Here’s What Is Happening

March 27, 2025

Updates for the Morning Book Club:

• April 14 - My Antonio: Willa Cather & To Kill a Mockingbird: Harper Lee
• May 12  - The Lion Women of Tehran: Marja Kamali

Important Update: Class Capacity and Waitlist Policy

Class space is limited for safety and effectiveness, with capacity based on space, equipment, seating, and instructor attention. When a class is full, members are placed on a waitlist in order of sign-up and notified if a spot opens.

Instructors cannot make exceptions, and pressuring them to do so is not acceptable. Please respect the waitlist system—showing up without confirmation will result in being turned away.

We understand the frustration, but the waitlist ensures fairness. Sign up early, track registration dates, and check your status if a class is full.

Thank you for helping keep our programs fair and accessible!

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.

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

Check Out the First-Ever Holiday Showcase!

If you missed the PZSC's first ever Holiday Showcase event in December, here is your chance! Just visit our webpage by clicking HERE. Scroll down to the bottom to check out the video! Thanks to everyone who made this event so successful!

Coffee with a Cop (NEW!)

3rd Wednesday, April 16

10 AM – 12 PM

FREE and Open to the Public

If you've attended Coffee with the Fire Chief, you know how valuable these casual community meetups can be. Now, we’re excited to offer a new opportunity to connect with local law enforcement through Coffee with a Cop! This is your chance to engage with the officers who serve our community. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the latest policing strategies, discussing safety concerns, or simply meeting the officers in your neighborhood, we encourage you to join us for an open, informal conversation over a cup of coffee. We’re eager to hear your questions, share insights about our community’s safety initiatives, and strengthen our partnership with you. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect! To register, please call (269) 329-4555.

Outdoor Fun Walks

Thursday, April 17th.  

Meet beginning at 10:00, walk begins at 10:15

Meet location:  PZSC overflow lot on Brown Ave

Our walk will take us north on Library Lane to connect onto the trail.  Our group will walk to the Celery Flats Interpretive Center where walkers can decide to continue or return to PZSC.  If walkers are enthusiastic to continue we will proceed to Bicentennial Park on Milham.  Round trip walk is a little more than 3 miles, and some may choose a shorter walk.  Restrooms are available at PZSC, Celery Flats & Bicentennial Park.  

Wrangle Your Chaos: Mastering the Art of Junk Drawer Organization with Dan “The Organizer Man”

Thursday, April 3 

1 – 3 PM 

$15 Members / $20 Non-Members  

Instructed by: Dan Cunningham  

It’s time to tackle that chaotic junk drawer! Join The Organizer Man at the Zhang Portage Senior Center for a hands-on, laughter-filled junk drawer organization demo. Bring the contents of your drawer in a bag or box, and let’s sort, declutter, and organize together. You’ll learn practical tips and clever tricks to transform that mess into a functional and tidy space you can actually use.  

From sorting through forgotten treasures to creating easy-to-maintain systems, The Organizer Man will guide you step by step through the process. Don’t miss this fun and productive workshop - it’s the perfect excuse to finally tackle that one drawer you’ve been avoiding for years! Come ready to roll up your sleeves and leave with a sense of accomplishment and an organized drawer. Call (269) 329-4555 to register.   

Ukulele All Levels    

Thursdays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15  

10:30 AM – 12 PM 

$80 Members / $90 Non-Members  

*Scholarships available to those who need assistance. Please inquire at time of registration.  

Instructed by: Josh Holcomb        

Unlock your musical potential and boost your health with the joy of playing the ukulele! Learning a new instrument isn't just fun; it enhances your eye-hand coordination, reduces stress, improves brain function, and sharpens your focus and mental clarity. Join us for an exciting six-week ukulele class that is perfect for beginners and anyone with some ukulele experience. Dive into the world of music as you learn chords, master techniques, and strum along to your favorite songs! Ukuleles are available for loan or you may bring your own. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make music and have fun! To register, give us a call at (269) 329-4555.

12 days in the U.K. (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland) by Planes, Trains and Automobiles!                        

Tuesday, April 15  

2 - 3:30 PM 

Presented by: Steve Ellis 

$3 Members / $5 Non-Members  

Spark Magazine publisher Steve Ellis, has spent the last 50 years traveling all over Michigan, the U.S and now Europe, searching for interesting and out of the ordinary destinations. His lively photographic presentation will give you some great ideas for future trips. Please call (269) 329-4555 to register.  

The Beatles                           

Wednesday, April 23 

2 – 4 PM 

$3 Members / $5 Non-Members  

Presented by: Randy Schau  

The Beatles burst upon the American scene when they appeared on Ed Sullivan in February of 1964. But by then the group had been together for seven years. This class will focus on those early years, exploring how John and Paul got together, then brought in George and Ringo. Along the way we'll meet people like bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, drummer Pete Best, manager Brian Epstein, and producer George Martin, and discuss the group's stints in Hamburg, Germany. A number of videos will be shown, songs will be played and Beatles quiz questions posed. If you're a Beatles fan, will you enjoy this class? Yeah, yeah, yeah! Call (269) 329-4555 to register. 

Caregiver Day 2025

Saturday, May 17

10 AM – 2 PM

FREE and Open to the Public

*TO REGISTER, PLEASE CALL (269) 373-5141

Provided in Partnership with the Area Agency on Aging 3A Kalamazoo County’s Area Agency on Aging and the Portage Zhang Senior Center, we recognize how challenging the role of “Caregiver” can be. We want to express our gratitude to all informal caregivers caring for someone aged 60+ in Kalamazoo County. Your work makes a difference, is meaningful, and we appreciate all of you! Light refreshments and lunch are provided. If care for your person is needed in order to attend, let us know when you register. To register for this event, please call Patti Stratton, LMSW, at (269) 373-5141.

Event highlights include:

• Keynote Speaker: “Grief in Slow Motion” with Jill Terwilliger, M.Div., CPCC. Jill will explore the unique emotional journey of caregivers grieving the gradual loss of a loved one with chronic progressive conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s Disease. Through compassionate insight and practical strategies, this talk helps caregivers navigate the ongoing and often hidden grief they experience as they watch their loved one change over time.
• Massages
• Breakout Activities such as Mindful Movement through Cardio Drumming and a Guided Art Class.

SAVE THE DATE!  

Friends of the Portage Senior Center

29th Annual Golf Outing, Monday, May 19  

Mark your calendars for the 29th Annual Golf Outing, sponsored by the Friends of the Portage Senior Center! Join us on Monday, May 19, at The Moors Golf Club, a stunning championship course designed by Arthur Hills. This fun-filled day kicks off with a noon shotgun start and includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, exciting contests, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, awards, strolling appetizer dinner, and more. 

Golfers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Proceeds from this event directly support the Portage Zhang Senior Center’s many programs, services, and activities. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a day on the greens while giving back to our community. For more details or to register, go to www.friendspsc.org. 

Travel Presentation – Premier World Discovery

Tuesday, May 6, 2025  

2-4 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 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

Monday, May 19, 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 2026. Jerard will present details on some of Collette’s amazing 2026 travel opportunities! Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register.

Travel With the PZSC!

Bi-Weekly Highlights

• 4/30 Vera Bradley Outlet Sale Fort Wayne, IN $75 M / $85 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)
• 5/20 Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall Return Northville, MI $125 M / $135 NM
• 5/22 Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo Grand Rapids, MI $40 M / $45 NM (Minibus)
• 5/29 Daniel O’Donnell at Blue Gate Shipshewana, IN $125 M / $135 NM Spots Available (Minibus)
• 6/11 Architectural Gems of Ann Arbor and Detroit $130 M / $140 NM
• 6/22 Kalamazoo Growlers vs Kenosha Kingfish Kalamazoo, MI $85 M / $90 NM with All-Inclusive Food & Beverage Package
• 06/19 Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers Chicago, IL $155 M / $165 NM Spots Available
• 7/18 Postmodern Jukebox at Blue Gate Shipshewana, IN $140 M / $150 NM 
• 8/13 Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field Chicago, IL $125 M / $135 NM with All-Inclusive Food & Beverage Package & Bingo
• 08/20 Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros at Comerica Park Detroit, MI $100 M / $110 NM Spots Available
• 09/21 Detroit Tigers vs Atlanta Braves at Comerica Park Detroit, MI $100 M / $110 NM Spots Available
• 9/29 Chicago Gangster Tour and Architecture River Boat Tour Chicago, IL $145 M / $155 NM

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