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Ann Arbor Senior Center, Burns Park

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Ann Arbor Senior Center
Burns Park

1320 Baldwin Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (directions)

Phone: 734.794.6250
Brittany Patton, Recreation Supervisor
[email protected]​ 

Visit Us O​n Facebook

facebook.com/AnnArborSeniorCenter​ 

Hours

Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Select evening and weekend community programs.


Ann Arbor Senior Center Status Update

Under the current pandemic, the Ann Arbor Senior City is offering limited programming. Staff are exploring other ways to bring programs to members of the senior center. Staff will continue to evaluate reopening the senior center as social distancing guidelines and CDC recommendations are updated. For more information regarding the senior center, please contact Brittany Patton at [email protected]​​.

​The Ann Arbor Senior Center is your center for community programs and public or private events; offering a range of programs, services, and social activities to empower and engage older adults in healthful and meaningful ways. The Ann Arbor Senior Center provides 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. Our goal is 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 Arbo​r Senior Center and also in Burns Park. Please note the savings you earn if you sign up to be a member! It's great value when you compare member and nonmember fees.
Membership     Bridge     Fun     Arts & Humanities      Well​ness    Room Rental

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Check out our own Brittany Patton talking about programming at the Ann Arbor Senior Center on CT's AnnArbor Senior Moments show.

Weekly Newsletter​

​​​​Each week we post a newsletter that highlights some of the programs and events taking place over the next week. To read the full article click Weekly Newsletter​​.​ Thanks for reading!​

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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 Hal Salazar.  ​

Making Your Garden Grow While Staying Safe in Your Senior Years

 Garden.pngMany seniors mistakenly believe that they have to give up their favorite hobbies as their golden years begin to sparkle. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, gardening, which is a popular pastime for seniors, is great for your health in more ways than one. Even better, a visually appealing landscaping – even when done on a budget – will make your home look better by improving curb appeal.

 Why garden?

 There are many benefits of backyard gardening, including having access to fruits and vegetables, which should comprise the bulk of your diet in your senior years. Plus, it's good exercise that will help you stay in tune with nature.

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The Fruits of Your Labor

 If you enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables but are worried about mobility, there's no need to fret. You can still enjoy your favorite produce from the comfort of your own home by changing the way you garden. Instead of tilling up the ground, consider installing a few raised beds or trellises for vining plants, such as beans, squash, and melons. Even if you have to reduce your garden space, you can still grow a variety of fare.

 Consider bringing in an expert if the initial work is too strenuous or if you aren't sure which plants will do best in which situations. A professional gardener – which you can hire locally by searching online – will understand everything from soil composition to the effects of constant sunlight. They can recommend flowers and other plants based on your budget and personal preferences. A gardener can even help you come up with a plan for low-maintenance landscaping ideas that won't require ongoing maintenance.

 If it is difficult to safely maneuver about your backyard, you may be able to enjoy gardening on a smaller scale by launching your own container garden. Globe Life explains that getting started is easy and notes that you can grow everything from decorative flowers to tomatoes and peppers right on your back deck. As an added benefit, container gardening doesn't require any tilling or weeding (and the grandkids can help!).

 Senior safety

 No matter which type of garden you choose, it pays to prioritize safety. This might mean removing dead trees and other debris from your gardening area that could fall on you or otherwise harm you. To find a highly-rated tree removal service in your area, go online to search -- tree removal companies near me. It might also mean implementing accessible garden techniques and talking to your doctor to ensure you are physically fit enough for outdoor activities. They might advise you to stay indoors until the sun begins to set, and your doctor can instruct you on warning signs of dehydration, heatstroke, and other weather-related illnesses.

 As a senior, you should know that you are more susceptible to the elements than your younger counterparts. For example, according to Care.com, older adults can't conserve water as well, meaning you could dehydrate quickly. Further, being outside on a hot day can make it difficult to manage medical conditions. If you decide that you simply can't do it all, decide which outdoor activities are most important to you. If you genuinely enjoy picking beans and watering the flowers, look into paying someone to mow the yard. Hiring a lawn care service is less expensive than you think, especially when you consider the potential effects on your health, along with the financial impact of a lawnmower, weedeater, and other lawn care equipment.

 There's no reason to give up doing the things that make you happy. However, as your body changes, so, too, should your tactics on how you go about your day. You don't have to stop gardening, but you do have to keep yourself safe. So, consult with a professional, and don't be afraid to try new methods that will allow you to reap what you sow while staying safe.​

Image via Pixabay

Senior Moments

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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 the ad to watch the series and catch it on Comcast CTN Channel 16, on the last Sunday of the month at 5pm. Reruns Sundays @ 5pm, Mondays @ 8am, Tuesdays @ 7:30 am, Wednesdays at 11 am, Fridays at 5pm. To access the series online visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw6eY79a9rp-HD0DxEDyiTh3kSS5ffKXL. ​For the latest episode featuring 

Ward Talk #171 with Jeff Hayner, Ann Arbor City Councilmember from the 1st Ward, August 2021​, click here.​ 

 


​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 , saving you $75. Most Scrabble and Mahjong players play 50 times a year, and with a Senior Center membership, you will save $75 a year!​

Drive-Thru Events

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halloween.jpgHalloween Spooktacular Drive-through

Friday, Oct. 22, Noon-1 p.m.

Please join the Ann Arbor Senior Center for a spooky drive-through event where Halloween-themed goodie bags, snacks, and beverages will be given out to take home! In celebration of this time of year, the Ann Arbor Public Library will be joining us to rent out books and sign up guests for library cards. Who know trick or treating as adults could be so much fun? Costumes strongly encouraged. RSVP to Brittany ([email protected]) to reserve your spot today! Free of charge.

Mind Matters 

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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: 

a2gov.zoom.us/j/94726331603?pwd=REJ3blE0VTk2ZGpuemFyKzU2TUJydz09. ​

Meeting ID: 947 2633 1603. Passcode: 739714. 

For more information email [email protected] Free of charge.


Live Trivia

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​Wednesdays, October 6th and 20th, 1-2 p.m.

We are back with live trivia via Zoom! Join us on the 1st and 3rd 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: a2gov.zoom.us/j/97912399740?pwd=W​HdncWdkMkxQQWxHcWhIbEt0UXJuQT09​

Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740. Passcode: 194912. 

For more information email [email protected]. Free of charge.​​​

Senior Art in the Park

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Every Monday, Noon – 1 p.m.

Join one of our staffers for a themed art project outside of the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Each class we will provide each artist their own personal supplies, you just need to bring your own creativity! If the weather is uncooperative, we will meet socially distanced in-doors. Face masks and social distancing required both inside and outside. Preregistration required, spaces limited. For more information or to register contact [email protected] or call​​ 734.794.6250. Cost is $5 per class.

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​​​Blue Grass Jam

Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., drop-in fee: $5.​​​​

bluegrassflyer2017.jpgThe A2 Blue Grass participants, from expert to novice, come from all over southeast Michigan to have fun withbluegrass 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.


 



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Bridge Games & Instruction

​Card symbol grouping_4_pips.jpgBridge Games​

Duplicate Non-sanctioned Bridge

Starting Oct. 4th, Mondays , 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. ​

Instruction​​​​​​​al Bridge

Bridge Defense   Part III

Mondays, June 28 - August 30,  10:00-​​​​11:30 a.m.; fee: $110 member; $132 nonmember

This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. We will study chapters 7-9 in the text which may be purchased online or ordered from your local bookstore if you didn't take Part I or II. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 10 weeks or pay on opening day. If you want to do drop-in, please call the Senior Center office at 794-6250 after 9AM on the day of the class to reserve a spot. It is highly recommended that students have some type of previous bidding class or experience. For more details, contact the instructor at [email protected] or call the Senior Center office.

Prerequisites: Bridge I or equivalent or prior experience​

Bridge II Play of the Hand    

Part II: Tuesdays,  June 22  - August 31 , noon - 1:30 p.m.; fee:  $110 member; $132 nonmember​

This class is designed for advanced beginner and low intermediate players who wish to improve declarer skills and will cover chapters 7-9 of the text. The main part of the course deals with play of the hand as declarer. Other parts include bidding reviews, defense, and more. The text may be purchased online or ordered from your local bookstore. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 11 weeks or may reserve a spot if doing drop-in. To reserve a spot, call the office at the number given below after 9AM the day of the class. For more details, contact the instructor at [email protected] or the Senior Center office at 794-6250.

Pre-requisites: Bridge I or instructor permission

Bridge for Beginners     

Part III: Tuesdays, June 22 - August 31, 2 - 3:30 p.m.; fee: $110 member; $132 ​nonmember.​

This class will cover chapters 6-9 of the text “Bidding in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant. The class is mainly for anyone who has taken Bridge I through Ann Arbor Community Rec + Ed or Bridge For Beginners at Burns Park. This is a great review class for others who may want a good review of overcalls, takeout doubles and Stay man. Make sure to have the text before June 22nd. Students may pay before class or on the first day or if you wish to do drop-in, please call the Senior Center to reserve a spot after 9AM on the day of the class at 794-6250. If you have questions, call the Center or email the
instructor at [email protected].

Prerequisite: Bridge For Beginners Part I or instructor permission​


Wellness and Enrichment

Life Line Screenings

​Future date to be announced soon.

Life Line Screening​Life Line Screening will again host health screenings at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. For more information or to register, visit http://www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle.​



Veteran Healthcare Resources for the Community

istockphoto-1034148906-612x612.jpgMedicare, like all health insurance programs, can be very complicated. How Medicare works with military healthcare benefits can be especially confusing. This free resource helps veterans understand how Medicare works with VA and TRICARE benefits and how to enroll. https://www.medicareplans.com/va-military-and-medicare-benefits-resource/​




Rent the Ann Arb​or Senior Center

It’s 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. The ​facility includes a main room that measures 1,360 square feet, as well as a comfortable lobby area, and private meeting room. Affordably priced and convenient, the center is ideal for receptions, parties, retreats, business meetings, trainings, and more! Rental fees are affordable and start at $45 per hour. Adult functions may also pay an additional fee for an alcohol permit. ​For additional information or to setup a time to view the facility, please call ​734.794.6250​. You can also click ​here​ to find additional room rental information online, or download a PDF of our Room Reservation Rental Request. Room Reservation Rental Request.pdf​.​

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