Dec. 18 issue: RSF Senior Center offers a variety of classes, activities, resources and more

Did you know? The Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center offers free access to vital senior resources, including guidance on in-home care options, Medicare and insurance information, caregiver support, housing and placement assistance, transportation referrals, legal and financial planning resources, and connections to trusted local service providers. All of this—along with our educational programs, enrichment classes, and social activities—is available with no membership fee. If you value these services, please consider supporting the RSF Senior Center with a year-end gift.

To make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit www.rsfseniorcenter.org/donate or call 858-756-3041. Gifts may be made by credit card online, by check mailed to P.O. Box 223, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, or through stock transfers. Many supporters also choose to include the Senior Center in their estate plans to ensure its future. Every contribution—large or small—helps keep this valuable community resource thriving, and we are truly grateful for your support.

Please visit www.rsfseniorcenter.org/in-person-classes or call the Senior Center at 858-756-3041 to register for in-person classes.

The Senior Center will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and Dec. 31 – Jan. 2. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

Upcoming classes

Movement Is Medicine Dance Workshop

Friday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Join this joyful, physician-led workshop that blends dance, wellness, and self-expression—designed for all levels as a powerful way to reduce stress, lift your mood, and reconnect with your body. The program is led by Dr. Anna Halbeisen, D.O., a triple board-certified physician in Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine.

Save the date! Wisdom, Compassion, & Resilience Program

Each Friday, Jan. 16 – Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Senior Center is pleased to offer a 6-week program developed by the UCSD Center for Healthy Aging and the Stein Institute for Research on Aging.

Built on nearly a decade of research, this evidence-based series supports overall well-being in older adults through empowerment and shared learning. Participants will explore meaningful discussion, reflection-based exercises, mindfulness and meditation practices, and key concepts including wisdom, resilience, empathy, savoring, and gratitude. The program will be co-facilitated by Kris Slugg and Laura Humphrey.

Book Club Hosted by the Rancho Santa Fe Librarians at the RSF Senior Center

Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Join us for a lively discussion at the Senior Center of The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn. This novel is about a mother who became a soldier, a woman who found her place in the world, and one who changed the course of history forever. Pick up your copy of the book at the Rancho Santa Fe Library or download a copy using your Libby app.

ONGOING CLASSES

Open Play Mah Jongg

Monday (weekly) from 10 a.m. – noon.  Enjoy a friendly game of beginner American Mah Jongg, a tile-based game that is enjoyed by individuals throughout the world! A basic understanding of the tiles and rules is required.

Texas Hold’em Poker for Beginners

Each Monday, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. This fun, beginner-friendly class teaches the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em, giving you the confidence to join a friendly game. Instructor George Bullette, Senior Center board president, brings years of poker experience and will guide you through basic rules and strategies in a real game setting. This class is full—please call to be added to the waitlist.

Open Play Chess

Each Tuesday, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Come and enjoy a friendly game of chess and get a workout for your brain! All levels of players are welcome. Tables and playing pieces are furnished. Lessons are available, please call for more information.

Line Dancing

First Tuesday of each month, Jan. 6, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. In this fun, 60-minute class, you will learn basic line dance steps and choreography. Beginner line dances include Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, and Power Jam. Heather has over four decades of dance experience across many disciplines, including jazz, ballet, modern ballroom, country partner, and line dancing with a B.A. in modern dance choreography from UCLA. She is also a Pilates Master with 30 years’ experience. There is a $20 fee per class paid to the instructor.

Readers & Writers Workshop

Last Tuesday of each month – Jan. 27, at 10 a.m.  Join author Elizabeth St.John for a warm, welcoming gathering and explore great books, enjoy lively discussion groups, and spark creativity with gentle writing prompts designed for every level of writer. Guest authors often join us to share their own experiences and stories, enriching our conversations and inspiring new ideas.

Whether you’re recording family memories, starting a new story, or simply curious about the craft, you’ll find a friendly, trust-filled environment where questions are encouraged and ideas are shared with kindness. Just bring a pen, a notebook, and an open spirit—you’ll be among friends.

Paint with Alex

Wednesday, Jan. 7 and 21, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Join us in the studio with working artist and educator Alex Schaefer. Learn advanced techniques to further your painting skills. Bring your own artwork and supplies (acrylic, oil, or watercolor) to work with Alex and fellow artists. There is a $20 fee per class paid to the instructor.

Self-Compassion for Stress Reduction

Each Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.  Lower stress through guided and silent meditation using the works of Jack Kornfield and Pema Chödrön. Enjoy a 5-minute guided meditation with Ann Nye, PhD followed by 20 minutes of silent meditation to cultivate mindfulness and inner calm. Studies have shown that meditation can help lower blood pressure, boost immunity, improve sleep, and slow memory loss. Take this time to breathe, center yourself, and reconnect with stillness.

Chair Yoga

Each Thursday, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Chair Yoga is a type of yoga that is modified to allow participants to perform all exercises seated. Instructor Peggie Moore is passionate about working with students of every age, size, shape and ability. There is a $10 fee per class paid to the instructor. The first class is free.

Advanced Conversational Spanish

Each Friday, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ¡Hablemos en español! Jeannette Caruth learned Spanish solely through conversation and invites you to become more familiar with the language. Each class is a one-hour adventure of hearing and speaking another language. Designed for learners comfortable with the basics of Spanish and are ready to take their skills further. There is a $10 fee per class paid to the instructor.

Please Note: Visit www.rsfseniorcenter.org/in-person-classes or call the Senior Center at 858-756-3041 to register for in-person classes. To receive our newsletter by email, visit our website: www.rsfseniorcenter.org and provide your email address or send an email to info@rsfseniorcenter.org.

Resource and Referral Service: Available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Seniors and their family members can speak with a staff member in person or by telephone and receive valuable information to address a wide variety of needs. Please call 858-756-3041 or email info@rsfseniorcenter.org for assistance.

–Kris Slugg is the executive director for the RSF Senior Center