Bob Long, Cass County Council on Aging director of development and community relations, Monday afternoon accepts $268.98 from Stephanie Bundy at Pamida.

She said the sum for the Dowagiac Senior Center came from a “round-up register,” where customers contribute change from purchases. COA is conducting a $350,000 capital campaign for the multi-purpose center at 227 S. Front St. COA has been providing programming in Dowagiac since 1994 in rented and borrowed space.

Senior programs are presently offered at First United Methodist Church, including congregate meals on Mondays and Wednesdays; Vim and Vigor Aerobics, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; SEAT (Sit, Exercise and Tone) Fitness, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Brain Aerobics, the second Tuesday each month; and bingo, Mondays and Wednesdays.

The proposed senior center features an indoor sidewalk cafe emphasizing healthier food choices and WiFi Internet access; a large open space for fitness classes and aerobic and weight equipment; and a learning and meeting space adaptable to a variety of uses, from Brain Aerobics to health education, computer access and arts and crafts.