Staying active, engaged at The Center
'I don't know what I would do if this place didn't exist'
By Nikki Rajala
“Camaraderie” is one of the many things members of The Center share that they value. The Center, located at 803 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, is a community gathering place for adults aged 45 and older. Since 1979, The Center has served the Brainerd Lakes Area by creating opportunities for healthy living, lifelong learning, socialization, creativity, and community involvement.
For Kathy Tusa, that sense of connection keeps her coming back.
“I’m here most days—I don’t know what I’d do if this place didn’t exist,” she said. “All summer long, several of us have had fun sorting and pricing the items donated for our annual Rummage Sale. That camaraderie is a real plus in my life. And I’ve met friends here I wouldn’t otherwise have known—another big plus.”
Kathy, a dedicated volunteer and Center Board Member, also organizes the annual Plant Sale that occurs every May.
With approximately 1,500 members and more than 250 daily visits Monday through Friday, The Center is a busy place. Each week, they offer about 60 activities, ranging from fitness and education to crafts, music and volunteer opportunities. Executive director Darcy Walkowiak is The Center’s only full-time staff member, supported by a small team of part-time employees.
“Our busiest days are Wednesdays, thanks to Nickel Bingo, and Donut Thursdays. Our live music and dancing on Thursdays is also popular. Whether attendees hit the dance floor or just clap and tap their toes, it’s a highlight of the week,” Darcy said.
Variety supports The Center’s larger purpose: helping seniors remain physically active, mentally engaged, and socially connected.
“Socializing and staying active are so important for the mental and physical health of older adults. Each day offers something meaningful, whether it’s sharing coffee with friends, volunteering, attending an interesting program, or participating in fitness.”
Helga Fleischhacker sees those benefits firsthand. She’s led the popular Bone Builders class for 25 years. The 30-minute, low-impact class meets three days a week, helping participants improve strength and balance while increasing bone density and reducing fracture risk.
“By attending, my class members see the changes in themselves. One woman regained her walking ability through the exercise. Just as important is that they enjoy each other’s company—they arrive early to visit with friends,” Helga said.
Options for movement include Zumba, Spring Forest Qigong, Chair Yoga, Billiards, Ping Pong and Tennis. Members can also sign up for Let’s Go Fishing experiences and pontoon rides. Those seeking quieter activities might choose Whist, Dominoes, Wood Carving, Knitting or using the lending library of books, movies and puzzles. Great Decisions, Book Club and AARP Smart Driving classes keep minds active.
Friendship with a purpose
Many activities at The Center combine creativity, volunteerism and friendship, like Card Recyclers. This group transforms donated greeting cards into new creations by sorting, trimming, gluing and assembling different designs.
“I love card-making,” MaryBeth Johnson said. “It’s fun to create with this great group. We’ve been together for years.”
For newcomer Jackie Bird, the group became something more. “I came for cards—and got camaraderie. I joined while coping with my husband’s death, followed by a cancer diagnosis a month afterwards. Their friendship has helped me heal.”
The feeling is mutual. The Card Recyclers say, “Jackie is so upbeat, she inspires us.”
Support also extends to individuals experiencing memory loss and their care partner through Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support, Memory Care Café and Memory Choir.
“Recently 10 Memory Makers Kits were donated by Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates,” Darcy said. “They feature familiar themes—fishing, baking, gardening, construction and animals. The hands-on items help families spark conversations, memories and storytelling.”
Quilting offers support in different ways. Led by Harley Ellis, volunteers meet Mondays and Thursdays and produce 15 to 20 quilts each week.
Harley jokingly calls those who machine-stitch the “Sew-and-Sews.” Other volunteers are “Pinup Girls and Knotty Girls,” depending on the task they’re performing. Everyone learns each step so production can continue if someone isn’t there. Since 2009, the group has given over 8,000 quilts to people recovering from a serious injury or illness.
“During difficult times, like cardio rehab, you feel alone even with support from family and friends. Sometimes a quilt lets people to know others are supporting them, praying for them for healing. That helps them in their journey,” Harley said.
The sense of friendship is found at Veterans’ Coffee, which meets three times each week. Local veterans gather to joke, solve the world’s problems, catch up on life and reminisce about their military service. And they check on each other—vets helping vets.
When Bert Johnson, a 97-year-old, didn’t arrive one Monday, his friends became concerned and planned to phone him. Fortunately he showed up an hour later—on his way upstairs to ride the stationary bicycle.
“I aim for six miles each time,” Bert said. “I look forward to being at The Center.”
Entertainment adds another opportunity to gather.
“The second Monday of each month features an evening dinner paired with a speaker or entertainment,” Darcy said. “This home-cooked meal is only $10 per person, and members and the public are welcome. The evening’s entertainment might include the Still We Sing Memory Choir, a performance by the Platinum Players theater group, or presentations on topics ranging from healthy cooking to fraud prevention.”
The Center strives to keep all opportunities affordable, so annual membership is just $25 per person and includes most classes, activities, clubs and programs. The goal is to provide affordable programs and services for older adults together to learn, stay active, and build meaningful social connections. Darcy noted that many seniors are living on fixed incomes and may not have extra money for activities.
Among the benefits of membership are the monthly newsletter, free coffee, free snowshoe rentals, exercise room access, Senior Golf and Senior Tennis, one-on-one technology help, borrowing books and puzzles, Tele-Care, notary services, and discounts at 20 local businesses.
“It’s a lot of perks for just $25,” Darcy added.
Donuts help make it possible
No story about The Center would be complete without donuts. Handmade cake donuts have been the organization’s largest source of revenue for decades.
What started with a few varieties in 1983 has grown into 30 flavors each week. Every Thursday, the kitchen comes alive shortly after midnight. The kitchen manager begins preparing before nearly 20 volunteers arrive to mix batter, fry, frost, box and sell donuts. Together they produce approximately 10,500 dozen each year. About half are pre-ordered by local businesses or individuals, while the rest are sold at the Thursday walk-through line. At $12 per dozen or $1 each, donuts remain a popular local tradition and many weeks they sell out quickly.
“Donut production is a true community effort,” Darcy said.
The Center also receives municipal support from Brainerd and Baxter and raises funds through events like the annual Plant Sale and other community fundraisers. Those wishing to make a long-term investment can contribute to The Center’s Legacy Fund, managed by the Brainerd Community Foundation, to help services remain available for future generations.
Senior Health & Wellness Week
Senior Health & Wellness Week, Sept. 21-25, showcases the commitment to living well at every age. The week features active aging classes, educational presentations from community health and aging organizations, and hands-on activities to experience many of The Center’s programs such as Senior Tennis, Bone Builders, Toymakers, and Quilt Makers.
Free and open to the public, it’s designed for adults 45 and older, whether they are already retired, preparing for retirement or simply looking for ways to stay active, healthy and informed.
“The week concludes Friday with our annual Ageless Expo, from 9 a.m. to noon, celebrating living well at every age. The Expo features health and wellness resources, fire, ambulance and police services, drone demonstrations and fun activities. To wrap up the day, a special opportunity to buy The Center’s famous fresh cake donuts on Friday will kick off this busy day, and attendees are invited to stay and end event with free bingo for door prizes starting at 1:30 p.m.,” Darcy said. “Ultimately, The Center’s impact is about more than a calendar filled with activities. Bone Builders, Veterans’ Coffee, quilting, cards, music, donuts and bingo all accomplish something equally important—they give people reasons to come through the door and opportunities to connect once they arrive. For some that means becoming stronger. For others it means learning something new, helping someone in need or finding support during a difficult season of life. And sometimes it just means taking time with friends for a cup of coffee.”
This is the camaraderie that members like Kathy, Helga, Jackie, Harley and Bert treasure—and the sense of community that has kept The Center serving the Brainerd Lakes Area since 1979.
If area seniors have questions, they are invited to visit The Center at 803 Kingwood Street in Brainerd, call 218-829-9345, or to check out their website at www.thebrainerdcenter.com.
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