NEW: Weekly Ann Arbor Senior Center Newsletter

Word of the Week: Deipnosophist – a person skilled in table talk.

Quote of the Week: “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

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Upcoming Activities

Humane Society of Huron Valley Donation Drive

Now through May 29. Join City staffers in donating to the Humane Society of Huron Valley! The Senior Center will house a collection bin. Now accepting: gently used/new bath towels (the bigger the better); blankets (queen size or smaller); and pet beds that can be laundered in a home washing machine. Please do NOT bring oversized beds or blankets as they cannot be used. Located at 1320 Baldwin Ave. Call 734.794.6250.

Art in the Park: Make Your Own Vision Board Junk Journal!

Mondays, May 4, 11, and 18, 1-3 p.m. Join Ann Arbor Senior Center staff in creating a fun and environmentally friendly Vision Board Junk Journal! Junk journals are environmentally friendly and a fun way to creatively express your visions, similar to a vision board! Materials will be provided but feel free to bring any of your own to personalize your journal! No experience necessary. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $3, members; $5, nonmembers. 

Tech Workshop: Cybersecurity for Older Adults

Thursdays, May 7-28, 9-10 a.m. Protect your devices and personal information! Learn online safety tips and bring your devices to set up essential cybersecurity protections to help stay safe online. This workshop consists of 4 classes, 1-hour per class over the course of 4-weeks. Hosted by AsKevin and James Giordani, MSW with a focus on enhancing the quality of life and independence of seniors through technology. This program was made possible through grant funding provided by the Michigan Association of Senior Centers and Molina Healthcare. Open to ages 55+. 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.

Art in the Park: Paint Your Own Coaster!

Friday, May 8, 10-11:30 a.m. Create fun coasters with alcohol ink or acrylic paint with the Ann Arbor Senior Center Staff! The class will be hosted outdoors weather permitting. Materials will be provided and no experience needed! No experience necessary. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $5. 

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. ​

Tech Hybrid Webinar: AI & Older Adults

Thursday, May 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Artificial Intelligence is changing services, communication, and decisions in ways that affect seniors directly. Come learn how AI works, and the real benefits and threats AI poses for seniors. Hosted by AsKevin and James Giordani, MSW with a focus on enhancing the quality of life and independence of seniors through technology. This program is made possible through grant funding provided by the Michigan Association of Senior Centers and Molina Healthcare. Open to ages 55+. An invitation to the Zoom option will be sent prior to the class via email. Please sign up the same way for both in-person or online by clicking the link below or calling the center. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

The Weekly Mingle

Fridays starting May 15, noon-1:30 p.m. Looking to meet new adults to just simply chat? This just might be the group you’ve been looking for! No staff, no agenda, just some quality time to meet new folks and talk. We’ll have table topic prompt cards to get you going if needed. Feel free to pack a lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided. The group may meet outdoors weather permitting. 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 

Monday, June 1, 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: 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. 

Pickleball Group

Mondays starting June 1, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Ever wondered what pickleball was all about? Want to get in on the fun? Come play pickleball! Be prepared to laugh! Learn to play and/or practice your game. All levels welcome. Eye guards (glasses, sunglasses, or protective eyewear) and court shoes are required. Visors/baseball caps encouraged. Please bring your own water bottle and paddle (a small number of paddles are available to borrow). For adults 55+. Instruction provided by our member Sally Spies. Located at the Burns Park courts outside of the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.  

Art in the Park: T-Shirt Art

Friday, June 12, noon-1:00 p.m. Join Ann Arbor Senior Center Staff in creating fun summer t-shirts! We will be using tie-dye or fabric pens! Bring your own t-shirt to personalize - all other materials will be provided. Please email bpatton@a2gov.org if you need support purchasing a t-shirt. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $3, members; $5, nonmembers. 

Art in the Park: Plant Your Own Mason Jar Herb Garden!

Thursday, June 18, 11-Noon p.m. Join Ann Arbor Senior Center Staff in planting a mason jar herb garden! Class will be held outside weather permitting! Materials will be provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $10, members; $12, nonmembers. 

Art in the Park: Make Your Own Clay Necklace!

Monday, June 22 and 29, 10-11 a.m. Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center Staff in creating beautiful clay necklaces out of oven baked clay! Materials will be provided and no prior experience necessary!  Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $3, members; $5, nonmembers. 

Estate Planning 101

Monday, May 11, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Join Legacy Law Center for this engaging talk! Get clear answers on what Wills and Trusts actually do—and whether one (or both) belongs in your estate plan. 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.

Prediabetes and Diabetes - An Endocrinologist Explains What Matters Most

Monday, May 18, 10-11 a.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 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, and 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.

Fall Prevention

Wednesday, May 20, 12-1 p.m. Join Regency at Bluffs Park 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! 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.

Hospital Discharge: Coming Home Safely and What to Prepare in Advance

Wednesday, May 27th, Noon-1 p.m. Returning home after a hospital stay can be overwhelming without the right preparation. In this session, Options Home Care will cover what families should plan before discharge, common gaps in care, and how to create a safer transition back home. Attendees will receive a simple discharge checklist to help reduce stress and avoid complications. 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.

Preventing Falls at Home and Simple Changes That Keep Seniors Safe and Independent

Monday, June 1, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Falls are one of the leading reasons seniors lose independence, but many risks at home go unnoticed. Options Home Care will share simple, practical ways to make the home safer and reduce fall risk without major changes. Attendees will leave with an easy checklist they can use right away. 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.

Understanding Sports, Concussions, and Long-Term Brain Health

Wednesday, June 3, noon-1 p.m. Please join Dr. Eleanna Varangis of the University of Michigan's School of Kinesiology and Concussion Center for lunch and a discussion of how sports affect brain health across the lifespan. We'll talk about how sports and concussions may affect the brain, how we're hoping to promote brain health in former athletes, and what the future may hold for sport science and athlete safety. 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.

The Red Flags of Fraud

Monday, June 8, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Join Better Business Bureau of Michigan for this insightful presentation to learn how to spot the red flags of fraud and protect your personal information. We will learn tactics that con artists use against older adults, the latest scams, and how to avoid becoming a victim. 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.

Movement for Joy

Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. 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!

Wednesdays, May 6 and 20, 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! 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, May 13 and 27, 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.

Senior Park Walks

Fridays, 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/or 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 after each walk. Each walk will be weather permitting, and a weather determination will be made by 9 a.m. on the morning of the walk (you will receive an email if a walk is cancelled, make sure to check your inbox). If the park walk is cancelled due to weather, we will meet indoors at Briarwood Mall to walk instead. Instructions of which park to meet at will be emailed prior to Friday. Visit a2gov.org/senior for more information and updates about weather cancellations. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free for members; $2 per walk for non-members (must be paid at the time of registration).

Bridge

Non-Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Games

Mondays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. (No game May 25). 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 May 14). 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 II, Play of the Hand, Part III

Mondays through 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 through 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 through 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 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. 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.

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.

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-Aug. 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (No class on July 15 or 22). 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. All skill levels welcome. Students are expected to supply their own materials (click here). Please contact bpatton@a2gov.org if you have a scholarship, 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.

Out & About A2

2026 Project Grow Plant Sale

Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Held the Saturday before Mother's Day at Dawn Farm, over 70 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, sweet & spicy peppers, basil, new offerings of lisianthus, native asclepias, and sweet peas will be offered. Advance sales are over but have a look at the catalog so you know what you're looking for when you get to the hoop. Everything is 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 Co-op member sales. Located at Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Click here to see the catalog.