2026Spring
Senior Expo
JOINUSATTHE
WEDNESDAY,APRIL8TH 9AMTO2PM
THISYEAR’SSPRINGSENIOREXPO ISAFREE,FUNANDINFORMATIVE EVENTPACKEDWITHLIVE ENTERTAINMENT,CLASSES,GIVEAWAYS ANDLOCALVENDORSFROM HOMEIMPROVEMENT,RECREATION, FINANCE,HEALTH&FITNESS PRODUCTSANDSERVICES, ANDSOMUCHMORE TOLIVEYOURBESTLIFE!
9:15-9:45:BALANCEDINMOTION WITHSHELLEYMOWERY
10:00-10:30:GREATERMIDLAND ROCKSTEADYBOXING 10:45-11:15:ZUMBA WITHTRENAWINANS
11:30-12:00:LINEDANCING
12:30-2:00:LIVEMUSICJEN&JAKEBAND
SPONSOREDBY
Generations Connect
Bringing preschool children and older adults together creates meaningful connections that benefit everyone involved. Young children offer energy, curiosity, and joy— uplifting seniors, easing feelings of loneliness, and even supporting cognitive well-being. In return, older adults share patience, wisdom, and life experience, helping foster a sense of respect and understanding in young learners. These intergenerational experiences encourage children to build empathy and social skills, while giving seniors a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Together, they create lasting relationships that strengthen our community.
Join Us This Spring for Generations Connect!
Enjoy a fun, hands-on activity designed to spark creativity and connection between seniors and children.
• April 16 – Decorate a Birdhouse
The event begins at 11:00 AM with all supplies provided. Participants will be paired together for a meaningful and memorable experience.
We’re looking for seniors to help make this event special—come join the fun and make a difference in a child’s day!
Call 989.923.4622 or register in person at the Community Center.
Travel with Greater Midland
Greater Midland Travel is gearing up for another exciting season, offering a variety of fully planned motorcoach trips designed to make travel easy and enjoyable. These group trips allow participants to relax and experience new destinations without the stress of driving or organizing details. The Greater Midland Community Center has several extended and fourday trips scheduled throughout 2026.
“The trips I’ve taken have given me the opportunity to explore Michigan without the stress of planning or driving,” shared one senior who regularly participates.
Another traveler added, “I stepped out of my comfort zone to attend my first motorcoach trip, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve had. I can’t wait to go again!”
With many 2026 trips already nearing capacity, community members are encouraged to register soon to secure their spot. The season kicks off in May with a trip to Frankenmuth, featuring a tour of the Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, a Zehnder’s lunch paired with Kat Mandu: A Tribute to Bob Seger, and a relaxing cruise aboard the Bavarian Belle.
In June, travelers can head to Ann Arbor for a day filled with history, including a guided tour of Michigan Stadium—“The Big House”—and time to explore the city with various planned activities.
July brings a “Captivating Frankfort” trip, offering a chance to experience the charm of this beautiful Lake Michigan town through a variety of unique activities.
With several extended trips already full this season, Greater Midland Travel has added additional opportunities for those looking to experience longer adventures.
A second motorcoach has recently been announced for the popular Montreal & Quebec City trip, with new dates set for September 20–26. This experience includes guided tours of Old Montreal and Old Quebec, along with visits to St. Joseph’s Oratory, Ste. Anne de Beaupre Shrine, the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, and the breathtaking Montmorency Falls.
Stronger Every Day: Supporting Your Health with Fitness & Good Nutrition
As we age, taking care of our bodies becomes more important than ever. The good news? With the right combination of movement and nutrition, you can maintain strength, protect your health, and continue doing the things you love.
At Senior Services of Midland County, we make it easier to take the guesswork out of healthy aging.
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Why Strength Matters More Than You Think
Did you know that most adults begin losing muscle between the ages of 30 and 35? Physically inactive individuals can lose anywhere from 3% to 8% of lean muscle mass each decade after that. Hormonal changes, shifts in how the body processes protein, and changes in nerve and blood cells all play a role.
But muscle loss doesn’t have to be inevitable.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (EatRight.org), regular resistance training is key to building and maintaining muscle as we age. Adults should aim to participate in muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week, working major muscle groups including the legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, and arms.
That might include: • Lifting weights
Saving a Spot
If Cheri Schick beats her friends Betty and Doris to SilverSneakers class, she makes sure their favorite front-row exercise equipment is waiting for them. Cheri holds down the second row.
It’s a small ritual, but it says a lot about what the Greater Midland Community Center has come to mean to her. She came looking for an exercise class that wasn’t too intense and found an added social connection that’s benefited her and her husband, Helmut, as they look to take
great care of themselves in their senior years.
It was thanks to the word-of-mouth recommendations from other community members – specifically from Cheri’s neighbor who regularly uses the pool, and another friend who was already a SilverSneakers participant – that Cheri came to the Community Center. Now Cheri and Helmut are at the building three mornings a week. Cheri appreciates the SilverSneakers classes for their variety – Mondays easing into the week at a gentler pace, while Wednesdays and Fridays gradually pick up the challenge.
Meanwhile, Helmut walks the indoor track upstairs, logging thousands of steps a visit. “I have some health issues, so I’m the slowest one on the track,” Helmut says. “But nobody laughs at me – they smile at me!”
That warmth is part of what makes the Community Center a place the two are glad to frequent. Cheri notes that as people age, staying sharp and healthy comes down to four things: eating right, sleeping well, exercising, and socializing. “Those last two things really occur here for both of us,” she says. Helmut spends his walks chatting with fellow members about pipe organs and classical music and has benefited socially in ways Cheri has noticed. “If you aren’t out talking with other people, you can get in your own little world,” she reflects. “He has changed quite a bit.”
While the Schicks have a home gym in their basement, they still make the drive to the Community Center. The classes and social aspects are irreplaceable. And just as a neighbor and a friend once pointed Cheri toward the facility, she’s already doing the same by convincing another neighbor to come see it for themselves – saving a spot for one more person to experience the benefits.
For Cheri and Helmut, Greater Midland’s older adult programming has meant better health, new friendships and a deeper sense of belonging. It reflects how the organization’s commitment to seniors pays dividends well beyond the walls of the Community Center, and how a community that supports each other keeps growing stronger together.
Always in His Corner
At the end of a Rock Steady Boxing class at Greater Midland Community Center, the participants – all battling Parkinson’s Disease or a similar condition – gather in a circle and put an arm in for a group cheer. On most days, one of those arms belongs to a smiling Jim Nigro (or “Bobcat” as he’s known in the group).
Jim, a retiree of McKay Press, served as a Greater Midland trustee for a decade, championed fundraising for United Way of Midland County as a board member and campaign chair, and gave back in many other ways. It was no surprise, then, that the community came through for him when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“My fellow Rotary member Tom Erickson told me I had to try Rock Steady Boxing,” Jim says. “I decided to do it, because movement is key with this disease. I loved the camaraderie among the members – it was a community I hadn’t found before.”
Rock Steady Boxing uses non-contact boxing and other
exercises to help people with Parkinson’s and related diseases become stronger and steadier, so they can live independently and do the things they love. Even at his first class, Jim felt like he belonged.
“From day one, the staff was so encouraging, supportive and fun, and made me feel accepted,” Jim says. “It’s been invaluable for getting to know other people with similar diseases. We even go to lunch as an added meeting, once each month.”
Jim appreciates how the class is geared specifically toward people like him, providing movements that have been proven to help his condition, and how well versed the staff are in teaching it. It was a perfect fit, and the activity that got Jim to become a Greater Midland member himself.
“This isn’t a random class of physical activities,” Jim says. “These are specifically geared toward Parkinson’s Disease, and the staff make it fun, which is really important.”
After decades of showing up for others, including his invaluable contributions to Greater Midland, Jim now laces up his gloves, keeps moving, and is surrounded by a group who understands exactly what he’s fighting. In that circle at the end of class – arms in, voices together – Jim finds what community building makes possible.
Greater Midland Community Center offers Insurance benefits
Greater Midland Community Center is proud to participate in SilverSneakers®, Renew Active®, and One Pass™—three popular insurance-based fitness benefits available to many adults age 65+ enrolled in select Medicare plans.
Through these programs, qualifying members can enjoy a Greater Midland membership at no cost. Participants receive full access to the Midland Community Center, including group fitness classes, the Wellness Center, indoor walking track, and the 24/7 Fitness Center during building operating hours. Additional benefits include access to the multiuse pool, spa, sauna, court sports, walking club, and a Community Activity Pass featuring activities such as Euchre, Mah Jongg, and billiards.
SilverSneakers®, Renew Active®, and One Pass™ are also accepted at the North Family Center and Coleman Family Center, giving members access to all three Greater Midland locations at no cost.
For more information or to check eligibility, contact Amanda Ewald, Active Older Adult Program Coordinator, at (989) 220-3997.
Seniors Activities within the Greater Midland Community Center
Community Activity Pass- $85 annually without a membership. Community Activity pass is included in SilverSneakesrs®, Renew Active®/One Pass™ or any paid membership.
Mah Jong: Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00pm3:00pm.
Euchre: Monday & Wednesday 1:00pm - 4:00pm. All levels welcome. No partner needed.
Duplicate Bridge: Monday at 12:30pm. Additional fees may apply.
Line Dancing: Tuesday & Thursday from 11:00am – 12:30pm. Led by a volunteer.
Walking Club: Tuesday & Thursday from 9-9:55am
Billiards/Pool: Billiard tables available during regular building hours.
Puzzle: Puzzle available during regular building hours.
Someseniorsthinkthedaysofmakingnew friendsarebehindthem,butCandlestoneand IndependenceVillageofMidlandofferplentyof opportunitiestoformgenuineconnections.With avarietyoflifeenrichmentactivities,social opportunities,andmore,eachcommunityoffers somethingforeveryresidenttoenjoy.
What You Get Back When You Give Your Time: The Surprising Benefits of Volunteering
When we think of volunteering, it’s natural to focus on how those in need benefit. That’s very important. But there’s another side to that story: the profound, measurable benefits volunteers themselves receive. At Senior Services of Midland County, our volunteers tell us they feel needed, valued, socially connected—and research confirms these are more than just warm feelings. They are real improvements in health, well-being, longevity, and life satisfaction.
Here’s a look at what volunteering can do for you, whether you’re working, retired, or somewhere in between, and especially why helping older adults is a uniquely rich way to give and gain.
Health & Longevity
Volunteering is good for your body as well as your soul. Research consistently shows that people who volunteer live longer and feel better.
• A major review found that volunteering is associated with a 25% lower mortality rate, meaning volunteers tend to live longer lives compared to those who don’t volunteer (Anderson et al., 2023).
• Physical benefits include reduced blood pressure and lower risk of chronic conditions like heart disease (Stanford
2600N.SaginawRd,SteC Midland,MI49640 www.evergreens.org
Center on Longevity, 2024).
• Even modest levels of physical volunteering—like walking or delivering meals—can slow age-related physical decline.
Mental Health & Emotional WellBeing
The benefits for mental health are profound, especially for older adults:
• Older adults who volunteer regularly have a 43% lower risk of depression (Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 2023).
• Volunteers report lower stress, greater happiness, and a deeper sense of purpose.
• Regular volunteering helps
reduce loneliness, a serious health risk linked to higher rates of illness and early death (National Institutes of Health, 2024).
The Benefits at a Glance
Below is a snapshot of how volunteering impacts health and wellbeing, based on recent research:
The Benefits of Volunteering on Your Health & Well-Being
Why It Matters for Working People & Retirees
Whether you’re balancing a busy work schedule or enjoying retirement, volunteering offers flexibility and meaningful engagement:
• Working professionals can give just 1–2 hours per week, reducing stress and broadening social connections.
• Retirees gain purpose, daily structure, and opportunities to stay physically and mentally active.
Get There with Care: Transportation Services That Make a Difference
When getting from place to place starts to feel like a challenge, we’re here to lend a hand — and a ride. Our Transportation Department proudly offers door-to-door rides across Midland County for residents aged 60 and older. Whether it’s a medical visit or a grocery run, we’re committed to keeping you mobile, independent, and connected to your community.
Where Can We Take You?
• Medical Appointments
• Healthcare comes first: We prioritize your trips to the doctor, dentist, therapist, or other medical professionals.
• Drive-Thru Pharmacy Pick-Ups: Got a prescription ready? We can take you through the drive-thru to pick them up — quick, easy, and convenient. *Client must be present and prescriptions must be ready for pick-up.
• Foot Care Clinic at Senior Services: We’ll make sure you don’t miss these important appointments to keep your feet healthy and strong.
• Activity & Dining Centers: With five locations throughout Midland County, these centers offer more than a hot lunch — they’re hubs for fun, friendship, education, fitness, and special events. Let us help you stay active and engaged.
• Grocery Stores & Shopping Plazas: Stock up on essentials or enjoy shopping — we’ve got the ride covered.
• Business Appointments: Legal meeting? Bank visit? Tax prep appointment? We’ll get you there reliably and on time.
• Grocery Pick-Up & Delivery: Shop online, schedule your pickup, and we’ll handle the rest. Want to come along? You’re welcome! Just remember, our drivers can’t come inside your home to help put the groceries away.
Why Ride With Us?
• “Arm to Lean On” Service: Our trained volunteer drivers offer door-to-door support, providing a steady arm and a friendly face every step of the way.
• Safe & Comfortable Rides: Our fleet includes four wheelchair-accessible vans and four SUVs, making comfort and ac-
Seasons Adult Day Health Services: A Compassionate Alternative to Long-Term Care
Caring for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or a chronic illness is one of the most profound acts of love and devotion. At the same time, it can bring unique challenges and questions, especially when considering what type of care best supports both your loved one and you as their care partner. For many families, the decision often comes down to staying at home versus moving to a long-term care facility. But there is another option worth considering: Seasons Adult Day Health Services.
A Safe, Enriching Environment Seasons is a therapeutic enrichment program offered during the day in a comfortable, supportive group setting. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Seasons
provides a safe and engaging space for individuals living with memory changes, dementia, or chronic illness. Participants benefit from social interaction, meaningful activities, and a caring staff that understands their unique needs.
The environment is designed not only to ensure safety and comfort but also to encourage joy, conversation, and purpose each day. For care partners, this means peace of mind knowing that their loved one is in good hands while they take time to rest, work, or manage other responsibilities.
Benefits for Your Loved One—and for You
One of the most powerful benefits of Seasons is its ability to enhance the quality of life. Through stimulating
activities, participants often maintain—or even improve—their physical and cognitive abilities. Structured therapeutic programs include:
• Memory training, reminiscence, and life skills
• Creative arts, music, and technology use
• Physical exercise, cooking, baking, and horticulture
• Social discussion groups and community outings
Beyond daily engagement, Seasons also provides comprehensive health support. Nursing staff offer routine health assessments, memory and depression screenings, medication assistance, diabetic management, oxygen therapy, dietary support, and coordination with other health providers such as physical, occupational, or speech therapists. This blend of medical monitoring and therapeutic programming helps keep participants healthier, more active, and connected.
Care partners also benefit greatly. By knowing their loved one is safe and cared for, they gain essential respite—a chance to rest, recharge, and continue their caregiving journey with renewed energy.
Cost-Effective Care
Long-term care can be overwhelming not only emotionally, but financially. According to recent data, the average annual cost for care in the U.S. is:
• Nursing Home Care (24 hrs/ day): $127,752
• Home Care (44 hrs/wk): $77,796
• Assisted Living (24 hrs/ day): $70,800
• Adult Day Services (8 hrs/ day, 5 days/wk): $19,200 Seasons provides a fraction of the cost of other options while delivering personalized medical, social, and emotional support. Flexible scheduling is available at:
• 2 hours: $30
• 4 hours: $60
• Full day: $80
For many families, this makes Seasons not only the most affordable but also the most holistic choice. And to help new families get started, two free trial days are offered to experience the program firsthand.
TRAVEL
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Christmas in New York City is an experience like no other. Join us for a six-day getaway, November 15–20 and take in the magic of the season. Highlights include a round-trip ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a behind-the-scenes tour of Radio City Music Hall paired with a performance by the Rockettes, a Broadway show, and many more iconic New York City experiences.
To close out the year, travelers can enjoy a five-day holiday getaway to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from November 30 through December 4. The Holiday Sights & Sounds trip is sure to get everyone in the festive spirit, featuring performances of “Joshua” at the Sight & Sound Theatre and “Winter Wonderland” at the American Music Theatre.
All trips depart from Midland and are fully escorted for a seamless experience. For more details or to reserve a spot, visit the Greater Midland Community Center. To join the travel email list, call (989) 923-4622 ext. 2271 or email spetri@greatermidland.org.
Don’t miss your chance to explore—because the only trip you’ll regret is the one you don’t take.
HEALTH
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• Using resistance bands
• Yoga
• Push-ups or sit-ups
• Gardening or yardwork
• Carrying groceries
The important thing is to keep moving!
That’s why we offer a variety of low- or no-cost fitness classes designed specifically for older adults. These classes help improve strength, balance, and cardiovascular health in a supportive and welcoming environment. See our Fitness Class Webpage for a full schedule of fitness classes.
Nutrition: The Partner to
Strength
Exercise is only part of the equation. Proper nutrition plays an equally important role in maintaining muscle and overall wellness.
Protein helps rebuild and preserve muscle tissue. Carbohydrates provide energy to stay active. Healthy fats support heart and brain health. And getting enough total calories ensures your body has what it needs to function properly.
At our Activity and Dining Centers, we provide freshly prepared hot lunch meals every week for just $5/each — or pay what you can afford. Our goal is to make healthy eating accessible to everyone.
Our nutrition staff carefully plans each meal using guidance from the American Heart Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to
ensure balanced, heart-healthy options.
What’s on Your Plate?
Meals at Senior Services meet important nutrition standards:
• Calories: 533-866
• Protein: 10-35% of total calories
• Fat: 20-35% of total calories
• Carbohydrate: 45-65% of total calories
• Fiber: 7 grams or more
• Sodium: Less than 1,000 mg
• Potassium: More than 867 mg
• Calcium: Over 400 mg
• Vitamin C: Over 25 mg
• Vitamin B6: Over 0.5 mg
• Vitamin B12: Over 0.8 mcg
These nutrients support muscle maintenance, heart health, bone strength, immune
function, and overall vitality.
Take the Guesswork Out of Healthy Living Planning balanced meals every day can feel overwhelming — especially when cooking for one or two. Let us help.
When you combine regular strength-building exercise with nutritious, thoughtfully prepared meals, you create a powerful foundation for managing your health and well-being as you age.
We invite you to join us for lunch sometime, connect with friends, and experience the benefits of great nutrition without the hassle of meal planning.
At Senior Services, we’re here to help you stay strong, stay active, and stay well — every step of the way!
VOLUNTEERING
• Even small, consistent acts of service, like one weekly meal delivery, create meaningful personal benefits.
Volunteer Opportunities in Midland County
Senior Services offers roles that fit a variety of skills and schedules:
• Transportation Drivers: Provide rides to appointments and errands, ensur-
ing independence for older adults.
• Friendly Visitors & Shoppers: Spend just an hour a week visiting, calling, or helping with errands.
• Senior Safety Team: Make minor home repairs to improve safety.
• Meals on Wheels Drivers: Deliver meals and brighten someone’s day—with mileage reimbursement and a free lunch.
For details, visit SeniorServicesMidland.org/
volunteer or call 989-6333741.
When you give your time, you’re not just helping others, you’re improving your own health, happiness, and quality of life. Whether you volunteer once a week or a few hours a month, the rewards are clear: longer life, better health, and a stronger connection to your community.
Join us in making Midland County a place where every older adult—and every volunteer—can thrive!
TRANSPORTATION
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cessibility a priority.
• Drivers Who Care: Our team of caring volunteers is trained in service and safety. They’re neighbors helping neighbors.
How to Schedule Your Ride –Call: 989-633-3745
• Schedule at least 24 hours in advance
• Service Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:15 am-4:15 pm
o Last in-town pick-up: 4:15 pm
o Last out-of-town pick-up: 4 pm
“This service has made my life so much happier. It helps with my freedom of independence greatly.” — Transportation Client
Abordable & Accessible
• $3.50 per one-way ride ($7
SERVICES
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The Diberence Seasons Can Make
Choosing care for your loved one is never easy, but you don’t have to choose between keeping them at home or moving them into a facility. Seasons bridges that gap by combining expert care, enriching activities, and meaningful connections, all while allowing your loved one to continue liv-
round trip)
• Billed monthly for your convenience
• Available to Midland County residents aged 60+
A Few Important Notes:
• Medical appointments are prioritized.
• We do not provide pick-up from:
o Surgeries involving anesthesia
o Emergency room or urgent care visits
o Hospital releases, Assisted Living or 24-hour care facilities
• We do not transport pets unless it is a service animal.
• Our drivers do not remain with you during your appointment.
From essential errands to enriching experiences, our Transportation Department is here to help you stay connected, safe, and supported.
ing at home.
Families who choose Seasons often find that their loved ones enjoy better health, more social engagement, and a brighter outlook on life, while care partners feel supported and less overwhelmed.
If you’re looking for a safe, compassionate, and cost-effective option that values both you and your loved one, Seasons Adult Day Health Services may be the answer.
