Dave Freiday from the Senior Center represented his group today for Deanna Barry. Mike is the facilities manager who also does all the cooking that is not connected to Meals on Wheels. He has been involved in cooking for many years and he was speaking about their annual fund raising barbecue. At one time he was doing meals on wheels for everyone out of his house. Bryan Barrer remembers ordering great food from him. August 28th is the Center Rib Fest. The cost is $12 per person. This amazing fund raiser that Mike Jay cooks the ribs for and Dave puts his cooking skills to work at side dishes for raises about $3500 for Center programs. The Annual plant sale is their best fund raiser. It goes on during the second or third weekend in May. It raises about $20,000. Bob Nibbe is helping with donuts and they are always looking for volunteers to help with the Thursdale preparations. The garage sale happens once a year and they accept public donations. Mike did mention there was definitely a movement that resulted in dropping the word senior from their name. They have about 1500 members and about 20,000 volunteer hours a year on their books. Lutheran Social Services’Meals on Wheels leases the downstairs facility to serve their dinner on site and distribute their meals . Greeting cards are refurbished are sold in their gift shop along with other crafts and handmade things. Membership dues are $20 per year. Pam Sachs joined the Center with her ticket winnings today. Let’s Go Fishing meets in their building as well as the Jaycees. AARP comes in the spring and once a month to help with income and property tax free advice.They have a late night Tuesdays with lots of activities for people who are still working. A lot of discussion about the wood carving was presented that illustrated the theme, “You are never too old to learn”.

The history of the Center includes over three decades of information. In 1979, they became a 501C3 nonprofit organization, and are were located at 704 Front Street, Brainerd, MN. The site was donated to the seniors group. Renovations were completed and in September of 1983 The Center moved into the old fire station on Laurel Street, Brainerd. Memberships grew as in 1992 there were 560 members. In 1999, Bethany Good Samaritan gifted a building located at 803 Kingwood Street to the Center. Renovations began and shortly The Center moved to their new, current location on August of 2001.

Free community concerts in Gregory Park bandstand are held every Thursday evening at 7 pm, from June 5 to Aug 28. Gregory Park is located on the north side of Brainerd. Rainout location is The Center, 803 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN. Bus trips are scheduled to the end of the year. Stop in to check out where we will be going. Trips include: Miracles Happen Festival, Minnesota State Fair, & Twins Game. August 17: Norm’s Bait & Tackle Choir
August 24: Jack Franzen & the Muddy Water Band
August 31: Kingery Family

Thursday Band weekly in the Great Room at The Center. Beginning around noon, anyone who plays an instrument can be part of “the band”. If you love to dance to country music you can step out onto the dance floor. If you just want to listen to wonderful music, you can do that also. On the Second Thursdays , this group celebrates the birthdays of the month with cake and ice cream. Come in and join us! You will find welcoming people, talented musicians playing great music and an enjoyable afternoon of fun!

Movies: August 4th – Proof of Life, August 11 – Night Crossing, August 18 – The International, August 25 – The Revenant. Catch a movie and have popcorn at The Center on Fridays at 1 pm.

9:30 Wednesday Morning Club Program in August, 23rd – Kim Braun-Essential Oils, 30th – Jerry Negen-Investigative Services.

Second Monday Music. Entertainment follows the second Monday of the month dinners. Entertainment ranges from high school groups to holiday performances and many talented individuals who are willing to share their music with us!

Membership and programs continue to grow. They have associate memberships for younger folks. The Center’s mission is to encourage mature adults to engage in healthy living, socialization, life-long learning and community connections.The vision is is summarized as E4: Encourage ~ Engage ~ Enrich ~ Educate.