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FOREVERWELL

SocialActivities: MARCH 2026

FOREVERWELL® is a program for the active ager - our goal is to bring new events, extracurriculars, and clubs just for you!

MemberSpotlight

Potluck at Fercho

WestwithGiraffes byLyndaRutledge

March 17

11:15 - 11:45 am

Dawson Lounge - FY

March10

Bringadishtoshareandenjoy conversationwithfriends! Vern fromNorthernPlainsBotanic Gardenswillbespeakingonthe historyofthecommunity gardensinourarea,the upcominggardeningseasonand communityneeds.

Book Club

March 10

9:30 - 10 am

Dawson Lounge - FY

Wewilldiscuss“Westwith Giraffes”byLyndaRutledge.All arewelcome,evenifyouhaven't finishedthebook.

April’sBooksis“AnIrishCountry Doctor”byPatrickTaylor

“Just Don’t Quit” - NIck

AnIrishCountry Doctor byPatrickTaylor

If you ask Nick when health and fitness started in his life, he’ll pause for a second and smile. “I guess it really took off when my boys got involved in sports.” Nick and his wife, Linda, raised two sons. When one of them showed interest in football, Nick had one condition: “You’re going to have to hit the weights.” Strength mattered. So they began lifting together in Valley City, starting in the local country club’s weight room. “When my kids were conditioning in the weight room, so was I,” he says. That’s how it started and he never really stopped.

April14

A Marine, Before it All

Long before Valley City and the YMCA, Nick was an 18-year-old entering the United States Marine Corps in October 1968. He served in Vietnam until April 1970. He hadn’t lifted weights before the Marines, but the physical demands of military service introduced him to structured training and discipline. After returning home, he met Linda. Both were born and raised in Pierre, South Dakota, and this year they celebrate 54 years of marriage. Linda has always been active in her own way an avid walker who could outpace the entire family at the mall or even on a casual stroll through the neighborhood.

Building Community in Fargo & Finding His Rhythm at the YMCA

When Nick first joined the YMCA in Fargo, it took a couple of months to settle into a routine. But once he did, he was hooked. He started with treadmill workouts, challenging himself to see how quickly he could walk three miles. Just shy of a jog, he eventually worked his time down to 45 minutes. This conditioning helped him keep up with Linda’s brisk pace. He mixed in cycling classes for a time and maintained steady strength training. Even North Dakota winters played a role with snow removal keeping him active when temperatures dropped. Over time, he gravitated back to what always felt right, the weight room. Today, he works out at least three times a week.

Coach Nick

Fitness for Nick had never just been about himself. It had been about showing up for his kids and his community. In Valley City, he coached girls’ softball, boxing, and hockey for several seasons. After moving to Fargo, he coached in the church softball league. He never claimed to be an expert. He simply wanted the kids to compete, improve, and believe they could do better. And they did.

When asked what advice he would give someone new to exercise, he doesn’t hesitate: “Don’t give up. ” You’ll feel sore. You’ll get sidetracked. Stay with it. Start simple. Go a little farther next time. Then show up again the next day. From a Marine in 1968, to a father lifting alongside his sons, to a coach, and a steady presence at the YMCA Nick’s story isn’t about intensity, it’s one of commitment. After many years, he keeps showing up for the workout.

March 17

10:15 am Studio A - FY

Wear your green and get ready to move! Join us for a lively, high-energy, green-themed workout filled with fun, music, and lucky vibes. Let’s turn the room green and make this an exercise class to remember! �� St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations!

SpecialEvent

Twins Game Bus Trip Registration *NOW OPEN!* June 28 & Aug 16

Join us as we travel to Minneapolis to cheer on the MN Twins at Target Field! Beat the stress of traffic and parking while spending time with family and friends and take part in this classic summertime tradition!

Limited spots are available; please register in advance for this event.

SWAG BAGS FOR THE FIRST 30 PARTICIPANTS REGISTERED!

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!

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

Bingo

March 12 | 9:30 am

Dawson Lounge - FY

March 20 | 9:30 am

Conference Room - SY

Havefunwinningprizes,and playingbingo.

Potluck at Schlossman

March 27

11:15 - 11:45 am

Conference Room - SY

Bring a dish to share and enjoy conversation with friends!

Travel Club

March 24 11:15 - 11:45 am

Dawson Lounge- FY

Join us for a presentation on Colorado from Alyssa Barglof. Take in the breathtaking journey of some of the most iconic natural destinations. From the towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods, to the dramatic depths of Royal Gorge, the beauty of St. Mary's Glacier, the charm of Buena Vista, and a look at Mount Princeton not to mention the famous hikes of Manitou Incline.