Senior Center in Sunshine
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Here’s What Is Happening

October 8, 2024

Request From a Local School

Beth Kemple, middle school ELA teacher at Kalamazoo Country Day School, is looking for assistance with a student project. Mrs. Kemple’s 7th and 8th grade students are learning about significant events of the 20th century (and 9/11) and are now looking for community members to interview about one of these events. The topics are:

  • Bombings of Japan during WWII 
  • The Great Depression
  • The Moon Landing
  • JFK Assassination
  • Challenger explosion9/11 attacks

The interviews could be conducted via Zoom for convenience. They are looking to do these between Oct. 14-18 if possible. Please contact Beth Kemple if you are interested in participating with this project. Via email  bkemple@mykcds.org or phone, 269-929-5083.

newsletter cover

September/October Newsletters Now Available

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


Corrections to Sept/Oct Newsletter

The following errors were  in the newsletter:

  • There is a misprint regarding the Reminiscence Writing Class. It shows a start date of November 20 in the newsletter, but the actual start date is October 9. 

Fitness Registration opens on Monday, October 14 at 8 AM for PZSC Members

You can preview the scheduled by visiting our website HERE.


purses

Friends of the Portage Senior Center Annual “It’s in the Bag” Purse Sale A Great Success!!

Saturday, October 5, 9 AM – 1 PM

Thank you to everyone who supported this year's sale! Whether you volunteered or shopped, everyone's support contributed to an amazingly successful event. The Friends of the Portage Senior Center raised approximately $13,000 at this one-of-a-kind event. Proceeds from this will support programs and services at the PZSC.

cookies

Sweetening the Season: Join Our Annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale Extravaganza!

Our Annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale is back on Saturday, November 2, 2024. We're seeking donations of baked goods from the community to support our cause. Your contributions are welcome whether you're a seasoned baker or a local bakery. Please let us know what you plan to bake and the quantity. Deliver all baked goods to the PZSC by Friday, November 1, 2024. If you're a professional baker or own a bakery, we'd love to feature your business as a supporter. Contact Kimberly Middleton at (269) 329-4554 to confirm your participation or ask questions. Let's make this year's event a success!

Remember our vets image

PZSC Veterans Day Breakfast at the Air Zoo

Friday, November 8, 8-9 AM

Free for Veterans / $20 for Guests

This Event is Open to the Public

Join us at Air Zoo (6151 Portage Road, Portage 49002) as we honor and celebrate Veterans Day in a special way! We are delighted to continue our exciting partnership with the Air Zoo for a memorable Veterans Day breakfast event. Immerse yourself in a morning of unity, exclusive guests, and the opportunity to experience all the wonders the Air Zoo offers. After breakfast, take your time to explore the incredible exhibits and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow veterans. Reserve your spot now by calling (269) 329-4555. This event is open to veterans of all ages. Please note: There will be no Veterans Group Luncheon at the PZSC in November.

Clean dry shoes requested

As the winter weather moves in, please help us keep our floors clean and dry. Do not walk into the Fitness Room or Fitness Class without changing your shoes first. Please change your shoes outside the room before walking in. The locker room is located on the main floor. Otherwise, there are also seated areas upstairs outside the fitness room where you can change shoes.

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. 

fall luncheon promo

Fall Luncheon

Friday, October 11  

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM  

$12 Members / $14 Non-Members  

Celebrate the arrival of fall with a delightful luncheon that truly embodies the spirit of the season. Imagine a cozy and inviting get-together, with the table beautifully decorated with the treasures of autumn, like vibrant leaves and adorable mini pumpkins. It's a wonderful opportunity to revel in the warm, comforting atmosphere of fall and cherish the company of friends. For planning purposes, we kindly request that you RSVP at least a week before the luncheon by calling (269) 329-4555.  

Exploring Grief Through Books and Movies - “Tuesdays with Morrie” 

Mondays, October 14, 21, 28, November 4 

10 – 11 AM 

This quarterly workshop will explore themes of grief, loss, and resilience through books and movies.  Each 4-week session will focus on a specific book or movie.  Participants will watch portions of the selected movie as a group and then engage in a group discussion led by a Centrica Care Navigators grief counselor. Pre-registration is required. To register, please call (269) 329-4555.   

Gray Skies Ahead: Navigating Disaster Preparedness for the Golden Years

Mondays, October 14, 21, 28, November 4

2:30-4:30 PM 

Free for PZSC Members 

Sponsored by Zhang Financial 

Join us on a journey to resilience with our Disaster Preparedness Curriculum for Older Adults. This comprehensive program is designed to empower older citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate natural and human-made disasters. Together, we will build a safer tomorrow for ourselves and our peers. Our curriculum is your first step towards mastering disaster preparedness, offering peace of mind in an unpredictable world. Participants will receive a disaster preparedness kit valued at $100.

“Oh, to be a Fly on the Wall!” - Fascinating Moments in History   

Tuesday, October 15 

2 – 4 PM 

$3 Members / $5 Non-Members 

Presented by: Randy Schau

This presentation offers a brisk journey through history, shining a light on transformative moments and key figures like Charles Lindbergh, Lewis & Clark, the American Revolution, the Beatles, Robert E. Lee, the Wright Brothers, and Abraham Lincoln. We’ll explore how these events and personalities have fundamentally shaped our present. Ideal for history buffs and the curious alike, join us for a quick dive into the pivotal episodes that define our past. Please call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Ceramics - Sgraffito Tiles       

Tuesday, October 15  

4 – 6 PM  

$30 Members / $35 Non-Members   

Instructed by: Kimberly Barrett  

Always wanted to try your hand at ceramics? Join us as ceramicist Kimberly Barrett teaches this beginner class on the Italian art of sgraffito! Together we will look at sgraffito-style ceramics, discuss how this technique is applied on clay with underglazes. We will walk through the clay process and students will try different clay tools and learn hands-on how they can be used to scrape away underglaze to create their own sgraffito ceramic tile. Final pieces will be bisque fired, coated with clear gloss and glaze fired by the instructor. To register for this fun new class, call (269) 329-4555. 

halloween party

Beastly Bash - Halloween Costume Dance Party   

Thursday, October 17 

5 - 7 PM 

$15 Members / Non-Members  

Open to the Public  

Gear up for a night of chills and thrills at our Halloween Costume Dance Party! Show off your best costume and dance the night away. Live DJ beats, appetizers, drinks, refreshments, and cocktails are available for purchase. There will also be a contest for the best-dressed guest, which is the perfect mix of spooky and spectacular. Don't miss this unforgettable night of fun and frights. Get your tickets now! Call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Yoga. . . and a Mimosa!

Thursday, October 17

3 – 4 PM

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members 

Instructor: Melissa Stout

Join us for a delightful blend of relaxation and a refreshment at this yoga & a mimosa class! Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or curious beginner, this class is open for all levels and no prior experience is necessary. Price includes a 1 hour yoga session and 1 mimosa. Cash bar is available if you wish to purchase more. Join us and raise a glass to your well-being! To register, please call (269) 329-4555. 

boho mirror craft

Craft Workshop – Boho Mirror

Tuesday, October 22 

3:30 – 5:30 PM  

$35 Members / $40 Non-Members  

Come and join us for a super fun make-and-take craft class where you’ll get to create a beautiful boho-style mirror! You'll learn a simple macramé knot that looks unique and is easy for anyone without experience. All materials needed for this workshop will be provided as part of your registration fee. If you'd like to join, please call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Fun Walks

Wednesday, October 23

10 AM – 12 PM

Free- Call to Register at (269) 329-4555

Join us and other PZSC members for a fun walk through Portage. Plan to meet at Eliason Nature Preserve, which has an entrance, parking lot, and restrooms located at 1614 West Osterhout Avenue. This trail is paved, and we will plan for approximately two (2) miles out and back, but walkers may continue for a longer walk or turn back at any time. Gather at 10 AM, and the walk will begin at 10:15 AM. Please remember to dress in layers appropriate for the weather, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes and bring hydration. See you there! 

ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls

Thursday, October 24

9 – 11:30 AM

Free- Call to register

ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls is a free two-hour presentation on the basics of fall prevention for older adults. Topics covered include fear of falling, safety inside the home, community safety, exercises and many more. Participants are given resources for more extensive classes, exercise classes and other supporting programs to take advantage of in their community. This program is generously provided through Bronson Methodist Hospital. To register, please call (269) 329-4555. 

Polymer Clay                   

Tuesday, October 29

4 – 5:30 PM

$20 Members / $25 Non-Members 

Instructed by: Sarah Nott

Dive into the creative world of polymer clay in our beginner’s class taught by instructor Sarah Nott! Learn the basics, including conditioning, shaping, and baking the clay with hands-on guidance. Come join us for a fun and inspiring experience, and start turning your ideas into colorful, tangible creations! To register, please call (269) 329-4555.

Travel With the PZSC!

Bi-Weekly Highlights

  • 11/08 The Piano Guys at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 11/12 Horrock’s Farm Market & Clara’s on the River, Battle Creek, MI $20 M / $25 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 11/14 Dear Evan Hansen at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 11/19 Chriskindl Market & Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids, MI $20 M / $25 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 12/04 Zehnder’s Jolly Holidays of Christmas, Frankenmuth, MI $155 M / $165 NM Spots Available
  • 12/10 Fire Keepers Casino & The Midtown Men- Holiday Hits Show Battle Creek, MI 40 M / $45 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 12/11 Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 2/2 Moulin Rouge! At Devos Performance Hall Grand Rapids, MI $125 M / $135 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 2/9 Disney’s The Lion King at Miller Auditorium Kalamazoo, MI $115 M / $125 NM (Minibus) Spots Available

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

Update to Fitness Class Drop-In Policy

We have updated our policy for drop-in registrations for fitness classes due to our ongoing expansion. Starting October 1, all drop-in registrations must be made on the same day as the class. This change will help us manage class size and attendance more effectively and ensure we have enough equipment and seating for everyone. The drop-in fee will now be a flat rate of $10 for both members and non-members. These adjustments reflect our commitment to providing a consistent and valuable fitness experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in creating a positive and organized fitness environment.

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.

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