programs
For additional information visit: www.a2gov.org/CulturalArts or call 734.794.6250
Second Sunday Community Sing
The intergenerational Community Sing meets on the second Sunday of each month. Reminiscent of a campfire sing-a-long we use song books and simply raise our voices. Local instrumental musicians often join the community sing and all are welcome. We use both the "Rise Up Singing Song Book" and the "Rise Again Song Books," and limited copies are available at the center. For more information, visit:
www.a2gov.org/CulturalArts. Community Sing: Sundays, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, 7-8:45 p.m., Fee: $5. Community Sing and Caroling Party: Dec. 3, 7-9:30 p.m., Fee: $ 7.
Blue Grass Jam
The A2 Blue Grass 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. For more information, visit
www.A2blugrass.com. Feel free to stop by and just listen at no cost, but donations are always appreciated. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., Fee: $5.
Artist Receptions and live music
In an effort to bring art and the community together, the Ann Arbor Senior Center provides a venue for Ann Arbor artists and art students to show their work in our gallery space. Each artist hosts a special evening reception to share his or her artwork. These artist receptions are open to the public and often include live music and light refreshments. Suggested donation for attendees is $5. Below is information on our September Artist Reception and following is a brief listing of future Art Shows.
Future Artist Receptions include:
Luminous Landscapes: Paintings and Photographs: Friday, Jan. 12, 6-8 p.m., artist: David Frankel.
The Many Faces of
India: Photography, Friday, March 9, 6-8 p.m., Artist: Bob Homes.
