I find it interesting as I move about town and people greet me, asking what is up at the Center and which card game is it today. That caused me to pause and share with the individuals that we are so much more than cards. I see the activity at the Center every day … the Center is not the Centre perhaps you recall from when your parents or grandparents attended in one of its former locations. So with this thought in mind, as I returned to work I decided it was time to share the actual number of participants and the top activities.

The top 5 activities for 2018 are as follows.

1. Special events: with 4,115 participants. This includes music, educational, day trips. A wide variety of activities to expand one’s knowledge.

2. Pepper: with 2,125 participants. A card game that engages one’s mind and provides social interaction at the same time

3. Flex-n-Stretch: with 2,009 participants. A class where those who attend remain limber and work to keep their strength, not to mention all the laughter in the class.

4. Coffee Club Walkers: with 1,193 participants. Wonderful time to walk, talk and share a cup of coffee. There is a lot shared and learned during this time.

5. 500: with 1,094 participants. A card game that engages their mind and provides social connections.

So if we take a closer look you will see that we have a very varied approach to programs and those that are needed for seniors in the Marshall Area. Our Center is so much more than cards … so take the time to check it out.

Some of our upcoming activities are:

1) Friday, Feb. 1 @ 8 a.m.-noon: Defensive Driving AARP: 4 Hour Refresher Smart Driver Course

2) Wednesday, Feb. 6 @ 4-5 p.m.: All you need is Love and some Essential Oils!!

Join us for a Make and Take Valentines bingo with Essential Oils. Come play Essential Oil bingo and go home with a perfume roller. Cost is $10. Registration is required.

3) Thursday, Feb. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Healthy Lifestyle kicks off another session! It’s a new year so let’s create a new healthier you! Are you ready to take control of your health and create a healthier lifestyle? Learn ways to help prevent diabetes and lower your blood pressure. This year-long program encourages participants to create a healthier lifestyle through healthy eating, engaging in fitness programs and managing stress to recreate a healthier well-being. Registration is required.

Call Heather at 507-537-6109 for further information.

4) Membership meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m. Clarissa Dumdei, C-ANP, C-GNP will present on advance directives. We will also be continuing our discussion on the Code of Conduct.

5) Thursday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-noon, “For The Love Of Minnesota.” Join us this Valentines Day as we get a glimpse at Minnesota’s historic landmarks and why we love Minnesota. Presented by Dennis Gardner.

6) Thursday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-noon, Beat the Winter Blues with Music from the One Man Band

Gary Froiland has enjoyed performing music for 38 years. He plays the 5-string banjo, the guitar, harmonica and the musical saw, plus other instruments. As a one-man band, he has recorded his own background music, so as he plays along with these recordings you hear many Gary Froilands at the same time, backing himself up instrumentally and singing harmony with himself! Every indoor program is accompanied by PowerPoint and a video projector to add another dimension to the program. Some songs have been put into video, so you can actually see the other instrumentalists in action. Audience participation songs are included in the programs, plus a few good Norwegian jokes as Gary is half Norwegian. The program will include bluegrass style music and picking, country western and cowboy favorites, and gospel songs. 

Optional lunch to follow cost of lunch is $4.50. RSVP is required for both the music and lunch.

7) TECH U: 3:15-4:30 p.m. Get all your tech questions answered from cell phones to tablets to computers we have answers.

8) Conversations with Cops — Tuesday, Feb. 26 @ 10 a.m.

Come engage in a conversation with Jim Marshall. Jim will be visiting with us in regards to the slight upswing in financial scams and how we can be proactive in protecting ourselves from these scams. Coming alongside him will be Detective Jason Buysse.