Lifelong Learning
Adult lifelong learning topics continue to expand with quality instructors and at an affordable price. Pick up a current copy of the activity guide at any Westminster recreation center to see the entire schedule of adult programs and activities.
Early registration is encouraged for the following reasons:
- Class sizes are small for optimal learning and many classes fill quickly.
- Instructors need time to ready supplies and prepare to teach a quality class.
- If a class has low enrollment, it may be canceled. Your enrollment could be the one that allows the class to run.
Please call 303-658-2294 for more information on adult lifelong learning opportunities and adult special events.
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Education Ages 18+
Active Minds Lecture Series
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. The MAC | 3295 W. 72nd Ave. $4 residents $6 non-residents (per lecture)
Aviation: From Kitty Hawk to Today
Join Active Minds for a review of aviation in the United States. We will begin the story with the Wright Brothers and end with a look at the airline industry today, including the possibility of supersonic flights again in the not too distant future.
Jan 11 2312929-A
China Belt & Road Initiative
In 2013, China announced a massive $1 trillion international transportation and trade infrastructure construction program known as the Belt & Road Initiative. Explore the history of the Silk Road as it informs an understanding of this contemporary effort.
Jan 25 2312930-A
OCanada!
The world's longest land border is between the United States and Canada. Join Active Minds for a full hour on the story of Canada, including its history and current challenges.
Feb 8 2312931-A
Harriet Tubman
Born a slave in Maryland around 1820 , Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849 and became the most famous "conductor" of the Underground Railroad, leading slaves to freedom through a complex secret system. We'll review her life and legacy, including her efforts in the Civil War and Women's Suffrage.
Feb 22 2312932-A
Marie Curie
Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1867, Maria Sklodowska would become one of the greatest scientists of her era, earning not one, but two Nobel Prizes for her work. Join Active Minds as we examine the remarkable life of Marie Curie.
Mar 8 2312933-A
Buddhism
Join Active Minds for an examination of its origins, teachings, beliefs and practices. We will discuss the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and discuss the various types of Buddhism, including Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and others.
Mar 22 2312934-A
The Great Depression
In the autumn of 1929 , a crash of prices on Wall Street triggered a global economic contraction that would last for over a decade. We will examine the origins of the depression and its legacy as well as take a look at it through the lens of our current economic environment.
Apr 12 2312935-A
Mexico
Join Active Minds for an in-depth look at our neighbor to the south. We'll cover Mexican history and recent events as we seek to understand how this country fits in the regional puzzle of North, Central and South America. We will examine key issues in Mexican relations with the U.S. including immigration, trade relations and border security.
Apr 26 2312936-A
General Classes
Basic Tenakra Fishing Workshop ALL THREE DAYS: $45/$50 | #2242945-A
Over three days, learn the basics about equipment, knots, theory, enjoy practical instruction, and a walk and wade trip to Clear Creek. Must have waders and fishing license.
T Oct 4 3:30-5 p.m. CPRC
Th Oct 6 3:30-5 p.m. WSC
F Oct 21 8 a.m.-12 p.m. TBD
Cooking
Fantastic Food Flavors with Herbs & Spices
Learn how to use herbs and spices in new ways to tantalize your taste buds and perk up your cooking. Samples provided!
Th Feb 16 6-7 p.m. $17/$19 MAC 2312955-A
Fix Fantastic Fish
Learn some of the magnificent health benefits, as well as tips and recipes for cooking fish. Samples provided!
Th Mar 16 6-7 p.m. $17/$19 MAC 2312956-A
The "Art" of Stir Frying
Learn techniques and a variety of ingredients and seasonings that can be used when stir frying. Samples provided!
Th Apr 13 6-7 p.m. $17/$19 MAC 2312957-A
Pet Nutrition
What to Feed a Pet with Food Allergies
Just like people, cats and dogs can have food allergies. Learn symptoms, common allergens, and strategies for switching your pet's diet to eliminate problems.
M Feb 27 1-2 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312958-A
Make Your Own Pet Food
Are you interested in making your cat or dog's food at home? Learn pros and cons of homemade food and how to make a nutritionally balanced diet.
T Apr 11 6-7 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312959-A
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Functional Fitness Sessions
If you want guidance in how to feel healthier and more vital, Functional Fitness Sessions are for you. Enhance your ability to perform activities of daily living by improving balance, flexibility, and mobility; reducing the risk of falls;
maintaining bone density; and growing stronger. One-on-one sessions are held at The MAC with Laura Brieser-Smith, Certified Exercise Physiologist. Call The MAC at 303-426-4310 to schedule. AGES: 55+ Fee: $40 per 1-hour session; $110 for three sessions.
Health & Wellness Coaching Sessions
Making lasting changes in health habits can be challenging. Having someone support and guide you can be helpful. During a Health & Wellness Coaching session, you will work with a health professional to gain knowledge and develop strategies to create the healthy lifestyle that you desire. Call The MAC at 303-426-4310 to schedule. FEE: $39 per 1-hour session; $110 for three sessions
Eat for the Environment
The food choices we make can have a significant impact on the environment. Learn foods that have the biggest impact and simple ideas for eating a more sustainable diet.
Th Jan 12 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312946-A
No More Neck Pain
Pain and stiffness in your neck can make daily tasks like driving a car extremely difficult. Learn ways to stretch and strengthen the muscles of neck. Wear comfortable clothes for doing exercise.
M Jan 23 1-2 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312947-A
Better Brain, Better Life
We stretch and flex our bodies, but what about our brain? Come to this class and sharpen your mental machinery. We'll ploy memory games, word games, number games, and puzzles to stretch and strengthen your mind.
Th Feb 2-23 9:15-10:15 a.m. $30/$32 MAC 2312948-A
Eating for Healthy Heart
Learn the effects foods hove on risk factors for heart disease and strategies for making dietary changes.
M Feb 13 1-2 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312949-A
Build Absolutely Awesome Abs
Learn how the abdominal muscles work, the importance of having strong obs, as well as some great exercises that will firm and tone. Wear comfortable clothes for exercise.
Th Feb 23 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312950-A
No More Muscle Cramps
There's nothing worse than getting a cramp in your muscles! Learn nutrients to include in your diet as well as specific activities, such as stretching, to prevent those cramps from happening.
Th Mar 9 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312951-A
Seated and Standing Pilates
Learn the basic concepts of Pilates and some exercises that you con do in a chair or standing. Participants should wear comfortable clothes for doing exercise.
M Mar 20 1-2 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312952-A
Fight Allergies with Food
Regardless of what you ore allergic to-pollen, pets, dust, etc.-there are simple changes you can make to your eating habits to help ease allergy symptoms.
M Apr 3 1-2 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312953-A
Get in Shape for Golf
It's almost spring, and time to dust off the golf clubs and hit the links. Learn specific exercises you can do to strengthen and stretch the muscles you need for a great golf swing this season.
M Apr 17 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 2312954-A
Music Classes Ages: 13+
The “AMAZING” Guitar Class
Students need to bring their own guitar. Learning packet is included. QUESTIONS? Or for low cost guitar rentals, call Henry at 720-290-5854.
Beginning Guitar
Discover how easy it is to play fun songs. Create your own strumming rhythms, and fingerpicking patterns. Improvise playing a melody in the first class. Read staff notation. Understand effective posture, which makes it so much easier to play. *NO CLASS: Mar 22
W Jan 11- Mar 1 6:30-7:30 p.m. $112 WSC 2311951-A
*W Mar 8-Apr 26 6:30-7:30 p.m. $98 WSC 2311951-B
Continuing Guitar
Discover the EDCAGE fretboard layout, chord symbol notations, playing “by ear”, the easier way to play using barre chords, blues articulations like hammer/tap/pull, and string bending. *NO CLASS: Mar 23
W Jan 11- Mar 1 7:30-8:30 p.m. $112 WSC 2311952-A
*W Mar 8-Apr 26 7:30-8:30 p.m. $98 WSC 2311952-B
The “AMAZING” Ukulele Class
Learning packet is included. Students need to bring their own ukulele. QUESTIONS? Call Henry at 720-290-5854.
Beginning Ukulele
Learn to play easy fun songs and the basic chords you’ll need. Understand rhythmic strumming patterns and how to create your own. Playing a scale lets you improvise a melody in the first class. Awareness of good posture makes it so much easier to play.
Th Jan 12- Feb 9 5:45-6:45 p.m. $70 SFC 2314953-A
Th Feb 16- Mar 16 5:45-6:45 p.m. $70 SFC 2314953-B
Th Mar 30-Apr 27 5:45-6:45 p.m. $70 SFC 2314953-C
Continuing Ukulele
Extend your playing skills using the five positions of the same chord, reading notations, and arranging chords to fit the melody to create richer sounds.
Th Jan 12- Feb 9 6:45-7:45 p.m. $70 SFC 2314954-A
Th Feb 16- Mar 16 6:45-7:45 p.m. $70 SFC 2314954-B
Th Mar 30-Apr 27 6:45-7:45 p.m. $70 SFC 2314954-C
Westminster Ukulele Community
The Westminster Uke Community is open to all players and all levels. Ukulele players are invited to play songs together and learn from each other. Bring your ukulele, paper copies of songs to share, and a music stand
and tuner if available. Ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. No registration necessary.
T Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18 6-7:30 p.m. FREE SFC
The “AMAZING” Piano/Keyboard Class
Students need to bring their own keyboard (61 keys minimum). Learning packet is included. QUESTIONS? Call Henry at 720-290-5854.
Beginning Piano/Keyboard
Learn to play fun melodies, and harmonies to accompany them, with easy songs. Play both hands together, using a scale to improvise a melody in the first class. Learn good posture, which makes it so much easier to play. *NO CLASS: Jan 16, Feb 20, Mar 20
*M Jan 9- Feb 27 6:30-7:30 p.m. $84 WSC 2311953-A
*M Mar 6- Apr 24 6:30-7:30 p.m. $98 WSC 2311953-B
Continuing Piano/Keyboard
Learn how to create better sounding music with chord extensions and melodic devices. Discover an easier way to read staff, chord symbol and rhythmic notations. *NO CLASS: Jan 16, Feb 20, Mar 20
*M Jan 9- Feb 27 7:30-8:30 p.m. $84 WSC 2311954-A
*M Mar 6- Apr 24 7:30-8:30 p.m. $98 WSC 2311954-B
Private Music Instrument Lessons
All ages and levels welcome. Piano, guitar, ukulele, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, half or full hour weekly times slots to be arranged.
PUNCHCARD: $30 per 1/2 hour or $50 per hour
TO SCHEDULE: Call 303-426-4310
M 3-6 p.m. WSC
W 3-6 p.m. WSC
Th 3-5:30 p.m. SFC
Dance Classes Ages: 18+
Line Dance
Learn a variety of popular line dances. No partner or experience needed. FEE: Daily admission fee applies or FREE for passholders, SilverSneakers®,Renew Active®, PRIME®, One Pass®, and One Pass Commercial®
Members. NO CLASS: Sep 5, 22, 29, Oct 6
M Jan 9-Apr 17 8:30-9 a.m. Step instructions MAC
M Jan 9-Apr 17 9-10 a.m. Beginner Level MAC
T Jan 10-Apr 25 1-2:30 p.m. Intermediate Level WV
W Jan 11-Apr 19 1-2 p.m. Intermediate Level MAC
Th Jan 12-Apr 20 5:30-6:30 p.m. Beginner Level MAC
Adult Ballet Beginner
Perfect for an introduction to ballet or a return after years away! The class follows a traditional ballet structure to build balance and coordination skills. Punch cards are available for $12/$14 per class. AGES: 18+ * HAS RECITAL
*M Jan 9-Apr 10 7-8 p.m. $155/$183 CPRC 2313778-1A
M Apr 17-May 22 7-8 p.m. $90/$72 CPRC 2313778-2A
F Jan 13- Apr 14 12:30-2 p.m. $225/$267 CPRC 2313778-1B
*F Apr 21-May 26 12:30-2 p.m. $90/$108 CPRC 2313778-2B
Adult Jazz
An upbeat technical style of dance requiring precision, strength, and rhythm. For those who want to add personal style and expression to dancing! Punch cards are available for $12/$14 per class. AGES: 18+ * HAS RECITAL
*Sa Jan 14- Apr 15 8-9 a.m. $155/$183 CPRC 2317777-1A
Sa Apr 22- May 27 8-9 a.m. $60/$72 CPRC 2317777-2A
Ballroom Dance Class
Learn a variety of ballroom dance moves and patterns. No experience necessary. A partner is NOT required. Register at least three working days in advance of class start date.
Th Sep 1-22 10:30-11:30 a.m. $40/$45 MAC 2242975-A
Th Sep 29-Oct 20 10:30-11:30 a.m. $40/$45 MAC 2242975-B
Th Oct 27-Nov 17 10:30-11:30 a.m. $40/$45 MAC 2242975-C
Th Dec 1-22 10:30-11:30 a.m. $40/$45 MAC 2242975-D
Couples Ballroom Dance
No experience necessary. Beginners learn basic steps while more experienced dancers refine their skills. A partner is required and must register individually. Register three working days in advance of class start date.
*NO CLASS: Nov 26
MAC | $45 6:45-7:45 p.m.
Tango T Jan 10-31 2312966-A
Tango T Feb 7-28 2312966-B
Foxtrot T Mar 7-28 2312967-A
Foxtrot T Apr 1-22 2312967-A
CPRC | $40/$45 3-4 p.m.
Swing Sa Jan 21-Feb 11 2313961-A
Foxtrot/Waltz Sa Feb 25-Mar 18 2313962-A
Latin Dance Sa Apr 1-22 2313963-A
Drop-In Tap Class
These classes are designed to brush up on your skills/tap knowledge and teach more intricate steps and patterns. Our concentration is on technique, rhythm awareness and joy of the art of tap. Classes will progress each week and add skills to create larger patterns and dances. Previous tap experience is helpful and tap shoes are required.
T Jan 10-Apr 18 10:30-11:30 a.m. Beginner Steps MAC
Tap Class
Brush up on your skills and learn more intricate steps. Previous tap experience is helpful and tap shoes are required.
Beginning Tap
W Jan 11-Feb 1 11:45-12:45 a.m. $45 MAC 2312963-A
W Feb8-Mar 1 11:45-12:45 a.m. $45 MAC 2312963-B
W Mar 8-29 11:45-12:45 a.m. $45 MAC 2312963-C
W Apr 5 -19 11:45-12:45 a.m. $33 MAC 2312963-D
IntermediateTap
T Jan 10-31 11:45-12:45 a.m. $45 MAC 2312964-A
T Feb 7-28 11:45-12:45 a.m. $45 MAC 2312964-B
T Mar 1-28 11:45-12:45 a.m. $45 MAC 2312964-C
T Apr 4- 18 11:45-12:45 a.m. $33 MAC 2312964-D
AdvancedTap
Th Jan 12-Feb 2 2:15-3:15 p.m. $45 MAC 2312965-A
Th Feb 9-Mar 2 2:15-3:15 p.m. $45 MAC 2312965-B
Th Mar 9-30 2:15-3:15 p.m. $45 MAC 2312965-C
Th Apr 6-20 2:15-3:15 p.m. $45 MAC 2312965-D
Private Dance Lessons
Take a private/semi private dance lesson and work on your choice of dance steps or learn a dance for your wedding or other event.Private dance lessons are scheduled by appointment.
CP/MAC QUESTIONS: Call 303-658-2294 to schedule. $50/hour
Benefits
The Westminster Recreation Department offers a wide range of educational seminars, classes, and special events for adult learning, to entertain, and enrich the lives of adults in the Westminster community.
Benefits of Participation in adult lifelong learning programs:
- opens the mind and gives new perspectives
- opportunity to make new friends and establish valuable relationships
- stay on top of changing technology
- increases knowledge base on wellness topics
- feel more connected to the Westminster community