July Drive-Thru: Celebrate National Blueberry Month!Wednesday, July 10, noon-1 p.m. Join First Light Home Care for this fun, blueberry filled event! Enjoy snacks, pick up information and socialize! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free for members; $5 nonmembers.
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Travels With George: Japan, Thailand, and ChinaThursday, July 11, 1:30-4 p.m. Join George Jabol for this travelogue that recounts his nearly four week visit to Japan, China, and Thailand. The trip began with a three night stay in Tokyo, Japan, that included a city tour, followed by visits to Mt. Fuji and Lake Hakone and a walk through Tokyo's Yanaka district. Then it's off to China where highlights in Beijing included visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, as well as tours of the Great Wall and the Ming tombs. In Shanghai visits were made to the Shanghai Museum and the Bund, and also to an evening's entertainment provided by Chinese acrobats. At the city of Wuhan the tour joined a Yangtze River cruise which went to the massive Three Gorges Dam, taking in incredible scenery along the way. Near the city of Xian the site of the terra cotta soldiers was visited, and entertainment was provided in the evening at a lavish Tang Dynasty show. The China portion of the tour concluded with a visit to Hong Kong. In Thailand there was a city tour of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, followed by visits to the ancient temple site at Ayutthaya, to the Floating Market, and to the Rose Garden. All in all it was quite a journey, which George is eager to share with you in pictures and words. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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Tech Talks: Tech DilemmasThursday, July 25, 2-3 p.m. Join James Giordani, Owner of Clear Computing for this educational workshop. Is AI taking over? Is social media ruining society? What affect is e-waste having on our planet? Let's talk about the pros and cons of the digital age. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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Travels With George: A Tale of Three Cities – Edinburgh, Glasgow, and LondonThursday, Aug. 1, 1:30-4 p.m.
This personal journey of travelogue host George Jabol to Great Britain involved a mission, to honor the memory of my late partner, Jean Burns, in Loch Lomond, Scotland, near her birthplace, according to her wish. It was also Jean's wish that in the course of fulfilling her request I should allow myself to enjoy the trip. I saw the journey as an opportunity to explore places Jean always loved and, by investigating them as closely as I could, to better celebrate her memory. I traveled first to Edinburgh, arriving at the height of the city's annual International Festival and just in time to attend the Military Tattoo entertainment at the Edinburgh Castle. Going by train to Glasgow, I explored this most populated city in Scotland and fulfilled my primary goal of carrying Jean's ashes to nearby Loch Lomond. A short flight next brought me to London, where I walked a lot, visited Buckingham Palace, and finally climbed to the top of a double-decker tour bus, which gave me comprehensive views of this fabulous city. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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August Drive-through: Creamsicles and Summer Safety!Wednesday, Aug. 14, noon-1 p.m.
Join Atria Senior Living Ann Arbor for this fun, sweet and safe event! Enjoy snacks, pick up information and socialize! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free for members; $5 nonmembers.
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Lunch & Learn
Join us every Wednesday 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. A light lunch will be provided. Preregistration required by calling 734.794.625. Free of charge.
| Lunch and Learn: What to Do When Your Spouse Passes at Home Wednesday, July 17, noon-1 p.m. Hosted by Washtenong Memorial Park. Washtenong staff will help us understand who to contact and what steps to take if your spouse should pass at your home. Additional information will be provided regarding what to do after your spouse or loved one has passed. Light lunch provided. Space is Limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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| Lunch and Learn: “I've Got A Secret" About Realty Wednesday, July 24, noon-1 p.m. Hosted by Barbara Zinser, Realtor specializing in senior needs from Reinhart Realtors. Barbara is coming to play "I've Got A Secret", which was the CBS TV show that ran from 1952-1967. Who remembers Garry Moore, Steve Allen, Bill Cullen and Bess Myerson? Barbara has a secret and is looking for 4 panelists to play along, while everyone else provides the audience response. Join us for a light lunch and lots of laughs. Space is Limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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| Lunch and Learn: Implementing a Mediterranean Diet Wednesday, July 31, noon-1 p.m. The EMU Contextual Behavioral Science Lab follows up on its previous workshop by giving hints and tips about implementing a Mediterranean eating style into your diet. This type of eating has proven benefits for brain and heart health. Light lunch provided. Space is Limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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| Lunch & Learn: What to Do When Hearing Aids Are Not Enough
Wednesday, Aug. 7, noon-1 p.m. Hosted by Cochlear Americas. Are you or a loved one struggling with your hearing even when using hearing aids? You are not alone. Take the next step to address your hearing loss. Learn more about hearing loss, implantable solutions and what to do when hearing aids are not enough. Mary Humitz, Au. D. will be on hand to answer your questions about the differences between hearing aids and hearing implants; steps to determining if you are a candidate and how to take the next steps to determine if you are a candidate. We will address frequently asked insurance questions - unlike hearing aids, Medicare covers cochlear implants. Light lunch provided. Space is Limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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Monthly Senior Support Programs
Care Management by Natalie – Senior Support
Wednesday, July 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m. A Care Manager is a senior resources expert that can assist clients with: Discharging from the hospital, starting, or stabilizing caregiving structure in the home, remaining independent at home, choosing, and preparing to move to a senior community, creating medical stability or a new diagnosis roadmap, and support, education, and future planning. Together with Care Management by Natalie we can help find your right path through the aging process. Click here to learn more. Sign up for a free 1-hour initial consultation, free of charge. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Preregistration required. Call 734.794.6250.
Weekly Activities
Bluegrass Jam
Wednesdays, June 26, 7-9 p.m. (every second and fourth Wednesday) 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. Open to all ages. Visit the Bluegrass website for more information. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Cost is $5.
Move and Groove
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. In partnership 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. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Contact 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Scrabble
Wednesdays, 1:30-3 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. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.
Trivia Over Zoom!
Wednesday, July 3 and 17, Aug. 7 and 21, 1-2 p.m. Join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 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 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free for members; $2 nonmembers.
Mind Matters
Wednesdays, 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. Questions? Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free for members; $2 nonmembers.
Artist's Open Studio
Thursdays, 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 (please call ahead to see what supplies are available). Friends encouraged. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Free for members, $2 for nonmembers.
2024 Senior Park Walks
Fridays, 10-11 a.m. Join us for a weekly guided one-mile, beginner-level walk at a different park in the City of Ann Arbor! Path conditions may include paved, unpaved, and boardwalks, all of which will have little or no elevation changes. Pack your own water bottle, we will have a water refill station and provide a light snack. Each walk will be weather permitting, please bear with us in making these decisions, as we all know how unpredictable Michigan can be. Weather determination details are:
- Weather forecasted to be below 50 degrees OR above 80 degrees will result in a cancellation.
- A prediction of rain 50% or higher will result in a cancellation.
- When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 150, a walk will be canceled (however cancellations may occur with an AQI of 101+ depending on other factors).
- Cancellation notices will be sent via email. Please make sure you have registered with an email address that you check often.
- Cancellations will be determined either:
- By 3:30 p.m. the Thursday before the walk.
- By 9 a.m. the morning of the walk.
- If a walk is cancelled because of the weather, an alternative coffee social hour will be offered at the Senior Center from 10-11 a.m.
Instructions of where to meet will be emailed prior to Friday. Limited space due to limited parking. Preregistration required. Participants may sign up for a walk 2-weeks ahead of the walk date. Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 per walk for non-members (must be paid at the time of registration).
Bridge
ACBL Sanctioned Games
Thursdays, 12-3:30 p.m. Join us for sanctioned bridge at the Ann Arbor Senior Center with director, Matt Evett! No partner? No problem! Arrive by 11:30 a.m. and tell the director. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Cost is members, $8; nonmembers, $9.
Non-sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Games
Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life masters to beginners. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Members, $2; nonmembers, $3. PLEASE NOTE. Starting Sept. 1,
non-sanctioned bridge fee’s will increase to: members, $3; nonmembers, $5.
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]. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Cost of each course is: $130, member; $156 nonmembers (drop-in option members, $15; nonmembers, $17).
Bridge II, Play of the Hand, Part III: Mondays through August 12, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Instructional bridge classes are directed by Ray Gentz and are open to all ages. 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, Part III: Tuesdays through August 13, 10 a.m.-noon (No class on August 6 due to Election). Instructional bridge classes are directed by Ray Gentz and are open to all ages. 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. We will study chapters 7-9. Prerequisites: Bridge I/equivalent or prior experience.
Required text: Defense in the 21st Century by Audrey Grant (ISBN-10: 0939460653).
Bridge Conventions with Supervised Play: Tuesdays through July 16, 1-3 p.m. Instructional bridge classes are directed by Ray Gentz and are open to all ages. This class is for advanced beginner through middle intermediate players who wish to learn new bidding and defense conventions, as well as review former ones like Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, Blackwood, opening leads, and more. No text needed! Handouts will be provided. Each class will start with 20-45 minutes of presentation on the topic at hand, followed by play where students will bid and play hands from the previous days' duplicate game. Hands are analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play, and defense.
Prerequisites: Bridge for Beginners Parts I and II or instructor approval. Cost is $100, members; $120 nonmembers (drop-in fee: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).
Senior Focused Classes: Wellness and Enrichment
Sign Up for Fall 2024 Classes starting July 1! Senior Focus classes are offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Classes are held at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. 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, Sept. 10-Nov. 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class
Oct. 15 and Nov. 5) 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 abilities.
Line Dancing for Seniors
Tuesdays, Sept. 10-Nov. 19, noon-1 p.m. (No class
Nov. 5) 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, Sept. 10-Nov. 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m. (No class Nov.
5) 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.
Intermediate Tai Chi
Wednesdays, Sept. 11-Nov. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No
class Oct. 16) 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, Sept. 11-Nov. 13, 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.
Italian Language Class - Intermediate
Thursdays, Sept. 12-Nov. 14, 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.
Strength and Conditioning for Seniors
Fridays, Sept. 13-Nov. 22, 1-2 p.m. (No class Oct. 4) 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!
Catholic Social Services
- A “go to” place for a comprehensive Senior Resource Connect Program including a
list of phone numbers of the services seniors need. No religious affiliation necessary.
Jewish Family Services
- Providing expertise, compassion and personalized support through the aging experience. No religious affiliation necessary.
Call
AgeWays to Get Connected with Resources and Programs
- The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2024 with a name change! The nonprofit is now known as AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services, a name that reflects its mission: helping people to age in the ways they choose. Call 800-852-7795 to learn about services, resources and classes for older adults and family caregivers.
Solo Learning: Aging In Place and Healthy Aging Highlights
As people age, they tend to want the same things: to stay in their homes, maintain independence, and turn to family and friends when they need help. If living at home is important to you, you may worry about getting around, staying safe, and keeping connected. Information on healthy aging and more tips from the
National Institute on Aging at
NIH is available here.
Trualta: New Skills-Building Platform Offered for Family Caregivers
Ageways is now offering
Trualta, a free online platform designed to help family caregivers navigate challenges, find local resources, and connect with other caregivers. Trualta’s learning modules, on subjects ranging from handling a loved one’s resistance to taking medications to managing pressure wounds, to taking care of oneself, can be read, listened to, or watched. There are resources, articles, checklists, videos, quizzes, and webinars to choose from.
NEW! LGBTQ+ Pride In Aging
- The Turner Senior Wellness Program at Michigan Medicine and MiGen are teaming up to create a welcoming and inclusive space for older and maturing LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in Washtenaw County and the surrounding areas to connect, share resources, and support each other. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with other older adults in the community who share similar experiences. To sign up and receive communications about upcoming offerings click here. Contact [email protected] or call 734-998-9353.
Donations & Equipment Lending
- Looking to donate medical equipment? Looking to borrow equipment? The Ann Arbor Senior Center will take
and lend gently used ADL equipment such as shower chairs, walkers, canes, and more. Call us at 734.794.6250. If you have other types of medical equipment to donate, please click
here for a list of places that accept varying types of medical supplies.
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 July segment features Mark Williams, who has been teaching exercise classes for seniors in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area for many years. Watch as he demonstrates some light exercise movements for seniors to do while sitting on a chair!
