Thursday, Dec. 28, noon-1 p.m. Join us via Zoom to chat and paint peace rocks together. Pickup a rock and painting kit at the Ann Arbor Senior Center Dec. 18-22 between the hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or feel free to join us just to chat or work on your own project! Call 734.794.6250 or email [email protected] to register and receive the Zoom link. Free of charge.
Focaccia Bread Making
Thursday, Jan. 4, noon-2 p.m. Join us via Zoom to chat and make easy focaccia bread together. Pick up a baking ingredients kit at the Ann Arbor Senior Center Dec. 18-22 between the hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or join us just to chat! Feel free to be creative and add your own ingredients to make this bread your own. The possibilities are endless but might include: sundried or very small fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, onions, mushrooms, rosemary, oregano, basil, sage, or other wood herbs. (Delicate herbs, such as parsley or tarragon can be added, too, but not until AFTER baking.) Call 734.794.6250 or email [email protected] to register and receive the Zoom link. Free of charge.
Round Table on the History of the Detroit Lions
Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Dennis Merlo will present some history of the Detroit Lions as a conversation starter. Come to learn something new, provide your own history tidbits on the Lions, or just listen and reminisce. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Call 734.794.6250 to register. Minimum of 5 registered participants required to run this program. Free of charge and open to all.
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.
How to Thrive While Aging Solo
Wednesday, Dec. 6. In this enlightening guide, you'll learn proactive strategies to age confidently solo. Whether by choice or circumstances, solo agers find themselves planning their futures independently without the support of a partner, spouse, or family. Join LifeChoices to learn how to take charge by developing a comprehensive plan that ensures independence, freedom of choice and personal satisfaction. Topics include practical tips on aging, aging in place home modifications, crafting essential medical directives, establishing robust social networks, and assembling a care team before any crisis arises. By planning now, you can confidently embrace the future and embrace the joys of living life to the fullest.
Back Pain Management
Wednesday, Dec. 20. Join David Arend from Orthopedic Rehab Specialists for an information presentation on effectively managing and preventing lower back pain. Learn practical tips and strategies to take control of your back health. Topics include: understanding back anatomy; common causes and triggers of lower back pain; lifestyle modifications for pain prevention; proper posture and ergonomics; exercises for strength and flexibility; and non-invasive approaches to pain management.
Learn About YMCA Programs!
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Taylor Medina, Assistant Director of Healthy Living at the Ann Arbor YMCA, will be walking us through two new and exciting programs being offered through the YMCA: LIVESTRONG: fitness for adult cancer survivors, and Pedaling for Parkinson's: cycling program for those living with Parkinson's, as well as their caregivers.
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.
Scrabble
Every Wednesday (except Dec. 27 and Jan. 3), 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. What has 100 tiles, 225 squares, a multi-colored board and millions of fans of all ages, backgrounds, and locales? Calling all Scrabble lovers! Easy to teach, 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! Friends encouraged. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.
Trivia! With Additional Holi-Days on Thursdays!
Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 20, 27, and Jan. 3, 14, 27, 1-2 p.m.; Thursdays,
Dec. 21, 28, and Jan. 4, 10-11 a.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. Questions? Contact [email protected]. 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.
Artist's Open Studio
Every Thursday (except Dec. 28 and Jan. 4), 9:30-11 a.m. Calling all artists and craft enthusiasts! Join us for a weekly open studio where we invite you to bring your own projects and art equipment to work on in a creative, and supportive environment. Don't have your hands on a project or equipment? Not to worry – we have a collection of materials and craft projects that you can choose from. Friends encouraged. Please call ahead of time to learn what materials we have on hand. Free for members, $2 for nonmembers.
Bridge
ACBL Sanctioned Games
Thursdays (Except Dec. 28 and Jan. 4), 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 (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1), Directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life masters to beginners. Members, $2; nonmembers, $3.
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 II: Mondays, Jan. 15-April 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (No class on Feb. 19). This course focuses on declarer play using methods described in the required textbook. Also covered will be smaller sections on bidding review, 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 hands which will be analyzed with an emphasis on declarer techniques. Required text: “Play of Hand in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460947).
Bridge Defense Class Part II: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon, Jan. 16-April 16 (13 weeks. No class February 27). This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. The class will run with lecture and discussion from the text for the first 90 minutes. Students will then shuffle, deal and play about three hands during the last 30 minutes. Hands will be analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play and defense. Required text: Defense in the 21st Century by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460653).
Bridge for Beginners Part II: Tuesdays, Jan. 16 – April 16, 1-3 p.m. (13 weeks. No class February 27). Prerequisite: Part I or Instructor permission. A beginning course focusing on basic aspects of bridge featuring bidding using the Standard American system taught using the required textbook. 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. Required text: “Bidding in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460939).
Senior Focused Classes: Wellness and Enrichment
Sign Up for Winter 2024 Classes! Senior Focus 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, Jan. 9-March 26, 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, Jan. 10-March 27, 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.
Senior Focus Yoga
Wednesdays, Jan. 17-March 20, 2-3 p.m. This gentle, fun Yoga practice welcomes folks of all mobility levels and experience. Senior Focus Yoga is led by Tammy Wingfoote and includes modifications for individual needs and safe transitions in and out of yoga postures. Motor planning and fall prevention awareness is woven throughout the class to help improve mobility. Explore yoga postures in seated, mid plane, and standing positions, finishing the class in reclined peaceful relaxation. Enjoy the benefits of improved alignment, balance, strength, flexibility, and breath awareness through the ancient practice of Yoga. The use of props; chair, straps, or yoga blocks to support your practice is welcome. Students may use one of the limited number of mats at the Senior Center; it is suggested to bring your own mat.
Line Dancing for Seniors
Tuesdays, Jan. 16-March 26, noon-1
p.m. 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
Tuesdays, Jan. 9-March 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 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
Fridays, Jan. 12-March 22, 1-2 p.m. 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!
Italian Language Class
Thursdays, Jan. 18-March 21, 10-11 a.m. 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.
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 November segment features Shannon Etcheverry, Director of the Turner Senior Resource Center, as she talks about her role and how the center serves seniors in the community - Watch the episode below!
