ARTS & CRAFTS

ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS
Tuesdays, December 4 - 18 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join the enthusiastic students in Kay Kerr's classes. This award-winning artist has a degree from Virginia Wesleyan and has studied under Barclay Sheaks. A supply list for new students is available, with the cost kept low and class size small! If you already paint, you'll only need your standard supplies, an 11X14 stretched canvas & photo of your subject. Pre-reg. is required; max. 6 students. Fee: $33, members; $43non-member

ART APPRECIATION: How to look at a painting
Friday, January 18 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Do you ever look at a painting and immediately either like it or dislike it? You might wonder why others get excited over something you don’t like at all. When you learn what to look for in a painting, you will discover what all the excitement is about. Join Greta Jager, (BFA, MS, with 30 years of experience in teaching, judging and exhibiting) to learn how to 'look' at a painting. This is certain to be fun; light refreshments will be served. Fee: Free if you preregister by 4:00 p.m. Jan. 16th. $2.00 at the door!

ART - OPEN STUDIO
Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Our Studio is open to members to enjoy the fellowship of others while working on their individual projects. No instructor is available during this period. Join in anytime your schedule allows; just sign in. Donation is welcome.

BRUSH STROKES-- DECORATIVE PAINTING
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Brushstroke classes will resume in March
Decorative Painting is a diverse art form and its use of printed designs allows a high degree of success. In addition to instruction, we offer a project class where you will apply your new skills to create a decorative item. Fee: $40/four weeks. Continuing students purchase a punch card for guidance from skilled instructor Linda Wilborn during Ceramics period.

BRUSH STROKES- ON AN ORNAMENT
Tuesday, December 4, 11, or 18 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sell them, give them as gift, or save them as family heirlooms-- Linda Wilborn will walk you through the process. You can select from two different ornament styles and a variety of decorative painting patterns. With these classes you have the freedom to follow your creative spirit or any of a variety of pattern designs. This class is open to anyone with some experience in decorative painting. Fee: $10 per session for instruction; $9 for three ornaments with patterns.

CERAMICS
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
If you viewed the items on display in the Lobby for the Silent Auction that concludes on Dec. 13th, you’ve seen a few of the beautiful items you can make. Whether you’re a skilled ceramic hobbyist or a novice, Linda Wilborn, certified Ceramics Teacher, answers all your questions and helps you create items of which you’ll be proud using this wonderful medium. Assistance is tailored to suit each student's needs. Fee: affordable!

WATERCOLOR
Thurs., Dec. 6 - 27 9:30 - 11:30
"The watercolorist uses what is perhaps the most exciting medium of self expression. He or she must know it intimately, and use it with boldness, imagination, and flair, to obtain maximum satisfaction." You will explore techniques which, if tried will give satisfactory results. Instructor Maude Williams also notes that, "Like musicians learning to play an instrument, we must practice over and over again for best results." Her work is on exhibit in the Center as well as in the new Kello Gallery on Colonial Ave. Min. class size- 4; Fee: $44, members, $54 non-members.

INTRODUCTION TO WOODWORKING
Friday, Dec. 7 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Woodcrafter and Studio Manager Curt Holbein has developed a variety of beginner-level projects to introduce you to the basics of woodworking. Learn how to use a variety of power tools (such as table saw, router, radial arm saw, jigsaw), hand tools and other material while you create beautiful and useful items for your home or to give as a gift. Students choose the project they want to create. Fee: varies per project, includes materials and four hours of instruction.

WOODWORKING - OPEN STUDIO
Mon., Tues., and/or Thurs. 9:00-11:30 a.m.
You provide your material; we provide the facility & camaraderie. Bonus: Great prices on wood in the Studio for members! Purchase a facility-use badge for $10/month at the Membership Services desk.



CLUBS & GROUPS

AARP - GHENT CHAPTER MEETING
Thursday, December 27 10:00 a.m.
Join us for the annual Holiday Potluck and socializing after. This is an event we all look forward to and is a fine time to meet some new people who have an interest in keeping informed. This group is open to anyone age 50+ and Senior Center membership is not required. New members are always welcome.

GENEALOGY GROUP
No December meeting
Tuesday, January 15 1:00 p.m.
The Genealogy Group meets to discuss successes or difficulties in researching one’s family history, and to exchange tips. New members are always welcome, so make providing this legacy to your grandchildren your New Year’s resolution. In January, Carolyn Barkeley, Head Librarian of Virginia Beach Central Library, will be the guest speaker.

INVESTMENT CLUBS
Norfolk Senior Center host two investment clubs; both meet on the second Wednesday. Club members discuss market trends, investigate and report on potential investment companies, and discuss investment strategies. Guests are welcome when the Clubs host a speaker. Members often continue these friendly discussions over Dutch Treat lunch after the meeting.

INVESTMENT CLUB
Wednesday, December 12 10:00 a.m.

SMART MONEY
No meeting in December
Wednesday, January 9 10:00 a.m.

SAVVY Singles
Wednesday, December 19 11:30 a.m.
Single, Active, Vibrant, Vigorous, Young at heart. Their December meeting will be a covered dish and -for those who want to participate- a Pollyanna gift exchange ($5.00 price range) for the holiday season. The SAVVY trip for December has been planned so don’t forget to check out where this fun group is headed under the Jitney trips. All singles age 55+ welcome!


COMPUTER
SeniorNet membership is $30/year and additional for non-current members registering for classes. All fees below are for those who have current membership in both Norfolk Senior Center and SeniorNet, and are payable in advance to reserve your space. Call for more information and registration.

BASIC COMPUTER OVERVIEW
Mondays, Dates to be Announced 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
"What's in the box?" At the end of this 3 week course, you will have conquered your fear factor and be ready to start yours up at home, or buy one. $15.00

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Wednesdays, through Jan. 2nd 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
This 8 week course is an introduction to the fundamentals of personal computing. You will learn basic applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, database and Internet. $50.00

GENEALOGY ON THE INTERNET
Dates T.B.A. 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
This 6 week course will teach you how to organize your family genealogy information based on the latest version of Family Tree Maker. $50.00

INTERNET
Dates T.B.A. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
This 6 week series will take you past what you learned in the beginning computer course to boost your skill with E-mail & the Internet. You'll learn about organizing your browser, privacy, security, and much more. $50.00

INTERMEDIATE WORDPROCESSING
Dates T.B.A. 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Intrigued by what you don't know, but see others doing? There are many more tricks to enhance your skills beyond what the introductory course taught! 6 wks/$50.

PHOTOGRAPHY & GRAPHICS I
Dates T.B.A. 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Learn how to scan and edit photographs, and insert graphics to jazz up your documents. Students must know how to save, copy & edit files to enroll. Just think about holiday card and gift applications! 6 wk/$50.

OPEN LAB
Thursday or Fridays, through Dec. 28
Designed for individual practice time for current or recent students, no instruction will be available during lab hours. You may work on skills learned in class (bring your class materials), or check out other options such as the Mavis Beacon learn-to-type software. Open Lab can serve up to six people at a time, but please call no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before to sign up and we will confirm there is a volunteer Lab Monitor available.



GAMES & PARTIES

BINGO
Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us for this cash game of chance. Bingo hall opens at 11:30 for folks to set up. Our non-smoking bingo games begin at 1:00 p.m. Coffee & snacks are available.

BRIDGE LESSONS
Mondays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Donations only.

BRIDGE - OPEN PLAY
Mondays & Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The room is ready and the coffee hot! Are you looking for a pleasant place to meet with friends and play some bridge? We provide a welcoming spot for our members.

HOLIDAY EVENT
Thursday, December 13th 1:00 p.m.
See the front page of this issue for details! Joyce Danneman is still looking for volunteers to help with this event. Whatever your talent or interest, let us know and we’ll put it to good purpose—a special day for our very special members. A few ideas include helping to prepare refreshments, decorate, welcome guests, or entertain.

MAH JONGG
OPEN PLAY-- Wednesdays 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thanks to Linda Spindel for providing instruction using the National Mah Jongg League method. Mah Jongg is played with 144 game pieces [tiles] and 4 or more players. Each tile has a different design or number and represents one in a suit or set of tiles. Tiles are drawn and discarded until one player has a winning hand. If you've played before and want to form a foursome, let us know. If you’d rather play the game using the rules on the box (hands don’t change annually), we have one person interested. Please call and if we have enough interest to form a game everyone will be contacted.

SCRABBLE
Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Just like a major muscle, the more you use your brain, the stronger it will be. This isn’t a Chinese proverb but a statement of fact backed by medical research. One way to "strengthen" your brain is with "thinking" games such as Scrabble. This group has been growing rapidly, in part because of the fun time they have and their welcoming nature. Don’t worry if your words aren’t multi-syllabic; nobody’s out to impress anyone.
 

SILENT AUCTION
It’s a game, it’s part of a party! Beginning with November’s Holiday Faire, we have had some wonderful items available to bid on in our Lobby. If you’re unfamiliar with this, it’s very easy. Look over the items, decide which you’d like and how much you’re willing to spend. You may enter your bid at any time, but during the Holiday Party on December 13th, we’ll announce the closing of the bidding to give you one last chance to be the high bidder. A minimum bid is noted for each item, and each new bid must increase the last by at least $1.00. There are some wonderful items and all proceeds will benefit the Senior Center. This fund-raiser is open to all, with no age or membership requirement.



LANGUAGE, MUSIC, & THEATER

BEYOND PRIME TIME PLAYERS
Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
This troupe meets weekly to practice and do exercises that are designed to cover all-levels of expertise with a big emphasis on fun. Observers and new members are always welcome. The only requirement is that you be a member of Norfolk Senior Center. Donations only. Don’t miss their annual holiday performance on Thursday, December 13th!

PIANO LESSONS
Wednesdays & Thursdays
Bob Shifferly teaches these private, one-on-one lessons. If you're interested in a new series in January, call or stop by Membership Services. Fee: $85 for ten 45-minute weekly lessons.

PIANO PRACTICE
Need to practice your piano skills? Call Membership Services for day and time availability. Staff enjoys the music and we’re pleased to have the piano in use.

SINGING, BARBERSHOP-STYLE
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.
Our group of singers returns and you can join them. Learn to warm up your vocal cords in great company. Donations only. Pianist who can read music needed.

SPANISH - BEGINNING LEVEL
Wednesdays, through Dec. 5 10:30 - 11:30
Wednesdays, beginning in January—call if interested!
¿Quiere hablar español? Robert Schandelmeier is offering beginning level Spanish. If you are interested in learning the basics that can help you while traveling, or just be fun to know, this is the class. Learn the alphabet, how to tell time, simple phrases, how to ask a question, etc. $8.00/ members; $10.00/ non-members. You will need to buy an inexpensive pocket-size English to Spanish, Spanish to English dictionary.

STRING LESSONS
Fridays, through Dec. 7 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Vincent Ognibene plans to resume all levels of Violin or beginning level Guitar, Cello, Viola, or Bass lessons in the summer. Fee: $85/10- 45 minute weekly sessions.

ADVISORY COUNCIL
No December Meeting Next Meeting:
Friday, January 11th 9:30
The majority of the Advisory Council vacancies were filled by the November meeting—thank you to all who agreed to serve! This year’s Council promises to be very involved. You’ll see them hard at work assisting Joyce Dannemann in the Holiday Party, and several will serve on a special Transportation Committee to review the desirable features of our next vehicle. We are still seeking volunteers for Bingo, Round Dance and Yoga. If you’re in any of those activities and would like to join an interesting group of people, you will probably discover some hidden secrets of your Center in exchange for very little of your time.

SERVICES

AARP 55 ALIVE MATURE DRIVERS COURSE
Mon., Dec. 10 & Tues., Dec.11 9: a.m. - 1: p.m.
Describes local hazards, accident prevention measures, effects of medications on driving and more. Films and discussion-- no driving. Auto insurance discount to Virginia drivers completing course. Contact your insurance agent for details. Class size limited; prepayment of $10 is required, payable to AARP and mailed to Center to reserve your space.

CITRUS SALE
The Norfolk Rotary Club is again offering Oranges (juice and navel) in December and Grapefruit in January. Please call today to let us know quantities. Each item is available for $20/case. You do not have to pay at this time. If you can only handle a half case, we’ll try to match your order with another. If you need help getting the fruit into your car, we’d be happy to assist you. All proceeds from this project benefit community projects, including Norfolk Senior Center.

LAMP REPAIR
No December service
Frayed cords or faulty switches, Millard Smith will be back in January to repair your lamp on the spot. Cost is for parts; a donation to the Center is appropriate.

VOLUNTEERING
Donna Morrison, our Volunteer Coordinator, is helping us find some additional sales personnel. We need people (any age) who are pleasant, energetic, people-minded people who can handle small sales and are willing to commit to a regular schedule.

WEATHER NOTICES
SNOWBIRD WINTER CHANGE OF ADDRESS
If you head South in the winter, please call us with your winter address or to request we temporarily stop delivery of your monthly PrimeTime. As we ask the Post Office to return newsletters to keep our address list current, it costs us three times over when one is returned. (The first mailing, to have it returned with the new address, and then to mail it again to the new address provided.) Many thanks and we’ll miss you!

WEATHER REMINDER

If the roads are bad, our parking lot may be treacherous. Before you risk a wasted trip or worse, check the T.V. for closings and then call the Center. If staff can make it in and clear the sidewalk, we do try to open, but some classes may be canceled.

WINTER DOLDRUMS
Don’t sing those cold weather, winter-time blues, at least not unless you’re harmonizing with the Singing Group on Tuesday mornings! December may be famous for the shortest day of the year, but from when Daylight Savings Time ends until we begin longer days again around March, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real problem for many. For others who have experienced loss or changes in their family structure, the holidays can bring more pain than pleasure. If you’re feeling a little blue around the holidays, don’t stay home—come to the Senior Center to meet others. Make a new friend in Cheerful Chats or Scrabble. Check out a book from the Elise L. Margolius Library, take up a new form of exercise, a proven mood-elevator… just don’t stay home!