Ann Arbor Senior Center Calendar of Events
Duplicate non-sanctioned Bridge games
Every Monday, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Non-sanctioned Duplicate Bridge, directed by Ray Gentz, attracts players of all ages with varied levels of expertise including life masters to beginners. Drop-in fee: $2 members; $3 nonmembers.
Instructional Bridge
Bridge Defense Part II: Mondays, Jan. 17 – April 11 (13 weeks), 9:30-11:30 a.m. This class is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their defensive play. We will study chapters 7-9 in the text which may be purchased online or ordered from your local bookstore if you didn’t take Part I or II. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 13 weeks or pay on opening day. If you want to do drop-in, please call the senior center office at 734.794.6250 after 9 a.m. on the day of the class to reserve a spot. It is highly recommended that students have some type of previous bidding class or experience. For more details, contact the instructor at ray62856@gmail.com or call the senior center office. Cost is $110 members; $132 nonmembers.
Bridge Play of the Hand Part I
Tuesdays, Jan. 18 – April 12 (13 weeks), 10 a.m.-noon This class is designed for advanced beginner and low intermediate players who wish to improve declarer skills and will cover chapters 7-9 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 text may be purchased online or ordered from your local bookstore. Students may register in advance and pre-pay for all 13 weeks or may reserve a spot if doing drop-in. To reserve a spot, call the office at the number given below after 9AM the day of the class. For more details, contact the instructor at ray62856@gmail.com or the Senior Center office at 734.794.6250. Cost is $110 members; $132 nonmembers.
Bridge for Beginners Part II
Tuesdays, Jan. 18 – April 12 (13 weeks),1-3 p.m. This class will cover chapters 6-9 of the text “Bidding in the 21st Century” by Audrey Grant. The class is mainly for anyone who has taken Bridge I through Ann Arbor Community Rec + Ed or Bridge For Beginners at Burns Park. This is a great review class for others who may want a good review of overcalls, takeout doubles and Stay man. Make sure to have the text before June 22nd. Students may pay before class or on the first day or if you wish to do drop-in, please call the Senior Center to reserve a spot after 9AM on the day of the class at 734.794.6250. If you have questions, call the Center or email the instructor at ray62856@gmail.com. Cost is $110 members; $132 nonmembers.
Supervised Bridge Play
Morning session: Mondays, Jan. 3 and 10, 9:30-11:30a.m. Afternoon session: Tuesdays, Jan. 4 and 11, 1-3 p.m. Supervised Bridge Play is designed for beginners and low intermediate players who wish to improve their bidding, declarer, and defensive play. The program will run with students playing 7-9 hands per session. Hands will be analyzed after completion to review the bidding, play, and defense. No book or partner needed. 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. For more details, contact the instructor Ray Gentz at ray62856@gmail.com or the senior center office at 734.794.6250. No partner necessary. Drop-in fee: $15 members; $17 nonmembers.
ACBL Open Bridge starts Jan. 13
Thursdays, noon-3:30 p.m. *Save $1 each time you play with an annual Senior Center Membership for just $25 ACBL Open Sanctioned Games are played in the well-equipped Gallery Room at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Pre-dealt hands from “Dealer 4+ offer players immediate hand records and player analysis printouts. Players also benefit from quick and accurate scoring from the electronic score pads. This sanctioned bridge game has players with varied levels of expertise including Life Masters and intermediate level players. Games are open. You do not need to be a member to play at our club, however, membership in the Senior Center provides you with a discount. You do not need to be a “senior” to join. Annual membership at the Ann Arbor Senior Center is $25 for players of all ages. Director Ellen Silverest, encourages you to come with a partner. Looking for a partner? Arrive at the center and let the director know by 11:45 a.m. and she will offer you a guarantee to play. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, no communal food or drinks are available, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. The director is requiring proof of vaccination to play and the city requires masks to be worn indoors at all times (unless eating or drinking). Please be respectful of these rules. Fee: $8, member; $9, nonmember of the Ann Arbor Senior Center
Beginner Qigong and Tai Chi: Stretch, De-Stress & Empower
Tuesdays, Jan. 11-March 29, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Instructor: Karla Groesbeck. No matter your age or fitness level, the practice of meditation & mind-body exercise can bring calm, improve your flexibility, balance, motor skills, and mental focus. Reduce stress and increase vitality through these natural and compelling movements. Enjoy slow, low-impact mind-body exercise that strengthens muscles, improves balance and motor control and facilitates mindfulness and concentration. Practice simple, smooth whole-body movements that can improve your quality of life when you added to your daily routine. Light, fun, refreshing warm-ups include stretching, joint revolutions, loosening and silk reeling exercise. Learn simple, yet profound, Qigong and Tai Chi forms that you can practice on your own. This program is in collaboration with the Washtenaw Community College Senior Focus programs, which requires participants to be aged 65 or older. In person, masks required. Free of charge.
A2SC live trivia
Wednesdays, Dec. 29 and Jan. 5, 19, 1-2 p.m. Join us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Each game will have questions based on weekly themes. Invite your friends, grandchildren, and neighbors to login and play with you. We will keep a tally of winners and at the end, will have prizes that you can pick up. Zoom Meeting ID: 979 1239 9740, or click here. Passcode: 194912. For more information email bpatton@a2gov.org. Free of charge.
Mind Matters
Every Wednesday, 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. For more information email bpatton@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.
Chinese Mahjong
Every Monday, Noon-3 p.m. Test your skills and strategy tactics with an ancient tile-based game of Chinese origin, while engaging in bit of friendly competition. Similar to rummy and poker, this four-player game can be played by all ages and skill levels. For more information contact bpatton@a2gov.org or 734.794.6250. Drop-in fee: free for members; $2 nonmembers.
Scrabble
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Easy to learn and fun to play, this game is for people who like friendly competition and riveting conversation. All experience levels are welcome. For more information contact bpatton@a2gov.org or 734.794.6250. Drop-in: free members; $2 nonmembers.
Programs, events and activities around the community
Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
Mondays, 5-9 p.m. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. Located at Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. For more information contact burrbarr7@gmail.com. Free of charge.
Book Beat
Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1-4 p.m. Presented by University of Michigan Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Discuss what’s new in the world of books. For more information and to register, see olli-umich.org or call 734.998.9351. Free for members. $25 annual membership
Holly Jolly Holiday Party
Tuesday, Dec. 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by Easy Street Jazz Band/Zal Gaz Grotto. The Easy Street Jazz Band, directed by trombonist Terry Kimura, provides the happy traditional Jazz for a holly jolly holiday party. $35 includes the music, hearty hors d’oeuvres and dhampagne toast. For more information contact Chris Schwartz at 734.994.3438 or ccschwartz64@outlook.com) or at the Grotto telephone number 734.663.1202.
Bridge Games
Every Tuesday and Friday, 1-4 p.m. Presented by University of Michigan Turner Senior Wellness Program. If there is sufficient interest call ahead. Located at 2401 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. For more information contact 734.998.9353 or infor.tswp@umich.edu. Free of charge.
German conversation
Every Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with the long-running group German Speakers Round Table. Located at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. For more information contact 732.453.2394. Free of charge.
Knit Happens
Every Tuesday, 6-9 p.m. Presented by Ann Arbor Stitch ‘n’ Bitch. All knitters invited to work on their projects and swap tips. Located at Sweetwater’s Coffee & Tea, 123 W. Washington. For more information visit Facebook.com (search “Ann Arbor Stitch ‘n Bitch”) or contact momofpipi@gmail.com. Cost is $2 monthly dues.
Trivia Night
Every Tuesday, 7 p.m. Presented by the Ann Arbor Adventure Club. All invited to form teams of four or so persons to compete in a 2-round family-friendly trivia contest on Zoom featuring a range of questions from entertainment and history to pop culture and geography. Solo competitors are matched up together. For URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free of charge.
Ongoing Meditation, Teachings, and Practice
Every Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m. Presented by University of Michigan Turner Senior Resource Center. Bilha Birman Rivlin of Still Mountain Meditation gives talks (via Zoom) on mindfulness practice for older adults. For URL, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 734.998.9353.
Coffee with Marta
Every other Tuesday, 9-10 a.m. Presented by the University of Michigan Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Biweekly social hour with local retired psychologist Marta Skiba. For more information and to register, see olli-umich.org or call 734.998.9351. Free for members. $25 annual membership.
Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter
Every Tuesday, 7-8 p.m. Presented by the Barbershop Harmony Society. All male singers invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local barbershop harmony chorus. Located at the Interfaith Center, 704 Airport Blvd, Ann Arbor. For more information contact 734.796.7467. Free to visitors (annual dues for those who join).
Voices in Harmony Chorus
Every Tuesday, 7-9:30 p.m. Female singers invited to join the weekly virtual rehearsals of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. For URL email Info@VoicesInHarmonyChorus.org. Free to visitors ($26 monthly dues for those who join). For more information call 734.612.7580.
Tai Chi
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon-12:30 p.m. Presented by U-M Turner Wellness Program. 30 min. lesson (online and in-person) focusing on gentle Tai Chi for older adults. Beginners welcome. 2401 Plymouth Road. For more information and URL, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 734.998.9353.
University of Michigan ice hockey
Wednesday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m. This month’s schedule includes home games: Michigan Tech (Dec. 29, 7 p.m.), and WMU (Dec. 30, 7 p.m.). Located at Yost Ice Arena, 1016 S. State. Masks required. For more information contact mtickets@umich.edu or 734.764.0247. Tickets are $10 and up.
Ches
Every Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. Presented by U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program (call ahead). Located at 2401 Plymouth Road. For more information contact 734.998.9353 or info.tswp@umich.edu. Free of charge.
Kerrytown Crafters
Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. All crocheters, knitters, spinners, weavers, felters, sewers, and other crafters invited to work on their own projects with others. Questions welcome. For URL join Facebook.com/groups/KTCrafters. For more information contact 734.926.8863. Free of charge.
The Schmoozery
Every Wednesday, 1-2 p.m. Presented by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. A facilitated conversation (via Zoom) in which participants are invited to share stories and reflections about aging, generations, hopes, and related topics in “uncertain times.” Register online at olli-umich.org/olli-commons. For more information contact 734.998.9351. Free of charge.
Meditation and Discussion
Every Wednesday, 7-8:30 p.m. Presented by the Karma Thegsum Choling. All invited for a silent group meditation with a focus on breathing, followed by a discussion on Dharma led by KTC resident Lama Nancy Burks. Located at KTC, 614 Miner St. (enter through the back door). For more information contact 734.678.7549. Free of charge.
Yoga with Cats
Every Thursday and Sunday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by the Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. Huron Valley Humane Society humane education reps introduce all ages to the basics of hatha-style yoga, which integrates breath with movement. Also, interact with adoptable cats. Dress prepared to work out. Suitable for age 12 & up (all 16 & under must be accompanied by adult). 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Thurs.) & 8:30-9:30 a.m. (Sun.). Located at Tiny Lions, 5245 Jackson, ste. A1. For more information contact 734.661.3575. Cost is $10.
Poetry Salon
Every Thursday, 8-10 p.m. Presented by One Pause Poetry. Members, and interested nonmembers, read and discuss poems on various themes. Followed by collaborative writing games and exercises. Snacks & socializing. Located at Argus Farm Stop greenhouse, 325 W. Liberty. For more information contact 734.707.1284. $5 donation suggested.
Pub Quiz
Every Thursday, 7 p.m. Presented by Conor O’Neil’s Irish Pub. Local high school English teacher Barry Aherne throws out questions for anyone to answer at this popular outdoor weekly trivia fest. Come with a team (up to 6 people). Prizes. Located at Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. For more information contact 734.665.2968. $5 a team fee.
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men
Every Thursday, 1-2:30 p.m. Presented by the University of Michigan Turner Senior Wellness Program. For the URL, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 734.998.9353.
Repairsday Thursday
Every Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Presented by All Hands Active. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, and any other odd item for AHA members to try to repair and offer advice. Repairs not guaranteed. Livestream available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. In-person located at All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty ste. 225. For more information contact info@AllHandsActive.org. Free, but donations welcome.
Space Cowboy New Year’s Eve Bash
Friday, Dec. 31, 7.pm. Dinner by Wesley’s Catering, 7-8:45 p.m. Ben Daniels’ Band performs 9-11 p.m., followed by a DJ set from LuFru Entertainment, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m., a late night snack, and champagne toast at midnight. Located at Robin Hills Farm, 20390 M-52, Chelsea. Tickets at robinhillsfarm.com/tickets. Cost is $25, or $50 with dinner.
Capture the Flag
Every Friday, 6-7 p.m. Presented by All Hands Active. All invited to try to capture a virtual flag by solving a computer security problem (or series of problems), ranging from basic computer usage to some programing. Led by AHA members; beginners welcome. For URL preregister at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive. Free, but donations required.
University of Michigan Natural History Museum Planetarium
Every Friday-Sunday Three different audiovisual planetarium shows. Expedition Reef (11 a.m.) explores the life cycle of coral reefs and what scientists are doing to keep coral bleaching events at bay. Sky Tonight (12:30 and 2:30 p.m.) shows off the current night sky. Sea Monsters (1:30 p.m.) follows an animated Late Cretaceous water creature though the great inland sea that divided North America in 2. Located at the U-M Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. Masks required. For more information contact 734.764.0478. Cost is $8.
Joes Breakfast Club
Every Friday, 9 a.m. Presented by Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. A moderate-paced ride, 25 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Breakfast at the Riverview Cafe in Dexter. Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves; carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone and snacks. For other AABTS rides, see aabts.org. Meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. For more information call 734.276.2096. Free of charge.
Social Dance
Every Tuesday and Friday, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Ballroom dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience necessary. Preceded from 8-8:30 p.m. by an optional lesson. Drinks and snacks. 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 8:30-10:30 p.m. (Friday). Located at the Dance Pavilion, 1918 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. For more information contact 734.369.9700. Cost is $12 (Tuesday) and $15 (Friday.)
An Almost British Christmas
Saturday, Jan. 1, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Presented by Theatre Nova. Carla Milarch directs the premiere of her and R. MacKenzie Lewis’s seasonal comedy about what happens when 2 unsophisticated Americans attempt a Panto, a British pantomime that blends children’s stories with a bit of vaudeville sensibility to create a raucous family entertainment. Cast: Bryana Hall, Dan Morrison, and Monica Spencer. Located at Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Masks and proof of vaccination (or negative COVID test within past 48 hours). For more information contact 734.635.8450. Tickets $25 (kids age 16 and under, $10).
Sunday Artisan Market
Every Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 30th year. Located at the Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. For more information contact 734.913.9622. Free admission.
Historic Earhart Manor Tour
Sunday, Jan. 2, 1 p.m. Presented by Concordia University Ann Arbor Guild. Tour Historic Earhart Manor on the campus of Concordia University Ann Arbor. Earhart Manor was built by Harry B. Earhart and his wife Carrie in 1935-1936 using old world craftsmanship and state of the art technology for the time. Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls of Detroit were the architects. Docent-led tours will be given the first Sunday of the month at 1 pm. Masks and preregistration are required. Located at Earhart Manor (Otto G. Schmid Center), Concordia University Ann Arbor, 4090 Geddes Rd. For more information contact ConcordiaGuild@cuaa.edu. Requested donation of $10.
All Peoples Planet Parade
Sunday, Jan. 2, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Presented by All Peoples Planet Parade and Action Network. A free monthly outdoor family-friendly public event celebrating the beauty and wonder of our planet and coalescing a collective call for action to protect her and defend ourselves from the consequences of inaction toward climate change. Join the joy-filled dance procession/parade up and down Main Street. If so inspired, make a thought provoking sign, or costume, or “sidewalk float” to express yourself in this fun and safe (masks requested) opportunity for people to come together as a community to celebrate and defend our planet. Free parking every Sunday in Ann Arbor. 2:30 p.m. Gather-n-Create – sign making / musical “street jam” improv dance party 3 p.m. Planet Sidewalk Parade toward Kingsley, to Main, down to William, back up Main to Ann, then over to Fourth and back to Sculpture Plaza 3:45 Musical guests Mary Fithian & Friends will bring depth, upliftment and good vibrations to warm our hearts and move our feet. Guest speaker: TBD. Located at Sculpture Plaza near People’s Food Co-op, 4th & Catherine, Ann Arbor. For more information contact Megan at 734.417.7020. Free of charge.
Our mailing address is: tel. 734.794.6250 a2gov.org/senior | facebook.
