NEW: Weekly Ann Arbor Senior Center Newsletter

Word of the Week: whetstone: a fine-grained stone used for sharpening cutting tools.

Quote of the Week: “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. – Mark Twain

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Holiday Schedule
The center will be closed from Dec. 23-Jan. 12 for some exciting renovations! The following changes have been made to programs that were scheduled for the first week of January.

Bridge: Non-Sanctioned (Mondays, Jan. 5) and Sanctioned (Thursday, Jan. 8) games are cancelled.

Movement for Joy: Wednesday, Jan. 7, cancelled.

Lunch & Learn: Aging at Home with Dignity, Jan. 7 will be rescheduled.

Scrabble, Wednesday, Jan. 7, cancelled.

Blue Grass Jam, Wednesday, Jan. 7, cancelled.

Travels with George, Thursday, Jan. 8, rescheduled to Thursday, Jan. 15.

Fiber Arts, start date moved to Jan. 16.

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Last Day of WCC Senior Focus Classes

Tai Chi (All Levels): Dec. 9 and Yoga: Dec. 10

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2025 Holiday Meals & Food Assistance

If you're in need of food assistance, please visit one of the following links on Senior Resource Connect. Please share with you communities!  2025 Holiday Meals on Wheels:
https://seniorresourceconnectmi.org/special-blog-post-2025-holiday-meals/

Supplementing SNAP:
https://seniorresourceconnectmi.org/special-blog-post-supplementing-snap/

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You CAN Make a Difference This Holiday Season!

Community Action Network (CAN) partners with children, youth and families from under-resourced Washtenaw County neighborhoods to create better futures for themselves and improve the communities in which they live. This year there is an impending halt in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits which will impact 8.9% of the families experiencing food insecurity in Washtenaw County. More families are turning to CAN for emergency support, which increases the demand on food pantries, after-school programs, and family services. Every gift, no matter the size, supports local families who are struggling in this moment of need. Help support CAN’s community centers this holiday season by donating! Ways to Donate: Online at www.canwashtenaw.org/donate or drop off items in the lobby of the Senior Center. Items Needed:

Non-perishable food: canned items such as soup, meats (tuna fish, chicken) or vegetables; packaged items like pasta, rice, cereal, oatmeal, baking supplies, granola bars, Goldfish; condiments; nut butters or jelly; and baby food or formula; nutritious snacks (granola or oat bars, popcorn, trail mix, veggie chips/straws/crisps, individual apple sauce, fruit bars, crackers, jerky, fruit chips/crisps, quinoa/rice cakes, pretzels, etc.) Toiletries: deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand wipes. Household items: laundry liquid detergent, laundry powder, washing up liquid. Feminine products: sanitary towels and tampons. Baby supplies: diapers, baby wipes and baby food.

Snow Match

Registration Underway to Volunteer or Receive Shoveling Assistance. Snow-covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. The goal is to make sidewalks accessible for all ages and abilities. The City of Ann Arbors A2 Snow Match Program pairs residents with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist them with snow removal on their sidewalks. Recipients of the volunteer services must be City residents 55+ years of age OR self-identify as having a disability; AND do not have resources (financial such as a hired service, or family, friends, neighbor, other) nearby to assist with snow removal. Along with fostering stronger community relationships and relieving some of the stress that comes from a snowfall or freeze, the Snow Match program aims to make our sidewalks SAFER for those who are outside during the winter including postal carriers, children/students, neighbors, and citizens using public transportation. The goal is to match volunteers with homes within a 10-minute (half-mile) walk from their location. Residents can register​ to volunteer and/or receive shoveling services. Visit www.a2gov.org/snowmatch to register!

Activities

Bridge: Supervised Play

Monday, Dec. 22, 9:30-11:30 a.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. Open to all ages 18+. Instructor: Ray Gentz. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $10, members; $12, nonmembers.

Movement for Joy

Wednesdays through March 25, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (No Class Dec. 24, 31 and Jan. 7) Movement for Joy is a fluid body practice which incorporates meditation, the Brain Dance, balancing and play. We breathe, move the toxins, and find new and playful pathways in the body. Your spirit is enlivened by the end of class, and you're bound to feel a newness in the body from shifting stagnant energy. The benefits of this practice can be felt by everyone - all levels of mobility welcome. Most importantly this class is fun! Class is led by Kari Becker. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge. 

Senior Mall Walks Have Started – ‘Tis the Season!

Fridays, 10-11 a.m. (No walk on Dec. 26 or Jan. 2) Additional dates: Monday Jan. 5 and Wednesday, Jan. 7, 10-11 a.m. Join us for a weekly one-mile loop around the mall! Meet staff from the Ann Arbor Senior Center at Briarwood Mall, near the Panda Express entrance (between JCPenney and Macy’s) and walk together indoors. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 per walk for nonmembers.

Travels With George: Italy: The Amalfi Coast & Tuscany

Thursday, Jan. 15, 1:30-4 p.m. Join us on a travelogue with host George Jabol! A visit to Herculaneum was the draw to this group tour of Italy. George had not seen it offered by travel companies, along with the division of the trip into two locations, with just two hotels serving as travel bases over a two-week period – one in the area near Naples and Sorrento, and the other in Tuscany near Florence. The visit to Herculaneum did not disappoint. Because it’s a much smaller site than Pompeii, Herculaneum is easier to traverse, and yet the wealth of history is about equal at either city. Many of the artifacts from Vesuvius’ 79 AD disaster zone have been removed to the archaeological museum in Naples, and this trip also supplied a rewarding visit there. In Tuscany we stayed at a lovely hotel in a small town named Montecatini, with easy access to Florence and surrounding small towns we also visited like Lucca and Siena. The historic places, the excellent food and wine, and the friendly people we encountered made this journey to Italy a most memorable adventure. 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.

Fiber Arts – NEW!

Fridays, Jan. 16-April 3, 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:

• Week 1: Knitting: Create a scarf – Learn the slip knot, casting on, and the knit stitch 
• Week 2 – Knitting: Continue scarf – Learn purling, Stockinette stitch, and casting off
• Week 3 – Crocheting: Create a Beanie – First learn the slip knot, chain stitch, single crochet
• Week 4 – Crocheting: Still working on basic stitches to start Beanie - Learn double crochet, start Magic Ring
• Week 5 – Crocheting: Start Beanie with Magic Ring and all other stitches learned
• Week 6 – Cross Stitch: Create a small design using full cross stitch and also back stitch for outlines and lettering
• Week 7 – Embroidery: Start a large flower design – Learn Lazy Daisy, Stem/Split stitch, Satin stitch, French Knot stitches
• Week 8 – Embroidery: Continue large flower design – Learn Woven Rose, Chain stitch, Fishbone stitch, Back stitch
• Week 9 - Hand Sewing: Make a Felt Plushie – Learn running stitch, whip stitch and blanket stitch
• Week 10 – Hand Sewing: Create a lined, zippered pouch from cotton fabric

Students are expected to supply their own materials based off of the suggested list of items. Click here. Please contact bpatton@a2gov.org if you have a membership through our scholarship program, we can provide assistance gathering materials for you. 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.

Drive-Through:  Keep Your Skin Healthy During the Colder Months!

Wednesday, Jan. 14, noon-1 p.m.  Join Dermatology Specialists of Ann Arbor for this fun, and informative event! Enjoy coffee, snacks, socialize, and pick up  goodie bags. A staff member will be doing a talk on the topic of winter skin with Dr. Cody Funkhouser! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers. ​

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.

Brunch & Learn: Fall Prevention 

Monday, Feb. 2nd, 10-11 a.m. Join Regency at Bluffs Park for our February Brunch & Learn for an educational presentation on fall prevention. We will discuss the most common causes of falling, the dangers of falls for seniors, and the best ways to prevent falls in your home. Guests will go home with practical tools they can implement in their homes and a gift from Regency at Bluffs Park for their participation. 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.

Senior Support Consultations

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 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: How Tooth Loss Affects Overall Health

Monday, Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. Join the University of Michigan Dental School for this new presentation! We'll learn how tooth loss affects nutrition, overall health, and confidence. We'll also discuss denture options and how these treatments improve chewing and daily function as well as low-cost treatment options available for eligible seniors  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: Where Are You at Risk of Losing Independence?

Wednesday, Feb. 18, noon-1 p.m. Care Management by Natalie will be back in 2026 with a new Lunch & Learn focused on helping you stay independent for as long as possible. We’ll walk through the most common areas where aging adults face unexpected risks, how a Care Manager identifies those risks early, and what practical steps you can take now to prevent avoidable crisis. This session is educational only with no sales, no pressure. Just clear guidance, real examples, and tools to help you plan confidently for the years ahead. 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.

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.

Weekly Activities

Mind Matters

Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. (No games Dec. 24, or 31). 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, Dec. 17, Jan. 7 and 21, 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. (No games Dec. 24, 31 and Jan. 7). 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, Dec. 10 and Jan. 21, 7-9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 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 banjo, fiddle, guitar, standup and electronic bass, mandolin, dobro and harmonica. Open to all ages; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit the Bluegrass website for more information. If there is inclement weather, the jam will be cancelled (check a2gov.org/senior for closing updates). Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250. Cost is $5.

Bridge

Non-Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Games

Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. (No games Dec. 29, and Jan. 5). Directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life master’s to beginners. Open to all ages 18+. To check results, visit burns.bridgeclubs.org. 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 Dec. 25, Jan. 1 or 8) 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 II

Mondays, Jan. 12-April 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (13-week course). This class is designed for advanced beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve declarer skills and will cover chapters 4-6 of the text. The main part of the course deals with play of the hand as declarer. Other parts include bidding reviews, defense, and more. The class will run with lecture for the first 75 minutes followed by play practice for the remaining time. The required text is “Play of the Hand in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant. Open to all ages. Prerequisite: Bridge I or 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 II

Tuesdays, Jan. 13-April 7, 10 a.m.-noon. (13-week course). This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. Class consists of the first 75 minutes of lecture followed by play practice for the remaining 45 minutes. Hands will be analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play and defense. We will study chapters 4-6 of the required text "Defense in the 21st Century" by Audrey Grant. It is recommended students have some type of previous bidding class or experience. 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 II

Tuesdays, Jan. 13-April 7, 1-3 p.m. (13-week course). This class will cover chapters 6-9 of the required text “Bidding in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant. The first 60 minutes will be for lecture followed by a 5 minute break which will be followed by 25 minutes more of lecture. The last 30 minutes will be for play of hands. This is a great review class for others who may want a good review of overcalls, takeout doubles and Stayman. The class is for anyone who has taken Bridge for Beginners Part I. Open to all ages Instructor is 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). ​

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Draft 3) review & final comment phase continues  Through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, 9 a.m. 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.