Senior Center Provides Free Programs for Older Adults at the Ranshaw House

The Iowa City Senior Center is pleased to provide free weekly programs and services for older adults at the Ranshaw House in North Liberty. The schedule for winter 2024 has now been announced and details are listed below. For more information, call 319-356-5220.

The Ranshaw House is located just north of the Community Center at 515 Community Drive in North Liberty. Free parking is available in the small lot beside the house or in the adjacent Community Center parking lot.

Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most 

Wednesdays, Jan 3-24, 1-3 p.m.
Register online or call 319-356-5220
Facilitator: Emily Edrington

Learn how science, philosophy, and practice all play a role in both finding your purpose and living a purposeful life. In this massive open online course (MOOC), created by University of Michigan professor Vic Strecher and presented via Coursera.org, we’ll hear from historical figures and individuals about their journeys to finding and living a purposeful life, and walk through different exercises to help you find out what matters most to you so you can become and stay connected to your purpose every day. Join us in-person or via Zoom to explore this massive open online course together in a group setting.

Coffee, Chat, and Games

Wednesdays, Jan 3-24, 3-4:30 p.m.
Host: Emily Edrington

This January, ICSC will host weekly coffee, games, and conversation at the Ranshaw House. We’ll have Scrabble, playing cards, and a few other board games on hand, or bring your favorite games to share. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Join us!

Caregiving Support Group

Wednesdays, Jan 31 – Mar 27, 12-1 p.m.
Register online or call 319-356-5220
Facilitator: Mary McCall

This ongoing, drop-in group will provide a space for sharing experiences about caregiving and sharing resources and support related to caregiving, with a focus on self-care. Each meeting will begin with a meditation about self-care and open sharing will be integrated with learning various self-care practices and discussion. Participants are welcome to attend in-person or via Zoom, regularly or as they are able. Outside of the group, individual meetings with the facilitator will be available to assess and refer to outside resources available in the community for caregiving and self-care.

Death Café

Wednesdays, Feb 7 & 21, Mar 6 & 20, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

A Death Café is a safe place for people to talk about death in order to make the most of life. New people are encouraged to join anytime. This is not a bereavement support group or grief counseling session. For more information, visit deathcafe.com.

How to Play Chess

Wednesdays, Feb 7-28, 3-4:30 p.m.
Register online or call 319-356-5220
Facilitator: Emily Edrington

Using the first four video lectures of the Great Courses series, How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master, this class will offer chess beginners an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game, get some practice playing, and spend time socializing. The series may be extended if there is sufficient interest.

ICSC Services Available in North Liberty

Make an appointment at icgov.org/icsc-services or call 319-356-5220.

Advance Health Care Planning
We can’t predict when a sudden illness or injury could leave us unable to communicate or make decisions. Who would know what kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want? Honoring Your Wishes is a communitywide program that helps you reflect, share and document your health care preferences (before a crisis) to ensure your family, friends and health care team know what’s important to you and your wishes are honored. Certified facilitators will guide you through these conversations and help you create or update a written health care directive.

Caregiver Information and Referral
Help for those seeking individualized information, referral, and support beyond the Caregiving Support Group.

SHIIP Medicare Counseling
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a free, objective and confidential service offered through the state of Iowa to help people sort through confusing information about Medicare and health insurance. SHIIP’s trained, certified volunteer counselors assist thousands of Iowans annually, helping them save millions of dollars. ICSC’s volunteer SHIIP counselors answer your questions and give you one-on-one help. Appointments are offered in Iowa City, North Liberty, and via Zoom or phone.

Additional ICSC Programs in North Liberty

Give the Gift of Information & Organization to Loved Ones

Wednesdays, Jan 31, 1:15-3:15 p.m. & Feb 14, Feb 28, Mar 13, Mar 27, 1:15-2:45 p.m.
Fee: $60 ($37.50 for participants in ICSC’s low-income membership program); pay instructor.
Location: North Liberty Community Center (across the parking lot from the Ranshaw House), Rec Center Meeting Rooms, 520 W. Cherry St.
Register online or call 319-356-5220
Facilitator: Mary McCall

In this series of workshops, we’ll work our way through the book by AARP/American Bar Association entitled Checklist for My Family: A Guide to My History, Financial Plans and Final Wishes. Each session will cover a focused topic and 1-2 chapters of the book, facilitating your organization of vital information for your family or loved ones to know in case of your incapacitation or end-of-life. The first class will meet for two hours and the rest will meet for last 90 minutes. The book is provided.

• Jan 31, 1:15-3:15 p.m.: Legal and Medical: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, and Final Wishes
• Feb 14, 1:15-2:45 p.m.: Personal & Family History (including medical)
• Feb 28, 1:15-2:45 p.m.: Financial Issues I: Banking, Savings, Investments
• Mar 13, 1:15-2:45 p.m.: Financial Issues II: Benefits (retirement, veterans), Real Estate, and Other Assets
• Mar 27, 1:15-2:45 p.m.: Conclusion and Wrap-up

About the Partnership

The Senior Center’s free Ranshaw House programs and other low-cost offerings, as well as discounted Senior Center memberships for North Liberty residents, are made possible by a grant from the City of North Liberty. Additional programs may be added. To learn more, call 319-356-5220.