Many people think of self-defense as a karate kick to the groin or jab in the eyes of an attacker.

But self-defense actually means doing everything possible to avoid fighting off someone who threatens or attacks you. Self-defense is all about using your smarts not your fists.

Attackers aren’t always strangers who jump out of dark alleys. Sadly, people can be attacked by people they know. The best way, in fact the only way, to prepare yourself to fight off an attacker is to take a self-defense class. We’d love to give you all the right moves in an article, but some things you just have to learn in person.

One of the best things people take away from self-defense classes is self-confidence. The last thing you want to be thinking about during an attack is, “Can I really pull this self-defense tactic off?” It’s much easier to take action in an emergency if you’ve already had a few dry runs.

Detective Todd Clennon from the Austin Police Department will be at the Senior Center to discuss these topics at 2 p.m. on Tuesday to answer questions and give a taser demonstration.

To sign up for this informative class please call or stop by the front desk at the senior center everyone is welcome. Call 433-2370 ext. 3.

 Upcoming Event

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Self Defense Class 2 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.; Movie “Terms of Endearment,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Medicare Basics, 5:30 p.m.; Zumba, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Yoga 5:30 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

May 14, three tables

1st Harriet Oldenberg, 2nd Dave Solomonson, 3rd Bud Higgins, 4th Mary Johnsen, 5th Betty Jorgenson

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

May 15, 5.5 tables

1st Dave Ring, 1st Loren Cleland; 2nd Larry Crowe, 2nd Dick Hansen; 3rd Millie Seiver, 3rd Vandy Newman; 4th Jaynard Johnson, 4th John Allen; 5th Bud Higgins, 5th Jim Fisher

Tuesday “500”

May 15, four tables

1st Barb Dickman, 2nd Willard Ballantyne, 3rd David Solomonson, 4th Helen Broitzman

Pinochle

1st Jessie Swain, 2nd Elaine Reynolds

Friday Bridge

May 18, three tables

1st Mary Johnsen, 2nd Russ Vaale, 3rd Quentin Fiala, 4th Pat Swenson, 5th Jaynard Johnson

Weekly Cribbage

May 16, 3.5 tables

1st Lottie Seira, 2nd Dale Peters, 3rd John Allen

Weekly “500”

May 18, four tables

1st Dorothy Stern, 2nd Helen Broitzman, 3rd Lois Anderson, 4th Dave Solomonson

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Swiss steak

Wednesday: Meat lasagna

Thursday: Crab salad

Friday: Chefs Choice