Discover Our Group Activities
Wellness
Fitness & Flexibility
Stay active with gentle programs designed for vitality. From chair yoga to Tai Chi, we focus on strength and balance.
Creative
Arts & Crafts
Express yourself in our weekly workshops. Whether it's painting or knitting, our studio is open for inspiration.
Games & Social
Social
Join us for bridge, bingo, or just a coffee. Our social lounge is the heart of connection at The Center.
Book ClubÂ
The Center’s Book Club meets on the second Thursday at 10 am every month in our Board Room. To see what book our group is currently reading, check the most recent newsletter or email Becky (at) thebrainerdcenter (dot) com.
Men’s Growing Old Together Group
GOT meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month in our Craft Room. This group meets to discuss topics of interest while sharing life experiences over a cup of coffee.
Quilters Group
Our Quilters gather on Mondays and Fridays from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm in the third-floor conference room to make warm quilts for people with major illnesses or injuries. To date, our quilters have gifted over 7,300 quilts! Can’t sew? No problem! There are always things to work on, and the quilters would love to see you.
More Groups & Gatherings
Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Caregiver’s Group: Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group: A monthly support group for caregivers to connect and share experiences. Meets the second Friday, 2:00–3:30 p.m., in the third-floor conference room. Led by trained facilitators. Questions? Contact Kent O’Grady at kent.ogrady@gmail.com.
Card Recyclers: Create beautiful handmade greeting cards from upcycled materials. New volunteers are always welcome! Meets Mondays and Fridays, 8 a.m.–noon. Cards are sold in the Gift Shop for just 75¢ ($1 for pop-up cards, including an envelope).
Doll Makers: The Doll Makers project provides soft-body dolls to comfort children during difficult situations. Premade doll kits and kitty patterns are available in the Doll Makers closet in the Card Room. Volunteers can take a kit home, return the finished doll to The Center, and sign up at the front desk for a meeting day and time. Thank you for supporting this meaningful project!
Knitters and Crocheters: The Knitting/Crocheting group meets on Wednesday morning at 10:00 in our Board Room. Bring your yarn projects to work on and spend some time socializing and learning from each other.
Lending Library: One of the many perks of being a member of this wonderful non-profit is our Lending Library that consists of DVDs, puzzles, and books. Our Lending Library is located in our lobby area, and members are invited to borrow these items, enjoy them, and return them when they are done.
Memory Café: A monthly gathering for caregivers and those with memory issues to connect, learn, and socialize. Held the second Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Room. The group then splits into caregiver and memory support sessions. Led by Kent, Teresia, Angelique, and others. Questions? Contact Becky or Trina in the admin office.
Memory Kits: Now at The Center: LAMAA Memory Makers Kits support caregivers and families through reminiscence and storytelling. Ten themed kits (baking, gardening, fishing, and more) include items designed to spark memories and encourage conversation.
Toymakers: Help Make Toys for Kids in Need! No experience needed. Learn woodworking while making toys for children. All tools and supplies are provided. Tuesdays, 8–10 a.m., fourth-floor shop.
Veteran’s Coffee: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, our veterans meet in the Great Room for coffee and camaraderie
Wood Carvers: Our woodcarving group meets from 8:00 – 11:00 am on Thursdays on the fourth floor. If you have an interest in working with carving tools, feel free to drop in and sit with our artists.
Classes at The Center
AARP Smart Drivers
The Center hosts two 4-hour Refresher Classes each month on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Instructor is Russ Holland. Call our front desk to sign up. NOTE: Dates and times are subject to change.
Art Classes
Call The Center at 218-829-9345 for information or to reach the instructor. You will find that you are artistic; you just needed a great instructor! Our acrylic and oil painters meet every Wednesday in the third-floor conference room from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
meets once a month from March through November. GDDG meets the 3rd Monday at 4 pm in the Great Room of The Center. This group can be educational entertainment as they discuss current events based on a nine-topic book published by the non-partisan Foreign Policy Association. The 2026 topics are: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy, Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy, U.S.-China Relations, Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation, Ukraine and the Future of European Security, Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order (SUBJECT TO CHANGE), U.S. Engagement of Africa, The Future of Human Rights and International Law. Contact The Center at 218-829-9345 for information or check the monthly newsletter. You may also contact Jon Strand @218-454-1025 or email jonstrand@brainerd.net for more information