Each May, Older Americans Month recognizes the contributions of older Americans, highlights aging trends and reaffirms our commitment to serving older adults. The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, is about transforming how society perceives and approaches aging by challenging stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions. Join us in honoring the contributions of older adults, exploring how to stay active and engaged as we age, and highlighting opportunities for purpose and connection.
Keys to longevity
Alice Bargas Cruz recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a party at the senior center. The center gave Alice a complimentary annual membership to recognize this outstanding achievement.
Alice credits good genes as the secret to living a long and healthy life. Her mother lived until she was 103 and her father was 106!
If you know someone celebrating a 100+
See inside for special programs to celebrate the month, including Ice Cream Treats, Bocce Ball & Cornhole Social Hour, Living with Arthritis, Stroke Prevention, Wellness Hours and Women’s Health Month.
Flip the Script on Aging
THURSDAY, MAY 22
Explore and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about aging with healthy aging architect Cate Reade. Discover what science has to say about positively impacting the way we age.
Fee: Member: $10, Nonmember: $12
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Classroom
5280+ Senior Chorales Concert
TUESDAY, MAY 6
Celebrate Older Americans Month with a concert by the 5280+ Senior Chorales of Highlands Ranch. After the performance, stay for a reception to meet chorale members and connect with fellow attendees.
Fee: Member: $7, Nonmember: $8
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
STAY INFORMED
Memorial Day
The senior center will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. To honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, join the Highlands Ranch Metro District for its annual Memorial Day Service at 11:45 a.m. on May 26 at the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument at Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd. Please bring a portable chair to the event.
Fragrance Sensitivity
Fragrance sensitivity occurs due to irritation of the respiratory tract or mucous membranes of the eyes. It can be triggered by a wide variety of organic and artificial chemicals in a variety of scents, including:
• Perfumes and colognes
• Body lotions
• Soaps
• Powders
• Air fresheners
• Detergents or fabric softeners
• Cleaning products
• Cigarette smoke
• Flowers
Please limit the amount of perfume or cologne you spray in the morning, as it may cause irritation to your fellow members and staff.
Fire Alarms and Drills
Throughout the year we must conduct fire and emergency drills. When you hear the alarm, please immediately and calmly leave the building via the closest exit and gather at one of the two meeting areas (in the Mountainview Church parking lot or on the Diamond K Trail south of the building). All alarms should be treated as real threats; never assume it is just a drill. We thank you in advance for your participation.
Membership Meeting
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 29 at 1 p.m. for the first quarterly Friends/senior center membership meeting. Vote on the amended Friends’ bylaws, learn more about upcoming Friends fundraising projects for the center, hear from staff on future programs and ask any questions you have to the Friends board of directors or senior center staff.
Veterans Coffee Chats
Veterans, you are invited to join us for an informal morning coffee chat with other veterans. Veterans coffee chats are the second Thursday of the month from 8:45-10:15 a.m. by the coffee station in the lobby.
NEWSLETTER & GUIDE MAY 2025
Staff
Jill Hall, Senior Services Manager
Lyndsey George, Guest Services and Volunteer Coordinator
Katie Ireland, Fitness and Enrichment Coordinator
Jodie McCann, Health and Resource Coordinator
Cindy Galligan, Front Desk Receptionist & Membership
Ron Bowman & Rob Hill, Facility Services Technicians Hours
We welcome your suggestions, compliments and complaints. The suggestion box 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 do not get 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.
Please note, for programs listed as “No fee”, nonmembers will need to purchase a day pass to the center.
Law Day
THURSDAY, MAY 1AND FRIDAY, MAY 2
Law Day celebrates the rule of law and cultivates a deeper understanding of the legal system. Join 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler and attorney Alex Greene for this fun day.
May 1: 9-10 a.m. - Welcome and breakfast with District Attorney Brauchler 10:30 a.m.-noon - One-on-one Ask-aLawyer sessions with Alex Greene 1:15-2:15 p.m. - Presentation on wills, trusts, advanced directives and more 2:30-4 p.m. - One-on-one Ask-a-Lawyer sessions with Alex Greene
May 2: 1-4 p.m. - One-on-one Ask-a-Lawyer sessions with Alex Greene
Fee: No fee
Jewelry Art Studio
THURSDAY, MAY 1
Design an elegant stretch necklace with real gemstones, rhinestones and silver or gold-plated beads and a pair of earrings. All supplies provided.
Fee: Member: $18, Nonmember: $20
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Activity Room
Bingo
THURSDAY, MAY 1 & TUESDAY, MAY 20
Enjoy friendly competition and the chance to win fantastic prizes. Daubers can be purchased at the door for $1.50. Play begins at 12:45 p.m.
Fee: No fee
Time: 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Wellness Hour: Support Systems
MONDAY, MAY 5
What do strong support systems look like and why are they important to our mental wellness? This discussion will you develop your support system and help others grow theirs.
Fee: No fee
Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Location: Classroom
New Member Orientation
MONDAY, MAY 5
Join staff as they share information about the amenities, opportunities and programs available at the senior center.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Classroom
Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Tacos, Tunes & Tequila
MONDAY, MAY 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an evening of great food, music and drinks. Enjoy a meal catered by Los Dos Potrillos, sip on margaritas or Coronas and experience the sounds of a live mariachi band in a festive atmosphere. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
Fee: Member: $25, Nonmember: $29
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Music in May
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
Join the Strings and Things Music Club, a social group where members gather to make and share music in a relaxed and supportive environment. This group is open to musicians of all skill levels and encourages collaboration, learning and enjoying music together.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room 3
Living with Arthritis
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
This health talk will focus on managing arthritis and address challenges such as reduced mobility, chronic pain and joint stiffness. You will learn strategies to manage symptoms safely, maintain independence and enhance overall quality of life as we age.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-3 p.m.
Location: Classroom
Veterans Coffee Chat
THURSDAY, MAY 8
Stop in for this informal morning coffee chat and make new friends with other veterans.
Fee: No fee
Time: 8:45-10:15 a.m.
Location: South lobby
Mother’s Day Brunch
THURSDAY, MAY 8
Celebrate the special women in your life at a ladiesonly Mother’s Day brunch. Enjoy a delicious catered breakfast from Corner Bakery, sip on mimosas and spend time in great company. Whether you’re a daughter, mother, grandmother or joining friends, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Fee: Member: $24, Nonmember: $27
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
2026 Extended Travel Meeting
THURSDAY, MAY 8
Are you interested in travelling to Europe with fellow senior center members in 2026? Join Jeffrey Lazo from Cruise Planners to learn about potential trip options and dates. Possibilities based on a recent survey of senior center members include Great Britain, Irelan, Italy, France, Greece and Holland.
Fee: No fee
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Classroom
Stroke Prevention: Signs, Symptoms & Strategies
FRIDAY, MAY 9
May is Stroke Awareness Month. Join us as Rachel Williams, stroke education coordinator, leads a discussion about the signs, symptoms and strategies for preventing a stroke.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Classroom
AARP Driver Safety Program
MONDAY, MAY 12
This four-hour classroom refresher is designed to meet the needs of older drivers. It covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills, rules of the road, new laws, local driving problems and license renewal requirements.
Fee: AARP Member: $20, AARP Nonmember $25 (day pass required for non-senior center members)
Time: 9 a.m.-1p.m.
Location: Classroom
Card Making & Paper Crafts Club
TUESDAY, MAY 13 & WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Create greeting cards or work on your paper projects. Supplies, ideas and help will be provided.
Fee: Member: $2, Nonmember: $3
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room 3
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Better Speech and Hearing Talk
THURSDAY, MAY 15
Kathy Asdourian, speech language pathologist at UCHealth, will explain speech pathology, how it helps people communicate and what goes into a cognitive evaluation. Laine Berg, hearing instrument specialist, will discuss hearing loss facts and solutions.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Classroom
Women’s Health Month
THURSDAY, MAY 15
May is Women’s Health Month. Join us for this women’s health discussion related to bladder and pelvic floor health, along with lifestyle changes that can improve overall well-being.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-3 p.m.
Location: Classroom
Caregiver Support Group
TUESDAY, MAY 20
This informal discussion group will provide valuable information to help you in your caregiving role. We ask that you attend without your loved one, so that you are free to share more comfortably.
Fee: No fee
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Classroom
Wellness Hour: Unlock Your Inner Resiliency Powers
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Unlock your resiliency by exploring what it means and how you can strengthen it. Get tips for tapping into your resiliency during tough times.
Fee: No fee
Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Location: Classroom
Trivia
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Test your knowledge with an afternoon of trivia and fun. Pizza and soft drinks will be served (BYOB).
Fee: Member: $7; Nonmember: $8
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Happy Hour Social
TUESDAY, MAY 27
Join us for our monthly social that offers music, interactive icebreaker games and snacks. Bring your own refreshments (BYOB).
Fee: Member: $5, Nonmember: $6
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose 2 & 3
Container Garden Tips
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Learn how to grow a container garden from a master gardener from the CSU Extension program. All materials provided.
Fee: Member: $18, Nonmember: $20
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Ice Cream Social & Games
THURSDAY, MAY 29
Celebrate Older Americans Month with ice cream treats and games of bocce ball and cornhole on the patio. This event is sponsored by A Caring Hand and Heart, a home health care service (acaringhandandheart.com). Douglas County Sheriff’s Office personnel will be joining in on the fun.
Fee: No fee
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: South lobby and patio
ONGOING CLASSES & GAMES
Register and view full class descriptions at highlandsranch.org/myactivecenter.
Registration: All fitness classes and games (except Ageless Grace) require single-class registration. Registration will continue to open two months in advance, on the first of each month at 8:30 a.m. For fitness questions, contact Katie Ireland at kireland@ highlandsranch.org. For games, contact Lyndsey George at lgeorge@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. Contact staff for details. Please remember you must show up to fitness classes for the senior center to be reimbursed by your insurance.
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
10 a.m.noon BridgeRefresh
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.
11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. Tai Chi 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.
1-3:30 p.m. (1st & 3rd) Ballroom Dance
Focus on building skill, confidence and connection while having fun.
1-4 p.m. Rummikub Play the classic tile-based game.
ONGOING CLASSES & GAMES
a.m. -
12:15-1:15
p.m.
class boosts heart health, muscle strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.
&
- Beg. Tailored for newcomers; chairs are used for exercises and support.
- Adv. This faster-paced class boosts heart health, muscle strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.
Join others to practice various forms of needle work including knitting, crochet and sewing.
Open Play All skill levels are welcome t play this fun and social game.
ONGOING CLASSES & GAMES
Low-impact, upbeat dance fitness class tailored for older adults or beginners.
9:3011:30 a.m.
A card game with combinations for points and strategy.
A gentle and accessible introduction to Yang style Tai Chi.
This class alternates upper body strength work with low-impact cardio.
Combine skill and strategy with a dash of luck.
Members gather to play a variety of tabletop games.
9:30 a.m.noon Euchre
10-11 a.m. Strength & Balance - Adv.
a.m.-
sessions. Appointments are required.
Play this fun Midwestern game of trump.
This faster-paced class boosts heart health, muscle strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.
Watercolor Painting Learn the basics. All materials provided.
Suitable for all levels, including those with limited mobility.
Play all of the dominoes from your hand before your opponents.
GET INVOLVED
Friends of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center Board
Meetings
The Friends of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center Board of Directors meets on the third Monday of the month from 9 - 11 a.m. These meetings are an opportunity for the board to manage the day-today administration of the Friends organization. All members are welcome to attend and participate in the general discussion portion of these meetings. We welcome your involvement and hope to see you.
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 at the 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
New apparel will soon be available at friendsofhrsc. org. We will be offering lighter clothing options for the warm season. Short-sleeved T-shirts are also available by calling 720-468-4825. Women’s shirts run very small, so we can meet you at the center with samples so you can determine the best size for you.
Friends newsletter
The Friends’ online newsletter is posted on the first of the month at friendsofhrsc.org. This newsletter focuses on the current activities of the Friends.
Contact information
Website: friendsofhrsc.org
Email: friendshrseniorcenter@gmail.com
Phone: 720-468-4825
Fundraising Goals
We have outgrown our space in the Game Room. Help us raise funds to purchase four more tables and 16 chairs for the room. The cost to match the existing furniture is $12,000. Please participate in our fundraising events or donate to the Friends at coloradogives.org, at the front desk, or on MyActiveCenter during checkout.
May Friends luncheon
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fee: $15/person
Enjoy visiting with new and old friends as you listen to great music at this luncheon sponsored by the Highlands Ranch Park and Recreation Foundation (hrprf.org). The menu includes baked tortellini with marinara and cheese, meatballs on the side, Caesar salad, bread sticks and dessert. Registration and payment will be accepted at the senior center front desk. Payment must be received by Wednesday, May 7. Cash or check payable to “Friends of the HRSC”. Nonmembers will need to purchase a day pass at the front desk on the day of the luncheon.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer with us
We are currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our team and help make our events and activities a success.
If you are looking for a way to get involved and make a difference, we have the following positions available:
• Country line dancing instructor
• Book club leader
• Current events discussion group leader
• Garden weeders
Don’t forget to record your hours in Helper Helper. If you have questions or issues with Helper Helper, please contact Lyndsey George, guest services and volunteer coordinator, at 720-468-4824.
Clubs and interest groups
The senior center has several clubs, including the walking club pictured above. To start a club, put a note on the member’s bulletin board in the Game Room and see if others have the same interest. Don’t forget to check the board regularly.
Our game wish list
Visiting Angels
Have you seen the display by Visiting Angels in the glass hallway cabinet?
If you are searching for an alternative to assisted living facilities or nursing homes, in-home senior care may be a great fit.
Angel caregivers are able to assist with all activities of daily living including grocery shopping, meal prep, medication reminders, transportation to appointments and mobility assistance. Caregivers can also assist with all personal care needs, such as bathing, showering, personal grooming, incontinence needs and more.
Contact a local care coordinator at 720-981-0804 or visitingangels.com.
Need tax relief?
Are you 65 or older and interested in creating some flexibility while you manage your property taxes?
Apply for the Colorado Property Tax Deferral program. It allows you to postpone payment of your property taxes until after you sell or settle an estate. That can help you save in 2026.
If you turned 65 before Jan. 1, 2025, reside in a property where taxes are due and don’t have any delinquent tax liens on the property, visit the douglas.co.us/assessor for more information on this and other programs.
The senior center is in need of a few donated items. They include:
• Chess board
• Checkers set
• Scrabble
• Backgammon
• Five four-track cribbage boards
If you have any of these items in new or very good condition, please feel free to donate them to the senior center for others to enjoy. Thank you!
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Color Guard attends April Friends luncheon
The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1106, were the first color guard to present the colors in our new center. They commemorated the occasion by presenting a certificate of appreciation to senior services manager Jill Hall and Friends president Sue Frommelt.
Senior Center rentals
Looking for an attractive and affordable venue for a social event or meeting? The Highlands Ranch Senior Center has a large multipurpose room (maximum capacity 240) and meeting rooms (capacities range from 25 to 95) available for community use on weekday evenings and Saturdays. For application and guidelines, contact Jill Hall, senior services manager, at jhall@highlandsranch.org or 720-468-4820. Multipurpose Room 2 Multipurpose Room 3
DAY TRIPS
Rocky Mountain National Park
THURSDAY, MAY 15
Join us on our hiking adventure as we travel by motor coach to Rocky Mountain National Park where we will spend the day exploring trails to lakes in the Bear Lake area. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic along the trail. On the way home, we will stop at the visitors center. This trip involves walking distances on uneven surfaces. Bus leaves from the senior center parking lot. Fee includes transportation by motor coach, park entrance and trip leader.
Fee: Member: $64, Nonmember: $73
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Bus leaves from parking lot
Wings Over the Rockies
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Travel with us by motor coach to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum located in Hangar 1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. The museum includes iconic aircraft, space vehicles, artifacts, military uniforms and much more. We will spend the morning touring the museum and then stop for lunch at the Lowry Beer Garden. Trip includes transportation by motor coach, entry fees and trip leader. You pay for your own lunch. Register by May 6.
Fee: Member: $55, Nonmember: $63
Time: 9 a.m-3 p.m.
Location: Bus leaves from parking lot
Garden of the Gods and Manitou Cliff Dwellings
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Visit the spectacular Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, where you can spend the morning walking the trails around the majestic rock formations. We will stop for lunch on your own at the Edelweiss Restaurant, and then travel to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, comprised of ancestral Puebloan ruins that date back 800 to 1000 years. Trip includes transportation by motor coach, entry fees and trip leader. You pay for your own lunch. Register by June 6.
Fee: Member: $61, Nonmember: $70
Time: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Bus leaves from parking lot
Leadville Train Ride and Fall Colors
TUESDAY, SEPT. 23
All aboard! Journey to a place rich in history and beauty. Leadville is a quaint historic mining town in the heart of the Rockies with the Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad as one of its main attractions. We will get an early start at 7 a.m. from the senior center and travel by motor coach to the Leadville train depot while enjoying picturesque fall colors along the way. We will board the train at 10 a.m. During the 2.5-hour scenic ride, enjoy learning about the rich history of the area, narrated by the conductor. Box lunches will be provided. After the train trip, explore the shops in Leadville before boarding the coach back to the senior center. Trip includes transportation by motor coach, train ticket, box lunch and trip leader. Register by Aug. 15.
