The Montrose Recreation District (MRD) is a licensed partner for AARPs Senior Planet Program. Senior Planet is the flagship program of the national nonprofit organization Older Adults Technology Services (OATS). The purpose of the Senior Planet program is to enable older adults to come together and find ways to learn, work, create, exercise and thrive in today’s digital age. Participants will have access to in-person classes, online classes, helpful articles and more. In person Class topics will range from smart phone help to keeping you safe online. Fees can be covered by MRD’s fee assistance program. No one will be turned away. If you need further fee assistance, also contact Liz via email or by calling 970-252-4884. All equipment and materials will be provided for all classes.

Registration is required as class size is limited. You may register at montroserec.com, or by calling the front desk at the Rec Center @ 970-249-7705.

Session 19 – Video Chat. Use your phone, tablet or computer to talk to others in real time. You can attend meetings, classes, or health appointments through such apps as Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Google Meet, WhatsApp and Zoom.

• Day: Wednesday
• Date: Mar 11
• Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• Fee: $5* Fee assistance available
• Registration Code: 50+SP-19
• Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 20 – Navigating Medicare Resources Online. In this lecture, you will learn how to find reputable information on websites such as ssa.gov/medicare, and medicare.gov. You will explore plans and member benefits on insurance websites, as well as compare different plans. You will also get useful tips in navigating Medicare.

• Day: Monday
• Date: Mar 16
• Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• Fee: $5* Fee assistance available
• Registration Code: 50+SP-20
• Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 21 – Setting up the Passwords App on iPhone – The Passwords app is a free, built-in password manager available on all Apple devices. You will learn how to view, update and sync your saved credentials. Please bring your iphone.

• Day: Wednesday
• Date: Mar 18
• Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• Fee: $5* Fee assistance available
• Registration Code: 50+SP-21
• Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 22 – Setting up a Password Manager on an Android Smartphone – Bitwarden is a password manager that can help generate and securely store usernames and passwords. In this workshop, we will cover how to create an account, add a new login credential, and use Bitwarden to log in.

• Day: Wednesday
• Date: Mar 25
• Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• Fee: $5* Fee assistance available
• Registration Code: 50+SP-22
• Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Summer classes

 

Session 1 – AI & Disinformation – This lecture will cover the Help and the Harm of AI, where disinformation circulates, and best practices for evaluating information and detecting AI.
Day: Mon

Date: Apr 13
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $5* Fee assistance available
Registration Code: 50+SPS-01
Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 2 - Gardening Tech at a Glance – Do you want to improve your green thumb or just make gardening easier? Technology may be the answer. Join us in this introductory lecture to learn about different types of gardening tech. We'll go over some popular apps and explain their common features that will help you with everything from designing your garden to identifying plants and caring for them.

 

 

Day: Wed 
Dates: Apr 15
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $5* Fee assistance available
Registration Code: 50+SPS-02
Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 3 – Antivirus and Malware Removal Programs at a Glance- In this lecture, you will learn about different types of malware, common myths, preventing and removing malware and helpful software.
Day: Mon
Date: April 20
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $5* Fee assistance available
Registration Code: 50+SPS-03
Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 4 – Affordable Home Internet – This lecture will go over connecting to the internet, types of connections, hotspots, and low-cost internet resources.
Day: Wed   Dates: April 22
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $5 *Fee assistance available
Registration Code: 50+SPS-04
Location - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 5 – Cloud Storage – What is cloud storage? This lecture will discuss cloud storage basics, the pros and cons of cloud storage, and comparing services.

Day: Mon

Date: Apr 27

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 05

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 6 – Outdoor Adventure Apps – This lecture will cover outdoor apps for hiking and camping, nature ID, fishing and hunting, as well as data and privacy.

Day: Mon

Date: May 4

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 06

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 7– Is that AI ? – This lecture will cover tips for identifying AI generated images, using google lens to learn about images, and tips for recognizing AI generated text.

Day: Wed

Date: May 6

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 07

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 8 – Technology for Aging in Place – Technology can help you around the house. They can allow you to set timers and reminders, call or drop in with family and friends, connect with household items, create schedules and order groceries.

Day: Mon

Date: May 11

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 08

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 9 – Website Builders at a Glance – This lecture will cover building your own website, getting started, different website builders, and security tips.

Day: Mon

Date: May 18

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 09

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

Session 10 – Google Maps – This lecture covers features and functions of Google Maps, where and when to use it, google maps for directions, and fun features of the app.

Day: Wed

Date: May 20

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 10

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 11 – Finding Community with Senior Planet Community – This workshop will cover Senior Planet’s free social engagement platform that is designed for older adults, is easy to use, and ad free. You will explore the different groups and learn how to interact with others in these groups.

Day: Monday

Date: Jun 1

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 11

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

Session 12 – Getting to Know your iPhone – This workshop will cover exploring and managing your home screen, touch screen, gestures, setting up a lock screen, and accessibility options.

Day: Wednesday

Date: Jun 3

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 12

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

Session 13 – Managing Privacy Settings on your iPhone – This workshop will introduce browser settings, using Safari’s private browsing mode, managing privacy settings, and clearing your browser history

Day:  Monday

Date: Jun 8

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Fee: $5 * Fee assistance available

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 13

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

Session 14 – Understanding Fraud and Scams – This lecture will discuss types of tech scams, tips for spotting scams, best practices for not getting scammed, sample scams, and what to do if you get scammed.

Day: Wed

Date: Jun 10

Fee: $5 *Fee assistance available

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 14

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

Session 15 – Using Fact Checking Sites – This workshop will identify types of fake news, review fact checking resources, view and analyze examples, and help you to understand social media and fake news.

Day: Mon

Date: Jun 15

Fee: $5 *Fee assistance available

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 15

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

 

 

Session 16 – Finding Info Online – This workshop will help you to choose strong search terms, review and filter results, recognize helpful website features, and learn to search by image.

Day: Mon

Date: Jul 6

Fee: $5 *Fee assistance available

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 16

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

 

Session 17 – Getting Started with the iPhone Health App – Mobile health apps come pre-installed on most smartphones. These apps help you to take better control of your health and fitness – which makes you a better advocate for yourself.

Day: Mon

Date: Jul 13

Fee: $5 *Fee assistance available

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 17

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

 

Session 18 – Using Google Calendar- This workshop will discuss the benefits of using google calendar, and overview of calendar basics, how to add and edit events, and creating a shared calendar for family and friends.

Day: Wed

Date: Jul 15

Fee: $5 *Fee assistance available

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 18

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

 

Session 19 – Exploring Senior Planet.org through AARP – With Senior Planet you can set up a free account. This account will allow you to watched on-demand instructional videos on tech, review recordings of past Senior Planet classes, view articles and quizzes, join virtual exercise classes, and much more.

Day: Mon

Date: Jul 20

Fee: $5 *Fee assistance available

Registration Code: 50+SPS – 19

Location: - Montrose Pavilion Senior Center

 

 

This is a free Education/Performance series with a jar for voluntary donations to help support Senior Center Activities. Donations are not required.  Call Liz at 970-252-4884 to reserve a seat. All ages are welcome to attend these presentations.

• Dates: Mondays
• Times: 1:00 pm (unless otherwise indicated)
• Location: Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Drive

Monday, March 23

Spring has Sprung – Preparing your Garden

Time to start planning for a successful garden. Get ready to start seeds indoors. Think about your garden layout, how much sun does your garden get. How healthy is the soil, should it be tested and what type of amendments/fertilizer should I use? Best watering practices and more. Handouts and drawings for gifts.

Presenter: Karen Swan

 

Monday, April 6 

Montrose Botanical Society

The Montrose Botanical Society provides horticultural education and leadership through the development of the Montrose Botanic Gardens. Board members from the Botanical Society will discuss their new project, which is coming soon – The Discovery Garden.

Presenter: Montrose Botanical Society Board of Directors

Monday, April 20 1 pm

Golden Connections: Future Planning with Local Professionals

Thinking ahead doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join us at the Senior Center for a relaxed and informative event where adults 55+ and their families can connect with a trusted medicare specialist, estate planning attorney, lender, and housing specialists to learn about important resources for the years ahead.  You'll discover how to better understand and review medicare options, ways to protect assets and prepare important documents, information about housing choices, downsizing and real estate options, as well as ways to unlock finances to help you enjoy life. 

Presenters: Brandy Campanella & Michelle Roberts with Lovemore Real Estate - featuring Portia Vigil with New American Funding, Nichole Suarez Medicare & Life Insurance Specialist, & Inga Johansson with High Country Handy Fam 65+ handyman/professional organizing services & Greg Remmenga, Attorney.

Monday, May 4 12:45 pm

One Lane Road Concert

 Sit back and enjoy the voice of Susan Ducept, who has taken her show on the road to many local venues. Her delightful music is a combination of country and classic rock. There is no doubt you will be tapping your toes and signing along.

Presenter: Susan Decept

 

Monday, May 11 1 pm

Africa’s Big 5

Mike Cavanaugh and his wife, Beth, traveled with friends to Africa in September of 2025. They visited South Africa and then spent time in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Mike will share stories and photos from this epic adventure ranging from: a remote wood carver's camp, an 89,000 acre game reserve, the vibrant city of Capetown, the Cape of Good Hope, the Zambezi River, and Victoria Falls. See Africa's "Big 5" without leaving Montrose! 

 

Presenter: Mike Cavanaugh

 

Monday, June 1 PM

Bureau of Land Management – Uncompahgre Field Office

The Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) manages nearly 680,000 acres of public land in BLM Colorado’s Southwest District, including four river systems- the Gunnison, San Miguel, Dolores, Uncompahgre – as well as over 910,000 sub-surface acres of federal minerals.

 

Presenter: Caroline Kilbane

 

Monday, June 8 1 PM

Whispering Winds

 Whispering Winds is a group of local flutists who have taken their passion of music to the next level! They will be performing a Spring Concert, with music to include classical favorites and other well-known tunes. Admission is free!

Presenter: Whispering Winds Musicians

 

 

Monday, June 22 1 pm

SNAP Benefits and Food Bank of the Rockies

The mission of Food Bank of the Rockies is to ignite the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. We provide food and necessities to people in need through signature programs and by teaming up with hundreds of Hunger Relief Partners to serve communities across Colorado and Wyoming, the largest food bank coverage area in the contiguous United States. We believe that for a community to thrive, every member must have the resources they need to flourish, and we strive to provide proper nourishment for every neighbor.

Presenter: Dean Madrid

 

Monday Jul 13 1 pm

Montrose Regional Hospital

Montrose Regional Health is a regional, acute hospital in Montrose, Colorado, in Montrose County. The hospital is a level III trauma center. It has 75 beds. The hospital serves patients in Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties in Colorado. 

Presenter: Jeff Mengenhausen – MRH CEO

 

Monday, July 20 1 pm

Golden Connections: Future Planning with Local Professionals

Thinking ahead doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join us at the Senior Center for a relaxed and informative event where adults 55+ and their families can connect with a trusted medicare specialist, estate planning attorney, lender, and housing specialists to learn about important resources for the years ahead.  You'll discover how to better understand and review medicare options, ways to protect assets and prepare important documents, information about housing choices, downsizing and real estate options, as well as ways to unlock finances to help you enjoy life. 

 

Presenters: Brandy Campanella & Michelle Roberts with Lovemore Real Estate - featuring Portia Vigil with New American Funding, Nichole Suarez Medicare & Life Insurance Specialist, & Inga Johansson with High Country Handy Fam 65+ handyman/professional organizing services & Greg Remmenga, Attorney.

 

Monday Aug 10 1 PM

Colorado Bureau of Investigations

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), established in 1967 and part of the Department of Public Safety, provides expert investigative, forensic, and data services to local, county, and state law enforcement agencies. Operating primarily "by request," the CBI handles complex cases, including homicides, cold cases, cybercrime, and human trafficking, while managing statewide criminal records and operating accredited labs.

Presenter: Kellen Hassenstab – Assistant Director

 The purpose of Newcomers & Neighbors is to help you learn more about your hometown and the area and to meet other newcomers and neighbors! Neighbors are former newcomers who enjoy the meetings and getting acquainted with new people.

• Meetings: First Wednesday monthly – September through May with a guest speaker from 10 – 11:30 am
• Location: Senior Center 1800 Pavilion Drive
• Field Trips - Third Wednesday monthly to areas of interest – 10:00 am followed by lunch
• Questions? Contact Char Proctor 970-417-4236

Bring your smartphone and your questions. This is a student-led discussion. We will discuss and experiment with a variety of features on your smartphone. We will schedule sessions around instructor, Marc Hitchcox’s availability.

• Call Liz at 970-252-4884 to register.
• Location: Senior Center
• Fee: free