Dear Friends & Neighbors of the Senior Center,Each week, thanks to generous supporters like you, the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center provides educational classes and programs, a welcoming space for socializing, and the expertise of two professional staff members, all while maintaining our historic 100-year-old property. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), we rely entirely on our community —without any local, state, or federal funding. Your financial support is essential to keeping the Senior Center thriving.

You can make a difference! To make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit www.rsfseniorcenter.org/donate or call the Senior Center at 858-756-3041. Your generosity makes all the difference, and we are truly grateful for your support.

Ways to Give

With a credit cardYou can make a gift to the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center with your credit card by going to our website www.rsfseniorcenter.org/donate. You may also contact me directly at kris@rsfseniorcenter.org or 858-756- 3041.

With a checkSend a check payable to Rancho Santa Fe Seniors, Inc to our Post Office box. Mail check donations to: Rancho Santa Fe Senior CenterP.O. Box 223Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

With a gift of stockIf you’d like to make a gift by transferring stock or other securities, please ask your stockbroker to contact me directly at kris@rsfseniorcenter.org or 858-756-3041.

Estate planningSome donors elect to ensure the vitality of the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center for far into the future by including the Senior Center in their estate planning. Contact your attorney to learn more about making a planned gift to the RSF Senior Center or contact me directly at kris@rsfseniorcenter.org or 858-756-3041.Please visit www.rsfseniorcenter.org/in-person-classes or call the Senior Center at 858-756-3041 to register for in-person classes.

UPCOMING CLASSES

Movement Is Medicine Dance Workshop

Friday, Oct. 24, 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. If you are not an existing patient, please book a 15-minute Group Medical New Patient Appointment, a virtual session to meet Dr. Halbeisen and establish care. To schedule your visit, email halbeis1@gmail.com or text 734-972-5533.

Readers & Writers Workshop

Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Join Elizabeth St. John, critically-acclaimed best-selling local author, and discuss the writer’s journey from inspiration to perspiration, discover insider techniques and tricks, and practice basic writing crafts from three-act drama to character arcs.

Local author feature

Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. We are excited to welcome Jill G. Hall, San Diego native, former educator, and celebrated novelist, as our special guest at the Readers & Writers Workshop. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to explore literature, history, and the enduring power of visionary leadership. Space is limited! Please RSVP by calling the Senior Center at 858-756-3041.

Book Club with the Rancho Santa Fe Librarians 

Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.  Join us for a lively discussion at the Senior Center of Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. Bernadette Fox, a brilliant but agoraphobic architect, mysteriously disappears, sending her 15-year-old daughter, Bee, on a determined search. Through emails, documents, and secret correspondence, Bee uncovers a witty and heartfelt story about motherhood and navigating an absurd world. Pick up your copy at the Rancho Santa Fe Library or download it using the Libby app.

Open Art with Merci Jensen

Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.  Join local artist Merci Jensen for a monthly open art space for all levels. A skilled painter and drawer, Merci brings years of experience and a passion for oil painting, color, and composition. Enjoy a relaxed, supportive space to create, connect, and grow artistically. Bring your own materials and join the fun! There is a $20 fee per class paid to the instructor.

Chess Lessons with Aaron Kirkham

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Join our engaging chess lessons designed to boost mental well-being, cognitive health, and social connection. Open to both beginners and experienced players, these classes offer a welcoming space to learn and grow. Instructor Aaron Kirkham, with a peak rating of 2100 and years of teaching experience, is passionate about making chess accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Each class is $20, paid directly to the instructor. RSVP early!

Line Dancing with Heather Leon

Tuesday, Nov. 4 and 18, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. In this fun, 60- minute class, you will learn basic line dance steps and choreography with Heather who has over four decades of dance experience with a B.A. in modern dance choreography from UCLA. There is a $20 fee per class paid to the instructor.

Pirates of The Sea with Richard Lederer

Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 10  a.m. – 11 a.m. Ahoy, mateys! Set sail with Union-Tribune columnist and International Punster of the Year Richard Lederer as he cracks open a treasure chest filled with pirate jokes and riddles. Along the voyage, Dr. Lederer will also chart the curious origins of nautical words and phrases. Anchors aweigh laughter and learning! Thank you to our sponsor BrightStar Care of Rancho Santa Fe and BrightStar Care of Carmel Valley.

Paint with Alex

Wednesday, Nov. 5 and 19, 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.

Gut Feelings: Brain, Gut, Diet, Microbiome Connection with Dr. Joe Weiss

Friday, Nov. 7, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Join Joseph Weiss, MD, for a fascinating final presentation on the vital connection between the brain, gut, diet, microbiome, and genome. With decades of experience, Dr. Weiss shares practical strategies to support health and longevity in a fun, clear, and engaging way. Thank you to our sponsor Right At Home, In Home Care & Assistance. Limited seating available!

ONGOING CLASSES

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

Intermediate 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 of the RSF Senior Center