The Connection Center: Programs Art & Creativity
One of the significant therapeutic and recreational activities at The Connection Center is member involvement in art and craft projects. Regardless of their skill level, members may choose to work on independent projects or group activities. Many members enjoy creating pictures with markers, pencils, and even crayons, while others prefer oil and water color paints. In the past, The Connection Center has also facilitated various art classes such as woodworking, ceramics and fiber art classes. Members can work with their own supplies or use those provided by the clubhouse.
Some of the ways in which their creativity has been expressed are via:
The Connection Center Window Display: In keeping with the theme of the downtown BG merchants, the staff and members are obligated to dress the storefront window. Members create displays that reflect mental health or seasonal topics. Collaboration with community organizations allow members to use their talents to create displays that advertise local events and charity drives. Visit the Art Gallery to see some past window displays.
BG Artwalk and Black Swamp Art Festival: These are annual community events in downtown Bowling Green that showcase area artists. Members proudly display their craft through artwork, poetry and music. Mental disabilities have not prevented them from creating and even selling their art! Visit the Art Gallery to see past artwork from the members.
 Cafe
The Connection Center Cafe is open daily to serve food and drinks at a reasonable price. Members run the Cafe, from brewing the coffee to ordering supplies and stocking the food. While some members are paid, others often just volunteer to help keep the Cafe clean and running smoothly. The Cafe is decorated to celebrate the holidays, and parties and pot lucks are planned. The Cafe also hosts gatherings for special events such as speaking engagements, clubhouse anniversaries and commemorative services. At these times, the Cafe is the hub of activity at the clubhouse.
 Computer Lab
The Computer Lab is a great way to learn how to use a computer. First time users can learn how to type; more experienced users can learn about various program applications. Staff and skilled members also set time aside to help members improve their computer skills. Many members work on their resumes and other work while at the Computer Lab. It is also a great way to browse the Internet, check email, and play games!
 Music Appreciation
Members of the Music Appreciation Group select various themes and genres of music to learn how to appreciate their different sound and melodies. Instrument demonstrations allow members to hear how unfamilar instruments of different cultures sound along with trying to play the instrument, such as the Australian didgeridoo. The group is entertaining and educational as it helps those with mental illness learn to cope with their emotions and symptoms through listening to the melodies of the music.
 Reading Group
The Reading Group is a way to bring members together through reading. Members select stories that they read aloud to the group, then discuss the themes and their likes and dislikes about the selections. It's a great way for members to learn about various authors and find enjoyment in reading.
 Walking Group
Maintaining physical health with mental health can be a challenge for many people. Walking Group combines exercise with social interaction. This activity began as part of a Healthy Lifestyles Initiative started by The Connection Center members. Members encourage each other to walk for the full hour of the group, building up their endurance and thus achieving their fitness goals. At a steady pace, walking for one hour equates to 3 miles and burning approximately 300 calories!
 Woodworking
For the past several years, Mr. Shertzer of Bowling Green High Schools Industrial Arts faculty, has volunteered his time to offer his expertise and the school's facilities to The Connection Center members. The members pair up with high school students to work on various projects, including cutting boards, CD racks and clock frames. This has been a popular and successful pairing as not only do members have the opportunity to learn a new skill, but also students gain an understanding of mental illness through talking and working with the members. At the end of the course, members are allowed to keep their project as a symbol of their success in the class. Mr. Shertzer stated that he is happy to provide his expertise to the members and looks forward to working with them every year, and that the collaboration is a great incentive for students to work on projects from start to finish!
 Writing Group
Writing Group is for members who enjoy or wish to try their hand at creative writing. Members learn new vocabulary words and complete writing exercises. Members then share their poetry, short stories and nonfiction with other members for constructive criticism. These pieces are often published in The Connection Center's monthly newsletter, The Chatter Box.
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