Memories can get fuzzy as we age, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Regularly challenging ourselves with fun mental exercises keeps our minds running on all four cylinders. In fact, adults who frequently engage in mentally stimulating activities are 63% less likely to develop dementia than those who rarely do such activities (according to a New England Journal of Medicine study). Stacey Goffinet will lead participants in playing trivia games, solving puzzles and other fun activities to maintain a sharp focus and, better memory retention. Games and puzzles are among the best ways to maintain active and productive use of all our mental faculties. Eating healthy foods and exercise can also significantly boost our brain power!

Refreshments will be provided by Comfort Keepers. New players are always welcome! Sponsored by Area 10 Agency on Aging and Comfort Keepers. For more information: call the center at 876-3383 ex. 515.

Gustav Potthoff paints to remember his fellow prisoners of war who built the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Hellfire Pass during World War II. Concerned that those 16,000 who died will be forgotten, the artist paints to tell people his story and to find peace among the horrors of his wartime memories by calling all who see his art to remember those who perished building the Thailand-Burma Railway. This program, presented in conjunction with the exhibit “Tell People the Story: The Art of Gustav Potthoff”, shares his incredible story, and explores this senior’s life-review practice as a strategy for creative aging. The event, sponsored by Traditional Arts Indiana through support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, is free and open to the public.

Free visitor parking is available by the Indiana Avenue lobby entrance. Metered parking is available at the McCalla School parking lot on the corner of Ninth Street and Indiana Avenue. The parking lot also has spaces designated for Indiana University C and E permits. During the weekends free parking is available on the surrounding streets. An access ramp is located at the Fess Avenue entrance, on the corner of Ninth Street and Fess Avenue. Reserved parking spaces are available on Ninth Street, between Fess Avenue and Indiana Avenue. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs.

SONGWRITERS SELECT, the brand NEW weekly showcase for aspiring songwriters! Got a song to sing? Come out and share, support, and celebrate the original American/International song! Hosted by Actor/Musician/Songwriter dwBrykalski (dwBrykalski.com).

Do you enjoy singing and do you like to meet new friends? The Bloomington Peace Choir invites singers of ALL AGES & ABILITIES to join us for our Summer Song Sessions each Wednesday evening during June, July and August from 7 to 9 pm in the downstairs Gathering Hall at Bell Trace Senior Living Center. It’s free, and it’s fun! You need only bring your love of singing. For more information, go to www.bloomingtonpeacechoir.org