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. $10 per session payable to the instructor.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOPS- Monday evenings at 7:00pm 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.

AARP TAX AIDE PROGRAM: Continues Tuesday April 3 & 10, at the Senior Center with a previous appointment. Free one-to-one assistance to moderate or low income persons in completing simple federal and state income tax returns. Sponsored by AARP with trained volunteers. Morning and afternoon appointments available each month. Call 704-216-7714 to schedule an appointment. At the time of appointment, persons should bring with them a copy of their 2010 completed returns, any statements of earnings or income received for 2011, their Social Security card, and a photo identification. Call for more information.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS: Wednesday, April 4 from 9:30-10:30am. Free blood pressure readings and consultation for interested older adults. Provided by retired Geriatric & Adult Nurse Practitioner Gail Kimball.

HANDMADE CARD WORKSHOP: Wednesday, April 4 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.

BOY SCOUT CINEMATOGRAPHY MERIT BADGE WORKSHOP: Wednesday, April 4 at 1:00pm. Several local Boy Scouts will meet at the Center to work on requirements for the Cinematography Merit Badge during this school holiday. Included in the experience will be interview sessions with local older adults. For more information, contact the Front Desk.

ACTIVITY DIRECTORS CLASS: For staff working in adult care facilities. Mondays & Thursdays 6-9pm, April 5 – June 18. Instructor is Tim Cornelison. $175 registration fee required along with textbook. Register in person on RCCC North Campus before April 5.

MEN’S HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB: Wednesday, April 11 at 1:00pm. This month’s program will be about diabetes and various health factors associated with diabetes. The meeting is open to all men ages 55 and older. Sponsored by Rufty-Holmes Senior Center and Rowan Regional Medical Center. Pre-registration is not required.
READERS THEATER WITH JAMES PARKER: Begins Wednesday, April 11 at 2:00pm.
Join Catawba College Professor Emeritus James “Parkie” Parker in “reading out loud,” a workshop designed to provide techniques and practice in reading in front of groups and organizations. Group will meet four consecutive Wednesday afternoons to share (mostly Shakespeare). Free is $5 for materials payable at first session. Pre-registration is requested by calling 704-217-7714.

SPRING WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS: April 16 – June 11 for eight-week class meeting Mondays 9:30am – 12:30pm (with Memorial Day off). For beginning, intermediate and advanced students. $36.00 class fee payable to RCCC due at registration. Must supply your own materials (list available). Inquire at the Front Desk for more information.

BUS TRIP TO DUKE GARDENS: Friday, April 20. Motorcoach transportation leaves the Senior Center at 8:00am enroute to Durham, NC where we’ll tour the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a dutch-treat lunch, and then depart for Mebane and the Iron Gate Winery for an afternoon of wine tasting. We should arrive back at the Center about 6:30pm. Cost is $36 per person which includes transportation, admission fees for tours, and tips.

Interested older adults need to pre-pay at the Senior Center Front Desk in order to reserve a seat on the bus. Reservations are first-come, first-served, and you can pick your seat assignment at the time of purchase. You must be a member of the Center to purchase a ticket. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 4 at 2:00pm.

OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET/SHRED-IT SATURDAY: Saturday, April 21 from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Center. Drive Up – Drop Off – and Drive Out. Drive thru the parking lot and drop off your expired and unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for proper disposal. Also bring personal and financial records in need of shredding for disposal (one box of records per individual please). A free service sponsored by Home Instead SeniorCare, the Salisbury Police Department and Rufty-Holmes Senior Center in an effort to keep seniors and others safe from improper medication use, and in an effort to protect the environment from improper disposal methods. Each vehicle dropping off medications will receive a gift bag. Document shredding through Cintas courtesy of the Center and Rufty-Holmes Ambassadors Club, Salisbury-Rowan Senior Games, Rufty-Holmes Computer Club, Rowan County Council on Aging, Salisbury-Rowan AARP Chapter, Salisbury-Rowan Quilters Guild, and TOP Chapter 139.

NEW COMPUTER CLASSES:
What Can You Do with Microsoft Word? This class will be held Wednesday, April 18 through Friday, April 20 from 10:00 am-12:00 noon. Learn to type a letter, make a flyer or develop a newsletter. Make labels or a table of your latest collection. Come in and explore Microsoft. Have fun. Fee is $20

Introduction to Computers will be offered Wednesday, April 18 through Friday, April 20 from 1:00-4:00. Time to learn something new…or maybe to refresh your memory. Spend time in the lab learning the basics of Windows 7, Internet, and Microsoft Word. The fee for the class is $28.

Google: The Superhero of the Internet will meet Wednesday, April 25 and Thursday, April 26 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Come in and explore the many facets of Google. You may be surprised at all this site offers you. The fee is $10.

Fees due at registration. Contact the Front Desk to register.

MOVIE OF THE MONTH: Wednesday, April 25 at 2:00pm. Sponsored by Mary Moose, Registered Financial Consultant & Planner, for interested older adults. Come out and enjoy “On a Clear Day” with Peter Mullan, rated PG-13, on our big screen, complete with popcorn and drinks. Free. (Motion picture license # 12137390).

FIRE DRILL: Wednesday, April 25 at 4:50pm. To be conducted in accordance with standards of the National Institute of Senior Centers and the Salisbury Fire Department. All persons in the building at the time of the drill are to exit at the sound of the fire alarm and assemble in the picnic shelter.

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 980-640-3718.

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 9:00am
Salisbury Singing Seniors – Each Monday at 3:00pm
Men’s Breakfast Club – Each Tuesday at 8:30am
Rufty Holmes Lady Liners – Each Tuesday at 10:00am
Creative Needles Group – Each Wednesday at 9:30am
R-H Computer Club – Each Thursday at 10:00am
Woodcarvers Group – Each Thursday at 1:30pm
Evergreen Bridge Club – Each Friday at 1:00pm except April 6
Golf Association of Rowan Seniors – Monday, April 2 at 8:30am
Ambassadors Club – Monday, April 2 at noon
Busy Bees Crafts Club – Thursday, April 5 at 9:30am
Seniors Morning Out – Thursday, April 5 at 10:00am
AARP Chapter – Thursday, April 5 at 1:00pm
Rufty-Holmes Garden Club – Monday, April 9 at 2:00pm
Rowan Amateur Radio Society – Monday, April 9 at 7:00pm
Better Breathing Club – Wednesday, April 11 at 1:00pm
Seniors Without Partners – Thursday, April 12 at 9:00am
Art Gang – Thursday, April 12 at 10:00am
Walk-abouts – Thursday, April 12 at 1:00pm
Starry Night Quilters – Thursday, April 12 at 6:30pm
Southside Extension Homemakers – Monday, April 16 at 10:00am
NARFE – Monday, April 16 at 1:00pm
DAV Chapter 96 – Monday, April 16 at 6:30pm
Rowan Doll Society – Tuesday, April 17 at noon
Salisbury-Rowan Quilters Guild Meeting – Thursday, April 19 at 1:00pm
Carolina Artists – Thursday, April 19 at 7:00pm
Olde Rowan Fiber Guild – Monday, April 23 at 6:30pm
Rowan County Council on Aging – Thursday, April 26 at 1:00pm

LUNCH 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. Contact Thomasina Paige at 704-216-7720 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 as well as high visibility, glow –in-the-dark house number signs 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 State 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 704-216-7700 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 CENTER AND ALL LUNCH CLUB SITES WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY ON APRIL 6.

THE RUFTY-HOLMES SENIOR CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 AT 11:00AM. MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

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.

VIEW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT www.ruftyholmes.org