NEW! Introduction to Nature Journaling
Tuesday, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Join Eleva Potter of City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation as she helps unfold the joy of nature journaling. If you enjoy art and nature, this is the class for you! We will be using creative writing, painting, and nature printing to connect to the natural world and record our scientific observations in a nature journal. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.
Travels With George: Iberia and Viking Saga
Thursday, Nov. 30, 1:30-4 p.m. Join us on a travelogue with host George Jabol as we embark on a cruise along the Atlantic shores of Europe. The trip begins with three nights of sightseeing in and near London, including stops at The National Gallery and Windsor Castle. We then head to Normandy and the quaint French city of Bayeux, where we'll see the Bayeux Tapestry and the Bayeux Cathedral. At Santiago de Compostela in Spain we view the medieval buildings and the city's cathedral. Then it's off to see tiny Gibraltar and its resident monkeys. Other stops include Cadiz in Spain, Lisbon, Portugal (Jeronimos Monastery and the Maritime Museum, Belem Tower, and the Discoveries Monument), Ghent in Belgium, and then back to southeastern England to visit Constable Country. We conclude our trip in Oslo, Norway, and the scenic ports in the Norwegian fjords. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Please call 734.794.6250 or email [email protected] to register. Free of charge.
Winter Wonderland Paint Workshop
Friday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Staff from Atria Assisted Living Facility and Arbor Hospice will lead participants through a step-by-step "Winter Wonderland" painting project. All supplies will be provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
December Drive-Through: Snow Social
Wednesday, Dec. 13, noon-1 p.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and Brookdale Senior Living for this exciting “Snow Social" drive-through event. Senior geared goodie bags will be given out to patrons that sign up; limited spots available. 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 nonmembers.
Birch Bark Star Ornament Making
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2-3 p.m. Join Eleva Potter of City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation as she helps us create beautiful Scandinavian star ornaments made out of birchbark that was harvested from a City of Ann Arbor Park. These make great gifts or a way to decorate your home with a sustainably sourced material. Creating a star is similar to origami and does require dexterity and attention to detail. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.
December Blood Drive: The Season of Giving
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. In partnership with Versiti Blood Centers. Save lives and impact our community. Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is the local, non-profit blood center headquartered in Grand Rapids, serving more than 85 hospitals throughout Michigan, and collecting more than 130,000 units of blood each year. As the largest blood provider in the Midwest, your blood donations are needed to ensure that our community blood supply is stable and patient care is met. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Appointments preferred, click here or call 866.MIBLOOD to schedule. Questions regarding the location call 734.794.6250.
Multigenerational Creature Crafts: DIY Cat and Dog Toys
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) for this fun craft workshop for all ages. A hands-on, step-by-step approach. No experience or supplies necessary. Come learn about cat and dog play behavior while making your own cat spider wand or octopus-ball dog toy. Class is capped at 30 participants. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250 to register. Free of charge.
Care Consulting: Senior Caregiving Resources & How to Decide What's Best
Thursday, Dec. 21, 10-11:30 a.m. Miriam Vincent, care specialist of Ann Arbor Care Consulting, will teach 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. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. For questions and to RSVP contact [email protected] or 734.972.1074. Free of charge.
Peace Rock Painting Workshop
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.
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.
Move and Learn Workshop: Active Aging
Wednesday, Nov. 29. Come join us for an empowering and educational workshop that celebrates Active Aging! During this interactive experience, we will: explore the benefits of daily movement, brainstorm ways to be more active, discuss injury and fall prevention tips, and perform a safe and fun exercise routine together. This event is safe for everyone. All activities will be modified for safety and ability level, including the option to perform movements in a chair or standing with support. Presented by Yolanda Marie PT, DPT, OMPT, CHC of PhysicalTherapyandHealthCoaching.com.
How to Thrive While Aging SoloWednesday, 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.
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! Live via Zoom: 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 I: Mondays through 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 through 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 through 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 Winter 2024 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)
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
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
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!
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].
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!
