About the Facility
The Ann Arbor Senior Center offers a range of programs, services and social activities to empower and engage older adults in healthy and meaningful ways. Our goal is to provide programs and services that promote fitness and activity, reduce the risk of adverse health events, and provide recreational and cultural activities that can improve physical stamina and maintain cognitive functioning. We strive to make healthy activities fun while providing access to wellness information and support for older people and their families. We are proud to be a part of this community and we would be honored to have you join us. Programs and services for all ages are offered at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, and also in Burns Park.
2023 Flu Shot Clinics
It's that time of year again. Summer is slowly transitioning to fall, which means it's time to think about apple picking, cooking hearty soups, and getting your annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone above the age of 6 months get an annual flu shot. The ideal time to get your flu shots is between September and October. Visit Senior Resource Connect which has a list of places you can find the flu shot throughout Washtenaw County. Click here to see current flu activity in the county.
Check back regularly as these notices are updated.
MembershipA year long membership is $25, and a family annual membership is $35. Memberships are required to participate in no-cost programs. No-cost memberships are available to income eligible families that apply for the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Scholarship program.Nonmembers may try each program, once, at no cost, prior to making their determination to join. Participation in a program following the free trial will cost $2 per person for nonmembers.
Rent the Senior CenterOur space is the perfect place to connect with your community: convenient, accessible and available for rent! The Ann Arbor Senior Center offers a variety of amenities for your family celebration, club meetings and public classes. For additional information or to setup a time to view the facility, please call 734.794.6250.
Community ResourcesSenior Center staff are available via phone to help find local resources for older adults. We can help you with a variety of topics including home health care, food assistance, home repairs and maintenance, transportation, assistance for veterans, medicare/medicaid help, housing information and more. Give us a call at 734.794.6250 and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Exciting News! Tree Planting at Seqouia Place
On Saturday, Sept. 16, our very own Marianne led a tree planting at Seqouia Place senior apartments. Senior Center staff are a part of a small group called Kindness is Contagious that seeks wishes from seniors throughout our community and collaborates together to make these wishes come true. In 2022, Marianne met a resident at Sequoia Place who wished that three trees that had been removed for disease outside of her window, be replaced for her to enjoy them once again. Co-lead with the wonderful Sean Reynolds of the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovation, Marianne coordinated permission from the apartment management, location of materials, and recruiting volunteers to make this wish come true. What an incredible job – thank you Marianne and Sean!
Monthly Drive-Through's
Next in October!
Wednesday, Oct. 11, noon-1 p.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and EHM Senior Solutions for a “Fall Fling" drive-through event. Senior geared goodie bags will be given out to patrons that sign up; limited spots available. Come enjoy snacks, pick up information and socialize! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. To RSVP, contact [email protected] or 734.794.6250 to reserve your spot today! Free for members; $5 non-members.
Travels with George
October we're traveling the Route of the Maya!
Thursday, Oct. 12, 1:30-4 p.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and world traveler George Jabol once a month as he takes us on a grand tour of his many breathtaking and fascinating world travels. A new country and adventure will be featured each month. In October, explore the fascinating beauty and history of Central America. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Please call 734.794.6250 or email [email protected] to register. Free of charge.
Care Management by Natalie – Senior Support
A Care Manager is a senior resources expert that can help clients with discharging from the hospital, caregiving structure in the home, staying independent, moving to a senior community and other support. Together with Care Management by Natalie we can help you find your right path through the aging process. To learn more about Care Management by Natalie, visit the link: Who is Care Management by Natalie. Sign up for a free 1 hour initial consultation, a $150 value, free of charge. The second Wednesday of each month, returning in August, in-person appointments are available starting at 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Spaces do fill up, so you may have to wait for an open spot in a future month. RSVP to 734.794.6250.
Out & About A2!
Thursday, Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m. Lantern walk. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center for a once-a-month excursion in Ann Arbor! This month we will be enjoying the fall colors while taking an evening stroll with lanterns to help guide our way. Whether you are new in town or an A2 Townie, there's always something to explore! Meetups will include visits to museums, historical sites, area parks and more! Email [email protected] or call 734.794.6250 to register. Upon registration, participants will receive an email with meeting time and location details one day before the outing. Free for members; nonmembers, $2.
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 July segment features Katie Monkiewicz of The Ann Arbor District Library Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled as she discusses the organization and shows devices to help individuals with vision challenges read. Watch the episode below!
Events
Art Exhibit: David Frankel
On display Friday, Oct. 13, 6-9 p.m. through Dec.
Join us in welcoming local artist, David Frankel, as he displays his incredible exhibit of beautiful painted landscapes, inspired by the American west. An opening reception will be held on Oct. 13. We invite the public to come experience David's work and to meet the artist.
David likes to paint scenes that include mountains, canyons, and forests. In the past year, he has been experimenting with using more texture and doing some abstract paintings. Luminosity is an important theme in David's paintings. There are brilliant sunrises and sunsets, glowing clouds, and other expressions of radiance, which represent the spiritual energy permeating the natural world.
David's talents have blossomed since childhood, when he discovered his joy for visual arts such as drawing and painting. After retiring, he has started painting again, and has grown in his skills and style of self-expression. Today David also enjoys pottery, photographing nature, and living in Ann Arbor with his wife Linda and their two cats. David may be contacted at [email protected]. Visit his website at www.artpal.com/davidpaints4.
Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. For more information, please call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Wednesday Workshops
Join us every Wednesday morning 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. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250 or emailing [email protected]. Free of charge.
Balance Screenings
Wednesday, Sept. 27. Appointments starting at 9:30 a.m. Hosted by Galaxy Brain and Therapy Center. Curious about the state of your balance? Would you like to better understand your risk of falling and how to best prevent falls from occurring? Physical Therapists Michelle Roller MPT and Amanda Kelch DPT from Galaxy Brain and Therapy Center will be conducting 20-minute balance screens to help participants better understand their risk of falling. Screens will include a brief questionnaire, a few quick balance measures, and a short review of the results. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and will receive counsel on appropriate steps to maintain or improve their balance. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes or other supportive footwear.
Clear Computing Presents: Tech Talks
Thursday, Sept. 28, 2-3 p.m. Join James Giordani for in-person monthly seminars that provide answers to all of those frustrating tech questions! James received his MSW from the University of Michigan with a focus on enhancing the quality of life and independence of seniors through technology. His company, Clear Computing LLC, teaches tech skills and provides in-home tech support in the Ann Arbor area. James breaks down the confusing world of technology into clear, understandable and interesting presentations whether you're a tech novice or a tech master. This months workshop covers "Tech Heists": Get ready to channel your inner hacker and dive into the world of cool tech heists! We'll explore how daring hacks slowed an entire nuclear program and how another nearly brought down Sony Pictures. You'll learn about the clever tactics used by the masterminds behind these heists and how they managed to stay under the radar for so long. Grab a seat and get ready to be amazed by the incredible feats of these tech thieves! The next workshop is Oct. 26, Spooky Cybersecurity.
Senior Psychiatric Care Workshop
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Assurance Health will provide valuable information regarding Senior Psychiatric Care. An opportunity for Q&A to follow at the end.
Learn About Meals on Wheels and How to Become a Volunteer!
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Come meet Lynne from Meals on Wheels as she reviews how to become a meal delivery volunteer, program eligibility, and how to access its services! An opportunity for Q&A to follow at the end.
Workshop: Senior Caregiving Resources and How to Decide What's Best
Thursday, Oct. 19, and Nov. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. Join Miriam Vincent, care specialist of Ann Arbor Care Consulting, to learn 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.
Is Your Home an Asset or Anchor?
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Come join the discussions on Senior Housing Options, Reverse Mortgages, and how to Leave a Legacy while avoiding estate administration problems.
Weekly Activities
Bluegrass Jam
Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Every second and fourth Tuesday 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 through Dec. 20, 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.
Trivia! Live via Zoom
Wednesdays, Oct. 4 and 18, Nov. 1 and 15, Dec. 6 and 20, 1-2 p.m. Join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Each game will have questions based on weekly themes. 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. Free for members; $2 nonmembers.
Mind Matters
Every Wednesday, 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.
Bridge
ACBL Sanctioned Games
Thursdays, Noon-3:30 p.m. Join us for the return of sanctioned bridge at the Ann Arbor Senior Center! We will be welcoming our new director, Matt Evett, and celebrating the return of the beloved game with lunch on the house. 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.
Bridge Supervised Play
Mondays through Sept. 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesdays through Sept. 12, 1-3 p.m.
More games to come soon. Supervised Bridge Play is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their bidding, declarer and defensive play. The program will run with students playing 7-9 hands per session. Hands will be analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play and defense. No book or partner needed. 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. For more details, contact the instructor Ray Gentz at [email protected]. Members, $10. Nonmembers, $12.
Instructional Bridge
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 I: Mondays, Sept. 18-Dec. 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m. The course focuses on declarer play using methods described in the required text. Chapters 1-3 of the text will be covered. Also covered will be smaller sections on bidding review, defense and more. Each class consists of 75 minutes of presentation including a brief break. The last 45 minutes will be for students to play hands which will be analyzed with an emphasis on declarer techniques. Open to all ages. Prerequisite: Bridge I or equivalent class. Games are directed by Ray Gentz. Required text is “Play of the Hand in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460947).
Bridge Defense Class Part I: Tuesdays, Sept. 19-Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Defensive concepts studied in depth using the required text. Chapters 1-3 of the text will be covered. Each class will have 75 minutes of lecture and the remaining time will be used for playing of hands with analysis especially geared toward defense. Open to all ages. Prerequisites: Bridge I. Games are directed by Ray Gentz. Required text is “Defense in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460653).
Bridge for Beginners Part I: Tuesdays, Sept. 19-Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m. A beginning course focusing on basic aspects of bridge featuring bidding using the Standard American system taught in the required text. 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 5-6 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. Required text is Bidding in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460939).
Senior Focused Classes: Wellness and Enrichment
Sign Up for Fall 2023 Classes! Senior Focused classes are offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65 and older. 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, Sept. 12-Nov. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
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 Sept. 13-Nov. 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
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.
Line Dancing for Seniors
(Class is currently full, contact in Jan. to sign up for the winter semester)
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
(Class is currently full, contact in Jan. to sign up for the winter semester)
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
Wednesdays, Sept. 13-Nov. 29 (no class Oct. 4 or Nov. 22) 1-2 p.m.
Fridays, Sept. 15-Dec. 1 (no class Oct. 6 or Nov. 24), 1-2 p.m.
Due to high demand, participants may only sign up for the Wednesday or Friday class at this time. 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!
NEW! Phone-tography Class
Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Oct. 18, 2:30-4 p.m. (Class on Oct. 4 will be 2:30-4:30 p.m.)
Learn How to use your smartphone's camera. Most mobile phones have built-in cameras, and their image quality is getting better and better. They're also convenient because people keep their phones with them wherever they go. Because of this, the built-in camera is a useful tool—not just for snapshots, but also for scanning documents and recording almost any type of information you want to remember. Learn digital camera basics and how to share. We will also discuss everyday uses for your phone's camera. Learn how to navigate your tablet, iPhone or Android device's camera interface and take photos to share with your family and friends.
NEW! Italian Language Class
(Class is currently full, contact in Jan. to sign up for the winter semester)
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. All levels are welcome.
Featured Article
Here at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, we welcome our members to engage with one another through their creative outlets. Each month we feature an article by a local author. Interested in submitting an article for our website? Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected].
