Adult & 55 + Programs
We know that staying active and socially engaged is an important part of maintaining good health. In addition to our adult sports leagues, we have a wonderful selection of classes to keep you busy. Below are some of the classes that we offer year round, but are not all inclusive of the activities we may have in our schedule. We offer special classes at different times of the year and encourage you to browse our Activity Guide for a full list of our current class offerings.
Looking for FITNESS CLASSES? Looking for ADULT SPORTS?
Visit our SENIOR CENTER page for more activities for 55+.
BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn to Take More Than a Snapshot. The class is designed and taught by professional photographer Lisa Duncan, and will help you dramatically improve your photographs. Lisa will take you on an explorations of the fundamentals of photography, including camera settings, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, lighting basics, and composition. Any type of camera is acceptable. Those with iPhones/Smartphones and or/cameras without the ability to shoot in modes may not be able to manipulate their photos as much, but will still learn a lot!
Lisa has been photographing professionally for over 15 years. She has won many awards and has held the title of Certified Professional Photographer by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) from 2006-2011 and is a certified PPA judge. She is currently a wedding photographer and also does family portraits, business headshots, architecture, landscapes, photopill planner, and much more. Her website is LisaDuncanPhotography.com
Dates: April 20-May 11
Times: 6pm-7:30pm
Location: Benicia Community Center
Instructor: Lisa Duncan (lisaduncanphotography.com)
Fees: $75 res/$94 non-res
Register: ONLINE or at the Benicia Community Center
WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning can be crucial. Everyone needs this information for themselves, their parents, and their children. This class covers wills, living trusts, joint tenancies and tax planning. Learn how to avoid estate taxes and probate fees. See how new tax laws may require crucial changes or updates to your existing estate planning documents. This instructor is an experienced attorney and college professor.
Dates: Wednesday, April 14 or May 19
Times: 7pm - 8:30pm
Location: Benicia Community Center
Instructor: Randall Thompson
Register: ONLINE or at Benicia Community Center
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, we are not currently offering, or scheduling any of the programs/classes below:
ADAPTED ADULT SPORTS & WARM-UP EXERCISE
Join Staff in this exercise and adapted sport program for adults with developmental disabilities. Class Starts with a basic warm-up and then a sport adapted to the needs of the participants. Classes do not have staff to monitor or control behavior. If participant needs assistance, please have them bring a caregiver.
Ages: 18 & up
Dates: Mondays 10:30am - 11:30am
Cost: $25.00 coupon book, good for 10 classes (purchase coupon book at Community Center, 370 East L Street)
Location: City Gym, 180 East L Street
Instructor: Denise Larkin
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA JUDO CLUB
Classes focus on sound basic judo principles. We stress proper etiquette, good sportsmanship, respect for others, and humility. Students will learn the basic forward and backward throws, foot techniques, pins and submissions. The class emphasis is building skillful judo techniques while improving the physical and mental aspects of the student. We strive for the growth of personal character, increased self-confidence, self-discipline and enhanced sportsmanship. The physical training aspect of the judo program improves strength, coordination, balance, speed, agility and endurance. This can be applied in competition and in everyday life. For more information visit www.norcaljudo.com
Ages: 5 & over
Dates:
Intermediate: Mondays/Wednesdays -- 6:00pm-7:15pm
Advanced: Mondays/Wednesdays -- 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Clock Tower, 1189 Washington St.
Instructor: Northern California Judo Club
DAY HIKERS
The Benicia Parks and Community Services Department sponsors Saturday hikes twice a month (weather permitting). The fee for each hike is $3 collected by the trip leader. You may also pay for the year: $10 res/ $12 non-res. For more information check our Web site www.groups.yahoo.com/group/wrchike .
Meeting Location: Meet in the parking lot to the right of the Benicia School District Offices on 350 East K. We meet Saturdays (schedule below) and carpool to share the cost of parking fees & bridge tolls, and to SPARE THE AIR.
Trip Information: Always have lunch water, wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers. Bring rain gear during “rainy” season. “Real Rain” cancels the trip, but showers or light rain may allow the hike to take place if you are prepared. Trips and hikes vary from easy to difficult. Dogs are not allowed.
Trip Leader: Suzanne Elias is the volunteer Trip Leader for most hikes. For hike conditions or other information about a specific hike contact Suzanne at suzanne_elias@yahoo.com.
2020 Hikes:
- Currently on hold.
ADULT BEGINNING SEWING
Discover the fun and creativity of sewing. This is the perfect class for beginners and those with some sewing experience. Learn basic hand and machine sewing techniques through projects you can make and take home. Techniques include seam finishes, installing a zipper, sewing a project from a pattern and re-purposing an old favorite clothing item into something new. Students will apply the basic sewing techniques to their class projects. Projects are selected by student interest and may include pillows, aprons, pajama bottoms, handbags, pet accessories, or redesigning an old garment into something new.
Age: Adults
Dates: Tuesdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Arts & Crafts Room - Community Center
Instructor: Loa Kirkbridge
Material Fee: $5 paid to instructor
LET’S PLAY BRIDGE! CLUB
Looking for a good game of Bridge? Our Wednesday night club is a great place to make new Bridge friends and play a fun game of “low pressure” Duplicate Bridge. Snacks, prizes, and special theme party nights add up to a fun night out! If your game is “rusty”, we’ll help you update and improve! If you’ve never played Duplicate, we’ll show you how! If you’ve never played Bridge at all, we have beginner lessons!
You don’t need a partner, all ages are welcome and we offer ongoing lessons. Come try us out—Your first night is FREE! For more information about Club or Beginner / Intermediate lessons contact: Gretchen Filer, Instructor; 745-5581 or filerjohnson@gmail.com
Ages: Teens – Adults
Dates: Wednesdays 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Senior Center, 1201 East 2nd Street
Instructor: Gretchen Filer
RETIREMENT AND MONEY RELATED CLASSES --
Ages: Adult
Location: Community Center
Instructor: Christopher Manzi
- RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Dates offered: - INTRODUCTION TO ANNUITIES
Time: 6:30pm - 8pm
Dates offered: - WOMEN & MONEY
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Dates offered:
REAL ESTATE RELATED CLASSES --
Ages: Adult
Location: Community Center
Instructor: Simone St. Clare
- SELL YOUR HOME FOR TOP DOLLAR
Time: 6:30pm - 8pm
Dates Offered: - HOW TO BUY AND FINANCE YOUR DREAM HOME
Time: 6:30pm - 8pm
Dates Offered:)
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
Increase your vocabulary, improve your conversational English, and learn more about Rapid English. Study more advance level reading, writing and grammar. Writing exercises may include subjects such as food memories or how we met stories. Classroom conversation are a part of every class and may include topics such as current events, health issues and much more
Ages: Teen & Adult
Dates: Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Community Center
Instructor: Loa Kirkbridge
DRAWING AND ART CLASSES --
Ages: Adult
Dates: Wednesdays 6pm - 8pm
Location: Community Center
- REALISTIC DRAWING - LEVEL 1
Dates offered:
Instructor: Jonathan Gonzales - REALISTIC DRAWING - LEVEL 2
Dates offered:
Instructor: Jonathan Gonzales