My JCPRD Activities - 50 Plus Edition - September-October 2021

The Best Times Digital Edition

August 19, 2021

Welcome! On the following pages you’ll find a sampling of program listings for the 50 Plus Department of Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Complete program listings are available at JCPRD.com/50Plus. In 2021, 50 Plus is marking its 50th Anniversary. Celebrate with us by participating in programs marked with (50!).

Visit JCPRD.com/activities or call 913-831-3359 for information and/or to register

Enrichment & Special Interests

Cards: Beginning Bridge
Learn the basics of bidding, scoring, and the play of the hand. Price includes Audrey Grant’s “Bidding in the 21st Century.”
8 - 1 ½ hr. sessions - $81 / $87 nonresidents
14165 MRCC 9/14 Tue 4 pm

Cards: Bridge Lesson - Play No Trump, Defend No Trump
Learn how to play No Trump and how to defend No Trump. Refreshments and handouts included.
1 - 3 hr. session - $20 / $22 nonresidents
14169 MRCC 10/11 Mon 9:30 am

Cards: Bridge Workshops
Become an in-demand partner. Purchase each workshop individually or take them all! Handouts included.
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $10 / $11 nonresidents
14584 MBPC Take Out Doubles 9/9 Thu 6 pm
14585 MBPC Overcalls 10/14 Thu 6 pm

NEW! Cooking: Copy-Cat Restaurant Meals Demo
Watch our instructor demonstrate the ease of copying popular restaurant recipes. Enjoy samples and take home the recipes.
1 - 2 hr. class - $37 / $41 nonresidents
14469 RPCC 9/9 Thu 11 am

Cooking: Making Macarons Virtual Demo
Our experienced macaron maker will walk you through the steps while giving tips and tricks for making a successful macaron.
1 - 1 hr. session - $15 / $17 nonresidents
14474 Virtual Program 10/5 Tue 1:30 pm

Games: Bingo
Delight in food, prizes, fun, and 12 games of bingo. Variety of prizes awarded including gift certificates.
1 - 2 hr. session - $5 / $6 nonresidents
14483 RPCC Best Times 9/23 Thu 1:30 pm

Games: Intro to Mah Jongg
Learn the basics of this classic tabletop game from an experienced instructor. Mah Jongg card included.
4 - 2 hr. sessions - $45 / $49 nonresidents
14762 RPCC 9/8 Wed 1 pm
14587 MBPC 9/13 Mon 10 am
14514 MBPC 10/11 Mon 10 am
14477 RPCC 10/27 Wed 1 pm

Games: Learn to Play…
A beginner’s guide to what’s sure to be your new favorite games. Handouts provided. Join a drop-in group after lessons.
1 - 2 hr. session - $6 / $7 nonresidents
14184 MRCC Pinochle 9/27 Mon 9:30 am
14185 MRCC Cribbage 10/18 Mon 9:30 am

Reading: Meet the Author
Meet the author of “The Big Quiet,” Lisa Stewart for a discussion, signing, and Q&A session. Get discounted book price and free shipping via email at lstewart@lisadstewart.com.
1 - 1 hr. class - $5 / $6 nonresidents
14520 MBPC 10/26 Tue 10:30 am

Reading: Wanderlust Book Club
Quench your love of travel with a book each month. End the month with a group discussion. September’s book is “Dark Star Safari” while October’s book is “World Walk.”
1 - 1 hr. discussion - $5 / $6 nonresidents
14516 MBPC 9/29 Wed 1:30 pm
14517 MBPC 10/27 Wed 1:30 pm

Special Interest: Aging Mastery Program (AMP)
The ten-session program combines goal setting, daily practices, and peer support to help participants make meaningful changes in their lives.
10 - 1 ½ hr. sessions - $55 / $61 nonresidents
14548 MBPC 9/23 Thu 9:30 am

Special Interest: Alzheimer’s 10 Warning Signs
Recognize common signs, discussing memory concerns with loved ones, early detection, benefits of a diagnosis, possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.
1 - 1 hr. session - FREE
14546 MBPC 10/28 Thu 3 pm

Special Interest: Fall Planters
Get creative and hands on while designing a planter to spruce up your porch or deck. Plants and soil included.
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $30 / $33 nonresidents
14626 MBPC 9/10 Fri 10 am
14629 MBPC 9/17 Fri 1 pm

Special Interest: Lunch & Learn Bee Organized
Join our friends from Bee Organized and break down why we buy, why we keep and, why it is hard to stay organized.
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $26 / $29 nonresidents
1 4549 MBPC 10/13 Wed 11:30 am

Special Interest: Osher Institute - Lifelong Learning
Select from the opportunities below to create your own program of personal development and learning provided through KU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
3 - 2 hr. classes - $50 (each subject below consists of three, two-hour classes)

CAPITALISM, SOCIALISM, INCOME INEQUALITY, AND GLOBALIZATION
14491 RPCC 9/13 Mon 2 pm

MEN AND WOMEN OF THE EARLY AMERICAN REPUBLIC
14412 MRCC 9/14 Tue 9 am

JAPANESE GHOSTS AND DEMONS: DEPICTIONS IN ART, LITERATURE, AND FILM
14492 RPCC 10/6 Wed 6 pm

TRAVEL TO HAWAII
14468 MRCC 10/8 Fri 2 pm

THE PREDICAMENT OF POSSESSIONS IN LATER LIFE
14550 MBPC 10/28 Thu 2 pm

Technology: Various Courses
Choose from a variety of courses to assist with all your technology questions. Make an appointment for one-on-one tutoring at (913) 826-3160.
1 - 1 hr. session - $10 / $12 nonresidents
14522 RPCC Selling Online 10/25 Mon 1 pm
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $17 / $19 nonresidents
14497 RPCC Microsoft Word 9/22 Wed 1 pm
14499 RPCC Microsoft Excel 10/27 Wed 1 pm

SMARTPHONE WORKSHOPS - IPHONE & ANDROID
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $17 / $19 nonresidents
14423 MRCC Contacts & Calling 9/24 Fri 10:30 am
14465 MRCC Settings & Alerts 10/1 Fri 10:30 am
14466 MRCC Text & Email 10/8 Fri 10:30 am
14467 MRCC All About Apps 10/15 Fri 10:30 am
1 - 2 hr. session - $20 / $22 nonresidents
14203 MRCC Facebook 101 9/13 Mon 11 am
14552 MBPC Helpful Apps 10/19 Tue 11 am
14422 MRCC Smartphone Photos 10/29 Fri 10:30 am
1 - 2 hr. session - $60 / $66 nonresidents
14525 RPCC One-on-One Tutoring by Appt

Fine & Performing Arts

NEW! Art: Exploring Art Workshops
Enjoy a series of one-day workshops, each with a different way of looking at or creating art.
1 - 2 ½ hr. session - $15 / $17 nonresidents
14287 MRCC Elements of Art 9/20 Mon 9:30 am
14288 MRCC Collage 9/27 Mon 9:30 am
14290 MRCC Art As Play 10/4 Mon 9:30 am
14291 MRCC Who Am I? 10/18 Mon 9:30 am

Dance: Social - Tea Dance
Enjoy live music from the big band era at our weekly tea dance. Individuals and couples welcome.
2 hr. dance - $5 pay at the door
MBPC 9/3-10/29 Fri 2 pm

Dance: Tap Dance Lessons
Learn basic tap fundamentals then test out to Intermediate or Advanced. Hard-soled or tap dance shoes required.
8 - 50 min. sessions - $61 / $67 nonresidents
14302 MRCC Beginning 10/25 Mon 1:15 pm
14308 MRCC Intermediate 10/25 Mon 2 pm
14309 MRCC Advanced 10/25 Mon 3 pm

Performing Group Vocal: The Side By Side Experience
Have fun with music and singing regardless of your skill level. Weekly rehearsals with performances throughout the community.
12 - 2 hr. sessions - $14 / $15 nonresidents
14605 MBPC 9/17 Fri 12:30 pm

Fitness & Health

Exercise: AEA Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)
Chair-based range-of-motion exercise class suitable for every fitness level and ability. Classes are on-going, start at any time. No class 9/6.

45 min. session - $3 per class, pay at the door
Merriam Community Center M,W 10 am
Spring Hill Civic Center T,Th 1 pm
New Century Fieldhouse W,F 10:15 am
Matt Ross Community Center Wed 1 pm
Matt Ross Community Center Fri 10:45 am

45 min. session - $3 online pay option during class
14365 Virtual Program Wed 11 am

Exercise: Chair Yoga
Enjoy the benefits of yoga through breathing and movement with the use of a chair for support if needed during standing poses.
6 - 50 min. sessions - $48 / $53 nonresidents
14568 MBPC 9/28 Tue 10:30 am
14591 MBPC 9/30 Thu 10:30 am
6 - 50 min. sessions - $36 / $40 nonresidents
14592 Virtual Program 9/28 Tue 9:30 am

Exercise: Classical Stretch
Full-body workout that combines stretching and strengthening, while engaging all 650 muscles. Class held outdoors when weather permits.
5 - 50 min. sessions - $40 / $44 nonresidents
14570 MBPC 9/13 Mon 5 pm

Exercise: Drum
Drum to the beat on a yoga ball to get your heart pumping and energy flowing. Stand or sit and drum along with the instructor.
5 - 50 min. sessions - $40 / $44 nonresidents
14576 MBPC 9/17 Fri 9 am

Exercise: Tai Chi
Tai Chi offers a slow and gentle exercise with benefits in endurance, flexibility, and strength. All experience levels welcome in this course.
4 - 50 min. sessions - $36 / $40 nonresidents
14534 RPCC 9/8 Wed 10 am
14531 RPCC 9/9 Thu 5 pm
14535 RPCC 10/6 Wed 10 am
14532 RPCC 10/7 Thu 5 pm

Exercise: Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
The movements in this class are safe and easy to learn for those with arthritis or just starting a wellness routine. Classes are on-going, start at any time. No class 9/6.
45 min. session - $3 per class, pay at the door
MBPC Advanced Mon 1 pm
MBPC Intermediate Mon 2 pm
MBPC Beginner Mon 3 pm

Exercise: Restorative Yoga
Slow, still style of yoga that involves long, passive holds in a series of 4-6 restful poses to achieve a state of total relaxation.
1 - 1 hr. session - $10 / $11 nonresidents
14577 MBPC 9/16 Thu 6 pm
14581 MBPC 10/21 Thu 6 pm

Exercise: Virtual Strength and Stretching
A virtual class designed to increase strength and range of motion to help with activities of daily living.
6 - 50 min. sessions - $48 / $53 nonresidents
14574 Virtual Program 9/30 Thu 11:30 am

Yoga: Hatha (Gentle) Yoga Punch Card
Strengthen your body, calm your mind and improve flexibility and balance. Participants must bring their own yoga mat to each class.
5 Punch Card - $45 / $50 nonresidents
10 Punch Card - $90 / $99 nonresidents
20 Punch Card - $180 / $198 nonresidents
RPCC M,Th 4 pm

Zumba: Zumba Gold
Modified Zumba class with an easy-to-follow choreography focused on balance, range of motion, coordination and fun!
5 - 50 min. sessions - $39 / $43 nonresidents
14538 RPCC 9/15 Wed 6:30 pm
14541 RPCC 9/25 Sat 10 am
14539 RPCC 10/20 Wed 6:30 pm

Special Events

NEW! Games: Anniversary Special - Groovin’ 70s Music Bingo (50!)
Enjoy good vibes only, stellar prizes, and refreshments as you boogie down to your favorite funky tunes of the 70s.
1 - 1 ½ hr. event - $10 / $11 nonresidents
14366 MBPC 10/12 Tue 1:30 pm

NEW! Games: Mah Jongg Halloween Party
Bring your friends, favorite foursome, or meet new players and enter to win prizes. Players rotate tables and track wins; no bracket play. Coffee, lunch, and dessert provided. Register by 10/22.
1 - 5 hr. event - $15 / $16 nonresidents
14543 RPCC 10/28 Thu 9:30 am

Games: Special Event Chili Bingo
Celebrate the changing of the seasons with friends, mild chili, salad, and cinnamon roll lunch with 12 games of bingo. Register by 9/23.
1 - 2 ½ hr. event - $15 / $16 nonresidents in advance; $18 / $19 nonresidents for registrations starting one week before event.
14544 RPCC 9/30 Thu 11 am

Special Event: Step Into Wellness
Explore the world of wellness! Sample a variety of exercise classes with instructor demo’s, wellness activities, visiting with local businesses and an energizing walk.
1 - 4 hr. event - $5 / $6 nonresidents
14580 MBPC 9/28 Tue 9 am

Special Event: Virtual Live Well Age Well
Hear from local experts on a variety of topics meant to provide tips, resources, and takeaways that are available online or right here in our community to help you Live Well and Age Well.
2 - 3 ½ hr. event sessions - FREE
14015 Virtual Program 9/14 T,W 9 am

Sports

NEW! Pickleball: Beginner Pickleball 101
Learn all things pickleball! Class will cover terminology, rules, basic hits, serves, and more! Bring your own paddle.
4 - 1 ½ hr. lessons - $45 / $51 nonresidents
14594 MBP 9/14 Tue 10 am

Pickleball: Drop-in Play
Join fellow pickleball enthusiasts for play and practice! Times and days are subject to change due to indoor court availability. Equipment available.
$3 per person per day
MRCC M-F 9 am-1 pm
TRCC M-F 9 am-Noon
10 Punch Card - $35 or 20 Punch Card - $70
Or Drop-in Fee: $4 per person per day
NCF T,W,Th 9 am-1 pm

NEW! Pickleball: Intermediate drilling dinks, drop shots, volley, and groundstrokes
Improve your game by learning and implementing fun and effective drills to daily practice. Bring your own paddle.
4 - 1 ½ hr. lessons - $45 / $51 nonresidents
14595 MBP 9/15 Wed 10 am

Pickleball: Outdoor Fall Convenience
League (Ages 18 & Older: 50 Plus division available) Players schedule their own matches during assigned weeks.
$35 per player, per division
14596 MBP 9/12 Sun 7 am

Pickleball: Pickleball Workshops
Designed for the intermediate players who want to take their pickleball game to the next level. Space is limited. Equipment available.
1 - 1 ½ hr. workshop - $12 / $13 nonresidents
14379 MRCC Forehand/Backhand 9/23 Thu 10:30 am
14380 MRCC Overheads/Defense 10/19 Tue 10:30 am

Travel

For more information about 50 Plus extended travel opportunities, full itinerary brochures, and pricing of the trips listed below call (913) 826-2975, or visit JCPRD.com/50plustravel. All prices include airfare.

Extended Trip: Western Canada’s Rockies
June 4-12, 2022 - 9 Days, 13 Meals
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: DEC. 4, 2021
DOUBLE: $3,949 PER PERSON / SINGLE: $4,949 PER PERSON

Extended Trip: Painted Canyons 
July 17-25, 2022 - 9 Days, 11 Meals
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JAN. 17, 2022
DOUBLE: $3,599 PER PERSON / SINGLE: $4,599 PER PERSON

Extended Trip: British Landscapes
September 12-21, 2022 - 10 Days, 12 Meals
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MARCH 13, 2022
DOUBLE: $3,949 PER PERSON / SINGLE: $4,549 PER PERSON

September & October Special Events For All Ages

Visit JCPRD.com/Activities for details and registration information.

  • TimberRidge Adventure Race - Sept. 18, Kill Creek Park
  • Trucks and Big Rigs for Kids - Oct. 9, Theatre in the Park
  • 11th Annual Cars in the Park Car Show - Oct. 9, Theatre in the Park
  • Whimsical Woods - Oct. 9, Ernie Miller Park
  • Trick-or-Cache - Oct. 15, Antioch Park
  • The Hunt at Meadowbrook Park - Oct. 23, Meadowbrook Park
  • Haunted Kansas - Oct. 23, Ernie Miller Park
  • Trick or Treat Trail - Oct. 29, Theatre in the Park
  • Mildale Farm Fall Fest - Oct. 30, Mildale Farm

Below are additional programs of interest to 50 Plus participants

Birding: Fall Bird Walk 
(Ages 18 & Older)
Join us for a morning walk in the woods to look for fall migrants and resident birds. Get help spotting and identifying different species. Bring binoculars if possible. Limited loaner binoculars will
be available.
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $8 / $9 nonresidents
14416 Ernie Miller Nature Center 9/14 Tue 7:30 am

Go Green: Worm Bin Workshop
(Ages 18 & Older and Children 8 & Older Accompanied by Parent/Guardian)
Make your own worm bin, complete with a half-pound of worms to take home. Learn how to care for your worms, troubleshoot problems, and how to make worm tea.
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $29 / $32 nonresidents
14464 Ernie Miller Nature Center 10/14 Thu 10 am

Map & Compass: Orienteering Workshop
(Ages 16 & Older and Children accompanied by Parent/Guardian)
This beginner’s workshop introduces you to orienteering, a fun way of learning the basic skills for using a topographic map and a magnetic compass.
1 - 3 hr. session - $15 / $17 nonresidents
14462 Ernie Miller Nature Center 10/ 23 Sat 9 am

Museum: Behind-the-Scenes Johnson County Museum Tour 
(Ages 16 & Older)
Interact with museum staff as you learn why we collect, how we collect, and the importance to our local community.
1 - 1 hr. tour - $11 adults / $10 seniors (60+) / $9 children.
Includes museum and KidScape admission. Museum members receive a 20% discount - call (913) 831-3359 to register and claim discount.
14122 JCAHC 9/25 Sat 10:30 am

Museum: Fashion and Function in Design
(Ages 21 & Older)
Join JCCC’s Fashion Merchandising and Design Program as they reveal connections between industrial designer Paul McCobb and clothing designer Bonnie Cashin. Examples of clothing from the JCCC Historical Fashion Collection. Includes beer and snacks.
1 - 1 hr. program - $6 adults, $5 seniors. Museum members free.
Call (913) 831-3359 to register or go online.
14424 JCAHC 9/16 Thu 6 pm

Museum: Lanesfield School Fall Open House -
Santa Fe Trail Edition (All Ages)
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail and have old-fashioned fun with hands-on activities, the Missouri Town Band, outdoor games, and lessons in the schoolhouse with costumed teachers. Lanesfield Historic Site is three miles from Mildale Farm - visit their Fall Fest the same day between 9 am and 2 pm and take the free shuttle to the Lanesfield Historic Site.
1 - 5 hr. drop-in event - FREE
Lanesfield Historic Site 10/30 Sat 11 am

Museum: Latinos on the Santa Fe Trail
(Ages 21 & Older)
We know stories of folks traveling west on the Santa Fe Trail, but what about those traveling east? Join Dr. Gene Chavez as he reveals the hidden history of Latinos on the Santa Fe Trail. Includes beer and snacks.
1 - 1 hr. program - $6 adults, $5 seniors. Museum members free.
Call (913) 831-3359 to register or go online.
14428 JCAHC 10/7 Thu 6 pm

Program Locations

  • Antioch Park 6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam
  • (EMNC) Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center 909 N. K-7 Highway, Olathe
  • Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center (JCAHC) 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
  • Kill Creek Park 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe
  • Lanesfield Historic Site 18745 S. Dillie Rd., Edgerton
  • (MRCC) Matt Ross Community Center 8101 Marty St., Overland Park
  • (MBPC) Meadowbrook Park & Clubhouse 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village
  • Merriam Community Center 6040 Slater St., Merriam
  • Mildale Farm 35250 W. 199th St., Edgerton
  • (NCF) New Century Fieldhouse 551 New Century Parkway, New Century
  • (RPCC) Roeland Park Community Center 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park
  • Spring Hill Civic Center 401 N. Madison St., Spring Hill
  • Theatre in the Park 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee
  • (TRCC) Tomahawk Ridge Community Center 11902 Lowell, Overland Park