Howell Senior Center   The Howell Senior Center, located in the Bennett Recreation Center, 925 W. Grand River Avenue, just west of downtown Howell is a vibrant social, recreational and educational venue that serves residents that are age 50 and older throughout the Howell community. The Howell Senior Center provides a place to be active and stay fit, a place to socialize with friends, and a place to find reference materials and people with knowledge about specific issues like housing, insurance, estate planning, tax assistance, nutrition and much, much more. Our cafeteria plan of programs and activities allows adults over the age of 50 to find the right mix of programs and services that they need. The coffee’s always on, so come over and join us. Hours of Operation The Howell Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Howell Senior Center is CLOSED on all major holidays and days when the Howell Public Schools are canceled due to inclement weather. Membership Membership in the Howell Senior Center is not mandatory but highly recommended.    We currently have over 100 Annual membership rates for residents of the City of Howell, Oceola Township, Marion Township and Genoa Township are $20 Annual membership rates for non-residents is $30 Lifetime membership rates for both residents and non-residents is $300. All seniors over the age of 90 are FREE.    *NOTE: No senior will be denied entry to the Howell Senior Center. If a financial hardship exists, please see the Parks & Recreation Director. Membership Applications are available at the front office or at the check in desk or by clicking here and downloading a copy to bring in with your payment. Members of the Howell Senior Center will enjoy a monthly newsletter sent directly to their homes, lower travel costs, food products and baked goods donated by VG’s, Panera Bread, and Gleaners, a membership card identifying you as a proud member, free participation in our walking club and select enrichment programs and activities such as fitness, arts and crafts and computer lab and so much more.  Click here for a list of membership benefits Membership in the Howell Senior Center is available from July 1 - June 30 each year (the annual fee will be pro-rated for new members). The more you come and participate, the more you’ll realize the benefits of belonging to the Howell Senior Center.   Daily Entry Fee For those seniors who do NOT wish to become members of the Howell Senior Center, there is a daily entry fee of 50 cents for residents (City of Howell, Oceola, Marion and Genoa Townships) and $1 for non-residents.  This fee will be collected at the sign in desk in the front lobby beginning on July 1, 2008. Newsletter We have made a number of upgrades and streamlined our newsletter that showcases programs and activities specifically designed for those over 50 years of age. You can pick up your copy during the day at the Bennett Recreation Center or you can download the current copy by clicking the link here: Senior Newsletter The newsletter also includes the monthly calendar of activities and the monthly calendar of meals from Senior Nutrition. We hope that you will pass this informative monthly newsletter along to friends and family and encourage those 50 & Beyond to get involved! Hot Lunches Join us at noon, Monday - Friday when the Senior Nutrition program offers a well-balanced meal for those wishing to share time and fellowship. The requested donation is $2.75. You must call Senior Nutrition 24 hours in advance to reserve a lunch for the next day - 810/632-2155. Programs, Services and Activities Euchre and Cribbage games Holiday Parties Out-to-Lunch Bunch Entertainment and Speakers Lending Library, Magazines, Cable TV AARP Tax Assistance (Feb - Mar) Red Cross Blood Draws Flu Shots (Nov) Driver Refresher Course Notary Public Service for Seniors Arts and Craft classes (seasonal) Adult Fitness to Music Tai Chi Drop In Gardening Classes Chair Yoga Pickle Ball Shuffleboard Ping-Pong Weekly Movies Bridge Lessons and Bridge Games And much, much more. Computer Lab and Classes Four computers, a scanner, and printer are available for use free of charge weekdays. Classes will be offered on Saturday mornings including - Beginners, Internet Basics, E-mail, and Digital Cameras. Classes are offered Monthly. Travel & Excursions Day Trips: Casinos, cultural, music, sports, scenic, historic. Extended Trips: Out-of-State and Out-of-Country. Most require advance deposits. Advisory Group The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority has set up an informal Senior Advisory Group that is composed of members from each of the authority jurisdiction to act as a sounding board/brainstorming group and to work on planning and organizing future events. The 2008 Senior Advisory Group representatives are: City of Howell Dawn Cooper Tom Austin Kathy Roth Oceola Township Pat Macina Harry Bowman Marion Township Cheryl Cunningham Chris Bialke Genoa Township Deloris Kalen Joanne Regan Howell Township John Pawlak Volunteers We are actively encouraging seniors to volunteer and help make the Howell Senior Center a great place to come.  We have volunteer opportunities that including manning the front desk by checking in people and collecting daily and annual fees.  We have 4 shifts each day for 2 hours each that you can sign up for.  Please call the Senior Center and talk with Cassie Matlock at 517/546-0693 ext. 7709. Transportation If you need transportation to the Howell Senior Center, the L.E.T.S. transportation system can provide you with a ride from your home. Flyers explaining the transportation procedure are available at the Bennett Recreation Center or by calling L.E.T.S. at 517/546-6600. Keep in Touch The best way to know what is happening and to stay active is be come to the Senior Center daily. If you would like to stay connected virtually, check out our monthy calender by picking up one of our newsletters, or sign up for a weekly e-newsletter delivered every Wednesday to you through e-mail.