August 2010 Program Notes

 

Program Notes features a sampling of our 100+ recurring programs, special events, and services.

Being a member of the Senior Center provides reduced rates for fee-based programs and allows for participation in events that are open to members only. Guests are welcome to attend events that are open to all.  The events described below are annotated as follows.

M -- Open to members with fee shown, if any

G -- Guests are welcome with fee shown

A -- Open to all, members and guests

For Recurring Programs not listed as "open to members", guests are welcome and need only pay a guest participation fee -- the fee (April 2010 - March 2011) is $4 per meeting for free programs and varies for fee-based programs. For details on the program participation policy, click here. To learn more about joining, ask at the Front Desk for membership details and a tour of the Center.


New Programs

What is an eReader?       
Monday, August 9, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

What is an ebook? How do they work? Are you curious about the new portable easy way to read a book? Want to take several books with you on vacation but don’t have the room? Sandra Cararo, Community Relations Manager from Barnes and Noble will introduce the “Nook”, Barnes and Nobles version of the eReader. Sandra will demonstrate the ease of use and how you can download free books from the web. Sandra will bring several “Nooks” for a hands-on experience.

A Free
Improve Balance: Prevent Falls    
Monday, August 16 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Balance declines with age. Many factors contribute toward making the older adult susceptible to falls. Mary Beth Applewhite, DPT, Rehabilitation Program Manager, physical therapist from Golden Living Center, will discuss safety at home and in the community, provide statistical information regarding prevention of falls and balance deficits and will do free balance screenings.

A Free

Depression Signs and Symptoms        
Wednesday, August 25, 11:00–Noon

Have you ever felt sad and lonely? Do you sometimes feel like your “get-up-and-go” got up and went? You may be suffering from the signs of depression and not even know it. Cathy Lawder, Licensed Medical Social Worker from Amedisys Home Health, offers education about the signs and symptoms associated with depression. She will discuss the triggers and ramifications of depression as it relates to the senior population. Cathy will also discuss different mediations being offered for this condition.

A Free

“What Could Go Right?”     
Tuesday, August 10, 10:00 a.m.

The news media benefits from presenting the world in a negative light—it sells. In all fairness to the last 400 years’ American successes, Jorgen Vik, a Certified Financial Planner with Merrill Lynch, will discuss how to take advantage of an inevitably prosperous future. Bring your open mind. It is a fun topic!

A Free


Community Chess Club          
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

A new opportunity for you to learn the game of chess, with mentoring, is available. This club was formed so that people of all ages and skill levels have an opportunity to learn and practice chess. Beginners to Masters, young and not-so-young, all are invited to come.  For more information, email or call Margaret at the Senior Center, 974-7756.

A Free

Trivia Fun                                 
First Thursday of the Month
Thursday, August 5, 11:00 a.m.–Noon

Trivia Fun is a chance to mine treasure troves of information from the past and present, both for fun and to exercise the brain. This team-centered question-and-answer format will help preserve your recall capabilities. For instance, do you remember the red-headed comedienne, the Montana speed limit, and the tournament of Roses Parade? What about Beetle Bailey, Kate Smith, or Al Jolson? You won’t be alone while summoning your powers of recall—we shall team up by twos for more interaction and fun. Come one, come all! All levels of skill are welcome! We want to make this a monthly occasion that’s not only stimulating and fun, but also a staple in the senior community. For more information, call Levi Miller 434-974-9339 or Pat Cook 434-973-0799.

M Free

Back to Top


Special Events

Greek Luncheon
Wednesday, August 18, 11:30 a.m.

Reservation Deadline: Friday, August 13

It’ll be Greek to you: old-world recipes from the Vlavianos family and made with authentic Greek products: Greek salad, spanikopita (spinach/cheese pies), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), gyro (slices of a beef/lamb mixture), chicken souvlaki (marinated chicken breast), pita bread, tzaziki sauce (yogurt/cucumber), and—for dessert—baklava. Special presentation of a commemorative 50th birthday crocheted quilt in 50 colors by the fabulous Crafty Ladies.

A $11

Visit with the Lakota Indians
Wednesday, September 1, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Learn about the Indian perspective on their role in American history and today, as well as about higher education on the Reservation. See cover article for more information.

A Free

Charlottesville Humanities Forum - Summer 2010   
Tuesday, August 17, 1:00–2:30 p.m.

“Changing Places 2 & Clashes of Culture”

The texts to be covered are:  Derek Wollcott, “A Far Cry from Africa” handout; Henry Roth, Call it Sleep, and Jonathan Swift, “A Voyage in the Country of the Houyhnhnms” (Part IV of Gulliver’s Travels). Each participant identifies specific interpretive problems in the assigned work then frames a trial question and two contrasting answers. These are presented in session to launch a searching discussion by the entire group. The moderator coordinates the exchange, poses Socratic questions, and provides relevant information, but does not lecture.

Our moderator is D. L. Rubin, a Guggenheim Fellow and author of several books on the baroque and classical lyric. Dr. Rubin is also Professor Emeritus of French Language and Literature at the University of Virginia. Still active on Grounds, he teaches critical argumentation in University Seminars and in the Academic and Professional Writing Program of the English Department. He also chairs the poetry board at The Virginia Quarterly Review, consults at the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, and is the publisher of Rookwood Press. Before moving to the Senior Center, he led Great Books discussions for 7 years at JILL and its successor, OLLI. Please sign up at the Senior Center Front Desk, 434-974-7756.

M Free

Back to Top


Featured Recurring Programs by Theme

Body Moving  

Aerobic Dance at the Y 
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Covenant Church of God Gymnasium

Men and women can enjoy a low-impact, choreographed dance exercise class using a variety of music from the Big Band Era to more current popular tunes. The program includes warm-up dances, stretching, a cardiovascular work out, and cool down. Resistance work incorporating weights and exercise bands is designed to improve posture, balance, flexibility and strength. The class is designed to keep participants active and fit with the added benefit of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Class participants may attend all three days or attend as many classes as they desire. Call the Senior Center for additional information, 974-7756.

M $30/month for 3 classes a week. (Partner Organization)

Arthritis Foundation and Exercise
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Exercise is important for joint motion and muscle strength for those with arthritis. Instructor Maggie Schmidt leads this entry-level class, following the Arthritis Foundation Program, to help those with arthritis get moving again. A chair is used for balance. Register at the front desk and get an AF form and information for your doctor. Come to class in this carpeted room in comfortable clothing and athletic shoes with stability. Bring a yoga mat if you will be on the floor.

M  $20/month    G  $27/month

Ballroom Dance Lessons with Terry Dean

Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. -- 2:55 p.m.

Cathleen Rhodes, from Terry Dean’s Dance Studio, will teach the Rumba throughout the month. For more information, please call Terry Dean's Dance Studio at 977-3327. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. Register/pay at the Front Desk.

$40/month, All welcome if space allows

Senior Bowling League at Kegler’s
Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.–Noon

Join in the fun each Tuesday. It’s sign-up time for fall and winter teams. About eight months to prove and improve your scores. Happy times —great association with pleasant people. All are seniors so nothing is really serious, just fun!  For more information, see our web page or call James Cox at 825-4622.

A (Aged 50+) / Cost: Lane Fees

DanceFit
Mondays, 11:30–12:30 p.m.

Gain fitness and increased flexibility dancing to Broadway tunes. Instructor Edna-Jakki “EJ” Miller has over 30 years experience in teaching and personal training in fitness, dance and holistic health. All ages, conditions and levels, beginner to advanced, can join in the fun. Workouts are joint-friendly, safe, and effective.

A 8 week block M $66 / G $86

Line Dancing
Fridays, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays (except 4th Wednesday)
 - Beginning 6:30 p.m.
 - Intermediate 7:30 p.m.

Love to dance? Don't have a partner? If you want to have fun and exercise, both physically and mentally, then line dancing is for you. This group cares more about having fun than the accuracy of steps. The first 30 minutes focus on beginner-level dances, but all levels are welcome the entire 90 minutes.

 M Free G $4

Parkinson’s Exercise
Mondays, 11:00 a.m. & Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.

Offered in partnership with UVa’s Adult Neurology Department, instructor Sharon Honeycutt leads participants through various exercises to promote ways of moving and speaking to better cope with the many symptoms of Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. Bring an exercise mat and wear comfortable clothing.

A $65 month   (Partner Organization)

The Retreads Senior Softball   (Partner Program)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. 

Get out your softball shoes and glove and have a ball! Senior Center, Inc. and the local Senior Softball group are looking for men and women who love to play softball. “The Retreads” welcome all fitness and experience levels, as long as you’re 50 or better.   (Most of us are 65+.)  We believe in teamwork—sluggers can request a runner to cover the bases! Practices are at Darden Towe Park and we are scheduled to play the Richmond senior teams for two-game tournaments at Darden Towe and in Richmond, alternating months. If you are interested or need more info, contact program leader Larry Stremikis at 434-245-4024.

A FREE

Senior Golf

Our next away trip will be to the Winton country Club in Amherst County on August 11.

Results of recent outings:

At Heritage Oaks on June 23, low scorers for the men were: Brian Edson (89); Bob Moody (90); and Bod Dirolf (91). Low scorers for the women were: Melva Jarrell (98) and Carolyn German with a 106. Winners of the closest to the pin were: Lee Spurgeon on hole #8 and Bob Dirolf on hole #17.

At Birdwood Golf Course on July 7, the temperature soared above 100°! Scores were lower—for the men: Al Hood (85); David Brush (92); and Brian Edson (94). Low scorers for the women were: Melva Jarrell (103) and Carolyn German (106). Winners of the closest to the pin were: Melva Jarrell on hole #4 and David Brush on hole #14.

Tennis
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m., Tonsler Park

Tonsler Park Courts are located at the corner of Cherry Avenue and Ridge Street. Players of all levels are welcome. This group plays year round. For information, please call Isabelle Smith at 296-7534.

Cost: A Can of Tennis Balls

Creative Expression  

Beginner’s Knitting
Wednesdays, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

If you want to learn to knit – Join us!
If you want company while you knit – Join us!
If you want some ideas for your project – Join us!
We look forward to seeing you!

M  Free

Ceramics
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m–noon

Looking for something fun and creative to do? Join our ceramics class! Our requirement is simple: Show up with a desire to have fun in this therapeutic class. We are now making Christmas trees—the holidays are right around the corner! We are also busy painting kittens, mallards, wolves, and, of course, useful items such as plates, bowls, platters and mugs, which are always in great demand. What a great gift to give when you “made it yourself.” The ceramics are dishwasher and microwave safe, so can be used and enjoyed for years. Class is taught by Novella Mawyer, owner of Lazy Daisy Ceramics, Inc. and The Pottery Paintin' Place.

M $26 per year plus materials and firings 

Piedmont Pastelists
Monday, August 9, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

You are invited to join this congenial group of artisans who gather to practice their pastel painting skills. Each artist may bring a work-in-progress for a constructive group critique.

A Free

Thought Provoking 

Book Discussion Group
1st Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. - Noon 

Our book for August will be The Story of Edgar Sawtell by David Wroblewski.

For further information, call Ellen Diming at 971-8166 or go to our web page. New members welcome.

M Free

Comparative Religions

Friday, September 10, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

This group will not meet in August. It will resume in September, with the Rev. Sandy Wisco discussing famous Lutherans: Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Albert Schweitzer, and Dag Hamarskjöld. New Members always welcome.

M Free

Computer Users Group
Monday, August 9, 1:00 p.m.

Topic:  Trip Planning and Technology

Technology advances have changed travel planning and trip reservations over the last few years. Social networking and other Internet activity such as blogging help by allowing travelers to share the latest information on travel destinations, transportation, and accommodations. 

We have three speakers lined up for this topic. Jennifer Mayo of the Omni Charlottesville Hotel, Jason Burch from the Charlottesville Airport, and Linda Hahn our Senior Center Travel Coordinator. Join us and enjoy refreshments after the meeting.

A Free

Le Cercle Français
Thursday, August 12 & Wednesday, August 18, 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Welcome to our friendly, informal, francophone “Cercle” every 2nd Thursday and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Joyeux printemps! Soyez le bienvenu deux fois par mois “chez nous!” New members are welcome. A bientôt.

M Free

Writing For Pleasure
Fridays, Noon – 2:00 p.m.

All are welcome to come and read their work at these meetings. Our Coffee House in August will be on Friday, August 13, with Dr. Charles Allen Kollar as guest speaker. He is a counselor, pastor and the author of several books, “Mastering Life”. Dr. Kollar, who is Betty and Frank Kollar’s son, lives in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with his wife, Dawn
M Free

Just for Fun

Bridge-A-Rama Round-Up for Fall 2010-2011

If you enjoy playing contract bridge and would like to meet new faces, consider joining our group of congenial players. Bridge-a-Rama is a round robin affair—four players each meet once a month at a team member’s home (date and time is chosen by each team) and play 20 hands of bridge.

We play September through April; results are logged in and we all gather in May for a “Dessert and Prize Awards” to play bridge and find out who the winners are. All you need to join is a partner (spouse or friend) and $15 per person. The nice part is that you will play with a different couple each month and thus meet different members of the entire group.

A sign-up sheet is at the front desk. Please sign up no later than August 20, so paper work can be completed before the start of the new season. For more information, please call Judy Brubaker at 980-6679 or Lois Brown at 973-8611.

Canasta
Wednesdays, Noon to 4:00 p.m.

The Canasta group has nearly twenty members who meet every Wednesday. After playing cards, those who wish go out to dinner at a local restaurant. We have a great time! If interested in playing or learning to play Canasta, please call the group leader, June Foster, at 973-4749.

Chess Club
Mondays, 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Love to play chess and need a partner? Want to brush up on those skills you haven’t used for a while? Just a beginner and want to play? Then come to the Senior Center on Mondays and join in. All Senior Center members are welcome! 

Duplicate Bridge
Thursdays, 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.

The Thursday afternoon duplicate bridge is in full swing. We start playing promptly at 12:30. All skill levels are welcome. For further information, please call or email  .

Pinochle
Thursdays 1:00–4:00 p.m. 

We welcome those new to the game and those with renewed interest—it’s easy and we are ready to show you how. Come observe or join in!

M Free

Poker
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

All are welcome on Wednesday afternoons at our newly-formed poker group. Contact Program Coordinator Margaret Fitch at 974-7756 for more information.

M Free

Regulation Scrabble
2nd & 4th Fridays, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Join Laura Williamson for Scrabble following regulation rules. This word game for two players per table is both literary and strategic to get the most points from your letter selection.

Rook
Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

This classic card game is easier than Bridge, more challenging than Hearts. Make your bids, play your tricks, but watch out for that rook! Come and join us—no experience necessary. For more information, call Frances Bulger at 434-245-5896.

M Free

Vince-A-Rama Bridge
Begins Tuesday, September 14, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Attention all Vince-A-Rama alumni and bridge lovers! It’s time to sign up for Vince-A-Rama. We play at the Senior Center on the second Tuesday of the month from September through May and end with a bridge party with prizes and yummy deserts. Please sign up at the Center’s front desk. There is a $20 sign-up fee. For more information, call Gina Paist at (434) 975-0366 or Jim and Wendy Craig at (434) 4975

M $20 (sign-up fee)


 

Social Gatherings   

All Member Social & Early Dining Bargains
Mondays, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Every Monday afternoon, all Center members are invited to meet and enjoy light refreshments, become acquainted with other members, share and promote programs, and talk together about life events. Please join us for laughter, companionship, and fascinating stories. Also, for many months, two groups of Monday Social regulars have enjoyed eating out afterwards. So do come check out IHOP for its Mondays-only offer of half price for Seniors on all regular entrees, or Golden Corral’s Early Bird Buffet for Seniors (daily 2:00–4:00 p.m.) for only $6.35 plus tax. Join us at the rear tables at either restaurant any Monday. (IHOP 5:00 p.m. and Golden Corral before 4:00 p.m.) Bon Appetit!

Sing-Along
Wednesday, August 18, 3:00–4 p.m.

Come sing favorite tunes with your Senior Center family and bring a friend—it’s good for the heart and the soul! Our special thanks to Tom Hurlburt!

M Free

Singles' Group Monthly Gatherings

Singles' Schmooze
Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Whether you are single by choice or circumstance, this Singles’ Group invites you to socialize over food and music with a goal of finding new friends. We continue to offer a weekly opportunity to enjoy light fare, lively conversation, and dancing. There may also be an occasional theme party at the usual weekly price, or slightly higher as needed to cover costs.

M $5 or G $10 (First-time guest $5 with a Senior Center member.)

Singles' Soell Group
Lunch: Thursday, August 12, 1:00 p.m.

Our luncheon this month will be at Olivate Restaurant on the east side of Albemarle Square Shopping Center, next to Chandlers Bakery. All who are single and Center members are welcome. If you are a new member, please inquire or consult the Soell Singles file at the Senior Center front desk.

 SC members only.

Movies in the Afternoon  
Sundays, 2:30 p.m.

To find the movies to be shown, click here

Back to Top


Programs with Partner Organizations

Senior Statesmen of Virginia 
Wednesday, August 11, 1:30–3:00 p.m.

Fifth Congressional District Candidates Showcase

On November 2nd, voters will elect a representative from Virginia’s fifth district. This district is the Commonwealth’s largest, covering all or part of 18 counties and all of 4 independent cities in Central and Southside Virginia. Don’t miss the chance to hear what the candidates have to say when the Senior Statesmen of Virginia present a Candidates Showcase at the Senior Center on August 11.

All three candidates have been invited and are expected to attend this forum. Each will have a 15-minute presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session.

In 2008, the fifth district contest was a squeaker. Local Democrat Tom Perriello pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the country, unseating six-term GOP Congressman Virgil Goode with a margin of only 727 votes. This time around, freshman Congressman Perriello will face Republican State Senator Robert Hurt, who won his party’s nomination in a seven-way primary in June, and recently announced Independent candidate Jeffrey Clark.

Senior Statesmen of Virginia is a non-profit, non-partisan, educational and advocacy organization. Its purposes are to enable seniors to identify and articulate their view points on the issues affecting all citizens of Virginia; to encourage knowledge of and active participation in the public process of government; to disseminate information about social, governmental, and educational institutions; and to prepare resolutions stating positions on member-selected issues for distribution to public officials.

A Free

Blood Pressure Screening
Tuesday, August 3, 10:00 –11:00 a.m.

Blood Pressure screenings are provided by Nurse Advantage/Care Advantage Plus in the Senior Center Lobby. No appointment necessary.

M Free

Macular Degeneration Support Group
Monday, August 16, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Speaker: Dr. Record

A Free

Manicures and Pedicures
Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m – 1:45 p.m.

Wendy Sacra visits the Center to provide this service. Appointments encouraged; walk-ins, if there is an opening. Schedule an appointment at the front desk or call the Senior Center at (434) 974-7756.  Members Only


HOME

JOIN

DONATE

SITE MAP


Senior Center, Inc. / 1180 Pepsi Place / Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Phone: (434) 974-7756 / FAX: (434) 974-7510
Last Modified:  July 28, 2010 at 14:16 Count:   10920 hits since August 30 2003