The COA recently completed a crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 to help finish revitalizing the former Three Rivers Inn, which is now home to the administrative offices of the Commission on Aging, an Enrichment Center and 46 senior apartments. Thanks to many generous donors, we have reached our goal. In doing so, we received a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Public Spaces Community Places Initiative. This money will be used to create a public park behind the Rivers Enrichment Center & Residence that will include walking trails, outdoor exercise equipment, a pavilion and much more. In addition, some of the money will be used to create an indoor park in the old "holidome" portion of the building that will feature artificial plants and trees, park-like seating and a water feature.

Thanks to both the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation and the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the Commission on Aging has received money to purchase fitness equipment for COA members to use. Both centers offer a wide range of fitness classes, such as Arthritis Exercise, Zumba Gold, Cardio Drumming, Chair Yoga and Balance. We also have fitness equipment that is available - or will be available within the next few weeks - for any COA member to use during our hours of operation. To learn more, stop by either one of our Enrichment Centers in Three Rivers or Sturgis. A schedule of all our exercise classes can be found in each month's newsletter. Go to the About Us page and click on News to see the latest issue.

Both our Enrichment Centers in Three Rivers and Sturgis will be sites once again for free tax preparation provided by AARP volunteers. Appointments are required and the COA is the place to call (279-8083) to make your appointment BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 21st. Tax preparation will begin February 3.