MUSIC, CULTURE, LEARNING & FRIENDSHIP

The La Jolla Community Center is so much more than it seems

By Barbara Burton Graf

Jazz concerts performed by premiere artists; opera in an open-air venue with professional opera singers; Ashtanga, Kundalini and Svaroopa yoga classes; cooking and art classes for beginners and advanced levels alike? This doesn’t sound like a typical lineup of events offered by a community center, but the La Jolla Community Center isn’t your typical community center, either. With more than 700 members and 15,000 annual visitors, the Center is the place to gather with other La Jolla residents—no matter your age or interests.

“We realize that we hold a space for all adults—from younger adults who love jazz and fitness to seniors who are experiencing isolation and memory issues and enjoy chair yoga and painting,” said Nancy Walters, executive director of the La Jolla Community Center. “Our organization has evolved over the last several years because all of us desire longevity, strength and friendship. Our vision is to provide programs and services where all-aged adults can come to our facility to expand and enjoy their lives and meet like-minded individuals,” Walters explained, adding that the Center offers a diverse set of classes and offerings—everything from multiple levels of bridge to cooking, art classes and even theatre performances.

The Center is also dedicated to reaching seniors without the financial means to participate in its classes and activities. To that end, it provides free transportation to seniors in the greater La Jolla area for several evening events at the Center. Free membership is also provided to low-income seniors who reside at The League House through a grant from the Beyster Family Fund Foundation.

Formerly the Florence Riford Center, La Jolla Community Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing a venue for adults and seniors. Its mission statement exemplifies the philosophy of creating a space for individuals to experience lifelong learning, wellness and friendship. In 2010, the 7,200-square-foot facility was remodeled and modernized, updating a range of meeting and multipurpose rooms, a great room with AV capability, a fully equipped kitchen and a serene courtyard. All this, and the Center is located just a few blocks from the ocean!

Check out all the LJCC has to offer! La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla 858.459.0831 ljcommunitycenter.org

La Jolla Community Center Lineup

April 10
Opera Wednesday (every second Wednesday of the month)
7–8:30 p.m.

April 19
Blues & Rock ‘n Roll Dance Night (every third Friday of the month)
Music begins at 7:30 p.m.

April 26
Fourth Friday Jazz Series
(every fourth Friday of the month)
Reception: 7 p.m.; concert 8–9:15 p.m.

Don’t miss the La Jolla Theatre Ensemble’s reading of “Jane Doe in the Quiet Room,” scheduled for May 2019.

In addition to more than 20 fitness classes, social bridge and lessons, language and writing classes, lectures, cooking, art, and music and art appreciation classes, the La Jolla Community Center also hosts social events, such as day trips, lunches and happy hours.