City of Davis

Bingo
Thursdays, 12:15 - 3:00 p.m. & third Saturday, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
25¢ per card, per two games

Whether you enjoy playing the Indian Star, Six & Nine Pack, 2 Postage Stamps, Railroad, the Kite, or Blackout, we have it all at our weekly Bingo game! Afternoon snacks are also included.

Board & Table Games
Days & Times Vary
No charge

Are you ready to play? Whether you are interested in Contract or Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Poker, Social Bridge, or Scrabble, we have the game for you! All of these games, and more, are scheduled on an ongoing weekly basis at the Davis Senior Center, and participants may join any time.

Book Review Group
third Tuesday of each month, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
No charge

This informal group consists of interested readers who enjoy reviewing a variety of books, and is led by Stan Forbes, Sacramento Avid Reader bookstore owner. This group meets monthly and anyone is encouraged to drop in and join the group. Interested readers may also want to check out our Senior Center Reads program which meets every other month.

Bridge Instructional Lessons
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$32 per 8-week session

Ever wanted to learn how to play bridge? Or just wanted the opportunity to improve upon your game? We have the classes for you! Join instructor "Jo" Wragg for our multi-level Bridge program. Classes are based upon the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) accredited Audrey Grant Teaching series, with progressive levels which build upon the skills taught in the previous class. The format of the classes gives students a chance to experience the game using a hands-on method, which includes one hour of instruction, a Q&A period, and an additional hour of pre-dealt hands, which reinforces the topic of the day. Students may need to repeat a session due to the complexity of these classes, and the progressive levels of instruction are rotated quarterly.

Bridge 1 - The Club Series
This class is designed for beginner level students, or for someone who has received no formal instruction on the game, but would like to refine their current skills. This is the first class of the ACBL instructional series. Advanced level players should not register for this class.

Bridge 2 - The Diamond Series
This class is the second of the ACBL instructional series, and is designed for beginner players who have completed the Club Series or its equivalent. The primary emphasis of this class is the "Play of the Hand." This class may also be used by players to refine their skills if they have been playing awhile, but have received no formal instruction on the game. Advanced level players should not register for this class.

Bridge 3 - The Heart Series
This class is the third of the ACBL instructional series, and is designed for intermediate beginner players who have completed the Club & Diamond Series or their equivalent. The primary emphasis of this class is the "Defense." This class is not recommended for players who have received no formal instruction on the game.

Bridge 4 - The Spade Series
This class is designed for the more advanced level student who has completed the Club, Diamond and Heart Series or their equivalent. The primary emphasis of this class is to provide students with an introduction to "Conventions." This class is not recommended for players who have received no formal instruction on the game.

Bridge 5 - One Star Conventions
This class is designed for advanced level students who have completed the Club, Diamond, Heart and Spade Series or their equivalent. This class is designed for players who have received formal instruction on the game, and have been actively playing the game for some time. First time students should not register for this class without prior consent from the instructor.

Bridge 6 - Two Star Conventions
This class is designed for advanced level students who have completed the Club, Diamond, Heart, Spade and One Star Conventions Series or their equivalent. This class is designed for players who have received formal instruction on the game, and have been actively playing the game for some time. First time students should not register for this class without prior consent from the instructor.

Bridge 7 - Three Star Conventions
This class is the final class in the ACBL Bridge series, and is a highly advanced level course. It is designed for those students who have completed all previous levels of instruction, and have been actively playing the game for some time and/or competitively. First time students should not register for this class without prior consent from the instructor.

Ceramics
Tuesdays, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
$5 per month, per person

The Ceramics class is a great way to get introduced to this wonderful hobby in a supportive, friendly atmosphere, or to just have an alternative place from home to work on your projects! Participants purchase their own greenware, according to personal taste and project needs, and then are provided with a large variety of glazes, stains and decals prior to firing. The minimal monthly fee covers the use of all glazes and stains, as well as the use of our on-site kiln. Participants are supported by volunteer instructors, which can assist students with their personal projects and make recommendations if so desired. This class is a great opportunity to surprise your family and friends with beautiful handmade gifts for any special occasion!

Current Events Discussion Group
first & third Fridays of each month, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
No Charge

Anyone interested in staying abreast with what is happening in today's headlines and the historical events that impacted upon them, are encouraged to join this animated discussion group. Adults of all ages are encouraged to drop in and join the bimonthly discussions.

Dance & Musical Jam Session
second & fourth Fridays of each month, 2:15 - 4:00 p.m.
No Charge

All are welcome and warmly invited to trip the "light fantastic" at our bimonthly dance and musician jam session. This is a great opportunity to slip on those dancing shoes and fox-trot, waltz, tango, or swing your body to the Senior Center's very own "Music From The Back Room" band. Those interested in playing an instrument in the band may also join in. Occasional special events are planned in conjunction with UC Davis student organizations in providing dance partners, complimentary refreshments, etc.

55 Alive Mature Driver Program
Various dates throughout the year
$10 per person

This AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest classroom driver refresher course specifically designed for motorists, ages 50 or better. The course provides a chance to refresh the "rules of the road", possibly preventing future vehicle accidents or traffic violations. In addition, the course provides tips on how to handle adverse driving conditions & traffic hazards, as well as learning the effects of aging and medications on your driving abilities. As a program graduate, you may qualify for a lower automobile insurance premium. The course is offered in two 4-hour sessions, and attendance is required on both days in order to receive a DMV certificate which provides a 3-year deduction in auto insurance premiums. The class fee is $10 payable to AARP, and advanced registration is required. Upcoming course dates for 2006 include:

• January 25 & 26, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• March 1 & 2, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• May 3 & 4, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• September 20 & 21, 2005, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• November 1 & 2, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Foreign Language Classes
ongoing, TBA

Japanese and Spanish are two of the languages that seniors have been able to learn most recently at the Davis Senior Center. Languages offered depend on interest of students and availability of instructors. Call the Senior Center at 757-5696 for an update on available classes.

Hem & Haw
Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

If you enjoy knitting, crochet, tatting, quilting, sewing or any other handwork, you will find kindred spirits at the Senior Center every Wednesday. Bring along any project that you are working on, and enjoy the pleasant conversation of an old-fashioned coffee klatch with friends.

International Conversation Partners
ongoing

If you have always longed to have friends from other countries, and enjoy a free exchange of ideas and points of view, this program is for you. You will be paired with a foreign student, and meet with them on as informal basis once a week. Conversation can flow on a variety of topics of interest to you both, and while you learn more about other cultures, they will be learning more about the American way of life while improving their English skills. Call (530) 758-6122 or susanlinz@hotmail.com to participate.

Memoirs
Beginning Students: Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Continuing Students: Fridays, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

This class, which is offered through the Davis Adult School, provides older adults with the tools to sift through fond memories and experiences and bring them alive again by means of the pen (or word processor!). Working in a supportive environment, writers will workshop and assist each other as they grow as writers. The finished product, of course, is a personal collection of one's life stories. These can form the basis of future writings and are wonderful gifts to family members. Call 757-5696 to learn more about this wonderful class.

Men's Social Group
4th Wednesday of each month, 10:00 a.m.
Free!

This informal group is a chance for men to gather for activities they choose and enjoy.  Volunteer participant, Rush Darigan, facilitates the group members in animated discussions about selecting future activities for the group. Current activities include coffee in the lounge, restaurant outings, sports events, local performances, expert speakers…anything the group decides!  For more information, call Lisa or Rush at (530) 757-5696.

Nostalgics Singing Group
Fridays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
No Charge

Everyone is welcome to join this wonderful singing group as we harmonize to some of the favorite tunes of yesteryear and today. Sheet music is provided to singing group members, and piano accompaniment is provided.

Basic One-Stroke Painting
2nd & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
$5.00   1-day plus materials fee*
$8.00   2-days plus materials fee*
$15.00 4-days plus materials fee*

Come join certified instructor Sandra Gray-Fitzpatrick for this fun and simple way to learn decorative painting.  This class will provide you with a solid foundation of skills needed for Donna Dewberry'’s One Stroke style painting, as well as introducing you to flowers, leaves and curlicues.  Students will also receive instruction on how to properly load, clean and care for their brushes.  It is a perfect class for both the artistically challenged and the experienced painter who would like to expand their skills on brush control and stroke work.  Each class is designed to build upon the skills learned in the previous class.  *Please note:  There is a materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class.  All supplies become the property of the student, and can be used for succeeding classes.

Pen Pal Program
ongoing

The Davis Senior Center has teamed up with North Davis Elementary School in a collaborative effort to help children learn about language and community. The Pen Pal Program is aimed at teaching children to use language in a meaningful way. They will also gain an improved sense of self-esteem and community service by reaching out to older members in their community and making new friends. We need 18 volunteer pen pals for each class. Letters will be short, simple and fun! Call 757-5696 to sign up!

Red Hat Society - DSC Rockers
Generally meets the 3rd Friday of each month, 2:00 p.m.
Free!

The Red Hat Society was formed in 1998 by Sue Ellen Cooper of Fullerton, California, and is based upon fun and friendship amongst women. Today, the Red Hat Society continues its philosophy by encouraging women to take a little time out for themselves – to play with their friends and participate in activities they find enjoyable.  Sue Ellen’s definition of kindred spirit is not connected to race, religion or philanthropy. It simply inspires us to share the bonds of womanhood. 

There are two simple requirements to become a member. The first is that each member must wear the proper clothing denoting her membership at each event. Red and purple if she is 50 years or better, and pink & lavender if she is under 50 years of age. The second requirement is one must be a female to belong to the Red Hat Society.

To become a member of the DSC Rockers (local Davis chapter), you simply need to complete a membership application available at the Senior Center.  There is no cost for this initial registration.  Members also have the opportunity to upgrade their membership status to a "Purple Perks" membership, for a cost of $18.00 per year.  This classification provides additional benefits through the national organization headquarters.

Planning monthly events & activities is a joint task for all members.  Events can range from public, as in going to a restaurant or show, to having a pajama party or potluck in your home. It is up to the membership to decide.  For more information, you may go online to the Red Hat Society Website - www.redhatsociety.com or call the Senior Center at (530) 757-5696.

Senior Center Reads . . .
Third Tuesday, every other month, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
No Charge

This group consists of interested readers who read one specific book for a specified time period, and then follow up the reading with an animated discussion. The books are selected collectively by the group, as well as their discussion leader, Stan Forbes, Sacramento Avid Reader bookstore owner. Selected books are usually available for purchase at the Davis Senior Center for a discounted price leading up to the discussion date. All interested readers are encouraged to join the group!

Senior Speakers Bureau
ongoing

So many of our visitors have lived through extraordinary times, worked in fascinating professions, and traveled to exotic places. Your life experiences can be enriching to the students of Davis High School. If you are interested in addressing a class or small group of students, call the Senior Center at 757-5696. We will explore the areas that you feel qualifies to speak about, and help you make the connection with the appropriate classroom teacher.

Studio Painting
Oil & Acrylic - Mondays, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Watercolor - Fridays, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Whether your medium is watercolor, oil or acrylics, whether you are a novice or an experienced painter, we have a great location for you to come and meet others who share your artistic flair and interests. Individuals informally gather and assist in learning and critiquing each other's projects. The Watercolor class does provide volunteer instructors, rotating on a monthly basis, which can provide participants with specific painting projects and tips. Both painting groups have opportunities to display their works throughout our lobby halls, and many of them even enter their works in local and regional fairs.

UCD Noon Concert Series
Thursdays - 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
No Charge

We encourage all interested in classical music to take advantage of our proximity to UC Davis and its wonderful noon concert series that is held on Thursdays when school is in session during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. We meet in the lobby of the senior center at 11:15 a.m., and walk over to the Unitrans bus stop together. Transportation on Unitrans is free for Seniors, and you can pick up a pass if you don't already have one in the lobby before we leave. The bus lets us off close by the Music Building where the 1 hour long, free concerts are held. We return from the bus stop closest to the Music Building directly afterwards. Come join the "Thursday Nooners" - it's easy and fun!

Video Movies
Fridays - 12:15 p.m.
No Charge

Sometimes it's just more fun to see a movie with friends! Every week we bring you a wonderful film selection for your viewing pleasure. Our tastes are eclectic, so you will probably see some films that you might not choose yourself. From new releases to old favorites, there's sure to be something you enjoy. Check the Senior Scene for the playbill for each month. Make a reservation for lunch, and you can walk right down the hall to the movies afterwards! Now that's the way to spend a rainy fall or winter afternoon.