Senior Center 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! A year long membership is only $25, and a family annual membership is $35. 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!

Arts & Humanities

A2 Community Sing with Matt Watroba

First Tuesday from September-June, 7-8:30 p.m., drop-in fee: $5  (no program in January​)

Just like singing around a campfire, you'll find yourself remembering that old ballad, an Irish tune, or childhood family song in no time. Our Community Sings are sure to stir up some fond memories and build a new family friendly tradition to be treasured for years to come. If you love to sing, haven't sung in years or just yearning for some fun intergenerational community time; Our Community Sing is sure to please. We use both the Rise Up Singing Song Book and the Rise Again Song Books. Song leaders typically start out each sing and all participants get an opportunity to pick a song in the circle. All voices welcomed. Special events will be on the website and group participants are notified when they sign up for notification. Community Sings are held in Burns Park in the Gallery Room at the Ann Arbor Senior Center.   Click here​ to view a video feature Watroba.

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. 

Current Exhibit:​​​ Painting Collective by the Senior Center Watercolor Class

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Blue Grass Jam

Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., Fee: $5.

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. Visit the Bluegrass website for more information.

Great Michigan Read

​Potluck and Discussion: Sept. 28-Oct. 12, 11-12:30 p.m.; free  ​(bring a dish to share)    

A tale of reinvention and redemption, “X: A Novel” is a fictional account of Malcolm X’s early years written by Malcom X’s third daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, and Kekla Magoon, Join us as we explore how a young man with the odds stacked against him became one of the most prominent figures of the Civil Rights Movement. Register in person at the Ann Arbor Senior Center and pick up your free readers guide and a copy of the novel. This program is generously sponsored by Michigan Humanities Council.  ​                                                                                            

​Watercolor Skills Course

Thursday, Jan. 17-March 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; free.

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 for individuals 65 and older. 

Bridge Games & Instruction
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​​ACBL Bridge Barometer Game

Saturday, Sept. 29, Oct 20 & 27, Nov. 10 & 24, Dec. 1 & 15, 9:30-12:30 p.m., Per Game Fee: $10 member; $12 nonmember

Want to improve your bridge game? Know someone who would like to get back into bridge? This is the perfect opportunity.

Join fellow bridge players for a fun morning of educational bridge play with Bridge Director and Emerald Life Master, Debra Eaves. The Barometer game is designed with learning in mind and consists of 12 boards to play. All tables play the same board at the same time. Upon completion of each hand, the cards are placed face up on the table (double dummy style) with a brief (5 minute) lesson/discussion. The game awards ACBL masterpoints (60% of full game awards). No partner necessary; we will find you one! Register for 1, 2, or all 7 games.

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ACBL Bridge Games
Noon-3:30 p.m., drop-in fee: $8 member; $9 nonmember.

ACBL open sanctioned games are played in the Gallery Room on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Pre-dealt hands from "dealer 4" offer players immediate hand records and player analysis printouts. The sanctioned bridge game has players of all levels of expertise from beginner to expert. Your Directors encourage you to come with a partner. Looking for a partner? Arrive at the center and let the director know by 11:30 a.m.​, and they will offer you a guarantee to play. Wednesday Director Debra Eaves and Thursday Director Stacey Tessler. 

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Bridge Defense

Part I: Monday, Sept. 17-Dec. 10, 9:30-11:30 a.m., fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember. ​​​

​​​Part II: Monday, Jan. 21-April 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m., fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.

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. Hands are analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play and defense. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 13 weeks or pay as you go (drop-in). It is highly recommended that students have some type of previous bidding class or experience. Classes are held in the Ann Arbor Senior Center and open to adults of all ages.   For more details, contact the instructor or the Ann Arbor Senior Center office. Text: Defense in the 21st Century by Audrey Grant. Pre-requisites: Bridge I or equivalent or prior experience.

Bridge II Play of the Hand

Part I: Tuesday, Sept. 18-Dec. 11, 10-12 p.m., fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.    

Part II: Tuesday, Jan. 22-April 16, 11-1 p.m., fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.

This 13 week class is designed for advanced beginner and low intermediate players who wish to improve declarer skills.  Audrey Grant has a worldwide reputation in the field of bridge education and in this class you use her methods from the required text "Play of the Hand in the 21^st Century". The main part of the course deals with play of the hand as declarer. Other parts include bidding reviews, defense, and more. The class will run with lecture and discussion from the text for the first 75 minutes. Students will then play hands for the last 45 minutes.  The text may be purchased online or ordered from your local bookstore. Students may register in advance and prepay for all 13 weeks or pay as you go (drop-in). Classes are held in the Ann Arbor Senior Center and open to adults of all ages.  For more details, contact the Instructor Ray Gentz at ray62856@gmail.com or the Senior Center office at 734.794.6250.  Pre-requisites: Bridge I or instructor permission.. Required text "Play of the hand in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. 

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​Bridge for Beginners

Part I: Tuesday, Sept. 18-Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m., fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember. ​​

Part II: Tuesday, Jan. 22-April 16, 11-1 p.m., fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.

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. Open to all ages. Come and learn this fun, yet challenging game! Students may pre-pay for the entire class or pay a drop in fee of $10 for members or $12 for non-members. For more information please contact the Senior Center or the instructor, Ray Gentz at ray6286@gmail.com. 

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Duplicate Non-sanctioned Bridge

Monday, 12:30-3:30 p.m., drop-in fee: $2 member; $3 nonmember.

Non-sanctioned Duplicate Bridge, directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life masters to beginners. 

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Supervised Bridge Play

Monday, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, Jan. 14, 9:30- 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 18, Jan. 8, Jan. 15, 1-3 p.m. 
Fee: $10 member; $12 nonmember.

This winter, enjoy the flexibility of attending Supervised Bridge Play in the morning, the afternoon, or mix it up and come when your schedule permits. There will be a Monday a.m. option and a Tuesday p.m. option. 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 734.769.3994 or the Senior Center office at 734.794.6250.

Social Games

Mahjongg

Monday, noon-3 p.m., drop-in fee: free member; $2 nonmember.
Test your skills and strategy tactics with an ancient tile-based game of Chinese origin, while engaging in bit of friendly competition. Similar to rummy and poker, this four-player game can be played by all ages and skill levels. 

Scrabble

Tuesday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Drop-in: free member; $2 nonmember.

Easy to learn and fun to play, this game is for people who like friendly competition and riveting conversation. All experience levels are welcome. 

Fitness

GROOVE DANCEfloor™ 

Monday, Jan. 7-Feb. 25, 7-8 p.m., $80​ for 8 weeks/​Drop-in ​$12 ​

All fitness levels and abilities of those 15 years and older, are welcome to unite, dance, and be yourself during this fun group dance experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. GROOVE® is a simple, fun, and creative dance workout. Just simple moves and rhythms done YOUR own way! The dance floor has evolved, so come join the movement. No dance experience required. ​No dance experience required. Check out The World Groove Movement for a sneak peek of what this class has to offer.​ Register for the entire 8 week session with a buddy and you both will save 20%! ​ Call 734.794.6250 to register.

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​Benefits of Dance

• Reduces stress and depression
  
• Increases energy and serotonin
  
• Improves flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance
  
• Strengthens bones and boosts cardiovascular health
  
• Increases mental capacity by exercising our cognitive processes
  
• Dynamic and rapid fire decision making creates new neural paths
  

​Fitnes​s for Seniors

Tuesday, Jan. 15-March 19, 1-2 p.m., free.

Join Mark Harris in this 10-week free class for adults 65 and older offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College. Improve fitness, strength, conditioning, flexibility, balance and cognitive skills while having fun. Call to preregister, 734.794.6250. 

Tai Chi

​Wednesday, Jan. 16-March 20​, 9-10:30 a.m., free.

Join this free class in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for seniors 65 and older. Instruction combines martial arts movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques to improve balance and overall health. Instructed by Karla Groesbeck. Call to preregister, 734.794.6250. 

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Chair Yoga through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed

Chair yoga provides a gentle stretch for your body and brings a sense of clarity to the mind. This class is offered by Rec & Ed at the Ann Arbor Senior Center on Fridays. Visit Rec & ED to register for the class.

Wellness

A Matter of Balance

Friday, Jan. 11-March 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., free, registration with AAA1B required
A Matter of Balance is an award-winning evidence-based program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. Throughout the eight weeks, you will learn to: 

• View falls as controllable
  
• Set goals for increasing activity
• Make changes to reduce risks at home
• Exercise to increase strength and balance.

Call (833) 262-2200 or email wellnessprograms@aaa1b.com for information or to register.

 Friday, Oct. 5, 9-10:30 a.m., fee $5.

Technology is changing the driving experience. Join this 90-minute workshop to learn all about the latest high-tech safety features in your current car or future car, how they work, and how they can make driving safer and more enjoyable. Checks made payable to AARP will be directly given to the AARP instructor at class. Call the Ann Arbor Senior Center to register, 734.794.​6250. 

​​​Flu Shot Clinic

Monday, Oct. 1, 11-1 p.m.

Flu season is fast approaching and the annual flu vaccine is an important way to protect yourself from the flu. Rite Aid Pharmacy will be providing the flu vaccination on a first come, first served basis. Please bring your insurance card.   

Understanding Hospice

​Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

​Planning ahead and understanding the human experience of Hospice is a choice and a benefit for you and your loved ones. Sometimes the uncomfortable discussions we have today, make end of life decisions easier to manage during difficult times. This workshop explores various facts and clarifies benefits of hospice care and early decision making.

Know your Legal Rights

Friday, Oct. 5, 11-12 p.m.

This presentation will introduce participants to the free legal services available through the Michigan Advocacy Program. It will also address issues including: powers of attorney, guardianship, financial exploitation, scams, domestic violence, caregiver​ abuse/neglect, and way to address and avoid abuse, neglect, or exploitation. For those 55 and older who have experienced some form of victimization and who wish to apply for legal assistance, please call 734.998.6100 ext.​ 622, or do an in-person intake after the presentation. Call 734.794.6250 to register for this free presentation.​

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Monday, Oct. 1-Nov. 5, 9:30-11 a.m., free.

In this six-week educational program designed for family caregivers, you will learn techniques and skills to reduce stress, feelings of guilt, anger and repression, and effectively communicate with family and health care providers. ​Call (833) 262-2200 or email wellnessprograms@aaa1b.com for information or to register.

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