BROOKINGS — You might say the Brookings Activity Center, 320 Fifth Ave., is under new management: Taking the helm this past May was Senior Services Supervisor Angi Strohfus. She explained that the “City (of Brookings) saw it as a void in our community and took over.” The Center is now “under (Park and Recreation) oversight.” While the City does have a budget line for the Center, “the United Way does help a lot,” she noted. Additionally, she pursues available grants that could also provide funding for BAC.

As supervisor, Strohfus works with a five-member volunteer board of directors.

“They get a whole new experience in their role,” the supervisor explained. “Before they were focusing on the day-to-day. Now they get to think bigger. They get to do fundraisers and look into different opportunities. They can go above and beyond. They don’t have to look at this day-to-day stuff anymore. That’s been great for them.”

At its July 2023 meeting, the board approved a mission statement that “will become part of the BAC Strategic Plan: ‘To create a sense of community where older adults can engage in activities that foster friendships, creating a supportive system and sense of belonging and empowering all members to live their best lives.’”

Like so many organizations that serve the general public, the Center took its hits during the COVID pandemic: “Membership went down quite a bit,” Strohfus explained. “They have not been able to get above 140. Now I’m at 183.” And her secret for increasing membership? “Livening things up, offering all these events.”

“Our goal isn’t for everybody to do everything; our goal is to have something for everyone,” the supervisor said. Additionally, Strohfus wants “to create a thriving community where older adults discover opportunities for meaningful engagement, lasting friendships and a genuine sense of belonging through a wide range of activities.”

‘Anybody 55 and plus’

As to that BHS goal noted above, Strohfus works hard to bring it to fruition. “People know that this is a place where there is a variety of activities,” she said. “My goal is to reach anybody 55 and plus. We have everything from exercise to art to socially engaging in yoga for that mental health wellbeing. I have a speaker at least once a week. This week it was Alzheimer’s 10 signs and the difference between Alzheimer’s and just getting old.”

“I bring in educational things,” Strohfus noted. “I don’t want people to pitch their products and sell them to our members. I want to help educate them. Education is a big part.  We have collaborated with the Brookings Arts Council; we have classes with them. We have collaborated with Prairie Soul (Yoga). I just want people to know that we are here in a variety of different aspects. And we do play card games as well. It can really be for anybody looking for what they feel is missing.”

Social activities have included:  bridge lessons for those who want to learn how to play bridge; lessons on line dancing; therapy swim on Tuesdays; bowling; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the morning, there’s tai chi, “like karate in slow motion but it’s really working on those core muscles, and doing meditation as well.”

A $35 annual BAC membership makes all those events and activities listed above available. And there’s even more goings on, which are addressed in “The Sentinel,” the center’s monthly newsletter which goes out to all members.

 ‘Cognitively stretch yourself’

By way of background, Strohfus explained: “I was an ‘Army brat.’ We lived everywhere. We settled in Flandreau when I got to high school. I graduated and then came up here.” A graduate of South Dakota State University, she earned a degree in early education and later earned a degree in business. Following graduation, she stayed. “I decided that this is where I wanted to raise my family,” she said.

Strohfus spent 20 years in early education and served as director of Brookings Boys and Girls Pre-School. She has also worked part-time in home healthcare.

“I’ve always appreciated older adults,” she said. “I have a lot in common as far as the way that they think and things like that. I’ve always connected very well with them. So when this position became available, I took it. It intertwines with my passion for meaningful connections and my desire to make a positive impact.”

“As you get older you need to cognitively stretch yourself,” Strohfus explained. “To stay healthy, socially and emotionally, you have to cognitively stimulate yourself. It’s fun, because you get to go on outings that I might enjoy.”

Note that while the 60s Plus Dining program is housed in the Center, it is under the purview of Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership and not per se a part of BAC. “That is a different entity,” the supervisor explained. “I think it’s a great highlight though that it is offered here. It’s $4 a meal and you do not have to be a member (of the Brookings Activity Center).”

Upcoming highlights at the Center include: An open house from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, aimed at 55-plus. There will be tours, vendors, games, door prizes, snacks and beverages and live music with Tommy.

Those interested in finding out more about the Brookings Activity Center can visit Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or call 605-692-4492.

Contact John Kubal at jkubal@brookingsregister.com.