Education and Discussion Programs
Play of the Hand Bridge Class
40088 | EAST | Wednesdays, September 17– November 19 | 9:30 a.m.– noon | R/NR $55/$66 | $10 materials fee paid to instructor first day
Focus on declarer’s play in this bridge class. Learn methods of developing tricks, eliminating losers, and planning the personal play. Each lesson has a review of a bidding principle and a guideline for the defense. Some knowledge of basic bridge concepts is needed.
American Mahjongg Lessons and Play for Beginners
Learn to play American Mahjong, a game of both skill and luck. Gain a basic understanding of the game's fundamentals and some basic strategies to enjoy the game. Each session offers a tutorial followed by play. 2025 cards available to borrow at the East front desk during lessons. Instructor: Dawn Drost is an experienced player who has taught many beginners.
Mahjongg Lessons September
42505 | EAST | Mondays, September 8 – 22 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | No Fee
Mahjongg Lessons October
42912 | EAST | Mondays, October 6 - 20 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | No Fee
Mahjongg Lessons November
43058| EAST | Mondays, November 3 - 17 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | No Fee
BIFF Film and Virtual Discussion: “A Man with Sole”
42606 | ONLINE | Tuesday, October 28 | 2 - 3 p.m. | No Fee
Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) brings independent films and discussion to older adults. One week prior to the online facilitated discussion, participants will receive an email with an online link to view the film. Please watch the film beforehand, as the film will not be viewed during the online discussion. “A Man with Sole” US, Feature Documentary, 98 minutes, 2024. In 1982, Kenneth Cole burst onto the American fashion scene. Unable to afford a traditional showroom during the New York Shoe Expo, Kenneth registered his footwear business as a film production, enabling him to sell thousands of pairs of shoes out of a trailer in midtown Manhattan. In the 40 years since, Kenneth’s commitments to AIDS research, homelessness, LGBTQIA+ rights, social justice, and now mental health issues have given voice to the voiceless, defied and shattered stigmas, and inspired and empowered action for good.
BIFF Film and Virtual Discussion: 2025 Short Films 2
42607 | ONLINE | Tuesday, December 23 | 2 - 3 p.m. | No FeeBoulder International Film Festival (BIFF) brings independent films and discussion to older adults. One week prior to the online facilitated discussion, participants will receive an email with an online link to view the film. Please watch the film beforehand, as the film will not be viewed during the online discussion.
“Rational Behaviour” UK, Short Film, 15 minutes, 2023
“When Big People Lie” US, Short Film, 14 minutes, 2024
“Dragfox”, UK, Short Animation, 8 minutes, 2024
“An Orange from Jaffa”, France/Poland, Short Film, 27 minutes, 2024
“Halfrican American”, US, Short Film, 12 minutes, 2023
Cultivating Well-Being
42506 | WEST | Tuesdays, September 9 & 23, October 14 & 28, November 11 & 25, and December 9 & 23 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | No fee
Explore experience-based approaches for cultivating well-being in daily life. Research shows happiness and well-being can arise from facing anger, depression, and grief. Come with an open mind and a willingness to listen without judgement and share openly. Discussion topics will vary each session. Facilitator: Jim Kettering. Register once per season.
Facilitated Dialogue: The Sound of Listening
42586 | WEST | Thursdays, September 4 & 18, October 2 & 16, November 6 & 20, December 4 & 18 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | No Fee
Come with the intention of being kind, open, honest, present, willing to share and listen to one another. Dialogues will be on topics chosen by the group. Facilitators: Jackie Nelson, John King, and Sally King bring a wide variety of skills and experience in group facilitation. Register once per season.
Journaling
42588 | WEST | Thursdays, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | No Fee
Come prepared to write, listen, and share inner wisdom through humor, truth-telling and spirit. Facilitator: Jackie Nelson, MFA is an experienced teacher with a lifelong practice of journal writing. Register once per season.
Memoir Writing Group
Explore memories and transform them into meaningful stories. This engaging group offers a supportive, non-judgmental space to reflect on early life experiences through the art of writing and sharing. Each 5-part series will focus on a separate theme and writing skill. Participants are welcome to enroll in any or all sessions. Facilitator: Robin Collins, MA, has decades of group facilitation and over 15 years’ experience working with memoirs.
Memoir Writing: The Soul of a Child
42589 | WEST | Mondays, September 8, 15, 22, 29, & October 6 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | R/NR $50/$62
A 5-part series with focus on writing rough drafts.
Memoir Writing: People and Events that Shaped Us
43637 | WEST | Mondays, October 20 & 27, November 3, 17, & 24 (No class November 10) | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | R/NR $50/$62
A 5-part series with focus on using mind maps in memoir writing.
Memoir Writing: Encountering the Numinous
43638 | WEST | Mondays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | R/NR $50/$62
A 5-part series with focus on using editing programs and printing.
Shakespeare Series
In each class, passages are read aloud, and participants are encouraged to engage in discussion. No prior Shakespeare knowledge required. The program is open to adults aged 60 and older. Instructor: Lori Lucas, is a lecturer at CU Boulder and long-time resident of Boulder. Questions before joining? Contact Lori at lori.lucas@colorado.edu.
Shakespeare Series: Ben Jonson’s Volpone
42608 | ONLINE | Wednesdays and Fridays, September 3 - 19 | Time: 10 - 11 a.m. | R/NR $70/$88 (Fee is per household, contact Program Manager, Hales Brown, at 303-441-1976 to register a household member.)
Shakespeare Series: Chaucer's Canterbury Tales
43600 | ONLINE | Wednesdays and Fridays, October 8 – 31, no class on October 15 & 17 | Time: 10 - 11 a.m. | R/NR $70/$88 (Fee is per household, contact Program Manager, Hales Brown, at 303-441-1976 to register a household member.)
CSU Extension Presentation: Fall Garden Clean Up
43177 | EAST | Thursday, September 25 | 11 a.m. - noon | No Fee
Proper fall maintenance makes for a more successful spring garden. Join Colorado Master Gardeners from CSU Extension to learn more about seasonal best practices for the home gardener.
David Sutherland Presentation: Mammal Skulls
43172 | EAST | Friday, October 31 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | No Fee
Enjoy a lively and informative presentation with Community Naturalist Dave Sutherland featuring a fascinating collection of real and replica skulls from Colorado mammals. Explore surprising similarities among species and discover key differences that reveal how each mammal lives and what it eats. Skull replicas will be available for hands-on exploration.
Story in the Rocks - The Geologic History of Boulder County
43161 | WEST | Friday, November 14 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. | No Fee
The geologic history of Boulder County’s remarkable landscape goes back nearly two billion years. Rocks contain a record of Earth’s history that can be read like the pages in a book. Join volunteer naturalists for this slide presentation and learn how to read this fascinating story in the rocks.
Boulder Philharmonic Music Ensemble
43174 | WEST | Friday, December 5 | 1 – 2 p.m. | No Fee
Enjoy a musical ensemble performance featuring Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra principal cellist, Charles Lee, and pianist, Fernanda Nieto. The program will explore classical pieces from the cello and piano repertoire as well as some exciting composers, including pieces by Dvorak, Beethoven and more.
Living History Performance: Legendary Ladies
43253 | WEST | Friday, December 19 | 2 – 3 p.m.| No Fee (Paid by generous community donations.)Meet five trailblazing women from American history in this engaging living history performance. Nellie Cashman, known as the “Angel of Cassier,” was a fearless prospector and generous entrepreneur who ran businesses from Tombstone to Fairbanks. Artist Georgia O’Keeffe helped shape modern art in the 20th century with a bold and distinctive style. Alice Ramsey, the first woman to drive cross-country in 1909, shares stories of this daring journey without roads or roadside help. Elaine Goodale Eastman, an Eastern writer and educator, embraced Lakota Sioux culture and witnessed key moments in Native American history. And Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a colorful San Francisco figure and early patron of firefighters, defied convention and left a lasting legacy with the iconic Coit Tower.
Active Minds Lecture Series
Active Minds: Roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll
42499 | WEST | Wednesday, September 10 | 1 – 2 p.m. | No Fee
Explore the beginnings of Rock ‘n’ Roll and how this musical genre, which gained popularity in the 1950s, has evolved over time. Trace its development from early pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard to the many styles heard today.
Active Minds: South Africa
42502 | EAST | Monday, September 22 | 3 – 4 p.m. | No Fee
Learn about the history of South Africa, including its transition out of apartheid and reentry into the larger global community. The session will cover key historical figures, social and political movements, and current issues facing the nation today.
Active Minds: Salem Witches
42503 | WEST | Wednesday, October 8 | 1 – 2 p.m. | No Fee
Revisit the events of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, where fear and suspicion led to a series of trials and executions during the infamous witch hunt. Examine the historical and cultural context of this chapter in early American history.
Active Minds: Native Americans of Colorado
42500 | EAST | Monday, October 27 | 3 – 4 p.m. | No Fee
Discover the history and legacy of the Indigenous peoples of Colorado, including the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Pueblo nations. Explore ancient dwellings, cultural traditions, and the lasting impact on the region.
Active Minds: Winston Churchill
42504 | WEST | Wednesday, November 12 | 1 – 2 p.m. | No Fee
Examine the life and leadership of Winston Churchill, from early political roles to key decisions made during World War II. Learn about Churchill’s influence on Britain and the broader world during a pivotal era.
Active Minds: War of 1812
42501 | EAST | Monday, November 24 | 3 – 4 p.m. | No Fee
Take a closer look at the War of 1812 and the circumstances that reignited conflict between the United States and Great Britain. Topics include maritime disputes, national identity, and the long-term effects of the war.
Active Minds: Egypt
42612 | WEST | Wednesday, December 10 | 1 – 2 p.m. | No Fee
Explore the modern history of Egypt, including changes in governance since the Arab Spring and Egypt’s current role in the Middle East. Topics include political leadership, regional dynamics, and historical context.
Active Minds: Van Gogh
42613 | EAST | Monday, December 22 | 3 – 4 p.m. | No Fee
Delve into the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, whose brief but prolific painting career left a lasting mark on the art world. Learn about personal struggles, artistic achievements, and the enduring appeal of his work.