Senior Activities
Fitness Classes
Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Time: 9:00 - 9:45 am
Cost: $3
Instructor: Michelle Pena
Description: This low impact class will give you a great cardio workout. Ages 60+
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 9:00 - 9:45 am
Cost: $3
Instructor: Michelle Pena
Description: Maintain and improve your level of strength using a variety of handheld equipment. Ages 60+
Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Time: 10:00 - 10:45 am
Cost: Free
Volunteer Leaders: Steve Chasteen & Connie Mayta
Description: This low impact class will give you a great cardio workout.
8 week sessions are held four times per year. Registration is required. Space is limited.
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Cost: Free for adults 60+
Instructors: Michelle Pena and Dorri Li
Description: Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention is an evidenced based program designed by Dr. Paul Lam, along with a team of medical experts and Tai Chi Masters. This 8 week program uses the Sun style of Tai Chi and is easy to learn, safe, and effective. Instructor: Michelle Pena
Tai Chi for Arthritis is funded in part by an award to the Mid-America Regional Council through Patient Protection and Public Health Fund grant no. 90CSSG0043-01-00 by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living.
Health and Education
Blood Pressure Checks:
1st Monday of the Month from 10:30 - 11:15 am
1st Friday of the Month from 10:30 - 11:15 am
2nd Tuesday of the Month from 10:30 - 11:15 am
3rd Wednesday of the Month from 10:30 - 11:15 am
Last Thursday of the Month from 10:30 - 11:15 am
Cost: Free
Blood Sugar Checks:
1st Friday of the Month from 10:30 - 11:15 am
Cost: Free
Days: Fourth Wednesday of the Month
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: Free
Description: A different technology topic is covered each month, as well as time for individual technology assistance for questions about your phone or tablet. Co-sponsored by Mid-Continent Public Library
Days: Second Thursday of the Month
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: Free
Description: Join other veterans and family members for coffee, pastires, conversation, and learning about veteran's benefits. Co-sponsored by The Groves.
Art, Music, and Dance
Days: Mondays and Fridays
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: $3
Instructor: Mary Allgrum
Days: Mondays
Time: 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Cost: Free
Description: Bring your own project, create together, or just chat with friends. Participants will be able to display their work in the case on the lower level of Palmer Center. Coordinator: Allen Johnson
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Cost: Free
Description: Bring your instrument and join the jam session. You can also sign up to sing a song, sit back and enjoy the music, or get up and dance. Coordinator: Richard Skinner
Days: Second Friday of the Month
Time: 10:30 - 11:15 am
Cost: Free
Description: Explore a variety of art techniques while creating some awesome artwork.
Instructor: Sharon Propst
Days: Second Wednesday of the Month
Time: 12:30 - 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
Description: Bring your sewing machine and basic supplies and come sew Project Linus quilts. Kits with a fast & fun pattern and fabric already cut are provided. Great 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.
Fun and Games
Days: First Thursday of the Month
Time: 10:30 - 11:15 am
Cost: Free
Description: Come join the fun playing bingo for useful household items as prizes. Co-sponsored by Phoenix Home Care & Hospice.
Days: Second Thursday of the Month
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Cost: Free
Description: Come join the fun playing bingo for useful household items as prizes. Co-sponsored by Hy-Vee
Days: Third Thursday of the Month
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Cost: Free
Description: Bring a wrapped, white elephant gift to use as a prize.
Days: Fourth Thursday of the Month
Time: 10:30 - 11:15 am
Cost: Free
Description: Come join the fun playing bingo for fruit and vegetable prizes. Co-sponsored by Paths Law Firm and The Groves
Days: Third Friday of the Month
Time: 12:15 - 12:45 pm
Cost: Free
Description: Socialize with your friends while enjoying an ice cream treat. Co-sponsored by Archwell Health.
Travel Program
Date: Thursday, 8/21/2025
Time: 7:15 a.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Cost: $119
Registration opens: 5/15/2025
Deadline to pre-register: 7/21/2025
Details: Enjoy an included lunch at Flying Fish with your choice of grilled chicken, catfish, or cheeseburger, then visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, with an option to tour a Frank Lloyd Wright house. The next stop will be Sparks Cafe for an ice cream treat and time to view the newly renovated Walmart Museum.
Date: Wednesday, 9/17/2025 & 9/18/2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. Wednesday - 8:15 p.m. Thursday
Cost: $359 per person double occupancy, $405 single occupancy, $342 per person triple occupancy, $334 per person quad occupancy. $50 deposit due at time of registration. Balance due by 8/1/2025.
Registration opens: 5/15/2025
Deadline to pre-register: 8/1/2025
Details: Stay at the Grand Oaks hotel, and visit 4 shows/attractions including Show Boat Branson Belle, Motown, The Titanic Museum, and Dublin's Irish Tenors. Lunch and Dinner on Wednesday, and Breakfast and Lunch on Thursday are included.
Date: Wednesday, 10/8/2025
Time: 10:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $72
Registration opens:7/15/2025
Deadline to pre-register: 9/5/2025
Details: Enjoy a delicious included lunch buffet followed by the comedy "Alone Together"
Date: Wednesday, 10/15/2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $74
Registration opens: 7/15/2025
Deadline to pre-register: 9/12/2025
Details: This favorite Autumn trip is back! Visit Miller's Pecan Farm in DeWitt, MO to learn how pecans are harvested, enjoy some pecan samples, and have time to shop and stock up for your holiday baking needs. Next, a delicious lunch is included before visiting Sibley Orchard where you can take home a taste of fall!
Registration You may register for tours in person at The Palmer Center or you can mail in your check made out to “City of Independence” to P.O Box 1019, Independence, MO 64051, Attn: Palmer Center. We also take registrations by phone paid by Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Payment is required at the time of registration. Some tours fill up before the registration deadline. We will be happy to put your name on a waitlist if a trip is full.
Tour Escorts Tours include guidance by escorts employed by the City of Independence, or by experienced tour escorts contracted by the city. These persons cannot accept gratuity. Additional step on guides throughout the tour will be happy to accept gratuity. ($1 is suggested).
Transportation Motor coach transportation is provided departing from the parking lot on the SE corner of Maple and Pleasant Street. If you need a wheelchair lift, please submit a written request in advance. Accommodation is dependent on availability of a wheelchair accessible coach. Driver’s gratuity is included in the tour price.
Trip Tips You’ll check in once you board the motor coach. Please board the motor coach at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Cell phones and other devices are welcome, but please don’t use them while the escort or driver are speaking, or during the performance. Please use these items outside the theatre.
Substitutions/Cancellations We reserve the right to substitute any portion of a tour for something of equal or more value if necessary. We reserve the right to cancel a tour if an insufficient number of registrations have been received. You will be notified of cancellations at least one week in advance and will receive a refund.
Refund Policies If you have registered for a tour and you have to cancel for any reason, the following will apply: Before the original registration deadline - refund minus $5 processing fee. After the deadline - no refund unless another registration is received for the tour. If a replacement is found, you will receive a refund minus a $5 processing fee.
Physical Requirements Participants are expected to be reasonably oriented, capable of independent decision making, and able to enter and exit the motor coach and venue independently. If unable to function independently, the participant must be accompanied by a caregiver. Caregivers must pay the same registration fee as the participant.