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.
Experience the magic of Jerusalem illuminated by the glow of countless menorahs on the final night of
Hanukkah. This live-stream tour takes you through the city’s historic neighborhoods, where beautifully lit
hanukkiot, festive decorations, and lively celebrations
create a truly enchanting atmosphere. As you explore,
your guide will share the rich traditions, meaningful
rituals, and timeless stories that bring this cherished
holiday to life, from the miracle of the oil to the
customs passed down through generations.
Feel the spirit of Hanukkah as the city comes alive
with music, joy, and light. Marvel at the interplay of
ancient stone streets and warm candlelight, hear the
cheerful songs of celebration, and learn about the
symbolic foods and games that make this holiday
special. Whether it’s the sight of glowing hanukkiot in
windows or the vibrant energy of the festivities, this
tour offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of
Jerusalem during the Festival of Lights.
Details coming soon!
Arequipa, a Unesco World Heritage City, is known as “the white city” because most of the buildings like houses, churches, Monasteries cathedrals were built with white volcanic stone.
Spanish influence during back the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries is apparent in the Roman, rococo, byzantine or Baroque architecture.
We’ll tour these stunning cities and enjoy their historic architecture while Elizabeth shares her knowledge of local life and history.
While on the tour you’ll be able to see a full-screen video of your guide and their surroundings – and interact with them and other travelers!
Details coming soon!
Details coming soon!
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: $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.
Four-Week Storytelling Series
Weekly on Tuesdays, January 7-28, 2:30 – 5:30pm
Corey Rosen is back for another round of his hit storytelling series! Hone your storytelling skills by crafting diverse tales and employing strategic editing elements. At the end of this four-week series, showcase your refined narratives with family, friends, and peers at an engaging storytelling event.
Cost: $40 for members, $60 for non-members
Registration and payment are required.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Contact Christy Birch, [email protected], to register.
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
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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