THRIVING IN ELDERHOOD
Co-facilitators: Alice Edwards and Laura Belsten
​Elderhood is a stage of life with unique needs, joys and challenges. Through discussion and self-reflection, the course aims to create a community of support for those striving to thrive in Elderhood. This is a 12-week class.
OPERA FOR BEGINNERS
Facilitator: Carol Pike
Why has opera been around for over 400 years? Could it be that it is an art form that opera buffs love because it combines vocal music, orchestral music, drama, visual arts, and dance? What is it about opera that it appeals to people all over the world? Carol will introduce you, the beginner, to these aspects of opera so that you learn the answers and may decide to become an opera enthusiast.
GAMES, GAMES, GAMES
​Facilitator: Carol Pike
​ If you like to play games, this is the course for you. Carol will be teaching one easy game each week. You are welcome if you've never played a game or haven't played in a while and would like to be reminded of the fun you've had.
MUSIC POTPOURRI
Facilitator: Wayne Garner
​For all you music lovers, this course will use videos and lectures to cover numerous genres, including Rock, Folk, Pop and Blues. The first week's topic, "The Human Voice; The Ultimate Musical Instrument," will focus on how the voice works, and on the devices that enhance it in recordings and performances. "Iconic Vocal Performers and Rock Stars with Colorado Music Connections" will be the subject of week two. During week three "Amazing Rock Performances" will be discussed. "Guitar Heroes and Their Instruments" in week four will look at how the guitar became the primary instrument in rock, followed by a fun class quiz titled "Name that Tune."
AND THE WINNER IS...
Facilitator: Donna Musciano
The class discusses the upcoming Oscar nominated films. Class members discuss the movies in detail and watch videos related to the movies from the cast, directors, and reviewers.
Class participation is encouraged throughout all of the classes, and class members are asked to be prepared and see the movies ahead of each class.
I WAS A BOXCAR CHILD
Facilitator: Marie Welch
Marie will share a journey through generations in her story of the impact of the Santa Fe Railroad on three generations (mainly the women) of her family, including Marie herself. She will share behind-the-scenes information about the Santa Fe Railroad in the towns of Las Vegas in New Mexico, Swallows, a Colorado town that doesn't exist anymore. and both Lamy and Raton, New Mexico. Find out about boarding houses, the Harvey Houses and Harvey Girls, life on the “signal” gang, and living in a railroad car.
​
DESERT SHIELD - DESERT STORM
Facilitator: Jerry Sexton
This course is a discussion about the war with Iraq led by the US and 42 other nations after the invasion of Kuwait. Operation Desert Shield, which marked the military buildup from August 1990 to January 1991, and Operation Desert Storm, which began with the aerial bombing campaign against Iraq on 17 January 1991 and ended with the American-led liberation of Kuwait on 28 February 1991 will be explored. We will examine the events that led up to the war and the execution of the military campaigns. We also welcome input from any classmates who were participants in the war.
ROYAL BRITAIN'S PALACES AND CASTLES
Co-Facilitators: Delia and Tony Yates This course will take you on a journey to more than 30 of Britain’s finest buildings, from the splendid well known Royal residences in and around London to the magnificent palaces and castles of Scotland and Wales. Illustrated and explored, these buildings will offer the class a fascinating insight into English, Scottish and Welsh Royal history.
​
TAI CHI CHUAN,
YANG STYLE
Facilitator: Linda Ault
This is the most popular form of Tai Chi Chuan and can be traced back to the 8th century where drawings were carved on tortoise shells. Today there are over 300 million participants in this sport. Linda will be teaching the first of three levels of Tai Chi Chuan.
ROCK OUT!
Facilitator: Suzie Wright
Rock painting! It is a fun, creative, art hobby. Have you seen how cute the face of a baby elephant can be on a three-inch rock? If critters are not your thing, maybe there is a bouquet of spring flowers or a hot air balloon you want to create. The sky or your imagination is the limit. Sign up and you will see how creative you can be with some support and some fun. Supplies are provided, including lots of rocks.
MASK-QUERADE
Facilitator: Sharon Gregory
Come to Sharon’s mask-querade to learn about the history of masks and design an exciting and a finish a fun mask to wear or to display as a work of art! Most supplies will be provided with a fee of $10 for masks, paint, misc. art materials. Participants will be asked to bring "found" materials from home to add to masks to individualize them and make them unique.
If there is time at the last class, we will have a mini masquerade party at the clubhouse bar where participants can purchase food and drinks while wearing or displaying their artistic masks.
ART FOR ALL
WATERCOLOR
​Facilitator: Susan Ficca
This beginning art class on watercolor painting is for anyone, even those who have no previous background in art. Experienced artists will also enjoy this relaxing class that will cover landscapes, portraits, botanical, and transparent overlay techniques. We will complete 4 to 8 paintings, and you will amaze your friends with your skill and hidden talent. All techniques will be demonstrated and tips and tricks will be shared. You will receive handouts and individual guidance. Meet new friends and share the experience of exploring a new hobby without judgement or stress. $10 fee for supplies.
THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES
Facilitator: Greg Klinkel
In this course, Greg will explore the musical legacy of The Beatles. Starting with their formative years and their first US appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, continuing through their transition to studio musicians and the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967, culminating with their final album, Let It Be, in 1970, he will delve deeply into the music and the lyrics.
Greg will focus on their original music primarily, with some discussion of the cultural milieu of their time.
CENTENNIAL
Co-Facilitators: Alice Edwards and Peter Livshin
As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only state that will observe dual anniversaries in 2026 - it's own Sesquisemiquincentennial, marking (Colorado's 150 years of statehood, and the nation's
Sesquicentennial, the 250 year anniversary of our country's birth.
In this course, the history of both the United States and Colorado during the dynamic 15-year period from 1861, when Colorado become a US Territory, to 1876 when statehood was granted, will be examined.
COLORADO NOVEL TRIPS
Facilitator: Kay Hayes and others
Four presenters will explore some of Colorado's unique towns/locations through the works of historical novelists. It will be of interest to all who love to read and learn more about our beautiful state. Reading each novel prior to class is not required.
The novels to be discussed are:
Eclipse by Dalton Trumbo set in Grand Junction, Marie Welch facilitator
Gilded Mountain by Kater Manning set in Redstone and Marble, June Goddard facilitator
Go as a River by Shelly Reed, Nancy Connett, facilitators
The Plainsong Trilogy by Kent Haruf set in the Eastern Plains, Kay Hayes facilitator
​
QUILTING 101
Facilitator: Lynda Shirk
Did seeing the beautiful patriot quilt hanging in our clubhouse hallway give you the desire to learn how to quilt? After this course you will have learned the basic skills to be able to complete a quilted table runner and then move on to larger projects if you desire.
​Purchase of a quilting book will be required ($26.00 new or available used for less on Amazon.) Participants must bring a portable sewing machine to class.
GREAT DECISIONS
Facilitator: Diane Woods
Great Decisions, a program developed by the Foreign Policy Association, focuses on critical global issues, such as climate change, migration, international security, Ukraine, tariffs, or global trade—through a combination of reading material, class presentations, and class discussion. Diane Woods’ course encourages civil discussion, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how international developments affect the United States and the world. By the end of the program, participants will be better informed about global challenges and foreign policy decisions in today’s interconnected world. There is a $32 fee for the course book.
CRIBBAGE
Facilitator: Gary Pollard
​Cribbage is a card game that historically dates back to the 1600s. It is played with a standard 52-card deck with two or more people. The score is kept on a board using pegs that are moved parallel along 120-hole tracks. Course participants will study the traditions of play and the three phases of each hand: dealing & card selection, play down, and hand count.
In this era of "fake news" and dissatisfaction with the news media, this class will provide an interactive forum in which to talk about how new stories are pursued, verified, and green lit for print or broadcast publication.