Social Groups

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo offers a book club that meets monthly at Maple. There is no commitment required. Currently, a Y membership is required. 

Have questions? Contact Shashu Baraka, at 269-459-4856 or email her.

MEETING INFORMATION:

The Maple “Y” Book Club meets the third Friday of every month from 1:30-3:00pm in the Chapel
 

2024 READING LIST:

Jan  19:     Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (EB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)

Feb 16:     West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge (PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)

March 15: The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)  

April 19:   Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (EB/AUD/KPL/PDL)

May 17:    Educated by Tara Westover (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)

June 21:    Beartown by Frederik Backman (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)

July 19:     The First Ladies by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray (EB/AUD/KPL/PDL)

Aug 16:     Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)

Sept 20:    Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)

Oct 18:     Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)

Nov 15:     The Shell Seekers by Rosamund Pilcher (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/WAL)

Dec 20:     Holiday Luncheon

ACCESS TO BOOKS:

Book Location Key: EB = E-book, PB = Paperback, AUD = Audiobook, KPL = Kalamazoo Public Library, PDL = Portage District, Library, BiB = Book in a Bag, WAL = Waldo Library

The YMCA offers Healthy Aging fitness and aquatic classes to help senior citizens stay strong and independent. We also offer social events and activities at both of our locations. Contact Shashu Baraka, Active for Life Director, at 269-459-4856.

Lunch Crawl was developed from one of our Healthy Aging group outings—a cooking demo and Q&A with Chef Francisco Cordero from WMU's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. The group asked him about his favorite eateries in and around Kalamazoo, and he offered a handful of restaurants. So began Lunch Crawl! Every second and fourth Friday, we meet up at one of Kalamazoo's many awesome restaraunts for lunch. Consider joining us! Please email Active For Life Program Director, Shashu Baraka two days prior to confirm your attendance and if you're bringing a plus one. Confirmations need to be in by 4:00pm two days prior to secure seating. Restaurant dates subject to change. 

2024 RESTAURANT LIST:

Jan 12:  Martini's (Opens at 2pm)

Jan 26:  Breakfast at Tiffiny's (location TBD)

Feb 9:    Barrett's Smokehouse

Feb 23:  North 11

Mar15:  Blue Kitchella (A Latitude 42 restaurant) 

Mar 29: The Grazing Table

Apr 12: Cumin Indian Cuisine

Apr 26: Hunan Gardens

May 10: Buen Provecho

May 24: One Well Brewing

June 14: Martell's

June 28: Saffron

July 12: Martini's

July 26: Jac's - Portage

Aug 9: Shwarma King (location TBD)

Aug 23: WL Social House

Sept 13: Summer Thyme Cafe

Sept 27: Presidential Brewing Co.

Oct 11: Berries Pancake House

Oct 25: Full City Cafe