Scroll down to see the Senior Adult Programs at the JCC
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Senior Adult Programs
The Jewish Community Center Senior Adult Programs Office provides a variety of social, educational, cultural, and spiritual programs for older adults. Current
information about upcoming programs is available on the shelves next to the JCC Welcome Desk and via the Silver Scene monthly e-newsletter. You can always visit
www.shalomaustin.org/seniors or contact Tammy Kantor, LMSW, Senior Adult Programs Director at tammy.kantor@shalomaustin.org or (512) 735-8086 or check the Senior Programs at the JCC Welcome Desk. Door-to-door transportation is available for all of the programs listed here. Our bus is lift accessible. Please call Julia Sparks, Transportation Coordinator at (512) 735-8024 or email julia.sparks@shalomaustin.org to make arrangements.
Jewish Family Service also offers outreach services to older Jewish adults living in congregate living settings. JFS geriatric case management services provide help to older Jewish adults needing assistance in order to continue living in their own homes. JFS also offers assistance to families who seek information on area assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and provides consultation on end-of-life planning. See Jewish Family Service section for more information.
Senior Programs is looking for:
• Volunteers to help with Senior Programs Office Administrative Work
• Assist with High Holiday Events.
• Yarn Donations for Mitzvah Knitter's ongoing seasonal projects.
*NEW CLASS*
Social Media Classfor Senior Adults
6/5-7/17 (no class on 7/3) Wednesdays 3:30-5PM
AJA Computer Lab
Do you want to see the photos of your grandchildren, your kids are posting on the internet? Do you want to find other people who are concerned about environmental issues? Then this class is for you. A 6-week introduction to social media sites like e-mail, facebook, twitter and more. Instructed by Caitlin Meredith, $20 JCC Member / $25 Non-Members.
Please register with Code #: JFS1009 at the Welcome Desk or email annie.skelton@shalomaustin.org / call 735-8088 or Register Online.
Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Art Program
Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Art Program Senior Adults Do you love art? Are you longing for an outlet for creative self-expression? Do you want to experiment with different mediums? This spring join other seniors, together with Austin Jewish Academy 5th graders, for a journey of intergenerational creative expression. Using different mediums of craft – from watercolors, to clay to pencil drawings – Ms. Susan Slomowitz, art specialist at AJA, will guide each participant to create their own individual artistic expressions in a fun and artistic environment. This is a fall/spring combined workshop, but anyone can join for the spring sessions. For more information, contact Tammy Kantor at (512)735-8086 or tammy. kantor@shalomaustin.org. Meets in AJA Multipurpose Room.
Ongoing Weekly Programs
Most of these programs are free of cost with a suggested donation for refreshments and materials.
Join us for the wonderful activities below!
Mitzvah Knitters (Fridays 10-11 AM):
Give back to our community by volunteering your time and talent at the J! If you knit or crochet, or want to learn how, we have a weekly teacher attend to help you along the way. Projects vary each season and blankets, stuffed animals, hats and scarves are given to those who are less fortunate. Every last Friday of the month, join us for Knit & Nosh, from 10 AM - 12 PM. Meets in Room 150D.
News & Schmooze M 10 - 11 AM Ongoing
Start the week off right by discussing current events in an enjoyable fellowship environment. This group discusses local, national and international news and provides a dynamic and engaging space to keep up with local and world news. Bring in newspaper articles or research a topic of interest. Various guests from the community join monthly to discuss topics ranging from healthcare, politics, social media and other various topics. Donations requested to cover cost of refreshments. Meets in Community Hall 150D.
PACE – People with Arthritis Can Exercise (Mondays/Thursdays 11 AM-1 PM):
Participants in this group will go through a series of gently movements and activities designed to increase mobility and range of motion. PACE helps keep joints flexible, maintain muscle strength, and increase stamina. This program is for those who cannot use other exercise options and want additional exercise opportunities. A delicious, healthy lunch and facilitated discussion follows the exercise session. Pre-registration is required at the JCC Welcome Desk; call (512) 735-8000. For more information contact Debbie Rosenberg at (512) 735-8226. $4 per class for JCC members; $6 for non-members. Sessions pre-rated for 4 weeks at a time. Class meets in Community Hall 150D.
M I 11 AM -1 PM I Ongoing; New session begins every 4 weeks I $8m/$10nm
Th I 11 AM -1 PM I Ongoing; New session begins every 4 weeks I $8m/$10nm
Silver Lounge (Mondays 1-3:30 PM):
From Mah Jong to Poker, Bridge, Canasta and other games - the Silver Lounge has it all! Players gather weekly for an afternoon of game playing and conversation. Novices are welcome, as well as players with 'rusty' skills. This is a wonderful opportunity to find out who else loves to play your favorite games and make some new friends. Light refreshments served, donations requested towards cost of food. Meets in Community Hall 150D.
M 1 - 3:30 PM ongoing
Dell Tones Singers
(Rehearsals Thursdays 1:30 – 3:15 PM):
Be a part of our senior vocal ambassadors, singing show tunes and other classics and favorites, under the direction of Rabbi Marie Betcher of Congregation Shir Ami. Dell Tones perform monthly at various congregate and hospital facilities in Austin. Participants have opportunities to select, work on and perform solos. One black tie and one informal concert performed each year. Performance times vary as scheduled. New voices and all levels are welcome!
Thursdays 2 - 3:15 PM Ongoing
Simcha Reader's Theatre I Senior Adults
This 10-week Reader’s Theater workshop at the JCC will introduce participants to many different aspects of Senior Theater such as creative drama, improvisation, storytelling, and character analysis, with script-in-hand performances, all in a non-threatening environment. The participants will come full circle, from picking plays to performance. Actors Sue Bilich and Dianna Dorman are the organizers and instructors. A community performance will be held at the end of the workshop. For more information, contact Tammy Kantor at (512)735-8086 or tammy.kantor@shalomaustin.org.
Meets in Room 150D.
T I 1-3 PM I 1/22-4/30 I $20m/$25nm JE1005
Ongoing Monthly Programs
Holiday Celebrations
Come enjoy festive Jewish holidays and secular celebrations at the JCC. These special holiday programs include clergy-led song and prayer services, lunch and other entertainment. Upcoming holiday celebrations include: Rosh Hashanah Luncheon, Thanksgiving Luncheon, Women's Division Chanukah Party, New Year's Party. Kosher Lunches are provided ranging in price from $5 - $8. Women's Division celebrations are sponsored and free to attend. All holiday events occur in the JCC Community Hall. For more information on upcoming holiday celebrations, contact Tammy Kantor at (512) 735-8086 or tammy.kantor@shalomaustin.org.
Shabbat Shalom - Kesher Kehila
Join us once a month to celebrate the coming of Shabbat right here at the JCC. This monthly gathering will include Shabbat music and blessings with various clergy and community leaders as well as a kosher lunch.$3 requested donation to cover the cost of lunch. Meets in the JCC Community Hall.
Please see seniors calendar to check on date and times.
Lecture Series
Join us once a month for various lectures and talks. Topics range from health, religion, art, science and more. $2 requested donation to cover cost of speaker and refreshments. Meets in JCC Main Community Hall Stage.
Please see seniors calendar to check on date and times.
Matinee Movie Series
Join us once a month for various screenings from Documentaries, Dramas, Comedies, Foreign Films and more. Interactive discussions will follow each screening. Lunch provided. $3 requested donation to cover cost of lunch. Meets in Main Community Hall Stage.
Please see seniors calendar to check on date and times.
Eclectic Sounds: Music Lover's Concert Series
Come enjoy free concerts from various local, national and international artists. Performances held in the JCC Community Hall. Stay after the concert for dessert reception with artists. Donations appreciated to cover cost of refreshments. Concerts are once a month at various times.
Road Scholars
Join us once a month for bus trips as we explore all that Austin and Central Texas area have to offer! Destinations include inner and outer city galleries, museums and lectures, shows and concerts, restaurants, cultural events, movies and more. Reservations are required to ensure room on the bus and cost varies depending on event.