734.794.6250Ann Arbor Senior Center
The Ann Arbor Senior Center will be Closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day
In observance of the National Holiday, the Senior Center will be closed. Current class schedules will reflect the closure.
About the Facility
The Ann Arbor Senior Center offers a range of programs, services and social activities to empower and engage older adults in healthy and meaningful ways. Our goal is to provide 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. We strive 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.
734.794.6250
1320 Baldwin Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Brittany Patton,
Director
BPatton@a2gov.org
Terry Morris,
Assistant Director
Noah Trobe,
Assistant Director
Connect with Us
A year long membership is $25, and a family annual membership is $35. Memberships are required to participate in no-cost programs. No-cost memberships are available to income eligible families that apply for the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Scholarship program. Nonmembers may try each program, once, at no cost, prior to making their determination to join. Participation in a program following the free trial will incur a cost, depending on the program, per person for nonmembers.
Rent the Senior Center
Our space is 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. For additional information or to setup a time to view the facility, please call 734.794.6250 or click here.
Hours
- Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Rentals available evenings and weekends
Community Resources
Senior Center staff are available via phone to help find local resources for older adults. We can help you with a variety of topics including home health care, food assistance, home repairs and maintenance, transportation, assistance for veterans, medicare/medicaid help, housing information and more. Give us a call at 734.794.6250 and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Upcoming Events
NEW! Online Registration Now Available!
We are moving away from accepting requests for class registrations by email, as these requests cannot be processed as timely as many members would like. To help us with this transition, please take a moment to check out the exciting new online registration system– click here! Each activity in the newsletter and on our website will have a link that will direct you to the registration page for that specific activity. Alternatively, you can find this page by visiting www.a2gov.org/parks, scroll down to the section titled “I Want To…” and click the icon “Register for a Program”. In the top left corner is a red link that says “Log In with Email” – if you have registered for programs with us before, use the email that you receive notifications and receipts about classes. If you’re new, you can also create a new account by following the same link. You’re still welcome to give us a call to register for programs, 734.794.6250. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Senior Park Walks
Fridays, 10-11 a.m. (On Friday, May 30th there will be a coffee hour at the Center in lieu of a walk)
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, and a weather determination will be made by 9 a.m. the morning of the walk. Instructions of where to meet will be emailed prior to Friday. Limited space due to limited parking. Participants may sign up for a walk 2-weeks ahead of the walk date. Preregistration required. To register click here or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 per walk for nonmembers (must be paid at the time of registration).
Drive-through: Celebrate Flag Day!
Wednesday, June 11, noon-1 p.m.
Join Kelly and Theresa from Lockwood of Ann Arbor for this fun, and festive event! Enjoy snacks, receive a goody bag, socialize, and pick up information! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. To register click here or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers.
Workshop: Forager's Feast
Friday, June 13, 1-3 p.m.
Join our friend Eleva Potter, Natural Area Preservation Environmental Educator, for this new workshop! Learn to identify which native and invasive species are edible and turn them into delicious dishes including salad, pesto, frittatas, fritters and tea. Come hungry! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. To register click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Workshop: Love, Lure, and Lore of the Laundry Line
Friday, June 20, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
The laundry line? What's there to talk about? Anne Lawrence will take you on a nostalgic trip back in time to the days when everyone hung their wash on the line to dry – when they went online without the internet! There will be memories to share, links between the clothesline and social/cultural issues, history, feminism, psychology, sociology, and ecology. You will hear why "solar drying" – that wonderful free sun – is once again the way to go in today's eco-conscious world. There will be personal stories, delightful slides to see, along with a peek at Anne's vast collection of laundry memorabilia. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. To register click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Technology Workshop: Hacks & Scams
Friday, June 27, 11 a.m.-noon.
Join James Giordani from AsKevin for this educational tech workshop on four essential computer skills for older adults. Cybercrime is a multibillion-dollar industry that has touched everyone. Come learn who these bad actors are, how they operate, and how to protect yourself. James Giordani received his MSW from the University of Michigan with a focus on enhancing the quality of life and independence of seniors through technology. He has been teaching tech skills and providing in-home tech support tailored to older adults for over 8 years. James breaks down the confusing world of technology into clear, understandable, and interesting presentations whether you're a tech novice or a tech master. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. To register click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
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 & Learn: A Conversation on Sports, Concussions, and Brain Health Throughout the Lifespan
Wednesday, June 18, noon-1 p.m.
Join University of Michigan’s Concussion Center for this educational presentation! Dr. Eleanna Varangis of the Center will provide dedicated time for questions and discussions following a short presentation on how sports and concussions affect brain health across the lifespan. To register click here or call 734.794.6250. Light lunch provided.
Lunch & Learn: Introduction to Glaucoma
Wednesday, June 25, noon-1 p.m.
Join FOX Rehabilitation for this educational presentation! Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. It's caused by a buildup of fluid in the eye, which increases pressure and damages the optic nerve. Join a representative from FOX Rehabilitation to discuss understanding the disease, types of vision loss, and compensatory and adaptive strategies to assist. FOX is a primarily clinician-operated, professional private practice of full-time physical, occupational, and speech therapists, built on the foundation of Geriatric House Calls. To register click here or call 734.794.6250. Light lunch provided.
Lunch & Learn: Frauds & Scams
Wednesday, July 2, noon-1 p.m.
Join Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union to learn how stay safe and secure by learning how to spot, stop, and report common scams that target you specifically. This presentation will cover the latest fraud tactics, red flags to watch out for, and practical tips and resources to help protect you, your finances, and your personal information. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Lunch & Learn: Advancing Science: The Latest in Alzheimer's and Dementia Research
Wednesday, July 16, noon-1 p.m.
Join the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan, for updates on the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Lunch & Learn: Boost Your Brainpower
Wednesday, July 23, noon-1 p.m.
Join Better Living Fitness to explore how specific exercises can enhance cognitive function, sharpen memory, and improve focus. In this workshop, you'll discover practical, science-backed movements designed to support mental clarity and longevity. Ideal for anyone looking to stay sharp and active! Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge
Monthly Senior Support Programs
Senior Support Consultations
Wednesday, July 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. or Aug. 13, 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
Move & Groove
Register for the Spring/Summer Semester! Wednesdays, June 4-Aug. 27, 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, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. To register, click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
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. Free for members; $2 nonmembers.
Trivia Over Zoom!
Wednesdays, June 4 and 18, 1-2 p.m.
Join us twice a month for some educational trivia! 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. Free for members; $2 nonmembers.
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, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.
Bluegrass Jam
Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. (every second and fourth Wednesday except for June, and July. These dates are: Tuesdays, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22.
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, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Cost is $5.
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, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members, $2 for nonmembers.
Travels With George: America’s Southeastern Coastal Cities
Thursday, June 5, 1:30-4 p.m.
The names of cities along America’s southeastern coast are almost magical to us northerners. Names like Savannah and Charleston speak of hanging moss and mystery, of southern charm and hospitality, of beautiful homes and cultures immersed in history. St Augustine, Florida, where it seems everything is the oldest in America, was the first stop on this journey through the deep south. Next came Georgia’s Jekyll’s Island, once a retreat exclusively for the very wealthy and now a vacation paradise for everyone. Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston are within 70 miles of each other and, while each is distinctive, all share in creating a relaxed southern manner of living amid the architectural masterpieces they call home. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320, Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Artist Exhibits
“Dances in 2D-2" Featuring Joan K. O'Connell
Show on display through June 2025
A statement from the artist: “Physical challenges a few years ago limited Joan's creative-expressive dancing, forcing her to consider alternative modes of expression. Creativity pulses; it will find a way! She took some art classes. In 2022, with lots of help, she designed a solo exhibition.
The 2025 show features all new artwork: watercolor, acrylics, photography, colored pencils, collage and fiber art, exploring perceptions and a wide range of emotions, old and new. New this year: custom hardwood float frames by Mr. OC. A portion of the show proceeds were donated to the non-profit “Sparrows Place” (www.sparrowsplace.org).
Learn more about the artist at: https://dancesin2d.wordpress.com/
Visit the show at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave., (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday). Call 734.794.6250. Free admission.
Bridge: Games and Classes
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+. More information can be found at annarborbridge.com. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $8, members; $9, nonmembers.
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, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $3, members; $5, nonmembers.
Instructional Bridge
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 ray62856@gmail.com. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Cost of each course is: $130, members; $156 nonmembers (drop-in option: members, $15; nonmembers, $17).
Bridge II Play of the Hand: Part III
Mondays through July 21 (No class May 26), 9:30-11:30 a.m.
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). Open to all ages 18+. Instructor: Ray Gentz.
Bridge Defense: Part III
Tuesdays through July 15, 10 a.m.-noon.
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). Open to all ages 18+. Instructor: Ray Gentz.
Bridge: 2 Over 1 Game Force System
Tuesdays through June 24, 1-3 p.m.
This class is for those who have a good knowledge of the Standard American Bidding system and are ready to learn a system similar to that with extra gadgets added to improve bidding accuracy. The first 60-75 minutes will be used for lecture with the remaining time left for students to play hands with analysis provided. The 2/1 system is becoming more popular today in the USA. Required text is "2 Over 1 Game Force" by Audrey Grant and Eric Rodwell (ISBN-10: 093946084X). Prerequisites Bridge I and II. Instructed by Ray Gentz. .
Senior Focused Classes: Wellness and Enrichment
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.
Please read carefully: Registrations will not be taken prior to 9 a.m. on Monday, April 7th. After 9 a.m., please call 734.794.6250 to register. Please note, emails and voicemails regarding registration will not be processed as timely as phone calls or in person registrations. If you wish to secure a spot, please either visit us at the center, or call on that Monday to speak with a staff member. Leaving a voicemail or sending an email does not guarantee a spot.
Tai Chi (All Levels)
Tuesdays through July 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class June 17)
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. Trainer is Karla Groesbeck. Class is open to all abilities.
Line Dancing for Seniors (Class is full)
Tuesdays, through July 29, noon-1 p.m. (No class May 27 or June 24)
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. Trainer is Deliena Grantham.
Adventures in Watercolor
Tuesdays through July 22, 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.Trainer is Debra Golden.
Intermediate Tai Chi
Wednesdays through July 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class June 18)
This 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. Trainer is Karla Groesbeck. Class is open to all ages.
Senior Focus Yoga (Class is full)
Wednesdays through May 28, 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 (Class is full)
Thursdays through July 17, 10-11 a.m.
Native speaker, Nicola Parravano, will lead this enjoyable class helping you increase your understanding of the language as you become more fluent in a supportive, friendly and fun environment. The class will also explore the many wonderful characteristics of Italian culture. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Prerequisite of previous Intermediate Italian course.
Strength and Conditioning for Seniors (Class is full)
Fridays through July 25, 1-2 p.m. (No class July 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. Trainer is fitness expert Michele Williams. Join us and let's get this fitness party started!
Events & Rentals
Planning an event? Rent the Ann Arbor Senior Center in the charming neighborhood of Burns Park! The facility is the perfect venue to host your next baby shower; birthday, graduation, or retirement party; reception; work retreat; public meeting or class; and much more! The center is equipped with multiple rooms, ample onsite parking, a kitchen with space for food storage and preparation, air conditioning, balloon frames and inflating tools, LCD projector, tables, chairs, sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, access to the park and playground, and two 50" flat screen televisions (stream a football game or movie for the kids!). Click here for information about pricing. Click the arrows to the images below to see more photos of the facility! To make a reservation or check availability, call 734.794.6250.
Community Resources
Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County
- 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.
- 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.
- Medicare/Medicaid Questions: AgeWays can help: Explain Medicare health plan options and eligibility requirements; Understand what is/isn’t covered by Medicare; Understand doctor bills, hospital bills and Medicare Summary Notices; Understand Medicare/Medicaid enrollment timelines; Review your Medicare supplemental (“Medigap”) insurance needs, compare policies and pursue claims and refunds; Identify resources for prescription drug assistance & identify and report Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse.
Solo Learning: Aging In Place and Healthy Aging Highlights
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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
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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 tswpinfo@umich.edu 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 newest segment features James Giordani of Askevin Inc. discusses how he helps seniors with their phones, computers, and other tech devices and how to prevent fraud and identity thefts.