BATTLE GROUND – As the fall months start to give way to winter months this year, don’t forget about the numerous senior activities offered in Battle Ground to keep you warm and cheery all year long.
The Battle Ground Parks & Recreation Department continues to offer a variety of activities for area seniors to participate in, including lunch outings, pinochle, bunco, exercise classes and more.
Upcoming senior activities are listed in the Senior Scene, a quarterly publication that highlights activities, events and items of interest in the Battle Ground area. Activities are open to any senior who wants to participate. Most activities are offered on an ongoing basis. Here are some of the upcoming activities offered this fall to area seniors.
The Mad Hatters Club
The Mad Hatters Club meets on the second Friday of each month. There are no membership fees or red hats required. The only requirement is that you join others and have some fun. Most events are lunch outings and are Dutch treat (meaning each individual person pays for their own meal). Here are the upcoming lunch outings of The Mad Hatters Club:
• Lunch at Pasta Gigi’s, Fri., Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m.
Pasta Gigi’s is a locally owned food lover’s market located in Battle Ground Village. They offer a wide variety of flavored pastas, olive oils and balsamics, specialty sauces and tapenades along with an assortment of fresh-made sandwiches and pastas. The restaurant is located in the Battle Ground Village complex at 819 SE 14th Loop, Suite 108, Battle Ground. Meet at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m.
• Lunch at Happy Family Restaurant, Fri., Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.
Come sample the flavors and traditions of China at Happy Family Restaurant. Be happy and get your fortune to boot. Join others in the group at this local favorite. The restaurant is located at 611 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Meet at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m.
• Lunch at Mill Creek Pub, Fri., Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m.
Join group members as they check out one of the more popular lunch spots in town – Mill Creek Pub. They are known for great food in a casual setting. The restaurant is located in the Gardner Center complex at 1710 SW 9th Ave., next to the Battle Ground Cinema. Meet at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m.
Senior Lunch Program at BG Community Center
Seniors age 60 and older are invited to join the Meals on Wheels People on weekdays for a hot and nutritious lunch. Typically there are two entrees offered each day. A monthly newsletter, which includes a complete menu, is available at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Younger guests can also join the lunch crowd for a small fee of $6.30 per person.
Lunches are offered daily, Monday-Friday, except holidays. Lunch is served at noon. There is a $3 suggested donation for seniors, age 60 and older. Note that the senior lunch will not be available on the following dates in observance of major holidays: Thu., Nov. 26.
Bunco
Enjoy a game of Bunco on the third Friday of each month, noon-3 p.m., noon potluck, at the Battle Ground Senior Center, 116 NE 3rd Ave., Battle Ground. Cost is $5 per person, per day. Roll the dice and play Bunco. This game is fun and fast-paced. Anyone can play, no previous game experience or partner required. It’s easy and fun to learn and play.
Pinochle
Pinochle is offered weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon-4 p.m., at the Battle Ground Senior Center, 116 NE 3rd Ave., Battle Ground. There is a nominal fee per game. Are you a Pinochle card player? If yes, then join others for either single deck or double deck games. Having a partner is not a requirement to play. Potluck served at noon prior to game, so bring a dish to share with the group.
Fitness & Wellness Classes
There are several popular fitness classes available for adults and seniors. These classes are offered at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Find one that fits your lifestyle and your fitness goals or try out all of them.
Pilates Fitness Class
Pilates helps to build flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination and increases circulation. People who do Pilates say they have better posture, are less prone to injury and experience better overall health. All classes are a six-week session. Classes are held Tuesday mornings, 8:30-9:30 a.m., and Thursday mornings, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Cost is $40 for six-week session; $45 for seven-week session and $50 for eight-week session. Registrations accepted through the Battle Ground School District Community Education Program at (360) 885-6584 or www.battlegroundps.org.
Yoga Class
Yoga has proven to have profound healing benefits such as increased flexibility, stamina, strength, muscle tone and range of motion, and an overall well being and ease in daily life. Yoga class is offered for all levels Monday evenings, 6-7 p.m. and Tuesday mornings, 9-10 a.m.; as well as for beginners on Thursday mornings from 10-11 a.m. Cost is $25 per four-week session. Registrations accepted through the Battle Ground School District Community Education Program at (360) 885-6584 or www.battlegroundps.org.
Senior Enhanced Fitness Program
This course is a group exercise program for people 60 years of age and older. The program helps to improve balance, flexibility, bone density, endurance, coordination and mental sharpness, and decreases your risk of falling.
Other upcoming community events
Coming up Fri., Dec. 4, the 26th annual Battle Ground Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration with the Spirit of Giving will be held starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground.
The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with caroling by the Battle Ground High School Choir, and then Santa will arrive by fire truck at 5:45 p.m., courtesy Clark County Fire & Rescue. At 5:50 p.m., the Battle Ground mayor will offer some comments, as will the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce. At 6 p.m., Santa will light the city’s tree, and from 6-7:30 p.m. there will be a Holiday Party and photos with Santa in the Community Center.
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are $5 per picture. Proceeds go to benefit the Battle Ground Youth Summer Playground Program.
