MAY 2026
Open Studios: Alchemy A rt Lesson
Thursday, May 7, 2:45–4:30 p.m., free with registration
Sponsored by Carlsbad Library & Cultural Arts. Discover the magic of transformation through the art of cyanotype. Drawing inspiration from the natural imagery featured in the exhibition, participants will design and compose a camera-less photographic print using natural materials. Through the cyanotype process, these compositions will be exposed to sunlight, revealing rich blue tones and intricate silhouettes – capturing both the essence of nature and the spirit of experimentation.
Real Image Art Lesson
Monday, May 18, 10–11:15 a.m., free with registration
Sponsored by the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Valise Project, and artist Ruben Ochoa. Real Image challenges audiences to consider how photographs can deceive, even with familiar objects. Participants explore aspects of Mexican culture, contemporary photography, and Ochoa’s personal connection to his country. After discussing the items, participants will create their own alebrije, a fantastical hybrid animal from Mexican folklore, using airdry clay and bright paint. Registration is required, no drop-ins.
Free Home Care for Veterans
Tue., May 19, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., free with registration
Many don’t realize that VA Healthcare has a program that will pay for caregivers to come to your home and provide personal care services for qualified veterans. They contract with reputable home care agencies to provide these services at no cost to the veteran. This is a primary healthcare benefit, so it does not interfere with your pension or other benefits. Come learn about this excellent program, who qualifies, and how to successfully apply.
Volunteer Courtyard Refresh
Saturday, May 23, 9:30–11:30a.m., free w/ registration
Lend a hand refreshing the courtyard planters! No green thumb required. Come socialize, get your hands a little dirty, and pick up a few plant-care tips. Tools provided, and limited soil and assistance will be available for personal projects.
Staying Safe at Home
Wed., May 27, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., free with registration
Join us for a fire safety presentation hosted by the Carlsbad Fire Department. Our local fire safety team will share essential tips on smoke alarms, kitchen and electrical safety, heating precautions, smoking safety, and emergency preparedness. Don't miss this opportunity to learn life-saving information. There will be time after the presentation for your questions.
Senior Educational Panel:
Brain Health and the Mind Diet
Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., free with registration Attendees will learn how nutrition, stress management, and neuroplasticity keep the mind sharp and lower the risk of Alzheimer's. Participants will have an opportunity to sample Dark Chocolate 70% and higher.
Downsizing with Confidence: Do’s and
Don’ts – Practical Tips for a
Smooth Transition
Wednesday, May 13, 1–2 p.m., free with registration
Helpful tips and insights to make the transition process smoother and less overwhelming. Whether you are planning ahead or facing an immediate decision, we will provide guidance, clarity and peace of mind. Also presenting Rick Topete, from The Key. The discussion: A Fresh Approach to Living Well – the Balance Care Method.
When It Was Saigon: Anthology of the Vietnam Era
Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., drop-in, free
Experience the diverse voices of 27 veterans through their personal stories. Join narrator “Coach Gary” Micheloni, Oceanside resident, as he shares insights from this poignant audiobook.
Driving and Memory Loss
Thursday, May 21, 1–2 p.m., free with registration
Presented by Alzheimer’s San Diego. Learn about physical and cognitive changes, how to evaluate driver safety, local transportation resources, and tips for having difficult conversations about driving.
Navigating the Real Estate Market: The Inspection Period
Friday, May 22, 1–2:00 p.m., free with registration
Join licensed realtor Ayren Pfeifer for an informative session on the inspection period (aka due diligence) for Buyers & Sellers.
Understanding AI
Friday, May 15, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., free with registration
Curious about artificial intelligence (AI)? This friendly, hands-on class is designed specifically for adults aged 50 and up who want to explore how AI can make life easier, more organized, and more engaging. Please bring your own laptop. No prior experience needed.
NEW Ask the Tech Expert
Wed., May 20, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., free with registration
Need help with your laptop, tablet, or smart phone? Natashia of "Tech Help with Heart", can help you with common technology questions in this 30-minute, one-onone session. Natashia is an expert at helping seniors stay confident with technology. One consultation per person.
Digital Photo & Tech
3rd & 4th Wednesday, 2–3:15 p.m., free w/ registration The last 15 minutes will be devoted to your questions.
Staying Safe Online & Avoiding Scams
(May 20)
How can we stay safe in this wild digital world? How can we avoid scams? Our instructor, Mike McMahon, will do a deep dive into both topics. We will discuss the importance of establishing effective passwords, including the use of password manager software and Passkeys. Come learn how to stay safe while still enjoying the benefits of high tech.
Google Photos – Many New Features!
(May 27)
Google Photos is a free tool to organize, edit, share, and safely protect your photos and videos. Our instructor, Mike McMahon, will briefly review the basics of Google Photos. But most of our time will be spent learning about the impressive new photo editing features. Now incorporating the power of AI, you’ll be amazed of the sophisticated edits that you can now accomplish with very simple commands.
Android for Seniors
Thursday, May 28, 1–2 p.m., free with registration Sergi of Your Tech Tutor provides patient, step-by-step instruction for seniors using Android phones. He covers the basics, plus fun topics like how to share photos or use ChatGPT. Registration required, no drop-ins
Alignment Qigong: Mind, Body, Nature
Wednesdays, May 6–27, 9:45–11:15 a.m., $81
Spring Renewal. Explore the connection between Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine with rejuvenating springtime Qigong. Benefits of specific practices are highlighted to strengthen and balance your energy body, enhance mental acuity, and optimize digestive health, nourishing you at this time of transition from Spring to Summer season. You may stand or sit while exploring the easy-to-follow, relaxing self-paced exercises. Classes also include Stabilizing and Empowering the Heart Meditation, bringing one to a state of serenity. Instructor Fay McGrew, an experienced certified Qigong Master and Healer, guides you on this journey for optimal health, vitality, and inner peace.
Carlsba d Cruisers: Coastal Hikes
Wed., May 13 & 27, 1–2:15 p.m., free with registration
Looking for an afternoon walking buddy? Join volunteer Eileen for two beautiful hikes this month at the South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Parking recommendations are available in online description.
Kata for Movement and Balance
Sat., May 2–23, 9:45–10:45 a.m., free with registration
This is a movement class open to all abilities for ages 18+. We will practice set sequences of moves which flow almost like a dance. They are called ‘Kata’, originating from traditional Japanese martial arts, which are a corner stone of basic martial arts training. This is a NON-contact class and aims to aid attention, focus, balance and mobility.
Senior Center Fitness Room
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sat., 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
$4 daily, $27 monthly, $77 quarterly, $297 annually Featuring treadmills, bikes, free weights, and circuit training machines. Please see a staff member
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Part 2 has moved to Wednesdays and Fridays at Dove Library For more information, call (858) 495-5500
Fitness Class Schedule at the Senior Center
Not sure which class? More details are available online or stop by at the end of class to speak to the instructor!
May 2026
Calendar
9:30–10:30 †Zumba Gold® Toning 5/4 111
9:30–11 High Beginner Line Dance AUD 11–11:45 †Seated Zumba Toning 5/4 111
11–12 †Restorative Yoga 5/4 107 11:15–12:30 Beginner Line Dance AUD
12:30–1:30 †24K Zumba Gold® 5/4 111 3–4 †Gentle Yoga 4/27 107
8–9/9–10 Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention 5/12 Stagecoach 9–10 †Balance & Mobility 5/5 111 9–10:15 Carlsbad Cruisers @ Carlsbad Village 9–11 Needlecraft 118 10:30–11:30 †Garden Club 5/5 Pine Park 10–1:30 Improver Line Dance 107 12:15–4 Bingo AUD 1–3 Writing Our Lives 118 1–4 Chess 115 1–4 Ping Pong 111 1–4 Rummikub 106 9:30–10:30 †24K Zumba 9:45–11:15 †Alignment 10–11 †Yoga All Levels 11–12 †Seated Zumba 12:15–1:15 Beg. Hawaiian 1–3 Seaside Singers
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Zumba Gold® 5/6 111
Alignment Qigong 5/6 107
Levels 5/13 Stagecoach
Zumba Gold® 5/6 111
Hawaiian Dance 107
Singers Practice AUD
Quilting Group 118
Club 106
Hawaiian Dance 107
8–9/9–10 Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention 5/12 Stagecoach 9–10 †Therapeutic Pilates 5/7 111
9–10:15 Carlsbad Cruisers @Batiquitos Lagoon
9–10:15 †Mindfulness & Meditation 3/5 107 9–11:30 †Watercolor 4/16 AUD 10:15–11:15 †Strengthening Class 5/7 111 11–12 †Yin Yoga 5/7 107 3–4 †Chair Yoga 4/30 107 9–12 Writers’ Bloc
9–12 The Art Group (TAG) 106 12–1 United Healthcare Resource Table 12–3:30 Duplicate Bridge AUD 12:45–2:30 Adv. Hawaiian Dance 107 1–4 Ping Pong 111 10:45 a.m. Hot Rods & Cool Treats 5/9 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Volunteer Courtyard Refresh 5/23 9:30–11:30 a.m. 1 9–10:30 Int.
Newcomers AUD 7 10:30–12:30 Elder Help Resource Table 1–4 Canasta 115 1–4 Mahjongg Open Play 106 2:45–4:30 Alchemy Art Lesson Courtyard 8
Coffee, tea, and milk are available at 11 a.m. and lunch is served at 12 p.m.
Menu subject to change.
*Denotes Meal ≥ 1000 Mg Sodium
WG = Whole Grain
WW = Whole Wheat
Beef Stroganoff
WG Egg Noodles
Green Peas
Copper Pennies
Pineapple
WG Bean & Cheese
Corn
Mixed Green Salad
Chicken & Biscuit
Sweet & Sour Pork
Brown Rice
Veggie Blend Coleslaw
Bruschetta Chicken
WG Au Gratin Rotini
Tuscany Veggie Salad
Chicken Supreme
WG Garlic Pasta
Mixed Veggies
Mandarin Oranges
Strawberry Cookie
Margarine 11
Chicken Fried Rice
Japanese Veggie Blend
Cabbage
Mixed Fruit
Fortune Cookie
Curry Chicken
Brown Rice
Green Peas
Cauliflower Apple
Creole Crab Cake*
Sweet Potatoes
Broccoli Raison Salad WW Roll
Lemon Scarpariello
Chicken
WG Rotini Pasta
Mixed Green Salad Spinach Pineapple
Pork Rib Patty
Creamy Corn Salad
Glazed Carrots
Bread
WG Potato Pollock
Lentil Veggie Pilaf
Mixed Green Salad
Multi-grain Bread
Mixed Fruit
Potato Medley
Mixed Green Sald WW Roll Mandarin Oranges
Salisbury Steak
O’Brien Potatoes
Garden Veggie Blend
WW Bread Mandarin Oranges Margarine
Glazed Chicken
Broccoli & Corn
Sweet Plantains
WW Bread
Diced Pears
Pork Al Pastor Brown Rice Black Beans
Tortilla
Tuna Croquette
Rice
Garden Veggie Blend
Cucumber &
Salad
Chicken with Enchilada Sauce
Cilantro Brown Rice
Black Beans
Applesauce
Hamburger
WG Bun
Ranch Beans
Carrot Raisin Salad
WG Mixed Fruit Crisp
Beef Taco
Charro Beans
Fiesta Veggie Blend
WW Tortilla
Apple
Nutrition and Transportation Services
For registration, reservations and more information, please contact the Nutrition Team at 442–339–2651 or SeniorCenterServices@CarlsbadCA.gov.
Congregate Lunch Service
• Join us for a nutritious lunch at the Carlsbad Senior Center. The dining room is open 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m., with meals served 12–12:45 p.m. The suggested voluntary contribution is $4 per meal. **
• Reservations are encouraged for groups and new attendees. Guests under 60 are welcome to accompany a qualified senior. An $8 meal fee will be applied if they wish to dine.
• Outside food may not be distributed in the dining room, to ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations.
Transportation Service
• Need a ride to lunch? Transportation is available for Carlsbad residents, 60+ who cannot drive. Participants must be fully independent and ambulatory. The suggested voluntary contribution for this service is $4 per round-trip. **
Home Meal Delivery Service
• Homebound Carlsbad residents 60+ may qualify for home-delivered meals! A completed intake form and home visit will be required to determine eligibility. The suggested voluntary contribution for this service is $5 per meal. **
• For questions about the menu, delivery changes, or volunteer driver opportunities, please call Meals on Wheels at 760–736–9900.
**Contributions are confidential, and no eligible person shall be denied service for choosing not to contribute. This program is funded by the Older Americans Act, Aging and Independence Service, the City of Carlsbad, and voluntary contributions.
Carlsbad Contacts
Carlsbad Senior Center – Front Desk
442-339-2650 x0
Carlsbad Senior Center – Nutrition Team 442-339-2651
Facility Reservations 442-339-2510 / carlsbadconnect.org
Libraries 442-339-2049
Non-emergency Fire Department 442-339-2141
Non-emergency Police / You Are Not Alone Program (YANA) 442-339-2100
Community Contacts
ElderHelp (in-home support and care coordination) 619-284-9281
Elder Law & Advocacy (legal and Medicare support) 858-565-1392
San Diego 211 (food, housing, health care resources) 2-1-1
San Diego County Aging & Independence Services 800-339-4661
Courtyard Concert: Ken Sprinkle
Monday, May 11, 12:30–1:30 p.m., free, drop-in
Ken Sprinkle performs classic rock and blues favorites covering genres from the '70s to the present along with some original tunes. A mix of equipment is used to provide a solid beat and a dynamic acoustic range to deliver a full sound.
Morning Music with A Slice of History
Monday, May 11 & 18, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., free with registration
From Vietnam to Woodstock (May 11)
From Led Zeppelin to The Doobie Brothers (May 18)
Feeling nostalgic for the great music of the 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond? If you love the music, pop culture and historic events of your youth, come out and join other Baby Boomers for this series that promises to knock your socks off!
Carlsbad Newcomers’ Club
Wednesday, May 6, 9:45–11:30 a.m., free, drop-in
Coffee Meetings include an educational presentation, activity group announcements, and notice of local events. This month, Mike McMahon Will be speaking on Disaster Preparedness.
Spring Bingo Bash
Thursday, May 14, 2:30–4:30p.m., free with registration
Join us for a fun intergenerational event with the teens from the City of Carlsbad L.I.T.E Afterschool Program! Come celebrate spring, win some prizes, and enjoy an afternoon of fun together!
Excursion: The Grand Tea Room
Friday, May 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., $55
Enjoy a delightful traditional tea service at The Grand Tea Room in historic downtown Escondido. Sip freshly brewed tea in a warm, inviting setting, perfect for relaxing, connecting, and celebrating the season together. Embrace the occasion with full tea attire, from dresses to hats and gloves!
Seaside Singers Spring Concert
Wednesday, May 20, 1:30–3 p.m., free, drop-in
Thursday, May 21, 1:30–3 p.m., free, drop-in
The Seaside Singers, under the direction of Mark Phelps and accompanied this time by Michele Wight are a talented group of seniors who share their love of music and singing to the delight of the community every year. Come enjoy popular jazz tunes, hits from movies, and some great surprises. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Hot Rods & Cool Treats
Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., free, drop-in
Step back in time and enjoy an old-fashioned carnival at Pine Avenue Park with activities for the young and young at heart. Cool off at the build-your-own ice cream sundae bar, then stroll through the Classic Car Show and vote for your favorite ride.
Learn to Play Mahjongg
Thursdays, May 21 & 28, 1–4 p.m., free, drop-in
Curious about American Mahjongg? Join us for a beginner-friendly class where you’ll learn the basics of this classic tile game that combines strategy, skill, and a bit of luck.
Mahjongg Open-Play
Thursdays, 1–4 p.m., free, drop-in
Available for drop-in, no instruction provided. Extra game sets available to borrow at the front desk.
Holiday Hours
Monday, May 25: Closed for Memorial Day