Palmer Center January 2025

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The Palmer Center at 218A N. Pleasant St. in Independence, MO is operated by the City of Independence and is dedicated to the mission of improving theoverall health of adults 60+. For more information call (816) 325-6200 or visit the website www.independencemo.org/parksandrec. Programs offered for this month include:

This Month’s Highlighted Programs

Please note events will be held at the Palmer Center located at 218A N. Pleasant Street in Independence, Mo., unless otherwise indicated. Call (816) 325-6200 for registration or further information.

The Palmer Center will be closed Wednesday, January 1 for New Year’s Day and Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Gratitude Journaling Friday, 1/3 at 10:30 a.m. 

Learn the benefits of gratitude journaling and receive tips for journaling and writing prompts. 

Goal Setting Tuesday, 1/7 at 10:30 a.m. 

Set yourself up to meet your 2025 goals with this goal-setting workshop. 

Native Animals of Missouri Tuesday, 1/14 at 10:30 a.m. 

Learn about the animals that make Missouri their home. A representative from George Owens Nature Park will highlight some of the more interesting species we have in Missouri including amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. You might even get to touch a snake!

Travel Program Preview; Thursday, 1/23 at 1:00 p.m.

Join us to learn about upcoming trips for the first half of 2025! Meet fellow travelers, enjoy some refreshments and win some door prizes! Be sure to bring your calendar along so you can start “saving the dates” for upcoming tours.

Snowballs and More Friday, 1/24 at 10:45 a.m. 

Have some winter fun with an indoor marshmallow “snowball” fight, winter craft, and refreshments.

Book Swap Tuesday, 1/28 at 10:30 a.m. 

Prepare to swap a wrapped copy of your favorite book for your new favorite surprise read.

American Rhythm Dance Group Thursday, 1/30 at 12:30 p.m. 

The talented American Rhythm Dancers ranging in age from 3—19 years old will perform a patriotic program.

18+ Saturday Court Reservation Available on Saturdays, 9:00—10:00 a.m., 10:15—11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. 

$25 per court reservation fee per 1 hour session. Payment due at time of reservation. Reservations can be made in person, or by calling 816-325-6200. Reservations may be made up to 4 weeks in advance and are required by the Wednesday before. Nets provided. Players bring their own paddles and balls.

Low Vision Resources 

If you experience problems with low vision, plan a visit to utilize or perhaps borrow some of our equipment: A variety of magnifiers, check writing guides, and 20/20 pens. Make an appointment to see if we can help meet your needs. A Merlin—a full color auto focus video magnifier system is available for use in the library. Co-sponsored with MO Rehab Services for the Blind. Information on the Wolfner Library and KU’s Audio Reader program are also available

Wellness Check Phone Calls 

Staff members or volunteers make regular phone calls to seniors in the community to check in and stay in touch. If you would like to be added to the phone call list and receive calls, contact the Palmer Center at 816-325-6200.

RideKC Freedom

Older adult transportation and ADA paratransit is available for qualified individuals. It is curb-to-curb transportation that operates Monday-Saturday within the city limits of Independence. Please call RideKC to request an application—816-461-IBUS (4287).

United Way 211

United Way 211 is a free referral line that connects people with the community resources and assistance programs they need. The 211-phone line is answered 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. For assistance, visit 211kc.org or dial 211.