FOREVERWELL
APRIL 2026
FOREVERWELL® is a program for the active ager - our goal is to bring new events, extracurriculars, and clubs just for you!
SocialActivities:
Potluck at Fercho
April 21
11:15 - 11:45 am
Dawson Lounge - FY
Bringadishtoshareandenjoy conversationwithfriends! A TeamMemberfrom Bonanzavillewillbeproviding anoverviewonthemany historicbuildingslocatedonthe property,includinghowspecific structuresbecamepartofthe site.Theywillalsoshareon notablelocationssuchasthe PressShopandCassClay Creamery.
Book Club April 14
Wewilldiscuss“AnIrishCountry Doctor”byPatrickTaylor.Allare welcome,evenifyouhaven't finishedthebook.
May’sBooksis“TheLifeWe Bury”byAllenEskens
When Joan speaks about her life, it’s clear she doesn’t do anything halfway, whether it was building a decade-long career, raising a family, or fighting her way back to health. Her connection to the YMCA began not through structured exercise, but through community. Living near a lakeside Camp affiliated with our YMCA, Camp Cormorant, her family became deeply involved with the YMCA nature programs. “We had woods surrounding us, ” she said. An agreement was made to run camp trails through their woods. The kids would hike & explore. Their family relationship to the YMCA grew, as Joan served on the childcare advisory board to support childcare programming. Her children were enriched through the lives of YMCA teachers. “The teachers were absolutely amazing!” While Joan wasn’t formally introduced to group fitness classes back then, she stayed active in her own way, especially enjoying racquetball in her younger years.
TheLifeWeBuryby
An Unexpected Health Battle
Then roughly twenty years ago, everything changed. Joan was experiencing a rare diagnosis that led to muscle and tendon tears. Her muscles were failing, and specialists could not figure out why. Years of uncertainty, trial-and-error treatments, eventually, a likely cause emerged. “Except there was no cure, ” she explained. For years, basic exercise became risky. Traditional gym workouts left her in pain. At one point, she was told to stop exercising altogether. “I could have given up, ” she admitted. “But I had too much I wanted to do.”
Water making the Difference
The breakthrough came through aquatic physical therapy. “It changed everything,” she said. Working in a specialized underwater treadmill system, she was able to rebuild strength. “You’re like in a giant aquarium,” she laughed. “But it worked.” Progress wasn’t linear, but over time, consistency paid off. In the past several months, she’s seen significant improvement. “I’m stronger, and not experiencing muscle tears.” For the first time she can exercise without fear.
Returning to Dry Land and Community
Now, she’s transitioning back to land-based exercise, slowly and carefully, with guidance from her physical therapist. Joan has found a new joy: chair yoga. She’s also considering exploring other group classes and loves connecting with the FOREVERWELL Social Clubs. “The people are just as important as the exercise,” she said. “I love being around others again.”
Strength Beyond the Physical
Just months ago, she relied on a walker. Today, she’s regaining independence, working on balance. Her motivation is clear: family. With children and grandchildren nearby, she fills her days with visits and activities. “They’re my retirement,” she said. “That’s what this is all for.”
Advice for Others
When asked what advice she would give, her answer is simple but powerful: “Don’t stop. Keep going until you find what works for you. ” Her journey is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the importance of community, both in healing and in life. “I’m just so glad I didn’t give up. ”
AnIrishCountry Doctor byPatrickTaylor
AllenEskens
Finding Strength: One Woman’s Journey Back to Movement - Joan
SpecialEvent
Twins Game Bus Trip
Registration *OPEN!*
June 28 & Aug 16
Enjoy a relaxing day at the baseball field this summer for our travels to Minnesota Twins Game at Target Field! Take a coach bus with friends and family in this classic summertime tradition! Limited spots are available; please register in advance for this event.
SWAG BAGS FOR THE FIRST 30 PARTICIPANTS REGISTERED!
Painting Mason Flower Jars
April 28 & 29 $5 per person 9:30 am - see calendar for details!
Join us as we paint mason jars to turn them into beautiful flower holders, perfect for brightening up any room. All skill levels are welcome, bring your imagination and enjoy a laid back atmosphere. Supplies included, but welcome to bring yours from home if you wish! limit to 10 people
FOREVERWELL Future Book Club Books:
You’re invited to our monthly YMCA book club! Whether you ’ ve read every page or just started, you ’ re welcome to join the conversation. We meet once a month from 9:30–10:00 am in Dawson Lounge. Need a book? There are lots of options around Fargo–Moorhead including local libraries, resale shops, Little Free Libraries, & Libby audiobooks!
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor
April14
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
Faith Bass Darling’s Last Garage Sale by Lynda Rutledge
June9
Bingo
April 16 | 9:30 am
Dawson Lounge - FY
April 17 | 9:30 am
Conference Room - SY
Havefunwinningprizes,and playingbingo.
FOREVERWELL Moments Caught on Camera
Potluck at Schlossman
April 24
11:15 - 11:45 am Conference Room - SY
Bring a dish to share and enjoy conversation with friends!
Travel Club
April 7 11:15 - 11:45 am
Dawson Lounge- FY
Join us for a vibrant travel presentation highlighting the beauty and culture of Vietnam and Japan! We’ll explore the colorful traditions of Lunar New Year (Tet), share the excitement of a Vietnamese wedding, and journey through Japan’s stunning gardens, cherry blossoms and scenic biking routes.
Puzzle of the Month
Can you spot the 8 differences between these two springtime images?
March’s Puzzle Answer:
What can be seen in the middle of March and April that cannot be seen at the beginning or end of either month? The Letter R
FOREVERWELL Events Calendar
Travel Club
Fercho Y 11:15 am
*International Moment of Laughter Day *Happy April Fools Day!
Book Club
Fercho Y 9:30 am
Potluck Fercho Y 11:15 am
*Earth Day *Boston Marathon
Painting Mason Jars
Fercho Y 9:30 am
Painting Mason Jars
Schlossman Y 9:30 am
Bingo
Fercho Y 9:30 am
Bingo Schlossman Y 9:30 am
Water In Motion
Launch Fercho Y 8:00 AM Lap Pool
Potluck Schlossman Y 11:15 am