2707 Arena Drive NE Willmar, MN 56201

320-235-1454Weather Cancellation: 320-441-1080www.willmarparks-rec.com

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Public Works Staff Front Row L to R: Scott Carruthers, Darin Niemeyer, Brady Schneck, Megan Iiams, Paul Tinklenberg, Curt Hein, Gary Manzer. Middle Row L to R: Ken Nelson, Kyle Radunz, Steve Kotzenmacher, Mike VanDenEinde, Jim Kingman, Dave Carlson, Todd Larson, Lynn Kluver. Back Row L to R: Josh Juven, Justin Liebl, Justin Deleeuw, Seth Carlson, Lee Wierschem, John Jones, Ben Saunders, Jason Wog.

Thank you to our great Public Works Staff who keep our community clean and safe!

They work diligently during our snowy months to keep the streets as clean as possible. During the summer, in addition to all the street maintenance, they oversee 30+ parks

for mowing and care as well as prepare many sport fields for play.

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Course Registration Parks & Recreation 2707 Arena Drive

Willmar, MN 56201 235-1454

2019/20 Grade:

Register at: www.willmarparks-rec.com or mail to Parks & Recreation 2707 Arena Drive • Willmar, MN 56201

Movies On Ice

at the Willmar

Civic Center Everyone is welcome to

the 2020 Winter Movie on Ice Event!

Saturday,

February 8 Skates will be available on a first come basis starting at 5:30 pm

Movie starts at 6 pm

Mighty Ducks 2

Help us choose the movies for the 7th season of the Summer Movies in the Park by filling out a survey

when you walk in! — FREE Admission — FREE Popcorn — FREE Ice Skate Rental Please bring your own skates if you have them.

Spring Break Open Gym at the Auditorium

Drop in to the City Auditorium for FREE open gym this Spring Break!

Kids 12 & under must have a parent or guardian present. Bring your own ball or equipment.

March 23-27 • 1:30 - 4 pm

Gather your friends and have a

fun night out with all the kiddos!

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Youth Wrestling The Youth Wrestling season will start on Monday, January 6 and run through the NYWA State Tournament, April 2-5. Practices will be held at the Willmar Senior High School in the wrestling room. Please wear gym attire. A detailed practice schedule is available on our web page and on the school district’s website. Wrestlers that are enrolled in this program will gain experience and learn the basic techniques that are instructed in the Varsity Cardinal Wrestling program. Participants will be encouraged to compete when the athlete, parents and coaches feel is appropriate. There will be no wrestling on Monday, January 20 and February 17 or during spring break-March 23 & 26. #6202 - Kindergarten - 2 Mondays, January 6- March 30 6-7:30pm Sr. High Wrestling Room $45 Singlet deposit: $30 (refunded at end of sea-son if singlet is returned in good condition.) #6203 - Grade 3-6 Mondays & Thursdays, January 6- March 30 6-7:30pm Sr. High Wrestling Room $65 Singlet deposit: $30 (refunded at end of sea-son if singlet is returned in good condition.)

Tennis Do you want to sharpen up your ten-nis skills? Come and join others at the City Auditorium. Kindergarten through 4th grade will learn the basic fundamentals of tennis. This program is designed with smaller courts and slower balls to improve hand-eye coordination. A tennis racket can be purchased for an additional $15. Participants in grades 5-12 will work on serving and volley techniques, and single and double strategies will be taught as well. #6365A: Kindergarten – 4 Sundays, January 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 23 City Auditorium: 3-4pm $35 (plus $15 racket if desired) #6365B: Grade 5-8 Sundays, January 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 23 City Auditorium: 4-5pm $35 #6365C: Grade 9-12 Sundays, January 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 23 City Auditorium: 5-6pm $35

Youth Baseball Nothing says summer like baseball, so grab your glove and hit the diamond with Willmar Rec! Participants will play games against surrounding communities. Practices will be scheduled by each team’s coach and games will begin once school is out. Players must supply their own baseball pants and game hat. It is also highly recommended to have your own batting helmet. Place your order for a jersey at mass registration night or at tryouts. There will be jersey samples available to try on. If you ordered a jersey last year, you can use it this year. Tryouts - Grades 3-6 should attend tryouts on Saturday, April 4 at the Willmar High School. Tryouts are used only as a tool to create even teams. There will be a $10 fee payable to Willmar Baseball Association to cover cost of tryouts. This must be paid at tryouts or your player will not be allowed to participate. All players must go through tryouts to be put on a traveling team. The top 12 players in each age group have the option of playing on the traveling team. Please go to www.willmarbaseball.com for tryout times and more information. All players are placed on a team.

Register for the grade you are currently in.

Baseball Open Gym will be starting at the High School Sunday nights in February. Please check the Willmar Baseball Association website for dates and times.

#5134 - Grades 3 & 4 Tuesdays & Thursdays $35 * #5156 - Grades 5 & 6 Mondays & Wednesdays $35 * #5179 - Grades 7-9 Tuesdays & Thursdays $35 * *Plus additional fee payable to Rambow for jersey if desired.

Indoor Soccer will be played at the City Auditorium for a three week session. Each session kids will work on some skills and drills and play a game to apply what you have learned. This class is limited to 20 kids per session. Register today! #W5312 - Kindergarten- 2 Saturdays, Feb. 29- March 14 City Auditorium • 10-10:50am • $10 #W5335 - Grade 3-5 Saturdays, February 29- March 14 City Auditorium • 11-11:50am • $10

Indoor Soccer

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NOpen Gym Softball Keep your arm warm during the winter months by playing softball at open gym! No registration or fee, just come and go when you want!

Saturdays starting January 11, January 25, February 1 & March 7

from 9-11am in the West Gym at Willmar Senior High.

Batting cages, gym space, hitting tees, bats, softballs, pitching machine and teen-sized helmets will be available for use. Pitching Lessons Level 1: Beginner (new to pitching or does not yet throw controlled strikes) Level 2: Confident (understands basic mechanics/form, can throw controlled strikes). • It will be led by Breanna Ahlers with assistance by WHS Softball coaches. • Meet in the West Gym at the Sr. High • Meets January 11, January 25, February 1 & March 7.  • Sign up for one, two, three or all four at $15 each. • Beginners will be at 10-11 am and • Confident will be from 9-10 am. Pitchers need to bring a "catcher" with them--someone who can catch the ball is preferred. 

Summer Fastpitch Girls Softball Tryout dates, times & location for all Willmar Summer Fastpitch players:

Sunday, April 5 at WHS West Gym & Main Gym

3:30-5:00pm- Grade 3 & 4 (10U) 5:30-7:00pm- Grade 5 & 6 (12U) 7:15pm-8:00pm- All 14U, 16U & 18U

#5234 - Grade 3 & 4 (10U) - $35 • Each player is guaranteed to be placed on a team. • Tryouts will determine skill level so teams are balanced. • May-June is practice and skill development; learn the

basic skills, lingo and rules of the game. • Games on Wednesdays in July • Modified pitching rules to get hitters to hit and defense

to play. • Hitters will hit- no walking or striking out. • Practice twice a week until games start, then will

practice one night and games will be played each Wednesday in July.

#5256 - Grade 5 & 6 (12U) - $35 • Each player is guaranteed to be placed on a team. • Tryouts will determine skill level. • League games are on Thursdays in June-July. • Practice will be 1-2 times a week for each team. • West Central Softball league will have games once a

week with double header games. • Players must state willingness or desire to play in

tournaments; max of three tournaments per summer. • There will be an extra cost to those playing on

tournament teams. • League play will be equal playing time, but tournament

play is not equal playing time. #5278 - Grade 7 & 8 (14U) - $110 • Plays in St. Cloud on Tuesdays from June-July. • Will play a maximum of three weekend tournaments in

June-July. • Tryouts are mandatory. • If two teams need to be created at this age level, then

leveled teams will be assigned. • Coached by Christian Brown and Breanna Ahlers. • Will have team practice and batting practice once a

week. #5216 - 16U - $110 • Plays in St. Cloud on Tuesdays from June-July. • Will play maximum of three weekend tournaments in

June-July. • Tryouts are mandatory. • Will have team practice and batting practice once a

week. #5218 - 18U- $110 • Plays in St. Cloud on Tuesdays from June-July. • Will play maximum of three weekend tournaments in

June-July. • Tryouts are mandatory. • Coached by Shannon Cayler. • Will have team practice & batting practice once a week. 5

Mass Registration for Softball

and Baseball

There will be mass registration for softball and baseball

for all Grade 3 and up players on March 19 from 5-7 pm

at the Willmar Civic Center. Register for the grade you are currently in.

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Summer Softball Leagues

Men’s Softball The league will play on Monday nights. There will be 3 divisions of Play: Gold (upper), Silver (middle) and Bronze (lower). The first 8 paid teams for each division are guaranteed a spot in the division. #4310 Mondays, May 4 – August 3 (No games May 25) $335 by April 20 $385 by April 27 Co-Ed Softball The league will play on Wednesday nights and have 2 divisions of play – Gold & Silver. Teams cannot have more men than women on the field at any one time. #4340 Wednesdays, May 20 – August 5 $275 by May 8 $325 by May 15

Church Softball The league plays on Thursday nights and will have 3 divisions of play: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The Bronze division will be for youth ages 8-16 #4330 Thursdays, May 21-August 6 $270 by May 8 $325 by May 15 Women’s 5 vs 5 Softball Three teams of 5 women play at the same time, 5 bat, 5 play outfield and catcher and 5 play infield and pitcher. After 3 outs, batting team plays outfield, outfield plays infield and infield bats. This league is to help the women who want to keep playing but struggle to find enough players. #4320 Tuesdays, June 2 – July 7 $250 by May 19 $300 by May 28

Games will be played at Swansson Field Complex

Ice Rinks Sharpen your ice skates and

enjoy the beautiful Minnesota winter.

The Ice Rinks at Hilltop, Lincoln and Garfield are open. Garfield Warming House hours are Monday and Thursday from 5-8 pm

and Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 pm, weather permitting.

Hockey Skates are available for use.

Check out skates in the Garfield Warming House.

Call 235-1454

for rink information. Rinks will close under extreme cold weather or unsafe ice conditions.

Open Events at the Arena Sunday Open Skating January 6 – March 8 6:30-8:30 pm $3 per person – pay at the door Rental skates - $2 per person Saturday Open Curling Certified instructors on hand to help you learn. January 4, 11, Feb. 1, 15, 29 & March 7 7-10 pm $3 per person – pay at the door Adaptive/Open Curling All ages and abilities are encouraged to try the age old sport of curling in this adaptive setting. Thursdays through March 12 No curling January 16. 4 - 5 pm $3 per person/pay at the door.

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TournamentsWillmar Classic Men’s Basketball Tournament Get your team together and register for the Men’s Classic Basketball Tournament. Games will be played at the City Auditorium. The first 12 teams to register and pay are guaranteed a spot in the tournament. Two games guaranteed. Registration deadline is January 17 #4190 Saturday, January 25 $160.00 Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament Register your team to play in the Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament. There will be two divisions if enough teams register so choose Power or Semi Power when you register. Games will be at Roosevelt. Registration dead-line is January 17. #4270 Saturday, January 25 $125.00 per Team

Women’s Volleyball Tournament This tournament has been going on for 30 plus years. It offers two dif-ferent levels of competition: Power and Semi-Power. Games will be at Roosevelt. Registration deadline is January 27. #4280 Saturday, February 1 $125.00 per Team

Valentine’s Co-Ed Pickleball Tournament Register you and your honey for the Valentines Co-Ed Pickleball Tournament at the City Auditorium. There will be t-shirts and prizes. Please enter division and partner’s name in “Notes” section. #4410 Saturday February 15 $30.00 per Team (A/B Divisions)

Willmar Kaffe Fest Men’s Softball Tournament Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28 $160.00 per Team Double Elimination with Consolation Bracket Payback depends on number of Teams Will start registrations with the release of our Summer brochure.

Businessmen’s Noon Basketball If you feel the need to get away from work for some exercise, the City Auditorium is open 11:30-1 pm Monday-Friday (except holidays: Jan. 20 & Feb. 17) $50 per year if paid by January 15 $60 per year if paid after January 15 $3.00 per day (Shower and Lockers Included)

Indoor Rifle and Pistol Range The Indoor Range in the City Auditorium is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-9:30 pm thru April 30. Also open Fridays, January 10 - March 27 from 11 am – 1 pm. A certified Rangemaster is on duty $8.00 per half hour, targets available for purchase. Pay at the door.

Open Tennis/ Pickleball Do you want to keep active over the winter? Do you enjoy playing tennis or pickleball? Register for one of the offerings at the City Auditorium. No tennis/pickleball on January 20 and February 17. Men’s Tennis #4510 Monday, Wednesday & Friday January 6 - April 24 • 7:45 - 9:45am $35 Pickleball #4530A Monday - Friday January 6 - April 24 • 9:45 - 11:15am $35 #4530B Monday - Friday January 6-April 24 (Except March 23-27) 1:30 - 3pm • $30

Adaptive ProgramsBINGO This is your opportunity to hang out with your friends and win some silly prizes. Two cards per participant per game. Meet at the Community Center Tuesdays, January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18 & 25 6:15–7:30 pm

WIFFLE BALL Let’s all get in shape for the summer softball season by playing wiffle ball at the City Auditorium. Fridays, January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21 & 28 6:00-7:30 pm Sign up for one or both (price includes all dates listed) #9035A Bingo $20 #9035B Wiffle Ball $20 #9035C Both $35

Willmar Community Center Please call 262-5288 for reservation requests

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Card Gatherings Monday-Friday 1:00-4:00 pm Whether you are a card shark or just wanting to learn, come spend an afternoon meeting others, having fun and play cards! Free & Open to Community! Mondays: . . Bridge/ 500/ Buck Euchre Tuesdays: . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hand & Foot Wednesdays: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Whist Thursdays: . . . . . . . . . . . .Hand & Foot Fridays: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Whist

Men’s Shed A Men's Shed is a dedicated, friendly and welcoming meeting place where men can come together. It's a place where men can share their skills and knowledge with others, learn new skills or redevelop old skills. Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive and valuable to your community, connecting to friends and maintaining an active body and an active mind. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where you can find many of these things. Also, importantly, there's no pressure. Men can just come and have a chat and a cup of coffee if that's all they’re looking for. Tuesdays at 1 pm To use the woodshop, will need to pay the daily or membership fees.

Wood Shop Looking for a place to make items from wood, do wood carvings, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning? Check out the Community Center Wood Shop! • Memberships start at $60 per year. • Daily pass for $5 • Open Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

WASO String Connection Meets 4 – 6 pm, Wednesdays, Reynolds Room WASO String Connection is open to adult violin, viola, cello and bass players interested in reading music and playing in a string ensemble.  This member-lead group plays music from a variety of genres.   String Connection performs at WCC and other venues several times through the year.  FREE This group is jointly supported by the Willmar Community Center and Willmar Area Symphony Orchestra. Liaison: Darlene Schroeder

COURT Whist Tournaments: Held monthly, check the Community Center activity calendar for dates. Whist is a game of strategy and can be rather amusing. Whist is a plain trick game, where 4 players, paired off in partners, try to win as many tricks as they can. Similar to Bridge, but there is no bidding. 1:00 pm Start time Call 262-5288 to sign up $2.00 entry fee Prizes !

Live Entertainment Wednesdays

Music every Wednesday at 2:00 pm

$2.00 suggested donation Free for 1st time attendees

Coffee & Refreshments to follow.

Friday Afternoon of Dancing

Live band every Friday

at 1:00-4:00 pm $5.00 suggested donation

Light lunch & refreshments included.

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Have Questions About Medicare? There are many important decisions that need to be made when you become eligible for Medicare. Making the wrong decision can lead to not having any or enough health coverage and financial penalties. Participants will learn the ba-sics of Medicare and their coverage options in Minnesota. Class size is kept small in order to allow plenty of time for personal attention.

Sign up early in order to get a spot by calling 1-800-333-2433.

2nd Tuesday Every Month

Willmar Community Center 624 Hwy. 71 NE - Willmar

Welcome to Medicare Class 3 - 5 PM

or by Appointment by calling SeniorLinkAge Line®

The Senior LinkAge Line® is a service of Minnesota Board on Aging and Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging®

Aging Wisely Finding ‘New’ Confidence and Purpose! Join us for sharing and learn-ing to make the most of the challenges of aging with a renewed purpose! Make new friends, share your stories and socialize over healthy food.

Ongoing meetings every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 1:30- 3:30 pm

Supported by Blue Cross, Blue Shield of MN, Health Together Willmar, United Way of West Central Minnesota, Willmar Area Community Foundation

Free!

Kandiyohi County Nurses Blood Pressure

Check Stop by for a FREE Blood Pressure check. Sign in begins at 9:00 am on the third Tuesday of each month:

January 21 February 18 March 17 April 21 May 19 June 16

Lutheran Service Lunch Dining Program Meet new friends while enjoying a hot and nutritious lunch at the Willmar Community Center. Lunch is served Monday-Friday at 11:30 AM. Please call to order your meal and reserve your spot at 320-222-3777. This program is for those who are 60 years and up. A $4.50 contribution for each meal is suggested. Do you have Norwegian or Scandinavian roots? Even if you don’t, or if you’re interested in learning about the culture, Sons of Norway invites you to visit our Lodge meetings, the second Monday of each month, (except July) at the Willmar Community Center at 7 :00 pm.

Veteran Coffee Social Come gather with Veterans who served our country and enjoy coffee and goodies. Very relaxed and casual event to bring Veterans and Active Duty Military together. For more information, contact Ron at 320-894-7840. 1st & 3rd Monday of month 9:30-11:00 am Free !

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Country Quilters Country Quilters Guild is a nonprofit organization that was established in June 1983. We are dedicated to promoting and preserving the art of quilting. The guild provides fellowship and learning to people living in Willmar, and the surrounding communities, who are interested in the traditional craft of quilting as well as its contemporary art forms. For more information visit www.countryquiltersmn.com or by email at info@countryquiltersmn.com The Guild holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Willmar Community Center. If you are interested in joining Country Quilters, we encourage you to attend. First Time Quilters . .First Monday-12-4 pm- Sunshine Room Sit & Stitch Quilters . . . . Third Tuesday - 5-8 pm - BN Room Lullaby Quilters . . . .Third Tuesday – 12:30-4 - Sunshine Room 30’s Quilters . . . . . . . . . .First Wednesday – 6-9 pm - BN Room

MN TOPS #703 Willmar Every Tuesday 11:30 am-1 pm - Reynolds TOPS is a non-profit national and international weight loss support group. Weekly meetings emphasize nutrition, exercise, motivation, and wellness education. Focusing on supporting each member’s desire to manage or lose weight in a sensible and healthy way. Tuesdays Weigh-in: 11:15- 11:45 am Meeting: 11:45 am-12:30 pm Chapter Dues consist of: Yearly: $32.00; Monthly: $4.00

West Central Area Senior Citizens Club The Willmar Senior Club has several activities for enjoyment. From Cards, live music, dancing, and seasonal parties. We of course, enjoy socializing and coffee time with others. This club really is a great way to stay involved and enjoy a good afternoon with friends. We welcome you to join the Senior Club for $15 for the first year and $10 the following years. To learn more about the Senior Club contact Donna at 320-212-9775.

West Central Barbershop Connection Every Monday • Sunshine Room • Free

The West Central Connection Chorus is a men's a cappella chorus located in Willmar. The West Central Connection Chorus is a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Rehearsals are held Mondays at 7:00 pm at the Willmar Community Center. If interested, you are encouraged to attend. Todd Mattison, Director

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UCare Medicare Courses There is a brief explanation of the basics of Medicare followed by an overview of the UCare plan benefits. Jan. 22 10:30 UCare Medicare Meetup – Discussing UCare plan bene-fits (Sunshine Room) Jan. 22 12:30 Compare Your Plan Meeting – What type of Medicare plan fits your life? Showing how to compare the different Medicare plan options (Sunshine Room) Feb. 20 10:30 Medicare Basics - Discussing the different parts of Medicare, eligibility and enrollment, as well as how to compare options. (Reynolds Room) Feb. 20 12:30 UCare Medicare Meetup – Discussing UCaree plan benefits (Reynolds Room) Mar. 18 10:30 Medicare Basics - Discussing the different parts of Medicare, eligibility and enrollment, as well as how to compare options. (Sunshine Room) Mar. 18 12:30 UCare Medicare Meetup – Discussing UCare plan benefits (Sunshine Room)

Cost: Free Call 877-523-1518 to register

FREE TAX HELP Free help with filing tax forms will be available at the Willmar Community Center for low and middle income taxpayers, with special attention for Senior Citizens. Trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be at the Center every Thursday from 9 am until 4 pm from February 6 thru April 9. The Center is located at 624 NE Highway 71. Starting Tuesday, January 21, appointments will be open to book. Appointments are unable to be made at the

Community Center. Call Kevin at 320-354-3529

between 1-4pm, Monday-Friday only.

When you come for your tax assistance, be sure to bring all pertinent tax information including: * Driver's license (or other photo

ID) and Social Security card(s) (including dependents)

* A copy of last year's tax returns. * All your 2019 income

information including * W2 forms from your

employer(s) * Form 1099-SSA, your Social

Security Benefit Information * 1099-R forms, your pension

income statements * 1099-INT forms showing your

interest income * Any other income information:

1099-MISC, Unemployment Compensation, etc.

* Any other information necessary to complete your income tax return, including health insurance coverage information (Medicare, medical assistance, individual or employer provided insurance), your 1095-A, 1095-B or 1905-C forms mailed to you from your health insurance provider, and/or Health Coverage Exemptions from MNSure.

* If you are filing for property tax or renter's refund, you will also need to bring your most cur-rent Property Tax Statement (2018 or 2019) and/or your Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP)

Looking for a space to hold your next event ?

The Willmar Community Center is the perfect venue! GREAT FOR HOLDING: n  Family Reunion n Wedding Reception n Company Meetings n Birthday Parties n Graduation Parties n Events

Small meeting room or a large open space to accommodate

your group!

Contact us today to make your reservation at 262-5288 or

bdiem@willmarmn.gov

Be sure to check us out on Facebook for our daily calendar of events and programs!