President’s Update

As we close out the year and look ahead to 2026, I wanted to share several important updates across our campuses. Each of these items reflects our continued commitment to maintaining a welcoming, high-quality environment for our community while being responsible stewards of our resources. We remain grateful for the generosity of our community and the feedback of our members, both of which make these improvements and decisions possible. Below are a few key updates as we prepare for the new year. 

1. Coffee Update 
Coffee has been a hot topic (no pun intended!) ever since I started, especially given the history of coffee once being charged, then later becoming free. We’ve reached the point where we can no longer absorb the cost of providing unlimited free coffee. After brainstorming and discussing a middle-ground solution that remains fair and accessible at both the East and Main Campus, we have a plan. 

Beginning January 2nd (as we are closed on January 1st), we will be installing a commercial-grade Keurig machine in both locations where the current machines sit. Members can bring their own K-Cup to use the machine or purchase a K-Cup at the front desk for $1, which includes tax. 

This approach removes the need for staff to “police” who has paid, while still offering everyone an easy, affordable way to enjoy a cup of coffee. Coffee for special events will continue to be available through our Catering Department, just as before. The new machines will also allow for more variety, less waste, and a fresh cup every time. 

2. New Furniture at Main Campus 
We are thrilled to share that we received generous funding from the Bob and Rita Elmen Family Foundation this year, which will allow us to update the furniture in the Main Campus nutrition and membership areas. The Foundation supported the library renovation last year, and this new gift will be transformational, especially since much of our current furniture is more than 25 years old and continues to wear down. 

The new chairs will be padded—yet not cloth—for much easier cleaning. Four sample chairs are already in the Main Lobby, and members who have tested them have shared very positive feedback. New tables will also be on wheels to prevent dragging, which has caused damage to the floor. The furniture has been ordered and will begin arriving in the next couple of weeks. The new round tables will not have a center crease—so no more accidental domino-flipping during scramble time! 

These investments in Active Generations are made possible by community generosity, allowing us to improve our spaces without impacting our operating budget or raising membership fees. 

I also encourage you to stop by the Billiards Room—special thanks to Ron VerWey, who donated funds to replace the stools! 

3. Eastside Expansion 
New posters are now up at the Eastside Campus showcasing the vision, design plan, and growth projections for the expansion. We are currently focused on securing philanthropic support to move this exciting project forward. 

Once completed, the opportunities that come with expanding the Eastside Campus will benefit the entire organization. We remain committed to ensuring this project is supported through community generosity—not increases to monthly membership dues. 

4. Membership Dues for 2026 
As we finalize our organizational budget, it’s clear that nonprofits across the board are facing uncertainty in funding. At Active Generations, we have been incredibly fortunate to have strong community support—especially as we navigate funding cuts in our federally supported Nutrition, Adult Day, and Caregiving Services programs. Like many of you, we have also experienced general operating increases. 

I am extremely proud of our staff, who have worked hard this past year to identify efficiencies across departments to help offset these challenges. I also want to thank every member who provided feedback during our membership model update in June; your input helped us make needed adjustments, and overall, the transition has gone smoothly.  

With all of this in mind and the adjustment made in June, I am very pleased to share that there will be no membership rate increase in 2026. We remain committed to keeping membership accessible and aligned with our mission to inspire active adult lifestyles. 

5. Membership Staff Changes and Update Fitness Schedule  

Over the past year, we have been investing in our Membership Team to better support our members. As we move into 2026, we are excited to transition into dedicated teams for each facility. Some staff may still occasionally support both campuses as needed, but our full-time team members will now focus primarily on their home locations. 

At the East Campus, you will see Sara, Jess, and Heather. 
At the Main Campus, you will see Luke, Jenny, and Susanne. 

This focused staffing approach allows us to be more responsive to your needs. One of the most frequent requests we hear is for more group fitness classes—and we’re happy to share that we are adding additional classes to the schedule. We are also working toward offering personal fitness training in the future, but expanding our group fitness offerings is our first priority. 

We appreciate your continued feedback and engagement as we grow and enhance the Active Generations experience. We look forward to an exciting 2026 at Active Generations! 

Wishing each of you a happy and healthy New Year! 

Celebration, Community & Cheer! 

We’ve reached one of our favorite times of year — a season filled with reflection, connection, and celebration. We’re planning a joyful December to close out 2025 with fun, food, and festivities! So, grab your pencil (or your phone calendar!) and mark these dates: 

Christmas Dinner – Wednesday, December 10 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Both Campuses) 

Our annual Christmas Dinner will be served at both the Main and Eastside Campuses. 
This cherished tradition brings our members and volunteers together for a warm, sit-down meal and plenty of holiday cheer!  

December Jamboree – Thursday, December 11 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Eastside Campus) 

Keep the celebrations going the very next day with our December Jamboree, featuring live music from Vinyl 5! Bring your dancing shoes and holiday spirit for this upbeat evening at the Eastside Campus. 

Big Announcement – New Year’s Eve Bash! 

We’re ringing in the new year early with our first (or first in a long time!) AG New Year’s Eve Bash! 

• Tuesday, December 31 | 6–9 p.m. 

• Live Music: Vinyl 5 
• Soup & Dessert Bar included 

• Tickets: $35 – available December 1 

Last year, members asked us last-minute to host something — this year, we are making it happen! Tickets will also be available at the door (as space allows), but we recommend buying early — seating is limited. 

Tree of Love – Meals on Wheels 

Help make the season brighter for our Meals on Wheels participants by picking an ornament from the Tree of Love. 
Each ornament represents a senior in need — your kindness helps spread holiday cheer and nourishment to our community. 

Eastside Kitchen Project Update 

Construction on the Eastside Kitchen will begin the week of Christmas to install a new cooking hood. The kitchen will be closed for approximately 75 days. 

During that time: 

• Lunch will continue in a modified serving format. 

• Once reopened, we’ll debut a made-to-order limited menu pilot! 

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the noise and excitement of construction — the improvements will be well worth it! 

Last month, I shared about our Ignite Campaign — the vision we have for our facilities that will allow us to continue serving you today while preparing to serve our community for generations to come. Each campus has unique features within these dreams, and your philanthropic support helps make them possible. 

As the year comes to a close, we invite you to consider making a gift to Active Generations in an area that brings you joy — whether that’s helping purchase new dining chairs and tables for the Main Campus, contributing toward the Eastside Expansion, or supporting Adult Day Services, Meals on Wheels, or another area of AG that aligns with your passion. Your generosity helps ensure we can continue creating meaningful connections, providing vital services, and strengthening our community — today and for generations to come. 

Looking forward to a great December as we head into 2026! 

Active Generations has always been—and will always be—about more than activities; it’s about the community we create together. One member recently shared a story that beautifully reflects this. A year ago, she lost her husband to cancer. During his treatment, she leaned on our Caregiver program for support. Both through her caregiving journey and after his passing, she found comfort and connection at Active Generations—through membership and the relationships she built. For her, it’s not just about pickleball or any single activity. It’s about belonging, learning how to move forward, and finding community. 

A recent Harvard study confirmed what we’ve always known: good, close relationships are the number #1 key to aging well. Building community has always been—and will always be—the foundation of Active Generations. 

However, to sustain that community and continue welcoming new members, we must invest in our physical space to meet today’s needs while building for the future. 

Introducing the IGNITE Capital Campaign 

On October 8^th and 9^th, we hosted Member Town Halls at both campuses to share drawings and details of upcoming capital improvement projects. We also unveiled the name of this exciting effort: the IGNITE Capital Campaign – Igniting Spaces, Inspiring Belonging. 

This campaign is rooted in our mission: to inspire active lifestyles and well-being for adults through engaging programs and essential services. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of listening to members, staff, and community partners. These conversations have shaped a clear vision of what Active Generations is today—and the extraordinary potential it holds for tomorrow. 

We are committed to building a vibrant, inclusive community where every adult can move, connect, learn, and most of all, belong. This sense of connection isn’t just meaningful—it’s essential to living well. 

Eastside Expansion 

When the Eastside Campus opened in September 2023, we dreamed of expanding “someday.” None of us expected “someday” to come so soon. Yet today, the Eastside Campus is already nearing capacity, fueled by our growing membership. 

The Eastside Expansion plans include: 

• Additional activity rooms for cards, Mahjong, crafts, group fitness, seminars 

• A café to enhance and innovate our nutrition program 

• An indoor walking track and expanded cardio and weight room 

• 9 additional indoor pickleball courts 

• 2 golf simulators 

Main Campus Renewal 

Our Main Campus has served us for nearly 30 years and is ready for renewal. Planned updates include: 

• A dedicated dining area, separate from the multipurpose pickleball/activity space 

• An upgraded serving area for dining 

• Refreshed furniture throughout the building 

• Enhanced fitness and social club space (Phase 2) 

Campaign Progress 

The IGNITE Capital Campaign’s goal is $10 million. We are beginning to share our vision with donors, and the early response has been enthusiastic. While you may hear rumors, please know we are still working through important conversations with donors. Our hope is to make a public announcement by the end of 2025. 

Architects are moving forward on Eastside Expansion plans, but before construction can begin, we must have a solid foundation of giving/pledging for the project. The Main Campus renovation must be fully funded before moving forward. These projects will be funded through capital campaign dollars.  

As part of this effort, we are inviting our membership to consider giving towards the campaign.  We believe the momentum of our members’ commitment will speak volumes to our corporate and community partners as they consider their support. 

We are excited for the future of Active Generations and grateful for the continued support of our members and community. Together, we are truly igniting spaces and inspiring belonging. For more information on the campaign, please visit www.activegenerations.org. 

Our day-to-day activities are busier as ever – few highlights:  

• Drama Club Performance – Don’t miss the Drama Club’s production of Anything Goes on November 13. I’ve been told they have something up their sleeves! 

• Thanksgiving Take-Home Meals – Our Nutrition Department is offering Thanksgiving Take-Home meals. More information can be found later in this newspaper.  

• Show Your AG Pride! – Many members have asked if they can purchase items with the Active Generations logo. We’re excited to share that an online store is coming soon! You’ll be able to order AG-branded apparel and merchandise, with a portion of every purchase donated back to Active Generations. Stay tuned for details. 

I also recently read research on the power of optimism as a key factor in living well. In today’s world, where negativity can feel louder than everything else, I encourage everyone to share a compliment with one another—or two, or three. Not only in the month of Thanksgiving, but throughout the year, a kind word can brighten someone’s day, strengthen our connections, and remind us of the good all around us. 

My favorite season of sweatshirts and sweaters! 

• Wednesday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m. – Main Campus 

• Thursday, October 9 at 4:00 p.m. – East Campus 

We truly value your feedback. While we may not always agree, we are committed to listening and appreciate the perspectives each of you bring. The main topic at these town halls will be the capital improvements identified for both campuses. 

To expand communication, we encourage members who enjoy mobile tools to download the Gym Insight mobile app. With the app, you can manage your membership, read announcements, and view upcoming events. Don’t worry—the newsletter, flyers, and weekly emails will remain in place. The app is simply an additional, real-time way to stay connected as we add more features to programming. 

This past month, we’ve had to make a few adjustments as our 2026 budget becomes clearer. Active Generations runs several programs—each funded differently—but all connected as part of our mission. Some programs, like nutrition, rely heavily on federal and state reimbursement. This is also the program many of you experience directly through congregate dining and Meals on Wheels. 

While our 2026 funding allocation is not yet finalized, we do know it will not fully meet the growing demand for senior nutrition—especially Meals on Wheels. Our staff remains committed to working as hard and creatively as possible to continue meeting the needs of our homebound neighbors. 

One change you may have noticed at the Main Campus is updated coffee shop hours. It is now staffed from 8:00–10:30 a.m. (instead of 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). After 10:30, baked goods will be available at the front desk. Wraps, salads, soups are always available at the front desk. This adjustment also allows us to redirect some staff time to support Meals on Wheels and congregate dining. 

Both campuses will be closed on Monday, October 13 for a staff in-service day. This dedicated time allows our team to complete annual health and safety trainings, as well as focus on departmental planning and preparation for 2026. Thank you for your understanding and support as we plan for the year ahead! 

Finally, a reminder: if you are an OLLI member, or are considering OLLI programming, remember you receive a discount on your OLLI membership as an Active Generations member. Stop by or call the front desk to receive your code!