We have social groups at the Y to support community connectivity and healthy living. Learn more about our programs by contacting Shashu Baraka, 269-459-4856.
Y Book Club
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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
2023 READING LIST:
Jan. 20: Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)
Feb 17: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)
March 17: The Martian by Andy Weir (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)
April 21: The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)
May 19: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)
June 16: Shadow Tag by Louise Erdich (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)
July 21: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL)
Aug 18: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL/WAL)
Sept 15: The Second Sleep by Robert Harris (EB/PB/AUD/KPL/PDL-audio only)
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
Healthy Aging Classes
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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.
Healthy Aging Lunch Crawl
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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.
2023 RESTAURANT LIST:
June 9: Bird Dog - Mattawan
June 23: Condado Tacos
July 14: Malia's - Paw Paw
July 28: Postponed
Aug. 11: The Hub
Aug. 25: End of Summer Picnic (Ramona Park)
Sept. 8: Toba Sushi & Grill (Limited seating)
Sept. 22: Bab El Salam
Oct. 13: Four Roses
Oct. 27: High Dive Kitchen & Bar
Nov. 3: North 11
Nov. 17: Breakfast at Tiffiny's (Location TBD)
Further locations to be determined. Stay tuned for updates!
Medicare Education Seminars
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Switching healthcare plans is never easy! This FREE seminar, presented by Dan Sarkipato helps take off the stress and confusion out of transitioning to, or switching your Medicare plan.
Be sure to bring materials to take notes. Please plan on attending for 45-60 minutes. Light refreshments will be provided.
PORTAGE
Sessions take place at 10:30am.
- Understanding Medicare: May 11th, 2023
- Understanding Medicare: July 13th, 2023
- Navigating Medicare: September 21st, 2023
- Navigating Medicare: October 19, 2023
Register here for Portage.
MAPLE
Sessions take place at 10:30am in the Community Room.
- Understanding Medicare: June 13th, 2023
- Understanding Medicare: August 15th, 2023
- Navigating Medicare: September 19th, 2023
- Navigating Medicare: October 17th, 2023
- Navigating Medicare: November 16, 2023
Register here for Maple.
