Weekly Ann Arbor Senior Center Newsletter

Word of the Week: opsimath: A person who begins to learn or study only late in life.

Quote of the Week: “All men are equal before fish.” – Herbert Hoover

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WCC Senior Focus Classes: Registration Opens Monday, Nov. 17

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The Ann Arbor Senior Center will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Drive-thru: Celebrating Veterans Day

Wednesday, Nov. 12, noon-1 p.m. Join Lockwood of Ann Arbor for this fun, and patriotic event! Enjoy snacks, socialize and pick up information. Guests will receive flag pins, thank you cards, a poppy pin, Jiffy raspberry/blueberry pancake mix. 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. ​

Workshop: Leaf Prints with Eleva!

Thursday, Nov. 13, 1-3 p.m. Join Eleva Potter, Environmental Educator of Ann Arbor Parks Dept. for this fun workshop! Look for beautiful falling leaves and make your own prints out of them with Gelli plates and tempera paint. They make great cards and collage supplies. All materials are provided, no experience necessary. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Mind Matters – Fun Brain Games with Students from the AFA U-M Chapter! NEW!

Friday, Nov. 21, noon-2 p.m. This week's Mind Matters session will be hosted in person by representatives from the Alzheimer’s foundation of America at the University of Michigan. The AFA organization is dedicated to promoting brain health and wellness, raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, and encouraging proactive approaches to brain care. Join us for engaging and fun brain exercises to keep your brain young and strong! Friends are encouraged! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Workshop: Pet Portraits

Thursday, Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m. Join Eleva Potter, Environmental Educator for this fun workshop! Create your own pet portrait with Pan Pastels of a fury friend or gift to give to another pet owner. Come with an 8x10 color print out of your pet. All materials are provided, no experience necessary. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Celebrate Santa Lucia Day!

Friday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Join Eleva Potter, Environmental Educator of the Ann Arbor Parks Dept., to celebrate the Scandinavian holiday "Santa Lucia Day"! We’ll learn about this Swedish holiday and make Luss Katter (Santa Lucia saffron buns). All materials are provided, no experience necessary. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Technology Workshop: Data Breaches and You

Friday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m.-noon. You get a letter in the mail telling you you're part of a data breach. What happened? What are the next steps? And is there anything you can do to protect yourself in the future? 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. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Senior Support Consultations

Wednesday, Jan. 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. 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. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250.

Brunch & Learn: Aging in Place

Monday, Jan. 19, 10-11 a.m. Join Visiting Angels for this informative and engaging presentation, where we will delve into the various aspects of aging in place. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic and highlight the significance of enabling seniors to maintain their autonomy and dignity as they age. Light brunch 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: Helpful Tips and Support for Seniors

Wednesday, Jan. 21, noon-1 p.m. Join IndeQuest Nurse Care Management for a great lunch and learn opportunity to learn more about how you can combat the winter and stay healthy and active this season! You'll leave with some tips and facts to help you navigate your health care! IndeQuest is a family-owned nurse care management company locally based in Plymouth that provides compassionate nurses to help coordinate loved one's care. 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: How Do You Know When It’s Time for Hospice?

Wednesday, Jan. 28, noon-1 p.m. Join Open Arms Hospice - Making decisions to begin hospice care can be one of the most difficult choices for patience and families. This presentation helps bring clarity and peace of mind by explaining the signs, timing, and benefits of hospice care. Participants. will learn how to recognize when a person's health journey may be shifting from curative treatment to comfort focus care, what services hospice provides,  and how early involvement can enhance quality of life for both patients and their loved ones. 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: Elder Law & Probate - Protect What Matters: Simple Ways to Avoid Probate and Plan Ahead

Wednesday, Feb. 4, noon-1 p.m. This Lunch & Learn will provide practical and legal tips for avoiding guardianship, conservatorship, probate decedent estates, and will and trust contests. Probate has its place, but a little planning now can protect you—or a loved one—from unnecessary stress and expense. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps to safeguard their wishes and make the future easier for themselves and their families. Presented by the team at Bassett Murray Law Group, a firm dedicated to empowering individuals and families through thoughtful, inclusive planning. With a strong foundation in elder law, estate planning, and long-term care strategy, our attorneys provide guidance that respects the uniqueness of every life and legacy. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Brunch & Learn: Legacy Projects 101

Monday, Feb. 23, 10-11 a.m. Join Jenny Turner, End of Life Doula (EOLD) and co-founder of Evergreen End of Life Care Foundation of Michigan to learn what a legacy project is, see ideas and examples, and get started on your own project or a project for a loved one. Please note, two of these same workshops are being offered this year, please sign up for only one to allow others to participate. Light brunch 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.

Artist Exhibit: Jumping Water Painters

Come enjoy the magic of Jumping Water Painters! Jumping Water Painters originated in 2013 under the artistic direction of Ruth Gilmore Langs. Twice a year a group of painters gather for one week of independent study and guided mentorship at the property called Jumping Water. In a beautiful natural setting surrounded by the Huron River, painters set up efficient outdoor studios and work tirelessly for the week. Each painter creates from their own goals, vision and imagination while being supported and coached. At the end of the week, it is pure magic when the artists reveal their work! Each artist sharing is individual yet somehow cohesive in the vein of Abstract art. Featured Artists Include: Ruth Gilmore Langs, Jan Z. Cohen, Joannie Eastbridge, Connie Velin, Chris Campbell, Mary Murphy, Clinton Zimmerman, Mary Lou Olds, Susan Jo Carter, Mary Holtze, and Elke Ott. On display Oct.-Dec. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Weekly Activities

Mind Matters In Person Game on Nov. 21!

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. Click here to register for the 2026 Mind Matters roster to receive communication about news or cancellations. 

Trivia Over Zoom!

Wednesdays, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and 17, 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.​ Click here to register for the 2026 Trivia roster to receive communication about news or cancellations. 

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​​

Wednesdays, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, 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.​​​​

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. (No game Nov. 27) 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 Play of the Hand - Part I

Mondays through Dec. 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. This course focuses on declarer play using methods described in the book “Play of the Hand in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant. Chapters 1-3 of the text will be covered. Also covered will be smaller sections on bidding review, defense and more. Each class consists of 75 minutes of presentation. The last 45 minutes will be for students to play hands which will be analyzed with an emphasis on declarer techniques. Open to all ages. Prerequisite: Bridge I or an equivalent class. Instructed by Ray Gentz. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Cost is: $130, members; $156 nonmembers (drop-in option: members, $15; nonmembers, $17). ​

Bridge Defense: Part I

Tuesdays through Dec. 23, 10 a.m.-noon. (No class Nov. 11). Defensive concepts studied in depth using the required text "Defense in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. Chapters 1-3 of the text will be covered. Each class will have 75 minutes 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. Instructed by Ray Gentz. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Cost is: $130, members; $156 nonmembers (drop-in option: members, $15; nonmembers, $17). ​

Bridge for Beginners - Part I

Tuesdays through Dec. 23, 1-3 p.m. (No class Nov. 11). 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! Open to all ages. Instructed by Ray Gentz. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Cost is: $130, members; $156 nonmembers (drop-in option: members, $15; nonmembers, $17).

WCC Senior Focus Classes: Registration Opens Monday, Nov. 17

Senior Focus classes are offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+ and are free of charge. The winter/spring class schedule is available below. Preregistration required. Space is limited. Please read carefully: Registrations will not be taken prior to 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17^th. Starting at 9 a.m. there are 3 ways you can register for classes 1) Online: follow the link in the class description in the newsletter or online; 2) Call the center at 734.794.6250; 3) Register in person at the center. 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 use one of the three options listed above. Leaving a voicemail or sending an email does not guarantee a spot. If you’d like a tutorial of how to sign up for classes online, click here.

Tai Chi: All Leve​​ls

Tuesdays, Jan. 13-March 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class Feb. 17) This free Yang style Tai Chi class combines Qigong, body movement and martial art with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques. This class helps improve focus, physical/mental balance and overall health. Trainer is Karla Groesbeck. Class is open to all abilities. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Line Dancing for Seniors

Tuesdays, Jan. 13-March 17, noon-1 p.m. 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. Open to all abilities. Instructed by Deliena Grantham.​ Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Watercolors: Color My World

Tuesdays, Jan. 27-March 31, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Join this mindful community of painters for artistic inspiration, painting demos, art history, lively discussion and fun. We will explore color during these grayer winter days. Learn how to mix magical greens, robust reds, and more in still lifes, landscapes, and more. Discover some new colors, too. Stretch your artistic skills and your imagination. Welcome all skill levels. Participants will be required to provide their own materials. Trainer is Debra Golden. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Intermediate T​​ai Chi      

Wednesdays, Jan. 14-March 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class Feb. 18) This free Yang style Tai Chi class combines martial arts movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques. This class helps improve balance, overall health and power. It is suitable for intermediate level Tai Chi students who have taken the Beginner class. Trainer is Karla Groesbeck. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. 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 Focus Yoga

Wednesdays, Jan. 14-March 18, 2-3 p.m. All are welcome! This gentle, fun Senior Yoga Focus practice invites folks of various mobility levels and experience. The class is led by Tammy Foote OTR/CYT and includes modifications for safe transitions in/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 with or without chair support.  We finish the practice with seated and reclined postures on the floor (or folks can remain seated), closing with peaceful savasana.  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 the mats at the Senior Center or bring your own. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Fiber Arts

Fridays, Jan. 1-March 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (No class Jan. 23 and Feb. 13)

Have you always wanted to learn how to knit, crochet, cross-stitch, embroider, and hand-sew? Then this is the perfect class to get personalized help with starting one, or many, new hobbies! Each class will begin with group and individual demonstrations, then will allow for time to practice, make mistakes and get back on track with help from the trainer. Each week we'll focus on a new skill! Students are expected to supply their own materials based off of the suggested list of items. Trainer is Ellie Christensen. Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Strength and Conditioning for Seniors

Fridays, Jan. 16-March 27, 1-2 p.m. (No class March 6) Join our fun and welcoming no-judgment Senior Strength and Conditioning class with Michele Williams, a fitness professional with over 20 years of experience! This class is designed to improve your strength, cardio, flexibility, mobility, and balance. Move at your own pace in a supportive environment. Please wear fitness shoes and bring a towel, water bottle, and light weights. Let’s stay active and strong together! Offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Draft 3) review & final comment phase continues  Through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, community members can review the Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Draft 3) and submit final comments via the form on the project page. The form is located in the top right corner of the page if using a laptop or desktop computer, or if on a cellphone/mobile device, the form is often found by scrolling further down the webpage. Using the form to collect comments generates a complete, compiled list for the Planning Commission and City Council to then review. At the close of the review period, public hearings will be scheduled in early 2026 for final plan adoption. Visit the Comprehensive Land Use Plan project page to review, submit final comment and for additional information and resources.