September/October Newsletter Now Available!

You can find an online version HERE, or pick up a paper copy at the PZSC Reception Desk!

September/October Newsletter Corrections:

• Girlfriend Hour (pg.29) - cost of $5/person was inadvertently omitted from the listing.
• Afternoon Book Club - dates were listed incorrectly in the Newsletter. Correct dates are Wednesday, September 3 (Beloved) and Wednesday, October 1 (Looking for Jane). 
• Armor Physical Therapy Dates are DIFFERENT DATES THAN THE NEWSLETTER LISTS. Days are on the 3rd Wednesday from 2 – 3 PM: September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17.

Fitness Instructor Update

Our wonderful fitness instructor, loved by all, Shelia Earle, is finally taking some well-deserved time off to have surgery on her other wrist. During her recovery, there will be a few adjustments to our fitness class schedule. We’ve done our best to arrange substitute instructors, though some classes will be on hold until Shelia’s return. She plans to be back with us in the spring for the March/April series—stronger than ever! Please join us in wishing Shelia a smooth surgery and speedy recovery, and thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. 

Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale Calling All Bakers!

Share Your Talents & Support a Great Cause

Are you known for your irresistible cookies, pies, breads, or sweet treats? Do friends and family rave about your holiday baking? Here’s your chance to put your kitchen talents to good use and support your community at the same time! We’re looking for generous and talented bakers to donate homemade baked goods for the PZSC Annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This cherished community event draws hundreds of shoppers looking for seasonal goodies, and your contributions help make it a delicious success! All proceeds from the Bake Sale go directly toward supporting the programs, services, and activities offered at the Portage Zhang Senior Center, benefiting older adults in our community year-round. Whether you can whip up a batch of your famous fudge, bake a tray of holiday cookies, or donate a homemade pie or loaf of bread, every item helps, and every bite makes a difference. 

Interested in Donating Baked Goods? Please contact Kimberly Middleton, Deputy Director at (269) 329-4554.

Help us spread holiday cheer—one sweet bite at a time!

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Tuesday, October 14

3 – 5 PM

$5 Members / Non-Members

Celebrate the season with us at our 2nd annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest—a festive event perfect for all ages and artistic abilities. Whether you’re aiming to craft a spooky showstopper or just want to enjoy some seasonal fun, this is your chance to get creative and dive into the colorful world of pumpkin painting. We’ll provide everything you need to bring your pumpkin to life, including pumpkins, paint, brushes, and a wide variety of decorative supplies. All you have to bring is your imagination and a willingness to get a little messy. While you work, enjoy the sounds of spooky tunes filling the air, and help yourself to classic fall treats like apple cider and doughnuts.

Once the decorating is done, the fun doesn’t stop there. Completed pumpkins will be put on display for PZSC members to vote on. Prizes will be awarded in three categories, including Most Creative, Spookiest Design, and Most Adorable. Whether your style is eerie, elegant, or out-of-this-world, there’s a place for your masterpiece in our contest.

Don’t miss out on this fun and festive way to celebrate fall. Call (269) 329-4555 to register and secure your spot today! Spots are limited!

Concert in West: Selkie Trio

Thursday, October 16

4 – 6 PM

$10 Members / Non-Members

Open to the Public

Join us for an afternoon of great music by Selkie Trio as they bring a Halloween program that celebrates the Irish and American origins of the holiday with songs old and new.

Selkie is a trio of dynamic Celtic musicians who play traditional music and original music with a trademark intensity and drive. The sounds of flute, fiddle, bouzouki, banjo, guitar, accordion, and harp are woven into Selkie's music, along with the vocal harmonies they use for their songs. Cash bar and refreshments available for purchase. This will be an indoor concert. Please call (269) 329-4555 to register.

Beastly Bash - Halloween Costume Dance Party

Thursday, October 23

5 - 7 PM

$15 Members / Non-Members

Open to the Public

Mark your calendars and start planning your costume—it’s time for our annual Halloween Costume Dance Party, and you won’t want to miss it! Get into the spirit of the season with an exciting night full of music, costumes, and dancing. DJ Hurricane will be spinning the best beats all night long, so whether you’re rocking vampire fangs or zombie makeup, be ready to show off your moves on the dance floor. The evening will also feature a delicious spread of snacks and pizza, with cocktails available for purchase. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a festive night out with friends, meet new people, and celebrate Halloween in style. Of course, no Halloween party is complete without a costume contest—and ours is one you’ll want to win! Bring your most creative, spooky, or jaw-dropping look for a shot at the prize. Whether you're creeping in solo, attending with a group, or coming as a dynamic duo, this is the ultimate way to enjoy the spooky season. Registration is required by calling (269) 329-4555.

Beginner Printmaking

Tuesday, October 21

4 – 5:30 PM

$15 Members / $20 Non-Members

Instructed by: Kimberly Barrett

Join artist Kimberly Barrett for a beginner-friendly class on relief printmaking using small rubber blocks! In this engaging lesson, you’ll learn how to create your own prints with simple tools and techniques. Rubber blocks are easy to carve and offer a unique texture, making them perfect for newcomers to printmaking. This hands-on approach builds on familiar drawing skills and allows your creativity to shine. Get ready to explore the exciting world of printmaking! Please call (269) 329-4555 to register. The fee for this class is offset by the generosity of the Bhadra Shah Arts & Culture Fund.

Composting 101

Friday October 24

9:30 AM – 12 PM

$15 Members / $20 Non-Members

Composting is the process for recycling wastes like kitchen scraps and grass clippings into an organic soil amendment that will help your garden retain moisture and support beneficial microorganisms. It’s a great alternative to putting food and yard wastes in landfills. This class explores the science of composting, and it offers insights into the various systems and scales that can be used at home. A tour of the Food Innovation Center’s composting operation is included.

This off-site class takes place at the KVCC Food Innovation Center. Minibus transportation will be provided. Class participants must meet in the PZSC cafe by 9:30 AM. The fee for this class is offset by the generosity of the Bhadra Shah Arts & Culture Fund. Please call (269) 329-4555 to register.

Ukulele Class All Levels

6 – Week Series

Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (No Class 11/27)

12:30 – 2 PM

$80 Members / $90 Non-Members

Instructed by Josh Holcomb

Learning a new instrument is good for your health and has many health benefits including increased eye-hand coordination, lower stress levels, improved brain function, focus, and mental clarity. Join us at the PSC for a six-week ukulele class for beginners and those who have previous ukulele experience. Learn chords, and techniques and learn to play ukulele songs. All materials, including ukuleles, will be provided for students during the class. Participants are welcome to bring their own ukulele; however, ukuleles are available for use on loan if needed. *Financial assistance is available. Please call (269) 329-4555 to register