303-791-2416 | highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter | seniorcenterinfo@highlandsranch.org | 200 E. Highlands Ranch Parkway, Suite 100
THURSDAY, FEB. 12
We are narrowing down the destinations for the fall extended trip. If you are interested in a boat cruise around New England, a trip to either northern or southern Italy or an Ireland vacation, please attend this important meeting.
Fee: No fee
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: Classroom
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of live music by the Cruisin’ Cats, dancing, wine and a catered meal by Mici Italian. We’ll also play our own version of the NotSo-Newlywed Game. Be sure to reserve your spot for this fun evening.
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Fee: Member: $35, Nonmember: $40
Location: Multipurpose Room
We have spots for six couples to participate in the Not-So-Newlywed Game. Please contact Katie if you are interested, kireland@highlandsranch. org.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
Watch Super Bowl LX on the big screen and munch on snacks with other sports enthusiasts. Pregame entertainment includes Charlie Puth singing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile singing “America the Beautiful” and Coco Jones singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Bring your own beer or wine.
Fee: Members $5, Nonmembers $6
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Be mindful when you are checking in that there is a checkmark only beside the activities in which you will be participating that day. If you mistakenly check another program, a new fee may be added to your account. Also, if you don’t check the programs you are attending, your attendance won’t be recorded and it may look like there aren’t enough people to run the activity.
Whenever we get a snowfall, staff from the Metro District do a wonderful job making sure our sidewalks and parking areas are clear. They arrive early in the morning to make it safe for members to attend programs. Thank you, Metro District staff!
If you are not a senior center member, you will be required to purchase a day pass for any activity in the senior center. This is in addition to the higher fee that you pay for the program. It is often less expensive to purchase a membership if you plan to attend more than one program a month.
We want to thank the firefighters from South Metro Fire Rescue Station 18 for giving Jodie McCann a wonderful send-off to retirement. They came by the center to wish Jodie well and thank her for all the important home safety and health programs she offered during her 17 years at the Metro District.
NEWSLETTER & GUIDE JANUARY 2026
Staff
Jill Hall, Senior Services Manager
Lyndsey George, Guest Services and Volunteer Coordinator
Katie Ireland, Fitness and Enrichment Coordinator
Vacant, Health and Resource Coordinator
Cindy Galligan, Front Desk & Membership Clerk
Ron Bowman & Vacant 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
We welcome your suggestions, compliments and complaints. The suggestion box is located at the front desk.
Registration is required for all events, programs and activities — including free programs. Registered participants have priority over drop-ins. The refund policy can be found at highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter.
• Registration can be done at highlandsranch.org/myactivecenter or the front desk.
• Evening and weekend classes are shown with a shaded box.
• 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.
Please note: For all programs, nonmembers will need to purchase a day pass to enter the center.
MONDAY, FEB. 2
Join senior center staff as they share information about the amenities, opportunities and programs available at the senior center.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Classroom
TUESDAY, FEB. 3
Attorney Tamara Trujillo will explain in lay terms the Colorado End of Life Options Act, which authorizes medical aid in dying.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Classroom
TUESDAY, FEB. 3 & WEDNESDAYS, FEB. 18, MARCH 4 & 18
Join us for free lessons led by a professional instructor. Beginners and experienced players are welcome and advanced players are encouraged to help newcomers. Bring your own ukulele if possible; a limited number will be available. Learn basic chords, strumming and simple songs.
Fee: No fee
Time: 11 a.m. - noon
Location: Multipurpose Room 3
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
The Village Cooperative of Centennial (VCC) is a premier, not-for-profit, independent senior living community designed for active adults aged 62 and older. Learn how the cooperative model offers a unique blend of home ownership and maintenancefree living, all within a secure and engaging setting. No solicitation.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Classroom
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
Help your landscape wake from its winter rest and kick off the growing season with a strong, flourishing start.
Fee: Member: $4, Nonmember: $5
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Classroom
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
Settle in for a creative evening as we paint Blissful Existence while enjoying the companionship of other budding artists. Bring your own beverage to enjoy while you paint (beer, wine and champagne only). All supplies are included—just bring your favorite drink.
Fee: Member: $45, Nonmember: $52
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
THURSDAY, FEB. 5 & TUESDAY, FEB. 17
Spend the afternoon with us playing bingo. Daubers can be purchased at the door for $1.50. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Fee: No fee
Time: 12:45-3 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room 2
THURSDAY, FEB. 8
This talk will focus on how grandparents can help their children and grandchildren to be financially secure. Topics include how to start a college or life savings account for grandchildren, simple ways to share financial wisdom to avoid common money challenges and the basics of 529 plans or custodial accounts as modern-day “piggy banks”. No solicitation.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-3 p.m.
Location: Classroom
THURSDAY, FEB. 6 THROUGH MONDAY, FEB. 23
Go for the gold and celebrate the Winter Olympics by staying active all month long! Earn your place on the podium by attending fitness classes throughout the challenge period—the more classes you take, the higher you’ll climb in the standings. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants with the most classes completed.
Fee: Member: $5, Nonmember: $7
FRIDAYS, FEB. 6, 13, 20 & 27
Perfect for beginners, this class introduces the joy of watercolor painting and doodling. Learn foundational techniques while creating designs for journaling, card making and more. Each session features fun projects and hands-on practice. All materials are provided.
Fee: Member: $35, Nonmember: $40
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Activity Room
MONDAY FEB. 9
This four-hour classroom refresher meets the needs of older drivers. It covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills, rules of the road, new laws, local driving and license renewal requirements.
Fee: AARP Member: $20, AARP Nonmember: $25 plus day fee. Register through AARP at tinyurl.com/27a7pwm9. If you have difficulties registering, call Mike at 720-641-6044.
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Classroom
DCSO Class #2
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
This four-part academy series will introduce you to the many facets of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, including patrol, SWAT, detentions, Special Operations Response Team, Bomb Team and Crime Scene Investigation. All four classes (Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 14 ) must be attended to receive a certificate of completion.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Classroom
TUESDAY, FEB. 10 & WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
Join us to 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
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
Whether you’re planning your own legacy or managing the details after a loved one’s passing, being organized brings peace of mind. This session will explore practical steps for getting your affairs in order, from creating a personal directory of essential information to using simple tech tools that make sharing and safeguarding your legacy easier. Learn how to prepare for life’s transitions with clarity, confidence and care.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Classroom
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
Stop in and have your blood pressure checked by UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital nursing professionals. First come, first served.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: North Lobby
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
Celebrate love and creativity in this beginner acrylic class. Paint a bouquet of roses with heart balloons while learning simple layering, blending and highlighting techniques. Perfect for all skill levels.
Fee: Member: $45, Nonmember: $52.
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
Learn tips on how to prevent a stroke from Rachel Williams, BSN, RN UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Classroom
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
Photography is the art of capturing images through light and energy. While today’s technology allows anyone to take photos almost anywhere, how did photography become an important part of the fine art world? Explore the evolution of photography and the key figures who helped establish it as a respected fine art form.
Fee: Member: $5, Nonmember: $6
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room 3
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
This presentation provides an overview of the Douglas County Office of Emergency Management and the resources available to help residents stay informed and prepared for emergencies. It walks through essential planning steps, including evacuation, communication, safety skills and assembling a disaster supply kit, with added considerations for individuals with access and functional needs.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Classroom
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
Transform ordinary framed art into an extraordinary night forest scene in this reverse painting class. Create silhouetted pine trees, grazing deer, a crescent moon and twinkling stars with vibrant gradient backgrounds. Refresh the frame, paint from the back of the acrylic using stencils, and reassemble your finished artwork, a luminous piece for home or a gift.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
During your one-on-one visit with Dr. Dusty Jessen and/or Dr. Joe Kraus, you will receive a video otoscopy (ear canal check), inspection, cleaning and replacement of parts on current hearing aids. This also includes a basic hearing screening if you do not have hearing aids and have never had a hearing test.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Classroom
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
This discussion will explore opportunities to pre-plan for funeral and cremation services. Your questions are welcome. No solicitation.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room 2
MONDAY, FEB. 23
Fee: Member: $28, Nonmember: $32
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Activity Room
Discover a handy list of gardening hacks to save money, time, and effort while helping your landscape wake from its winter rest and start the growing season strong.
Fee: Member: $4, Nonmember: $5
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Classroom
TUESDAY, FEB. 24
For Heart Health Month, registered dietician Susan Weitkunat of South Denver Cardiology will introduce two simple chocolate desserts and provide recipes for both, keeping your sweet tooth and heart happy.
Fee: Member: $4, Nonmember: $5
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Kitchen
TUESDAY, FEB. 24 & WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
Experience the quiet charm of winter in this two-day intermediate acrylic class. Paint aspen trees and chickadees while learning layering, texture and soft color blending.
Fee: Member: $83, Nonmember: $95
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Activity Room
Rudofker
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
February is Heart Health Month. Join us for a special heart health talk by Dr. Eric Rudofker, cardiologist at UCHealth. Dr. Rudofker will speak about cholesterol and how to be heart healthy.
Fee: No fee
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Classroom
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
Physical Therapist Kristen Valentin will discuss ways to prevent injuries as you age.
Fee: No fee
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Classroom
The following are offered on a regular basis. Check the display in the lobby for room location. Days are subject to occasional changes.
Ballroom Dance Club
• First and third Monday, 1-3 p.m.
Board Games Club
• First and third Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
Book Clubs
• First Wednesday, 2-4 p.m.
• Second Monday, 2-3:30 p.m. (two clubs)
Caregiver Support Group
• Third Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m.
Cribbage Club
• Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grief and Loss Support group
• Second Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon
Euchre Club
• Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Line Dance Club
• Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.
Needle Arts Club
• Wednesdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
Pup and Cup Coffee Chat
• Third Thursday, (alt. months), 8:45-10:15 a.m.
Strings and Things Club
• First Wednesday, 1-3:30 p.m.
Veterans Group Coffee Chat
• Second Thursday, 8:45 - 10:30 a.m.
Walking Club
• Mondays, 8-10 a.m.
The library needs more books (no puzzles please). Please bring recent hardcovers in excellent condition to the front desk. We are also in need of a volunteer to organize the books. Contact Lyndsey if you are interested, lgeorge@highlandsranch.org.
Register and view full class descriptions at highlandsranch.org/myactivecenter.
Registration: All fitness classes and games, except Ageless Grace and EnhanceFitness, require singleclass registration. Registration opens 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. Remember you must show up to fitness classes for the senior center to be reimbursed by your insurance.
Includes a mix of seated and standing stretches for relaxation, flexibility and mindfulness. All levels.
Focuses on longer holds to cultivate mindfulness and increase flexibility and balance. Must transition from the floor to standing.
If you are just learning bridge, or played years ago, this is perfect for you.
-
A gentle and accessible intro to Yang style Tai Chi.
your balance, vitality and core strength while practicing mindfulness.
11-noon
Includes a mix of seated and standing stretches for relaxation, flexibility and mindfulness. All levels.
Join the Friends for upcoming board and membership meetings. Learn about upcoming events, ask questions or provide input. All members are welcome to attend.
Board meetings
(First and third Mondays)
Date: Monday, Feb. 2 (no meeting Feb. 16)
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Location: Classroom
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11
Time: 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fee: $15 per person
Enjoy visiting with friends as you listen and sign along to guitarist Eric Lane. Sponsored by Jodi Stoker, State Farm Insurance (statefarm.com), this meal includes Kahlua pork, rice pilaf, coleslaw, roll and dessert.
Registration and payment will be accepted at the senior center front desk through Wednesday, Feb. 4. Cash or check payable to Friends of the HRSC. Nonmembers need to purchase a day pass at the front desk on the day of the luncheon.
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Applications for the Spring Craft Fair are now being accepted at friendsofhrsc.org. Booths are $75 for an 8-foot by 10-foot space. For questions, call 720-4684825 or email friendshrseniorcenter@gmail.com.
Website: friendsofhrsc.org
Email: friendshrseniorcenter@gmail.com
Phone: 720-468-4825
Back row: Mike Flower (Treasurer), Sue Frommelt (President), Ginny Morgan (First Vice President), Dave Devanney (Member at Large), Maggie Thomas (Member at Large) and Karen Davis (Member at Large).
Front Row: Diane Stone (Second Vice President), Linda Grimes (Secretary) and Ann Membel (Member at Large).
The Friends are planning two events in the coming months that require many volunteers:
• Silent Auction - April 13-17
• Spring Craft Fair - May 16
If you would like to help in planning and/ or working these events, please email friendshrseniorcenter@gmail.com and someone will contact you. These positions will also be listed in HelperHelper. Contact Lyndsey at lgeorge@highlandsranch.org if you need a HelperHelper account.
The Douglas County Seniors’ Council has accepted an invitation to join Aging Resources of Douglas County (agingresourcesdougco.org) and is in the process of transitioning the organization into the Aging Resources family. Both organizations have been working side-by-side to enhance the county’s older residents’ quality of life and have been great community partners. By joining together, they can more effectively serve and advocate for our older population and bring critical resources to a wider range of individuals.
Additionally, the Seniors’ Council will have the opportunity to access funding through grant applications to expand educational efforts and financially support community events such as the Vintage & Vibrant conference, half-day educational workshops, informational forums, intergenerational experiences and more.
The Seniors’ Council will continue to meet the first Thursday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. at various locations throughout Douglas County and remains dedicated to providing quality educational presentations. Meetings are always free and open to the public. The council encourages older adults, service providers, agencies serving older adults and interested community members to attend meetings and consider serving on the leadership team.
Did you know that there is an extensive list of community resources and articles about aging in place on our website at highlandsranch.org/ seniorcenter? Topics include housing, caregiving, elder abuse, financial assistance, food banks, handyman services, Medicaid, Medicare, support groups and more. Just click on the Resources button.
Aging Resources of Douglas County is keeping one of their vans at the senior center so volunteers can access this vehicle more easily and better serve their clients in Highlands Ranch. If you are interested in being a volunteer driver, please contact Aging Resources of Douglas County at 303-814-4300.
Thank you to our generous sponsors! For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact jhall@highlandsranch.org.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
Join us for a matinee performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Buell Theater in Denver. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. It tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as the Phantom, who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. Trip includes transportation by deluxe motor coach, seats and trip leader. The trip is full, but a waitlist is being taken.
Nineteen center members had a wonderful time traveling to the Buell Theatre to see SIX the Musical in early January. The performance was fantastic and upbeat, and the seats were terrific. We look forward to attending the Phantom of the Opera in March.
Fee: Member: $155, Nonmember: $180
Time: Noon-6 p.m.
Location: Bus leaves from parking lot
Thank you to all who completed the extended travel survey. There were 215 people who expressed interest in traveling with the senior center in the fall of 2026.
The most popular choices for European travel are:
• Italy
• Ireland
• Greece
• Scotland
The most desired destinations in the United States are:
• New England cruise
• Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks with two days on the Rocky Mountaineer
• California: Monterey, Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley
• Cruise to Alaska
If you are interested in a fall trip, you are invited to a meeting where we will narrow down the options and discuss itineraries. The meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 12, from 2-4 p.m. in the Classroom. See Page 1 for more details.
Thank you to all who gathered to mark the senior center’s first anniversary on Tuesday, Jan. 13. We had an amazing time celebrating a great year.
Most days at the senior center (205): Allan Walter
Most volunteer hours (600): Sue Frommelt
Most hours at front desk (239): Jeanine Coffman
Most fitness classes attended (163): Allan Walter
Most health education classes attended (30): Jim Kasper
Most art classes attended (42): Jeanne Batten
Most games/clubs attended (152): Kathy Cook
Staff gave prizes for wearing the inaugural pin.
What are your favorite memories of the senior center’s first year? Members shared some of theirs with senior center staff:
• Meeting new people and making new friends.
• Having so many options for fun, learning and getting to spend time with friends.
• The center is such a happy place. I’ve made friends with so many nice people.
• Feeling a warm welcome and support when I attended my first exercise class in nearly 40 years! Thanks to instructors Michelle and Retta for making it fun and doable!
• Dressing up for the Murder Mystery and Halloween. Also dancing with my husband at the Valentine’s party. We haven’t danced in years...so sweet...great memories.
• All the wonderful people with smiles all the time. All the wonderful games offered and exercise programs. I would not miss a single day at the center.
• Taking my first drawing and watercolor classes!
• Trying new things like Improv that I thought I would never do in my life!
• Halloween Dance with my best buddies. We dressed up and danced the night away to a great band.
• I am grateful for the new friendships I have made and also for my love of chair yoga. I not only feel stronger, I feel I belong.
• Having a place to come to for classes which enrich our lives is very special.
• This place has been a life saver. I moved here and did not know anyone but my kids. Came to the center and that was it. Made friends and started working out. My life has now changed for the better.
• Working at the front desk and giving tours to prospective members. Everyone is so impressed with our beautiful facility!
• The Angel Tree - our members’ generosity was overwhelming!