By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The Lifelong Learners program continues to thrive.
The program, a collaborative effort between the community education departments from Plainwell and Otsego, offers senior citizens the opportunity to get involved and remain active in the community.
Lifelong Learners held a fall kickoff event in September before hosting a Halloween event earlier this month. Both of those events were held at Christian Neighbors.
And with the holiday season rapidly approaching, more events are scheduled for November and December.
Plainwell Community Education director Jason Herbert spearheads the program along with LeAnne Perkowski from Otsego Public Schools.
“We’re really having a lot of fun,” Herbert said. “I’ve noticed people re-connecting with long-lost friends, making new friends, finding chances to get involved and now having an excuse to get out of the house.
“Food is always provided, but the real nourishment comes from the social connections and purpose that we are all feeling.”
On Thursday, Nov. 16, Lifelong Learners will host “Friedsgiving” at 1 p.m. at the Otsego High School cafeteria.
“This popular idea among younger people in our culture is a chance to get together and feast with friends before the holidays begin,” Herbert said.
Herbert is cooking two turkeys, while Perkowski is providing the venue, table service and drinks. Everyone who attends is encouraged to bring their specialty dishes to share.
“This should be a lot of fun,” Herbert said.
On Thursday, Dec. 19, “Holiday Celebration and Sneak Peek” will take place at the Plainwell High School Performing Arts Center from 1 to 3 p.m.
“We’re going to be hanging out, having refreshments, decorating cookies and possibly having a visit from Santa,” Herbert said. “And then—I’m really excited about this—we have an invite-only chance to see a dress rehearsal of the Plainwell High School’s ‘Spectrum’ show, which is always absolutely amazing.
“We’re providing a live audience, and they’re providing the entertainment.”
And after the first of the year, Lifelong Learners will offer even more opportunities for seniors to get together.
“We took an informal survey on possible ideas for the future and got lots of them,” Herbert said.
Among the events that resulted from the survey are a “Taste of the Twin Cities” food event and a container gardening class.
To learn more about the Lifelong Learners program, contact Herbert at jason.herbert@plainwellschools.org.