New Weekly Ann Arbor Senior Center Newsletter

Word of the Week: Paronomasia: A play on words; a pun. “The English teacher used paronomasia to help students remember complicated literary terms.”

Quote of the Week: “The secret of happiness is something to do.” – John Burroughs (an American naturalist and nature essayist, active in the conservation movement in the United States)

NEW! Online Registration Now Available!

We now take online registrations for programs – click here! 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. Please note: Spring/Summer WCC classes are not currently available for online registrations; however they will be for the fall semester.

Upcoming Events  

Move and Groove for Seniors – Register for the Spring/Summer Semester!

Wednesdays, June 4-Aug. 27, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Ballet Chelsea's Adaptive Dance Program (ADP) brings movement classes to residents ages 3 to 93. 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. Please note: if you are currently in the Winter Move & Groove course, you will need to re-register for the Spring/Summer course. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge. 

Drop-in Tai Chi

Wednesdays through May 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. All Tai Chi participants welcome. If you participate in either of our WCC Senior Focus Tai Chi classes, this is an hour to practice in between the summer and fall semester. Not in one of our classes? No problem! Come and meet new people. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2, nonmembers.

Senior Park Walks

Fridays starting May 2, 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, 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. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 per walk for nonmembers (must be paid at the time of registration).

Workshop: Ham Radio – Do They Still Do That?

Monday, May 5, 10-11 a.m. Join Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, an amateur radio instructor and author of the KB6NU.Com amateur radio blog, for this new workshop! Dan will talk about the history of amateur radio (also known as ham radio), the amateur radio licensing structure, how radio amateurs are now using state-of-the-art technology, and all the fun things that radio amateurs—also known as “hams”—do with that technology. In Dan’s words, ham radio “is a technically challenging hobby for all ages.” Come join the fun – Q&A after the presentation! Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Travels With George: Heart of India

Thursday, May 8, 1:30-4 p.m. Join us on a travelogue with host George Jabol! You’re invited to join George Jabol as he presents his slideshow travelogue on the Heart of India. This 2009 trip took him, and now takes us, to sites in northern India, including Delhi, Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park where tigers roam, the breathtaking Taj Mahal in Agra, the exotic temples at Khajuraho, and the sacred city of Varanasi on the Ganges River. These and other locations, sometimes strange to western eyes, await your viewing on this unforgettable journey to the heart of India. Open to all ages 18+. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

From the Naked Eye to Space Telescopes: A History of Astronomical Discoveries

Friday, May 9, 1-3 p.m. Astronomy didn’t always have giant telescopes, yet, over thousands of years, it has achieved profound insights into the universe that have changed how we see our place in the cosmos. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the winding path that our understanding of the universe has taken, tracing key milestones and groundbreaking moments. Through interactive, hands-on activities, you’ll explore the methods that enabled these discoveries and the role of the scientific method. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of how human curiosity and innovation have shaped our journey through the cosmos! There will be time for Q&A at the end. Click here to learn more about the U-M LSA Astronomy Program! Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Workshop: Paper Making with Natural Materials 

Tuesday, May 13, 2-4 p.m. Join our friend Eleva Potter, Natural Area Preservation Environmental Educator, for this new workshop! Learn how to make your own paper with leaves and flowers that we’ll collect outside and then turn into your own colorful creations! All materials 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.

Drive-through: Celebrate National Buttermilk Biscuit Day!

Wednesday, May 14, noon-1 p.m. Join Stacee Garcia with Atria Senior Living for this fun, and flavorful event! Enjoy snacks, receive a goody bag, socialize, and pick up information! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers.

Balloon Volleyball Match!

Friday, May 16, 10 a.m.-noon. Join our friend Skye from University Senior Living for this exciting game! This is a class for a fun, low-impact workout that’s perfect for all ages! This heart-healthy activity uses a lightweight balloon for a playful, easy-on-the-joints game that boosts coordination, balance, and cardiovascular health. Whether you're a fitness pro or young at heart, it’s a great way to stay active, social, and energized! 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 Workshops

Lunch & Learn: Safety in the Home

Wednesday, May 21, noon-1 p.m. Join Rachel Soumokil of Heartland Home Health for this educational presentation! We'll learn about steps seniors can take to maintain safety in their homes. Light lunch provided. Preregistration required. 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: Posture Perfect

Wednesday, June 4, noon-1 p.m. Join Better Living Fitness to learn how targeted exercises can improve alignment, reduce pain, and boost confidence. This workshop will guide you through simple, effective movements for better posture and overall body balance. Perfect for anyone looking to stand taller and feel better! 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: 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. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.

Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Weekly Activities

Move and Groove for Seniors (Currently in Winter 2025 Semester)

Wednesdays through May 28, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Ballet Chelsea's Adaptive Dance Program (ADP) brings movement classes to residents ages 3 to 93. 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 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 ID: 947 2633 1603. Passcode: 739714 or click here. Questions? Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; nonmembers, $2.

Trivia Over Zoom!

Wednesdays, May 7 and 21, 1-2 p.m. Join us twice a month for an educational trivia game! 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? Call 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+. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.

Blueg​​rass Jam​​

Wednesdays, May 14 and 28, 7-9 p.m. 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. Open to all ages 18+. Call 734.794.6250. 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. Friends encouraged. Please call ahead of time to learn what materials we have on hand. Open to all ages 18+. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members, $2 for nonmembers.

Bridge

Non-Sanctioned 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 master’s to beginners. All ages 18+ welcome. More information can be found at annarborbridge.com. Call 734.794.6250. Members, $3; nonmembers, $5. 

ACBL Sanctioned Bridge Games

Thursdays, noon-3:30 p.m. Join us for sanctioned bridge with our new 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​. Call 734.794.6250. Members, $8; nonmembers, $9.

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. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Cost is: $130, members; $156 nonmembers (Drop-in: $15, members; $17, nonmembers). 

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. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Cost is: $130, members; $156, nonmembers (Drop-in: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).

Bridge Class: 2/1 Game Force System

Tuesdays through June 24, 1-3 p.m. The class is for advanced beginners and up. Participants MUST have a good understanding of the Standard American Bidding system and be ready to learn a system similar to that with extra gadgets added to improve bidding accuracy which will include extra memorization. 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. Students are to pre-pay or pay on first day of class and should be committed to attending at least 8 of the 10 sessions in order to get the most from the course. 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. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $100, members; $120, nonmembers (Drop-in fee: $15, members; $17).

WCC Senior Focus Classes

Tai Chi (All Leve​​ls) 

Tuesdays, May 13-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. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Preregistration required 734.794.6250. Registration begins on April 7^th beginning at 9 a.m. Call or register in-person. Spots fill quickly. Free of charge.

Adventures in Watercolor

Tuesdays, May 20-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. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Preregistration required at 734.794.6250. Registration begins on April 7^th beginning at 9 a.m. Call or register in-person. Spots fill quickly. Free of charge.

Intermediate T​​ai Chi      

​Wednesdays, May 14-July 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class June 18). 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. Trainer is Karla Groesbeck. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Preregistration required at 734.794.6250. Registration begins on April 7^th beginning at 9 a.m. Call or register in-person. Spots fill quickly. Free of charge.

Out & About in the Parks!

Project Grow: Supporting Pollinators in the Garden

Thursday, May 8, 7-9 p.m. Online via Zoom. Honey bees are important pollinators, but they aren’t the only ones! Not only that, but they aren't native! Find out about all the other pollinators visiting your garden and how to keep them happy and well-fed - hard-working moths, sloppy beetles, and all sorts of native bees and flies. We will explore the incredible relationship between flowers and pollinators and how it has evolved. Native plants and native pollinators depend on each other. Learn about simple things you can do in your yard or garden that will keep this dynamic relationship thriving. Bee hotels? Mud baths? Bee shade? Bare ground? Landscaping? Instructed by Royer Held. Visit www.projectgrowgardens.org for more information. Open to ages 18+. Cost is $5.

2025 Project Grow Plant Sale

Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Save the Date! The Project Grow annual plant sale will be held the Saturday before Mother's Day at Dawn Farm. Over 70 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, sweet and spice peppers, basils, new offerings of lisianthus, native asclepias and sweet peas all grown locally by Project Grow volunteers. The Seed Share will be on site, dahlia tubers and plants will be for sale along with Dawn Farm Coop member sales. The catalog is available for viewing here. The plant sale is located at Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Visit www.projectgrowgardens.org for more information.