Hello Young at Heart Friends and Family;
Young at Heart is off to a great start! Many thanks to you, we had a financially successful year. We are back on the Senior Millage Contract, we had a successful Fall Campaign Appeal, and a great response to our Puerto Rico Raffle. We had 212 participants register with YAH last year. Over 100 of these new registrations discovered YAH for the first time. Classes are growing, we added programming on Tuesday, and we are all meeting new people. In line with our mission, we hope we are helping to reduce isolationism, and bringing helpful information to you about health, safety, and wellness. As we continue to serve you, and feed your soul, let me know if there are specific classes, presentations or activities you would like to see added in 2026.
FUN STUFF:
Thankfully the milder temperatures last week helped to get some of you out as we registered 35 participants, 2 of whom were new to YAH. Even though the weather changed over the weekend, a few of us braved the cold and went to see some of the Winter Installations downtown at the World of Winter.
REGISTRATION:
Last week we started our yearly process of updating registrations. This year, due to some changes in the forms, we want to get everyone on the same page. We will be asking you to complete the normal Registration Form, Liability Waiver and the Photo Release. Just to help clarify some recent confusion, YAH will NOT be collecting an annual registration fee. If you feel inclined to make a donation to start the New Year off, of course you are welcome to do this, but there is no obligation, it is completely free will as all donations are, and it will be recorded as a donation.
DONATIONS – WISH LIST
I am sure that over the past few months everyone has been hit up for year-end donations to your favorite non-profits, and perhaps to some of your not so favorite. So, I thought, as YAH starts off the new year and continues to grow our programming it might be helpful to compile a list of ways people can donate throughout the year. Please help us keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities. For example, when you pay off your credit card, look at your Redemption credits… can you request gift cards to redeem your cash back? We can always use gift cards that help us purchase food for lunches, Cooking Class, BirthDay Brunches, or other hospitality needs. Some gift cards can help us make purchases for the Exercise class, Bingo or Door prizes, etc. Do you see some yarn, cotton or fleece fabric or polyfill on sale? We can always use hospitality supplies such as firm paper plates, service ware, napkins, coffee cups, coffee, coffee supplies, paper towels, toilet paper… Some of these supplies we in turn donate to 2nd Church, as they do not charge us for rent or utilities. Check out our WIST LISH!
UPCOMING PROGRAMMING:
In addition to our normal programming…
- In January, YAH will be live streaming three episodes of the January Series. CLICK HERE for the Calendar and Flyer for more information.
- In February, in addition to our normal programming, we will be offering a presentation on Fair Housing for Seniors, hosting a speaker from Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and starting a three-part Faith Series for Lent. Georgina Guzman from MSU-Ext will return and offer a 5-week series on Stress Less with Mindfullness starting in mid-February. View the flyer HERE.
- In March, we hope to revisit one of our favorite activities and paint bowls for God’s Kitchen and continue with the Lenten Series. We hope to offer a fun St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and welcome back LMCU for a version of “Jeopardy!,” We also plan to offer a two-part presentation on the History of Michigan and a two-part presentation on “Dementia with Joy.”
- In April, our “Spring Into Wellness” Event is currently scheduled for April 1. Also on the calendar is a three-part series on the “Creation of the Modern World,” and a presentation by Life Therapeutic Services.
The first quarter is lining up to be filled with opportunities for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual growth. I sure hope you can join us!
Virginia