25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Sunday, January 6, 2013 from 3-5pm. Plan to join us for our Open House in observance of the Center’s 25th Anniversary. There will be facility tours, historical exhibits, refreshments, and live music provided by the “Mid-Life Crisis” band. Free and open to the public. NEW WINTER QUARTER CLASSES:Bridge – Begins Friday, January 11. Class intended for contract bridge players who want to modernize their game and learn more about basic and commonly used bridge conventions. Both social and advancing beginner duplicate bridge players are encouraged to participate. There will be an emphasis on bidding, play and defense. Each Friday from 10:00am until noon. Cost is $6 per session. Instructors will be Harold & Carol Winecoff. For more information, and to register, contact the Front Desk or call the Winecoffs at 704-857-2770.Communicating with American Sign Language: A course designed to instruct participants in basic American Sign Language (ASL) for use with community interactions with deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The course is taught by a certified teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing and will expose participants to basic language and vocabulary structures of ASL. Participants will also learn about the culture surrounding the Deaf community, and how to interact with members of this community. Although the course will not enable participants to be fluent, it will teach skills necessary for basic communication and conversation. Four week class begins Monday, January 28 and meets each week from 5:30pm-7:00pm. $50 registration fee. To register, call 704-216-7222.Digital Photography: Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 3:00-4:00pm. Attend any or all sessions with instructor Bill Ward, graduate of the New York Institute of Photography. Get the most out of your camera by learning about things such as white balance, ISO numbers, shutter speeds, lens openings and more. Bring your camera and operating manual (no cell phone cameras please.) The cost of the class is $15 per session, per person due at the beginning of each class. Pre-register for the first class by Monday, January 7 by calling the Front Desk at 704-216-7714.Drawing Fundamentals: A class of exercises on seeing and drawing with your artist’s eye. Creating lovely lines, simple perspective, composition, values and fun drawing tips will be covered. Drawing is the basic skill for most any art medium, so the class is appropriate for those of all skill levels. Instructor will be Marietta Smith. Class will meet on Fridays from 10:00am – noon February 1 – March 8. $100 registration fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Pre-register and obtain a supplies list at the Front Desk. Space is limited.Handmade Cards – Wednesday, January 2 at 1:00pm. Complete six handmade cards in one two-hour workshop session. All supplies will be provided. Cost is $12 per person payable upon arrival. Instructor is Daphne Houghton. Advance registration is required by calling the Center at 704-216-7714.Mind Aerobics Art Class – An introduction to mass drawing, pastels and sculpture is explained and demonstrated by professional artist Robert Toth. Explore the novelty that keeps the brain alive through the inspiration that art can give you. Choice of Monday or Friday afternoons from 2-4pm beginning January 4. $10 per session payable to the instructor.Oil Painting Fundamentals – For those of all levels who wish to develop strong oil painting skills. The class features a comprehensive approach to the subject that includes identifying a suitable object, creating a balanced design, sketching in the basic shapes, developing a pattern, choosing the appropriate colors, and deftly applying the paint. The class will offer handouts, demonstrations, and individual attention. Instructor will be Harold Frontz. Tuesdays from 1-5pm February 26-March 25 (five weeks). $100 per student payable at first class. To pre-register contact the Front Desk at 704-216-7714. Space is limited.Paint, Piddle & Draw – Begins Tuesday, January 8 at 9:00am. For members of all levels. Class meets each Tuesday morning from 9-11am. Instructor will be Frances Driscoll. $20 registration fee payable on first day of class. Call 704-216-7714 to register and obtain necessary supplies list.Stained Glass – For beginning, intermediate or advanced students. Two sections (Mondays 2-5pm or Mondays 5:45pm – 8:45pm) meeting from January 28 – March 18. Instructor is Mike Zeigler. $55 registration fee payable to instructor on first day of class, plus materials. Register by calling the Center at 704-216-7714 beginning January 14.Watercolor Painting – For beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Mondays 9:30am – 12:30pm meeting January 28 – April 22. Instructor will be Marietta Smith. $36 registration fee to RCCC plus materials. Register in person at the Center between January 14 – 18.Watercolor Workshops – Monday evenings at 7:00pm beginning January 7 with Frank Saunders. Receive individual guidance and benefit from group instruction as you work on your own watercolor projects. $12 fee per session payable to the instructor. Pre-registration is not required.NEW COMPUTER CLASSES:Introduction to Computers – Wednesday – Friday, January 9-11 from 1:00-4:00 pm or Wednesday – Friday, January 23-25 from 1:00-4:00pm. Have your children or grandchildren been begging you to use the computer they gave you? Or, did you buy a computer and still have it in the box months later? This is the class for you. We will learn about Windows 7, the internet, and Microsoft Word. This class offers a good introduction to basic computer use. The fee for either class is $28.Email Basics – Wednesday & Thursday, January 16-17 from 9:30-11:30am. This class will allow you to set up a secure email account while learning about important security issues important to know when using your email. You will also practice sending and receiving emails as well as doing attachments. The fee is $10.Microsoft Word (Word Processing) – Wednesday – Friday, January 30-February 1 from 9:00-11:00am. Microsoft Word allows you to do your basics in word processing (typing.) We will “play” with the different components of Microsoft and allow you time to explore beyond what we do in class. The fee for the class is $20.To take a computer class one must be a member of Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Classes without the minimum required registrants three days prior to class beginning will be canceled. Register at the Front Desk.NEW EXERCISE CLASSES:Zumba is here! Mondays at 5:30pm beginning January 7. Let this new fun and easy version of Zumba help you keep your New Year’s resolution to get more exercise. This class will feature a Zumba format tailored to be easier on knees and hips, while increasing leg strength, agility, and balance. Cost will be $10 per month. Must be 55 or older and a member of Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, and receive a fitness consult from one of the Center’s fitness trainers to enroll. Call Rufty-Holmes Senior Center at 704-216-7714 for more information on how to become a member.Tai Chi for Health: Begins Tuesday, February 5, meeting each Tuesday at 3:00pm. Beginners are welcome. Practice balance, reduce stress and increase strength and flexibility. Research indicates that this slow and gentle exercise can improve health and reduce falls. Participants also have the option of joining the on-going Tai Chi practice class that meets Thursdays at 3:00pm. Cost is $10 per month for Tuesday class, and $15 per month for Tuesday/Thursday. Contact the Front Desk for additional information on how to enroll.OTHER EXERCISE CLASSES: One may join one of our on-going senior exercise classes after screening and consultation with the Fitness Staff. A variety of offerings are available at different levels, and include Senior-Lite Jazzercise, Coed Fitness, SilverSneakers I Muscular Strength & Range of Movement, Strength-ercise, Cardio Strength Training, Tai Chi, and Chair Yoga, as well as arthritis water exercise and cardiovascular water exercise classes. Strength and aerobic fitness equipment is also available for use, with trained staff accessible to provide an orientation and instruction. Inquire at the Front Desk for more information or call 704-216-7714.CHAIR MASSAGES: Twenty-minute sessions are available at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center by appointment with Travis Alligood, LMBT. Cost is $12 per session. To schedule an appointment call 704-640-3718.BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS: Wednesday, January 2 from 9:30am – 10:30am. Free blood pressure readings and consultation for interested older adults. Provided by retired Geriatric & Adult Nurse Practitioner Gail Kimball.MEN’S HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB: Wednesday, January 9 at 1:00 pm. . This month’s topic is “Strength Training with Exercise Bands”. Come prepared for light exercise and strength training. All men age 55 and older are welcome. The Men’s Health and Fitness Club meets the second Wednesday of each month Each meeting features a guest speaker or fun activity related to men’s health or fitness. This program is sponsored by Rowan Regional Medical Center and Rufty-Holmes Senior Center.ANNIVERSARY LECTURE SERIES: “The Seven Ages of Man” Monday, January 14 at 7:00pm. The first in a series of special presentations highlighting the Center’s 25th Anniversary. In this first program, Catawba College Professor Emeritus Dr. James Parker will present a monologue drawing characters from Shakespeare’s plays to illustrate the progression of man from birth to older age. A reception will follow the 45-minute presentation. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested by calling the Center at 704-216-7714.MOVIE OF THE MONTH: Wednesday, January 23 at 2:00pm. Sponsored by Mary Moose, Registered Financial Consultant & Planner, for interested older adults. Come out and enjoy “The Fifth Quarter,” with Ryan Merriman, rated PG, on our big screen, complete with popcorn and drinks. Free. (Motion picture license # 12137390).Enjoy BINGO every Tuesday from 1-3pm for $1.50, sponsored by Beltone Hearing Aid Centers.Members are invited to enjoy CARD & GAME DAY Thursdays from 1-4pm. Free with refreshments.CLUB MEETINGS THIS MONTH:TOPS Chapter – Each Monday at 9:30am except Jan 21Men’s Breakfast Club – Each Tuesday at 8:30am except Jan 1Rufty Holmes Lady Liners – Each Tuesday at 10:00am except Jan 1Creative Needles Group – Each Wednesday at 9:30amR-H Computer Club – Each Thursday at 10:00amWoodcarvers Group – Each Thursday at 1:30pmEvergreen Bridge Club – Each Friday at 1:00pm except Jan 4Busy Bees Crafts Club – Thursday, January 3 at 9:30amSeniors Morning Out – Thursday, January 3 at 10:00amAARP Chapter – Thursday, January 3 at 12:30pmBetter Breathing Club – Wednesday, January 9 at 2:00pmSeniors Without Partners – Thursday, January 10 at 9:00amArt Gang – Thursday, January 10 at 10:00amWalk-abouts – Thursday, January 10 at 1:00pmStarry Night Quilters – Thursday, January 10 at 6:30pmMilitary Officers Association of America Chapter – Monday, January 14 at noonRufty-Holmes Garden Club – Monday, January 14 at 2:00pmRowan Amateur Radio Society – Monday, January 14 at 7:00pmSalisbury-Rowan Retired School Personnel – Wednesday, January 16 at 10:30amSalisbury-Rowan Quilters Guild Meeting – Thursday, January 17 at 1:00pmCarolina Artists – Thursday, January 17 at 7:00pmRowan County Council on Aging – Thursday, January 24 at 1:00pmOle Rowan Fiber Guild – Monday, January 28 at 6:30pmLUNCH CLUBS: Rufty-Holmes Senior Center offers eight locations throughout Rowan County for adults age 60 and older to gather for lunch, fellowship and educational programs Monday thru Friday. Clubs are located in China Grove, Cleveland, East Spencer, Granite Quarry, Rockwell, Spencer and Salisbury. There is no charge to participate, but donations are encouraged and accepted. For more information, call 704-216-7702.BROADCAST BINGO: Available through the Center’s Outreach Program for Rowan County older adults age 60 and older. Win prizes from Chick-Fil-A and My Farm Fresh MarketPlace by listening daily to Memories 1280 Radio. Call 704-216-7707 to enroll and for more information. Free.LISTEN TO “SENIOR MOMENTS” DAILY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 6:25am & 10:25am ON MEMORIES 1280 WSAT RADIO.VETERAN SERVICES: The Rowan County Veterans Service Office is located at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Service Officer Elaine Howle is available to meet with Rowan County veterans to assist them in applying and receiving all VA benefits to which they are legally entitled. For an appointment, call 704-216-8138.APPOINTMENTS FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE: Several times a year an attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. will be available to meet with interested persons at the Center by appointment to provide assistance in non-criminal matters (family law, public assistance, housing, consumer protection, etc). The service is free to low-income adults age 60 or older, provided with regional funds from the Area Agency on Aging. For information, and to schedule an appointment, call the NC Legal Aid office at 1-877-579-7562 and identify yourself as an older adult residing in Rowan County.ASSISTANCE WITH HEARING NEEDS: For individuals who are hard of hearing and need assistance with hearing devices or telephone communication. Sponsored by the NC Division of Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Schedule an appointment at Rufty-Holmes by calling 1-800-835-5302.“SAFE” ASSISTANCE: Rowan County older adults age 60+, or those with a disability, are eligible for assistance through the Safety Assessment for Emergencies (SAFE) Project sponsored by the Senior Center and funded through the generous support of the Robertson Family Foundation. Free smoke & carbon monoxide detectors can be obtained free of charge. For more information call 704-216-7704.“ARE YOU OK?” SERVICE: Sign up for free daily automated telephone safety checks through the Center by calling 704-216-7704.INSURANCE INFORMATION PROGRAM ASSISTANCE: Rufty-Holmes Senior Center is the Rowan County location for the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) operated by the NC Department of Insurance. Staff and trained counselors are available to assist individuals and families with impartial information on Medicare supplemental and prescription drug plans by appointment. Call 704-216-7703 for more information.GOLD CARDS: Rowan County residents age 62 and older can obtain passes to attend home Rowan-Salisbury Schools athletic, musical and drama events free of charge. These can be obtained at the Front Desk at the Center with a photo ID.GENERAL INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE: Staff members are available to assist individuals and families with general information and assistance in utilizing various community services available to older adults. If you have a need, call the Center’s Information & Assistance Program at 704-216-7700.THE RUFTY-HOLMES SENIOR CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 AT 11:00AM. MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.THERE WILL NOT BE ANY BUS TRIPS SCHEDULED DURING JANUARY & FEBRUARY DUE TO THE THREAT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE NEXT BUS TRIP WILL BE OFFERED IN MARCH. CHECK THE MARCH SCHEDULE FOR DETAILS.RUFTY-HOLMES SENIOR CENTER AND ALL LUNCH CLUB SITES WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 1; AND THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY ON MONDAY, JANUARY 21.NEED A RIDE TO THE SENIOR CENTER? THE CITY BUS SERVES THE SENIOR CENTER HOURLY (AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES PAST THE HOUR) MONDAY – FRIDAY ON ROUTE # 1. FOR INFORMATION CALL 704-638-5252.COUNTY RESIDENTS AGE 60 AND OLDER CAN QUALIFY FOR TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE TO THE CENTER AT 704-216-8888.SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR ANY LOCAL OLDER ADULT WHO NEEDS HELP WITH PROGRAM FEES FOR CLASSES OR ACTIVITIES. NO ONE IS REFUSED PARTICIPATION BASED ON AN INABILITY TO PAY PROGRAM FEES. SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS IS PROVIDED BY THE BLANCHE & JULIAN ROBERTSON FAMILY FOUNDATION. CONTACT ANY STAFF MEMBER FOR INFORMATION.WANT TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL HOLIDAY, BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY OR THANK YOU GIFT FOR THAT OLDER ADULT WHO ALREADY HAS EVERYTHING? STOP BY THE SENIOR CENTER OFFICE TO PURCHASE A DISCOUNT COUPON FOR A CLASS OR ACTIVITY OFFERED AT RUFTY-HOLMES.INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: In times of inclement weather, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center seeks, first and foremost, to insure the safety and welfare of participants and staff. The decision to close early, or not open the Center and Lunch Club sites, is made by the Executive Director based on weather conditions at the time and local forecasts. In any event, announcements about closings will be broadcast over local AM radio stations WSTP & WSAT. Whenever there is any doubt about sites being open, or a scheduled activity being held, call the Center first at 704-216-7714. If staff members are not on hand to answer your call, an appropriate message will be left on the answering machine. To find out about the rescheduling of activities that are canceled due to bad weather, call the Center once normal operations resume.VIEW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT www.ruftyholmes.org