Lifelong Learning

Apple/Mac Users Group

Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 1:00-3:00pm

Thursdays, 1:00pm-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

American Mah Jongg Lessons

Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 2:00-4:00pm

Thursdays, Sept. 23-October 21 (5 weeks), 2:00-4:00 pm

Acquire new skills, exercise your brain, and have some fun! Center members Clarece Edson and Pat McKeown teach the basics of American Mah Jongg in this five-session course.

Sorry, this class in now full.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Open-Air Archaeology in Rome with Olga (ONLINE)

Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 3:00-4:30pm

Follow our Roman envoy, Olga Čučković, on an exciting overview of ancient Roman archeological sites visible throughout the Eternal City. Walk through the famous Ancient Roman Forum, view the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated, and discover layers of history scattered around the city where traces of former eras are evidenced in the walls everywhere. Let Rome surprise you around the corners of its lovely squares and transport you into its distant past. Free and open to all. Register in advance for this online class here:

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 
When: Sep 23, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lf-qpqzojEtFBd0ipMmFwcCMDyiFBNS7I 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Leather, Beads, and Wire - Oh My!

Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 5:30-7:30pm

Charlotte Beagle has been fashioning beaded jewelry for over 30 years and is excited to share with you how to make a one or two strand memory wire bracelet. Learn about memory wire and have fun combining glass beads and leather to create a one-of-a-kind bracelet that will fit most anyone. Prime members free, Standard Members and guests 15.00. Materials fee $10.00 per person, payable to instructor at time of class.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Sorry, this event has sold out!

The Human Experience: Exploring Global Cultures

Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 6:00-7:30pm

Thursdays, September 16-October 14, 6:00-7:30 pm (5 weeks)

Would you like to know what it’s like to go somewhere new and live an entirely different kind of life? Each week you will explore various topics from around the world. Discussion will include investigation of little-known communities, interesting food practices and herbal remedies, and cultural experiences with a focus on family, friendship, and civic engagement. Join Daisy Rojas, career anthropologist who has performed cultural studies across the U.S. and Central America with extensive work in minority communities. She is currently the Executive Director of the Cultural Exchange Institute.

For more details about the course, email Daisy Rojas or call her at 434-989-3392.

Open to all. Prime members $70; Standard members and guests $90. Registration required.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Writing for Pleasure

Friday, September 24, 2021 | 12:15-2:00pm

Fridays, 12:15pm-2:00pm

Every Friday the Writing for Pleasure group meets to share their thoughts by writing them down, either following a prompt or choosing their own subject. It's fun, moving, interesting and enlightening to hear, discuss and understand another human being's viewpoint of life as it is, as it had been or how it could be.

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 enjoys a film.

Come to one session and you'll be hooked!  No registration necessary.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Sandra Garrett sandrag992@gmail.com

Learning from the Masters - Munch (Acrylics)

Friday, September 24, 2021 | 12:30-3:30pm

There are four separate classes offered. You must sign up for each class individually.

Join artist Jan Settle for a little art history & lots of fun painting time as you learn about Edvard Munch, the Norwegian painter whose work "The Scream" is known throughout the world. With Jan’s instruction & assistance, you will use this iconic painting as a reference but adding your personal creative touch!  Class fee: Prime Members free, Standard Members and Guests $15.00 per weekly class. Materials fee $15.00 for all for each class, payable to instructor at time of class. This is the first class in a series of learning & painting like the Masters.

September 24th - The Scream - Edvard Munch

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 2

Writing for Healing and Growth

Monday, September 27, 2021 | 10:00-12:00pm

Mondays 10:00am - 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.  

Members only.

Location: Online

150 Years of Lost American History 1622 to 1772 (5-week series)

Monday, September 27, 2021 | 11:00-12:30pm

Mondays, September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 11:00am-12:30 pm (5 weeks)

In this series, you will learn and engage in lively discussions about Virginia and non-Virginia history. Why and how did this period lead to the American Revolution? Who were the main enemies of the English colonists? Join Dick Somer and step back in time.

Free for Center Members; Guests $25 for the series. Please register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Advanced Beginners Guitar Class (Onsite)

Monday, September 27, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

Mondays, June 7-August 9 (8 weeks), 1:00-2:00 pm  This series has already started.  Registration is now closed.

New Series added! Mondays, August 16-October 11 (will not meet Sept. 6), 1:00-2:00 pm - Register below

If you can play a few guitar chords and strum, this class is for you!  In this class you will learn more advanced chords, fingerpicking and strum patterns while having funs and with familiar songs. Join accomplished musician and instructor, Mike D’antoni for this class. BYOG (bring your own guitar!) This class is open to all! Prime members $40 for the 8-week session; Standard members and guests $64.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Monotype and Block Printmaking (Sept-Oct)

Monday, September 27, 2021 | 1:00-3:00pm

Six consecutive Mondays, September 20–October 25

These two simple methods of printmaking are easy to learn and fun to make. You will walk away with a lot of work at the end of this class! Monotypes are fast, involve lots of play and experimentation. Block prints are slower to create with a meditative process—one soft, one crisp, both gorgeous. Award-winning artist Ann Cheeks is the instructor. Prime Members free, Standard Members and Guests $60. Materials fee $30 for all, payable to instructor at time of class. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 3

Identifying Birds (4-week series)

Monday, September 27, 2021 | 1:30-2:30pm

Mondays, September 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 1:30-2:30 pm (4 weeks)

If you like watching birds but have no idea what you’re seeing, this is for you! Learn to identify local birds as well as not so local ones by field marks (distinctive stripes, spots, patterns, colors, and highlights). Dick Somer is an avid bird watcher and has led numerous birding trips. Join him for different information each week. Free and open to all. Please register.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Long Term Care Insurance Q&A Appointments

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

4th Tuesday of every month, 10:00am-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

NEW SERIES! Beginning Spanish (ONLINE)

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

Beginning Spanish (ONLINE, but will meet at The Center the 2nd Tuesday of each month, beginning in October)

Tuesdays, beginning September 7, 1:00-2:00 pm

In this weekly 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 the class. 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! Registration required. Free for Center members.

Prior to the Sept. 7 class, the instructor, Helen Ida Moyer will send Zoom link and other necessary information. 

Looking for Advanced Beginner Spanish? Click here.

Looking for Keeping Up Your Spanish? Click here.

Members only.

Location: Online

NEW SERIES! Advanced Beginner Spanish

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 2:10-3:10pm

Advanced Beginner Spanish (ONLINE, but will meet at The Center the 2nd Tuesday of each month, beginning in October)

Tuesdays, beginning September 7, 2:10 pm-3:10 pm

In this weekly 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. Free and open to all. Registration required.

Prior to the Sept. 7 class, the instructor, Helen Ida Moyer will send Zoom link and other necessary information. 

Looking for Beginning Spanish? Click here

Looking for Keeping Up Your Spanish? Click here

Open to all.

Location: Online

NEW SERIES! Keeping Up Your Spanish

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 3:15-4:30pm

Keeping Up Your Spanish (ONLINE, but will meet at The Center the 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning in October)

Tuesdays, beginning September 7, 3:15-4:30 pm

This is an intermediate level course for students who want to improve their skills in Spanish, or just want to keep up their fluency in Spanish. The materials we use will vary, including both podcasts and readings about current events, or of plays and stories. The first play we shall be reading is El gesticulador by the Mexican dramatist Rodolfo Usigli. Free and open to all.  

Prior to the Sept. 7 class, the instructor, Helen Ida Moyer will send Zoom link and other necessary information. 

Looking for Beginning Spanish? Click here.

Looking for Advanced Beginner Spanish? Click here.

Open to all.

Location: Online

New to Medicare?

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

Turning 65? Retiring and leaving an employer health plan? Questions about Medicare and what to do?

Randy Rodgers, JABA’s Insurance Counseling Manager, will give you the most up-to-date information and answer all your questions. JABA’s Insurance Counseling department is part of the Federal SHIP program. The government has set this program up so that you can have unbiased help with Medicare. Open to all. Register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Intro to Allyship with Indigenous Peoples (ONLINE)

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 | 3:30-5:00pm

Being a Good Relative: Introduction to Allyship with Indigenous Peoples 

More than ever, Americans are coming to understand the challenges that Native Americans face due to stereotypes, genocide and land dispossession. Non-Native allies are stepping up in greater numbers than ever to support this new wave of social justice and environmental movements led by Native peoples. In this introductory workshop, Co-directors of the Bioneers Indigeneity Program, Alexis Bunten and Cara Romero, will discuss such questions as: “What is an ally?” and “How do we create spaces where genuine collaboration for social change is possible?” They will also provide step-by-step practical guidelines for building authentically respectful and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. Free and open to all. Register in advance, below.

About the Presenters:

Co-Director, Alexis Bunten (Unangan/Yup’ik), is a researcher, writer, media-maker, and curriculum developer. After receiving a BA in Art History, Alexis returned to Alaska, where she worked at the Sealaska Heritage Institute and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Subsequently, Alexis earned a PhD in Cultural Anthropology at UCLA. She has published widely about Indigenous and environmental issues in academic and mainstream media outlets. Alexis has won several awards for her work from the National Science Foundation, Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, and others. Her 2015 book “So, How Long Have You Been Native? Life as an Alaska Native Tour Guide” won the Alaska Library Association Award for its originality and depth. Her follow-up anthology, “Indigenous Tourism Movements,” was published by the University of Toronto Press in 2018.

Co-Director, Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), is a non-profit leader, communicator, change-maker and award-winning artist. She brings special expertise in working directly with tribes, and in producing cultural events and gatherings. Prior to joining Bioneers in 2011, Cara served as the first Executive Director of the Chemehuevi Cultural Center and was an elected member of the Chemehuevi Tribal Council from 2007-2010. She served as the Chair of the Chemehuevi Education Board and the Chemehuevi Early Education Policy Council. With degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Fine Art Photography, Cara has won numerous awards for her photography, including the Southwest Associations of Indian Art’s Best of Classification award (twice) and has been published in National Geographic and is widely collected by public and private institutions worldwide.

Register for this Zoom presentation by clicking on the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcuqopj8uHdUN5R3JT3TOPV3yi8wS-PDC 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Soul Reflections with Myra Anderson (ONSITE)

Thursday, September 30, 2021 | 5:30-6:30pm

Charlottesville native Myra Anderson will read her poems depicting an intimate journey of life, of black experience past and present, of trauma and hope, ancestors, mental health, and of healing and resilience. A 7th generation descendant of the enslaved families of Monticello and the Enslaved Laborers of the University of Virginia, Myra has been the featured poet at numerous local events. Come engage in this interactive reading event and experience the value of black culture through poetic prose. Her widely anticipated debut poetry book “Reclaimed Roots” is due for release in Fall of 2021. Free and open to all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Transitions: Learning to Live with Loss - NEW

October 1-10, 2021

Transitions:  Learning to Live with Loss

A program sponsored by Hospice of the Piedmont’s Center for Grief and Healing

Fridays for 10 weeks, October 1-December 10 (class will not meet Nov. 26), 3:00pm-4:30pm.

Transitions: Learning to Live with Loss will be starting a new series on October 1.  Join Rene Bond, LCSW and bereavement counselor with Hospice of the Piedmont for this life-changing program.  It is for people still adjusting to loss after a year or more, who are now feeling “stuck” and needing additional support in re-establishing personal contacts, connections, and sense of purpose in life.  The focus is on self-determined “steps” rather than “cure” and on discovering our inner resources and those of each other.  There will be a 2-week break between the end of this series and the beginning of the next one.  During this period participants can practice what they have learned and decide if they would like to register for the next 10-week series.

Free and open to all but space is limited.  Pre-registration is required.  Please call Hospice of the Piedmont at 434-817-6915 or email teresa.haase@hopva.org to register.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

The Good Life Series (On site)

Tuesday, October 5, 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.

Tuesday, October 5  

Neighbors helping Neighbors Naborforce from Richmond will discuss a program that promotes community caregiving for seniors who might need companionship, meals, computer help, pet help, general check-ins and more.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Painting the Fall Landscape - Watercolor (ONLINE)

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 | 11:00-12:30pm

This is a four week class from October 5th to October 26th.

The fall landscape is dramatically different from every other season!  That drama can be captured by paying attention to:  Color, especially the contrasts of cool against warm, and bright against neutral; light, since the landscape receives more sunlight; and trees, because they reveal their structure. Join popular watercolor artist Jane Skafte – Prime Members: free, Standard Members and Guests $45.00.

Closer to the class, Jane will email you with the Zoom link.

• Watercolor paper 140lb, size 12″ x 16″ or similar
• Pencil
• Painting palette for watercolor paints 
• Water container
• Paper towels or a rag
• Brushes: there is a pretty good synthetic set at Michael’s, Artist loft set: 
• Wash brush (1")
• Flat brushes (sizes 10, 6)
• Round brushes (sizes 10, 3, 5, 1)
• Filbert brushes (sizes 6, 4, 1)
• Winsor & Newton® Cotman® Watercolors Sketchers' Pocket Box  OR: if you have paint already or want to add to your supply: (The individual colors are suggested, don’t worry if you have another brand that calls the color by another name. You need the primary colors in both warm and cool (e.g. warm blue is purplish and cool blue is greenish)
• Two reds:  for example, Alizarin Crimson and permanent red or Cadmium red
• Two blues: for example, Cobalt Blue or Ultramarine and Cerulean blue 
• One or two greens: for example, Hookers green or sap green
• Two yellows: for example, Lemon yellow and Gamboge
• Nice colors to have (can be added later): Raw sienna, burnt umber, ivory black, paynes gray, quinacridone rose
• Nice to have: watercolor pencils

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 3

Book Group

Wednesday, October 6, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

1st Wednesday of each month

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:

October 6            American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins (The October meeting will be held via ZOOM only).

Click here a few minutes prior to join:

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

Nov 3                 Guilty Not Guilty  by Felix Francis

Dec 1                 The Exiles  by Christina Baker Kline

Members only.

Location: Online

Contact: Rosemary Connelly, Book Group Leader rdconnelly2403@gmail.com

Socrates Cafe™

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 3:00-4:30pm

1st and 3rd Thursdays, 3:00pm-4:30pm

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 http://www.socratescafe.com. No registration necessary.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Howard Horn howard.1938@comcast.net

Money and You

Tuesday, October 12, 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

Book Readings with 3 Local Authors

Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | 6:30-8:00pm

Alden Bigelow, Harriette Fishburne and Gerry Kruger have published books based on their love of and fascination with animals. Alden’s book,The Great American Mammal Jamboree, was hailed as “the great fable of our time” by clinical psychologist, Dr. Beverly Joyce. Harriette has a book featuring grizzly bears she photographed in Alaska at uncomfortably close range! Gerry’s latest book, On Kruger Pond: Charlie’s Legacy, is about an unforgettable Canada goose that formed a special bond with her and overcame setbacks and challenges. Join them as they share stories and excerpts from their experiences. Free and open to all. Please register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Black Fiddlers of Monticello

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

Black Fiddlers of Monticello tells the story of the three fiddle-playing sons of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, as well as their fiddling cousins, the Scotts. Both families played for important events at Monticello and lived in downtown Charlottesville for a time. This multimedia program will teach participants about these fiddlers’ important musical contributions, and you will hear what the music sounded like through a performance demonstration by David McCormick - violinist, scholar, and 2020 Fellow of the International Center for Jefferson Studies. In addition, the slide show presentation will allow participants to learn about the history of local downtown landmarks. 

About the Creator and Presenter:

David McCormick is a Charlottesville-based violinist and scholar. He is the founding Artistic Director of Early Music Access Project and Executive Director of Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival. He was a 2020 Fellow of the International Center for Jefferson Studies.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Senior Statesmen of Virginia*

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | 1:30-3:00pm

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

Open to all.

Location: Online

Gemstones with Charlotte (2-4pm)

Thursday, October 14, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Tiger’s eye, hematite, agate and more – Charlotte Beagle will help you pick out genuine gemstone beads that you can fashion into beautiful statement earrings. Make and take two pair for yourself or as gifts. Guests, 15.00, Standard Members, 10.00, Prime Members free. Materials fee $10.00 for all, payable to instructor at time of class

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 6

Gemstones with Charlotte (5-7pm)

Thursday, October 14, 2021 | 5:00-7:00pm

Tiger’s eye, hematite, agate and more – Charlotte Beagle will help you pick out genuine gemstone beads that you can fashion into beautiful statement earrings. Make and take two pair for yourself or as gifts. Guests, 15.00, Standard Members, 10.00, Prime Members free. Materials fee $10.00 for all, payable to instructor at time of class.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 9

African American Authors Book Club (ONLINE)

Thursday, October 14, 2021 | 6:00-7:30pm

Second Thursday of each month

This event is now ONLINE

The African American Authors Book Club (AAABC) has been reading books by African American or African authors since 1996.  While selected books are by African American authors, the club members are racially and culturally diverse and join together each month to enjoy intellectual discussions and camaraderie. All are welcome.  

Thursday, August 12 - Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West

Join Zoom Meeting

https://virginia.zoom.us/j/92668753609?pwd=T1FYTUxjWmFXZExaRTVnTEdIdnpEZz09

Thursday, October 14 - Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey

Thursday, November 11 - Deacon King Kong by James McBride

Open to all.

Location: Online

Essentials of Drawing with Jane Skafte

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 10:30-12:30pm

This is a four week class from October 15-November 5th.

This class is designed to give you a good foundation in the basics of drawing. You will become familiar with several drawing styles, rendering techniques, and principles of perspective in order to draw different subjects with ease and accuracy. Artist Jane Skafte will cover still life, drawing from photographs and portraits, in pencil, ink and colored pencil. 

Supplies for drawing (please bring these to class):

• Quality Drawing Pencils, like a tin of Derwent graphite pencils
• Sketch book (at least 14" in short dimension) Drawing or Mixed media
• Erasers: kneaded eraser and white vinyl
• Pencil sharpener
• Drawing pens-- like micron pens. One brush pen
• Optional: Colored pencils

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Sorry, this event has sold out!

Has Your Get Up and Go Got Up and Left? (Daytime)

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

3rd Friday of every month, 11:00am-12:00pm

If you have reached the age of 50 or beyond, this program is for you! Join experienced personal trainer and fitness instructor Pete Cross to learn simple moves you can insert into your daily routine and how to apply psychology to change habits.  Pete will discuss the factors of aging that you can change, physical factors that can influence brain function and much more.  Adopting a more active lifestyle can evolve into a fun, social experience when you recognize the various ways you can enrich your life.  Free and open to all. Please register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Elder Law with Doris Gelbman (ON-SITE)

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

3rd Tuesday of each month

Free and open to all.  

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Financial Wellness Series (in partnership with CFA Institute)

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | 6:30-8:00pm

Plan for a financially secure Retirement  -  4-part series

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 19, 21, 26, 28, 6:30-8:00 pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fighting Political Gridlock – Lecture and Book Signing with David Toscano

Thursday, October 21, 2021 | 5:00-6:30pm

Fighting Political Gridlock – Lecture and Book Signing with David Toscano

Thursday, October 21^st, 5-6:30pm

In this profoundly polarized era, the nation has been transfixed on the politics of Washington and its seemingly impenetrable gridlock. Many of the decisions that truly affect people’s lives, however, are being made not on the federal level but in the states. State governments are acting on numerous vital issues, often impacting citizens and their communities far more than the decision makers in D.C. Few Americans really understand their state governments or the issues they address. In Fighting Political Gridlock, former Democratic leader in the Virginia House of Delegates David Toscano reveals how the states are working around the impasse in Washington and how their work is increasingly shaping society. Free and open to all - masks required. Register in advance.

More About David:

David J. Toscano served 14 years (2006-20) in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 57th District, which includes all of Charlottesville and parts of Albemarle County. First elected in 2005, David’s priorities included education, renewable energy, environmental protection, affordable healthcare, reproductive rights, expanded services for the disabled and poor, and reforms to Virginia’s adoption and foster care laws. He was the Democratic leader in the House of Delegates from 2011 to 2018. Prior to serving in the state legislature, he served 12 years on Charlottesville’s City Council, including a stint as Mayor.

David continues to write and comment upon state issues, both in Virginia and around the nation, through his blog, “Why States Matter”, articles, and books. He has recently completed Bellwether: Comments on Virginia’s Political Transformation, 2006-2020, a book on his experiences in politics and policy while in the General Assembly.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Five Wishes

Thursday, October 21, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

Thursday, October 21, 6:00-7:00 pm  

More than just an Advanced Directive, Five Wishes brings a holistic approach to a living will by including an individual's care and comfort choices. It provides a means to legally document your choices for medical treatment and end of life wishes. Presented by Legacy Hospice.

Free and open to all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Discovering Scuba

Thursday, October 21, 2021 | 6:00-7:00pm

Have you ever thought about adding scuba to your travel activities? Scuba diving is an activity suitable for adventurers of all ages. Come hear Chip Earle, PADI Master Diver Instructor and Owner of Dive Connections, share about the many opportunities and benefits diving provides – physiological benefits, learning about ocean health, local opportunities to experience scuba and weightlessness underwater. Chip has trained over 2,000 students and provided over 200 trips to divers from the Central Virginia area. He also founded SeaDevil, a Charlottesville based dive club, and created and founded Scuba Jam, a Labor Day event for youth divers throughout the area.

Free and open to the community

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 60

Pre- and Post- European Contact - ONLINE

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

This is the first of the four-part Speaker Series "Indigenous Americans - We're Still Here"

Dr. Kasey Jernigan will offer an overview of Indigenous peoples’ pre-European contact, focusing on what is currently known as Virginia and the southeastern seaboard. Indigenous ways of knowing and being pre-contact will be re-imagined and considered to provide context for the traumatic experiences post-contact that have shaped contemporary experiences and forms of erasure of Indigenous peoples. Dr. Jernigan is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia. Her work focuses on health at the intersections of issues related to structural violence, historical trauma, heritage narratives, and meaning-making among Indigenous communities. Free and open to all. Register in advance here by clicking on the Zoom link here:

Zoom link coming

Open to all.

Location: Online

Mending Walls Documentary

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Join us for a viewing of Mending Walls: The VPM Documentary highlights the groundbreaking public art project in Richmond, VA that aims to establish empathy and connection through art. Mending Walls RVA was created by award-winning artist and activist Hamilton Glass in the Spring of 2020 in response to the community unrest following the death of George Floyd. This public art project brings together over 30 artists paired together from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives to have conversations and create art that will spark deeper conversations and promote healing across racial divides. 

Producer Pam Hervey and Director of Photography Todd Hervey are multiple Emmy winners for their broadcast work on public television. They created the 13-episode series The Art Scene which aired on VPM PBS from September 2019 – May 2020 and earned four Emmy nominations for the first seven episodes of the season. 

Co-producer Hamilton Glass is a painter, public artist, and activist living in Richmond, and is the creator and founder of Mending Walls RVA. He is the recipient of the 2021 Pioneer Award for Excellence in Arts & Civic Leadership from RIFF Arts for this mural project. Photo credit: Katrina Taggart-Hecksherz and Brenda Soque

Run Time: 57 minutes

Open to all.

Location: The Center Auditorium

Mapping Erasure: Acknowledging the Siouan Indians of the Piedmont - ONLINE

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

This is the second of the four-part Speaker Series, "Indigenous Americans - We're Still Here"

Lucie Wall Stylianopoulos (North Carolina Saponi heritage) is the Research Librarian for Art, Archaeology, Classics, and Indigenous Studies at the University of Virginia. Lucie’s presentation will concentrate on her exploration of the Catawba deerskin map and colonial settler maps of Piedmont North Carolina and Virginia. This ongoing research weaves family stories into public records and settler documents to shed light on the systematic erasure of Indian tribes of the southeast both before and after the American Revolution. Free and open to all. Register in advance by clicking on the link below:

Link coming soon

Open to all.

Location: Online

Where We Are Now - ONLINE

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

Albemarle County Public Schools Equity Specialist Lars Holmstrom will share how this local school division is working to build partnerships and take actions to re-center Indigenous American identities and perspectives, including but not limited to those of the seven federally recognized Tribes of Virginia. He will share the journey from recognizing areas for growth within this school system, through the path of partnering and establishing clear actions, and on to stories of surprise and hope from along the journey. Free and open to all. Register in advance by clicking on the link below:

Link coming soon

Open to all.

Location: Online

The Future of Native Americans - ONLINE

Wednesday, December 1, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

This is the fourth program in our four-part Speaker Series, "Native Americans - We're Still Here"

Michael Wilson (Potawatomi Heritage) will moderate a panel of Native young adults as they describe their personal journeys growing up, attending post-secondary education, and moving into their chosen careers in a culture that has been impacted by constant attempts at erasure of Native Americans. These young adults will describe their personal stories of understanding and coming to grips with their own Native heritage in light of the dominant culture in the US and Virginia specifically.  Each of these young adults either are currently or have been students at University of Virginia and part of the Native American Student Union (NASU) on grounds. Free and open to all. Register in advance by clicking on the link below:

Link coming soon.

Open to all.

Location: Online