Educational & Experiential

Join classes at Vivalon to learn something new or experience something extraordinary—from travel opportunities to language classes and workshops that support your personal growth.

Educational & Experiential

Join classes at Vivalon to learn something new or experience something extraordinary—from travel opportunities to language classes and workshops that support your personal growth.

Our Offerings

WE ARE A MEMBER OF

92NY will resume in 2026. Stay tuned for details!

Starting in 2026, enjoy a series of viewings of 92NY’s world-class programming and renowned events. Join us for inspiring talks, concerts, performances, and more, featuring some of the biggest names in arts, education, culture, and politics.


$7 for members | $10 for non-members per event Discount available if you purchase all four events.

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

Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael

An offering of Vivalon’s Cowles Active Learning Program.

What's Playing in October

Art: Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris and Scott Ellis in Conversation with CBS Sunday Morning’s Tracy Smith

October 6, 11:00 am-12:30pm

Broadway’s megawatt new season starts here, as award-winning actors meet to talk about the upcoming, first-ever Broadway revival of Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning Art.

Tim Berners-Lee: The Invention of the World Wide Web

October 13, 11:00am – 12:30pm

In 1989, technologist Tim Berners-Lee invented a system of sharing information over computers that he called the World Wide Web, and distributed it for free. Join him for an urgent conversation about the past, present, and future of the internet and AI.

Sahil Bloom in Conversation with Susan Cain: The 5 Types of Wealth

October 20, 11:00am – 12:30pm

What is wealth to you? How do you measure it? How do you grow it? Might you have more than you think? Sahil Bloom, entrepreneur, author, and creator of the wildly popular The Curiosity Chronicle joins us with a new way for you to think about wealth and what matters most in your life.

Werner Herzog in Conversation: The Future of Truth

October 27, 11:00am – 12:30pm

Join legendary filmmaker and author Werner Herzog for a deeply personal exploration of art, philosophy, and history that unravels one of the most urgent questions of our “post-fact” era: what is truth?

About 92NY

For over 150 years, the 92nd Street Y (92NY) has been a cornerstone of arts, education, and community—bringing together some of the most influential voices of our time. It’s the stage where legends like Tony Curtis, Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, Arthur Miller, Kurt Vonnegut and Elie Wiesel made early appearances or debuted iconic works. Today, 92NY continues to deliver world-class programming that inspires, informs, and connects people of all backgrounds and beliefs—building community through culture and conversation.

Bridging Generations

Fridays, 5:00-6:30 pm

Next Sessions: November 14

Join Bridging Generations, a unique program that brings people of all ages together over shared meals and meaningful conversations. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a chance to exchange stories, learn from different generations, and make lasting connections.

High School Students: Earn service hours while making a real impact in your community. Bring your friends and family. Everyone is welcome!

Be part of something bigger. Let’s bridge the gap, one conversation at a time.

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

Location: In-Person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael

Become a Host

Want to earn more service hours while bringing people together?
Host a dinner session and help spark meaningful conversations!

 

Hosting a Bridging Generations dinner session is a great way to contribute to the Vivalon community, build leadership skills, and connect with others—all while earning valuable service hours.

As a host, you’ll take the lead on:

  • Dinner Topic Generation – Choose a topic that inspires discussion, learning, or connection.
  • Meal Procurement – Organize or provide a meal for attendees (homemade, catered, or store-bought—your choice!).
  • Set-Up and Clean-Up – Prepare the space before and after the event to ensure a welcoming environment.

Whether you’re passionate about bringing people together or looking to fulfill service requirements in a meaningful way, hosting a session is a fun and rewarding opportunity.

Ready to host?
Reach out to Christy Birch at [email protected] to learn more or sign up.

Art Workshops

Mondays, October 20-November 3, 10:00 am–12:00pm

Join Kevin Hoepper as he teaches about the basics of Acrylics. He’ll be going over history, styles, and some beginner-friendly techniques. Learn about the basics of color theory, the care and use of different brushes, and all the other things that make Acrylics a unique but intensive medium.  

Space is limited. 

Registration required. Call 415-456-9062 x8705 to register.

Cost: $20 for members, and $35 for non-members. All supplies and materials will be provided.

Location: In person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael

Tuesdays, October 7-28, 10:00am – 12:00pm

This is class one in a 4-part series. There will be an option to move up to Intermediate after completing the Beginner series. 

Instructor Ian Day is coming to Vivalon to offer a new class on drawing! Using many different mediums and based on principles from “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain”, students will be assigned beginning exercises in line, light and shadow, perspective and proportion as they draw objects in space. Fundamentals of composition will be introduced emphasizing balance and spatial relationships. Materials used will consist of drawing pads, pencils, erasers and charcoal. Class will also include a brief lecture period, demonstrations, critiques and supervision of student progress. Homework may include sketchbook renderings.

 

Cost: $25 for members and $40 for non-members. All materials and supplies will be provided.

 

Registration required. Call 415-456-9062 x8705 to register.

 

Location: In person at Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus: 999 Third Street, San Rafael

Friday, October 3, 10:00am – 12:00pm

 

Karen Jackson is back, with a new class on Printmaking! This will include mono printing, gelli plate printing & the making of original printing stamps, and more!

 

Registration required. Call 415-456-9062 x8705 to register.

 

Cost: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. You can register for any or all of the classes in this series.  

All materials will be included. All skill levels welcome.

Author Showcase

Wednesday, October 15, 11:00am – 12:30pm 

From OY to JOY is your GPS to a happier life!
Shulamit Sofia is a former social worker, non-profit founder, author, and all-around Modern Elder. In her book Oy to Joy, she explores how to cope with the inevitable obstacles along your journey to becoming a wise elder using the principles of Spiritual Aging to better navigate the constantly changing challenges of the aging process.
Join Shulamit as she endeavors to  help you:

  • Release the beliefs and attitudes that bring on OY
  • Focus on the thoughts, relationships, and experiences that bring you JOY
  • Implement successful strategies for easing the transition from mid-life to old-age
  • Stop resisting those unwanted changes that come with time
  • Accept and accommodate to your new reality to maximize well-being
  • Accentuate positive and eliminate negative perceptions for a more positive mindset
  • Celebrate the wisdom acquired over a lifetime
  • Recognize and enjoy the gifts life brings
  • Find the hidden treasures in daily life

If you want to go into the rest of your life with a smile, this event is for you!

Improv Workshop

Tuesdays, October 14-28, 3:30 – 5:00pm 

 

If you made it to Improv Marin’s Comedy show, or stopped by the free workshop and had a blast, then it’s time to sign up for our month-long improv class! Taught by Drew Meritt from Improv Marin, each week will be a new exploration of techniques, games, and more. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and stretch out your funny bone! Don’t be shy, give it a try!

 

Registration required. Call or visit 415-456-9062 x8705.

 

Cost: $20 for members and $35 for non-members. 

Four-Week Storytelling Series

Corey Rosen joined us once again 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. 

 

Stay tuned for future offerings of this series!

English as a Second Language

Weekly on Mondays, 9:00 – 10:15am

Intermediate ESL Class at Level 200.

Registration required.

Location: Remote only. Zoom information provided upon registration.

Contact Efrain Santamaria at 415-456-9062 x119 to register.

Estate Planning Workshops

Workshops are held in person at the Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael. When possible, workshops will be recorded and links will be sent to registrants.

Navigate Your Changing Care Needs & Exploring an Advance Health Care Directive

November 19 | 4:00-6:00 pm

With Aging Solutions and By the Bay Health

As care needs change – whether due to aging, illness, or unexpected circumstances – navigating options can feel overwhelming.   This collaborative workshop is designed to help you plan ahead with clarity and confidence. 

  

Led by Terri Abelar from Aging Solutions and Lorena Garbarino, Hospice, Palliative and Home Health Specialist from By the Bay Health, this session will blend expertise from both care management and health care perspectives. Together, we’ll share practical strategies for recognizing when care needs are shifting, understanding available support and resources, and preparing in advance healthcare directive that ensures your wishes are honored.  

  

Participants will leave with tools to start important conversations, knowledge of care pathways, and the resources that planning ahead can make future decisions easier for both you and your loved ones. 

Looking for more estate planning resources?
Explore our past workshop series to watch recordings, view presentation slides, and download helpful handouts.

News, Classes & Events!

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For more information contact us at:

[email protected] or 415-456-9062

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