Though we’re still officially in spring, it certainly feels like summer as I write this on a hot early-May day! Each month, I reflect on what I shared the month before and continue to be amazed by the exciting things happening throughout Active Generations.

In mid-April and early May, we hosted two Expos—one at the Eastside location and one at the Main Campus. A huge kudos to our Membership team for organizing both events, and a big thank-you to the vendors who joined us to share valuable information with all of you.

By the time you read this, our Annual Book Sale will have taken place. And looking ahead to June, our newly renovated Library at the Main Campus is scheduled to be completed! Stay tuned for details on a celebration to check out the updated space.

Also this month, a group of members will be heading to the Twins Game on May 24! Maybe this will be the year we finally win a World Series—but until then, we’ll keep cheering with hope!

With the warm weather, be sure to check out our Hiking Club and Golf Club. And remember—we have weekly Tuesday night dances at the Main Campus! We’re also excited to launch a few new group classes: Tai Chi on Saturdays at East and both traditional and chair yoga for both locations.

I challenge each of you to try something new this month—whether it’s joining a club, trying a class, or simply stopping by to see what’s going on!

We’re also continuing the transition to our new Membership Model. If you weren’t able to attend a Listening & Learning Session in April or May, please stop by and talk with our Member Services team to learn how the changes may affect you.

Thank you for being an essential part of our vibrant community. We appreciate your enthusiasm and commitment, and we look forward to sharing many more exciting moments together. Stay active and keep enjoying every moment!

Progress is underway!

Each month as I sit down to write this note, I’m energized by all the exciting things happening across Active Generations—and this month is no different!

We recently wrapped up a fantastic first season of our Pickleball League at the Eastside Campus. Thank you to everyone who played, volunteered, or cheered at the games! We’re already planning for a summer league, so stay tuned.

Main Campus Renovations – May will be a busy month!

• Hair Salon: Closing temporarily April 30 for renovations. Manicures and pedicures coming soon.
• Library Refresh: Room 133 becomes a Library and Learning Lounge:
  • Two public computers
  • Tech class area
  • Reading nook
  • Puzzle station
  Current library becomes the Member Activity Office.
• Golf Simulator: Launching in May.

New Membership Model Launches June 1

Details are posted around the building. Please visit with our Member Services team if you missed a Listening & Learning Session.

— Betsy Schuster, President & CEO

Hello, Spring!

I’ve been feeling so re-energized by the beautiful weather we’ve been enjoying lately, and I hope you have too! With a new season comes fresh energy, exciting changes, and, understandably, some questions. I wanted to take a moment to address a few common ones I’ve heard recently—because if one person is wondering, chances are others are too.

Welcome Desk at the Main Building

If you’ve been to the Main Campus recently, you may have noticed our new Welcome Desk, installed in early March. This change came directly from member feedback during our Strategic Planning process. Many of you shared that it sometimes felt like staff was tucked away behind closed doors, making it harder to connect with the Membership team. We took that to heart and set out to create a more accessible and welcoming space. While we’re still fine-tuning a few details, we’re excited about how this change will help us better serve you!

Funding & Community Support

Like all nonprofits, Active Generations relies on a mix of funding sources to provide our programs and keep our mission strong. We receive support through federal, state, and local grants, Sioux Empire United Way, membership dues, and program fees. In addition, we’re fortunate to have incredible corporate and individual donors who make enhancements like the ones you’re seeing possible.

For example:

• The new Welcome Desk was made possible thanks to support from Sammons Financial.
• A golf simulator, coming soon as a fun new programming option, was funded by Scheels and Sanford Health.
• The upcoming Library Renovation & Technology Upgrade is supported by a grant from the Bob and Rita Elmen Family Foundation.

These partnerships allow us to keep membership fees as low as possible while still making improvements that enhance your experience. We’re also working hard to bring back programs that were paused during the pandemic and to explore new opportunities based on your feedback.

Like many of you, we are navigating rising costs, and we remain committed to finding ways to support our programs beyond membership dues. We’re grateful for the incredible support of our community and will continue seeking additional funding partners to bring even more requested enhancements to our buildings and programming.

Membership Updates

As mentioned in our last update, we are adjusting the membership structure to reflect what we’ve learned since the rollout in August 2023. We encourage you to attend a Member Listening Session or book an appointment with a Member Specialist to find the best membership option for you. We want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your experience with us!

New Programming Coming Your Way!

• After-Hours Access Pilot Program – We’re excited to begin piloting after-hours access in April! If you’re interested in being part of this pilot, stop by the front desk at Main or East to learn more.
• Augustana University LifeLong Learning Partnership – Dr. Lucas Hamilton kicks off his engaging, TED Talk-style in-person series in April. You can sign up for one session or all of them! These sessions will be offered at both campuses and are free for members.
• Active Generations Expo – Based on your feedback, we’re expanding the Expo this year! Last year, we hosted an Expo at East Campus, and many of you requested one at Main as well. So this year, we’re holding an Expo at both Main and East—be sure to check the dates!

Thank you for being part of Active Generations. Your feedback, enthusiasm, and support keep us moving forward. We can’t wait to see you at these exciting new programs!

Hello all!

Though we haven’t received much snow (yet), I hope you are making it through the winter season! I’m certainly looking forward to the arrival of spring.

On Thursday, February 6, we hosted an event where I shared an overview of our strategic plan and what’s ahead for 2025, based on feedback from members, staff, and the community.

Member Services Updates

For those who were unable to attend, I wanted to share some updates specifically related to Member Services:

• Our Member Services program engages over 3,000 members across fitness programs and more than 50 social clubs at both our Main and East campuses.
• As announced in last month’s newsletter, we have launched a dedicated Member Services Team to enhance programming and engagement across both locations.
• Additionally, the new Welcome Desk at the Main Campus should be arriving soon!

Exciting Updates Coming in 2025!

• Pickleball League – Our first-ever league starts March 1 at the Eastside Campus and is open to both members and non-members. Due to publication timing, registration will be closing soon.
• After-Hours Access Pilot – In response to member demand for greater facility access, we will launch a pilot program in April for extended hours. More details on how to sign up will be shared in the month of March.
• Member Portal – Rolling out this spring, the portal will allow members to manage their membership, receive announcements, sign up for classes and activities, and more. For those who prefer in-person assistance, front desk support will still be available.
• Listening & Learning Sessions – Coming at the end of February and throughout March, we will be hosting sessions with our Member Services team to assist with questions about the new Membership Portal.

Additionally, we’ve heard your feedback regarding the current membership fee structure and understand that the 2023 changes caused some stress. We are currently reviewing potential modifications and will discuss these at the upcoming sessions. Our goal is to ensure that membership remains a great value, providing access to fitness programs, over 50 social clubs, lifelong learning opportunities, and a welcoming community that fosters connection and well-being.

Library & Technology Enhancements

Thanks to a generous grant from the Bob and Rita Elmen Family Foundation, our Main Campus library will be modernized, featuring a new electronic catalog, expanded space, and a multimedia area.

Additionally, we will introduce Member Technology Hours, where members can receive device assistance and participate in micro-tech classes, such as learning how to navigate Facebook Marketplace. We plan to launch this in April.

Lifelong Learning & New Partnerships

• Augustana University – Dr. Lucas Hamilton will lead a 9-session series on aging and the mind, offered at both campuses. Registration opens in March.
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) – Active Generations members now receive a $30 discount on OLLI memberships. Stop by the front desk to get the discount code.

Main Campus Renovation Planning

One of the key areas of feedback we received from members was about the long-term plan for the Main Campus. While the building has served us well for 30 years, its current layout presents challenges—our multi-use space is home to activities like pickleball, line dancing, and shuffleboard to name a few, but remains largely unavailable until after 1:00 PM due to Meals on Wheels packing and our dining room.

Our vision includes a designated dining area, like the East Campus, along with addressing major maintenance needs. To bring this vision to life, we will collaborate with architects to explore possible layouts and cost estimates for a renovation. Right now, we are only in the exploratory stages to understand the feasibility and costs before determining potential funding options.

With all these exciting updates, 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of connection, learning, and activity! Stay tuned for more details.

Winter Joy!

We are well into 2025, and exciting changes are underway!

First, I’m crossing my fingers that by the time you receive this update in Lifetimes, the entrance closure for the Eastside Campus will be behind us. For those of you who were impacted by the temporary main entrance closure and alternate access point earlier this month, thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to the completion of all the development around the Eastside Campus!

Strategic Planning Updates

In February, we’ll be sharing the outcomes of the strategic planning process we worked on throughout fall and winter 2024. One of the recurring pieces of feedback we received was regarding the front entrance of the Main Campus. Based on your input, we’re making some changes in January and February to improve both safety and functionality. While we’re working to minimize disruptions, we appreciate your flexibility as these improvements take shape.

Here’s what to expect:

Entryway Updates

The tile between the two sliding doors will be replaced with entryway carpet. Currently, the tile becomes slippery in wet weather, and rugs have created trip hazards. Fortunately, the replacement can be completed in a single Saturday. At the time of this writing, the date is still being finalized, but signage will be posted when it’s scheduled. On that Saturday, access to activities will be through the southwest door on the Adult Day Services side of the building.

New Welcome Desk

A new welcome desk area will be installed near the main entrance. With this addition, we’ll have a staff member stationed at the desk during operational hours, alongside our volunteer greeters. This change aims to provide greater support for our volunteers and enhance customer service for members.

Membership Services Updates

As we continue to refine how we serve members at both locations, we’re aligning staff to better meet your needs. In January, we welcomed Luke Larson as our new Membership Manager for the Main Campus. Luke will be the go-to person for Membership Services at Main, while Chenise, our Member Services Director, will primarily be based at the Eastside Campus.

Additionally, Jenny, our Activities and Fitness Coordinator, will continue working between both campuses. From your feedback, we recognized the importance of having a dedicated team at Main to assist with Member Services, and we’re excited to move forward with this plan!

Thank you for your patience and support as we work through these exciting improvements. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you and are excited for all that’s ahead in 2025!