WAPELLO, Iowa - A group calling itself the Whizbangs has organized free activities for adults twice a week beginning May 1 at the Adult Social Center, which is located in the south room of the Briggs Civic Center, 317 N. Water St. Activities will be available from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Tuesdays have been designated as Game Day. The first and third Tuesdays will be Bingo days with prizes.  Prizes on the third Tuesday will be white elephants. The other Tuesdays will offer card games and board games such as chess and checkers.

Thursdays will offer an hour of entertainment followed by cards, board games and visiting. Entertainment will vary from musical and dramatic performances, to workshops offering topics such as gardening tips, decorating cakes, flag etiquette, making candles and writing and publishing books.

Volunteer presenters have been booked through July. Everything is to be at no cost to the participants. Whizbang members will provide refreshments and prizes for Bingo, and volunteer work will eliminate costs. Donations will be accepted.

The Whizbangs organized as an outreach project of recent study groups through the Horizons Community Leadership Program to Reduce Poverty, sponsored by ISU Extension. Horizons seeks communities that are ready to commit to gathering residents together to work for positive change.

While looking at needs for the community, one of the study groups determined that activities for adults was a concern.

“Having an entertaining afternoon of activities is something that is needed in Wapello, especially for the adults in the community,” Whizbangs member Lynn Snyder said. “They enjoy getting out and being with people. We felt this format would be something of interest to them and give them a chance to be involved with others.”

Snyder said the group decided to start out in the small room at the Briggs Center and hopes it will draw large enough crowds that the large room on the north side of the building will be needed.

The entertainment begins immediately following meals at the congregate meal site in the same building, so anyone wishing to come to the Adult Social Center can easily make it a day by enjoying a meal before the activities begin. Reservations for meals need to be made 24 hours in advance by calling 523-8455.

Contact Connie Street at: 319-527-8164 or

ckcasey@louisacomm.net

To help or join

* Anyone with a talent or information to share with adults in the Wapello community through the Whizbangs program is asked to call Lynn Snyder at 319-523-4901 or Ruth Yakle at 319-523-2381 and leave a message if no one answers. 

* Anyone wishing to join the Whizbangs is urged to attend meetings at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Adult Social Center.