Lifelong Learning

Elder Law with Doris Gelbman (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 10:00-11:30am

Tuesday, April 20

Estate Planning 101 – ALL NEW!  If we’ve learned nothing else in this time of COVID, we discovered that planning has become more essential than ever. Learn about basic documents you need. Distinguish between a will and a trust and why you might need one over the other. Understand how to create and use a Power of Attorney. Who needs an Advanced Medical Directive? (short answer: everyone!) and what does it do?

 CLICK HERE  A FEW MINUTES PRIOR TO 10 AM TO JOIN THE PROGRAM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9077793941?pwd=dFNBUnRFUVJsVjlyQTI0NFBOdVhNdz09

Password: CENTER

Open to all.

Location: Online

Beginning Spanish (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

In this year long course we use Conversational Spanish in 7 Days  by Shirley Baldwin and Sarah Boas since it focuses on the most common, everyday situations you’ll encounter in Spanish-speaking countries.  Everything is explained in clear, concise English so if you have to miss a class, you can easily keep up with what we are doing in class.  We are meeting on line every week, and cover about a lesson a month:  during September-December we work with learning the present tense of regular verbs, in January we learn how to use object pronouns, and then in February add irregular verbs, in March stem-changing verbs, and in April reflexive verbs as we talk about daily activities.  In May we turn to a past tense, the present perfect, and then in June look forward, to the future tense.  Finally in July and August we end our year’s study of Spanish by working with the two simple past tenses.

 If you are looking for a basic course in Spanish, and can commit to spending at least two to three hours a week (ideally 20-30 minutes a day!) studying Spanish, then this is the course for you!  But if you just want to learn a few phrases for travel, this course is more than you really want.

This course is free and open to Center members, but please register below. The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the class.

Students supply their own materials. For more information,contact program leader, Helen Ida Moyer.

Members only.

Location: Online

Intermediate Spanish (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 2:10-3:10pm

Intermediate Spanish  (Tuesdays at 2:10 pm)

In this year long course we use McGraw Hill’s Spanish Conversation by Jean Yates in the series of “Practice Makes Perfect”.  The text serves as a guide for expanding your conversational fluency through the use of realistic everyday dialogues.  The exercises in the text will be complemented by handouts that include personal questions which make use of the expressions presented in each lesson.  During September and October we shall be reviewing the two key simple past tenses, the preterit and imperfect, which were introduced at the end of the Beginning Spanish course.  In this course the student’s knowledge of the basic structure of the language will be expanded to include complex sentences with dependent noun, adjective, and adverbial clauses which often require the use of the subjunctive mood. 

We are meeting on line every week and cover about a lesson a month:  working with the exercises in the text, as well as with questions on handouts, plus taking some time for grammar review; the final exercise in the text entails writing a short paragraph using as many of the expressions presented in the lesson as possible.

Students supply their own materials. For information on the class, contact program leader, Helen Ida Moyer

Open to all.

Location: Online

Advanced Spanish (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 3:20-4:20pm

Advanced Spanish  (Tuesdays at 3:20 pm)

This is an informal course for students who are fairly fluent in Spanish, designed to give them the opportunity to keep up their Spanish skills.  We meet on line every week in a tertulia like format.  The materials we use will vary, including both articles on current events and short one act plays from a book entitled En un acto: diez piezas hispanoamericanas, 3rd edition, 1990, edited by Frank Dauster and Leon  F. Lyday.  It contains ten plays, followed by questions on the content and themes for discussion.    

Students supply their own materials. For information on the class, contact program leader, Helen Ida Moyer

Open to all.

Location: Online

Reading for Pleasure (ON SITE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 12:15-1:15pm

If you enjoy robust literature written by a variety of authors but only have a little extra time to read each week, this may be the program for you.  Participants read the week's selection at the start of each session, then discuss their thoughts on the piece. Free to members, but first time guests are welcome! Sandra Garret is the program leader.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Apple Class with Clay Sisk

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 1:00-3:00pm

On-Site Classes for Apple Device owners and beginners.

You will learn how to use iPhones, iPads, iMacs, MacBooks and other Apple devices. Topics will include using the internet, photos, email, texting and other Apps such as Maps, Calendar, Music, Contacts (Address Book) the Phone, FaceTime, Reminders and word processors. You will see techniques displayed on classroom TV monitors. Ample time will be allowed for questions and repeat demonstrations as needed. Contact Clay at SiskVA@Mac.com for more information.

 Free for Center members, but first time guests are welcome! PLEASE RSVP BELOW!

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Clay Sisk

Riding Climate Solutions: How Improving Local Transit can Help us Reach our Climate Goals (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

With transportation emissions accounting for the largest share of Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions and communities setting aggressive targets for reductions, transportation solutions are critical. While increasing electric vehicle adoption is an important solution, they are not currently accessible to all residents. Join Community Climate Collaborative Executive Director Susan Kruse to learn how improving local transit systems and doubling ridership can help Charlottesville and Albemarle County reach its climate goals and improve access to services. Free and open to all.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83829445661

Meeting ID: 838 2944 5661

Open to all.

Location: Online

Life Wishes-Preparing for the Future (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 6:00-8:00pm

Thursdays, April 8-29, 6:00-8:00 pm (4 part series)

One of the best gifts you can give your family is to think through and document your health care decisions.  This four-session course taught by Nancy Zamil, RN, MPH, CHPN and Cynthia Sinchak, RN, MSN, CHPN will help demystify advance directives and equip you to embark on difficult conversations about end of life with videos, games and discussions.  

During this series you will learn how to navigate the healthcare system, prepare your own advanced directive, discern between an advanced directive and a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and prepare for making healthcare choices and end of life decisions.

Nancy Zamil and Cynthia Sinchak have combined 41 years of hospice and palliative care nursing experience. They are skilled in helping people to make heath care choices. Their desire is to give back to the community, by using their expertise to help clear the misconceptions of health care decisions at this very important time in one’s life.

PLEASE REGISTER BELOW. ONCE YOU REGISTER, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL RECEIPT WITH THE ZOOM LINK. THE ZOOM LINK IS THE SAME FOR ALL FOUR SESSIONS.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Writing for Pleasure (ON SITE)

Friday, April 23, 2021 | 12:15-1:15pm

What you have to say matters ... why not say it in writing? Come discover and share your best style! All genres and experience levels welcome. Weekly "Writing for Pleasure" meetings are members only. Sandra Garret is the program leader.  

On the last Friday of the month, the group will meet at 12 noon and watch a film until 2 pm.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Sandra Garrett sandrag992@gmail.com

Writing for Healing and Growth (ONLINE)

Monday, April 26, 2021 | 10:00-12:00pm

Anyone who has ever kept a journal, written stories about his or her life, or just let the pencil do the talking knows that writing is indeed a powerful instrument for fulfillment, growth, and healing. Writing that comes from the heart and mind gives expression to that which is uniquely us. Experience the adventure of writing in this weekly workshop. The emphasis is on—but is not limited to—the writing of memoirs. This is not a critique group; it is designed to provide the support that people need to tell their stories. Strict rules of privacy and confidentiality will be observed. Leonard Tuchyner facilitates. Members only, limited availability. Fee is $15/month for standard members; free for Prime members. 

PLEASE EMAIL JENNIFER CREWS at jennifer@thecentercville.org IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS GROUP. CLASS IS CURRENTLY FULL.

Members only.

Location: Online

Group Guitar Lessons for Beginners (ON SITE)

Monday, April 26, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

Mondays, January 25, March 15-May 3, 1:00-2:00 pm (8 weeks) 

CLASS IS FULL!

It’s not too late to learn a new instrument! If you’ve never touched a guitar or only know that it has strings, this class is for you! It’s also a good refresher if you played many moons ago and might need a do over. Join accomplished musician and instructor, Mike D’antoni for this class. It’s BYOG (bring your own guitar!) Open to Center members. Prime members – $40 for the 8-week session; Standard members- $64. Space is limited. Please register below.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Long Term Care Insurance Q&A Appointments

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

Meet one-on-one withTracy Meade as she guides you through any questions you have about long term care insurance. If you have inquiries about an existing policy, you are welcome to bring the policy with you. Please note that space is very limited; there are only 2 appointments available each month; 10:00 and 10:30 am. Please call the Welcome Desk (434) 974-7756 to make an appointment. 

Tracy is an independent Financial Planner and Certified Long-Term Care Consultant.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Train Your Brain (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of every month, through May, 11:00 am 

Cognitive decline doesn't have to be inevitable. You can build a better brain at any age. Join Michelle Rocker, a LearningRx Master Brain Trainer for cognitive exercises that can strengthen memory and attention.  Free for Center members. Registration is required below for the date you wish to attend. Space is limited! Please register for only one session.

Click here to register for April 27 

Click here to register for May 11 

Click here to register for May 25

Members only.

Location: Online

Meditation on the Inner Light (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83919817100

Meeting ID: 839 1981 7100

Experience refreshing moments of calm, balance, and peace any time you want through meditation. As you relax, feel your stress melt away. Discover how meditation can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Benefits of Meditation for the Body

By alleviating stress, meditation can improve your physical health. One of the physical benefits includes reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses.  Medical researchers and doctors have reported the effects that stress has on the body. A number of illnesses are the result of stress. For this reason, medical practitioners recommend meditation to their patients to reduce stress levels. This includes meditating to decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. They recommend meditation to enhance the body’s immune response. Hospitals and medical clinics even offer classes in meditation to patients.

Benefits of Meditation for the Mind

Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a calm mind, providing mental benefits.  Studies have shown the positive effects meditation has on the brain and on improving memory. It also enhances concentration, attention, and focus. Meditation can improve concentration, whether one needs to concentrate for sports, education, work, or hobbies. When focused, we can increase our effectiveness and productivity. Sports figures and champion athletes have reported that meditation helps them to improve their focus to prepare for competing in their sport at the highest level.

Benefits of Meditation for the Emotions

Your emotional wellness, too, can be enhanced through meditation, resulting in inner tranquility and joy. Through meditation, you can reduce anxiety and depression that are caused by feelings of hopelessness and disappointments in life. When these are the result of emotions, such as feeling isolated or lonely, or a sense of sadness from dealing with life’s losses, meditation can supplement the support received from professionals.

When you meditate, you tap in to a place of happiness and peace. This increases a sense of positivity.  You realize that, beyond your daily problems that cause emotional pain, there is a pool of joy within that you can access and feel more joyous.  Meditation helps you to recharge, refresh, and rejuvenate.  When you feel happier, you are calmer and more balanced. This creates a ripple effect that will radiate to others.

Gerry Gorman, recently retired engineer, engineering manager, and business development executive has been a student and practitioner of meditation for over 40 years. He describes a very practical form of meditation and explores how a meditation practice can help each of us develop a healthier perspective to fully appreciate life. He and his wife, Penny, have been married for 38 years and have two grown sons. 

free

Open to all.

Location: Online

Colon Cancer Screening and Polyps with Dr. Lauren Carlini (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 29, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

The recommendations for when you should schedule colon cancer screenings and how frequently can be difficult to determine, even for a physician. These recommendations can change based on your family history and whether polyps (and polyp types) were found during prior colonoscopies. Doctors can help their patients navigate these complicated topics, but it is extremely helpful for you to be able to possess a baseline level of knowledge so you can better advocate for your health.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89736792257

Meeting ID: 897 3679 2257

About the Presenter:

Lauren Carlini is currently a second year gastroenterology fellow at UVA. She grew up in Texas, but has moved many places in the US for her education and medical training. She loved her time as a medical student at UVA so much that she decided to move back for her fellowship training after completing her internal medicine residency at Vanderbilt University. Her ties to The Center go back to her time in medical school, and she is excited to share information about colon cancer screening recommendations with its members.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Beginner Bridge Lessons (Online)

Friday, April 30, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

Every 2 weeks, beginning March 5 through June 11, 1:00-2:00 pm

Classes are intended for those with no bridge experience or if you need a refresher. Classes are offered a la carte. All classes are open to all and are taught by experienced bridge player and teacher, Ken Marino. Free for prime and standard members; each class is $10 for guests. Please register in advance below.  

April 30     Defensive play  

May  14     Defensive bidding

May 28      Opening bids of 2, 3, or 4

June 11      Common conventions

ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL RECEIPT WITH THE ZOOM LINK.

Open to all.

Location: Online

The Good Life Series (On site)

Tuesday, May 4, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

First Tuesday of each month, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm

In this monthly series, you will receive helpful information that all seniors should know! Free and open to all. Registration required below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Current Events Talk (ON SITE)

Wednesday, May 5, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 am - ON-SITE at The Center

Welcome to the program! Meetings are designed to encourage an enjoyable discussion about important issues. The discussion leader will keep the conversation balanced, making sure that all who wish to speak have the opportunity. We are committed to sponsoring friendly and civil discussions. We want to respectful of all opinions, different points of view.  

CURRENT EVENTS IS CURRENTLY NOT MEETING. STAY TUNED....

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Book Group (ONLINE)

Wednesday, May 5, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

This enthusiastic group meets monthly to discuss items of current mutual interest – mainly contemporary works, fiction and non-fiction.  Participants make suggestions, the group selects the books for group reading, and everyone enjoys sharing their impressions and feedback on the work of the month.

To join the Zoom discussion, click on this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89087762468

If joining by telephone, call

+1 646 558 8656  

Upcoming Selections:

May 5    Wait Till Next Year, by Doris Kearns Goodwin

June 2   The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

Members only.

Location: Online

Contact: Rosemary Connelly, Book Group Leader rdconnelly@embarqmail.com

Money and You (ON SITE)

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 | 10:00-11:30am

* Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and SKV Group, LLC are not legal or tax advisors. You should consult with your attorney, accountant and/or estate planner before taking any action.

Jorgen Vik, CFP®, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional™ and partner of the SKV Group, LLC, a Charlottesville based wealth management company. Jorgen has worked in the financial services industry since 2001. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. SKV Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Great Songs and Songwriters (On-site)

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Five week series, May 11-June 8, 2:00-3:00 pm

Revisit song hits from the 1940’s through the present.  We’ll listen to, and analyze what makes these songs memorable, both lyrically and musically.  Rogers and Hart, Lionel Ritchie, Taylor Swift, and many other songwriters will be included. Join local musician, music teacher and songwriter Mike D’Antoni for commentary and discussion on what makes a great song great!

Open to all. Free for Prime members; $25 for Standard members and guests. Registration required below:

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Medicare 101 (ON SITE and ONLINE)

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

Medicare can be so confusing! If you are new to Medicare, or if you already belong but aren’t sure you have registered for everything that you need, this is the session for you. If you have Medicare A & B or Medicare A&B with Full Medicaid (CCC+) then you may be eligible for additional benefits and this is the session for you, too. Find out what you need to do to take full advantage of the Medicare benefits available. Join Sharon Accardo as she quides you through the process. 

This program will be repeated on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

Free and open to the community.  

Click on this link a few mintues prior to the program:  

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98516388197?pwd=MUFOZXoxUFRkc3FEQUNURm1XcnVKUT09

Meeting ID: 985 1638 8197

Passcode: 457927

Register below if you plan to attend on-site.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Senior Statesmen of Virginia* (ONLINE)

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | 1:30-2:30pm

*Please note that Senior Statesmen of Virginia programs are independent of Center programming.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Contact: www.seniorstatesmen.org

Painting Landscapes/Seascapes with Oil for Beginners (ONSITE)

Friday, May 14, 2021 | 2:00-4:00pm

Every Friday for eight weeks - May 14-July 2

Local award-winning artist Ann Cheeks will instruct this 8-week class in oil painting for beginners. Working from photographs (your own or ones provided) you will set up your palette, learn to mix color, simplify shape, and create the illusion of depth while discovering the luscious feel of oil paint. Odorless mineral spirits will be used, which eliminates the harmful agents typically associated with oil painting. At the end of the class, you will have 2 or more finished paintings. Class fee: Prime members free, Standard Members and Guests 80.00. Materials fee $20.00 for all, payable to instructor at the first class. 

A graduate of VCU and former graphic designer, Ann has been painting and teaching art for over 20 years to adults and children. Her award-winning landscapes have been exhibited throughout the US and are in multiple corporate and private collections.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Adopt a More Active Lifestyle (ON SITE)

Friday, May 21, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

If you are getting older, this program is for you! Join experienced personal trainer and fitness instructor, Pete Cross as he discusses factors of aging that we can change, physical factors that can influence brain function and much more. Learn how you can make changes that can become healthy habits. Free for members. Registration required below. Space is limited.  

Members only.

Location: The Center

Capturing Landscape and Wildlife Photographs with an Aesthetic Difference (ONLINE)

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | 10:00-12:00pm

Six Wednesdays from  June 16-July 21 

This six-week online photography class will help you learn and apply aesthetic decisions during the process of shooting photographs. These decisions will help you achieve more dramatic, dynamic and interesting photographs. Technical decisions, such as proper exposure, sharp focus and white balance, are important and are the areas of concentration for most photography instruction. This class, however, will concentrate on artistic qualities and principles that can make the difference between just technically good photographs versus visually strong and interesting images that attract the viewer. These qualities include such important principles as composition, quality of light, format, angle of view, tonality, contrast, use of color versus black and white, and timing. Lecture time during the class will focus on these aesthetics with images of the instructor and those from your weekly shooting assignments that will be presented and discussed by the full class (Participation limited to 12-15 persons). 

Join Ben and other photography enthusiasts to learn the differences between technical and aesthetic photography decisions, to recognize the opportunities to apply artistic principles to your photographs and to capture images that reflect the important decisions you make during the process of shooting and processing your images.

About The Instructor:

Ben Greenberg is a lifelong resident of Virginia. He has photographed scenic vistas in Virginia, the mid-Atlantic area and many locations in the United States for more than fifty years, the last forty-five as a professional photographer. His carefully crafted images have won local and national awards and competitions. Ben's photographs have been exhibited in numerous individual and group shows, featured in diverse publications and purchased by thousands of Virginians.

Ben's first photography book, Natural Virginia, celebrates the natural beauty of Virginia with 122 panoramic landscape photographs from throughout the state. Natural Virginia highlights dedicated state organizations committed to preserving Virginia's fragile environment for future generations. It is dedicated to all who take pleasure in these scenic locations. A veteran photography teacher and lecturer for camera clubs, OLLI, the Charlottesville Photography Initiative,and other organizations, Ben has two websites showcasing his landscape and wildlife images www.bengreenberg.com and his book www.naturalvirginiabook.com.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Creating Your Plan for Senior Living (On site)

Thursday, June 17, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Many seniors find themselves blindsided by the need for additional care as they age. Often the choice of a senior living community ends up being made by an adult child or family. This decision brings with it tremendous guilt and unnecessary stress. Learn how to prepare yourself for senior living - financially, logistically, and emotionally.  Presented by Commonwealth Senior Living.

Registration required below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center