Ann Arbor Senior Center Status Update
Dear Members,
The Senior Center was notified that a participant at the Bridge Club event on January 13th tested positive for COVID-19 today, January 14th. As a member of our community, we wanted to make you aware of this as soon as possible. Given the concern for our participants and the elevated case rates in our community, the Senior Center will be closed for in person programming for 10 days (until January 24). Bridge activities where card play is involved will be placed on hold until further notice given concerns with case rates in the community and the difficulty in conducting this programming in a physically distanced fashion. Outdoor activities such as the drive-through, and virtual programming will still go on as scheduled. For any questions concerning programming, please contact [email protected].
We apologize for the inconvenience and recognize the concerns that you may have. We recommend that you monitor yourself for potential symptoms and seek out testing or consult with your personal physician if you have health concerns. The Washtenaw County Health Department recommends that people with a potential exposure to someone with COVID-19 who do not develop symptoms seek out a test on day 5 after an exposure. If you do develop symptoms, get tested as soon as possible and follow-up with your health care provider. Please consult the Washtenaw County Public Health Department's website for more information on recommended quarantine time frames, how to seek out testing and other information on COVID-19.
Under the current pandemic, the Ann Arbor Senior
City is offering limited in-person programming. Staff are also exploring other
ways to bring programs to members of the senior center. Staff will continue to
evaluate reopening the senior center to even more in-person programming as
social distancing guidelines and CDC recommendations are updated. Be sure to
check our calendar for the most up-to-date program offerings. 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 Arbor 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.
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!
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 Annabelle Harris.
Annabelle Harris is the creator of
Elders.Center. Her goal is to help soon-to-be-seniors and already-seniors move
gracefully into their golden years with less fear and more confidence. The site
features a plethora of resources to help answer common and not-so-common
questions about aging.
4 Marriage Tips for Making the Most of Your Golden Years with Your New Spouse
A common school of thought among older individuals is that it is too late for them to experience passion and romance and that true love is for the youthful. However, the advent of social media and dating websites has made it easier than ever before for those of all ages to hook up with potential partners, and research shows that seniors are not hesitating to take advantage of this technological convenience. Whether you are on a first, second, or subsequent marriage, as you settle into your new marriage, there are many considerations before you. Doing a few things can help ease the adjustment period for you and your new spouse.
1. Navigate Finances as a Couple
A survey shows that money fights are the second most common cause of divorce, trumped only by adultery. Finances are also the number one instigator of arguments in relationships. Since you have had more time to accumulate wealth and assets, you have more to protect and lose than a younger individual might.
Whether you and your spouse decide to keep everything separate, to create a joint account solely for household expenses, to merge all possessions or some other financial pathway, the most important thing is to do it together. Thoroughly discuss all aspects of finances, from retirement to real estate. Insurance, debt, college funds for children, estate planning (especially if this is not your first marriage) and other finance-related subjects must be agreed upon by both you and your partner to avoid later conflict.
2. Purchase a Home After Careful Research and Discussion
As a newlywed couple, you and your husband or wife may not wish to move together into an already owned property. If so, you will need to purchase new accommodations. To locate a trustworthy, reasonably priced lender and the best interest rates, you can use websites like PennyMac, which provides excellent service (click here to learn more). You will also need to do careful research into factors such as the area the new home is located in and the history of the home.
3. Don't Forget the Technicalities
Marriage also involves many legal considerations, including changes in the way you file taxes. If your name or your spouse's name changes, you need to inform the Social Security Administration of the alteration. You also need to wait until the IRS has completed the name change process in their system before filing your return. Consider changing your withholding with your employer (via your W-4 form). Have a conversation about whether you will file separately or jointly come tax season (the two options available for married people).
4. Communicate Constantly
Communication is essential to all relationships, from work ones to family ones. It is especially vital to marriages. If something is bothering you or you notice something is upsetting your spouse, don't ignore it and hope it will go away. Relate your concerns and talk them out until you reach a resolution. Resolve conflicts quickly and peacefully rather than letting resentment fester. Avoid making assumptions, using the silent treatment as a weapon, and retaliating with pettiness.
Compromise when possible; even if you are in the right, sometimes giving in and taking the high road teaches the other party to do the same. Make important decisions together and support each others' choices. Marriage is a partnership, and partners work in tandem, which is impossible without adequate communication.
As you embark on this next section of your life, working with your partner instead of separately on things like house hunting and finances will help you achieve harmony and make your golden years amazing.
Photo by: Pexels
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 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
Programs & Activities
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:
a2gov.zoom.us/j/94726331603?pwd=REJ3blE0VTk2ZGpuemFyKzU2TUJydz09.
Meeting ID: 947 2633 1603. Passcode: 739714.
For more information email [email protected] Free of charge
Wednesdays, 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=WHdncWdkMkxQQWxHcWhIbEt0UXJuQT09
Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740. Passcode: 194912.
For more information email
[email protected]. Free of charge.
Blue Grass Jam
Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., drop-in fee: $5.
The 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.
Bridge Games & Instruction
Duplicate Non-sanctioned Bridge Games (TEMPORARILY NOT RUNNING)
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.
Instructional Bridge
Bridge Defense Part II
Mondays, Jan. 24 - April 18 (13 weeks) 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. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 13 weeks or pay on opening day. 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 the Senior Center office at 794-6250.
Prerequisites: Bridge I or equivalent or prior experience
Bridge Play of the Hand Part I
Tuesdays, Jan. 25 - April 19 (13 weeks) 10 a.m. - Noon; fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember
This class is designed for advanced beginner and low intermediate players who wish to improve declarer skills. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 13 weeks or may reserve a spot if doing drop-in. 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 II
Tuesdays, Jan. 25 - April 19 (13 weeks) 1-3 p.m.; fee: $130 member; $156 nonmember.
This class will use 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. Students may pay before class or on the first day or if you wish to do drop-in. For more details, contact the instructor at [email protected] or the Senior Center office at 794-6250.
Prerequisite: Bridge For Beginners Part I or instructor permission
Wellness and Enrichment
Life Line Screenings
Future date to be announced soon.
Life Line Screening will again host health screenings at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. For more information or to register, visit
https://www.lifelinescreening.com/community-circle.
Veteran Healthcare Resources for the Community
Medicare, 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/
