Lifelong Learning

Apple/Mac Users Group

Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 1:00-3:00pm

Apple/Mac classes are held for both new and experienced Apple product users. Clay Sisk coordinates meetings; contact him via email to receive weekly program announcements. In the first hour, some Mac basics and utilities for new users are covered, and then other topics as detailed on their email announcement. In the second hour, iPad and iPhone basics and accessories are covered. If you want to be on the Apple/Mac email list, send a message to Clay Sisk at siskva@mac.com This mailing has many valuable links for Apple/Mac users. Free for Senior Center members.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Clay Sisk

Fee: free

Le Cercle Français

Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 2:00-3:00pm

LE CERCLE FRANCAIS Welcome to our friendly, informal, Francophone “Cercle” every 2nd and 4th Thursday..

Members only.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Religion, Science and Spirituality

Friday, December 13, 2019 | 10:00-11:30am

Friday, December 13, 10:00-11:30 am

The Line Between Physical Reality & Spiritual Reality,

Near-death experiences, out of body experiences, past life memories, and waking dreams. Come prepared to share your own experiences and we will discuss if these are real or if they are merely tricks of the brain.  Free and open to the community.

Friday, January 10, 10:00-11:30 am

Do animals have souls? There is a lot of evidence that animals are aware of another reality. Some species watch over their dead for a day before moving on. Others perform rituals that have no apparent utilitarian purpose. And many pet owners, when their pets die, are convinced they have gone to a “pet heaven.”  Free and open to the community. 

Friday, February 14, 10:00-11:30 am

Is God All Powerful & All Loving? If so, how do we explain the Nazi Holocaust, and how Hitler, Stalin, Mao Tse Tung, Pot Pol, Kim II Sung, Castro, and other Communist leaders killed 100 million of their own people, many of whom met horrible deaths? The victims had no option to exercise their God given free will.  How does this change our perception of God?  Or does it?  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Writing for Pleasure

Friday, December 13, 2019 | 12:00-2:00pm

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, but monthly coffeehouses are open to all.  As always, free and open to the communities. Coffee provided. Munchies to share welcomed.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Sandra Garrett sandrag992@gmail.com

Fee: free

Writing for Healing and Growth

Monday, December 16, 2019 | 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, $15 per month. 

PLEASE CONTACT LANI HOZA at (434) 974-7756 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS GROUP.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Enjoying Short Stories

Monday, December 16, 2019 | 12:00-2:00pm

ENJOYING SHORT STORIES

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!

Members only.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

AARP Smart Driver Safety Course - December

Monday, December 16, 2019 | 12:00-4:00pm

Meets Monday, December 16 & Wednesday, December 18 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM  You Must Attend Both Sessions

The AARP Smart Driver Safety Program is a refresher course designed to meet the needs of older drivers, 50+. This course emphasizes how to adjust your driving in response to age related physical changes and declining perceptual skills, rules of the road, local driving problems, safety tips, and license renewal requirements. Many auto insurance companies offer a discount to course graduates. This is a two-day program; participants must attend BOTH days to receive a certificate to satisfy auto insurance rules. Open to all. Cost: 15.00 per person for AARP members; $20.00 per person if not a member of AARP.  The fee can be accepted ONLY in cash or by check made payable to AARP (not The Center). Participants must sign up for the course in advance at the Welcome Desk or by calling (434) 974-7756, and are asked to provide their full name and phone number.  Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early on the first class day to pay for desired seat selection and to pay for the course.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Medicare Consulting - Tuesdays

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 10:00-12:00pm

Are you ready for Medicare? Do you need help navigating the system? Do you have lots of questions? Do you know when and where to sign up? Phyllis Payne, licensed insurance agent, will answer your questions. Phyllis Payne will assist with health insurance claims and long term planning care and to answer questions about medical insurance. Call Phyllis at 434.960.5833 to schedule an appointment.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Elder Law with Doris Gelbman

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 10:30-12:00pm

Tuesday, December 17, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

WORKSHOP! Create Your Advanced Medical Directive.  You’ve put it off for a long time – and now there’s no good excuse. This workshop for creating your fully legal Advanced Medical Directive and Healthcare Power of Attorney will be conducted by Doris Gelbman, of Gelbman Law, together with her associate, Attorney Megan Flowers and Kathryn Caverly, Geriatric Care Manager from IKOR of Charlottesville. Following a brief introduction and instructions, forms will be provided so you may complete them under the supervision of fully qualified attorneys who can answer questions interactively during the workshop. Both Gelbman and Flowers are notaries public who can also notarize your directive if you wish (a requirement if you plan to use the VA Dept of Health Central Registry for Advanced Directives). This is a golden opportunity to give yourself and your loved ones the gift of planning! FREE and open to the community.

 Tuesday, January 21, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Aging in Place – Part I - Staying in Your Home

What are the practical, health and financial considerations that you need to consider in order to stay in your home as you grow older? What resources need to be researched and planned for? Will you need to move or modify your home? What community resources are available to help you stay home and independent longer? What sort of additional costs should one plan for?  May also discuss some alternative ideas such as “Co-housing” or “Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC)” if time allows. Free and open to the community.

Tuesday, February 18, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Aging in Place – Part II - Independent and “Continuing Care Retirement Communities” (CCRC)

These communities are springing up all over and many are advertised like luxury, country club living for the rest of your life. Is that the reality? The offerings and contracts for such communities can be dizzying. And they vary from community to community. This might be a great option for you and --- it might not. Don’t sign on the bottom line without coming to this presentation to get the real scoop on all the fine print! Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Beginning Spanish

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 1:00-2:00pm

Meets November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17, January 14, 21, 28, February 11, 18, 25

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 meet three times a month, 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.  

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Intermediate Spanish

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 2:10-3:10pm

Intermediate Spanish  (Tuesdays at 2:10 pm)

Meets November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17, January 14, 21, 28, Febraury 11, 18, 25

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 shall be meeting three times a month and cover about a lesson a month:  the first week working with the exercises in the text, the second week with the personal questions on the handouts, and the third week, completing the final exercise in the text which usually entails writing a short paragraph using as many of the expressions presented in the lesson as possible.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Advanced Spanish

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 3:20-4:20pm

Advanced Spanish  (Tuesdays at 3:20 pm)

Meets November 12, 19, December 3, 17, January 14, 28, February 11, 25

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.  It meets twice a month in a tertulia like format.  The materials we use will vary.  At present we are using McGraw Hill’s Spanish Reading and Comprehension by Myrna Bell Rochester and Deana Smalley in the series of “Practice Makes Perfect”.  It provides short readings for us to discuss, followed by exercises, and includes some brief grammar review.  There is no fee for the course.

Location: The Center

Charlottesville International Folk Dance

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 | 6:00-8:00pm

Beginning dances are taught by experienced teachers. Community dances from Eastern Europe are primarily the focus. Please join us for these communal village dances and enjoy the friendship of a small group. For information, please call Susan Roberts at (434)409-0264 or go to the web site: seniorcenter.org/calendar/events/54/ or charlottesvilleinternationalfolkdance.com/.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Socrates Cafe™

Thursday, December 19, 2019 | 3:00-5:00pm

Meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month

Socrates Café is a group of people who are interested in discussing topics which arouse philosophical ideas and thoughts among the members of the group. Any source if fair game, from education to politics, religion to cultural attitudes; lively discussion takes place no mattter what the discussion. Chris Phillips, author and co-founder of The Society for Philosophical Inquiry, developed the idea of Socrates Café™ to do as Socrates did, bring philosophy to the every day individual: “It's a dialogue where people discover their unique philosophical perspectives and worldviews as they lock hearts and minds with other people.” Join our gatherings at which participants propose and choose the questions and take turns facilitating the discussions. To learn more about the concept, visit www.philosopher.org. 

Members only.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Investors Forum - Third Friday

Friday, December 20, 2019 | 10:00-11:30am

Investors meet twice a month to discuss the stock and bond markets, and investment strategies.  After general discussion, we usually focus on a specific topic.  No money is collected or invested by this group.  Investors of all levels are welcome.  

A related Health of the Market website is updated every Saturday.

A list of favorite investment websites can be found here.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Bruce Saunders at (434) 245-0605 or saundershsd@earthlink.net for more information or to join the e-mail notification list.

Fee: free

Long Term Care Insurance Q&A

Friday, December 20, 2019 | 11:00-12:00pm

Tracy Meade will guide 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. Please register at the Welcome Desk. (434) 974-7756.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Writing for Pleasure Coffeehouse

Friday, December 20, 2019 | 12:00-1:00pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: Sandra Garrett sandrag992@gmail.com

Investors Forum - First Friday

Friday, January 3, 2020 | 10:00-11:30am

Investors meet twice a month to discuss the stock and bond markets, and investment strategies.  After general discussion, we usually focus on a specific topic.  No money is collected or invested by this group.  Investors of all levels are welcome.  

A related Health of the Market website is updated every Saturday.

A list of favorite investment websites can be found here.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Bruce Saunders at (434) 245-0605 or saundershsd@earthlink.net for more information or to join the e-mail notification list.

Fee: free

Writing Your Life Story Workshop

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 | 11:00-12:00pm

There will be a free Introductory class on Wednesday, January 8, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Rich life stories are often woven from small, daily events that define a person and make them who they ultimately become.  Come to this introductory session presented by Jackie Jamison of Charlottesville Life Stories to learn what it takes to write a life story, your “personal letter” to the generations that follow. Free and open to the community, but space is limited, so please register in advance at the Welcome Desk or online.  If you’d like a more in-depth experience learning about writing your memoirs, please see the Writing Your Life Story Workshop entry below.

Writing Your Life Story Workshop

Wednesdays, January 15 through January 29, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

“Do not pass through life without leaving something behind for others to learn from your experiences.  You may discover a you you’ve never known.” – Antwone Fisher

Get a start on writing your life story! Class participants in this 3-week course will work on creating a life outline, writing keepsake letters to loved ones, and considering poetry and quotations as a way to organize material. The class will encourage and guide participants in creating a writing habit, and will include weekly writing prompts that participants will share and discuss.  Jackie Jamison of Charlottesville Life Stories is the instructor.  Open to the community, but space is limited, so please register in advance at the Welcome Desk or online.  Members: $15 for the series; guests: $20

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Senior Statesmen of Virginia*

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 | 1:30-3:30pm

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

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: www.seniorstatesmen.org

Investment Visions Group

Thursday, January 9, 2020 | 10:00-11:30am

The next meeting will be January 9, 2020.

The original investment club was formed in 1991 to allow members to invest in the stock market and learn how to maintain a profitable portfolio. Today, as the Investment Visions Club, members contribute money (currently $30/month) to a partnership to provide the capital with which to invest through a brokerage account. Meeting attendance and participation in the research, examination, and evaluation of various stocks is expected of partners, each of whom has a vote to hold, buy, or sell a stock. Experience is helpful but not required, as training is provided on market terms, evaluation techniques, etc. Participation is also on the social side; while the club strives to make some money, the main reason for meeting is to learn, be social, and have fun.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Don Whitford 434.985.3964

Fee: free

Central Virginia Dowsers

Sunday, January 12, 2020 | 1:15-3:00pm

Dowsing is an ancient art of searching for information with or without the assistance of a tool such as a forked stick or pendulum. Surveyors, archaeologists, health practitioners, business men and women and more use this art for information and to solve problems. The Central Virginia Dowsers invite you to learn about the art of dowsing and how it can be used in almost every aspect of life.  Beginners and experienced welcome! For more information, contact Roxanne Louise at 434-263-4337. 

Location: The Center

Fee: free

All Things Digital

Monday, January 13, 2020 | 1:00-2:30pm

Monday, December 9, 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Cryptocurrency.  Have you heard of Bitcoin?  It’s just one of numerous forms of cryptocurrency (or digital currency) that people use to exchange for goods and services. Derrick Gerstmann and RJ Jones of FlossTech will describe what cryptocurrency is, highlight the risks and rewards that accompany its use, and outline the pros and cons of using and/or investing in this concept.  Free and open to the community.

Monday, January 13, 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Post-holiday Gadget Review.  Did you get or give some new technology this holiday season?  Join Derrick Gerstman and RJ Jones of FlossTech to learn about the top tech gifts that took this holiday season by storm.  Free and open to the community.

Monday, February 10, 1:00 – 2:30 PM

All Things Google.  Come learn how the many benefits of Google can help to simplify your life.  Derrick Gerstmann and RJ Jones will present.  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Money & You With Jorgen Vik

Tuesday, January 14, 2020 | 10:00-11:30am

Tuesday, December 10, 10:00 -11:30 am

How to Invest for Income Jorgen Vik will discuss various basic concepts and investment opportunities for income including stocks, bonds, annuities, and savings accounts. Free and open to the community.

Tuesday, January 14, 10:00am-11:30am

The Year and Decade Ahead - Jorgen Vik, Partner with SKV Group, LLC, will discuss what may lie ahead for the coming year and decade as it relates to your investment and finances. Free and open to the community.

Tuesday, February 11, 10:00 -11:30 am

Retirement Account Rules - Jorgen Vik, Partner with SKV Group, LLC, will discuss various rules concerning retirement accounts. What is taxed? When is it taxed? How will it pass to your heirs? Free and open to the community.

* 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™ 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

Fee: free

Reducing Stress through Meditation

Thursday, January 16, 2020 | 11:00-12:00pm

The scientific community has recently been exploring the use of meditation as a means for reducing stress and anxiety, thereby enhancing overall health.  Join Gerry Gorman, long time meditator, as he discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation to reduce stress-related responses, improve concentration, and enhance clarity of thought and mental balance. He will also present a simple, yet powerful, meditation technique that has helped many personally, professionally, and spiritually.  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Cultivating Happiness

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 | 11:00-12:00pm

Happiness can affect your overall health. Social interaction is a component to happiness and is extremely important as you age. Join Dr. Mary Preston, geriatric doctor and professor at UVA and Mary Baldwin, and Tracy Meade, long-term care consultant, as they discuss ways to avoid isolation in retirement years. Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Creating a Bird-Friendly Environment at Home

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | 10:00-11:00am

Wednesday, January 22, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Wow, it's cold out!  Come learn how birds survive the cold or other inclement weather events and what you can do to help them during the wintry season.  You’ll also get a preview of spring migration.  Presented by Scott Karr of Wild Birds Unlimited.  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Investment Visions Group

Thursday, January 23, 2020 | 10:00-11:30am

The original investment club was formed in 1991 to allow members to invest in the stock market and learn how to maintain a profitable portfolio. Today, as the Investment Visions Club, members contribute money (currently $30/month) to a partnership to provide the capital with which to invest through a brokerage account. Meeting attendance and participation in the research, examination, and evaluation of various stocks is expected of partners, each of whom has a vote to hold, buy, or sell a stock. Experience is helpful but not required, as training is provided on market terms, evaluation techniques, etc. Participation is also on the social side; while the club strives to make some money, the main reason for meeting is to learn, be social, and have fun.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Don Whitford 434.985.3964

Fee: free

Staying Healthy with Spectrum Physical Therapy

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 | 10:00-11:00am

This program will not meet in December.

Tuesday, January 28, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

How Not to Fall in the Winter.  Erin Chapman, DPT, will lead participants through some balance exercises to help prevent winter falls that could become spring nightmares.  She will also provide other tips for staying safe in the wintry months.  Free and open to the community.

Tuesday, February 25, 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Join professionals from SPECTRUM Physical Therapy for a free screening for Center members. If you are interested, please sign up in advance at The Center’s Welcome Desk for a 15-minute session to discuss your concerns and get screened for pain or dysfunction.  Therapists will then advise participants regarding various treatment options that might include physical therapy, follow-up with a physician, or imaging.  Open to members.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Let's Talk About Your Feet

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 | 12:00-1:00pm

For Your Aging Feet and Plantar Fasciitis. Dr. Amanda Lutter is a board certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon in private practice. Join her as she discusses a variety of foot conditions affecting patients 50+ years old. These include bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, neuromas, ingrown nails, fungal nails, Athlete's foot and causes of heel pain, in particular, plantar fasciitis. Dr. Lutter will be available following the presentation for individual Q&A. Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Book Group

Wednesday, February 5, 2020 | 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.

Upcoming Selections:

December 4: Bear Town by Fredrik Backman

January 8 *: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

* Meeting on the second Wednesday in January since the 1st is New Year's Day

February 5: Burqas, Baseball, and Apple Pie: Being Muslim in America by Ranya Tabari Idliby

Members only.

Location: The Center

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

Fee: free

Star Light, Star Bright

Tuesday, February 11, 2020 | 10:00-11:00am

Tuesday, February 11, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Join Larry Saunders, President of the Charlottesville Astronomical Society, as he shares details about upcoming spectacles to see in the night sky, including a planetary clustering of Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter (and the Moon!) in March and a preview of the Lyrids meteor shower in April. Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free