Lifelong Learning

Writing a Debut Novel

Friday, January 21, 2022 | 11:00am-12:00pm

Elaine Ruggieri, former Vice President of Public Relations at UVA Darden School has written a variety of non-fiction articles and features over the past 25 years. Her recently completed debut novel “Retreat at St. Jerome’s” began as a short story in 2004. Come hear Elaine’s story about how she began and finished this book that explores romance, religion, and real life. Elaine will also answer any questions you may have about writing in general. Free and open to all. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Has Your Get Up and Go Got Up and Left? (January 21)

Friday, January 21, 2022 | 11:00am-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.

This class is also taught the 1st Tuesday of each month 6:45PM-7:45PM.  Click here for details.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Great Songs and Songwriters

Friday, January 21, 2022 | 11:45am-12:45pm

Fridays, January 14-February 18 (6 weeks), 11:45 am-12:45 pm

Come and 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 so 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; $30 for Standard members; Guests $48. Registration required below:

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 3

Writing for Pleasure

Friday, January 21, 2022 | 12:15pm-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.  

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

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Sandra Garrett sandrag992@gmail.com

Writing for Healing and Growth

Monday, January 24, 2022 | 10:00am-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

Advanced Beginners Guitar Class

Monday, January 24, 2022 | 1:00pm-2:00pm

Mondays, January 10-March 7 (will not meet January 17), 1:00-2:00 pm - Register below

SO SORRY! THIS CLASS IS FULL. WE WILL ANNOUNCE WHEN ANOTHER CLASS WILL BE HELD.

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 free; Standard members $64; Guests $96

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Beginners Guitar Lessons

Monday, January 24, 2022 | 2:15pm-3:15pm

SORRY! THIS CLASS IS FULL!

Mondays, January 10–March 7 (8 weeks) (no class on January 17)

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 free; Standard members- $64. Guests $96. Space is limited. Please register below.

Are you looking for an advanced beginner class? Click here

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Long Term Care Insurance Q&A Appointments

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 10:00am-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

Wise Women Connect

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 10:30am-12:00pm

Meets fourth Tuesday of every month

A new women’s group is forming – Wise Women Connect. Co-create a safe space to discuss life issues, share your thoughts, and build nourishing relationships that allow you to consider different perspectives that support well-being. Develop powerful connections with women of a similar age while maintaining confidentiality and avoiding political or religious subject matter. Center member Kathy Rouse has participated in a Wise Woman Connect in her former home in North Carolina and is excited to bring this opportunity to The Center. Meets every fourth Tuesday. Members only; register in advance as space is limited.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Sorry, this event has sold out!

Beginning Spanish

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 1:00pm-2:00pm

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

WILL MEET ONLINE JANUARY 11

Tuesdays, 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.

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

Advanced Beginner Spanish

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 2:10pm-3:10pm

Advanced Beginner Spanish (ONLINE, but will meet at The Center the 2nd Tuesday of each month) Tuesdays, 2:10 pm-3:10 pm

WILL MEET ONLINE JANUARY 11

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.

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

Keeping Up Your Spanish

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 3:15pm-4:30pm

Keeping Up Your Spanish (ONLINE, but will meet at The Center the 2nd Tuesday of each month), Tuesdays, 3:15-4:30 pm

WILL MEET ONLINE JANUARY 11

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.  

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

The Joy of Acting

Thursday, January 27, 2022 | 11:00am-12:30pm

Note: This class has been rescheduled, and will begin on January 27th. Thank you.

Thursdays, January 27th - February 17th (4 weeks)

Ever imagined yourself as an actor? This program will explore and encourage your spontaneity and creativity as well as working together on short scripts and monologues. The art of pretending is fun. Larry Goldstein, co-founder of Live Arts in Theater in Charlotteville and Boomie Pedersen, artistic director of The Hamner Theater, have taught for many decades. They will take you on this journey built on storytelling, drama games and character development. All welcome. $50.00 for all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Sorry, this event has sold out!

Apple/Mac Users Group

Thursday, January 27, 2022 | 1:00pm-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

Transitions: Learning to Live with Loss - NEW CLASS!

Friday, January 28, 2022 | 3:00pm-4:30pm

Transitions:  Learning to Live with Loss

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

Fridays for 10 weeks, January 28 - April 1 (10 weeks), 3:00pm-4:30pm.

This group is facilitated by a licensed professional.  It is geared toward people still adjusting to loss after a year or more, who are now feeling "stuck" and in need of additional support in re-establishing personal contacts, connections, and a sense of purpose in life. The focus is on life rather than death, positive thinking, and self-determined action rather than "cure".  It will be part education, part support, and will include both tears and laughter. Please call the Hospice of the Piedmont Bereavement Care Services 434-817-6915 for inquiries and to register. Space is limited. Free and open to all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

The Good Life Series

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 | 11:00am-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

Book Group

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 | 11:00am-12:00pm

1st Wednesday of each month

This enthusiastic group meets monthly to discuss predominantly contemporary works of fiction and nonfiction. Participants make suggestions, the group selects the books, and everyone enjoys sharing their impressions of the month's selection. Free for members but first-time guests are always welcome.

Upcoming Selections:                    

February 2         Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

March 2             The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

April 6               My Brilliant Friend     by Elena Ferrante

Members only.

Location: The Center

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

Socrates Cafe™

Thursday, February 3, 2022 | 3:00pm-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, February 8, 2022 | 10:00am-11:30am

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

Burley Restoration - Conversation and Book Signing

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 | 1:00pm-2:30pm

In the fall of 1951, the Jackson P. Burley High School was built for African American students. Dreams of an equal education were beginning to come true for the students and their parents who had fought hard and prayed for this opportunity. Join Lucille Smith, author of, “Unforgettable: Jackson P. Burley High School 1951-1967” as she shares some of the rich family histories of the students and their families - including that of her husband, Rauzelle, a 1966 graduate. Additional members of the Burley Varsity Club, a non-profit organization that seeks to advance the legacy and memory of Burley High School, will also share their experiences and ongoing restoration projects that bring different groups in the Charlottesville community together. Free and open to all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 38

Senior Statesmen of Virginia (online)

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 | 1:30pm-3:00pm

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

Open to all.

Location: Online

African American Authors Book Club (online)

Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 6:30pm-8:00pm

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. 

February 10: My Monticello by Jocelyn Johnson

Join Zoom Meeting

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

Open to all.

Location: Online

Elder Law with Doris Gelbman

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 10:00am-11:30am

3rd Tuesday of each month

Free and open to all. 

Open to all.

Location: Online

Presentation by The Piedmont Master Gardeners

Monday, February 21, 2022 | 3:00pm-4:30pm

Learn How to Start Flower and Vegetable Seeds Indoors Starting flowers and vegetables indoors from seed is easy, inexpensive, and satisfying. But if you're not familiar with seed-starting essentials, a lot can go wrong! Improve your success rate by learning from a Master Gardener who will teach basic seed starting techniques and demonstrate how seeds work, mistakes to avoid when starting seeds, tests and tricks for quick germination, how to care for seedlings once seeds have germinated.

To join in, click on this Zoom link a few minutes before 3 pm.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82896969243
      

Open to all.

Location: Online

Acting Shakespeare Monologues

Thursday, March 3, 2022 | 11:00am-12:30pm

Note: this class has been moved back one month from the orginally scheduled time, and now begins on March 3rd. Thank you.

Thursdays, March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th  (4 weeks)

Shakespeare’s writing is a treasure trove of poetic language and great understanding of our humanity. Learn how to read, memorize, and present Shakespeare’s monologues, which he wrote for actors. Larry Goldstein is a co-founder of Live Arts Theater in Charlottesville, actor and playwright. Boomie Pedersen is the artistic director of The Hamner Theater and has an MFA in Theater Pedagogy. They have directed and acted in numerous Shakespearean productions. All welcome. $50.00 for all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 19

Watercolor for Beginners/Intermediates

Friday, March 4, 2022 | 12:30pm-2:30pm

Four weeks, March 4 - 25th

Artist Jane Skafte promises to make the exercises easy and rewarding in this introductory class. Each week will cover a new topic and technique. This class is designed for absolute beginners, those who have tried watercolor, but “just made a big mess, and those with some watercolor experience, but don’t yet know how to create the effects you’ve admired in others’ watercolor paintings.  Prime Members: free, Standard Members, 40.00, Guests 55.00. 

Materials:

• A pad or block cold press watercolor paper (140lb, size 12″ x 16″)
• Pencil
• Painting palette for watercolor paints 
• A water container
• Paper towels or a rag
• Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Box or individual colors
• Round synthetic brush (size 6 + 10)
• Flat synthetic brush 1"
• Liner or rigger brush
• Masking fluid
• Watercolor pencils
• Small Spray bottle

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 10

Making Spice Blends - UVA Dietetic Interns

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 | 3:00pm-4:30pm

The theme for National Nutrition Month is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” The UVA Dieticians will introduce you to the flavors of various cultures by creating Indian, Italian and Adobo spice blends with you to take home and try on foods you make. Learn about the origins of the spices and foods they compliment. Also sample a bruschetta recipe. Members only, register in advance.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 21

Global Flashpoints - Russia and Ukraine

Thursday, March 10, 2022 | 10:00am-11:30am

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Steve Rundle and former Intelligence Officer Carl Pales will provide background and context to the Russia – Ukraine Crisis in an independent, nonpartisan moderated discussion. Participants are encouraged to share their knowledge, express opinions, and communicate ideas concerning this topic in a nonthreatening, collegial environment. The session will commence with prepared remarks by both moderators, followed by open, participatory discussion and question and answers. If you are interested in being part of a developing community of people with a shared interest in political-military affairs and international security issues, we look forward to seeing you. Free and open to all. Register in advance.

About the moderators:

Carl Pales earned a BA in International Studies/Russian Studies from GMU in 1985 and a MS in Intelligence from the Defense Intelligence College in 1994. He served as a foreign ground force intelligence analyst covering various regions from 1986-2019, including nine years as Senior Intelligence Officer, deploying to conflict zones twice as a civilian. He is an avid student of history and current events.

Steve Rundle (Colonel U.S. Army retired) earned a BA in Sino-Soviet Studies at James Madison University and a Masters in Southeast Asian Studiesat Cornell University. He served 25 years in the U.S. Army as a Cavalry Officer, Intelligence Officer, and Southeast Asian Foreign Area Officer. His last assignment was the Defense Attache, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. After retiring, he continued his army career as a civilian foreign ground forces analyst, culminating as Senior Intelligence Officer for East Asia and the Americas.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 35

Self Defense for Seniors

Thursday, March 10, 2022 | 1:30pm-3:00pm

Black belt Taekwondo instructor Cindy Kyle will teach a basic self-defense program for Seniors. Learn and practice some self-defense techniques, and how to become more aware of your surroundings which can help prevent attacks. Handouts included. Cost: Prime Members free, Standard Members $10.00, Guests, $15.00. Register here.

About the instructor:

Cindy Kyle is a 2nd Dan black belt in traditional Taekwondo, having trained in the martial art for 23 years. She has taught self-defense for women, and has previously taught a workshop on travel safety for seniors at the Center.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 7

Spring Birding

Monday, March 14, 2022 | 1:30pm-2:30pm

Mondays, March 14- April 4, 1:30-2:30 pm (4 sessions)

Spring is the best time to see birds. Join Dick Somers as you explore breeding habits and birds that will pass through our area. Free and open to all. Please register.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Storytelling with Charmaine Crowell-White

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 | 3:30pm-4:30pm

Four classes, from March 16th to April 6th 

Ever wanted to be a Storyteller?  This workshop will give you an opportunity to learn the storyteller’s skill by creating your own stories in an exciting and stimulating manner, so the listener is totally captivated, and their imaginations are fully involved. Charmaine Crowell-White is a graduate of San Jose University in San Jose, California. She is a History Interpreter.  Her education involves storytelling, poetry, drama workshops and lecture demonstrations covering various aspects of theater.  Charmaine will bring to the workshop her expertise for breathing life into a story using simple powerful language.

Prime Members free, Standard Members $20.00, Guests $30.00.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 15

Getting Your Final Affairs in Order - March

Thursday, March 17, 2022 | 10:00am-11:30am

We prepare extensively for weddings, moving, and other life occurrences. But when it comes to planning for our inevitable deaths, do we have our affairs in order? Dr. Richard Gallagher has created a comprehensive program that enables the successful facilitation of your estate. Learn what essential documents you will need and how to organize them all into one place. This process can save time, money, and reduce the grief associated with death. You will receive a binder with documents and information needed to begin this process. Dr. Gallagher has settled four estates, and has 23 years’ experience teaching law, personal finance and organization, and has served as the Chairman of the Business Department at two Universities. Participants must register by Friday, March 11th. Class materials fee: $12.00 for all, paid at registration.

Richard Gallagher is a retiree interested in helping others help themselves and their families with this presentation. He has offered this presentation several times with great success. Dr. Gallagher, a resident of Ruckersville for the last 24 years, is married with four grandchildren. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 21

Continuing the Walk

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 | 1:00pm-3:00pm

Join Center members Mary (Lakota heritage) and Mike (Potawatomi heritage) Wilson on Tuesdays in April for these enriching events about Native Peoples. Films about Native People and their history, culture and current relevant issues will be shown, followed by group discussions and Q & A. Come to deepen your understanding of Native people and their experiences and lives, debunking myths about Native people along the way. Free and open to all, register here.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Birding (Onsite and Offsite)

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 2:30pm-3:30pm

This is a two part event - Wednesday, April 20th at The Center and Saturday, April 23rd at Foxhaven Farm at 7am (directions below).

Local artist, musician and devoted birder Tim O’Kane is inviting anyone interested to participate in this year’s Spring National Bird Count at Foxhaven Farm (directions on website) on Saturday, April 23rd at 7am (the early birder catches the bird!). Tim has done many of these bird counts over the years and is looking forward to sharing this exciting and fun adventure with you. Previous knowledge or experience is not necessary, just a desire to learn about birds. Everyone who is interested should also attend the Wednesday meeting at The Center to learn about being a citizen scientist and how to document the sightings for both Audubon and Cornell Ornithology Labs.  Free and open to all, register in advance.

You can use Google maps or your GPS and input "Foxhaven Farm" or follow the direction below.

Foxhaven Farm, from US-250West and US 29South:

• Take the exit toward US-29 N/Fontaine Ave/Charlottesville from US-29 S (5 min (3.8 mi))
• Turn left onto Hydraulic Rd (443 ft)
• Turn right onto US-250 W/US-250 BYP W (0.2 mi)
• Keep left to continue on US-250 W, follow signs for Lynchburg/Staunton (2.1 mi)
• Continue onto US-29 S (1.0 mi)
• Take the exit toward US-29 N/Fontaine Ave/Charlottesville (0.5 mi)
• Drive to Foxhaven Farm (4 min (1.0 mi))
• Turn right onto Fontaine Ave/Fontaine Ave Ext/Fontaine Ave Extended (0.2 mi)
• Turn right onto Reservoir Rd (0.3 mi)
• Turn right onto Foxhaven Farm (0.6 mi)
• Foxhaven Farm parking lot is on your left.

Open to all.

Location: Onsite and Offsite (Foxhaven Farm)

Seats available: 30