Iowa City Senior Center September-October 2025 Program Guide

Your community Senior Center is here for you! Offering free and low-cost programs, services, and facilities geared toward older adults. Based in downtown Iowa City with programs and services offered throughout Johnson County. Membership open to anyone age 50+, wherever you live, with low-income discounts available. Here to help you stay active, curious, and connected! Open 7 Days a Week: Mon-Thu, 8 am - 7 pm Fri, 8 am - 5 pm Sat, 9 am - 1 pm Sun, 12 - 5 pm New Classes & Events: Community Engagement, page 4 Lifelong Learning, page 7 Social Connections, page 13 Wellness, page 16 Services by Appointment, page 20

icgov.org/senior

ABOUT THE SENIOR CENTER

OUR MISSION To enhance quality of life by creating opportunities to support: wellness social connections community engagement lifelong learning for a diverse and growing older adult population. OUR VISION To extend social involvement and end social isolation for people age 50+. inclusion by creating a more equitable, accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive senior center where differences are recognized, respected, valued, and celebrated. OUR EQUITY STANDARD To purposefully embrace 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 srcenter@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5220.

BECOME A MEMBER OF ICSC! Membership is open to anyone age 50+ and includes access to the Senior Center’s fitness rooms, billiards room, and classes that require membership. A membership can be purchased anytime and is good for one year from the date it starts. Membership renewal extends your membership for one year from the expiration date. 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) How to sign up or renew your membership: Go online: icgov.org/senior/registration Stop in: 7 days a week during open hours Call us: 319-356-5220 Mail a check: 28 S. Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52240 Low-income discount: We never want financial concerns to be a barrier to full participation. 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. It also provides discounts on some class fees and the option to buy an annual ICSC parking permit for $10. For more info, 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. Ask for details at the reception desk.

STAY ACTIVE | CURIOUS | CONNECTED

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2025

INDEX OF PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4 Prairie Hike AARP Driver Safety Beginner Birder Hike Intergenerational Trivia Night Cycling Without Age @ Bike Library Cinema Salon Grand Babies Soul Train Block Party Barbara Schlachter & Ann Christensen Memorial Film Series Author Reading by Margalea Warner Fall Gallery Walk: Robert Yale Richardson 2025 ICSC Pickleball Jamboree Celebration of Hispanic Heritage: ¡Celebremos juntos! Community Coffee & Table to Table PLANNING AHEAD 6 Legacy Matters: Planning with Purpose Death Doulas/Midwives/Guides Advance Care Planning Workshops Living Well at Home: Understanding Home Health & Hospice LIFELONG LEARNING 7 Lost Art: Stories of Missing Masterpieces Viewing Values: Films of the 1970s

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS 13 Death Cafe SSRO Reader’s Theatre Group Original Mature Groovers Becoming Elder

Gentle Stroll in the Park Stories from Ancestors Sports Forum Card Games Senior Bowling

SIGN UP FOR CLASSES! You can register: Online at

Book Report Open Studio Mindful Walking Let’s Play Scrabble Queer Elders The Pomtastiks!

icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220

In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days a week during open hours

Coffee with Friends 50+ Singles Group Caregiving Support Group Keep Us In Stitches Film Fridays ICSC Photography Club WELLNESS 16 Preparing the Heart & Mind: Anticipatory Grief Hearing Loss & Amplification Tinnitus Educational Session Move Better, Feel Better Series

Check out our online registration how-to video at tinyurl.com/SC-onlinereg . For multi-session programs with registration, please sign up prior to the first meeting date and plan to attend all (or most) sessions. 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 ICSC membership is a prerequisite for some classes. If membership is required, it 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 the instructor on the first day of class. For virtual programs with fees, payment instructions are

Write Your Life Story The Faith of an Atheist MAKING MUSIC 8 Iowa City New Horizons Band Tremble Clefs Iowa Voices of Experience Lyrics Alive Ukulele Friends MAKING ART 9 ICSC Nature Journal Club You Can Draw (Yes, You Can!) Watercolor Techniques Workshop Make a Gourd Night Light Gourd with Oil Candle Insert

WISE-Wellness Initiative for Senior Edu. Stepping On Fall Prevention Workshop Mindfulness Practice Group Laughter Club STRONG, STEADY & UNBREAKABLE SERIES 17 Build Better Bones: Impact of Exercise Muscle Matters: Strength for Better Aging Build Better Balance FITNESS & MOVEMENT 18 T’ai Chi Classes Connecting with Balance Fitness Foundations Slow Flow Yoga Yoga with Esther BeMoved Dance Fit 4 Life with Lindsey Parkinson’s Exercise Class Zumba Qigong Movement for Wellbeing Tap Dance Classes LIVE 2 B HEALTHY 20 Cardio Drumming Strength, Balance & Flexibility Tai Ji Quan SERVICES 20 Therapeutic Massage Personal Training with Jake Raecker Advance Health Care Planning Caregiver Information and Referral SHIIP Medicare Counseling

LANGUAGE LEARNING 10 Intro to French Language & Culture Intro to Russian Language & Culture Barely Beginners Spanish II Intermediate Conversational Spanish Reading Spanish Texts in Spanish Use It, Don’t Lose It! Spanish Conversation CO-SPONSORED BY TRAIL 11 Thread by Thread Fantastic Feathers: Fashion Craze...Tragic Result FINANCIAL PLANNING 11

Estate Planning Basics Long-Term Planning TECHNOLOGY 12 Device Advice

Smartphones for Seniors Beginner Photography Tech Help Drop-in Hours Tuesdays with Tom What’s Causing Rising Distrust in Healthcare? The Truth About Bats

provided at the time of registration or soon after.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Keep in touch with your community, tap into resources and partnerships

Prairie Hike Tuesday, Sep 2, 10-11 am Location: Kent Park (meet at the Valley View Parking Area) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Take in the late summer blooms on this prairie hike guided by a Johnson County Conservation naturalist. The hike is 1.5 miles over grass trail with a few hills along the way. There is no seating along this trail. Meet at the Valley View Parking Area in Kent Park. Contact kmorrow@johnsoncountyiowa.gov or 319 645-1011 if you have questions. Membership required.

Intergenerational Trivia Night Wednesday, Sep 10, 6:30-8 pm Location: Assembly Room Register online or call 319-356-5220 Host/Organizer: Students from Pi Beta Phi

Put your brain to work while having fun and getting to know community members of all ages! Join an intergenerational team when you arrive and pool your collective knowledge to answer questions in a variety of categories, such as pop culture, current events, history, literature, geography, etc. Snacks and prizes will be provided. Everyone is welcome! New to our community, Cycling Without Age @ Bike Library is part of a global network whose mission is to share the joy of cycling with those who are not able to bike independently. Using an e-assist trishaw, we’ll offer rides to Senior Center members, friends, and anyone interested in volunteering as a pilot (peddler). Pre-register to take a ride! Bring your own picnic. Terry Trueblood Recreation Area: Thursday, Sep 11, 12-1 pm Thursday, Sep 25, 12-1 pm Ashton House, 820 Park Rd: (Open to wheelchair users, no transfer necessary) Cycling Without Age @ Bike Library Register online or call 319-356-5220

AARP Driver Safety Friday, Sep 5, 10 am - 3 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Susan Clark

Learn proven safety strategies to maintain your confidence behind the wheel, so you can make new memories on the road. This course teaches defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and rules of the road, how to deal with aggressive drivers, how to safely use anti-lock brakes/air bags/safety belts, techniques for handling left turns, right-of way, blind spots and more. Plus, some insurance companies offer a discount for completing the course. There will be an hour lunch break around noon. Fee: $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-AARP members; pay instructor. Low-income discounts are not available for this program. Beginning Birder Hike Tuesday, Sep 9, 8-9 am Location: Kent Park (meet at the Conservation Education Center) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Join a Johnson County Conservation naturalist for a 1-1.5 mile hike to take in the beginning of the fall bird migration. This program is aimed at beginning birders, but all are welcome to attend. Binoculars will be provided to anyone who needs. There is no seating along the trail, and there are a couple hills on the route. Contact kmorrow@johnsoncountyiowa.gov or 319-645-1011 with questions. Membership required.

Thursday, Oct 9, 12-1 pm Thursday, Oct 23, 12-1 pm

Cinema Salon Tuesdays, Sep 16, Oct 21, 3 pm Location: FilmScene at The Chauncey Register online or call 319-356-5220

Senior Center members are invited to FilmScene to view a new film each month, followed by a 30-minute discussion facilitated by Frank Murray. Screenings are open to the public and seating is first come, first served. Films are announced two weeks in advance. Register with the Senior Center by 5 pm the day before each screening. Fee: $6 (no additional discount for low-income membership participants available); pay at FilmScene box office. Membership required.

Online at icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220 In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days/week during open hours

REGISTER:

Grand Babies Wednesdays, Sep 17, Oct 15, 9-10:30 am Location: Assembly Room Register online or call 319-356-5220

Fall Gallery Walk: Robert Yale Richardson Friday, Oct 3, 5-8 pm Location: Assembly Room Discover the vibrant work of Robert Yale Richardson, a lifelong artist whose career spans graphic design, watercolor, acrylic painting, cartooning, and fine art foiling. A former prepress manager and editorial cartoonist, Robert now teaches and creates at Arts Iowa City's ArtiFactory. Influenced by nature, his father, and past mentors, Robert's work blends traditional and experimental techniques, often inspired by birds, gardens, and political satire. Don't miss this eclectic and colorful showcase of a true Iowa artist. 2025 ICSC Pickleball Jamboree Saturday, Oct 4, Doors open at 9 am Location: GreenState Family Fieldhouse Register online: https://bit.ly/ICSCPBJ25 This all-ages event features clinics with tournaments following at all skill levels: beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced. Never played pickleball, but want to check it out? We’ll have lessons for first timers! The spectator section and raffle are open to the public. Tickets are $35 and include clinic and tournament entry! Special thanks to our GOLD Sponsor for this event: Celebration of Hispanic Heritage: ¡Celebremos juntos! Saturday, Oct 11, 10 am - 12 pm Location: Assembly Room Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a cultural showcase! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about and appreciate the vibrant cultures of various Hispanic countries. Prepare for a fun morning where members of our community will share the rich culture, tradition, music, and delicious food of some Hispanic countries. ¡Los esperamos! This free, family event is supported by the Johnson County United Nations Association. icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City 52240 Proceeds support:

Join us for Grand Babies, an intergenerational storytime program that brings together babies, parents, nannies, and older adults for stories, songs, and interactive activities. Hosted by the Senior Center in partnership with the Iowa City Public Library, this free program fosters early literacy, social connections, and a sense of belonging across generations. Membership required. Soul Train Block Party Saturday, Sep 20, 6-9 pm Location: Linn Street in front of the Senior Center Get ready to groove under the summer sky! Come to the Soul Train Block Party on Linn Street just outside of the Senior Center on Saturday, Sep 20. Dance to the beats of DJ Storm, enjoy Soul Train dance lines, grab a bite to eat from a local food truck, and capture memories at the photo booth. Support the event by bringing a food donation for the Senior Center pantry or contributing a suggested $10 donation. Rain location is the Senior Center Assembly Room. Barbara Schlachter and Ann Christensen Memorial Film Series Wednesdays, Oct 1-22, 3 pm Location: Room 302 Organizer: 100 Grannies for a Livable Future Join us each week to view a film on an environmental topic, followed by a short facilitated discussion. Oct 1: Microplastic Madness Oct 8: Green Warriors: Soil Threat

Oct 15: Right to Harm Oct 22: Acid Horizon

Author Reading by Margalea Warner Thursday, Oct 2, 11 am Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220

Join us for a reading by Margalea Warner from her memoir, Choosing Dance Over Despair: How I Found Keys to Joy and Recovery While Living with Serious Mental Illness . Margalea will share her mental health recovery story and invite community conversation. Margalea is a member and past board member of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Johnson County and a founding member of the Compeer friendship matching program. At age 65, Margalea considers herself a triumphant tortoise for making slow but persistent progress in reaching her lifetime dream of publishing a book.

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PLANNING AHEAD

Legacy Matters: Planning with Purpose Tuesdays, Sep 9-30, 10-11:30 am Location: Hybrid (Room 308 & Zoom) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Mary McCall In this series of workshops, we will work our way through the book by AARP and the American Bar Association entitled Checklist for My Family: A Guide to My History, Financial Plans and Final Wishes . Each session will cover a focused topic and 1-2 chapters of the book, facilitating your organization of vital information for your family or loved ones to know in case of your incapacitation or end-of-life. Topics include: Legal and Medical: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, and Final Wishes Personal and Family History (including medical) Financial Issues I: Banking, Savings, Investments Financial Issues II: Benefits (retirement, veterans), Real Estate, Other Assets Fee: $150 with book included, or $140 if you provide your own book ($105 for participants in ICSC's low-income membership program); pay instructor. The first session will meet from 10 am - 12 pm. Death Doulas/Midwives/Guides: Who They Are & What They Do Wednesday, Sep 10, 12-1 pm Location: Room 309 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Mary McCall In this session, a panel of death midwives will share their roles in supporting individuals, families, and friends when someone is facing a terminal diagnosis or hospice and end of-life. We’ll explore the backgrounds of the midwives and their areas of specialty, ranging from legacy projects to rituals to death plans to sitting vigil the last days/hours, as well as after-death plans and care for loved ones. Bring your friends, family, and lots of questions!

Advance Health Care Planning Workshops Instructor: Mary McCall Thursday, Sep 25, 1-3 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Friday, Oct 3, 12-2 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 We can't predict when a sudden illness or injury could leave us unable to communicate or make decisions. Learn how to talk about and document your health care preferences to ensure that your family, friends, and health care team know what's important to you and your wishes are honored. Living Well at Home: Understanding Home Health & Hospice Thursday, Oct 23, 10-11 am Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Iowa City Hospice This presentation will explore how home health and hospice services help seniors live safely and comfortably at home. We’ll discuss who qualifies, what services are provided, and how they support independence, healing, and quality of life. Learn how skilled care teams— including skilled nurses, therapists, aides, social workers, and more—can assist with recovery, manage chronic conditions, or provide compassionate end-of-life support, all in the comfort of home. Discover how these services empower you or your loved ones to age in place with dignity, support, and peace of mind.

Community Coffee & Table to Table Mondays, 9 am - 12 pm Location: 1st Floor Lobby Start your week off with a cup of joe and some informal conversation in the 1st floor lobby of the Senior Center. All are welcome! Free grocery deliveries from Table to Table arrive in the Assembly Room, usually around 11 am on Mondays, and are open to anyone in need. Participants are called in randomized small groups to enter the room to shop. Registration/check-in is required for Table to Table shopping.

Table to Table bridges the gap between abundance and hunger. Its mission is to increase food equity and reduce environmental harm by collecting and redistributing surplus food to people who can use it.

Online at icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220 In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days/week during open hours

REGISTER:

LIFELONG LEARNING Cultivate your curiosity, expand your perspective, develop new skills

Lost Art: The Stories of Missing Masterpieces Wednesdays, Sep 3 - Oct 8, 1-2:30 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: Beth Stence

Write Your Life Story Fridays, Sep 12, 26, Oct 10, 24, 1-2:30 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Marge Daniels Write about the people, places, and events that have created your memories. We encourage and inspire writing using our own everyday voice (vocabulary, grammar, etc.). Authors usually read their stories for the other writers to listen and offer supportive and constructive comments to help the story. Sharing is optional. Membership required. Morning Session: 10:30 am - 12 pm Register online or call 319-356-5220 Afternoon Session: 1:30-3 pm Register online or call 319-356-5220 Louis DeGrazia has been teaching theology courses at the Senior Center since 2006 and has repeatedly said it would be his last class. However, Louis had a conversation with his son which has encouraged him to teach his newest class: “ When I asked my son if I should venture to teach another class, he said yes, and I know what it should be. What is that, I replied. A course on your own theology was his immediate response. But I have never done that, so he said it's time, then. But why would I do that? I questioned. Because for 19 years you have been posing questions in classes, and now it's time for them to question you.” What I propose to do is share with you my theological beliefs and how I arrived at them. You will surely have adopted different theological postures for your personal life. What I am asking you to do is write down questions you would like to ask me, either about why I believe as I do or how I came to hold that view. My goal is for us to understand each other, never to convince or persuade. My purpose is to accept each other more fully as we learn from each other. Membership required. The Faith of an Atheist Thursdays, Sep 18 - Oct 23 Location: Room 308 Instructor: Louis DeGrazia

In this video lecture series, art historian Noah Charney delivers 12 fascinating lectures accompanied by graphics about lost art. We'll hear the stories behind the theft and/or destruction of some of the world's most famous pieces of art. From the 21st century Taliban's iconoclastic destruction of the 500-year-old Buddha statues at Bamiyan to the earthquake that felled the Colossus of Rhodes. From the theft of 13 paintings from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston to the long history of art plundered during war. Whether you are an art lover, history buff, or true crime fan, this course has something for you. Membership required.

Viewing Values: Films of the 1970s Fridays, Sep 12 - Oct 31, 10 am - 12 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Frank Murray

The best movies are shaped by two main elements: artistic and thematic. This course offers specific techniques for interpreting the artistic elements in any film, and consideration of how the specific time period of the film influences the thematic elements. We will look at seven classic films of the 1970s, including The Godfather, The Conversation, Network, Taxi Driver, Klute, Nashville, and Apocalypse Now . The first class meeting will be purely introductory, addressing the elements of analysis we will refer to throughout the course. Each of the seven remaining class sessions will address one film in depth, starting with The Godfather . In order to make our time in class both efficient and effective, students will be expected to view each film before class so that we can discuss it during our meetings. Films will be shown at the Senior Center at 9 am on the Wednesday before each class, or feel free to find and watch the films on your own. This is an introductory level course requiring no previous knowledge of film techniques but welcoming all at any level with an interest in figuring out how to get "more" out of the movies they watch. Membership required.

icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City 52240

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MAKING MUSIC

Iowa City New Horizons Band Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sep 2 - Dec 18, 9:30-10:30 am Location: Assembly Room Are you ready to embrace a new passion and connect with fellow music enthusiasts? Look no further than Iowa City New Horizons Band, where age is just a number and music knows no bounds! Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or revisiting a long-loved hobby, our band is the perfect place to grow and learn together. Led by experienced University of Iowa School of Music instructors, our sessions are designed to support your musical journey at every level. Make lasting friendships as you rehearse and perform a variety of musical genres, from classics to contemporary favorites. Engaging rehearsals foster skill development and camaraderie. Smaller group ensembles are offered for clarinet, flute, percussion, brass, and saxophone. Playing with the band offers performance opportunities to spread musical joy and showcase your talent at local events and venues including the Senior Center, Englert Theatre, Voxman Music Building, local parks and festivals. Beyond rehearsals, enjoy social gatherings and outings that strengthen bonds among band members. Start your musical journey today! To learn more, visit iowacitynhb.org, or just come to any rehearsal and bring your instrument. Are you or a loved one living with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? Discover the power of music with Tremble Clefs Iowa, a therapeutic singing group designed for individuals with PD, their caregivers, and family members. Led by Dr. Abbey Dvorak, a board-certified neurologic music therapist and University of Iowa associate professor, this weekly program uses vocal, breathing, and movement exercises to address common PD symptoms. Tremble Clefs supports individuals with PD by enhancing vocal strength, respiratory function, and motor coordination through rhythmic and vocal exercises. It also promotes emotional well-being and social connection, offering a therapeutic environment that fosters engagement and quality of life—regardless of musical background. This group is open to individuals with PD, spouses, caregivers, and extended family; no musical experience is needed. To learn more, visit trembleclefsarizona.org. Tremble Clefs Iowa Mondays, Sep 8 - Dec 15, 10:30 am - 12 pm Location: Room 302 Register: Email abbey-dvorak@uiowa.edu Director: Dr. Abbey Dvorak

Voices of Experience Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sep 9 - Dec 16, 1-2 pm Location: Assembly Room Register online or call 319-356-5220 Director: Jon Ranard Join our dedicated and talented group of singers as we rehearse a variety of music for mixed voices, representing multiple styles and genres. Now nearly 50 members strong, the Voices of Experience will gather on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, offering a welcoming, inclusive, creative, and fun environment as we prepare for our winter concert, slated for Thursday, Dec 18 at 2 pm. Participants are all members of the Iowa City Senior Center and pay a small fee to cover the cost of instruction, music, and materials for the chorus. Fee: $50 ($25 for participants in ICSC's low-income membership program) pay at registration. Membership required.

Lyrics Alive Mondays, 1:30-3 pm Location: Hybrid (Assembly Room & Zoom) Register to receive Zoom link The Senior Center's all-request singing group meets weekly for the joy of singing, without the pressure of performing. We usually sing with live piano and/or guitar accompaniment and sometimes sing a cappella. Join us in-person at the Senior Center or listen in and sing along online.

Ukulele Friends Wednesdays, 1-2:30 pm Location: Room 311

Do you play the ukulele or are you interested in learning? Come join a friendly ukulele group who play some of our favorite songs.

Online at icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220 In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days/week during open hours

REGISTER:

MAKING ART ICSC Nature Journal Club Thursdays, Sep 4, Oct 2, 2-4 pm Location: To be determined Register online or call 319-356-5220 Group leader: Sara Cavic

Watercolor Techniques Workshop Thursdays, Sep 11 - Oct 16, 10 am - 12 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Dr. Hani Elkadi

This class will include independent and collaborative training of various techniques of watercolor usage as an art medium that needs no previous experience. Various activities will focus on two main objectives: the first is still life rendering of composition or an object, and the second is imaginative expression of various ideas and/or emotions as a visual response to an event, a poem, or a story. Students will need to bring good quality watercolor paper, a set of 24 watercolors, and a set of Prisma color pencils. Both new and returning students are welcome. Fee: $140 ($105 for participants in ICSC's low-income membership program); pay instructor.

Meet monthly to journal together, either at a local park or natural area when weather permits, or at the Senior Center in case of inclement weather. Whether you’re already a nature journaler or have never done it before, all are welcome to join this group! No art or writing experience required—but curiosity about the natural world or a desire to observe and know it more deeply is encouraged. Bring any materials you are comfortable carrying and using. Nature journaling can be a combination of art and writing, or just one or the other—whatever you prefer. A notebook and pen/pencil is all you need to get started. Informal instruction in drawing and watercolor will be offered during our meetings for those interested. The goal of the group is to foster community and connection, with each other and with the natural world around us. There will be time for sharing our work, resources, questions, victories, or challenges. Membership required. You Can Draw (Yes, You Can!) Tuesdays, Sep 9 - Nov 25, 9:30-11:30 am Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Garth Conley Learn about observation and drawing what you see rather than what you think you see. This class explains how to see things as basic shapes and turn those shapes into drawings, how light works and how to draw it, and how to create that illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface. We will explore some different drawing techniques in a variety of projects. Repeat students welcome. Required text: Your Artist's Brain , Carl Purcell (2010). Suggested materials: Ebony or other drawing pencils, white vinyl eraser, kneaded eraser, pencil sharpener, 14x17 drawing pad. If you already have materials, bring those. Fee: $75 ($56.25 for participants in ICSC's low-income membership program); pay instructor. Membership required.

Make a Gourd Night Light Friday, Sep 26, 10 am - 1 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Terri Summer

We'll use small gourds and a night light kit to make your choice of a luminary style night light or a glowing night light. We'll prepare the gourds to fit the night light hardware and decorate them with acrylic paints and/or alcohol inks. All supplies and materials will be provided by the instructor. Discounts are not available for this class. Material fee: $15; pay instructor. Membership required.

Gourd with Oil Candle Insert Friday, Oct 10, 10 am - 1 pm Location: Room G07 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Terri Summer

Make a decorative yet functional project using a hard shell gourd with a glass candle insert. Students will decorate their project using a variety of color techniques and carving, if desired. We'll embellish the projects using the student's choice of materials and finish it with a glass candle insert. Students should wear comfortable clothes that they are okay with getting dirty or bring an apron to protect their clothing. All supplies and materials will be provided by the instructor. Discounts are not available for this class. Material fee: $15; pay instructor. Membership required.

icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City 52240

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LANGUAGE LEARNING

Introduction to French Language and Culture Wednesdays, Sep 3 - Oct 22, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Lidia Skrynnikova In this introductory class, we will learn fundamental French vocabulary and grammar. We will focus on basic conversation and reading skills. We will also listen to French songs, discuss French literature, and explore various cultural traditions. For more information about this class please contact Lidia at lrskryn@gmail.com. Fee: $95 ($71.25 for participants in ICSC's low-income membership program); pay instructor. Introduction to Russian Language and Culture Mondays, Sep 8 - Oct 27, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Lidia Skrynnikova In this introductory class, we will learn Cyrillic alphabet, basic pronunciation, and fundamental grammar concepts. We will also explore Russia's multifaceted cultural heritage focusing on songs, fairy tales, poetry, movies, and culinary traditions. For more information about this class please contact Lidia at lrskryn@gmail.com. Fee: $95 ($71.25 for participants in ICSC's low-income membership program); pay instructor. Barely Beginners Spanish II Wednesdays, Sep 10 - Oct 15, 10-11 am Location: Room 311 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Instructor: Corinne Stanley This class will cover vocabulary and useful phrases of the body, including how to express illness. Another theme will be restaurant and food vocabulary. The class will learn the names of a variety of foods, how to politely speak in a restaurant, and how to order dishes, pay bill, etc. If the class agrees, we can add an extra day to visit a local restaurant and practice our knowledge in "real life!" Fee: $45; pay instructor. Plus, material fee: $5; pay ICSC at registration. (Fee for participants in ICSC's low-income membership program: $33.75; pay instructor). Membership required.

Intermediate Level Conversational Spanish Tuesdays, 1-2 pm Location: Room 308 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: William Heald Many find the most difficult part of conversing in a foreign language to be hearing with understanding, an essential component of conversation. Increasing familiarity with the language is the only sure path to success. In this intermediate conversational Spanish group, we try to master the grammatical and vocabulary skills necessary for reading and conversing in Spanish. For more information about this group, contact william-heald@hotmail.com. Membership required. Reading Spanish Texts in Spanish Tuesdays, 2-3 pm Location: Room 309 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: William Heald This group read and translate intermediate level Spanish texts, then discuss them. We will read some famous Spanish authors and other works of interest to participants. This is not a Spanish conversation group.

Use It, Don't Lose It! Spanish Conversation with Jessica Wednesdays, 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. This conversation group for intermediate to advance levels will have a different topic and vocabulary each week. Membership required.

Online at icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220 In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days/week during open hours

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

CO-SPONSORED BY TRAIL OF JOHNSON COUNTY ICSC is excited to partner with TRAIL of Johnson County to present two new programs this fall. Fantastic Feathers: When a Fashion Craze Created Tragic Results Wednesday, Sep 3, 10-11 am Presenter: Becky Gelman, Retired ICCSD teacher librarian In the past, and today, feathers abound in the fashion world. The use of feathers became pronounced as the fashion craze for ladies' feather-adorned hats grew in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Join us to learn how feathers have been used over time and how this fashion trend ignited a demand for exotic feathers that cost the lives of millions of birds in an unregulated bird trade, now referred to as "Murderous Millinery." Location: Hybrid (Room 302 & Zoom) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Join us for a presentation by Cathy Parrott, who joined the University of Iowa's Theatre Arts faculty in as Assistant Professor of Costume Design in 2024, bringing nearly two decades of industry experience into the classroom. Based in New York City for most of her career, she built a vibrant and versatile portfolio in theatre, film, and television as a freelance costume designer. Her design work has been featured at renowned institutions including the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Rubicon Theatre Company, and New York City's Midtown International Theatre Festival. Internationally, she designed costumes for Tagore's Sacrifice with Epic Actors Workshop in Kolkata and New Delhi, India, and served as Associate Costume Designer for Motown: The Musical in London's West End. On Broadway, Cathy's associate design credits include Hell's Kitchen by Alicia Keys, Motown: The Musical , On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan , and Diana: The Musical . Her work in film as an assistant costume designer includes high-profile productions such as The Greatest Showman (starring Hugh Jackman and Zendaya), Lin Manuel Miranda's In the Heights , and Spirited with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. Throughout her career, Cathy has collaborated with some of the most celebrated costume designers in the industry. Thread by Thread Wednesday, Sep 10, 10-11:30 am Location: Hybrid (Room 302 & Zoom) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Cathy Parrott

Estate Planning Basics Thursday, Sep 11, 11 am - 12 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Jill Watskey, Attorney In this interactive session, we will discuss the different ways your assets can pass to your loved ones when you die. Specifically, we will cover documents like the Revocable Living Trust and Last Will and Testament. We will also discuss options such as joint ownership and payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary designations. Each of these options have pros and cons, and we will talk about those in detail. We will also spend time discussing which option might be best given a person's particular asset situation and wishes. Membership required. Long-Term Planning Thursday, Sep 18, 11 am - 12 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Jill Watskey, Attorney There are various options for paying for long-term care: private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and VA benefits. While Medicare sometimes pays the costs of long-term care for a while, it never pays for an extended nursing home stay. Medicaid is the program that pays for long-term care, but it can be a confusing program to understand, especially when you are in the middle of a health crisis or caring for someone who is. In this interactive session, we will talk about how qualifying for Medicaid works for people who are married and single. Specifically, we will discuss the division of assets, the options for spending down assets, the five-year look-back period for making gifts, and the exceptions to the gifting rules. Membership required.

icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City 52240

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TECHNOLOGY

Tuesdays with Tom Tuesdays, Sep 23, 30, Oct 14, 2-3 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Tom Schulein returns this fall with a series of talks of local interest and beyond! Sign up for each session you plan to attend. Membership required. Sep 23: The Housefly - Tom will share the fascinating story of the most widely-distributed insect in the world, the housefly. Sep 30: Glimpses of Historical Iowa City - Tom will present excepts from his recent book, Images of America: Iowa City , which spans the long journey since our city’s founding in 1839. Oct 14: The Streets of Iowa City - Everything associated with the streets in Iowa City will be shared with the audience, plus an update on current and future plans for expansion/upgrades. What Is Causing Increasing Distrust in Healthcare? Friday, Sep 26, 1-2 pm Location: Assembly Room Organizer: Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) Why are people around the world increasingly distrustful of science and medical innovation in healthcare? What is the role of traditional knowledge in healing, and how can we ensure approaches that establish its harmony with modern healthcare practices? Join us for a discussion with Jeanine P. Abrons, PharmD, MS and Lorenzo Sanford, the youngest chief in Dominica's history of the Kalinago people. They will explore how, over time, certain medical systems (often shaped by colonial and academic traditions, as well as political agendas) have intentionally and unintentionally overlooked the wisdom of community elders, healers, and cultural practices and the related impacts to health access and relationship dynamics. These realities have at times created distance between communities and healthcare institutions. Drawing from the experiences of the Caribbean and Iowa, we will reflect on the rich legacy of healing traditions--such as bush medicine, community-based interventions, spiritual care, and folk, herbal, and healing practices and structures. These traditions carry generations of knowledge that have supported wellness and resilience in communities--and may even provide healthcare remedies amidst today's political division and medical misinformation. Refreshments will be provided by ICFRC.

Device Advice Thursdays, Sep 11 - Nov 20, 2-3 pm Location: 2nd Floor South Device Advice is a UI student volunteer group that works to help shrink the digital divide between generations! Volunteers will be at the Senior Center to offer guidance on all things technology, so bring your devices and your questions. Smartphones for Seniors Tuesday, Sep 23, 10-11 am Location: Room 311 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Moments Hospice is hosting a relaxed, Q&A-style session to help people get more comfortable with their smartphones--whether Android or iPhone. Bring your questions and your phone for a hands-on, judgment-free learning experience. Membership required. Beginner Photography Thursday, Oct 23, 10-11 am Location: Room 311 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Moments Hospice is hosting a beginner-friendly photography class for using smartphones or digital cameras. Learn how to use your camera's basic functions, frame your shots, and explore simple editing techniques to make your photos shine. Membership required. Tech Help Drop-in Hours Fridays, 1-3 pm Location: 2nd Floor South Do you need to troubleshoot issues or work through questions related to your tech devices, apps, or web-based services? Bring your laptop, smartphone, or tablet and your questions, and stop by to connect with knowledgeable volunteers during our

The Truth About Bats Tuesday, Oct 28, 2-3 pm Location: Room 302

Register online or call 319-356-5220 Presenter: Johnson County Conservation

Part trivia, part species' profiles, this interactive program will help you sort bat fact and fiction, and learn about these misunderstood nocturnal friends.

weekly tech help sessions. All experience levels are welcome.

Online at icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220 In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days/week during open hours

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SOCIAL CONNECTIONS Create new friendships, find support, boost your resilience, prioritize joy!

Death Cafe Fridays, Sep 5, Oct 3, 1-2 pm Location: Room 309

Becoming Elder Fridays, Sep 19, Oct 17, 1-2:30 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: Thomas Dean

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. This is open to people of all ages, no membership or registration required. For more information on the purpose of this group, visit deathcafe.com or contact Michelle Buhman at 319 356-5222. SSRO Reader's Theatre Group Wednesdays, Sep 10 - Dec 10, 2-3:30 pm Location: Room 309 Register online or call 319-356-5220 SSRO (Senior Standing Room Only) is Iowa City's one-of-a-kind Readers Theatre troupe, sharing the talents of our performers through skits, stories, humorous anecdotes, and theatre and film parodies. Rehearsing every Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm (resuming Sep 10), our fall session features completely original scripts written and created by our own SSRO members, plus a showstopping Cliff's Notes version of the 1954 classic movie "White Christmas," culminating in a performance at the Senior Center on the afternoon of Dec 10. Previous theatre experience and memorization are not required. Membership required. Original Mature Groovers Wednesdays, Sep 17, Oct 15, 12-1 pm Location: Assembly Room This group aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for older people of color to share their diverse perspectives and stories and foster new connections. Through regular meetings and events, members have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and learn from each other. The OMGers group welcomes all people of color age 50+ to join. Lunch is provided at our monthly meetings. For more details, contact LaTasha at ldeloach@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5225.

Join us as we explore what it means to “become elder” and how we might bring our life wisdom and unique gifts to others. We base our discussions on short readings by various authors, though no preparation is needed. Elderhood involves much more than the accumulation of lived years. Elderhood evolves when those lived years contribute to a special wisdom and vision that are shared with the community and society. In many ways, elderhood is the pinnacle of developing one’s wholeness as a person. Coming into wholeness is a lifelong process, and it continues in elderhood. Our monthly discussion series follows Parker Palmer’s Circle of Trust® approach, which invites the individual soul to show up in a safe space, where it can be heard and supported by a trustworthy community. If you’re attending for the first time, arrive by 12:45 pm for a brief orientation. Membership required.

Gentle Stroll in the Park Saturdays, Sep 20, 27, Oct 11, 25, 9-10 am Location: Various Local Parks (TBA) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Group leader: Deb VanderGaast

Join our Gentle Walkers Group! We meet at a different park each time (or at Coral Ridge Mall when the weather doesn't cooperate) to enjoy a leisurely walk and good company. Our pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to pause, rest on a park bench, and take in the scenery. All are welcome!

Stories from Ancestors Tuesday, Oct 7, 10-11:30 am

Location: Room 309 Facilitator: John Archer

Come and share a story with the group about events that happened in your ancestors' lives. The good times and hardships they faced. Stories that were passed down to you from your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles. How did your family come to live in Iowa? What world events affected their lives? What were their hopes for the future?

icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City 52240

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Sports Forum Mondays, 9-10 am

Mindful Walking Wednesdays, 9-10 am Location: Crandic Park (51 Rocky Shore Dr, IC) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Convener: Jay Gilchrist This ongoing, weekly, drop-in group takes a leisurely stroll up (and sometimes down) the Iowa River. We start every Wednesday at 9 am at Crandic Park and walk to the Iowa River Power dam, or along the Clear Creek Trail, or to Manville Heights. We walk throughout the year, except on extreme weather days. We walk, talk, and quietly point to the changes in the seasons, trees, birds, and prairie flowers and grasses along our path. The group is now in its fourth year; and newcomers, sometimers, and returnees are always welcome! This is not a strict mindfulness meditation program. It is designed to enhance the mindful practices and lifestyles of participants. Questions? Email jaygilchrist@gmail.com. Exercise your vocabulary and crossword skills. Come for some fun, friendly word play on a giant Scrabble board. Nancy Ostrognai hosts the games. Queer Elders Wednesdays, 2 pm Location: Room 308 This is a social group for LGBTQ elders to come together, share stories, and find community. We meet every Wednesday afternoon. On the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays we socialize and sometimes invite guest speakers. On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays we watch a film on LGBTQ topics and have a discussion after. In addition, we organize social events outside of our regular meetings and do outreach in the community, sharing our stories and experiences with other local groups. We also support the LGBTQ Iowa Archives and Library through collecting oral histories and gathering materials for the archive. For regular updates on our activities, join our Facebook page "Queer Elders of Iowa City." September is National Senior Center Month! The 2025 theme, Powering Possibilities: Flip the Script , invites us to challenge outdated perceptions of aging and senior centers. It celebrates the dynamic role that centers play in fostering creativity, connection, purpose, and resilience in later life. Let's Play Scrabble! Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 pm Location: 2nd Floor - South

Location: Hybrid (Room 308 & Zoom) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: George Sauerberg

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. For more details, contact Michelle Buhman at 319-356-5222 or mbuhman@iowa-city.org. Card Games Mondays, 1:30-3 pm Location: 1st Floor Lobby Join us on Mondays to play either Euchre or Pinochle. Mary Ann Letizio hosts the games.

Senior Bowling Tuesdays, Sep 2, 16, Oct 7, 21, 1-3 pm Location: Colonial Lanes

The Senior Bowling Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Colonial Lanes. The cost is $3 per game, and we usually bowl two games. Balls and shoes are available at Colonial Lanes with a cost for shoe rental, or bring your own if you have them. We bowl for fun and fellowship; all are welcome, please join us! For more information, contact Ginger Hanson at 319-621-4127 or sentral73@yahoo.com.

Book Report Tuesdays, Sep 9, Oct 14, 10:30 am - 12 pm Location: Room 309 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. Open Studio Wednesdays, 9 am - 2 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 provided.

Online at icgov.org/senior/registration By phone, call 319-356-5220 In-person at the Senior Center, 7 days/week during open hours

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The Pomtastiks! Wednesdays, 2:45-3:45 pm Location: Room G13

Keep Us in Stitches Fridays, 1-3 pm Location: Room 311

If you like to dance, enjoy music, are excited to learn choreography, and are comfortable performing in public, check out The Pomtastiks! We have 20+ choreographed dances in our repertoire and use poms and props to add fun and variety to each performance. We practice our choreography together weekly and at home using DVDs. New members welcome, so if performing in a high-energy dance group interests you, stop by a practice to meet us! For more info, call Shirley Myers at 319-351-5872. Membership required.

Join us any time to knit, sew, crochet, weave-- whatever fiber craft strikes your fancy! Gather with your fiber friends for conversation, sharing, and helpful support.

Coffee with Friends Thursdays, 9 am - 12 pm Location: 1st Floor Lobby

Enjoy a cup of coffee courtesy of Friends of ICSC. Strike up a conversation, read the newspaper, work on a puzzle, play games, or listen to the band play. This is a great time to connect with others and take in the day’s sights and sounds.

50+ Singles Group Thursdays, 9:30-11 am Location: Midtown Family Restaurant

Film Fridays Fridays, 2 pm Location: Assembly Room

Gather Thursday mornings and one weekend either afternoon or 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 are held at Midtown Family Restaurant 2 (1069 Highway 1 West, Iowa City). Monthly dinners are held at a different restaurant each month. For more details, contact Ann at icfiftyplussingles@gmail.com or 319 981-8049. Location: Hybrid (Room 308 & Zoom) Register online or call 319-356-5220 Facilitator: Mary McCall This ongoing, drop-in group provides a space for sharing experiences, resources, and support related to caregiving, with a focus on self-care. Participants are welcome to attend in-person or via Zoom, regularly or as they are able. Attendees can also meet with the facilitator outside of the group to assess and refer to community resources for caregiving and self-care. Caregiving Support Group Fridays, 9:30-11 am

Join us each week to watch a different movie on the big screen! Snacks are provided, and it’s always a good idea to dress in layers, just in case the room is too warm or cold. Sep 5: I’m Still Here (2025) Sep 12: Aisha (2022) Sep 19: The Crime is Mine (2023) Sep 26: Last Breath (2025) Oct 3: The Goldman Case (2023) Oct 10: Tótem (2024) Oct 17: 20,000 Species of Bees (2024) Oct 24: Juror #2 (2024) Oct 31: Mission Impossible: Fallout (2022)

ICSC Photography Club Fridays, Sep 12, Oct 10, 3-4 pm Location: Room 302 Register online or call 319-356-5220

Join the ICSC Photography Club, hosted by staff member Brad Mowrey, for monthly meetings to discuss gear, show photos, tell stories, and ask questions. Beginners welcome, experts too.

icgov.org/senior 319-356-5220 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City 52240

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