55 and better

The Elsie Stuhr Center

The Elsie Stuhr Center (ESC) is the district’s only recreation center specifically dedicated to providing recreation, activities and social enrichment for adults 55 years and better. We offer general interest classes, trips and tours, drop-in activities, fitness, special events, socialization and support groups. Free fitness testing is available.

Wellness On Wheels (WOW)

Our purpose is to bring fitness programming to our 55 and better community members. Our Wellness on Wheels (WOW) van is fully equipped with equipment, and health and wellness information, and a certified instructor. We provide safe, appropriate instruction and test participants to measure their progress.

For more details on this program please click here.

Monthly Newsletter

The Sentinel is a monthly publication from the ESC. It outlines activities, events and updates. It can be mailed, picked up at the center or emailed to patrons.

Stuhr Center Fitness Room

A spacious well-equipped fitness room designed for adults 55 and better. A tour with one of our fitness specialists provides a personalized workout program to improve endurance, strength and balance.

Fitness Classes

A variety of fitness classes are available year round at the Elsie Stuhr Center. Options include Aerobic TBW, Ageless Conditioning, Yoga, Balance Basics, TBW Chair and Balance, Tai Chi, Zumba Gold, and much more! The activity schedulle is found here.

SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit and RenewActive

THPRD partners with three preventive care programs to provide our 55 and better community with access to recreational facilities. Members may participate in drop-in activities without an instructor at any open THPRD facility, including open swim, lap swim, and cardio/weight rooms.

To find out more, or see if you are elegible, please click here.

Drive In Bingo

Thanks to a grant award from Washington County, as part of the federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, we had many safe activities throughout the district, including three drive in Bingo in the Elsie Stuhr Center. A Traditional Bingo game played from patron’s cars. The game is called into each car via FM transmitter. Players signal a BINGO by honking their horn and waving their winning card out the window. Volunteers and staff had prizes at hand for each winner. One of the events was bilingual (English and Spanish).

Compassionate Friends

Part of the Free Health & Wellness Support Groups. Offered to parents who have experienced the death of one or more of their children meet monthly to give and receive support and help through sharing.

Free Income Tax Assistance Program

The American Association of Retired Persons AARP prepares and files taxes for seniors.

Cabaret Vocal Ensemble

This group works on song from different cultures and the activity is focused on brain fitness. The ensemble holds rehearsals at the Stuhr Center and have scheduled performances at the center as well as senior living facilities in the community.

Stuhr Book Club

A free meet-up group and facilitated by Stuhr Center staff.

Pre-Diabetes / Diabetes Support Groups

Part of the Free Health & Wellness Support Groups. A peer-to-peer education and support group focused on pre-diabetes and diabetes. We share experiences, learn, encourage, ask questions, or just listen.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Workshop

In support of all people to age well, the Alzheimer’s Association offers the Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body workshop, covering four areas of lifestyle habits that are associated with healthy aging. It includes information from the latest research.

Spring Par-Tea

The best way to celebrate Springtime, the ESC throws a “par-tea”. Patrons are encouraged to dress in Spring colors and enjoy an afternoon of great music, fun, activities, delicious treats, and of course, tea.

REVIVE – Exercise Recovery Program

For patrons recovering from an illness or medical treatment. It supports in regaining strength and creates optimal health with this individualized and targeted exercise program.

Gallery Art Walk

A guided afternoon art walk to Portland’s most established art galleries with our fine arts instructor.

Lunch at the Elsie Stuhr Center

Monday through Friday Beaverton Meals on Wheels is the meal provider at the ESC.

Active Aging Week

A free event to encourage participants to explore many possibilities. Whether it’s Pilates, balance basics, or strength training.

Newcomer information sessions

Newcomers are invited to bring questions and find out more about the variety of classes available. We have a weight room, drop-in fitness activities, day trips, extended group travel programs, and much more. It is a great way to meet new friends and explore what the ESC has to offer.

Brain Fitness, Life Skills

Experience mental exercise with a dash of rhythm and music to make it fun. This program helps improve memory, executive processing and problem solving. We cover the latest research in neurogenesis and plasticity.

Drop-in Social Dance

Up to 2019 the ESC hosted a social dance every Thursday in the Manzanita Room.

Circle of Friends

Part of the Free Health & Wellness Support Groups. This group provides a safe and secure social time to meet and share joys and challenges.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day

During the month of May, there are a series of nationwide health and fitness activities that celebrate and support individuals that are 55 and better. During this month, the ESC hosts events that provide an opportunity to meet ESC fitness instructors and learn about the Health & Wellness Program.

Family Fitness Day

On June 8 Family Fitness Day is celebrated nationwide. The ESC offers different Spry & Wise activities.

Health & Wellness Coaching

Offered to patrons interested in exploring their own health & wellness and wish to work towards making lifestyle changes to help improve their overall wellbeing. Each class focuses on a different wellness topic.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Part of the Free Health & Wellness Support Groups. Spouses, caregivers, family and friends of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia meet monthly. Members provide support and there are featured guest speakers.

Other classes and activities of general interest:

A series of classes and activities are offered year-round at the ESC, such as: computer skills, signing, photography, social media, smartphones and tablets, knitting, cuisine, book clubs, mind mapping, mahjong, history, literature, piano, ukulele, drums, Spanish, and more.

Other special events and activities include:

• Free Monthly Blood Pressure Clinic
• Valentines celebration
• Senior Prom
• Country Tavern & Barn Quilt Tour
• St. Patrick’s Day celebration
• Whale watching tour at Depoe Bay
• Cinco de Mayo lunch
• Stuhr Dinner Club
• Extended trips in the US, Ireland, Portugal and more.
• Alberta Arts District outing
• And much more.

For more information about activities and events for 55 and better patrons call us at 503-629-6342.