Programs & Services
Lafayette Senior Services
500 St. Mary's Road
Lafayette, CA 94549
Current Office Hours: Open Tuesday– Thursday 9:00am – 2:30pm
925-284-5050
https://apm.activecommunities.com/lafayetterec/Home
https://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/quick-links/senior-services
Lamorinda Village Supported Membership Application
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Fall Registration is Open!
LAFAYETTE SENIOR SERVICES
Membership in Lafayette Senior Services
Most classes are free for members, $10 per meeting for non-members. Membership: $15/ person per calendar year*
(January 1 – December 31, 2026). *Free Membership to age 90 and up. Accepted credit cards are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
To pay your membership fee & register for classes:
Online 24/7: www.lafayetterec.org
Phone: 925-284-5050
Email: seniors@lovelafayette.org
To print out membership form and mail in: 2026 senior membership form
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AARP Smart Driver 4-Hour Refresher Course
Offered through AARP
This abbreviated refresher course is for those who have taken either an AARP eight- hour or a refresher driving course within the last three years. Refine your driving skills, develop safe, defensive techniques, and possibly lower your insurance premium. Max: 25 prepaid registrants. To reserve your spot, send your name, phone number and email address along with a check, made payable to AARP, to Lafayette Senior Services, 500 St. Mary's Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549. $20 AARP Members/ $25 Non AARP Members
Wednesday, 9/16 10:00am-2:00pm Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
AARP Smart Driver 8-Hour Course
Offered through AARP
Refine your driving skills, develop safe, defensive techniques, and possibly lower your insurance premium. Max: 25 paid registrants. To reserve your spot, send check (along with email and phone number), made payable to AARP, to Lafayette Senior Services, 500 St. Mary's Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549. $20 AARP Members / $25 Non-Members of AARP
Wed, 10/21 & Thurs, 10/22 10:00am – 2:00pm Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center
Apple Mobile Devices
with Mike Dickerson
This ongoing class covers many topics such as Apple IDs, iCloud, apps and general iPad and iPhone usage. Topics for upcoming sessions are based on participants’ input and needs. There is always time for Q&A. Please note: this class deals with Apple devices only.
1st and 3rd Thursday monthly 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 11/5, 11/19, 12/3, 12/17
Time: 10:30am-Noon Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center Fee: Members: Free Non-members: $10/meeting
A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Course
With Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
This is a free evidence-based exercise program for older adults, designed to engage participants in completing exercises as well as interactive group discussion. Each week builds on information from the previous week, and participants will learn new strategies to help them achieve great results. Program goals focus on reducing the fear of falling, increasing confidence, mobility, strength, and balance.
In-person classes are held once a week for 8 weeks.
Group size for all classes is limited to 14. A minimum of 10 registrants is required to run the class. You must register for the class ahead of time.
Dates: Fridays 9/11 – 10/30 10:00am-Noon
Location: Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
Free
The Art of Making Handmade Cards
Autumn Theme: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Birthdays
Instructor: Jennifer Gerst, a retired teacher with 20+ years of experience creating and teaching paper crafting
Impress your friends and family with handmade cards! Learn how easy and fun it is to make beautiful cards using papers, ink, stamps, and embellishments. Step-by-step instructions and all materials will be provided to complete 4 cards per class. Advance sign-up required.
Wednesdays 9/23 and 9/30 1:00-3:30PM Elderberry Room
Materials Fee: $45, payable to instructor at first class
Minimum 4, maximum 8 attendees
As The Page Turns Book Club
Facilitated by JoAnne Schaarschmidt, Lafayette Library Friends Corner Book Shop Volunteer
Looking for a good book to discuss with others? Join this informal group of book lovers and enjoy enrichment, lively discussion, fellowship and refreshments. The group is of mixed gender and everyone gets to participate in the discussion and in selecting the books to read. Please contact Lafayette Senior Services for the book of the month title: seniors@lovelafayette.org or 284-5050. You can join the class at any time. You will receive the Zoom link the day before the class meeting.
3rd Tuesday Monthly 1:00-2:30pm 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15 Via Zoom
Avoiding Scams
Presented by the Lafayette Police Department
Protect older adults in Lafayette from fraud! Join our actionable, eye-opening Senior Scams Presentation. Learn how to spot AI voice cloning, Medicare fraud, and the "grandparent scam." Empower yourself and your loved ones to stop criminals in their tracks. Con artists are using highly sophisticated, AI-driven tricks to steal from older adults. Don't become a victim!
Join our Free Senior Scam Prevention Presentation to learn exactly what to watch out for—and exactly what to do if you are targeted.
What We Will Cover:
• AI Voice & Imposter Scams: How scammers pretend to be your distressed loved ones.
• Tech Support & Bank Fraud: Red flags that someone has access to your accounts.
• Medicare & IRS Impersonators: How to instantly spot fake government calls.
• Actionable Defense: 3 simple steps to take before sending money to anyone.
Tues, 11/17 1pm-2:30pm Elderberry Room
Beginner Pickleball
Instructor: Budd MacKenzie
This class is for beginners and newcomers, who need help with their strokes, more practice, and advice on game strategy. It's important that participants come to every class. If you already know you can't make all the classes, please don't sign up for this one. You'll need all the classes to learn the game, techniques and strategies. Minimum of 4/ Maximum of 10 people per session. Please sign up for only one session of this class.
Tues 9/8-9/22 7:00-8:30pm Lafayette Rink $40
Tues 10/6-10/22 7:00-8:30pm Lafayette Rink $40
Tues 11/3-11/17 7:00-8:30pm Lafayette Rink $40
Brain Enrichment
Facilitator - Prasad Palakurthy, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist with over 44 years of medical experience. He also leads weekly meditation sessions for Lamorinda Village, promoting its benefits in reducing cardiovascular risks.
A major objective of this course is for participants’ learning to transfer to tasks of daily living such as attention, word-finding, remembering names, and planning.
-learn about lifestyle practices for maintaining brain health
-learn strategies for improving attention, mindfulness, speed of processing, and memory
-socialize while engaging in exercises to strengthen the brain’s processes of working memory, verbal fluency, long term memory, reasoning, problem solving, and creativity
This course is not intended for people who have MCI, dementia or Alzheimer’s as the course materials will be a challenge.
Weekly for 8 weeks Wed, 9/23-11/18 (*Skip Wed, 11/11) 11:00am-Noon in Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
$25 workbook fee to be paid to the instructor
Limited to 14 people
A Circle of Peace around Life and Death
Led by Sharon Beck
A gentle and welcoming conversation group for anyone interested in exploring death, dying, grief, and the deeper meaning of life in a safe and compassionate setting. Together we will share thoughts, questions, fears, experiences, and insights without judgment or pressure to have answers. This circle is open to people of all backgrounds who wish to approach these important conversations with greater peace, understanding, and connection.
Tuesdays 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8 1:30-2:30pm Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
Coffee with a Cop
with the Lafayette Police Department
Come by for coffee and treats and visit with staff from the Lafayette Police Department. Hear about the latest scams being reported in the area and learn about ways to keep yourself and your family safe. Discuss issues impacting our community and share conversation and questions in this informal coffee hour.
Date: Tuesday, 10/13 9:30am-11:00am Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
Members: Free Non-members: Free
Discovering Opera: Mozart’s Don Giovanni
Presented by Bradford Wade, opera lover for over 50 yearsIn Mozart’s dark psychological thriller, seduction, rebellion, and supernatural justice collide in a thrilling look at a notorious libertine’s downfall. The opera follows a charismatic anti-hero who pursues pleasure without remorse, leaving a trail of broken hearts and vengeful spirits. Lecturer Bradford Wade will give a guided tour of the opera, with a description of the plot interspersed with musical examples. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San Jose's production of Don Giovanni, September 13-27.
Wednesday, September 9 1:00-2:30pmArts & Science Room, Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette Free
Don’s Golden Happy Hour
With Lamorinda Village
Get together with old friends or come make new ones at Don’s Golden Happy Hour hosted by Lamorinda Village. Held monthly at different local venues in the Lamorinda area, this event offers an opportunity to enjoy appetizers (provided by Lamorinda Village and a sponsor) and no-host beverages.
2nd Tuesday of each month 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8
Once you’ve signed up, locations and times will be provided.
For more information or to sign-up, please contact Lamorinda Village at info@lamorindavillage.org or call them at (925) 283-3500.
Drop-In Intermediate American Mah Jongg
Bring your card and mah jongg set, and join other intermediate-level American mah jongg players every Tuesday afternoon.
Every Tuesday* 12:30pm – 3:30pm Sequoia Room, Lafayette Community CenterFee per meeting: Members Free Non-Members $10 *Skip 12/22, 12/29
Elder Paths: Tuesdays with Karen and Wayne
A series of seminars leading to greater wisdom
Led by Karen & Wayne Halladay
Tuesday, 9/29: Can You Keep Just Four Agreements? Toltec wisdom that can open a door to personal freedom.
Tuesday, 10/27: Is it True? Do brains need Friends? Why social connections really do matter.
Tuesday, 11/10: High Probability Relationship- We share an insight that can open a door to a mutually acceptable basis for friendship.
10:30-Noon
Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
Free
Flower Arranging
Instructor: Laura-Kate Rurka in partnership with Lamorinda Village
Learn how to transform everyday grocery store flowers into festive holiday centerpieces in this fun and creative one-hour class! You'll discover tips and tricks for selecting seasonal blooms, prepping and arranging flowers, and adding simple accents to elevate your design. Perfect for beginners and holiday hosts alike—walk away with a beautiful arrangement and the confidence to create more at home.
You must register ahead of time for this class. Limited to 12 people.
Wed, December 16th 1:00pm-2:00pm Cedar Room
Materials Fee: $25, payable to instructor at the class
Free Peer Counseling
Contra Costa Health Services offers free one-to-one counseling with trained senior counselors who use their life experiences to help other older adults (55+) cope with life changes, problems, crises, and challenges. Confidentiality is strictly observed. Appointment required. Please contact CC Health Services Senior Peer Counseling at (925) 521-5653 to find out more and request an appointment.Friday Village Conversations
Want to know more about retirement finances? Curious about innovations in CPR? Looking to improve your nutrition? Lamorinda Village hosts this drop-in lecture series over Zoom covering a wide array of topics, some related to aging, some simply informative and educational, all presented by experts in their fields. A question-and-answer period follows each presentation. These presentations are ongoing every Friday at 10 AM on Zoom. To receive information about upcoming events and Village Conversation topics, visit https://lamorindavillage.org/events
Front of Body Opening Series
Instructor: Emily Yarman in partnership with Lamorinda Village
The FOBO Series is a unique class designed to relieve pain and restore body alignment by focusing on opening the front of the body and activating the often-overlooked posterior chain. Developed at Neutral Massage and Wellness, FOBO combines gentle movement, targeted muscle activation, and practical education to help participants feel stronger, more balanced, and empowered in their daily lives. This series is ideal for anyone looking to address chronic discomfort, improve posture, or simply move with greater ease.
Mondays* 9/14-11/9 (*Skip 10/12) 11:00am-Noon Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
Lamorinda Nature Walk and Bird Watching
Led by Ben Pettersson, Experienced Hiker and Bird-Watcher
Experience nature at its finest along our local trails. Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds. Bring a water bottle; binoculars are helpful if you have them. Meet at the Alder Room at the Community Center at 8:30am. For more information or to place your name on the email notification list, contact Lafayette Seniors Services: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 925-284-5050. You may join this group at any time.
Every Wed 8:30am – noon Location: Various locations Free
Lamorinda Tea Dance
A weekly Community Dance Social of over 30 years with afternoon tea and light refreshments.
Wednesdays* (*Skip 11/11, 11/25, 12/23, 12/30) 11:30am-1:30pm
The Live Oak Room, Lafayette Community Center
Lafayette Senior Services Members: FREE!
Membership is $15/year
Non Members: $10/meeting
Come for great music and good company!
Low Vision Support Group
in partnership with Lamorinda Village and Merrill Gardens
Are you living with low vision or blindness and looking for a space to connect with others who understand and share your journey? We invite you to join our supportive group, where we talk openly about the challenges of vision loss and share helpful ideas. Our conversations include using technology devices, navigating feelings of being misunderstood, and exchanging experiences that can make life easier. Whether you want to listen, share, or simply be part of a caring community, everyone’s voice matters here. Come join us and discover new ways to support each other!
No need to register ahead of time. This is a drop in group.
Thursday 9/24, 10/29 3:30-4:30pm
Location: Merrill Gardens, 1010 Second St (at Mt. Diablo Blvd.), Lafayette
Positive Living Forum (“Happiness Club”)
Moderated by Bob Nozik, MD, Prof. Emeritus UCSF,
Author of “Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It”
Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features discussions on a wide range of topics that guide participants toward a more ideal and positive life experience. Drop-ins welcome!
Thursday 9/10, 10/8, 11/12, 12/10 10:30-Noon in Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center
Per meeting: Members Free Non-members $10
Reservoir Walking Group
Led by Richard Stanton
Here’s a walking group that offers camaraderie, fresh air and enjoyable exercise, all in magnificent surroundings. Choose the distance you want to go by joining the group that walks the entire circuit, or the group that goes a shorter distance which avoids the large hills, yet yields sufficient moderate exercise. Increase your balance and fitness – both physical and mental – and leave each week uplifted and radiant with that overall feeling of well-being! To add your name to the email notification list: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 284-5050. Bring quarters or credit card for parking meter. Annual senior (62+) passes may be purchased at the Visitor Center at the reservoir. You may join this group at any time.
Every Tues, Thur & Sat 9:00am Meet at 8:50am at the Res: Center Bench on the Dam
Fee Members: Free Non-members Free
Start Downsizing Now For Your Move in the Future
with Mark Shaw, Re/Max Accord Lafayette Realtor
Do yourself (AND your children) a favor and start tackling the many years worth of "stuff" that has accumulated in your house and garage. Breaking it up into small, doable tasks is much easier, less stressful and less exhausting than waiting until the last minute. Mark will share tips and advice he's gained from his many years in real estate. You'll leave with the motivation and "can-do" attitude to start clearing out and lightening up right away. You'll be happy down the road that you started now!
Thurs, 10/29 11:30am-1:00pm Elderberry Room
Members: Free Non-members: $10
SWELL Center at the Lafayette Library
The SWELL (Senior Wellness) Center at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center will be open to anyone 65 and older. Coffee and pastries will be provided. In partnership with Lamorinda Village. Drop in and join us--no registration required. Wednesdays will be for Mah Jongg play (No instruction provided).Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 10:00am-Noon Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette Free
Traditional Chinese Health Care Exercise: Eight-Section Brocades (Ba Duan Jin)
Instructor: Clara Wu in partnership with Lamorinda Village
Looking for a low-impact, slow, gentle and easy exercise to improve your balance, agility, blood circulation, muscle strengthening and stress reduction?
Join us to learn this form of more than 1000-year-old Chinese traditional and popular exercise movement. It is characterized by interplay between symmetrical physical postures and movements, mind and breathing in a harmonious manner.
Great health benefits for both mind and body of all ages, especially for those less active, over-sitting, chair-bounded, stiff and aching bodies. Optimizing outcomes on your growing journey with grace and good vibes.
Please register ahead of time as space is limited.
Wednesdays 9/2- 10/7
1:15-2:15pm Buckeye Room, Lafayette Community Center Free
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Through free, one-to-one, confidential and objective counseling, you will learn how Medicare works in order to make informed decisions about your coverage. HICAP counselors will also help with Medicare claims and appeals; provide information to those needing help with healthcare costs; and when necessary, make referrals for legal assistance with health insurance matters. The counselors are registered with the State of California and do not sell or endorse insurance products. HICAP is a program of the Contra Costa Area Agency on Aging and is funded by federal, state and local grants.
To make an appointment, contact HICAP: 925-655-1393
For additional information, visit their website: www.cchicap.org
First Wed of the month 10am, 11am, Noon 10/7, 11/4, 12/2
Third Monday of the month 10am, 11am, Noon 9/21, 10/19, 11/16 (Skip December)
seniors@lovelafayette.org 925-284-5050