August Events & Outings

Thursday, August 1st 1-3:30 pm, Horizons Senior Center Survey: Horizons is planning to create a unique senior center in Cedar Rapids, and we need your valuable input. This center will offer a range of activities, including social gatherings, physical exercises, classes, and workshops, all aimed at enhancing the well-being of older adults in our community. Join us to hear about the proposed senior center and share your insights. This is your chance to influence its development. You often ask if we need “seats in the chairs.” Come and find your seat at this crucial program.

Monday, August 5th 1-3:30 pm, Our Great State Fair: In anticipation of the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18, come watch this fascinating PBS documentary about the history and lore behind our great state fair. Our Great State Fair explores the history of Iowa’s biggest event - the annual showcase of our state’s best agriculture, industry, entertainment, and achievement. The story begins in 1854, as an experimental agricultural exposition in Fairfield, and continues into the 21st century as a statewide celebration in Des Moines.

Note: If you are planning to attend the fair, Senior Day at the Fair is Wednesday, August 14th . Our own Sandy Bruns will be hosting a Hat Parade, a fun event for adults only at the Anne and Bill Riley stage at 10:00am. Choose a hat to personalize with a theme (i.e. All State Fair, Personal Safety, Summer Fun, Handy Man, or ??). For more information or to register, call Sandy at 319-651-5085.

Thursday, August 8th 1-3:30 pm, Chair Yoga with Tammy Bayer: Join us at 1:00pm for Coffee & Chat followed by Chair Yoga at 2:30pm. Tammy will be leading a beginner level chair yoga class. She will adapt the class as needed to fit your needs and mobility levels. Chair yoga uses a chair for support with seated and (occasional) standing postures. This makes yoga accessible to those who are new to it, have various physical limitations, or find other yoga classes challenging. No experience necessary.

Monday, August 12th 1-3:30 pm, Musical performance by Violinist Mira Gibbons! Mira Gibbons, a 13-year-old violin prodigy and freshman at Washington High School will delight us with a special musical performance. Mira began her musical journey at the tender age of 2 and has since dedicated her life to spreading joy through music. Having started a nonprofit violin business a few years ago, Mira has performed over 200 free concerts for seniors and youth. Her performances feature a delightful mix of classical, fiddle, and popular music, guaranteed to captivate and entertain.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to experience the extraordinary talent and heartfelt passion of Mira Gibbons. Come and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music that is sure to lift your spirits and touch your heart.

Thursday, August 15th 1-3:30 pm, Bingo: A social game of chance, bingo, is growing in popularity and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Besides being great recreation, playing bingo help older adults maintain hand-eye coordination, concentration, and short-term memory skills.

Monday, August 19th 1-3:30 pm Line Dancing with Kathie Mosley: Line dancing is a great way for older adults to engage in healthy physical activity. It is a perfect exercise for improving coordination and balance, increasing cardiovascular health and brain memory. This dance fitness experience can be enjoyed by people of all movement abilities; newcomers welcomed anytime. Kathie Mosley will be leading us in this quirky and fun activity.

Thursday, August 22nd 1-3:30 pm, The Ioway, Then and Now: Ancestors to Descendants: Join us for this captivating presentation, by Patt Murphy (Ioway-Sac), an esteemed Ioway elder. Born on his grandmother's allotment land on the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Reservation, Mr. Murphy has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Ioway people.

Mr. Murphy served for twenty years liaising with State and Federal governments under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). His significant contributions include investigating stolen remains and sacred items at Effigy Mounds National Historic Monument, providing a Victim Statement in the Federal District Court in Cedar Rapids, and aiding efforts to revitalize the Ioway (Baxoje) language he heard spoken as a child.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and ongoing legacy of the Ioway.

Monday, August 26th 1-3:30 pm Game Day: Join us to play Phase 10 (a rummy-like card game), Mexican Trains (a version of Dominos), or Scrabble. These games can be played by anyone. Or bring a favorite game. There is enough room and tables to play 3-4 games.

Thursday, August 29th 1-3:30 pm, 55+ The Detective Club Murder: Have you ever wanted to step into the pages of your favorite murder mystery? Now is your chance with this interactive murder mystery. The Detective Club Murder by Ruth Ware is a role-playing game which transports you deep into the English countryside to Mistletan Manor, the ancient country-house home of the celebrated crime writer Sir Aubrey St. Clair.

Hand-picked members of the detective club, the crème de la crème of the crime writing, are here to toast the club’s 50th anniversary. But when Sir Aubrey’s body is discovered, stabbed to the heart in his own study, everyone falls under suspicion – and everyone has secrets to hide. Can fellow crime writers – and those of you in the audience – band together to solve the Detective Club Murder? Pack your pen and magnifying glass and take your courage in both hands – this is your invitation to Misletan Manor.

Friends at the Lodge, Fridays 1-3pm. Jones Park Lodge, 2901 Fruitland Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids. August 16th Ann Cejka, Ushers Ferry Historic Village Program Coordinator, will be doing a traveling trunk program to take the village and the history out to the community.