Here’s What Is Happening

January 2, 2025

AARP Tax-Aide Assistance at the PZSC    

Registration Opens Monday, January 6 at 8 AM   

To schedule your appointment, call (269) 329-4555   

Beginning Tuesday, February 4, AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers will offer free tax preparation assistance until Tuesday, April 15. Appointments are available from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. AARP membership is not required. This program provides free tax preparation and filing services to anyone in need, focusing on taxpayers over 50, low-income, and individuals with disabilities.    

All Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS to stay updated on the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. To ensure a smooth appointment, please come prepared with all necessary documents. You should also plan to pick up a tax packet one week before your appointment.  

3 ways to register for Classes/Programs

1. MyActiveCenter (MAC) – Online Platform (see instructions below)
2. In person with a PZSC Staff Member
3. Phone Registration

Notice to Priority Health Medicare Advantage Plan Members 

Please note: This ONLY applies to individuals currently using Priority Health.

If you have Priority Health as your Medicare Advantage plan provider, you will be transitioning from Silver Sneakers to One Pass beginning January 1, 2025. 

We have received a number of inquires from impacted members regarding the transition. Please be assured that the PZSC will be in network through your One Pass fitness offering and there will be no lapse in access. In the meantime your current fitness benefit is still active.

Beginning January 1, 2025, please visit the PZSC Reception Desk with your One Pass code so that we can update our records. Codes will begin with A followed by 9 numbers. Members can obtain their new member code by logging into your One Pass member website or calling the Customer Service number listed on your insurance card.

Mind Over Matter Workshop

Fridays, 10 AM – 12 PM

January 3, 17 and 31 (3 Session Class)

Free - Senior Women Only

If you have issues with bladder or bowel control, you are not alone. More than half of women aged 50 or older experience urine or bowel leakage sometimes! The Mind Over Matter; Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder workshop is designed to give women the tools they need to take control of their symptoms. Scientific studies show that attending this workshop reduces or even cures symptoms for many women! Even if you don’t have leakage symptoms now, it is never too early or too late to think about your bladder and bowel health. MOM: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder is a 3-session workshop for older adult women that includes information, group activities, and simple exercises to do at home. Call (269) 329-4555 to register.

Great Decisions 2025    

*Please note change in start time* 

New classes start Monday March 10 or Wednesday March 12. 

Maximum of 20 participants per class.  

2:15 – 4:15 PM  

$30 Members / $40 Non-Members

Facilitator: Karl Hokenmaier      

The PZSC is proud to continue offering America’s largest world affairs discussion program: Great Decisions, an eight-part curriculum created by the Foreign Policy Association. The mission of the Foreign Policy Association today, as it has been for over 100 years, is to catalyze developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. The program involves reading the Great Decisions briefing book, watching a DVD, and discussing the issues in a small group with other PZSC members. 

Memory Café

2nd Wednesday, January 8, February 12

10 – 11:30 AM

Free and open to the public

Facilitator: Heather Renter, PhD, Memory Care Learning Center

A memory cafe is a program designed to bring together individuals with memory loss and their care partners to socialize, share experiences, and engage in activities that promote cognitive function. The cafe provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can connect with others facing similar challenges.

Activities may include arts and crafts, music and singing, games, and storytelling. The goal of the memory cafe is to improve socialization, reduce isolation, and promote overall well-being for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. The program is in partnership with the Memory Care Learning Center and will be facilitated by trained staff and volunteers. Space is limited. Registration is required. To register, call (269) 329-4555.

Area Agency on Aging IIIA

1st Wednesday, January 8, February 5

9 AM – 12 PM

Free and open to the public

No appointments necessary – Drop ins Welcome A representative from the Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging IIIA Office will be onsite monthly to meet with anyone who might need information, referrals or assistance for aging at home. The AAAIIIA is a unit of the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department, under the oversight of the Aging and Adult Services Agency of Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Their focus is on helping individuals aged 60 and over to live independently, with dignity, in their homes. Emphasis is placed on individuals with the greatest economic or social need, however, they welcome anyone to contact them with questions concerning aging issues.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, January 17

12 – 6 PM

Register for appointment by calling (269) 353-6180 or schedule online at redcrossblood.org

Sponsored by Absolute Homecare and Medical Staffing Absolute Homecare and Medical Staffing is partnering with the PZSC to offer an American Red Cross Blood Drive. When registering, specify the “Portage Zhang Senior Center” as your location. Walk-in appointments are also available. For any questions, contact the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan at (269) 353-6180.

Foot Consultations

Fridays, 9 – 11 AM  

January 10, 24 and February 7, 21 

FREE-Registration is required! 

Call to schedule your 15-minute appointment at (269) 329-4555          

Dr. Deming will be present for foot care clinics on alternate weeks to offer personal consultation on your foot and ankle pain. The clinics will allow for evaluation and consultation with recommendations, advice and education to diagnose and address your concerns. Should you require further treatment, Dr. Deming can help facilitate follow up care and fast-track your treatment plan either at his personal clinic or elsewhere as required.  

*Disclaimer - These clinics will not offer palliative nail and callus treatment. Dr. Deming can schedule or facilitate follow-up procedures for specific types of nail and callus concerns that he treats in his private clinic.  

Travel Presentation – Collette

Tuesday, February 25, 2025  

1:30-3:30 PM  

Registration Requested  

Register for an in-person presentation with Jerard Welch of Collette at the PZSC. Join us to learn about the fun and exciting trips offered through Collette for 2025. Jerard will be presenting details on France Magnifique & Discover Spotlight on New York City Holiday!  Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register. 

Travel Presentation – Premier World Discovery

Thursday, February 6, 2025  

3-5 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 2025.  She will be presenting highlights of National Parks & Canyons of the Southwest, Yellowstone & the Wild West, Nova Scotia & the Canadian Maritimes, Colorado Rockies, Rails & Western National Parks, Best of Australia & New Zealand, Treasures of Ireland, Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Rome, Sierra Snow Train, and Rose Parade New Year’s! 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 With the PZSC!

Bi-Weekly Highlights

• 3/9 Clue at Devos Performance Hall Grand Rapids, MI $125 M / $135 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 3/12 Four Winds Casino New Buffalo, MI $50 M / $60 NM Spots Available
• 4/2 Hadestown at Miller Auditorium Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available 
• 4/11 50 States in an RV- A Musical Comedy Shipshewana, MI $130 M / $140 NM Spots Available
• 5/4 Pretty Woman at Devos Performance Hall Grand Rapids, MI $125 M / $135 NM Spots Available (Minibus)
• 5/13 Ain’t Too Proud at Miller Auditorium Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM Spots Available (Minibus)
• 5/29 Daniel O’Donnell at Blue Gate Shipshewana, IN $125 M / $135 NM Spots Available (Minibus 

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.