Christmas is over, the New Year celebration has come to an end and now the long, cold winter stretches on with nothing to do. How can one fill those long, cold days of winter?
For those who have their days free, there is the Warsaw Senior Center/Village Café located at 17571 North Dam Access Road in Warsaw. According to their January activity calendar there is Pilates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Line Dancing is from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM on Monday.
There is also Bingo on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Joint Friendly Exercise is on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM on Tuesday and Thursday. Hand and Foot card games are on Tuesday from 12:30 PM-3:30 PM. Open Jam is on Thursday from 12:30 PM-3:30 PM. Games are also on Friday from 12:00 PM-2:00 PM. Lunch is served every Monday through Friday at 11:30 AM. Call (660) 438-3300 for more information.
Retired R-9 teacher Maureen Lane said she enjoyed the company at the card games at the Warsaw Senior Center.
“I really enjoy the company at the center,” she said.
Out at the American Legion Post #217 located at 32739 MM Highway, there will be Texas Hold'em games starting on January 20 at 5:00 PM and continuing every Saturday night. Rules include: $15 buy in; $10 unlimited rebuys until the end of 3-6 blind; $2 held out for house; $1 held out for high hand; $1 held out for tournament and $11 per person prize money. The bar will be open and snacks will be allowed. No outside beverages will be allowed.
The American Legion will also be hosting a Cornhole Tournament on February 4 at 11:00 AM. Blind draw is $10 per person.
The Elks Lodge #2783 will be hosting Hillbilly Bingo on February 24 starting at 2:00 PM. Hot dogs and chips will be served.
Volunteer service is also a way to beat those winter blues.
Another local retired teacher, Marsha Eaton keeps busy with the Benton County Museum during the winter.
“January is the month we start planning for the coming season,” said Eaton. “I love the change in the weather and I can sit here making calls and plans and enjoy the scenery.”
This year the theme for the Benton County Museum will be “Fashion through the 20th Century” and Valerie Fauquier will be looking for clothing donations for the display.
“We have also expanded a room downstairs to display gunstocks from the two gunstock factories,” said Eaton. There are many opportunities to volunteer and we are always looking for volunteers.”
Those looking for fun indoor activity can also head to Jester’s located at 23929 Highway 65, Warsaw. Jester’s is open from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursdays; Friday from 5:00 PM until 12:00 AM and Saturday from 12:00 PM until 12:00 AM.
Bowling rates at Jester’s are $15 for hourly lane Monday through Thursday and $20 on Friday and Saturday. Shoe rental is $2.75. Call for availability on Mondays and Thursdays though, due to league play.
Jester’s also hosts a play area for children as well as various arcade games. There is a mix of vintage and new games.
Pepsi products, pizza, burgers and more are available. The facility is smoke-free with a special smoking room for those who do smoke.
For those who are using the long, winter days to get into shape for the summer, there are several fitness centers in the area.
Main Street Fitness located at 212 Seminary Street offers personal training as well as equipment to help people to achieve their fitness goals. Membership is $55 per month. Call (660) 723-6004 for more information.
Warsaw Fitness is located at 1507 Commercial Street in Warsaw and is always open for members. Personal training is $25 per session. Business hours are Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 AM-10:30 AM and 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Call (660) 221-7128 for more information.
Integrated Fitness is located at 950 East Main in Warsaw. Personal fitness training is $30-$50 per hour based on length of session. Standard monthly memberships are $32 plus one time $15 administration fee. Call (660) 428-2348 for more information.
