Weekly Ann Arbor Senior Center Newsletter

Word of the Week: Mellifluous – Sweet-sounding and pleasant to hear.

Quote of the Week: “When the sun is shining, I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.” — Wilma Rudolph

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WCC Senior Focus Classes: Summer 2026 Registration Opens April 13

Senior Focus classes are offered in partnership with Washtenaw Community College for adults 65+ that live in Washtenaw County. Classes are free of charge. The spring/summer class schedule is available below. Preregistration required. Space is limited. Please read carefully: Registrations will not be taken prior to 9 a.m., Monday, April 13. Class descriptions are located further down in the newsletter.

Starting at 9 a.m. there are three ways you can register for classes:

1. Online: follow the link in the class description and register 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 on how to sign up for classes online, click here. If you are waitlisted for a class, please do not show up for class until you are contacted by Senior Center staff to let you know that a space has opened up.

Activities

Educational Presentation Workshop: Learning in Retirement with Elderwise

Monday, March 30, 11 a.m.- noon. Join Elderwise Learning for this casual educational presentation on learning in retirement! Learn about the importance of lifelong learning; the different types of classes offered; and ways to get involved with lifelong learning. Elderwise is a nonprofit, independent, lifelong learning organization dedicated to offering continuing education to learners of all ages. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Drop-in Line Dancing

Tuesday, March 31, noon-1 p.m. All Line Dancing participants welcome! If you participate in our WCC Senior Focus class, this is an hour to practice in between the winter and summer semesters. Not in one of our classes? No problem - come and meet new people! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Contact 734.794.6250.  Free for members; $2, nonmembers.

Drop-in Tai Chi

Wednesdays, April 1-May 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No drop-in April 22). 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. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Contact 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2, nonmembers.

Travels With George: Journeys to New Zealand and Los Angeles (and Somehow Back Again)

Thursday, April 2, 1:30-4 p.m. Join us on a travelogue with host George Jabol! This travelogue, hosted by George Jabol, is about a journey to other-worldly places. Our first stop lasts four nights for visits to Los Angeles and its suburb, Hollywood, where fantasy rules. At Universal Studios we’ll encounter Beetlejuice and the Death mobile from the movie Animal House. Then we’ll go to the bottom of our planet for a ten-day cruise around New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Open to all ages 18+. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Beginner Birding Series 

First Mondays, April 6-Oct. 5, 9-10 a.m. Join parks staff as we explore different parks and learn about the birds that live within them. We will focus on topics such as migration, bird songs, nesting behavior, and more! Binoculars are provided. This series will have a mix of dirt and paved trails, and we will go on a slow stroll for about a mile. Bring adequate shoes/clothes, a water bottle, and anything else you may need for a hike! Walk dates and locations include: April 6: Island Park; May 4: Barton Nature Area; June 1: Forest Nature Area; July 6: Mary Beth Doyle Park; Aug. 3: Eberwhite Woods; Aug. 31: Ruthven Nature Area; Oct. 5: Gallup Park. Preregistration required for each walk. Click walk dates to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge. 

Simple Seasonal Snacks: Sushi

Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join Eleva Potter and learn how to roll your own sushi with rice, veggies and your choice of smoked salmon or imitation crab. All materials provided, no experience needed. Come hungry! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $5. 

Senior Support Consultations

The Second Wednesday of Every Month, 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, click links to sign up online, current openings are: April 8: 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call 734.794.6250. ​​​Free of charge.

Drive-Through: Brain Boosters

Wednesday, April 8, noon-1 p.m. Join Visiting Angels and swing by our spring Brain Boosters Drive-Through for a fun and easy way to keep your mind sharp! Pick up free activity packs filled with puzzles, brain teasers, memory tips, and resources to help keep your mind active and engaged. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers. ​

Simple Spring Snacks: Spring Rolls

Tuesday, April 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn how to roll your own spring rolls with rice noodles, veggies, and shrimp. There will be a peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce too. All materials provided. No experience needed. Come hungry! Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 723.794.6250. Cost is $5.

Michigan’s Own: The Hidden History of Gerald Ford

Tuesday, April 14, 2-3:30 p.m. Join the Gerald Ford Presidential Library for an intimate look at the life of Michigan’s only president, from his days as a University of Michigan football star to his unexpected rise to the White House. We will uncover surprising facts about his journey and explore the "hidden history" of a man who led the nation through a period of profound change. You will also get a sneak peek at upcoming public programs and the new "America at 250" exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Nordic Walking

Mondays, April 20-May 11 10-11 a.m. Nordic Walking originated in Finland and is now a very popular fitness trend that uses specially designed poles and involves applying force to the poles with each stride. It’s a great cardiovascular exercise, improves posture, reduces impact on joints, strengthens the core and upper body, and burns more calories compared to regular walking. Nordic Walking is done by all ages and fitness levels. Our instructor, Inge Gaiser is a semi-retired physical therapist and lives in Ann Arbor and has taught classes since 2008. Each of the four weeks will visit a different park including 1) Burns Park 2) County Farm Park 3) Furstenberg 4) Gallup Park. Details on where to meet at these locations will be provided prior to class date. Equipment provided. The first class will meet at the Burns Park Shelter, 1300 Baldwin Ave. (across the park from the Senior Center). Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Cost is free for members; $20, nonmembers.

Tech Talks: AI and the Future

Friday, April 24, 11 a.m.-noon. Is AI really that big of a deal? Why does our tech keep changing, where is it going, and how will it affect seniors? Come find out! Hosted by AsKevin and James Giordani, MSW 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.  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, April 27, 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, this workshop was offered in February, if you were enrolled in that session, please allow others to sign up for this one as it covers the same material. Light brunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Workshop: Choosing an Assisted Living Care Residence -The Challenges of Decision-Making

Tuesday, April 28, 10:30 a.m. – noon. When searching for an assisted living care residence, how can care seekers determine the best fit for support and care? An email will be sent to those who register with attached material to look over prior to the class. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734-794-6250. Free of charge.

Lunch & Learn: Reverse Mortgage Options & What is Your Home's Equity?

Wednesday, April 29, 12-1 p.m. Join Cross Country Mortgage and LIVGreat Real Estate for this informative and fun event! 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.

Travels With George: Discovery of South America

Thursday, May 7, 1:30-4 p.m. Join us on a travelogue with host George Jabol! Join Saline resident George Jabol as he takes you on a slide show tour of four South American countries: Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Based on a three-week visit he made in 2008, George has prepared a PowerPoint show that highlights places like Lima and Cuzco and Machu Picchu in Peru, Santiago in Chile, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls in Brazil. He calls this trip Discovery of South America because he found in these countries a world of magnificent scenery and beautiful people he was hardly aware existed before his visit. His slides of the Incan site at Machu Picchu alone will make your attendance worthwhile. 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: Spring is in the air!

Wednesday, May 13, noon-1 p.m. Join ComForCare Home Care Washtenaw for this fun, and informative event! Enjoy coffee, snacks, socialize, and pick up information. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $5 nonmembers. ​

Prediabetes and Diabetes: An Endocrinologist Explains What Matters Most

Monday, May 18, noon-1:00 p.m. Prediabetes and diabetes are common conditions, but there is a lot you can do to protect your health. In this talk, endocrinologist Dr. Xin He will explain what these conditions mean, how they are diagnosed, and important steps you can take to manage them. The main focus of this presentation is “Practical guidance for understanding blood sugar, reducing risk, and staying healthy with age”. The discussion will focus on clear, practical advice about lifestyle, medications, and seeking medical care. Dr. Xin He is the founder of Thrive Endocrinology & Diabetes Care, a clinic located in Ann Arbor. She is a board-certified endocrinologist and graduate of U of M (residency and fellowship), Yale (MD), and MIT (BSc). Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250.

Tech Talks: Essential Phone Skills For Older Adults

Friday, May 29, 11 a.m.-noon. For better or for worse, we've gotta use these pesky phones. Come learn some tricks to help you use your Android or iPhone more independently and confidently. Hosted by AsKevin and James Giordani, MSW 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. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Weekly Activities

Movement for Joy

Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (No class April 22). 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. 

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

Trivia Over Zoom! EXTRA APRIL TRIVIA!

Wednesdays, April 1, 15, AND 22, 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 class April 22). 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.

Senior Mall Walks

Fridays, 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 entrance of Panda Express (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.

Blueg​​rass Jam​​

Wednesdays, April 8 and 22, 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. 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. Join us for a sanctioned bridge with our 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: Supervised Play

Friday, April 14, 10 a.m.-noon and 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 be 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.

Bridge II, Play of the Hand, Part III

Mondays, April 20-July 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (No class May 25). 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. 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: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).

Bridge Defense – Part III

Tuesdays, April 28-July 21, 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. 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: $15, members; $17, nonmembers).

Bridge Conventions with Supervised Play

Tuesdays, April 28-June 30, 1-3 p.m. This class is for advanced beginner through middle intermediate players who wish to learn new bidding and defense conventions, as well as review former ones like Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, Blackwood, opening leads, and more. No text needed! Handouts will be provided. Each class will start with 20-45 minutes of presentation on the topic at hand, followed by play where students will bid and play hands from the previous days’ duplicate game. Hands are analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play, and defense. Open to all ages. Prerequisites: Bridge for Beginners Parts I and II or instructor approval. 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: $60, members; $72, nonmembers (Drop in fee: $15, members; $17, nonmembers). ​

WCC Summer 2026 Senior Focus Class Schedule

Registration opens Monday, April 13 at 9 a.m.

Tai Chi: All Leve​​ls

Tuesdays, May 12-July 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class June 16). 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. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Line Dancing for Seniors

Tuesdays, May 5-July 21, noon-1 p.m. (No Class June 30 or July 7). 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.​ Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Watercolors: Plants, Animals, and Nature

Tuesdays, May 15-July 21, 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 life, landscapes, and more. Discover some new colors, too. Stretch your artistic skills and your imagination. We welcome all skill levels. Participants will be required to provide their own materials; this list will be provided on the receipt upon registration. Trainer is Debra Golden. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Intermediate T​​ai Chi      

Wednesdays, May 13-July 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (No class June 17). 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. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Beginning to Advanced Fiber Arts

Wednesdays, May 13-July 29, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (No class June 10 or July 1). 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, or build upon your skills if you were in the previous winter semester of the class. 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

All skill levels welcome whether you are new to the art or have taken classes previously. Students are expected to supply their own materials based off of the suggested list of items (click here for the list). 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. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250.

Yoga Therapy for Seniors

Wednesdays, May 13-July 22, 2-3 p.m. (No class June 17). Enhance your yoga practice while learning practical relaxation techniques to help manage stress, anxiety, and pain. This all-level class blends yoga therapy and gentle yoga in a supportive environment, with a focus on improving balance, mobility, and overall well-being. Each session includes accessible movement, breath awareness, and therapeutic techniques designed to meet you where you are, with modifications offered for every level of experience. Leave class feeling more grounded, comfortable, and refreshed in both body and mind. Instructed by Roo Morgan who has been teaching for over 15 years and has over 1,000 hours of training. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Strength and Conditioning for Seniors

Fridays, May 15-July 10, 1-2 p.m. (No class July 3). 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! Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge. 

Out & About A2

Outdoor Warning Siren System Review

Ann Arbor is reviewing its outdoor warning siren system and asking the community for feedback. The sirens are rarely used, need maintenance and primarily alert people outdoors, while newer tools like mobile phone alerts can deliver clearer, more detailed emergency information. If the sirens are decommissioned, the city would continue using multiple modern alert systems and expand public education to ensure residents stay informed and prepared during emergencies. Tell city officials what you think about the outdoor warning siren system by responding to an online survey before the end of March by visiting https://engage.a2gov.org/siren-review. 

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