50 and Better Program

The 50 and Better program offers vibrant seniors a variety of hobby and social clubs at the Firstenburg and Marshall/Luepke community centers. You don’t need to be a community center member to participate—everyone is welcome! Club activities rotate throughout the year and have a per-session fee of $3 for Vancouver residents and $4 for non-residents.

Firstenburg Community Center
Seniors can drop by the Trapedero Room for coffee, conversation, books, puzzles and more at no cost, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the schedule for information about current clubs at Firstenburg.

History of the Trapedero Room
The Trapedero Club was originally a social club for teenagers in Clark County, Washington, starting in the mid-1940s. The club was a key part of the Parks & Recreation department. When the Firstenburg Community Center was built in 2006, the 50 and Better room was named “The Trapedero II” in honor of the club’s legacy and the original teens from the club, who were now enjoying their golden years.

Luepke Center
The Luepke Center is connected to the Marshall Community Center. Luepke Center is open Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a wide range of activities for seniors. Check the schedule for information about current clubs at Luepke Center.

As people age, they lose muscle. Strength training is the best way to slow down the process of muscle loss, to help you stay strong and active. Firstenburg and Marshall community centers offer a wide variety of group exercise classes, including some that are specially designed for seniors. Both community centers also offer pools and fitness centers with weight rooms for individual exercise.

You need a monthly membership to use the community centers, or you can pay a daily drop-in fee for occasional use. Membership fees are based on location. People who live within Vancouver city limits pay a lower fee than those who live outside the city limits.

Adult Fees (resident/non-resident)

• Firstenburg Membership: $41/$51
• Marshall Membership: $39/$49
• All Access Membership: $45/$56
• Firstenburg Drop-In Fee: $11/$14
• Marshall Drop-In Fee: $10/$13

Senior Fees for ages 65+ (resident/non-resident)

• Firstenburg Senior Membership: $34/$43
• Marshall Senior Membership: $32/$40
• All Access Senior Membership: $37/$47
• Firstenburg Senior Drop-In Fee: $8/$10
• Marshall Senior Drop-In Fee: $7/$9

Insurance based memberships are available for some Medicare recipients. Both community centers participate in the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, Silver&Fit® and the Renew Active/One Pass Fitness Program. If you are eligible for Medicare, you may qualify for a free monthly pass. Call 360-487-7038 to learn more about these insurance-based programs.

Personal Training
Our Certified Personal Trainers will motivate you to improve your overall health and maximize your fitness level. We offer one-on-one instruction that will help you meet your exercise goals. Appointments start on time and expire one year from date of purchase. Sessions are non-refundable and non-transferable. You must cancel any Personal Training appointment at least 24 hours in advance or you will lose credit for that session.

To learn more about personal training, please call 360-487-7092 or talk to the front desk staff at your community center.

Connect with friends and have fun staying active at our afternoon dances. Dances feature live music and light refreshments. They are held on the second Friday of the month, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The location rotates between Firstenburg and Marshall/Luepke community centers.

Afternoon dances are sponsored by Mortgage Express and others. Email us to learn more about becoming a sponsor.

Recreation classes provide a fun, healthy environment where people can learn, connect and grow through community education. Classes and activities change throughout the year and include watercolor painting, writing, ukulele instruction, pottery and rock climbing.

The full list of recreation classes for all ages is available on our registration site.

The Forever Young Hiking program offers hiking experiences with ratings from easy to expert. All hikes are led by a trained hiking volunteer and meet at trailheads throughout the region, transportation is not provided.

• Monday Hikes: All Monday hikes are rated “easy” and range from 3-8+ miles with elevation gains from flat to 1,000 feet.
• Tuesday Hikes: Tuesday hikes may be rated “moderate” or “difficult.” Moderate hikes are 4-6 miles with an elevation gain of up to 1500+ feet. Difficult hikes are 6-8 miles with an elevation gain of up to 2500+ feet.

Before You Register
You must complete a hike orientation and qualifier hike before you can register for Forever Young Hikes. The orientation includes one hour of classroom time and a 90-minute “easy” hike at a 20-minute mile pace. Hikers must complete at least one hike per year to keep their qualifying hike approval current. If a hiker has not registered and completed at least one hike per year, they must requalify by attending another hike orientation and qualifying hike.

Club Volunteer Opportunities
Share your talents, hobbies and interests with others by leading a club. If you don’t see a club that fits your interests, submit a proposal to start a new club.

• Become a 50 and Better Club Volunteer
• 50 and Better New Club Proposal Form

Hike Volunteer Opportunities
Share your love of the outdoors as you help plan and lead hikes with other Forever Young Hike volunteers.

• Become a Forever Young Hike Volunteer

We partner with Meals on Wheels People to serve hot meals at the Luepke Center (1009 E McLoughlin Blvd.) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m.

Other Meal Sites

• Tuesdays: Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St., Ridgefield | 360-699-6325
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: Washougal Community Center, 1681 C St., Washougal | 360-210-5666
• Wednesdays: Amboy Mt. Valley Grange, 40107 N.E. 221st Ave., Amboy | 360-699-6325
• Thursdays: La Center Community Center, 1000 E. 4th St., La Center | 360-699-6325

Request Meal Delivery
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You must be at least 60 years old or turning 60 within the next six months to request meal delivery. To request meal delivery, complete the online form or call 866-788-6325.