Here’s What Is Happening

August 28, 2024

Online Registration Now More User-Friendly!

Per our previous communication, there has been an update to MyActiveCenter (MAC), the system we use for online registration. The updated site has a new look and we hope that our users will find it more user-friendly and easier to use. 

If you already use MAC for online registration, you can watch this video for an overview of the updates and changes. If you are new to using MAC, you can watch this video that provides an introduction to the system. 

Please remember that you must be a member of the Portage Zhang Senior Center and have a keytag that provides your ID number to access the system. 

If you have any questions about the online system, please reach out to a PZSC staff member. We are here to assist you.

September/October Newsletters and Fitness Schedules Now Available

Click HERE for an online copy of the September/October Newsletter.

Click HERE for a copy of the September/October Fitness Schedule.

Concerts in the Courtyard – Bronk Bros.

Thursday, August 29th  

4 – 6 PM  

$15 and Open to the Public  

A blue-collar work ethic, big dreams, and a grassroots attitude has gained the Michigan-based brother duo, The Bronk Bros., respect in the Midwest music scene. With over a decade of live performances, the act has shared the stage with more than 80 National touring country artists including Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels Band, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, and many more.  

The Bronk Bros. are fronted by modern day honky-tonkers, Heath Bronk and Brian Bronk. Heath is known for his impressive vocal range and remarkable guitar playing ability, while Brian is known for his rocking harmonica, powerful vocals, and crowd engaging stage energy. Both brothers are actively involved in songwriting. The duo is backed by a solid experienced foundation in drummer Johnny “Dutch” Fulling, bassist Sean Campbell and on lead guitar T. Rex Bell. A cash bar and bottled water will be available. Registration is required. Please call (269) 329-4555.  

*Attendees are encouraged to bring sun protection and their own bag chair as seating is limited. 

The Golden Age of Building in Kalamazoo         

Thursday, August 29 

2 – 3:30 PM 

Free and Open to the Public  

Presented by: Lynn Houghton  

Join us at the PZSC as Lynn Houghton, Director of The Zhang Legacy Collections Center at Western Michigan University, gives an interesting and educational presentation on the building boom in Kalamazoo during the 1920s and the people behind it. To register, please call (269) 329-4555. 

Bingocize® New Class Starting Soon!

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 - 2 PM

September 3 - November 7

Free

Bingocize® is a 10-week, evidence-based health promotion program approved through both SNAP-Ed and The National Council on Aging (NCOA).  Bingocize® combines exercise and health information with the familiar game of bingo, which is a great and fun way to get moving and socializing.  It’s played twice a week on nonconsecutive days. We will have various topic focuses such as Exercise Only, Falls Prevention, and Nutrition.

The overall goals of the program are to help older adults:

• Improve and/or maintain mobility and independence
• Learn and use health information focused on falls reduction, improved nutrition, and other health-related behaviors
• Engage older adults in social settings

Register now for class. Class starts September 3 and will meet twice a week for ten weeks.  This 10-week session will be focusing on Falls Prevention. 

Beginner Jewelry Making - Caged Bead Pendant

Tuesday, September 3  

4 – 6 PM  

$20 Members / $25 Non-Members   

Instructed by: Kimberly Barrett  

Interested in jewelry or wire working? Join us in creating your own custom spiral caged bead pendant with instructor Kimberly Barrett. Sometimes you have a bead that needs dressing up a bit, or a design that requires an extra bit of pizzazz. Doing a little wirework in your jewelry making is a great way to easily dress up your beads and tons of fun. To register for this new class, call (269) 329-4555.  

Fall Wine & Cheese Pairing      

Wednesday, September 4 

2 – 3:30 PM  

$20 Members / $25 Non-Members 

Instructed by: The Cheese Lady and Great Lakes Wine & Spirits      

Join us at PZSC for a fun and educational afternoon of wine and cheese pairings brought to us by The Cheese Lady and Great Lakes Wine and Spirits! Enjoy a variety of soft and creamy cheeses with crisp white wines, or bold cheddar and gouda with rich red wines as The Cheese Lady explains how each wine and cheese complement each other. Wow your guests at your next holiday gathering with your newly learned knowledge and pairing abilities. Bring a friend and don't miss out on this unforgettable event! The price includes samples of four wines and four varieties of specialty cheese. To register, please call (269) 329-4555.  

French Crepes            

Thursday, September 5 

1 – 4 PM  

$20 Members / $25 Non-Members   

Instructed by: Dan Cunningham  

Learn the art of creating delicious French Crêpes, both sweet and savory, with Home Chef and Social Media Influencer, Dan Cunningham, “The Organizer Man”. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Don't miss this fun and delicious opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early! Please call (269) 329-4555. 

Balancing Energy with Food & Remedies for Brain Fog

Friday, September 6 

12:30 – 1:30 PM 

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members 

Instructor: Melissa Stout  

Call to register at (269) 329-4555

Do you ever feel tired or have low energy and aren’t sure why? Do you struggle with brain fog? Come and learn about the 3 main body types and 3 main digestive types and how foods fuel people differently based on their individual make up. We will make a brain boosting tea for you to take home to boost digestion and clear the mind. 

Euchre Group Expands to Sundays!

Exciting news! Due to popular demand, we are thrilled to announce that, starting September 8, we will offer Euchre on Sundays! The playing time will be from 2:30 to 5 pm in Meeting Rooms 2A & 2B. We are also looking for a group leader for the new Sunday group. If you are interested, please reach out to Rob Perry at (269) 329-4553. Looking forward to having a great time together!

Healthy Eating on a Budget with KVCC    

Tuesday, September 10 

1 – 2:30 PM 

$45 Members / $50 Non-Members  

Instructed by: Kalamazoo Valley Community Culinary and Nutrition Team  

Healthy eating can be efficient, delicious, and affordable too! In this session, culinary and nutrition experts will share their best tips for nutritious cooking on a budget. Learn meal planning to avoid over-purchasing at the store, understand how to expand meals with simple pantry ingredients, discover how to save money while shopping, explore resources that are available throughout the community to assist, and sample inspirational dishes cooked throughout the class. This informative session will prepare you to engage in cooking with a new can-do perspective. *Class includes education co-facilitated by a Dietitian and Chef, learning materials, and food samples. Registration is required by calling (269) 329-4555. 

Baking with Crème - Summer & Autumn Salad Tastings      

Wednesday, September 11 

2 - 4 PM   

$20 Members / $25 Non-Members   

Instructed by: Meg Mattison    

During this cooking class we will indulge with some diverse salad creations and tastings.  September is the perfect month when a variety of fruits and vegetables are in season. We will highlight the refreshing vibrancy of late summer fruits that can accentuate a salad, and the rich, earthy tastes of local Autumn produce.  Each will be complimented with roasted or candied nuts and topped with a delicious cheese. Finally, drizzled with a simple yet perfectly paired homemade vinaigrette. 

Gut Health

Wednesday, September 11 

OR 

Friday, September 13 

12:30 – 1:30 PM 

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members 

Instructor: Melissa Stout  

Call to register at (269) 329-4555

A balanced gut is the root of good health. In this workshop, we will explore how the microbiome plays a role in our health and well-being. We will make a homemade tea to help reduce naturally occurring toxins in the body.

Healthy Feet Series- NEW!

Wednesdays, 10 AM – 11 AM 

September 18, 25, October 2, 9  

4- week series  

Join Dr. Jon Deming, DPT for a 4-week series regarding the Healthy Foot. This series of lectures will be a comprehensive overview of various foot health topics from understanding causes and symptoms of different types of injuries, to treating and preventing them. You will also learn useful information to help keep your feet in good shape and healthy enough to allow your body and lifestyle to remain active. Topics will include Know Your “Itis” and understanding common foot ailments, Non-Invasive Treatment Options for Various Foot Problems, Foot Health & Balance, and Shoe Gear- Myths and Misconceptions. 

Register Your Vehicle Today!

PZSC Cars & Cocktails Fundraiser Car Show    

Friday, September 20 

4 – 7 PM  

FREE and Open to the Public    

Donation Entry Fee – All proceeds benefit PZSC Veteran’s Group  

Join us for an exciting evening as the PZSC hosts our fall Cars & Cocktails Fundraising Car Show! We welcome anyone with cars, trucks, or motorcycles to register for this event, which is open to the public. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the annual Veterans Day Breakfast in November, and we greatly appreciate your donations. Attendees can enjoy two bars, and two live musical performers. Bottled water, pop, food, and snacks will be available for a small fee. New to this show, the PZSC will have credit/debit purchases available. Parking for attendees is available on Brown Street, the PZSC overflow lot behind Dairy Queen, and the First Reformed Church parking lot. The PZSC main parking is reserved only for car show participants. To register for attendance, please call (269) 329-4555. For those interested in entering the show, registration is available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/952845164537?aff=oddtdtcreator or by contacting Nicole at (269) 548-4052. Thank you to Aetna for their generous sponsorship of this event. 

Downsizing & Decluttering Support Group  

Thursday, September 26

2 – 3:30 PM  

Group Leader: Darlene Reitz                                    

Are you drowning in “stuff?” Do you need extra support and guidance with keeping your life and house decluttered? Join group leader, Darlene Reitz for support, discussion, tips and tricks in downsizing and decluttering at this monthly group. *Although not a requirement, it is highly encouraged that group participants have taken the Downsizing & Decluttering class series but not a requirement. 

Downsizing: Remove Stress by Decluttering - Darlene Reitz, The Clutter Buster  

Thursday, October 10 & 24

5:30 – 7 PM

$15 Members / $20 Non-Members   

Instructed by: Darlene Reitz     

This 2-session class/workshop gives you tools and ideas on how to start and see results. Each little step you take can motivate you and keep you going to the very end. Let “The Clutter Buster” help you declutter your home and reduce stress in your life! The cost includes both classes. To register, please call (269) 329-4555. 

Travel Presentation – Collette

Thursday, September 5, 2024  

3-5 PM  

Registration Requested  

Register for an in-person presentation with Ed Mckenna of Collette at the PZSC. Join us to learn about the fun and exciting trips offered through Collette for 2025. Ed will be presenting details on Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights, South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana, and France Magnifique!  Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register. 

Travel Presentation – Premier World Discovery 

Wednesday, September 25, 2024  

1-3 PM  

Registration Requested  

Register for an in-person presentation with Tracey Schenk of Premier World Discovery at the PZSC. Join us to learn about the fun and exciting trips offered through Premier World Discovery for 2024 & 2025. To finish 2024 Tracey will be presenting details on Music Cities Christmas, and New Orleans Holiday.  She will also present 2025’s Colorful Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, Sunny San Diego, England, Scotland, & Wales, National Parks & Canyons of the Southwest, Yellowstone & the Wild West, Nova Scotia & the Canadian Maritimes, Colorado Rockies, Rails & Western National Parks, and Best of Australia & New Zealand! Whether you enjoy staying stateside or traveling abroad, we will surely have something for everyone. Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register.  

Travel Presentation – Ed & Ted’s Excellent Adventures 

Thursday, October 3, 2024 

10-12 PM 

Registration Requested 

Register for an in-person presentation with Ed Crouch of Ed & Ted’s Excellent Adventures at the PZSC. Join us to learn about the fun and exciting trips offered through Ed & Ted’s for 2025. Ed will be presenting details on Thunder Over Louisville, 40 Days / 40 Nights, Quad City, and Cape Cod!  Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register. 

Travel With the PZSC!

Bi-Weekly Highlights

• 9/10 Allegan County Fair, Allegan, MI $25 M / $30 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 9/18 Gilmore Car Museum-Wednesday Night Cruise-In, Hickory Corners, MI $20 M / $25 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 9/24 Art Prize Grand Rapids, MI $20 M / $25 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 9/26 Pierce Cedar Creek (Plant Hunters Program, Five Senses Hike, The Fungus Among Us), Hastings, MI $70 M / $80 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 10/10 Arab-American Cultural Experience, Dearborn, MI $130 M / $140 NM Spots Available
• 11/08 The Piano Guys at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 11/14 Dear Evan Hansen at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 11/21-11/22 Christmas in November a Mystery Trip to Somewhere $475 PP Double Occupancy / $550 PP Single Occupancy- Spots Available
• 12/04 Zehnder’s Jolly Holidays of Christmas, Frankenmuth, MI $155 M / $165 NM Spots Available
• 12/11 Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available

To view all the PZSC Travel opportunities please visit the Travel page on our website!

REMINDER: Cancellation/ Refund Policy for Classes & Programs

Please make sure to register early for all programs and classes offered by PZSC to ensure you get a spot and to avoid the cancellation of classes due to low enrollment. 

Effective immediately, the PZSC Cancellation Policy requires a 72-business hour (3 days) notice for all cancellations of classes and programs. If you need to cancel your reservation in a class, please do so at least 72-business hours in advance of the scheduled start time. Failure to provide the required notice will result in no refund or credit. Refunds will not be given after a program has begun unless there is a valid medical concern or emergency. 

However, if the cancellation is due to the discretion of PZSC, including weather advisories or instructor illness, a partial credit will be placed into the member’s account. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. 

Please note that the cancellation/refund policy for travel-related reservations are handled differently.