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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Game Fun for Seniors: Bingo! Tuesday, Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Hosted by Mission Point Healthcare Services. Playing games is a fun social experience! Nicole Dominique will lead us in a fun morning of bingo. Meet new people and maybe win a little prize! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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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 & 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. 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 questions and help you determine if you are a candidate to take the next steps. We will cover FAQ 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. | 
| Lunch & Learn: Hospice 101 Wednesday, Aug. 21, noon-1 p.m. Join Flen Baker of Open Arms Hospice for this informative workshop that will cover the important topics regarding hospice. These include: what hospice is, understanding the hospice benefit, how to recognize when hospice can help, services provided by hospice, common myths, and what to do if hospice is needed. Light lunch provided. Space is Limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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Lunch & Learn: Mapping a Healthier You - Planning Your Wellness Goals
Wednesday, Aug. 28, noon-1 p.m.
Hosted by EHM Senior Solutions and the LifeChoices program Executive Director, Hannah Rauch. This class will offer expert advice, practical tips, and actionable steps to define, refine, and conquer your wellness ambitions. Empowering you to architect a fulfilling and thriving lifestyle for the year ahead. Light lunch provided. Space is Limited. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Visit a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required. Contact 734.794.6250 or [email protected]. Free of charge.
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| Lunch & Learn: Vertigo and Balance Dysfunction Wednesday, Sept. 4, noon-1 p.m. Please join David Arend of Orthopedic Rehab Specialists for this presentation on vertigo and balance dysfunction, delving into the complexities of these conditions. We will offer insights into their causes, symptoms, and impact on daily life. We will discuss effective diagnostic approaches and highlight treatments, including rehabilitative exercises and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving balance and reducing dizziness. Participants will gain practical knowledge on managing vertigo and balance issues, empowering them to take proactive steps towards better health and enhanced quality of life. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. 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, Aug. 14, 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, 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, Aug. 7 and 21, Sept. 4 and 18, 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).
Featured Artist: Esther Bar-Shai
Opening reception is Aug. 2, 5-7 p.m. Exhibit will be on display through the end of September. Esther is a retired award-winning teacher of fifty years. Born in Russia, Esther moved to Israel as a young child. Later (at age 21), she emigrated to the US (California) with her new husband, Avraham— to study and settle down. They had four kids and eight grandchildren. In 2012 they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Adjusting to winter took some time, but she has embraced her new home city and especially enjoys the lakes, the Huron River, and all the artists everywhere. Esther is an avid rock hound who enjoys collecting, polishing, and wire-wrapping rocks. Her lifelong passion for art encompasses exploring all kinds of creative pursuits, including sewing, knitting, estate sales, paper crafts, and more. She resided in Ann Arbor with her first dog, Booba (doll in Hebrew).
“In my retirement, I decided to learn how to paint. I started taking classes in 2016, about a year after my husband, Avraham, died. Over the past eight years, I finally feel the art is coming from me. I’m still learning; it is a work in progress. I can see and learn different approaches and styles by studying with various teachers who inspire me to discover and explore other techniques. I lose track of time when I paint.
I love watercolors because the translucent quality allows me to layer colors to create depth and texture. I enjoy the ongoing challenge and like to experiment with the paint-to-water ratio to control the opacity and intensity of the colors. I am inspired by nature and in awe of G-d’s creations. I want to try to capture some of what I see. Usually, I work from photographs, trying to imitate the beauty of nature: mainly landscapes, flowers, and birds. I have found painting to be a fulfilling and relaxing pastime that brings me great joy and a connection between my inner self and my surroundings. It has also been an excellent way to meet other aspiring artists and make new friends.”
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
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. 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).
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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).
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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
Fall Bridge Classes
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Bridge Supervised Play: Mondays, Aug. 19-Sept 9 (No session Sept. 2), 9:30-11:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Aug. 20-Sept. 10, 1-3 p.m. These sessions are designed for beginners and low, intermediate players who wish to improve their bidding, declarer and defensive play. The sessions will run with students playing seven-nine hands per session. Hands will be analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play and defense. It is highly recommended that students have some type of previous bidding class or experience. Please note that this is not a duplicate game, just practice. Drop in only, no registration required. Players will be partnered with people of the same skill level when possible. Instructor: Ray Gentz. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $10, members; $12, nonmembers.
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Bridge II Play of the Hand, Part I: Mondays, Sept. 16-Dec. 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m. The course focuses on declarer play methods from the required text “Play of the Hand in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. 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. The first half of the text will be covered during the course. Open to all ages. Pre-requisite: Bridge I or equivalent class. Instructor: Ray Gentz. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $130, members; $156, nonmembers (Drop-in: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).
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Bridge Defense, Part I: Tuesdays, Sept. 17-Dec. 17 (No class Nov. 5), 10 a.m.-noon. Defensive concepts studied in depth using the required text "Defense in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. Each class will have 1 hour of lecture, a brief break and then the remaining time will be used for playing of hands with analysis especially geared toward defense. Open to all ages. Pre-requisites: Bridge I and II. Instructor: Ray Gentz. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $130, members; $156, nonmembers (Drop-in: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).
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Bridge for Beginners, Part I: Tuesdays, Sept. 17-Dec. 17 (No class Nov. 5), 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 “Bidding in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. 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. Come and learn this fun yet challenging game! Instructor: Ray Gentz. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $130, members; $156, nonmembers (Drop-in: $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 (Class is full)
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!
