Meet our Advisory Council

Meet the Advisory Council Members

2025 Advisory Council: Back Row; Jim Parker, Kathie Horning (Chair), Patrice Heath (Vice Chair), Cliff Blossom, Judy Kniaz, Nancy Fritch. Front Row: Mary Lynn Thomson (Secretary), Elaine Smith, Penny Halstead, Lisa Banister. Not pictured: Jim Page (Treasurer)

Kathie Horning- Chair

I couldn’t wait to turn 50 and join the Senior Center! Its reputation of activities was outstanding. I started the ukulele group that ran for several years, love going on the trips, and participating in as many activities as I can while still working as the Hartland Township Treasurer. Having been on the Board since 2011, I feel that the HSAC is one of the best in the country and I love the number of active members!

Patrice Heath - Vice Chair

I moved to Hartland in 1999 while I was still working as a sales representative. I began joining many groups and clubs to get established knowing that I was getting closer to retirement and would be needing some outside interest. Alice asked me if I would help with a large event. From there my love affair began. Who knew that a senior center could be so young, nothing like what I expected. This is my 19th year as a member and I’m still in love with it!

Mary Lynn Thomson - Secretary

The Hartland Activity Center is one of my favorite places! I absolutely love working on the "Events Committe", (Where could a person go to experience so many special activities!?!!). Laura's exercise classes are the very, very, best, and of course my Euchre Friends can't be beat, and Carol's Trips, are over
the moon. The Center is "MY SPECIAL PLACE"

Jim Page - Treasurer

I joined the Senior Center in 2010 after I retired and started by walking in the halls. This grew into helping the Center’s office with technical issues. A few years later I joined the chorus and also started helping backstage for performances. This grew into organizing and expanding the Center’s audio equipment for performances within and outside of the center along with helping wherever I could. I am also in the chorus and Cabaret which provides variety show performances at other senior facilities. You will find me at the Center whenever there is a show, performance, rehearsal or something else that needs to be done. I joined the Administrative Board to provide a music and show perspective.

Lisa Banister

Lisa has lived in Genoa Township since 2008. In 2014 she joined the HSAC, and she loves the vibrant community here. Lisa joined the council to be more in tune with all the services and activities of the HSAC. In addition to serving on the council since 2021, she also is the volunteer coordinator of the Senior Center Gift Shop! She's always looking for creative ways to showcase the goods made and sold by our members, and is very proud of the fundraising that the gift shop provides to the center. She also loves traveling with HSAC!

Clifford Blossom

Cliff represents Howell/Oceola Township on the board. He has lived in Oceola Township for 10 years... but has been a member of the HSAC for 11 years! He joined the council to represent Oceola Township. Cliff's favorite things to do at the HSAC include the weight room, Euchre, Dinners, Concerts and Pickleball. He enjoys the opportunity to interact with other seniors here at the Hartland Senior Activity Center!

Nancy Fritch

Nancy has lived in Genoa Township for over 30 years, and has been a a member of the HSAC since 2009! She joined the council in 2017, and has a special interest in fundraising for the center. She loves to play pickleball, and enjoys the dinners with HSAC members.

Penny Halstead

I joined the HSAC in 2007, and have served on the council for approximately 15 years. My family moved to Tyrone Township in 1990, and I still live there. I wanted to be a part of the council to help give input for the good of the center. I belong to the T.O.P.S. Group, and love Sit 'n Fit, Chair Yoga and Zumba classes. I also take care of the HSAC library, both books and puzzles, over by the sitting area in the corner. If I'm not here at the HSAC, I'm at Cromaine Library, as I volunteer as one of the FRIENDS of Cromaine!

Judy Kniaz

I joined the HSAC about 15 years ago. I LOVE Alice's Dance Aerobics! I also belong to the T.O.P.S. Group and the Red Hats. I enjoy the travel with both day trips and the occasional overnight trips. The dinners are great (Thanksgiving, St. Pat's etc.) The center has helped to keep my healthy and ACTIVE! I've made MANY friends there and can't imagine my life with the HSAC!!

Jim Parker

When Sharon (my wife) and I joined the Hartland Senior Activities Center, our circle of friends greatly expanded and our opportunities to be active increased. I was in on the launch of Pickleball, which remains my main interest. Sharon takes advantage of the many music programs. Our volunteer time is an investment for our enjoyment and that of other members. We thank the school personnel for their continued support of the "Center"

Elaine Smith

Elaine has lived in Howell for 69 years, 35 of those in Oceola Township. She joined the HSAC 4 years ago, and is one of our newest council members, having just joined us last year! She joined the council as she wanted to have some input for change, and to see how the center was impacting the local area senior community. Her favorite activities at the center include playing cards, walking the halls, the knitting group and socializing with other members!