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Here’s What Is Happening

November 21, 2024


Thanksgiving Closure Notice  

The Portage Zhang Senior Center will be closed from  Thursday, November 28, through Sunday, December 1. We will reopen on Monday, December 2, at 8:00 AM.

During this season of gratitude, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to all our members for being such an important part of our community. From all of us on staff, we wish you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!  

Warm regards,  The Portage Zhang Senior Center Team  

biggest giver food drive

PZSC Aiming to be the "Biggest Giver"!!

Looking for a great cause to support? Look no further! This is the City of Portage's 11th year partnering with the Portage Community Center for the "Biggest Giver Food Drive." Join us in a friendly competition between city facilities to see which group will be the most generous. two years ago, the PZSC earned the 2022 Biggest Giver Award. Last year we came in second place! Help the PZSC staff earn back our title as the Biggest Giver! Between now and December 10, drop off non-perishable food donations and personal care products to benefit Portage residents in need. Items can be left in the designated areas at each entrance of the Senior Center.

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.

newsletter cover

November-December Newsletter Available!

Click HERE to access a digital version or pick up a copy at the PZSC today! Please note the following corrections:

  • The Rock the Pot date and time are correct, but the day is incorrect. It is listed as being on a Thursday and it should be a Tuesday. 
  • Bingocize will be held on Mondays and Thursdays starting January 6, and will run through March13. The newsletter incorrectly shows it as Tuesdays and Thursdays. Registration will open on December 16. 
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 a 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.

marbled art

Marvelous Marbling      

Tuesday, November 26  

1 – 4 PM  

$20 Members / $25 Non-members   

Instructed by: Cindy Semark  

Learn how to marble paper using a very simple process with beautiful results. Each person will marble at least two sheets of paper, one sheet of regular weight, and one of tagboard. From the dried papers, participants will make a greeting card and a beautiful decorative box. To register for this fun art class, please call (269) 329-4555. 

The Real Daughters of Kalamazoo: Exploring Local Ties to the American Revolution

Tuesday, December 3 

1 – 3:30 PM

Free and Open to the Public

In the 1850s, Kalamazoo County was just decades old, and the village of Kalamazoo served as the hub for banking, commerce, and transportation. Many early Kalamazoo residents were only a generation or two removed from the American Revolutionary War.  As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, historian Sharon Carlson will talk about some of the connections between early Kalamazoo County and the Revolutionary War, focusing on the women. The presentation will spotlight the Revolutionary War connections of several of the founders of the Ladies Library Association of Kalamazoo, as well as Kalamazoo County's sole DAR Real Daughter of a Revolutionary War soldier - Helen Van Dolson Barrett. Call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Herbal Remedies for Cold & Flu

Monday, December 2 

OR 

Wednesday, December 4

12:30 – 1:30 PM

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members 

Instructor: Melissa Stout

Tis the season for colds and flus! In this workshop, we will talk about why we get sick and what we can do to stay healthy during the winter season. We will make a homemade honey and spice cough syrup for you to take home! To register, please call (269) 329-4555. 

think first to prevent falls

ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls

Thursday, December 5

1 – 3:30 PM

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, exercise 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. 

Herbal Remedies for Skin & Hair

Tuesday, December 10 

OR 

Friday, December 13

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members

Instructor: Melissa Stout

As we age, our hair and skin change. In this workshop, we will discuss ways to support this natural change and make homemade coffee oil for skin and hair. To register, please call (269) 329-4555. 

watercolor paint brushes

Intro to Watercolor      

Tuesday, December 10 

4 – 5:30 PM  

$20 Members / $25 Non-members   

Instructed by: Sarah Nott    

Join our Introduction to Watercolor class, designed for beginners eager to explore the beautiful world of watercolor painting. In this class, you'll learn fundamental techniques, and experiment with colors. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space to start your watercolor journey. No prior experience required—just bring your enthusiasm! Cost includes the use of all supplies and instruction. To register, please call (269) 329-4555.  

santa singing karaoke

Christmas Karaoke         

Wednesday, December 11 

4 – 6 PM 

$10 Open to the Public  

Get ready to light up the holiday season with a jolly dose of cheer at our Christmas Karaoke Night! Sing your heart out to your favorite holiday classics or modern hits in a cozy, cheerful setting. Whether you're a karaoke champion or just there for the fun, it's the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. Enjoy drinks, great company, and a night filled with laughter and songs. Don your festive wear and let's create joyful memories to last a lifetime! *Participants are not required to sing Christmas carols. Water and cookies provided. Pop and cash bar are available for purchase. Please call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Zen & Zest: Christmas Spirits

Monday, December 16

1 – 2 PM

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members 

Instructor: Melissa Stout

Join us for a delightful blend of relaxation and refreshment at this yoga Christmas spirits class! Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, this class is open for all levels, and no prior experience is necessary. The price includes a one-hour yoga session and one peppermint schnapps and Baileys with cocoa/ coffee drink. A 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.

people wearing ugly holiday sweaters

Ugly Holiday Sweater Dance Party     

Tuesday, December 17 

 5 – 7 PM 

$15 Member / Non-member 

Open to the Public  

Dive into the festive spirit with our Ugly Holiday Sweater Party! It's the season to dig out your most hilariously hideous holiday sweaters and hit the dance floor in an array of colors and patterns as DJ Hurricane spins the tunes. Join us for a night where fashion faux pas are not only accepted but celebrated. It's the perfect occasion to raid your closet for the most outrageous and gaudily adorned sweaters/attire. Bring your holiday cheer and get ready for a wonderful time with dancing, laughs, drinks, and fun! Light appetizers, pop, water, and a cash bar provided. Call (269) 329-4555 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 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 With the PZSC!

Bi-Weekly Highlights

  • 12/10 Fire Keepers Casino & The Midtown Men- Holiday Hits Show Battle Creek, MI 40 M / $45 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
  • 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 
  • 4/6 The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise at Devos Performance Hall Grand Rapids, MI $125 M / $135 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
  • 4/11 50 States in an RV- A Musical Comedy Shipshewana, MI $130 M / $140 NM Spots Available

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

Reminder re: PZSC Hours

The Portage Zhang Senior Center is open for activities on the following schedule:

  • Sunday: 2 - 5 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: 7 AM - 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM

Please note that business hours are 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to process transactions outside of those hours. Please see a PZSC staff person if you have any questions.

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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