Education and Discussion Programs
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 November
EAST | Mondays, November 10 - 24 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | No Fee
BIFF Film and Virtual Discussion: 2025 Short Films 2
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
WEST | Thursdays, 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
WEST | Thursdays, 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
WEST | Thursdays, 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: People and Events that Shaped Us
WEST | Mondays, 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
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.
Story in the Rocks - The Geologic History of Boulder County
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
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
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: Winston Churchill
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
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
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
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.