Adult Leisure Programs

Make sure you check the Hays Recreation Commission website for any upcoming events that did not make the program guide. Updates will be made weekly at the Deadline Wednesday Gazette E-mail newsletter as well. If you have any questions on activities going on or would like to see an activity, please contact Haley Nixon, Program Director at 785-623-2650 or haley@haysrec.org.

REFUND POLICY
Your satisfaction is important to us. Due to program costs, including instructors and supplies, and to help maintain our minimum numbers, we ask for your cooperation when requesting a refund or credit. Our policy is to provide a full refund or credit, your choice, to anyone who cancels by the deadline. Anything after the deadline will not receive a refund/credit unless your spot can be filled.

SHARE YOUR TALENTS
If you are interested in sharing a skill or talent with others, give us a call. We are always looking for new activities, and we need instructors for them. The pay is competitive, and it is a great way to meet and help people. Call us today for more information on
how you can be a part of sharing your talent with others.

Ongoing Programs

PUPPY COURSE: FUR-EVER FRIENDS
This class is for puppies ages 10 weeks to 6 months. The Handler must provide a copy of the first round of shots. There must be at least one handler per dog. In this class, the puppies will learn socialization and a few of the basic obedience commands. In week 4 of the class, the puppy will have fun with agility obstacles and will also receive a diploma.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: September 16
Session 2: October 28
Session 3: January 6
Session 4: February 24
Entry Fee: $50.00
Held on:
Session 1: Mondays - Sept. 21 – Oct. 12
Session 2: Mondays – Nov. 2 - 23
Session 3: Mondays – Jan. 11 – Feb. 1
Session 4: Mondays - March 1 – 22
Times: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 8
Instructor: Raina Alm,
Certified Dog Trainer

BASIC DOG OBEDIENCE COURSE:
FUR-EVER FRIENDS
This obedience class is for dogs 6 months and older, with proof of rabies and Bordetella vaccinations required. Handlers will learn how to train their dogs in basic commands such as sit, down, stay, leave it, and proper leash walking. A head collar or pinch collar with a 6–8 foot nylon leash is preferred (no choke chains or Flexi-leashes). The 6-week course ends with fun agility obstacles and a diploma, and if needed, handlers may retake the class at half price.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: September 16
Session 2: October 28
Session 3: January 6
Session 4: February 24
Entry Fee: $75.00
Held on:
Session 1: Mondays - Sept. 21 – Oct. 26
Session 2: Mondays – Nov. 2 – Dec. 7
Session 3: Mondays – Jan. 11 – Feb. 15
Session 4: Mondays - March 1 – April 5
Times: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 8
Instructor: Raina Alm,
Certified Dog Trainer

DOGGY PLAY DAY
Are you ready for your dog to get rid of some of that extra energy? Now offering doggy play day for dogs of any age that have proof of a rabies vaccine and have no reactive behaviors towards dogs or people. This will be a safe and controlled environment for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Requirements: proof of rabies vaccine, and a 6-8 foot leash. These will occur on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month - (Same day deadlines, we would prefer you register ahead of time, but you can also “drop in” and pay with cash or check only.)
Entry Deadline: 5 p.m. Day of Class
Entry Fee: $5.00 per session
Held on: Wednesdays
Session 1: September 16
Session 2: October 7
Session 3: October 21
Session 4: November 4
Session 5: November 18
Session 6: December 2
Session 7: December 16
Session 8: January 6
Session 9: January 20
Session 10: February 3
Session 11: February 17
Session 12: March 3
Session 13: March 17
Session 14: April 7
Times: 7:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Instructor: Raina Alm,
Certified Dog Trainer

BEGINNING KNITTING
Yarn, Needles, Cast! People of all ages love to knit; it is relaxing once you get the hang of it, so come learn the basics while making a dishcloth. You will need to bring: 14-inch knitting needles and one skein of acrylic yarn to class.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: September 30
Session 2: January 27
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on:
Session 1: Tuesdays – October 6 & 13
Session 2: Wednesdays – February 3 & 10
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

THE MOST COMPLETE T-SHIRT
QUILTING CLASS
As a class, we will make a finished t-shirt quilt top in a style I have used professionally for 8 years. To be inclusive, you will also learn 6 different styles of t-shirt quilting from start to finish. Your class registration includes printed handouts, a Teflon sheet, access to samples with many different options to see what fits best for you, all the practice shirts you’ll need, helpful goodies, lifetime access to my online video library and group, information on the business of commissioned quilting, and one on one/group question and answer sessions so as you are completing your own quilt you have support. A supply list, quilt theme choices, and some pre-class videos will be sent after registration.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: September 30
Session 2: January 20
Session 3: March 3
Entry Fee: $80.00
Held on: Session 1: Saturday, October 3
Session 2: Saturday, January 23
Session 3: Saturday, March 6
Times: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(with break for lunch)
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 10
Instructor: Amanda Zerr

SOUND BATH: WORKWEEK WIND DOWN
Immerse yourself in a rejuvenating sound bath to reset your body and mind from the week’s work and responsibilities. Take this time for yourself to relax and listen as the vibrations melt your stress away. Please bring a blanket and/or a pillow and your water to stay hydrated. Yoga mats are provided.
Entry Deadline: Wed. prior to event
Entry Fee: $20.00 per session
Held on: Session 1: Friday, October 9
Session 2: Friday, November 6
Session 3: Friday, December 4
Session 4: Friday, January 15
Session 5: Friday, February 5
Session 6: Friday, March 5
Time: 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Fitness Center – Studio 2
Limitations: Min. 4 Max. 12
Instructor: Whitney Gerstner

SATURDAY SOOTHING SOUND BATH
Start your Saturday off with a relaxing sound bath to energize your body and mind for a great weekend ahead. This sound bath is designed to calm the mind and release tension from the body. Please bring a blanket and/or a pillow and your water to stay hydrated. Yoga mats are provided.
Entry Deadline: Wed. prior to event
Entry Fee: $20.00 per session
Held on: Session 1: Saturday, October 10
Session 2: Saturday, November 7
Session 3: Saturday, December 5
Session 4: Saturday, January 16
Session 5: Saturday, February 6
Session 6: Saturday, March 6
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Fitness Center – Studio 2
Limitations: Min. 4 Max. 12
Instructor: Whitney Gerstner

BEGINNING QUILTING
Let’s learn to Quilt! You will learn the tips and tricks with the how’s and why’s of quilting and receive a valuable set of handouts and book/pattern recommendations. I will talk a little about the history, the scope of today’s quilting, and color/design tools for picking out fabrics. A sewing machine and basic sewing knowledge is required. A supply list and some pre-class videos will be sent after registration.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: October 14
Session 2: November 18
Session 3: January 13
Session 4: February 17
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on: Session 1: Tuesday, October 20
Session 2: Saturday, November 21
Session 3: Saturday, January 16
Session 4: Saturday, February 20
Times: Session 1: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Session 2, 4: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 3: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 10
Instructor: Amanda Zerr

SALSA DANCE WORKSHOPS
In these workshops you will learn about Salsa dance and its cultural context, basic Salsa steps and turns, and fun choreography.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: October 14
Session 2: November 11
Entry Fee: $60.00 per session
(If signing up for 2 workshops, a
discount will be applied, making it
$45.00 per workshop)
Held on: Session 1: Friday, October 16
Session 2: Friday, November 13
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 14 & older
Location: Fitness Center – Studio
Instructor: Chita Espino-Bravo
(Spanish Professor at FHSU)

BROW MAGIC 101:
SHAPE, DEFINE & PERFECT
Learn how to enhance your natural beauty with brows that flatter your unique face! In this hands-on class led by permanent makeup artist and brow expert Suzanna Paneno, you’ll learn how to map, shape, and fill in your eyebrows using your current makeup products. Discover how your bone structure, hair growth pattern, and personal style can all work together to create a brow look that’s youthful, polished, and perfectly YOU. Please bring your own brow products and tools (pencil, powder, gel, brushes, etc.)—I’ll also have a small goodie bag waiting just for you!
Entry Deadline: Session 1: October 21
Session 2: January 27
Entry Fee: $15.00
Held on: Session 1: Thursday, October 22
Session 2: Thursday, January 28
*Each date has two time options
you can choose from.
Time: Session 1A: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Session 1B: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Session 2A: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Session 2B: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 2 Max. 6
Instructor: Suzanna Paneno

TATTING
Get registered today and learn the lost art of Tatting. You will learn the basics of how to make rings, joining, and chains. You will learn how to make a snowflake and an edging. As part of the fee, each participant will receive a shuttle. You will need to bring size 10 thread.
Entry Deadline: November 4
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on: Tuesdays – November 10 & 17
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

CANVAS PAINTING CLASS
Join us at The Niche for a step-by-step canvas painting experience. An instructor will lead the group through a painting project on canvas using acrylic paint. Painters will learn several acrylic techniques and can choose their color palette. 11x14 canvas – special HRC pricing!
Entry Deadline: Session 1: November 4
Session 2: January 6
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on:
Session 1: Wednesday, November 11
Session 2: Wednesday, January 13
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: The Niche Studio
707 Main St.
Limitations: Min. 4 Max. 20
Instructor: Emily Weigel (Owner)

HANDS-ON SOURDOUGH
This hands-on sourdough class is designed to teach you the full process from start to finish in a clear, step-by-step way. You’ll learn how to mix dough properly, perform stretch and folds, recognize when fermentation is just right, and shape a loaf with confidence. Everyone will work through each stage together and leave with a fully shaped sourdough loaf ready to bake at home. Please note it will take an additional 2-4 hours at home to finish rising. Please bring a bag of “bread flour”, a glass bowl, a quart-size jar with a lid, and a kitchen scale if you have one. Along with the class, you’ll receive my sourdough recipe, practical tips that actually matter, access to my VIP sourdough community for continued support, and a digital resource guide to help you succeed beyond class day.
Entry Deadline: November 11
Entry Fee: $40.00
Held on: Saturday, November 14
Time: 8:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 25
Instructor: Suzanna Paneno

MEMORY QUILTING
Learn how to use any type of clothing or fabric in quilting. We will go through the many ways to make clothing, hats, ribbons, handkerchiefs, crown royal bags, etc. into quiltable fabrics. I will have examples. Whether you want to recycle fabrics or create a memory quilt, pillow, animal, etc. you will learn to think like an engineer to make everything usable. I will supply practice pieces for some of the most common pieces and continued support with lifetime access to my video library and one on one/group question and answer sessions. No sewing machine is required for this class but basic sewing and quilting knowledge is required. A supply list and some pre-class videos will be sent after registration.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: November 18
Session 2: February 17
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on:
Session 1: Saturday, November 21
Session 2: Saturday, February 20
Times: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 12 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 10
Instructor: Amanda Zerr

THE UGLY SWEATER CLASSIC
FUN RUN/WALK
(Online Registration under
Adult Wellness and/or Races)
Join us for a refreshing 1-mile or 5k walk/run. Whether you’re solo or with family and friends, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Wear your favorite sweater, or your ugly sweater shirt to make things more festive. Cross the finish line and warm up with delicious hot chocolate and special cookie treats.
Entry Deadline: December 16
Entry Fee: $5.00 for hot cocoa & treats
$10.00 for T-shirt, hot cocoa, & treats
Held on: Saturday, December 19
Times: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ages: Everyone
Location: Leisure Center

ADVANCED KNITTING
Get ready to put your knitting skills into turbo mode! In our next class, you’ll be unraveling the mystery behind patterns and knitting cozy slippers like a pro. Don’t forget to bring Size 8 knitting needles and grab one skein of acrylic yarn before heading out the door. Let’s get those needles clickin’! (Pre-requisite for this course, you must have taken our entry-level Knitting Class.)
Entry Deadline: January 6
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Tuesday, January 12 & 19
Times: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

PUZZLE SHOWDOWN AND SWAP
Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere while you race against the clock and other teams for the ultimate puzzling bragging rights. Form a team of two or four to work together on a puzzle provided for you. You will have 1½ hours to complete or see who can get the most finished before the time is up. Snacks will be provided to keep your brain fueled and your energy high. Bring in your puzzles for a swap at the end. (Look into our kids night out program happening the same night!)
Entry Deadline: Session 1: January 13
Session 2: March 3
Entry Fee: $15.00 a team
Held on: Session 1: Friday, January 15
Session 2: March 5
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room

JOTA ROM ARAGON (SPAIN)WORKSHOP
In these workshops you will learn about the Jota from Aragon (folkloric dance from Spain), and its cultural context, basic Jota steps and jumps, and a fun choreography.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: January 20
Session 2: February 24
Entry Fee: $60.00 per session
(If signing up for 2 workshops, a
discount will be applied making
it $45.00 perworkshop)
Held on: Session 1: Friday, January 22
Session 2: Friday, February 26
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 14 & older
Location: Fitness Center – Studio 1
Instructor: Chita Espino-Bravo
(Spanish Professor at FHSU)

SOURDOUGH EDUCATION
& STARTER BASICS
Join us for a hands-on sourdough class where you’ll enjoy a fresh piece of sourdough bread (or a discard treat!) and take home your own live sourdough starter. You’ll learn everything you need to keep it thriving! We’ll feed and prep your starter in class, and you’ll discover the secrets of sourdough maintenance, hibernation, discard use, and more. You’ll also receive an exclusive Canva guide with my go-to recipe, favorite products, and expert tips—plus access to my VIP sourdough community for ongoing support. Please bring a QUART sized glass jar with a lid to take your starter home. Leave with a bubbly new starter and the confidence to bake at home!
Entry Deadline: Session 1: February 17
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on: Thursday, February 25
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Instructor: Suzanna Paneno

HAND EMBROIDERY
Explore the beauty and versatility of hand needlework. Learn a variety of techniques and be exposed to a unique skill. You will have the opportunity to create your own work of art! You will need to bring a 4-inch embroidery hoop to class.
Entry Deadline: February 24
Entry Fee: $35.00
Held on: Tuesday, March 2 & 9
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

MEXICAN FOLKLORIC DANCE WORKSHOP
In these workshops you will learn about the folkloric dances from Jalisco (Mexico), and it cultural context, basic Jalisco steps with skirt movements, and a fun choreography. You will need a long full 360-degree circle (or even a double circle) long skirt, or similar.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: March 10
Session 2: April 7
Entry Fee: $60.00 per session
(If signing up for 2 workshops, a
discount will be applied, making
it $45.00 per workshop)
Held on: Session 1: Friday, March 12
Session 2: Friday, April 9
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 14 & older
Location: Fitness Center – Studio 1
Instructor: Chita Espino-Bravo
(Spanish Professor at FHSU)

DOGGIE DAY EGG HUNT
Unleash the fun at our Doggie Day Egg Hunt! Let your furry friend sniff out eggs filled with tasty dog treats. Once they nose out an egg, it goes into their basket for a special surprise later. Remember, each dog must be on a leash, and cleanup is a must. Don’t forget to pre-register and ensure your pup’s vaccinations are up-to-date. It’s a wag-tastic day of hunting and treats!
Entry Deadline: March 17
Entry Fee: $1.00
Held on: Sunday, March 21
Time: 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Ages: All Ages
Location: Bickle-Schmidt
Sports Complex

KANSAS HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS –
SPRING SESSION
Kansas Hunter Education teaches new hunters to be ethical, safe, and knowledgeable. The course consists of subjects covering hunter responsibility, ethics, fair chase, history of firearms, firearms basics, ammunition, basic gun safety, field safety, bow hunting, conservation, wildlife management, wildlife of Kansas, outdoor emergencies, Kansas hunting regulations, and boating safety for hunters. The traditional hunter education course is organized and conducted by volunteer instructors. Students MUST turn 11 by the last day of class to receive their Hunter Education Card. All parents are welcome to attend classes with their children. Students are REQUIRED to attend both days.
Entry Deadline: March 24
Entry Fee: $5.00 per person
Held on:
Friday AND Saturday – March 26 & 27
Times: Friday – 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. AND
Saturday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 & older as of the
last day of class
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 25