Lifelong Learning

Money & You With Jorgen Vik

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 | 10:00-11:30am

Tuesday, October 8, 10:00-11:30 AM

Deciphering all the data - When analyzing investments one will quickly run into lots of different types of information. What matters more? What matters less? This conversation may help you worry less about some things, and move you away from paralysis by analysis.

Tuesday, November 12, 10:00am-11:30am

Should You Use Annuities? Jorgen Vik, Certified Financial Planner™ Professional and Partner with the SKV Group, will discuss the various types of annuities, and how they may or may not suit your situation.

*Variable annuities are long-term investments suitable for retirement funding and are subject to market fluctuations and investment risk. Unlike variable annuities, fixed indexed annuities are typically structured so that they are not securities registered with the SEC. Nor are the sales in indexed annuities regulated by the SEC or FINRA Regulation, Inc. Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.

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.

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

Medicare Consulting - Tuesdays

Tuesday, November 12, 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

Beginning Spanish

Tuesday, November 12, 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, November 12, 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, November 12, 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

Senior Statesmen of Virginia*

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 | 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

Charlottesville International Folk Dance

Wednesday, November 13, 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

Investment Visions Group

Thursday, November 14, 2019 | 10:00-12:00pm

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

Apple/Mac Users Group

Thursday, November 14, 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, November 14, 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

Investors Forum - Third Friday

Friday, November 15, 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, November 15, 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

Friday, November 15, 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

Painting with Watercolor (weekend classes)

Sunday, November 17, 2019 | 1:30-3:30pm

THIS CLASS IS FULL. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE CLASSES IN THE FUTURE OR CHECK OUT OUR OTHER ART OFFERINGS ON THIS WEBSITE.

Sundays, October 13 – November 17, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Jane Skafte offers a judgment-free opportunity to explore watercolor in this six-week WEEKEND course.  It is all about enjoying creative exploration in color. Our subjects will be still-life and photos. In each class session, a variety of techniques and strategies for experimenting with materials will accompany instruction in basic skills and color theory.  Techniques such as dry brush, wet brush, bloom, scumbling, and blotting, and wet-into-wet will be demonstrated, followed by ample time for you to experiment and produce a beautiful work of art. Open to all, but space is limited; please register in advance at the Welcome Desk or online.  Members: $55, Guests: $65

Supply list: 

• 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

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Writing for Healing and Growth

Monday, November 18, 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, November 18, 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

Socrates Cafe™

Thursday, November 21, 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

Book Group

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 | 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:

November 6: The Vatican Connection by Richard Hammer

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

Members only.

Location: The Center

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

Fee: free

Investors Forum - First Friday

Friday, December 6, 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

Central Virginia Dowsers

Sunday, December 8, 2019 | 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, December 9, 2019 | 1:00-2:30pm

Monday, November 11, 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Black Friday Special

Join Derrick Gerstmann and RJ Jones of FlossTech for an overview of new technological gadgets and toys being released this year.  They will also review Smart Home setups and explain how these new devices can interact with the consumer.  Come learn the benefits these gadgets can provide in everyday life. Free and open to the community.

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.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Religion, Science and Spirituality

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

Friday, October 11, 10:00-11:30 AM

Native American Religions

There were over 100 Native American Religions, though they were more like denominations of one basic religion rather than different religions. What they had in common was that there was no written text.  Perhaps by studying Native American religions we can gain insight into what Judaism was like before it had a written text, and what Christianity was like for the mainly illiterate early Christians.  Free and open to the community.

Friday, November 8, 10:00-11:30 AM

Why Does a Good and Fair God Allow Aging? 

What is the point of becoming less able to do things, and why is dying so difficult?  If God is all good and loving, why don’t we just die quietly in our sleep, active to the end? Free and open to the community. 

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.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

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

Investment Visions Group

Thursday, December 26, 2019 | 10:00-12:00pm

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

Writing for Pleasure Coffeehouse

Friday, December 27, 2019 | 12:00-2:00pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: Sandra Garrett sandrag992@gmail.com

Elder Law with Attorney Doris Gelbman

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 | 10:00-11:00am

Having “The” Conversation: You and Your Adult Children. Is your family gathering for the holidays? This is a perfect opportunity to have “the” talk. Aging parents and their adult children seem to have lots of resistance to discussing issues that face all of us as we age: How will we manage our money and property? Where we will we live as we grow older and our health declines and ultimately fails? Who will take care of us? How will it be paid for? And there are vital pieces of information that must be shared - particularly as it relates to health and healthcare.  Let’s talk about “the” talk! Free and open to the community.

This program will not meet in November.

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.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free