Volunteer Appreciation Month - Thank you to our blue army!
Each April, we shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities. We are very fortunate at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center to have our blue army, a fabulous team of dedicated volunteers who lead tours, answer phones and questions at the front desk, assist with special events, lead games and volunteer their time doing many other tasks. There are currently 165 volunteers signed up through HelperHelper. In January alone, 78 individuals volunteered 945 hours of time. All volunteers are invited to a special appreciation lunch on Thursday, April 24 to express our gratitude for your service.
STAY INFORMED
New - Ballroom dancing club
The Highlands Ranch Senior Center Ballroom Dancing Club will meet the first and third Monday of every month, from 1 - 3 p.m.
The club offers a welcoming environment to learn, practice and enjoy the art of ballroom dance. Participants will dance in a variety of classic ballroom styles, each with its own unique flair: waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha-cha, bolero, night club twostep, mambo rumba, samba and swing.
NEWSLETTER & GUIDE
Staff
Jill Hall, Senior Services Manager
Lyndsey George, Guest Services and Volunteer Coordinator
Each week, they focus on building skill, confidence and connection, while fostering a sense of community and fun. Whether you’re dancing for fitness, socializing or preparing for a performance, you’ll find the perfect group to practice your skills. Join us on the dance floor and experience the magic of ballroom dancing!
Let’s keep the building clean
Just a reminder that if you bring in food to eat or enjoy a beverage, please remember to clean up after yourself. The next group using the room does not want to clean up your crumbs and spills. We also remind you to return chairs and tables to their proper places and place all cushions in the storage closets.
Please be considerate
Many activities are scheduled back-to-back in our program rooms. Please do not enter a room until the scheduled start time of your program. Please also do not disturb others who are using the room before you. Practicing courtesy will make everything more enjoyable for all users.
Name tags
Name tags have been printed for all members. If you haven’t received yours yet, please pick it up at the front desk.
Inaugural members - It’s time to renew
The inaugural memberships ended on Dec. 31, 2024, prior to the center’s opening. To continue to benefit from all of the programs and amenities the center has to offer, it’s time to purchase an annual membership. A membership is $60/year for Highlands Ranch residents and $72 for nonresidents.
Katie Ireland, Fitness and Enrichment Coordinator
Jodie McCann, Health and Resource Coordinator
Cindy Galligan, Membership and Front Desk Receptionist
Ron Bowman & Rob Hill, Facility Services Technicians
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Connect with us
Facebook: @HighlandsRanchSeniorCenter
Website: highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter
Email: seniorcenterinfo@ highlandsranch.org
Phone: 303-791-2416
Suggestion box
The suggestion box for your compliments and complaints is located at the front desk.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Registration is required for all events, programs and activities — including free programs.
• Registration can be done at highlandsranch.org/myactivecenter or the front desk. Computers are also available in the lobby for your use.
• Early registration is encouraged so programs are not canceled due to low attendance.
• For the most up-to-date information about programs and events, please visit MyActiveCenter. Canceled classes will be removed from MyActiveCenter.
• Refund and inclement weather policies can be found at highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter
Please note: For programs listed as “No fee,” nonmembers will still need to purchase a day pass to the center.
Learn to Play Poker
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to play poker, this is a great opportunity for you! Join us for a relaxed lesson focused on various styles of poker. You’ll have the chance to learn alongside other players in a lowpressure environment, making it the perfect setting to enjoy the game while gaining confidence.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Game Room
Jewelry Art Studio
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
Discover how to design an elegant stretch necklace with real gemstones, rhinestones and silver or goldplated beads along with a pair of earrings.
Fee: Members: $18, Nonmembers: $20
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Activity Room
Seniors’ Council of Douglas County
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
The Seniors’ Council promotes Living Well/Aging Well™ in Douglas County by hosting monthly meetings about topics of interest to older adults. This month we are showcasing our center. Center members are welcome to come and learn about the council’s efforts.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Multipurpose Room
Coping with Change
MONDAY, APRIL 7
Change can be difficult. This presentation will address different categories of coping skills and explore how we can use these skills when facing change or adversity.
Fee: No fee
Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Location: Classroom
New Member Orientation
MONDAY, APRIL 7
Are you new to the senior center or its programs? If so, learn more about the benefits of membership and all the opportunities that await you at the center.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Classroom
March Madness Watch Party
MONDAY, APRIL 7
Celebrate the Men’s NCAA Championship Game with us. Enjoy pizza and light refreshments, BYOB and catch every thrilling moment of the game.
Fee: Members: $5, Nonmembers: $7
Time: 6:30-10 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room 2
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Card Making and Paper Crafts
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
Join us to create greeting cards or work on your paper projects. Supplies, ideas and help will be provided.
Fee: Members: $2, Nonmembers: $3
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room 3
Caregiver Support Group
TUESDAY, APRIL 15
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of dementia? This discussion group will provide information to help you in your caregiving role.
Fee: No fee
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Classroom
What’s In Your Cup?
MONDAY, APRIL 21
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” What is your cup filled with? Join us for a discussion about the importance of filling your cup with health coping skills and wellness strategies.
Fee: No fee
Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Location: Classroom
Hearing Clinic
MONDAY, APRIL 21
During your one-on-one visit with Dr. Jessen, she will provide a video otoscopy (ear canal check), inspect, clean and replace parts on current hearing aids, conduct basic hearing screenings for those who do not have hearing aids and who have never had their hearing tested before, and answer questions about hearing loss, current hearing aids or recommendations for hearing loss treatment.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1 - 4 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room
Preventing Medicare Fraud
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries to prevent health care fraud, errors and abuse. They serve beneficiaries of all ages, their family members and caregivers. Whether you have questions about how to prevent fraud or need assistance determining if it has occurred, SMP can help you to protect yourself and your loved ones. Attend this presentation to learn about current Medicare fraud alerts in your area.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Classroom
Earth Day Happy Hour
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
Join us for a special evening in partnership with Highlands Ranch Water. Meet new people, enjoy great music and test your knowledge with trivia while indulging in tasty snacks. Bring your own refreshments (BYOB) and relax in a welcoming atmosphere.
Fee: Members: $5, Nonmembers:$6
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Effective Communication for Loved Ones with Dementia
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
This is the third and final class in our dementia and brain health series. We will explore strategies for better communication, including verbal and nonverbal behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, when the ability to use words is lost.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-3 p.m.
Location: Classroom
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Creative Planting Indoors
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
Learn unique ways to grow and display houseplants. Taught by a master gardener from the CSU Extension program. All supplies provided.
Fee: Members: $12, Nonmembers: $14
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Words cannot express how much we value our volunteers - but a delicious lunch might do the trick! All individuals who have volunteered since the center opened are invited to this appreciation event.
Fee: Invitation only through Helper Helper
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Value-Based Healthcare
MONDAY, APRIL 28
Whole-person health considers all of you — physically, mentally, socially and financially. Join this healthcare discussion. Your curiosity and questions are welcome.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-3 p.m.
Location: Classroom
Free admission to expo No registration required
Thursday, April 17 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Multipurpose Room
Adults ages 55+ and their care partners are invited to attend this quarterly event where more than 40 community resource and service professionals from the following industries will be represented:
• Travel
• Legal
• Financial
• Medicare
• Physical therapy
• Podiatry, hearing and vision care
• Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s associations
• Independent, assisted living and memory care
• Real estate and moving services
• End of life, funeral and cremation
• Hospitals and medical practices
• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
• Douglas County Health Department
• South Metro Fire Rescue
Simple health screenings will also be offered, including blood pressure checks.
ONGOING CLASSES
Fitness fees (New): Beginning in April 2025, all fitness classes (except Ageless Grace) will require single-class registration. You will now sign up for each class you want to attend. Registration will continue to open two months in advance, on the first of each month at 8:30 a.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Ireland, Fitness & Enrichment Coordinator, at kireland@highlandsranch.org.
Medicare fitness benefits: Members who have Renew Active (One Pass), SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit and Active & Fit are eligible for a discount on fitness classes up to the maximum monthly amount set by the insurance plan. Contact staff for details. Please remember you must attend class for the senior center to be reimbursed.
Register and view full class descriptions online at highlandsranch.org/myactivecenter.
8-10 a.m. Walking Club
8:45-9:45 a.m. Chair Yoga
Meet in front of the main entrance at 8 a.m. and head out along the Diamond K Trail for a morning walk.
Suitable for all levels, including those with limited mobility, the class promotes well-being and relaxation.
10-11 a.m. Gentle Yoga
10 a.m.noon Beginner Drawing
a.m.-
Requires the ability to transition comfortably from the floor to standing. Please bring your own yoga mat.
Learn the essential principles of drawing. Starter kit is an additional $15 at the first class.
If you are just learning bridge, or played years ago, this is perfect for you.
A gentle and accessible introduction to Yang style Tai Chi.
12:30-1:30 p.m. Tai Chi A gentle and accessible introduction to Yang style Tai Chi.
1-3:45 p.m. Rummikub Play the classic tile-based game.
ONGOING CLASSES
8:45-9:45 a.m. Mat Pilates
9 a.m.-
This floor-based, low-impact class promotes better posture, stability, and mobility while improving balance and core strength.
A mix of skill and luck wins hands.
Conditioning Enhance your strength and stability.
Low-impact, upbeat dance fitness class tailored for older adults or beginners.
This brain-healthy fitness program targets memory, creativity and physical fitness. Seated.
1-3 p.m. Bunco
This fast-paced social dice game is easy to learn and fun to play.
Triple Play is a challenging variation of canasta; great for all experience levels.
Suitable for all levels, including those with limited mobility, the class promotes well-being and relaxation.
This faster-paced class boosts heart health, muscle
endurance, balance and flexibility.
9:30 a.m.noon Bridge - Party Play with fellow entusiasts. Game
11:15 a.m. - noon
12:15-1:15 p.m.
& BalanceBeginner
& BalanceAdvanced
1-3:30 p.m. Needle Arts
1-4 p.m. MahjongNational
Tailored for newcomers; chairs are used for seated exercises and standing support.
This faster-paced class boosts heart health, muscle strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.
Join others to share and practice various forms of needle work including knitting, crochet and sewing.
Mahjongg is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China.
ONGOING CLASSES
9-11 a.m.
Low-impact, upbeat dance fitness class tailored for older adults.
On A 7-week evidence-based program to reduce falls. Ends-April 10.
This classic card game combines strategy and teamwork.
Circuit This class alternates upper body strength work with low-impact cardio.
Combine skill and strategy with a dash of luck.
Games Play a variety of board games in this social group.
Triple Play is a challenging variation of canasta.
One-on-One Tech
9:30 a.m.noon Euchre
a.m. Strength & BalanceAdvanced
10 a.m.noon Bridge - Beg. Lessons
10 a.m.noon Watercolor Painting
11 a.m.noon Chair Yoga
11:15 a.m. - noon Strength & BalanceBeginner
12:15-1:15 p.m. Strength & BalanceAdvanced
1-4 p.m.
1-4 p.m.
MahjongMilitary
Mexican Train Dominoes
sessions. Appointments are required.
Trick-taking card game. Beginners welcome.
This faster-paced class boosts heart health, muscle strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.
Learn the basics of bidding, strategy, and gameplay.
Learn the basics. All materials provided.
Suitable for all levels, including those with limited mobility.
Tailored for newcomers; chairs are used for seated exercises and standing support.
This faster-paced class boosts heart health, muscle strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.
Play this standardized Mahjong game.
Play all of the dominoes from your hand before your opponents.
GET INVOLVED
Friends of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center
The purpose of the Friends of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center, Inc. is to raise funds to support the Highlands Ranch Metro District programs that help older adults pursue meaningful educational, social, health, recreational, volunteer and leadership activities.
Scholarships
The Friends of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center has established a fund designed to assist older adults who are experiencing financial challenges with the opportunity to participate in membership, programs and trips offered by the Highlands Ranch Senior Center. Information about the scholarship program can be found at friendsofhrsc.org.
Donate to the Friends scholarship program at coloradogives.org or during checkout on MyActiveCenter.
Online store
Items available for sale at the Friends online store change seasonally. Order your sweatshirts and longsleeve t-shirts before they disappear. With Spring just around the corner, be on the lookout for new merchandise. Please check your emails regularly after placing an order to ensure we can reach you to schedule a pick up time.
Coffee bar
The Friends sponsors the coffee bar that is located in the lobby. You can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate for a small donation. Help yourself, grab a seat and enjoy!
Contact information
Website: friendsofhrsc.org
Email: friendshrseniorcenter@gmail.com
Phone: 720-468-4825
Silent auction
Please support our Silent Auction, which will be at the senior center April 7-11 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The auction is open to members only. We are also planning a happy hour on April 11 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. to close out the bidding. More details to come soon. We hope you can join us.
April Friends luncheon
Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Fee: $15/person (nonmembers must purchase a day pass to attend)
Enjoy visiting with new and old friends as you listen to great music. This festive luncheon is sponsored by stellarrealestate.com. The menu includes beef stew, salad, roll and dessert.
Registration and payment will be accepted at the senior center front desk. Payment must be received by Wednesday, April 2. Cash or check payable to Friends of the HRSC. To confirm registration, call Anna at 720-468-4825.
Friends website
Please visit the Friends website often to see the most current Friends news including our new monthly newsletter.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer with us
If you are looking for a way to get involved and make a difference, our volunteer program is full of wonderful people who serve in a variety of volunteer roles including:
• Information Desk
• Special Events
• Club Chairs
We currently have one position available as a game leader for Rummikub on Mondays from 1–4 p.m.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of these positions, please fill out our online form at highlandsranch.org/ seniorcentervolunteers. For questions, please contact Lyndsey George, guest services and volunteer coordinator, at 720-468-4824.
New clubs and interest groups
Walking Club: Mondays, 8-9:15 a.m.
Join others for a refreshing 3-mile walk starting at the Diamond K Trailhead, just off the senior center parking lot. Walk to the Highlands Ranch Mansion and back, then come into the center for coffee and a chance to chat with fellow walking enthusiasts. Bring your own water bottle. Note: The senior center isn’t open until 8:30 a.m. so the closest bathroom is one-half mile up the path at Kistler Park, which we will pass 10-15 minutes into our walk.
Needle Arts: Wednesdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
The needle arts club is a community group of people sharing and practicing various forms of needlework. This includes knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting and other fabric-based crafts. Members of the club meet regularly to work on personal projects, learn new techniques and exchange ideas and tips in a supportive and creative environment. While the club provides a welcoming space for individuals of all skill levels, participants should bring their own materials, such as yarn, needles, fabrics and other supplies, to work on their projects. The club may also host workshops, or showcases of completed works, fostering both camaraderie and a shared passion for the art of needlecraft.
Board Games: Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.
The board games club is a social group with members playing a variety of tabletop games. It’s a space for friendly competition, teamwork and fun, where participants can bond over shared interests, improve their game skills and enjoy a sense of community. The club encourages a welcoming environment for players of all ages and experience levels.
Euchre: Fridays, 9:30 a.m.- noon
Euchre is a trick-taking card game typically played with four players on two teams. The game uses a 24, 28 or 32-card deck (nines through aces) and the goal is to be the first team to reach a set number of points, typically 10. Players take turns playing cards, with the highest card in the leading suit or the trump suit winning the trick. The trump suit, which is decided during the round, beats all other suits. Teams score points by winning tricks and by “making” the trump suit (if their team is the one that called it).
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Senior Center rentals
If you need to host a special anniversary or birthday party, but don’t have room in your home, consider holding it at the senior center. For application and guidelines, contact Jill Hall, senior services manager, at 720-468-4820 or jhall@highlandsranch.org.
Free yoga class offers fun & serenity
Our wonderful yoga instructor Venus taught a free vinyasa yoga class to interested participants in February. The multipurpose room was filled with enthusiastic yogis.
Join a national study on older adult health & wellbeing
The Highlands Ranch Senior Center is part of a national study to assess the overall health and wellbeing of older adults. Taking the survey will help staff understand senior center members’ life satisfaction, physical and mental health, social isolation, meaning and purpose, and financial stability.
This will help staff plan programs, allocate resources and offer resources to services.
Paper surveys are available in the front lobby. You can also visit tinyurl.com/apuen3nr or scan the QR code.
