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

Livestreaming 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.

November Tours

  • Tuesday, November 5 – Edinburgh, Scotland

  • Tuesday, November 12 – To Be Announced

  • Tuesday, November 19 – Costa Rican Wonders: Exploring Nature and Culture in the Heart of Paradise

  • Tuesday, November 26 – Midtown Marvels & Thanksgiving Traditions: A Walk Through Parade History

  • And more virtual experiences!

Tours are offered as a monthly package. Each package includes the following:

  • Live tours hosted at Vivalon every Tuesday, 11:00am – 12:30pm
  • 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, $15 for non members

Registration is required. Call 415-456-9062 to register. ​

Art Explorations:
A 4-week creative series

Fridays | November | 10:00 am-12:00 pm

 

Embark on a creative journey with Karen Jackson during our 4-week art series, held on four consecutive Fridays this November (11/1, 11/8, 11/15, and 11/22). Each session will take you on a new artistic adventure, drawing inspiration from renowned artists, diverse cultures, and influential art movements. The lessons will explore various techniques, media, and essential art concepts, making it perfect for all skill levels—from beginners to experienced artists.

 

Series Cost: $40 for members, $60 for nonmembers

 

Includes: All supplies and materials

 

Registration is required. Call 415-456-9062 to register. ​

 

About the Instructor:

Karen Jackson has been an art educator for over 35 years. She owned and operated an art school in
Santa Monica for over 28 years for children, adults, and classroom teachers. Since then, she has led art classes and workshops in Southern and Northern
California as well as New Mexico. To learn more, visit her website here.

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. 

Become and Insider

Sign up to receive our bi-weekly Insider newsletter email to stay up to date on the latest offerings.

SIGN UP FOR INSIDER>

person icon 100
For more information
Email [email protected] or call us today at 415-456-9062.
Scroll to Top