Upcoming April 2026 Happenings at The Center
Is 2026 going to be the year you try new things and meet new people? The Center offers its members 50+ activities and reasons to connect every week. Even if you are an introvert, stop by to shoot a game of pool, rent some snowshoes, or listen to live music on Thursdays. Our full calendar of monthly events and classes can be found HERE.
Here’s just a sample of the fun and informative events, classes, and gatherings in April.
New Fun Options on Fridays!
We are mixing things up a bit! In the past, we’ve always had a movie matinee on Friday afternoon at 1:00. Starting April 1, 2026, we will add a few new activities instead. All of these NEW activities will take place in the Board Room at 1:00.
The Schedule:
1st Friday of every month at 1:00: Movie Matinee showing. April’s movie is Beetlejuice.
2nd Friday of every month at 1:00: Puzzles and Popcorn! We will provide several 300- and 500-piece puzzles for members to work on and enjoy.
3rd Friday of every month at 1:00: Dominoes! We have several new domino games to try, including Mexican Train dominoes. Everyone is welcome!
4th Friday of every month: Board Game Friday! Anyone is welcome to join in and even bring their own game. The first board game provided by The Center will be Ticket to Ride.
Travel Talk with Monica!
Owner of European Rhapsody Tours, Moncia Schram, is offering a fun and free “travel talk” about the magic of traveling to Prague and the misconceptions of international travel on April 10 from 1:00-2:30 in our Great Room. If you’ve ever wanted to see the capital city of the Czech Republic in the heart of Central Europe, here’s a great opportunity to learn more. Coffee and snacks provided. Everyone is welcome!
2nd Monday Dinner
When: April 13, 2026, from 5:00-6:00 pm
Menu: Honey-glazed ham, au gratin potatoes, candied carrots, dinner roll, grasshopper cake.
Cost: $10 per person
Entertainment: The Happy Hoppers 4-H Club will be on hand to share how 4-H empowers young people with the skills, confidence, and character they need to succeed in life. The Hopper will also share fun details about their club and their primary focus of rabbitry.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal in a fine-dining setting! Tickets are available at the front desk, and the deadline to sign up is April 10th.
Wise Women Rising with Debbie Endres
Coming April 13th– May 18, a special 6-week course for women.
Wise Women Rising: A 6-Week Gathering to Remember, Reclaim & Rise
Wise Women Rising is a supportive gathering created for women who feel called to reconnect with the fullness of who they truly are — body, mind, spirit, and soul.
Over six intentional Monday mornings, participants will step into a nurturing circle designed to encourage reflection, healing, empowerment, and renewal. This experience offers space to slow down, listen inward, and rediscover the strength and wisdom that already lives within. Topics include Remember Who You Are, Reclaim Your Voice, Heal the Heart, Nourish Body & Spirit, Step into Your Power, and Rise & Shine Forward.
When: Monday Mornings | 9:30 – 11:30 AM
April 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18
Cost: Free Will Offering
Limited to 20 women
Debbie Endres is a Holistic Practitioner with over 30 years of experience encouraging and guiding women toward lives of balance, vitality, and wholeness — emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically.
This gathering is ideal for women seeking connection, clarity, renewal, and meaningful community. Space is limited — early registration is encouraged.
Lunch and Learn
Kara from Crow Wing Energized will be at The Center to share practical tips for eating healthy when cooking for one or two.
Preparing nutritious meals for a smaller household can feel challenging, but healthy options are available—whether you shop at Dollar Tree or Costco. This presentation will offer simple strategies, helpful shopping tips, and easy recipe ideas to make mealtimes both healthy and enjoyable.
If you’re living solo and feeling “bored” with your usual meals, you’ll leave with fresh ideas for quick, nutritious options.
Join us for this informative Lunch & Learn on April 24th from 12:00–1:00 pm in the Great Room. Cost is $5 per person and includes a light lunch.
Great Decisions Group/Lakes Area Great Decisions
Kickoff for the 2026 Session:
Monday, April 20, 4 pm
(Pizza will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will support The Center)
The Lakes Area Great Decisions group will meet on the third Monday of each month through November. Each month, a chapter will be covered. Great Decisions is part of a national public education program based on a book of 8 topics published by the non-partisan Foreign Policy Association. A DVD shown during the session provides additional information to form the basis of the discussions.
The program is administered on the state level through the Minnesota International Center and hosted at The Center in Brainerd.
Membership:
$28 for students
$38 for an individual
$48 for a couple
Attend one session for free.
For more information or details on the discussion agenda, contact Jon Strand, 218-454-1025 or email jonstrand@brainerd.net.
Please make checks payable to The Center, indicate Great Decisions on the bottom of the check, and mail or drop off payment at: The Center, 803 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN 56401.
BBQ BINGO!
The Center will be hosting yet another amazing bingo event and meat raffle! BBQ Bingo is April 26th at 1:00 and the price is $10 for 16 games and includes meal.
