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!
The Offerings
Livingstreaming Travel Tours
We’ve partnered with Wowzitude to bring virtual, interactive travel experiences to the culturally curious! Travel to cities around the world with no passport, no plane ticket, and no luggage. Join us at the Healthy Aging Campus to experience all the sights, sounds, and stories of each location, led by a helpful, local guide.
October Tours
Tuesday, October 1 – Majestic Buda: A Royal Tour of Hungary’s Historic Castle
Tuesday, October 8 – Timeless Treasures: Exploring the Secrets of Trevi Fountain
Tuesday, October 15 – Nördlingen, Germany
Tuesday, October 22 – Autumn Stroll: Discover Central Park’s Fall Beauty
Tuesday, October 29 – Frankfurt, Germany
- And more virtual experiences!
Tours are offered as a monthly package. Each package includes the following:
- Live tours hosted at Vivalon every Tuesday.
- Recording of Tuesday tours as well as 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
To register and pay, please call the front desk at 415-456-9062.
Educational and Experiential Art Workshops
Matisse’s Jazz Series Art Workshop
Friday, September 20, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Join Karen Jackson and “paint” with scissors, drawing inspiration from the iconic Jazz Series by Henri Matisse. This unique approach of image making allows experimentation with the importance of both negative and positive space as well as with color composition using only scissors and a variety of colored papers. The class is appropriate for all skill levels. Supplies and materials are provided. Class size is limited.
Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Registration and payment required. Call 415-456-9062 to register.
Cost: $10 for members and $15 for non-members
Coming soon! 4-week Series featuring a different artist each week. Stay tuned for details
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
Wednesday, 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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