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Here’s What Is Happening

February 12, 2026


Presidents Day Reminder!
Just a friendly heads-up that although Monday is Presidents Day, the Portage Zhang Senior Center will be open regular hours. So if you’re looking for a reason to get out of the house… we’ll be here waiting! 

cover of jan feb newsletter

January/February Newsletter is Now Available

Click here to access a digital copy online, or you can pick up a paper copy at the PZSC.

A few corrections to note:

  • Armor Physical Therapy Free Screenings are the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2 PM. The next date is February 18. 
  • Virtual Reality times were listed incorrectly. Newsletter shows the time as 2 - 3 PM.  Correct time should be 3 - 4 PM.  The next date is February 19. Registration is requested.

Fitness Registration opens on Monday, February 16 at 8 AM for PZSC Members

The updated fitness schedule is available at the Reception Desk, and is posted on our website.

3 ways to Register for Programs and Classes at the PZSC 

  1. MyActiveCenter (MAC) – Online Platform 
  2. In person at the reception desk 
  3. Phone Registration 

Priority for Taking Registration

On fitness registration day, priority will be as follows: 

  • MyActiveCenter (MAC) has first priority  
  • In-person registration has second priority  
  • Phone Registration and Voicemails will have third priority 

Please note: Phone Calls and Voicemails left earlier or before 8 AM will not be returned. 

myactivecenter logo

Save Time with Online Registration on MyActiveCenter (MAC)!

Did you know you can register for your favorite activities and events from the comfort of your own home? Our online registration system, MyActiveCenter (MAC), is exclusively available for current PZSC members.

With MAC, you can:
✔️ Browse upcoming programs and events
✔️ Register for activities anytime, anywhere
✔️ Pay securely online

Using MAC is easy, and we’re here to help you get started! For a step-by-step guide, check out a tutorial here.

Skip the lines and enjoy the convenience of managing your registrations at your fingertips. If you have questions or need assistance, give us a call at (269) 329-4555 or stop by the Center.

Sign in to MAC today and explore what’s coming up!

Lance the therapy dog

Help Us Shape Our Therapy Dog Program

Many of you have already met Lance, our therapy dog-in-training, who has been visiting the Portage Zhang Senior Center periodically. Therapy animals are often used in senior centers and healthcare settings to promote comfort, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being—and we’ve been exploring whether this could be a meaningful addition at PZSC.

That said, we also understand that not everyone feels the same way about dogs in a public setting. Some individuals may have allergies, fears, or personal preferences, and we want to be thoughtful and respectful of all participants.

To help guide future decisions, we are asking members to complete a short survey regarding their comfort level and feedback about having Lance onsite. Your input will help us determine whether this is a program we should continue, expand, adjust, or discontinue.

Please take a moment to complete the survey here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PZSCLance

The survey is brief and anonymous, and we truly appreciate your time and honest feedback.

Thank you for helping us keep PZSC a welcoming and comfortable place for everyone!

AARP Tax-Aide Assistance at the PZSC

To schedule an appointment, call (269) 329-4555.

AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers are currently offering free tax preparation services every Tuesday through April 14. Appointment times are scheduled between 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM, and all volunteers are IRS-trained and certified to ensure accurate and reliable assistance.

At this time, all appointments are fully booked. However, we encourage you to add your name to our waitlist, as cancellations do occur, and we are happy to contact individuals as openings become available.

To ensure a smooth appointment, please bring all required documents and plan to pick up your tax packet one week beforehand. 

Program notes: 

  • This service is free for all, with a focus on taxpayers age 50+, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. 
  • PZSC and AARP membership is not required. 
  • PZSC staff cannot provide tax-related guidance. 

Adjustment to Some Fitness Classes next week

Due to instructor availability, there will be NO:

  • BeMoved Dance Fitness on Monday, February 23
  • Yoga for Strong Bones on Monday, February 23
  • BeMoved Dance Fitness Level II on Tuesday, February 24
  • Yoga Unwind on Wednesday, February 25 

Singles Friday Night Out – Let’s Talk What’s Next

Wednesday, February 18

4 – 5:30 PM

$12 per person

Portage Zhang Senior Center – Meeting Rooms 1 A/B

We know many of you were disappointed when the Singles Friday Night Out Dinner Club was recently canceled. The connections, conversation, and sense of community this group created clearly mattered. With that in mind, we’d like to invite past participants to gather for an informal get-together to reconnect, share ideas, and talk about what the future of this group might look like going forward. This is a chance to reflect on what worked, explore new possibilities, and see if there’s interest in reimagining the group together. Franco’s pizza, salad and soda will be served. Limited adult beverages will be available for purchase (cash only). Fee covers the cost of the meal. To help us plan, please call (269) 329-4555 to let us know you’re attending. 

Concert Series – Roadside Attraction

Thursday, February 19 

4 – 6 PM 

$10 Open to the Public

Roadside Attraction is making their PZSC debut with a high-energy night of classic hits from the 70s and 80s. Enjoy soaring vocals, dynamic guitar solos, and timeless anthems you’ll want to sing along to. Their lively stage presence and nostalgic playlist create an electric atmosphere from start to finish. Don’t miss this feel-good evening of great music and fun! 

Call (269) 329-4555 to register.

Zen & Zest Wine Down Yoga

Wednesday, February 25

1:30 – 2:30 PM

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members

Price includes a one-hour yoga session and one alcoholic beverage. 

Instructor: Melissa Stout

Enjoy a relaxing “Zen & Zest” yoga class designed for all levels – no prior yoga experience needed. This mat-based session focuses on gentle movement, breath, and relaxation. Your registration includes a one-hour yoga session and one glass of red or white wine. 

To register call (269) 329-4555. 

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Special Event: 

Mac & Cheese Cook-Off 

Thursday, February 26 

3 – 5 PM (Voting ends at 4:30 PM) 

FREE, Open to the Public 

Our annual cook-off is coming up, and this year we’re gearing up for the ultimate comfort-food showdown at our Mac & Cheese Cook-Off! Chefs of all skill levels are invited to enter their best homemade mac and cheese—classic, spicy, loaded, baked, or wildly creative.  

We are currently looking for cook-off entries! If you would like to enter, please call Nicole Romo at (269) 548-4052.  

All entries will be sampled by attendees, who will vote for their favorite. It’s a fun, delicious, family-friendly event filled with good food, good company, and plenty of melted cheese. Come hungry and help us crown this year’s Big Cheese!  

Don’t miss this super fun and seriously delicious event. Please plan to be finished tasting by 4:30 PM if you plan to vote.  

Gilmore Piano Festival Sampler – Bill Cessna Trio 

Thursday, March 5 

5 – 7 PM 

FREE, Open to the Public

Get a first look at the upcoming 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival (April 30–May 10). Learn about the artists, venues, and programming ahead while enjoying a performance by the acclaimed Bill Cessna Trio. 

Pianist and multi-instrumentalist Bill Cessna is known for his improvisational style and strong roots in jazz tradition. He has performed at The Green Mill, The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Cliff Bell’s, and more. A Western Michigan University graduate, Cessna is active throughout the Midwest, leading performances and recording projects including Background Music (2022) and Billy Boy (2024). 

Call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Girlfriend Hour Turns One!

Thursday, March 5 | 3 – 4:30 PM

$5 | Members Only

We’re celebrating one full year of friendship, laughter, and meaningful connection at Girlfriend Hour! Over the past year, this special women-centered gathering has become a place to share stories, encouragement, and plenty of laughs—and we can’t wait to celebrate together.

Join us as we mark our one-year anniversary with cake, light snacks, and a lively round (or two!) of Birthday Bingo. Expect a few fun twists, lots of cheering, and charming little prizes that add to the celebration. It’s all about enjoying the moment and celebrating the wonderful community we’ve built together.

Let’s toast to a year of building friendships—and many more to come!

Spaces are limited. Call (269) 329-4555 to register.

Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office – Now Taking Appointments

Thursday, March 19, 10 AM – 3 PM 

The Secretary of State Mobile Office is returning to the Portage Zhang Senior Center. This convenient mobile unit can help you: 

  • Obtain or update a State ID 
  • Complete driver and vehicle services 
  • Renew license plates 
  • Register to vote 

For a quick, friendly experience, schedule an appointment. Call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Travel Presentation – Premier World Discovery

Wednesday, March 25, 2026  

11 AM  

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 2026.  She will present 2026 highlights including West Virginia Rails & Williamsburg, Utah’s Mighty National Parks, Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe, Treasures of Croatia & Slovenia, and Historic Savannah & Charleston Holiday. There will also be a sneak peek of what is to come in 2027. 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

  • 3/8 Misery at Farmers Alley Theatre Kalamazoo, MI $90 M | $100 NM (Minibus)
  • 3/25 Four Winds Casino New Buffalo, MI $50 M | $60 NM
  • 4/12 Murder on the Links at Purple Rose Theatre Chelsea, MI $145 M | $155 NM
  • 4/21 Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Amish Living Shipshewana, IN $135 M | $145 NM 
  • 5/7 Tulip Time & The Texas Tenors Holland, MI $160 M | $170 NM
  • 5/11 Grand Hotel 2026 Mackinac Island, MI $1500 pp double occupancy $1800 pp single occupancy
  • 5/31 White Sox vs Detroit Tigers (Includes food & beverage package) Chicago, IL $130 M | $140 NM 
  • 06/8-06/11 Exploring Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Ludington-Call for Pricing
  • 6/17 America’ 250th Celebration at Blue Gate Shipshewana, IN $75 M | $85 NM (Minibus)
  • 6/28 Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros Detroit, MI $100 M | $110 NM
  • 7/22 Chicago Cubs vs Detroit Tigers Chicago, IL $140 M | $150 NM  
  • 7/22 Four Winds Casino New Buffalo, MI $50 M | $60 NM
  • 7/26 The Great Gatsby at Devos Grand Rapids, MI $130 M | $140 NM (Minibus)
  • 8/13 Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians Detroit, MI $100 M | $110 NM
  • 8/20 Essenhaus & Classic Car Cruise-in Middlebury, IN $45 M | $55 NM (Minibus)
  • 9/27 Detroit Tigers vs Pittsburg Pirates (last home game) Detroit, MI $100 M | $110 NM
  • 10/14 Four Winds Casino New Buffalo, MI $50 M | $60 NM

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

pickleball logo

Pickleball Courtesy Reminder

We love seeing our pickleball courts active and full of energy! As a reminder, open play at the Portage Zhang Senior Center is intended to be a fun, recreational activity in a welcoming environment. Aggressive or overly competitive play—including unsafe shots, rough behavior, or unsportsmanlike conduct—will not be tolerated.

Please be respectful of all skill levels, play safely, and help us keep pickleball enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!

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