Lifelong Learning

AARP Tax-Aide

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 | 12:00-4:30pm

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offering free tax preparation at The Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, February 1-April 15 (by appointment only). Call The Center at (434) 974-7756 to register. You are required to bring the following documentation with you at the time of your appointment. 

• Previous year's tax return(s).
• Social Security cards and/or ITIN notices/cards or other official documentation that show the taxpayer identification numbers for every individual on your return.
• Photo ID for each taxpayer.
• Checkbook if you want to direct deposit any refund(s) or direct debit any amounts due.
• Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) (for each individual if applicable).

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Charlottesville International Folk Dance

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 | 6:30-8:30pm

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

Creating a Bird-Friendly Environment at Home

Thursday, February 21, 2019 | 10:00-11:00am

This is an encore of the October 25 presentation

Let Scott Karr, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, introduce you to the entertaining world of backyard birding.  Learn how to identify and attract native and migratory birds to your yard with appropriate food and shelter.  Also learn tips for how to deal with bird-feeding challenges like squirrels!  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Apple/Mac Users Group

Thursday, February 21, 2019 | 1:00-4:00pm

 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

Socrates Cafe™

Thursday, February 21, 2019 | 3:00-5:00pm

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 is fair game, from education to politics, religion to cultural attitudes; lively discussion takes place no mattter what the topic. 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

Writing for Pleasure Coffeehouse

Friday, February 22, 2019 | 12:00-2:00pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: Ella Rea Murphy 434.973.9786 or ellarmurphy@gmail.com

BEMER Introduction and Demo

Friday, February 22, 2019 | 2:30-3:30pm

BEMER (Bio-Electro-Magnetic Energy Regulation) is a form of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy that has been used extensively in Europe and is recently making its way to the States. Come to an information session delivered by Ann Postak, who will also demonstrate this new technology aimed at increasing blood circulation and relieving pain in the body.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Current Affairs Discussion Group

Monday, February 25, 2019 | 9:30-11:00am

Bright minds gather weekly to tackle the issues of the day—local, national, and international. Opinions may vary, but lack of knowledge is never a problem. If you’re a member who is in touch with what’s happening and have something to share, join us!

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Jerry Granroth (434) 305-8926

Fee: free

Writing for Healing and Growth

Monday, February 25, 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 8-week workshop. The emphasis is on—but 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. Must register at the Center’s front desk. Leonard Tuchyner facilitates.

CLASS IS CURRENTLY FULL. PLEASE RSVP TO BE PLACED ON THE WAITING LIST. MEMBERS ONLY. FEE is $15/MONTH.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Senior Center 974-7756

Staying Healthy with Spectrum Physical Therapy

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 | 10:00-11:00am

Tuesday, February 26, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Healthy to the Core. Darcy Higgins, regional director of Spectrum Physical Therapy, will discuss the importance of having a strong “core” to enhance stability.  Come learn what the core is, why it is important to your health and well-being, and then participate in some stability exercises.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Medicare Consulting - Tuesdays

Tuesday, February 26, 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

Taste of Spanish for Beginners

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 | 1:00-2:00pm

January 8, 15, 29, February 12, 19, 26 (class meets all year round; specific future dates TBA)

This class is for the beginner with little or no knowledge of the Spanish language. The recommended book for class is Conversational Spanish in 7 Days by Shirley Baldwin and Sarah Boos.  This book can be purchased on line from Barnes & Noble or Amazon for under $10. Free and open to the community!

Helen Ida Moyer is the instructor.  She is a graduate of UVa with a doctorate in Spanish and has traveled extensively in Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America. The classes are free (except for materials) and open to the community. Space is limited; registration requested online or through the Center Welcome Desk.

Location: The Center

Advanced Beginner's Spanish

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 | 2:00-3:00pm

NEW CLASS - BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER! 

January 8, 15, 29, February 12, 19, 26 (class meets all year round; specific future dates TBA)

This class is for those who have completed the " Taste of Spanish" class or who have an equivalent knowledge of the language.  Prospective students should know the present, present perfect, future and simple past tenses as well as how object pronouns are used.  The text to be used in the class is from the McGraw Hill Practice Makes Perfect Series Spanish Conversation by Jean Yates ($16, available from Barnes & Noble  or on line from them or Amazon).   

SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER HERE OR AT THE CENTER WELCOME DESK.

Location: The Center

Keeping Up Your Spanish

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 | 3:15-4:15pm

Tuesdays, 3:15 pm 

January 15, 29, February 12,26 (class meets all year round; specific future dates TBA)

This class is for intermediate and advanced students to give Spanish speakers in our community the opportunity to become acquainted, whereby any native speakers would be helping non-native speakers develop their skills in the language and culture. The recommended workbook is from the McGraw Hill Practice Makes Perfect Series Spanish Reading and Comprehension by Myrna Bell Rochester with Deana Smalley ($15 - $16 and can be purchased on line from Barnes & Noble or Amazon ). Free and open to the community.

Helen Ida Moyer facilitates the class. She holds a PhD in Spanish from UVa and has traveled extensively in Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America. 

Location: The Center

Investment Visions Group

Thursday, February 28, 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

Le Cercle Français

Thursday, February 28, 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 - First Friday

Friday, March 1, 2019 | 10:00-11:30am

After general discussion of stock and bond markets and investment strategies, the focus generally turns to a specific topic. No money is collected or invested, and 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: Don Whitford 434.531.2870 for more information or to join the e-mail notification list.

Fee: free

Writing for Pleasure

Friday, March 1, 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: Ella Rea Murphy 434.9973.9786 or ellarmurphy@gmail.com

Fee: free

Enjoying Short Stories

Friday, March 1, 2019 | 2:15-4:15pm

ENJOYING SHORT STORIES

Fridays, beginning March 1, 2:15 to 4:15 PM

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.  The agenda for the first meeting will be a discussion of Isaac Asimov’s “The Fun They Had” (copies available at the meeting) as well as conversation to determine the next selections to tackle.  Free to members but first time guests welcome!

Members only.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Book Group

Wednesday, March 6, 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:

March 6: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

April 3: Love, Africa: A Memoir of War, Romance, and Survival by Jeffrey Gettleman

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Mimi Rabois, Book Group Leader mrabois@me.com

Fee: free

Socrates Cafe™

Thursday, March 7, 2019 | 3:00-5:00pm

 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

Religion, Science and Spirituality

Friday, March 8, 2019 | 10:00-11:30am

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

The Blue Zones - 10 years ago, Dan Buettner of National Geographic searched the world for places where people stay actively healthy longer, and are happiest.  His findings have become a national phenomenon. Though his focus is secular, it echoes what the Bible and sacred literature say about sin and virtue. Is religion just a blueprint for being fully human?  And by denying ultimate reality, do we make ourselves less than fully human?   Free and open to the community.

Friday, February 8, 10:00 - 11:30

Why We Fight:  Is War a Force that Gives Life Meaning?  Protests against governmental policies cause escalating street violence.   Refugees flee as their leaders glorify and escalate war.  Violence and war have been around since Biblical times, and in many eras violence was glorified for its own sake.  Can religion cure us of violence or is violence an addictive drug we will never break free of?  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Oh, My Aching Joints

Friday, March 8, 2019 | 12:00-1:00pm

Are those pains in your hips and knees just the normal wear and tear of use through aging, or are they telling you something more serious?  Dr. Thomas Schildwachter, orthopedic surgeon at Sentara Martha Jefferson, will discuss the facts, signs, and symptoms of arthritis.  He’ll teach you how you know when you have the condition and which of the numerous treatment options may be right for you.  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Central Virginia Dowsers

Sunday, March 10, 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, March 11, 2019 | 1:00-2:30pm

Abby Cox and Katie Gorrell from the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will discuss how you can digitize your film and photos, including 8mm film, so that records of your special moments are not lost.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Money & You With Jorgen Vik

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

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

How Do I Downsize? Where Do I Begin?

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 | 10:00-11:30am

As much as it hurts, you realize that your kids don’t want your furniture, so how do you know what to donate and where?  How do you know if you should be donating or selling things?  When you move, how many place settings do you really need, and how do you choose your favorite four coffee mugs out of the 50+ in the cabinets?  Stephen Landis of AskLandis will be here to answer all these questions and more as he provides helpful tips and resources to help you start the downsizing, de-cluttering, and organizing process.  

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Investment Visions Group

Thursday, March 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

Investors Forum - Third Friday

Friday, March 15, 2019 | 10:00-11:30am

After general discussion of stock and bond markets and investment strategies, the focus generally turns to a specific topic. No money is collected or invested, and 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: Don Whitford 434.531.2870 for more information or to join the e-mail notification list.

Fee: free

Long Term Care Insurance Q&A

Friday, March 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

Medicare Special Plans - What's Right for You?

Monday, March 18, 2019 | 10:00-11:00am

MEDICARE PLANS – What’s Right for You?

Medicare can be so confusing! If you are just signing up for Medicare, or if you already belong but aren’t sure you have registered for everything that you need, this is the session for you.  If you have Medicare A & B or Full Medicaid (CCC+) then you may be eligible for additional benefits and this is the session for you, too. Come find out what you need to do to take full advantage of the Medicare benefits available, and have some fun hosted by presenter Sharon Accardo at the same time.  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Elder Law with Attorney Doris Gelbman

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 | 10:00-11:00am

In this session, explore Advanced Medical Directives, Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR), and POLST (Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment).  What are they and what are the differences?  We'll also discuss hospice and how it works.  And finally, we'll spend some time talking about funeral planning.  Don't be scared!  It's going to be fun, even if it's cold, dark, icy February!  Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free