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FAQs

Questions about Sixty Forward?

 If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact one of the partners here.

General Sixty Forward Questions & Answers

Sixty Forward is the name given to the partnership between Ames Parks & Recreation, Heartland of Story County and Mary Greeley Medical Center. Each works to connect those 60+ to shared facilities and a wide range of programs. 

The Sixty Forward Center serves as the headquarters for Sixty Forward and the offices of Heartland of Story County. The Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and offers a bright and airy atrium with tables, state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, Duckpin Bowling, a number of multipurpose rooms and an Adult Day Center. The Center also is home to The Bistro — a relaxing, fun full-service restaurant open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Any age is welcome at The Bistro for food and beverage.

One organization, on its own, could never offer the breadth and needed diversity of program offerings to support this diverse population that can span 40 years of life. That is why three organizations, with the expertise of their staff members, have come together under the name of Sixty Forward.

As a partnership between Ames Parks & Recreation, Heartland of Story County, and Mary Greeley Medical Center, Sixty Forward connects those 60+ in Ames and throughout Story County to shared facilities and a wide range of programming that supports a physically active, socially vibrant and healthy life.

Free one-hour orientation sessions are held at the Sixty Forward Center in the Beran Room a number of times in the coming months as shown below. 

Upcoming sessions include:

  • Tuesdays at 9  a.m.
  • Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.
  • Fridays at 9 a.m.

You can register online here or by calling us at 515-233-2906.

You can register online here or by calling us at 515-233-2906.

Sixty Forward Center Questions

No. There is no membership fee.

While some programming is free, such as drop-in Table-Top Meet-Ups for cards and board games at the Sixty Forward Center, as well as some educational programs, other programs do have registration fees. Learn more about individual program costs and fees here. 

Reservations are available for Atrium tables on Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons, between 1:30 and 5 p.m., for groups of up to 10 people.

The Atrium offers:

  • Booths for 4 (3)
  • Fireplace seating for 4 (1)
  • Entry seating for 4 (1)
  • Live Edge Table for 10 (1)
  • Live Edge Table for 6 (2)
  • Planter seating for 4 (1)

To reserve a table, please call 515-233-2906 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Individuals must attend an EGYM onboarding session and then purchase a pass with Ames Parks & Recreation. Individuals are encouraged to attend a Sixty Forward Center orientation prior to the EGYM onboarding session. EGYM onboarding information is coming soon!

EGYM Smart Strength is a personalized, full-body strength training experience that uses the latest RFID (Radio Frequency Identification, or contactless identification) technology to make working out fun, fast and effective for everyone. You must sign up for an EGYM onboarding session and purchase a pass with Ames Parks & Recreation. We also encourage you to attend a Sixty Forward Center orientation prior to the EGYM onboarding session. EGYM onboarding information is coming soon!

Please contact Sixty Forward Connection Coordinator, Jenny Schill, about availability.

There are a variety of programs we offer that take place at the Center and around the community — from programs catered to fun and active lifestyles to social events to foster community, and classes or workshops to improve your well-being. To view all offerings visit our programs page.

While some programming is free, such as drop-in Table-Top Meet-Ups for cards and board games, as well as some educational programs at the Sixty Forward Center, other programs have an associated fee. Learn more information and registration details here. 

Table-Top Meet-Ups are offered at the Sixty Forward Center each week, free of charge. Other free programs include card playing, chess, board games, cribbage, etc. To learn more, visit our Calendar page. 

No, you do not have to register for Table-Top Meet-Ups. Arrive at the scheduled time, and you’ll find others that enjoy the same activity. This will be an excellent way to meet new people with similar interests. 

Numerous support groups and educational programs will be  provided free of charge. These will be offered at various times and days, and will cover endless topics of interest. Some of these offerings may require a pre-registration so we know how many people will be attending. Learn more about these offerings and how to register here. 

Duckpin Bowling offers all the fun of regular bowling — but with shorter lanes, a 3-pound bowling ball you hold in the palm of your hand, and shorter bowling pins. And you get to wear your regular shoes. Learn more here. 

Yes. Duckpin Bowling cost $5 per game, per person, with up to four people per lane. Learn more here. 

Duckpin Bowling is available Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Learn more here. 

No. Just drop in and bowl Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5 Per Game, per Person. Learn more here. 

 

The Bistro Questions

Yes. The Bistro is a relaxing and beautiful space with a full-service restaurant. It is the perfect spot to gather with friends for a beverage and to enjoy a delicious meal. It’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. View the menu and learn more here. 

Monday through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  

Beth Grimm serves as The Bistro manager and has a long history of working in, managing, and owning coffee shops across Central Iowa, such as Morning Bell Coffee and Burgies North here in Ames. Michelle Miller serves as the head chef of The Bistro, bringing 15 years of experience managing Wheatsfield kitchen and Hotel Pattee, she is a culinary trained chef from the DMACC’s culinary arts institute. Jeff Welder is The Bistro sous chef and has many years of experience at various kitchens across Des Moines. Learn more here.

Partner Program Questions

Yes, please visit the website at heartlandofstorycounty.org to learn more. 

Yes. To learn more, please call 515-233-2906. 

Please visit https://www.mgmc.org/foundation/volunteer/current-opportunities/.

Yes, Laurie Yocum-Whipple, the Adult Day Center Director for over 20 years, would enjoy meeting with your group. She is an expert in this field and can provide you with keen insights. Learn more here.

Laurie Yocum Whipple, Director of Heartland’s Adult Day Center for over 20 years, hosts a Cognitive Challenges conversation on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month (begins November 4th).

Information, resources, and encouragement about Parkinson’s and dementia-related conditions will be shared from 2-3pm at the Sixty Forward Center conference room. No Registration or Cost: Just stop in.

For more information visit Heartland of Story County’s Adult Day Center page.

Laurie Yocum Whipple, Director of Heartland’s Adult Day Center, will facilitate group discussions about the challenges of caregiving to individuals with dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other cognitive challenges.

Information about resources, support services, and helpful tips in caring for individuals will be shared.

The Caregiver Support group provides encouragement, active listening, and information for caregivers wanting a safe place to discuss the stress related to caregiving, as well as celebrate the rewards.

For more information, see the Heartland of Story County Event Listing.

What to Expect For Your Upcoming Program

The Sixty Forward Center is located at 205 S. Walnut Avenue in Ames, with easy access from Lincoln Way. The Center is located just behind Hobby Lobby to the east, or if coming from Lincoln Way, turn south at Casey’s, drive one block, and find the Center on your right hand side. You will be greeted by the Sixty Forward Center sign in the parking lot and a clearly marked entrance.  

There is no valet or drop-off parking at the Sixty Forward Center, but visitors are welcome to use the main parking lot to the south of the building and will find handicap parking available there. Additional parking can be found to the north of the building in a newly paved lot. There are sidewalks and signage to the entrance from the new north parking lot.

All Sixty Forward Center programs are held in rooms within eyesight of the entrance. A program representative will be in the atrium to greet and direct you to the right room. Also, iPad signage at each room entrance will display the list of programs being held in that room that day, if you’d like to find the room on your own.

As with any public space, the temperature varies with the number of people attending your program, Iowa weather and personal preference. Wearing layers is always a safe bet. There are coat racks in the facility, just outside of the Bearn Multipurpose Room.

The one of the three partner organizations that is putting on the program will notify you in the event of a cancellation. If you have any concerns, please contact the partner organization directly. 

If you have any other questions or concerns about your upcoming program, please contact the appropriate partner organization for more information.