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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary-February 2023_web 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Page 1 January-February 2023 Program Guide ABOUT THE SENIOR CENTER The Iowa City Senior Center (ICSC) is a community center offering programs, services, and facilities geared toward older adults. Membership is open to anyone age 50+ and includes access to the Senior Center's fitness facilities. Our home base is located in downtown Iowa City, and programming is offered at various locations throughout Johnson County. ICSC's mission is to enhance quality of life by creating opportunities to support wellness, social connections, community engagement, and lifelong learning for a diverse and growing older adult population. Our vision is to extend social involvement and end social isolation for people age 50+. As a department of the City of Iowa City, Senior Center operations are financially supported by local property taxes with additional funding from participation fees, grants, and generous donations to Friends of Iowa City Senior Center. TAKE A TOUR OF THE SENIOR CENTER! Let us show you around the Senior Center so you can easily access all that it has to offer. Join a Senior Center member for a guided tour! Sign up online at icgov.org/senior or call 319-356-5220. WHAT'S NEW? Apply to Join the Senior Center Commission ICSC is seeking volunteers to fill several open seats on the Senior Center Commission, which serves in an advisory role to the City Council regarding the needs of the Iowa City Senior Center and its participants. In conjunction with this role, the Senior Center Commission makes policy and program recommendations; joins staff and other interested persons in seeking adequate financial resources for the operation of the Senior Center; encourages full participation by older adults; promotes the effective integration of the Senior Center into the community; cooperates with organizations sharing common goals; acts as an advocate for the needs of area seniors; and assists the City Manager in the evaluation of personnel. The Senior Center Commission meets the third Thursday of every month at 4:00 pm at the Senior Center. The commission is comprised of seven members, six of whom are Iowa City residents appointed by the City Council (the seventh member is a non-Iowa City resident of Johnson County appointed by the Senior Center Commission). Commissioners serve 3-year terms. Apply at www.icgov.org/city-government/boards- commissions-and-committees or stop into the City Clerk's office at City Hall for a paper application. icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 Page 2 SIGN UP FOR CLASSES! You can register for most programs online at icgov.org/senior/registration or call the Senior Center at 319-356-5220. Check out our online registration how-to video at tinyurl.com/SC-onlinereg. Some programs require you to register with the instructor or partner organization. In these cases, details are provided in the program description. Membership requirements: Current Senior Center membership is required for some classes. If needed, this will be noted in the program description. Fees: Programs are offered without charge unless otherwise noted. For in-person programs that have fees, please pay instructors on the first day of class. For virtual programs with fees, payment instructions are provided at the time of registration or soon after. HOW TO ACCESS ZOOM PROGRAMS: ICSC uses Zoom to host virtual and hybrid programs. Join using your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or landline phone (audio only). Zoom links and meeting ID/passcode are provided via your registration confirmation email. JOIN BY WEB BROWSER (COMPUTER): Copy and paste the Zoom link into your internet browser's address bar, then click "Join from Browser" and follow the prompts. Or go to zoom.us/join and enter the meeting ID and passcode. JOIN BY APP (SMARTPHONE, TABLET, COMPUTER): Download the free Zoom app for your device at zoom.us/download. Open the app, tap "Join a Meeting," enter meeting ID and passcode, tap "Join." JOIN BY PHONE (audio only): Call 312-626-6799 at the time of the program. When prompted, dial the Zoom meeting ID for the program you want to join. Your phone will be automatically muted once the meeting starts. When you want to speak, press *6 to unmute. NEED TECH HELP TO GET CONNECTED? For friendly assistance troubleshooting Zoom or any other technology challenges, you can make an appointment for a tech help session over Zoom, by phone, or in person. Contact Brad Mowrey, Technology & Video Specialist, at 319-356-5211 or bmowrey@iowa-city.org. DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Iowa City Senior Center-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact us in advance at 319-356-5220 or srcenter@iowa-city.org. Thursday, January 12, 2:00 pm Thursday, February 9, 2:00 pm CLASSES, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES For multi-session programs with registration, please sign up prior to the first meeting date and plan to attend all (or most) sessions. Some single-session programs may be offered more than once; dates are listed as separate bullets in the program description. Laughter Yoga Wednesdays, January 4 - February 22, 9:00-10:00 am Location: Room 311 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Michelle Buhman Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine which combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (pranayama). Anyone can laugh without relying on humor, jokes, or comedy. Laughter is initially simulated as a physical exercise while maintaining eye contact with others in the group and promoting childlike playfulness, which soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Each session will start with gentle warm- up techniques including stretching, chanting, clapping, and body movement. Breathing exercises are used to prepare the lungs for laughter, followed by a series of 'laughter exercises' that combine the method of acting and visualization techniques with playfulness. Each session will end with a 'laughter meditation.' Membership required. The Middle Ages Around the World Wednesdays, January 4 - March 22, 1:00-3:00 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: Beth Stence Many of us have some knowledge about the Middle Ages (roughly 400-1400 CE) in Western Europe. But what was happening in the rest of the world in this same period? This course offers a high-level panorama of world history, revealing the scope of advances and innovations not only in the West, but across the globe, from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to Asia, the Americas, and beyond. Each week we will view two, 30-minute video lectures by Professor Joyce Salisbury (produced by The Great Courses). Some of you may remember her from her course The History of Spain. Membership required. Cinema Salon Location: FilmScene at The Chauncey Register online or call 319-356-5220 Senior Center members are invited to FilmScene to view a new film the second Thursday of each month (note the new schedule), followed by a 30-minute discussion facilitated by Lynn Puritz-Fine. Screenings are open to the public and seating is first come, first served. Films are announced about 2 weeks in advance. Register with the Senior Center by 5:00 pm the day before each screening. Fee: $6 for Senior Center members (discounted); pay at the FilmScene box office. Membership and registration required for discounted admission. 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Page 3 T'ai Chi Classes Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Robin Ungar Intermediate T’ai Chi Fridays, January 6 - February 10, 10:30-11:30 am Location: Room G13 This class serves ongoing students of t’ai chi and those with previous experience who wish to re-start a practice. Classes will work progressively through the Cheng Man Ching style of the form, applying the basic principles of t’ai chi, such as balance, posture, stability, efficient movement, relaxation and others. T’ai Chi is like an onion— there are always new layers of understanding and refinement to peel away. It is a lifelong journey with a multitude of physical and mental benefits. Fee: $50 for 6-week session; pay instructor (cash or check) at first class. This class may be extended for an additional 6-week session depending on interest. Membership required. T'ai Chi Fundamentals Wednesdays, January 25 - March 1, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Location: Room G13 T’ai Chi is a practice that develops balance, harmony, and greater awareness of our inner energy. This class will focus on the basic movements of t’ai chi and its related practice of qigong. My goal is to present simple movement and breathing exercises to increase relaxation, improve balance, and provide an overall sense of well-being. Much of the class could be done while seated. Fee: $50; pay instructor (cash or check) at first class. Membership required. Morning Session Afternoon Session Write Your Life Story Register online or call 319-356-5220 Fridays, January 6, 20, February 3, 17 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Zoom Facilitator: Chuck Felling Fridays, January 13, 27, February 10, 24 1:00-2:30 pm Location: Room 308 Facilitator: Diane LaDuke Write Your Life Story gathers together persons to write about the people, places and events that have created their memories. We encourage and inspire writing using our own everyday vocabulary, grammar, etc. We find that writing about the past is a pleasure for our self as much as for others. Authors usually read their stories for the other writers to listen and to offer supportive and constructive comments to help the story. Sharing is optional. Membership required. The World of Tea Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Judith Leavitt, TalkingTea LLC Introductory Class Fridays, January 6-27, 10:00-11:00 am Location: Zoom Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water. In the first week of this class, you will be introduced to the fascinating world of premium tea. You will hear the myths of the origins of tea, learn where tea is grown in the world, how tea is processed to make the six types of tea, and how to make the “perfect cup of tea.” In weeks 2-4, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of 12 of the 48 teas listed on the Periodic Table of TalkingTea©, a unique tool for learning about premium teas from India, China, Japan, and Taiwan. Class fee: $25 (includes samples of 12 teas); pay instructor. Advanced Class Fridays, February 3-24, 10:00-11:00 am Location: Zoom In the introductory World of Tea class, tea drinkers tasted the first 12 teas on the Periodic Table of Talking Tea©. In this Advanced World of Tea class, participants will continue the journey from casual tea drinker to tea connoisseur while expanding their knowledge of an additional 12 teas from the Periodic Table. In Week 1, tea drinkers will sample a white tea, a yellow tea, and a special pu-erh tea. In Weeks 2-4, participants will taste three green, three oolong, and three black teas. Class fee: $25 (includes samples of 12 teas); pay instructor. This series is presented in partnership with TRAIL of Johnson County. Friday, January 6, 2:00-3:00 pm Friday, February 3, 2:00-3:00 pm Tuesday, January 10, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Tuesday, February 14, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Death Café Location: Room 309 Hosts: Michelle Buhman and Craig Mosher A Death Café is a safe place for people to talk about death in order to make the most of life. New people are encouraged to join anytime. This is not a bereavement support group or grief counseling session. For more information on the purpose of this group, visit deathcafe.com or contact Michelle at 319-356-5222. Book Report Location: Room 305 Facilitator: Cheryl Walsh A book club that meets once a month for an informal round table discussion and sharing of books you have enjoyed reading. Choose your favorite author, old or new, best sellers or classics, fiction, non-fiction, short stories, or poetry. Not limited to presenters; anyone who is interested in finding new authors while exploring the abundance of reading opportunities in our City of Literature is welcome. icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 Page 4 Tuesday, January 10, 10:00-11:30 am Wednesday, January 25, 1:00-2:30 pm Thursday, January 12, 10:00-11:00 am Thursday, February 9, 10:00-11:00 am Opioids, Overdose Response & Naloxone Location: Zoom Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Carrie Hough The opioid epidemic has claimed thousands of lives in the U.S. This training explores what opioids are are how they work, and also explains how to identify an opioid poisoning/overdose and respond with naloxone, the life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose. Participants in the training may sign up to receive a free naloxone kit via mail. This training is designed for all community members, but may be of particular importance if you or a loved one have been prescribed an opioid medication, or are otherwise at elevated risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose. Carrie Hough, PhD, MPH is a Prevention Specialist at Community & Family Resources in Iowa City. Making Your Marks Count Thursdays, January 12 - February 23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: James Hawtrey In this art workshop you will use watercolor pencils, watercolor papers, and your imagination. We will not be using still life, models, or landscapes. That is not to say that you will not be able to use these traditional approaches. For inspiration you are encouraged to visit local museums. Come to the first class to meet the instructor and see of this class is for you at no charge. If you decide to join the class, the fee is $10 per session. Stanley Museum of Art Senior Living Communities Program Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Join Senior Living Communities Program Coordinator Amanda Lensing as she leads monthly discussions around the Stanley's collection. These programs will be offered in person at the Iowa City Senior Center. Intro to ICPL’s New Cricut Cutting Machine Friday, January 13, 10:30-11:30 am Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Stacey McKim, Digital Media Lab manager Get ready to dream bigger when it comes to your crafting, art, and any organizations you want to promote! The library’s new Cricut Maker 3 can cut designs created on a computer onto materials such as paper, vinyl stickers, iron-ons, and more. Join Stacey for an overview of its capabilities, the Cricut software, how you’d create or find images, and how to reserve a time slot for yourself. You’ll leave prepped to plan your own project! Spanish Language Learning Classes Beginning Spanish Continues Wednesdays, Fridays, Jan 4 - Feb 24, 9:00-10:00 am Location: Hybrid (Room 308 & Zoom) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructors: Emily Edrington & Monia Ali New and returning students are invited to join our friendly, collaborative language learning journey in progress. Each week in class we typically watch one 30-minute video lecture from The Great Courses’ Learning Spanish series, practice as a group, and assign optional homework to enhance individual practice. This continuing class will pick up with Lecture 10 at the start of the year. Grammar topics covered so far include: articles and nouns, adjectives, gender and number agreement, regular verbs in the present tense, the verbs ser, estar, and ir, numbers, and time. Students are encouraged to use the Kanopy app (available through the public library) to view missed lectures; we can help you get started if needed. Membership required. Use It, Don't Lose It! Spanish Conversation Wednesdays, January 11 - February 22, 9:30-10:30 am Location: Zoom Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Jessica Ortiz Let's practice your Spanish with a native speaker. We will have a different topic and vocabulary every week. This will be a conversation group for intermediate to advanced levels. Membership required. Intermediate Level Conversational Spanish Tuesdays, 1:00-2:00 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: William Heald In this group we will try to create opportunities for conversing in Spanish. Although we will have the group purchase a book or two, these will be primarily used to provide material for verbal communication. There will be assigned readings and exercises, but these will be designed to create contexts for conversation. For more information about this group, email william-heald@hotmail.com. Membership required. Reading Spanish Texts in Spanish Tuesdays, 2:00-3:00 pm Location: Room 305 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: William Heald This group reads, translates, and discusses intermediate level Spanish texts. We will read some famous Spanish authors and other works of interest to the group. This is not a Spanish conversation group. Saturday, January 14, 5:00-8:00 pm Saturday, February 11, 5:00-8:00 pm Traditional Country Dance Location: Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Social Hall Our dances are great for beginners as there is no fancy footwork to learn; the caller tells us what to do and other dancers can help if you get mixed up. Bring a friend or come alone—there are always plenty of people to dance with! Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. This is a combination of the English Country Dance and Barn Dance groups. New people are always welcome. Family Folk Machine Sundays, January 15 - May 7, 3:00-5:00 pm Location: Assembly Room Register: Email jean@familyfolkmachine.org Director: Jean Littlejohn This spring we’ll be celebrating Family Folk Machine’s tenth anniversary and preparing a great batch of songs for a concert at the Englert Theatre on May 13, 2023. To join us, please send an email to jean@familyfolkmachine.org. You can also just show up to our first rehearsal on January 15, but getting in touch beforehand will ensure that you receive up-to-date information about our gathering plans. Fees: $50 per adult for the semester, $30 per kid age 6 and up, reduced fees available; pay Family Folk Machine. The FFM is a non-auditioned ensemble, and everyone is welcome. Iowa City New Horizons Band Tuesdays, Thursdays, January 17 - May 11, 8:15 - 10:30 am Location: Assembly Room & Rooms 305, 309, 311 The Iowa City New Horizons Band provides opportunities for older adults to play musical instruments. The band performs under the direction of University of Iowa Music Education students and professional music educators from within the band. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ensembles from 8:30-9:15 am, and full band from 9:30-10:30 am. For more information, visit iowacitynhb.org. Voices of Experience Tuesdays, Thursdays, January 17 - May 11, 1:00-2:00 pm Location: Assembly Room Register online or call 319-356-5220 Director: Jon Ranard Iowa City Senior Center's mixed-voice, non-auditioned choral ensemble, is a delightful group of musicians representing every skill level and background who are also Senior Center members. Founded in 1982, this fun and variety-filled ensemble shares music from a multitude of sources. From Handel to holiday favorites, country to swing, traditional folk music to pop and Broadway standards, a concert by the Voices of Experience promises something for everyone. Join us at 1:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays as we rehearse, learn, laugh, and enjoy ourselves and the whole creative process. Memorization is not required. Fee: $50; pay the Senior Center at registration (fee covers cost of music, materials, and instruction for the spring session). Membership required. 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Page 5 S.S.R.O. Reader's Theatre Group Wednesdays, January 18 - May 10, 2:00-3:00 pm Location: Assembly Room Register online or call 319-356-5220 Director: Jon Ranard S.S.R.O. (Senior Standing Room Only) is Iowa City's one-of-a-kind Reader's Theatre troupe, open to all members of the Iowa City Senior Center. Rehearsing on Wednesday afternoons, this group of fun individuals each bring their own humor, wit, experience, and talent together to create a memorable performance for audiences of all ages. Enjoy our re-creation of old-time radio scripts (complete with authentic sound effects), our spin on vaudeville classics, humorous looks at life and love, parodies of theatre and television classics, and the occasional song to add to the nostalgia. Join S.S.R.O. to be part of the fun, hilarity, laughter, and genuine camaraderie as we embark on our next adventure. No theatre experience or memorization is required. Membership required. Disability and Contemporary Bioethics Debates Mondays, January 23 - February 20, 1:00-2:15 pm Location: Zoom Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Deborah Gallagher, Ph.D. In our lifetimes, remarkable technological breakthroughs in medical science have confronted us with intense moral dilemmas. These breakthroughs include advances in prenatal testing and new reproductive genetic technologies that present prospective parents with momentous choices about the kind of children they will, or will not, bring into the world. Meanwhile, the contentious debates center on Physician-assisted Dying or “Death with Dignity” laws that provide people with choices about how, when, and under what conditions they leave this world. Hiding in plain sight, the issue of disability is at the core of all of these debates. In this course, we discuss how disability informs these contemporary bioethical choices. Senior Volunteer Fair Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Celebration of Human Rights Week Friday, January 20, 2:00-4:00 pm Location: Assembly Room The start of a new year is a great time to get acquainted with some of the many outstanding organizations that serve our community, learn about volunteer opportunities, and get involved in something new! As part of the weeklong Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Celebration of Human Rights, the Senior Center is hosting a senior-focused volunteer fair. It will highlight both organizations that directly serve older adults and those that specifically recruit seniors to fulfill their volunteer needs. Join us for an afternoon of lively conversation, enlightening exploration, and community engagement. All are welcome to attend! icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 Page 6 Classes Offered by Volunteers from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop Poetry Reading Circle Wednesdays, January 18 - February 22, 4:00-5:00 pm Location: Room 307 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Joi Haskins Let's read poetry together! The class will discuss poems brought in by the instructor, in addition to poems students would like to share. Poets to be read include Rita Dove, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman. The Art of the Short Story Thursdays, January 26 - March 9, 2:00-3:30 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Sara Luzuriaga This six-week-long craft course in fiction writing will introduce key elements of short stories. Each participant will build toward a final short story project through weekly writing exercises, collaborative workshops, and brief readings and discussions. You will share and read work, experiment with craft, and end up with a polished, completed short story and the tools with which to write many more! Sara Luzuriaga will teach this class; she is a fiction writer from Philadelphia, currently in her first year at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Membership required. Junar con la palabra (Spanish Creative Writing) Thursdays, January 26 - March 2, 3:30-5:00 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Guadalupe Donaji Zavaleta Vega Este es un curso introductorio de escritura creativa en español. En cada sesión trabajaremos con una premisa de escritura diferente. La mayoría de las actividades están inspiradas en juegos surrealistas que nos ayudarán a explorar los aspectos lúdicos de la creatividad. Cuando nos sintamos más cómodos y libres, comenzaremos a practicar la escritura de una pieza final. Las actividades se pueden adaptar a las necesidades específicas de la clase. This is an introductory creative writing course in Spanish. In each session we will work with a different writing premise. Most of the activities are inspired in surrealist games that will help us explore the ludic aspects of creativity. Once we feel more comfortable and free, we will start practicing writing a final piece. The activities can be tailored to the specific needs of the class. An intermediate to advanced knowledge of the Spanish language is recommended for this course. Writing About Food (Workshop) Tuesdays, February 7 - March 14, 1:00-2:30 pm Location: Room 307 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Logan Hoffman-Smith Food is one of life's greatest pleasures, so it's no surprise that writing about it is fun too! In this course, we'll read food essays, do food- related writing exercises, and write our own food essays to workshop in class. All skill levels are welcome! Membership required. Mindfulness 101: Changing Your Relationship to Stress Tuesdays, January 31 - March 28, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Zoom Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Christine Allen Practicing mindfulness meditation, which involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and environment, has been shown to improve overall well-being. Mindfulness is being aware of what is happening as it’s happening in an open, non- judgmental, accepting, and compassionate way. This awareness helps develop habits of responding wisely and skillfully as we negotiate life stressors. This class will promote the development of a personal practice of mindfulness meditation. Participants will learn formal mindfulness meditation practices including the body scan, mindful movement, sitting and walking meditation, and compassion practices. Informal mindfulness activities will invite participants to adapt daily activities such as driving, eating, communication, etc. into mindful activities. This class encourages people to utilize internal resources to cultivate health, happiness, and manage stress more effectively in all kinds of circumstances. Participants will be encouraged to make a commitment to engage in mindfulness activities for 20 to 30 minutes a day outside of class time. Audio links and class readings will be provided. This class is recommended for anyone who would like to respond with more skill, ease, and creativity to the stress in their lives. Fee: $90; pay Senior Center at registration. This course is taught by Christine Allen as a fundraiser for the Senior Center; the class fee is waived for participants in the Senior Center’s low-income membership program. Christine Allen has taught Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at UIHC since 2004 after receiving training from Jon Kabat-Zinn and staff at the Center for Mindfulness. She has taught classes in a variety of settings including undergraduate classes at the University of Iowa, a graduate class for educators at Grant Wood AEA, and teaching parents in school settings. Conversation Partner and Tutor Meets by appointment Location: Date, time, location to be determined Register: Email mitchell.kathy5@gmail.com Instructor: Kathy Mitchell Kathy Mitchell will offer one-on-one tutoring for English language learners. Meetings will last 1-2 hours per week. Conversation topics will be the student’s choice. Kathy may also help students with GRE and TOEFL preparation, editing, mock interviews, homework, reading, and vocabulary. 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Page 7 Thursdays beginning February 2, 4:00-5:00 pm Tuesdays beginning February 7, 4:00-6:00 pm Device Advice Location: 1st Floor Lobby Location: Iowa City Public Library - Digital Media Lab Device Advice is a student volunteer group from the University of Iowa that works to help shrink the digital divide between generations! Volunteers will be at the Iowa City Senior Center and Public Library each week to offer guidance on all things technology, so bring your smartphones, tablets, laptops, or other devices, and your questions. Dignity in Donation Friday, February 3, 1:00-2:00 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Francie Williamson Restoring someone’s sight through a corneal transplant changes their life forever and touches the lives of many others. During this presentation, learn more about eye donation and how to sign up to pass on the gift of sight. Francie Williamson is Partner & Community Relations Coordinator at Iowa Lions Eye Bank in Coralville. Welcome to Medicare Saturday, February 4, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenters: SHIIP Counselors Will you be eligible for Medicare in the near future? Do you know your options for receiving Medicare benefits? Do you want to better understand how Medicare works with other health insurance options? A two-hour seminar is offered monthly by Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors to provide an overview of traditional Medicare benefits (Parts A and Part B, prescription drug plans (Part D) and Medicare supplements), as well as the growing array of Medicare Advantage plans. The Senior Health Insurance Information Program, is a service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP counselors are trained by the state and do not sell or promote any insurance companies, policies, or agents. Palentine's Day Party Wednesday, February 15, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Location: Assembly Room Register online or call 319-356-5220 Take time to celebrate your pals and meet some more this February 15th! Join us for speed friendshipping and a catered lunch, followed by board games in the lobby. Bring a wrapped gift valued $10 or less if you want to participate in a fun gift exchange. We'll also have blank greeting cards for writing notes of appreciation to old pals and keeping in touch with new ones. History of the U.S. Constitution Tuesdays, February 7-28, 2:00-3:00 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Thomas McDonald This series presents the history of the US Constitution, from the preceding Articles of Confederation to the ratification of the 27th Amendment. Attend any or all sessions; please register for each session you would like to attend. Membership required. February 7: Articles of Confederation It is often forgotten, overlooked, or perhaps even unknown, that initially the government of the United States operated under Articles of Confederacy. It is of course speculation whether the Constitution would have become a reality without first experiencing government control, and lack of control, under the Articles of Confederation. It can however be stated that because the Articles of Confederation were only semi-successful as the governing instrument of the United States, the Constitution came into being. It must be remembered that the founding premise of the United States was new, it had never before been tried and there was very little guidance on which to base the design and governmental functionality of this new government. Perhaps without this 8 year experiment of operating under the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution would not be the document that has survived for 233 years. February 14: The U.S. Constitution Articles I-VII The US Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation and became effective on March 4, 1789 per agreement of Congress. Considering that this is the governing document for the United States, and has been for 233 years, it is relatively short. As originally handwritten it consumed only 4 rather large pages, 28-3/4 inches by 23-5/8 inches each, and contained 4,543 words, including the signatures. Articles I-VII set out the powers granted to all three branches of government, the process of admitting new states, and the process for amending the Constitution, plus the ratification process. This presentation will go through the history of the Constitution, why and how the final approved document came into existence, and interesting facts about the framers of the Constitution. February 21: The Bill of Rights, Amendments 1-10 This presentation will present the civil liberties component of the US Constitution, i.e. personal freedoms. Sometimes it is just as important to know the why of the law as well as what the law is. This presentation traces the history of when and why the Bill of Rights came into existence and why the amendments are numbered as they are. February 28: The Constitution, Amendments 11-27 This presentation will wrap up the history of the US Constitution by looking at the content and history of the remaining 17 amendments. One interesting note is that the 27th amendment was originally proposed to be included in the Bill of Rights but did not make the cut. It took 201 years to get this amendment ratified. Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa Friday, February 10, 1:00-2:00 pm Location: Zoom Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: African American Museum of Iowa Redlining is the systematic denial of various services by federal and local government agencies and the private sector to residents of specific neighborhoods. Black populations in seven Iowa cities—Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Dubuque, Davenport, Des Moines, and Waterloo— were subject to redline mapping. The US federal government established the National Housing Act of 1934 as a way to save the crashing national housing industry during The Great Depression. Under the act, Congress established the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) that oversaw federal mortgage and loan guidelines. Over 200 US urban areas were appraised based on a list of criteria, including race and ethnicity, creating color- coded HOLC maps to distinguish areas of mortgage loan risks. Typically, those with a high Black population were marked red and deemed hazardous or undesirable. This practice led to urban segregated neighborhoods and poor housing conditions. The lasting effects are seen in the racial wealth gap and police violence seen today. Getting Started with Google Drive Friday, February 17, 10:30-11:30 am Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Emma Runestad, Digital Media Lab intern Sometimes you need a handy way to create, edit, and share documents online. Maybe you’re editing a friend’s resume, dividing up tasks for an event you’re organizing with others, or sharing a video that’s too big to be sent over e-mail. Google Drive allows you to save up to 15GB of documents to be accessed online from any device. Learn how to upload documents from your computer to Google Drive in this introductory class. Red Cedar Chamber Music: Trio Less Traveled Friday, February 24, 2:00-3:30 pm Location: Assembly Room Twice as many violins as cellos! The standard string trio is violin, viola, cello and there is lots of music for that combination by many of our greatest composers. The less common trio, two violins and cello, has fewer works written for it but also some of the most charming. Violinist Amos Fayette joins us from Cleveland as we perform a new work by Michael Kimber, give the Red Cedar treatment to one of Bach’s Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord Obligato, and round out the program with works by Dvořák and Oswald. icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 Page 8 Mondays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturdays, 8:30-9:30 am Tuesdays, January 10 – February 14, 10:30-11:30 am Tuesdays, February 28 – April 11, 10:30-11:30 am Fitness Foundations Mondays, Wednesdays, 8:30-9:00 am Location: Room G13 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Kam Atwater In Fitness Foundations, you can expect to learn the foundations of exercise, gain strength, and get into a routine of working your upper body, arms, and grip strength. This class will focus on proper lifting form, modifications, and seated exercise movements. Kam is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and has a background in fitness accountability coaching, and a minor in Physical Activity and Nutrition Science. Fee: $8/session; pay instructor. Membership required. Yoga with Esther Location: Zoom Location: Zoom Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Esther Retish This class emphasizes breathing, balance, and focus while increasing strength and flexibility. Some yoga experience helpful. Fee: $7/class (up to $30/month); pay instructor. Membership required. Fit 4 Life with Lindsey Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9:00-9:45 am Location: Room G13 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Lindsey Reed Join us for a fun and functional workout focused on full body strength and stability, balance, and flexibility. Members will use a variety of weights and strength bands. Exercises will be done from a chair, standing, and on the floor for those who are able. Come enjoy a great body workout in a social atmosphere. Fee: $8/session or $105 for 15-class punch card; pay instructor. Membership required. BeMoved Dance Location: Room G13 Register: Email hillster2942@icloud.com Instructor: Hillary Granfield A dance fitness experience for people of all movement abilities; newcomers welcome anytime. Learn more at bemoveddance.com. Fee: $60 for 6-week session, $12 for a single class; pay instructor. No class March 14. Balanced Fitness Fridays beginning January 13, 10:00-10:45 am Location: Assembly Room Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Laura O'Conner This fitness class will improve mobility and balance while also improving cardiovascular fitness and increasing flexibility. This class starts with a short warm-up followed by 30 minutes of movement that will increase your heart rate without putting stress on your joints. The cool-down will include toning and stretching. This class is intended for people who do not use an assistive device to walk. Fee: $8/session; pay instructor. Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 am Location: Hybrid (Room G13 & Zoom) 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Page 9 Film Fridays Fridays at 2:00 pm Assembly Room January 6 C’mon C’mon (2021) January 13 Skyfall (2012) January 20 News of the World (2020) January 27 Brooklyn (2015) February 3 Just Mercy (2019) February 10 The Martian (2015) February 17 From Russia with Love (1963) February 24 Summer of Soul (2021) Host: Minnetta Gardinier Join us on Fridays for a volunteer-curated line-up of movies shown on the big screen in the Assembly Room and the occasional batch of fresh popcorn! Open Studio Wednesdays, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Location: Room G07 Join fellow artists using water-based oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and all other 2-D media. Bring your own materials. This is an open studio, no instruction is provided. Let's Play Scrabble! Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00 pm Location: 1st Floor Lobby Exercise your vocabulary and crossword skills, and join us for some fun, friendly word play on a giant Scrabble board. All are welcome! The Pomtastiks! Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm Location: Room G13 Register: Call Shirley Myers at 319-351-5872 If you like to dance, enjoy music, are excited to learn choreography, and are comfortable performing in public, then come check out The Pomtastiks! We have over 20 choreographed dances in our repertoire and use poms and props to add fun and variety to each performance. We practice together weekly and at home using DVDs to learn the choreography. We welcome new members, so stop by a practice and meet us! For more info, contact Shirley Myers at 319-351-5872. Membership required. 50+ Singles Group Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 am Location: Midtown Family Restaurant 2 (West) Gather Thursday mornings and one weekend evening each month with other singles. People ages 50+ meet to eat, laugh, talk, and make new friends. No dues, no commitment, no agenda, no RSVP (except for dinner). Separate checks. Weekly breakfasts meet at Midtown Family Restaurant 2 (1069 Highway 1 West in Iowa City). Monthly dinners are held at a different restaurant each month. Call David at 319-530-5001 or email icfiftyplussingles@gmail.com for date & location. Keep Us in Stitches Fridays, 1:00-3:00 pm Location: Room 311 Join an informal group of "fiber friends" in an afternoon of knitting, sewing, crocheting, weaving, or whatever fiber craft strikes your fancy. Stuck on casting on, using a pick-up stick, what an overcast stitch is? Gather a group of your friends and find more who share your interest in the fiber arts. Conversation, sharing, and helpful support make this a relaxing break from a stressful day. Come and go any time. Sports Forum Mondays, 9:00-10:00 am Location: Hybrid (Room 308 & Zoom) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: George Sauerberg Members are invited to join the Sports Forum. At these informal gatherings of Hawkeye fans, we discuss Iowa sports and other sports, with occasional visits from guest speakers. The Sports Forum was started years ago by Al Grady, a sports writer for the Press-Citizen. Lyrics Alive Mondays, 1:30-3:00 pm Location: Assembly Room The Senior Center’s all-request singing group meets each week for the joy of group singing, without the pressure of performing. We usually sing with live instrumental accompaniment (piano and guitar), and sometimes a cappella. All are welcome! Card Games Mondays, 1:30-3:00 pm Location: 1st Floor Lobby Are you interested in playing cards? Join us on Mondays to play 500, Euchre, or Pinochle. If you have questions, contact Mary Cannon at mcannon443@gmail.com. Mindful Monday Meditation Mondays, 3:30 pm Location: Zoom Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: Emily Edrington Join us for a weekly group practice incorporating guided meditation, gentle movement, and supportive conversation. Cultivate your day-to- day skills for living in the present rather than worrying about the future, ruminating on the past, or zoning out on autopilot. This awareness can help us respond wisely to whatever life throws at us. Mindfulness meditation can positively affect focus, stress resilience, physical and mental health, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being. Newcomers welcome. Bowling Tuesdays (1st/3rd of month), 1:00-3:00 pm Location: Colonial Lanes (2253 Old Hwy 218 S) Bowl up to 3 games for $2/game with the Senior Bowling Group (upcoming dates: January 3 & 17, February 7 & 21). Balls are available for free, shoes for rent; or bring your own if you have them. We bowl for fun and fellowship; all are welcome, we’d be happy to have you join us! We are wearing masks. For more info, call Beverly Tyree at 319-351-1447 and leave a message. Get started in ICSC's Fitness Rooms! Sign up for an orientation at icgov.org/senior or call 319-356-5220 We'll show you how to use each machine and answer questions you may have. All members welcome. icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 Page 10 Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinics Cholesterol Clinics Foot Care Clinics icseniorcenterfriends.org Friends of Iowa City Senior Center ON-SITE PARTNER ORGS The Senior Center supports these senior-serving organizations with in-kind operational space Horizons Congregate Dining Horizons hosts congregate dining on the 1st floor of the Senior Center Monday-Friday from 11 am-12 pm. Congregate meals are available to any adult age 60 or older, their spouse regardless of age, and their child with disabilities (who lives with and attends with an eligible parent) with a suggested contribution of $5. Meal sites are open to anyone 59 and under for a $6 donation. Please RSVP for lunch by 1 pm the day before; call 319-338-0515. TRAIL of Johnson County TRAIL of Johnson County is a nonprofit, membership based organization whose mission is to help older adults successfully age in place by providing Tools and Resources for Active Independent Living. To learn more, visit trailofjohnsoncounty.org or stop by the TRAIL office in Room 301 of the Senior Center. TRAIL's office hours are 9 am - 1 pm, Monday-Friday. Contact TRAIL at info@trailofjohnsoncounty.org or 319-800-9003. Visiting Nurse Association Community Clinics Call 319-337-9686, ext. 1155 to make an appointment The VNA offers community health services at the Senior Center in room G03: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 11 am - 1 pm 2nd Wednesday of month, by appointment ($17) Thursday afternoons, by appointment ($12) Your gifts help keep the Iowa City Senior Center accessible, affordable, and a vital part of our community. All gifts, no matter how large or small, make a big difference. Donations to Friends can be made online or by mail: 28 South Linn Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 SENIOR CENTER SERVICES Make an appointment at icgov.org/senior or call the Senior Center at 319-356-5220 SHIIP Medicare Counseling The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a free, objective and confidential service offered through the state of Iowa to help people sort through confusing information about Medicare and health insurance. SHIIP's trained, certified volunteer counselors assist thousands of Iowans annually, helping them save millions of dollars. ICSC's volunteer SHIIP counselors answer your questions and give you one-on-one help. Appointments are available in-person at the Senior Center, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, North Liberty Library, and virtually via Zoom or phone. Advance Care Planning We can’t predict when a sudden illness or injury could leave us unable to communicate or make decisions. Would anyone know what kind of medical treatment you would want...or not want? Honoring Your Wishes is a community-wide program that helps you talk about and document your health care preferences (before a crisis occurs) to ensure that your family, friends, and health care team know what's important to you and your wishes are honored. Certified Advance Care Planning facilitators are available to guide you through these critical conversations and assist you in creating or updating your written health care directive. All ages welcome. Simple & Free Pantry Exchange Studies show that older adults are at a higher risk of being food insecure. As a modest but meaningful intervention, the Senior Center houses a little free pantry where anyone can freely give and/or take food and personal care items. The pantry is located near the Washington Street entrance on the ground level of the Senior Center and is open to the public from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries can be dropped off in the labeled bins near the pantry area and volunteers will sort, organize, and stock the pantry. The pantry can always use donations of beans, rice, pasta, canned vegetables, canned tuna and meats, soups, peanut butter, nuts, dried and canned fruits and fruit juices, cereal, granola bars, and meal kits. Find our shopping list at tinyurl.com/pantry-list and consider placing an order to purchase and ship items directly to the Senior Center. Your support and generosity are sincerely appreciated! OUR EQUITY STANDARD Our equity standard is to purposefully embrace inclusion by creating a more equitable, accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive senior center where differences are recognized, respected, valued, and celebrated. CODE OF CONDUCT To ensure that everyone can enjoy their experience at the Senior Center, a code of conduct is in place. It is available for review at the front desk and at icgov.org/senior. PHOTOS & VIDEO Activities at the Senior Center may be photographed or recorded for promotional and outreach purposes. If you have concerns about photos or videos taken by Senior Center staff or volunteers, contact Emily at 319-356-5224 or emily-edrington@iowa-city.org. Due to the public nature of our facility and programs, the media may take photos or video of events. The Senior Center is not responsible for images taken by the media. CLASS AND PROGRAM CONTENT The Senior Center neither approves nor disapproves the content, ideas, or subject matter presented in programs or used by individuals, non-profit groups, and organizations. The Senior Center does not accept responsibility for ensuring accuracy or that all points of view are represented. LANGUAGE LINE Language Line Services Available (Over-the-phone Interpretation Service for more than 170 languages) ﺮﺜﻛﻷ ﻒﺗﺎﻬﻟا ﺮﺒﻋ ﺔﻳرﻮﻔﻟا ﺔﻤﺟﺮﺘﻟا ﺔﻣﺪﺧ) ﺔﻐﻠﻟا طﻮﻄﺧ تﺎﻣﺪﺧ ﺮﻓﻮﺘﺗﺔﻐﻟ 170 ﻦﻣ) 提供语⾔专线服务（超过 170 种语⾔的电话⼝译服务） Servicios de línea de idiomas disponibles (Servicio de interpretación por teléfono para más de 170 idiomas) Services linguistiques disponibles (service d'interprétation par téléphone pour plus de 170 langues) Huduma za Laini ya Lugha Zinapatikana (Huduma ya Ukalimani kwa njia ya simu kwa zaidi ya lugha 170) FACILITY RENTAL Rent a room at the Senior Center for your next event or gathering! Classrooms, fitness rooms, and the Assembly Room can be rented for a reasonable hourly fee during evenings and weekends. For more details, visit icgov.org/senior or contact Kristin at kristin-kromray@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5221. Go online: icgov.org/senior/registration Stop in: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call us: 319-356-5220 Mail a check: 28 S. Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52240 BECOME A SENIOR CENTER MEMBER! Membership is open to anyone age 50+ and includes access to the Senior Center fitness equipment rooms. Memberships can be purchased at any time and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Annual membership fees for an individual and additional household members: Iowa City resident: $40 (+$25/additional person) Non-Iowa City resident: $75 (+$45/additional person) Membership offer for North Liberty residents: Thanks to grant funding from the City of North Liberty, NL residents age 50+ receive the same discounted membership rate as Iowa City residents. Call 319-356-5220 or stop in to take advantage of this special discount. How to sign up or renew your membership: Low-income discount: We never want financial concerns to be a barrier to membership. The Iowa City Senior Center has a low- income discount program available, which reduces the cost of membership to $10 per year or fully waives the fee if needed. To learn more, please inquire with our staff when you join or renew. Free membership with Renew Active: A program of United Healthcare Medicare plans, Renew Active covers the cost of your membership by making monthly contributions to support our Senior Center. Check at the reception desk for more details. BECOME A SENIOR CENTER VOLUNTEER! Lend a hand. Take the lead. Pitch in. Give Back. No matter what you call it, volunteering is good for our community—and good for you! If you have time, spend it wisely as a Senior Center volunteer. Our volunteers of all ages and are skilled, dedicated, and passionate about giving back. Volunteers help the Senior Center achieve its mission to improve quality of life by facilitating opportunities for older adults to stay active, curious, and connected. Visit icgov.org/senior to submit a volunteer application, or make an appointment with Emily (emily-edrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5224) to explore ways you can support your Senior Center and community with your time and talents. 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Page 11 icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 Page 12 Call us at 319-356-5220 Visit icgov.org/senior Subscribe to our weekly emails Follow us on Facebook @IowaCitySeniorCenter Explore our videos on YouTube @IowaCitySCTV The Senior Center is open Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm The Senior Center will be closed for holidays: January 2 & 16 STAY CONNECTED with the Senior Center: 28 S. Linn Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 LOCATION The Iowa City Senior Center is located at 28 South Linn St, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. Our main entrance is on Washington St. The reception desk is located just inside at the south end of the ground floor. The Skywalk entrance at level 3A of the Tower Place parking ramp leads into the 3rd floor of the Senior Center. PARKING Hourly public parking is available in the Tower Place parking ramp directly north of the Senior Center, Dubuque St. ramp next to the public library, and Chauncey Swan ramp across from City Hall. For details on discounted member parking permits, inquire at the reception desk. FREE BUS RIDES FOR AGES 65+ Iowa City Transit offers free bus fares for persons ages 65+ and those who have a disabled bus pass card, Medicare card, and/or SEATS card. Find more information at icgov.org/transit. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2023 SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITY GUIDE The Iowa City Senior Center enhances quality of life by creating opportunities to support wellness, social connections, community engagement, and lifelong learning for a diverse and growing older adult population.