NEW: Weekly Ann Arbor Senior Center Newsletter

Word of the Week: Badinage: humorous or witty conversation. “The couple's playful badinage on their first date eased their nerves and signaled there would be a second date."

Quote of the Week: “Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” Stella Adler (American actress and acting teacher; member of Yiddish Theater's Adler dynasty, she began acting at a young age. She shifted to producing, directing, and teaching, founding the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City in 1949).

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. 

Upcoming Events  

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

Wednesdays through 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. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Senior Park Walks

Fridays, 10-11 a.m. Please note, on Friday, June 13 we will be hosting a coffee hour in lieu of a walk due to limited staff availability that day. Otherwise - 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. on the morning of the walk. Instructions for 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).

Travels With George: America’s Southeastern Coastal Cities

Thursday, July 3, 1:30-4 p.m. Join George Jabol as he presents his slide show of his 3-week trip to Russia and the Ukraine. His journey took place in 2012. Our visit begins with a 4-night stay in St. Petersburg aboard a 216 passenger Russian river ship called the M/S Rossia. While in St. Petersburg we’ll sightsee at the Hermitage museum, the Peter and Paul fortress, the Peterhof, the Catherine Palace and the Yusupov Palace. Then we’ll start a river cruise heading south toward Moscow including Kizhi Island, a monastery, and the city of Uglich along the way. In Moscow we’ll tour the city and see the Kremlin and the Armory and also spend time at a Russian circus. A short flight will take us to Ukraine’s capital at Kiev, where we’ll visit St. Sophia’s Cathedral, the Chernobyl Museum, Babi Yar, and the Monastery of the Caves. Just outside of Kiev we’ll tour a Ukrainian open-air museum. Visits to all of these places and more await you as you ponder the ultimate travelers’ question: Just how are we different from, and how are we the same as, the people and places we have journeyed to see? 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.

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. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers. 

NEW DATE: 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. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

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. ​​​

Member Spotlight

This month, CTN's monthly series, Senior Moments, features our very own Joan K. O’Connell whose show has been on display at the center since April until the end of June! Senior Moments provides valuable information for seniors 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. The newest segment features Ann Arbor multimedia artist Joan K. O'Connell as she shares insights into her artistic journey, her current exhibit at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, and her deep passion for creating art. To watch the segment click here (hint: the interview starts at 2:33).

Lunch & Learn Workshops

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.

Lunch & Learn: A Look into Retirement Savings

Wednesday, July 30, noon-1 p.m. Worried your retirement savings might not go the distance? You’re not alone - but you’re not out of options. Join Jacobs Financial and discover strategies that can help you spend with confidence, protect your savings, and leave a lasting legacy. We’ll cover: Reliable Income: Learn how to create income that lasts for life—so you don’t run out of money before you run out of retirement; Growth with Protection: Explore how to grow your nest egg without exposing it to unnecessary market risk; Legacy Planning: Find out how to maximize what you leave behind—without letting taxes or market downturns take the first cut; Confidence to Spend: Discover how to stop worrying and start enjoying retirement the way it was meant to be lived. 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.

Weekly Activities

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, June 18, 1-2 p.m. Join us twice a month for an educational trivia game! Invite your friends, grandchildren and neighbors to log in 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+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 for nonmembers.

Blueg​​rass Jam​​

Tuesdays, June 10 and 24, 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+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. 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+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. 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. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $3, members; $5, nonmembers. 

ACBL Sanctioned Bridge Games

Thursdays, noon-3:30 p.m. Join us for a 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​. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $8, members; $9 nonmembers.  

Bridge II, Play of the Hand, Part III

Mondays through July 21, 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 lectures 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 lectures 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 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. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Intermediate T​​ai Chi      

​Wednesdays through 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+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Preregistration required at 734.794.6250. Free of charge.