It’s no secret that individuals today are living longer and embracing new and different activities well into their older years.

Many seniors shy away from creative activities because they feel as though they are not creative enough or are not artistic; however, even artistic novices can be creative with the right kinds of projects. As we age, it is important to pursue new activities and hobbies. Some join a exercise classes, while others opt to learn a new dance.

When considering a new hobby, it is important to add painting into the equation. Here are several benefits of learning to paint:

Relaxing and therapeutic: Painting has been proven to be therapeutic for centuries due to its ability to relax the mind and the body.

Assists in mobility: Often times, mobility in our hands is the first to go. Painting requires a sturdy grip and firm wrist, which makes it the perfect tool for practicing agility.

Encourages concentration: Frequently, painting will require several hours of undivided attention. This allows the artists to remove themselves from their surroundings and focus on just one thing.

Causes Intellectual Stimulation: Creativity mostly uses the right side of the brain. Thus the creativity it takes to either paint an original piece or copy something old means that there will be lots of brain activity occurring. This allows for improved mental health.

Includes socialization: You and a group of friends can come for the painting class or you can come to the class in hopes of meeting people with similar interests.

On Thursday we are hosting our second monthly painting class. Last month they learned to paint a cardinal on a branch. This month they are painting a fun snowman. The cost is $25 for the painting and all materials are included. It’s stress free and absolutely no experience is necessary. Make sure you sign up by stopping by the front desk or calling 507-433-2370. Space is limited.

We look forward to seeing you at our many programs at the Mower County Senior Center. Don’t forget our coffee shop where every day you can have homemade soup for $1 and a sandwich for 50 cents. Tuesday we are having chicken pot pie hotdish for only $2.

Upcoming events

Monday: Bone Builders, 9 a.m.; Blood pressure checks, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie’s Friends, 1 p.m.; Zumba 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Exercise with Evies Friends, 9 a.m.;

chicken pot pie hotdish, 11:30 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge, 500) 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai chi, 9 a.m., Wood Carvers, 9 a.m.; Tator bar, noon; Weight Watchers, 12:15 p.m.; Cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; Open chess, 1 p.m.; Life Long Learners, 2:30 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Exercise with Evie’s Friends, 9 a.m.;

Cards (Pinochle), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; Open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba 6:15 p.m.

Friday: Bone Builders, 9 a.m.; Cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage, 500), 12:30 p.m.; Ping pong 3 p.m.

 

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Feb. 8, one table

1st Millie Seiver, 2nd Jaynard Johnson, 3rd John Karnes, 4th Mary Johnsen

 

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Feb. 9, five tables

1st Edna Knobe, 2nd Rick Stroup, 3rd Jim Fisher; 3rd Vandy Newman; 4th Millie Seiver, 4th Joyce Crowe; 5th Judy Bungum, 5th Dave Solomonson

 

Tuesday 500

Feb. 9, two tables

1st John Karnes, 2nd Carol Hamilton, 3rd Gene Rauen, 4th Patricia Andrews

Wednesday Bridge

Feb. 10, four tables

1st Rick Stroup, 1st Gene Domino; 2nd Ray Schmidt, 2nd Dave Ring; 3rd Joyce Crowe, 3rd Millie Seiver; 4th Bud Higgins, 4th Loren Cleland

 

Wednesday Duplicate Bridge

Feb. 3, three tables

1st Dave Ring, 1st Ray Schmidt; 2nd Edna Knolbe, 2nd Cleo Osmundson; 3rd Rick Stroup, 3rd Gene Domino

 

Pinochle

No Results

 

Friday 500

Feb. 5, three tables

1st Dennis Bray, 2nd Sally Michels, 3rd John Karnes,

4th Romans Kikuts