Ready to Connect Oct-Dec 2026 (2) by cityofindepmo

Ready to Connect

Come for the events. Stay for the community.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026

New Season, New Opportunities!

In This Issue:

Welcome to Ready to Connect, your quarterly guide to education, physical fitness, and community for Active Agers. This Fall and Winter, we’re excited to offer even more ways for you to learn, move, and thrive alongside others. From the Senior Information Fair to our Fall Pickleball Tournament, the Palmer Center is your home base for staying active, informed, and connected.

Fall Travel Schedule Fitness & Physical Activities Education Opportunities Arts & Culture Classes Fun & Games Weekday Lunch Information

Staff News! Stop By and Say Hello! Meet Braden, our new Recreation Programmer! Braden grew up in Independence and graduated from MU in Parks, Recreation, Sports, and Tourism. As a Recreation Programmer, he manages lunch and fitness programs, and helps develop new events for you to attend. Outside of work, Braden enjoys family, travel, and going to the gym. You might know Marsha, but now you will see her in a new role. After being at the Palmer Center for more than a year, Marsha was promoted and will now handle rentals, food program, grants, SilverSneakers®, and front office support. Marsha enjoys helping both staff and visitors in her new, customer-focused role.

Senior Information Fair October 9 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mark your calendar for the Senior Information Fair at the Palmer Center. This is one of our biggest events of the year, connecting Active Agers and caregivers with trusted resources and experts in a fun, accessible, supportive environment. Plus, you might leave with a prize! Come with your questions and leave with real, practical answers. Meet: • Legal aid attorneys • Medicare counselors

SAVE THE

• Home care specialists

• Health experts • Technology experts

• 60+ Fall Pickleball Tournament | Registration ends October 10!

DATE! • Christmas Celebration Lunch | Tickets go on sale November 2 Palmer Center Hours

The Palmer Center is part of the Independence Parks and Recreation Department that supports Active Agers with lifelong learning, fitness opportunities, and connecting with others in our community. Questions about a program or event? Call (816) 325-6200.

Palmer Center | 218A N. Pleasant St. | Independence, MO

• Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Saturday | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sunday | Closed Closed for the Holidays: • November 11 • November 26-27 • December 24-25 • January 1

Ready to Connect: Arts & Culture

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026

Why Arts & Visual Activities Matter for Senior Wellness Art programming is necessary for active agers to keep their mind and mental health sharp. Here are three benefits supported by peer-reviewed research: Sharpens Memory Recall: A seven-year study found sustained arts engagement was directly associated with stronger cognitive performance in older adults. (Creativity Research Journal, 2023). Builds Cognitive Reserve: Data from 55,000+ adults across 16 countries linked lifelong cognitive/creative activity to slower memory decline over six years. (Innovation in Aging, 2024). Reduces Anxiety and Depression: A 12-week visual art program improved mood and cognition in adults with mild cognitive impairment, with effects holding at three months. (2026 Community Trial). The Art in You

Free Activities For Active Agers Color Your Way | First Wednesday of the Month (October 7, November 4, December 2) | 10 a.m. De-stress and have fun bringing some color into your life. Supplies provided. Coordinator: Sheree Barker The Art in You | Second Friday of the Month (October 9 and November 13) | 10:30 a.m Explore a variety of art techniques while creating some awesome artwork. Instructor: Sharon Propst Project Linus Quilters | Wednesdays (October 7 and December 9) | 12:30 p.m. Bring your sewing machine and basic supplies and come sew Project Linus quilts. This is a great class for both beginner and experienced quilters. There is no cost for the quilt kits, backing or batting. The completed quilts are donated to children in need. Coordinator: Jodie Land. Stitch in Time | Wednesdays (October 14 and December 9) | 10 a.m. This group is all about crocheting, knitting, or needlework. Bring your project and let's stitch together! Coordinator: Sheree Barker

Open Music Jam Every Wednesday | 12:30 p.m.

A fan favorite among Palmer Center regulars! Bring your instrument and join the jam session. If you are not a musician, just come enjoy the music or get up and dance! All musician skill levels welcome.

Special Musical Performance!

Open Music Jam

Independence Parks & Recreation

Join us December 3 at 10:30 a.m. as Mike Schelp puts on a special music performance. Mike has performed at several Independence restaurants and businesses, and always draws a crowd! Don't miss this free music event at the Palmer Center!

Palmer Center | 218A N. Pleasant St. | Independence, MO

Ready to Connect: Health and Education

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026

Falling Back Isn't As Easy As It Sounds Research shows the "Fall Back" time change can be harder on older adults than "Spring Forward". A study of 30,000+ adults ages 45-85 found the fall time change was linked to a 34% higher rate of sleep dissatisfaction the following week (Neurology/McGill, 2023). If you are having trouble adjusting to the time change, here are five steps that could help: • Get morning light exposure after waking. • Push your bedtime back by about 10-15 minutes leading up to the time change.

Set your clocks back one hour Sunday, November 1

• Even though you go to bed later, keep your usual wake time. • Review medication schedules tied to clock time. • Limit evening screens the first few nights.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Tuesdays, October 13-November 17 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Free class! Registration Required by October 6 | Call (816) 325-6200 Join this six-week class designed specifically for adults living with chronic conditions. You'll learn practical self-management techniques for pain, stress, and fatigue. This is a free class for those ages 60+ thanks to grant funding through the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Medicare 101 + Enrollment Assistance Open enrollment for Medicare is from October 15-December 7. If you have questions, we can help get you the answers you need to make informed decisions. Registration is required by calling (800) 390-3330. October 7 | 10:30 a.m. Information session where you can have your Medicare questions answered.

November 4 & December 3| 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Medicare open enrollment assistance

Health Screenings & Educational Classes Brain Game Puzzles: Every Monday at 10 a.m. Blood Pressure Checks: First Monday of the month (October 5, November 2, and December 7) at 10 a.m. Blood Pressure and Health Information with Research Nursing Students: November 30 at 10 a.m. Coﬀee & Guided Chat: First Friday of the month (October 2, November 6, and December 4) at 9:30 a.m. Low Vision Support Group: October 14, November 18 and December 9 at 10:15 a.m. Motivation & Movement: Every Monday at 11 a.m. Nutrition Site Committee: First Thursday of the month (October 1, November 5, and December 3) at 9:45 a.m. Pop Up Library & Tech Assistance: October 21, November 18, and December 16 at 10:30 a.m. (Provided by Mid-Continent Library) Veterans Cafe: October 8, November 12, and December 10 at 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by The Groves Virtual Tour: National Air and Space Museum: December 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Independence Parks & Recreation

Blood Pressure Checks

Palmer Center | 218A N. Pleasant St. | Independence, MO

Ready to Connect: Lunch and Community Fun

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026

Lunch and Delivery Home Service Hot lunches provided Monday - Friday at 11:30 a.m. Reservation and form required: Call (816) 325-6200. • $3 donation suggested for those ages 60+, their spouses, and those ages 18-59 with a verified disability. • $7 fee for guests You can view the menu on the City of Independence website at independencemo.gov under the Parks and Recreation page. Please click on the Palmer Center to see the menu, along with monthly activities. Reservation Policy We accept meal reservations beginning on Monday the week before. If you are unable to attend after having made a reservation, we ask that you call in the day prior to your reservation, (816) 325-6200.

The last Friday of the month is our Birthday Lunch! October 30, November 20, December 18.

Home Delivered Meals Meals can be delivered to those who qualify through the Mid-America Regional Council. To apply, please call (816) 421-4980. The nutrition program is also made available through funding of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from the City of Independence, MO CDBG Public Service Program. Harvesters Box Pick Up October 21, November 18, and December 16 at 3 p.m. To apply with the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), you can pick up an application at the front desk of the Palmer Center.

Community Fun 5-A-Day BINGO | Fourth Thursday of the Month | 10:30 a.m. Our partners at The Groves bring healthy fruit and vegetables as the BINGO prizes! Home Necessity BINGO | First Tuesday of the Month | 12:30 p.m. Win prizes from Phoenix Home Care & Hospice like sunscreen, soap, deodorant, and more! Pantry BINGO | Second Thursday of the Month | 12:30 p.m. Thanks to our partners at HyVee, winners get to take home pantry items as prizes! White Elephant BINGO | Third Thursday of the Month | 12:30 p.m. Bring a new or gently used gift that costs less than $10!

Ice Cream Social | 12:15 p.m. October 16 November 20 December 18 Sponsored by Archwell Health

Independence Parks & Recreation

Karaoke | 12:30 p.m. October 23, November 20, and December 18 Family Feud October 28 at 10:30 a.m. November 13 at 12:30 p.m., December 2 at 10:30 a.m. Co-sponsored by Better at Home KC

Duplicate Bridge Club Mondays & Wednesdays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Open Intermediate Bridge Club Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bridge Club Fees $30 for non-residents $15/yr. Independence Residents

Palmer Center | 218A N. Pleasant St. | Independence, MO

Ready to Connect: Holiday Fun & Travel

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026

Palmer Day Trips Enjoy the flavor of fall and the holidays with fun trips offered with the Palmer Center. Register in person or by phone at (816) 325-6200.

A Day in Hermann, MO | Thursday, November 12 | 8 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. Cost: $129 per person | Sold Out. Call to be added to the waitlist.

Union Station "The Berlin Wall: A World Divided" Thursday, November 19 | 9:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Cost: $5 (Must be ages 60+ and a resident of Jackson County) Tickets go on sale October 7 | Registration is due by November 5. Union Station "Holiday Reﬂections" Tuesday, December 1 | 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Cost: $5 (Must be ages 60+ and a resident of Jackson County) Tickets go on sale October 7 | Registration is due by November 17 Holiday Lights Trip | All Ages Welcome! Tuesday, December 8 | 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Cost: $35 per person | Registration is due by December 1 New Theatre & Restaurant "Always...Patsy Cline" Wednesday, December 16 | 10:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: $72 per person | Goes on sale October 7 *If a trip is full, your name will go on our waitlist. If you are in need of a wheelchair lift, please submit a written request when you register.

Independence Parks & Recreation

Folly Theatre "The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical" Thursday, December 17 | 6:30 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. Cost: $15 (Must be ages 60+ and a resident of Jackson County) Tickets go on sale October 7 | Registration is due December 3

Palmer Center | 218A N. Pleasant St. | Independence, MO

Ready to Connect: Fitness & Pickleball

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026

Let's Dink! 60+ Fall Pickleball Tournament Sign up for the Palmer Center Pickleball Tournament and get ready to show off your skills! Men's, women's, and mixed divisions. • Registration closes October 10 • Spots fill quickly • Call (816) 325-6200 to enter your team • $30 per team, price includes tournament t-shirt Tournament: November 7. Games start at 8 a.m. Awards given to the top three teams in each division. Every team is guaranteed at least 3 games!

Pickleball Play! Beginner Play: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $3 per time or Pickleball Pass Beginner play is for players with a self-rating of 2.0 or below.. Open Play: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. $3 per time or Pickleball Pass Open Play and Beginner Play are free for those with SilverSneakers® or ReNew Active Members. Drop-in Pickleball: Mondays & Fridays | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. $3 per time All skill levels welcome to play. (Pickleball pass not accepted for drop-in times). 18+ Court Reservation | Every Saturday $25 per court per hour Must register by the prior Wednesday. Court Times: 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Reservations can be made in person or by calling (816) 325-6200.

Annual Pickleball Pass is $30/yr for Independence residents and $50/yr for non-Independence residents.

Pickleball Tips & Tricks When a hard shot comes at you from the transition zone or kitchen, do not take a big back swing. Keep your paddle out in front and use a short, punchy block or a soft nudge to let the ball deflect. Keep the ball in play – Let your opponents make the unforced errors—75% of rallies end this way. Consistency beats power in beginners!

Independence Parks & Recreation

Palmer Center | 218A N. Pleasant St. | Independence, MO

Ready to Connect: Fitness & Pickleball

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026

Fitness Challenge: Two Machines, Full-Body Results Have you checked out the newer machines in the Palmer Center workout room? We added the Concept2 Rower and the Precor Elliptical a few months ago. Both machines are designed to help seniors stay active and mobile. Here's Why You Should Give Them A Try: Easy on joints: Low-impact movement that's gentle on knees, hips, and back. Full body results: Rowing strengthens legs, core, and upper body in one smooth motion. Better balance: Ellipticals offer controlled movement, easier to balance than a treadmill. Heart health at your pace: Build stamina and endurance.

Fitness Classes Line Dance | Mondays & Fridays | 11 a.m. | $4 per class Get your groove on with this fun dance class! Easy and fun routines that all skill levels will enjoy! PEPPI | Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays | 10 a.m. | Free (Peer Exercise Program Promotes Independence) Low-impact fitness program designed for adults aged 60+ and those with disabilities. *SilverSneakers® Classic | Thursdays | 11 a.m. | $3 for non-SilverSneakers® members Low-impact class designed to improve strength, mobility, and daily function! *SilverSneakers® Yoga | Mondays & Wednesdays | 10:15 a.m. | $3 for non-SilverSneakers® members Improve joint range of movement, strength and balance, and relax! *SilverSneakers® Zumba Gold | Tuesdays | 1:30 p.m. | $3 for non-SilverSneakers® members This combo dance/exercise class combines Latin music and easy to follow moves for a fun workout. Stretch & Tone | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9 a.m. | $3 per class A light workout to improve balance, coordination, and strength using handheld equipment and chairs. Wake Up Workout | Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays | 9 a.m. | $3 per class Start your day with this low-impact cardio workout designed to increase muscle strength, range of motion, and coordination. Tai Chi for Arthritis | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10 a.m. | Registration Required | Free This 8-week program is safe and effective and funded in part by a Mid-America Regional Council grant. Registration is required. *Indicates class is held at the Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Avenue. All other classes are held at the Palmer Center.

Ready to become a member? Fitness Center Membership Rates

When you join you receive a fitness orientation by our certified trainer on how to use the equipment. Memberships may also be used at the Sermon Center.

Independence Resident: $50/yr Non-resident rate: $80/yr

SilverSneakers® and ReNew Active memberships are also accepted.

Independence Parks & Recreation

Palmer Center | 218A N. Pleasant St. | Independence, MO

THE PALMER CENTER

PRSRT MKTG U.S. POSTAGE PAID INDEPENDENCE MO PERMIT NO. 94

Independence Parks and Recreation P.O. Box 1019 Independence, MO 64051 Return Service Requested

CONTACT INFORMATION

VISIT OUR WEBSITE indep.us/PalmerCenter

PHONE NUMBER: 816-325-6200

Staﬀ: Cheryl DeHaan, Supervisor Rick Davis, Nutrition Site Aid Braden Henson, Recreation Programmer Marsha Oldham, Customer Service Jim Willoughby, Custodian

THE PALMER CENTER

Website: indep.us/palmercenter Facebook: facebook.com/ IndependenceParksandRecreation E-Mail Address: parks-palmer@indepmo.org Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1019 Independence, MO 64051 Street Address: 218-A North Pleasant Street, Independence, MO 64050

Center Attendants

Don Andes, Emma Foley, Lynda Loomis, Deanitra Rakestraw, Judy Zeikle If you have changed your address, or you no longer wish to receive this mailing, please call 816-325-6200. Thank you!