Cowles Active Learning Program
Get ready to participate in interactive and innovative experiences that connect you with a community of like-minded, intellectually curious peers.
Exploring, Creating, and Connecting
The Cowles Active Learning Program presents a dynamic array of activities designed to spark creativity, promote learning, and cultivate meaningful connections. From immersive travel experiences to hands-on artistic workshops, this diverse collection provides enriching opportunities to explore and grow.
Exciting new offerings are on the horizon, including thought-provoking speakers, writing workshops, storytelling sessions, and captivating live performances. Stay tuned for more!
Our Offerings
Livingstreaming Travel Tours
Explore the world without leaving Marin! Vivalon has partnered with Wowzitude to offer virtual, interactive travel experiences designed for the culturally curious. No passport, no plane ticket, no luggage required—just your sense of adventure!
Join us at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus for these exclusive tours, where expert guides lead live, walking explorations of iconic sites, events, and hidden gems from cities around the globe. Offered exclusively in Marin County, this one-of-a-kind experience lets you connect, learn, and “travel” the world—all from the comfort of your local community.
A Holiday Gift to You: December Tours are FREE!
Details coming soon!
Experience the magic of St. Nicholas Day with a live-stream holiday tour of Ljubjana, Slovenia! Stroll through the festive streets adorned with twinkling lights, vibrant decorations, and the warm glow of holiday cheer. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, you’ll hear enchanting tales of St. Nicholas, the beloved figure who brings joy to children and families and learn about the rich traditions that make this holiday so special in Slovenian culture. Explore the city’s seasonal markets filled with handcrafted treasures and aromatic treats, as the sound of carolers and the scent of mulled wine fill the air. This immersive tour captures the wonder of Ljubljana’s transformation into a winter wonderland, blending history, culture, and the joy of the holiday season. Perfect for embracing festive spirit from anywhere in the world!
Details coming soon!
Details coming soon!
Join our live-streamed virtual walking
tour of the Vienna Christmas Markets. The
Christmas markets in Vienna truly are an age old
tradition. The forerunners of the present day
events date back to the Middle Ages, when
in 1296 Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens
the privilege of holding a December Market or
“Krippenmarkt.” Since then, the character and
prevalence of these markets has changed
considerably. Nowadays, over 20 official
Advent markets sell a vast array of seasonal
gifts and mouth-watering treats.
While on the tour you’ll be able to see a
fullscreen video of your guide and their
surroundings – and interact with them and
other travelers!
Admire the rich art and tradition of Assisi on this
virtual walking tour. During the Christmas season, Assisi comes alive with holiday spirit. The town puts on an extensive Nativity display, with lifesized figures and animals populating the streets and churches. One of the most popular is the live reenactment at the Convent of San Francesco, where Franciscan friars dress in period costumes.
The Basilica of San Francesco also holds an evening Christmas concert of ancient music. Don’t miss the Christmas markets in the main piazza, where you can browse local crafts, gifts, food, and wine. Experience the magic of an Italian Christmas in this historic Umbrian hill town.
Details coming soon!
Details coming soon!
Details coming soon!
Tours are offered as a monthly package. Each package includes the following:
- Live tours hosted at Vivalon every Tuesday. Thursday tours are offered at the Healthy Aging Campus in December only!
- Recording of Tuesday tours as well as additional tours on Thursdays that can be viewed at home at your convenience.
- Trip Kits for every tour that feature information on each destination.
Monthly Package Cost: FREE in December! (Regularly priced $10 for members, and $15 for non-members)
Registration required. Call 415-456-9062 to register.
An offering of Vivalon’s Cowles Active Learning Program.
Arts
Friday, December 27, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Details coming soon!
Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non members
Includes: All supplies and materials
Registration is required. Call 415-456-9062 to register.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Friday, December 6, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Give a personal and beautiful gift to a loved one this holiday season! Join Debra Maddox, our virtual watercolors instructor, for a special in-person workshop as she teaches you how to make a seasonal card using watercolors. All skill levels welcome.
Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non members.
Includes: All supplies and materials
Registration is required. Call 415-456-9062 to register.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Financial Literacy Workshops
How to Thrive in Retirement: Lessons from Practice and Science
Wednesday | October 23 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
This interactive workshop will explore the non-financial challenges that adults often face when they retire. We’ll discuss The Three Pillars of Happiness – factors that research finds are strong predictors of retirement happiness – and how you can apply these in your life. The workshop will include real-life retirement case studies and a collaborative roundtable on retirement tips and practical wisdom.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Registration required. Call 415-456-9062 to register.
Preventing Financial Scams
Friday | October 25 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
In today’s digital age, financial scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Join this engaging and interactive workshop led by Community Action Marin where you’ll learn to identify different types of scams, including online, phone, and in-person fraud. We’ll discuss common tactics used by scammers, red flags to watch for, and steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to confidently spot a scam and know exactly what to do if you encounter one.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Registration required. Call 415-456-9062 to register.
What Participants Are Saying
Meet Phoebe Cowles
Phoebe is a visionary with a passion for learning. Thanks to her generosity, Marin’s older adults have access to the Active Learning Program’s innovative and unique educational experiences at Vivalon.
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