Community Events
NWCCA’s Collaboration with Seattle’s Town Hall
Monday, February 10, 7:30 PM
The Medhi Reading Room, Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Avenue, Seattle
Music for the Ages — Learning & Playing at Any Stage of Life
Debra Revere & The Mitzvot Quartet with Rebecca Crichton
Join The Mitzvot Quartet—a group of local amateur musicians who met through the Music Center of the Northwest—for music and conversation about the joys and challenges of learning and playing music later in life. This event will be moderated by NWCCA Executive Director Rebecca Crichton.
Virtual and Live Offerings in the Larger Community
Beyond the Known: Embracing What You Don’t Know
NEST Office Fireside Room, Wedgwood Presbyterian Church
8008 35th Ave NE; $5 – $10 Sliding scale for non-members at the door
- Is Cohousing Right for You?
Thursday, January 23, 1 – 2:30 PM
Imagine a group of peers creating a community of homes with shared amenities, where mutual support enhances everyone’s lives. Sandy Wood explores cohousing for older adults and shares efforts to establish a senior cohousing community in North Seattle. - Committing to Healthy Cooking for the New Year
Thursday, January 30, 1 – 2:30 PM
Rebecca Crichton will explore some of the research about the importance of protein as we age and share some of the ways to increase our protein intake as well as teaching some overall approaches to cooking that are easy and healthy.
Look Again: Early Stage Memory Loss Guided Art
First Fridays: February 7, 10 – 11 AM
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 550 Winslow Way E
While these facilitated art discussions are designed for participants with early stage memory loss and their care partners, all are welcome. Look Again uses a combination of Visual Thinking Strategies and other facilitation techniques to support an engaging and accessible discussion. Prior registration not required. Email with questions. Click here for all of BIMA’s Creative Aging offerings.
Working with Anxiety and Stress in Your Older Adults Clients: Practical Solutions for Professionals
with Terri Hagaa, MSW, LICSW, GMHS
Wednesday, February 12, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Gain a basic understanding of the neurobiology of stress and anxiety, and learn to help clients to develop practical, mindful skills to reduce stress reactions. Easy to learn stress reduction and mindfulness techniques will be discussed and practiced throughout the course. The Elder Education Institute from Sound Generations offers professional and community-based workshops on topics related to the special needs of our elders. Click here to learn more and to register.
They Want Our Rhythm But Not Our Blues: African American Innovation Through Pop Culture
Wednesday, February 12, 6 – 7 PM
Presented by Humanities Washington
Reflecting on music, sports, language, food, and even hair, this talk calls audiences in beyond the rhythm to recognize the blues that made African American popular culture. It serves as a guide to appreciating the art of Black pop culture by understanding how and why African American culture was created, and when and where it appears across multiple platforms of popular culture—never without a unique artisan style. Click here to learn more and to register.
Memory Loss: Guide to Next Steps
2nd Thursdays on Zoom, 2 – 3:15 PM, The Memory Hub
February 13
A monthly introductory class for those recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Get your questions answered by an expert panel including peer mentors who share strategies for living well with memory loss, and a medical provider from the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center. Click the date links to register and learn more.
In-Person Offerings at Greenwood Senior Center
Unless indicated, events are free and held at GSC.
525 N. 85th Street, Seattle
Medicare Counseling
Tuesdays, January 21 & February 18, 10 AM – 3:45 PM; Free
Have questions regarding your healthcare? Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Lee Rockoff and Laura Tranin offer monthly, one-hour appointments. Click for information about Statewide Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA). Call to reserve your spot: 206-297-0875. Additional appointments available during Open Enrollment.
Make Your Own Ceramic Vase
Wednesday, January 22, 1 – 2:30 PM; $20
Ceramic artist Allison Tungseth will guide participants through the creation of a slab (hand-formed) ceramic vase. Participants will learn about the type of clay chosen, techniques for forming and molding clay, how to use fresh herbs and flowers to imprint into the clay, and tips to help refine and polish their vase form. The vases will be dried, fired and glazed before being returned to their makers. All clay, plants, and tools will be supplied. Space is limited. RSVP to 206-297-0875.
Scarecrow Video: Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother
Wednesday, January 22, 1 – 3 PM; Free
In this 1975 film, the younger brother of the consulting detective tries to steal Sherlock’s glory by solving an important case assisted by an eccentric Scotland Yard detective and a lovely but suspicious actress. Starring Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn. Scarecrow Video, a local nonprofit film organization dedicated to championing the role of film arts in community, cultural, and civic life, presents quarterly classic movies at the GSC. RSVP to 206-297-0875.
Sherlock Holmes and His Enduring Legacy
Friday, January 31, 1 – 2 PM
No literary character has been portrayed more than Sherlock Holmes, the greatest detective that never was. First sprung to life in the pages of a London magazine in 1887 he continues, along with Dr. Watson, to confound, confuse, captivate, and charm audiences with his deductive skills, observations, and solutions. Investigate this enduring personage – the myths, the men, the mysteries. Because… the game is afoot! RSVP to 206-297-0875.
Floriography: The Language of Flowers
Thursday, February 6, 1 – 2 PM
This historical presentation chronologically explores the many stories surrounding the symbolism of flowers and herbs. Examples range from ancient China to the Middle East to Victorian England and beyond. Presented by Kimberly Bryan of Parsley & Rue. RSVP by calling 206-297-0875.
AARP Tax Assistance
Fridays, February 7 through April 11, 9 AM – 4:39 PM
Once you have compiled all the necessary paperwork to complete your return, call to schedule an appointment with the AARP volunteer tax preparers. While this service is free, donations to the GSC are appreciated. Call 206-297-0875 to schedule an appointment.
CPR/First Aid/HIV Certification
Saturday, 9 AM – 12 PM: February 15
$60 PNA Members/$70 Public
Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 7
Learn first aid, infant, child, and adult CPR, HIV and blood-borne pathogens, with a focus on injury prevention and safety. Taught by Ken Norris, a 26-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department who has taught CPR for 25 years. Modified to meet COVID-19 safety requirements. Certificates issued at the end of class. Click here to reserve your space.
Medicare Counseling
Tuesday, February 18, 10 AM – 3:45 PM; Free
Have questions regarding your healthcare? Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Lee Rockoff and Laura Tranin offer monthly, one-hour appointments. Click for information about Statewide Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA). Click here to reserve your space. Call to reserve your spot: 206-297-0875.
Bingo Karaoke
Fridays, February 21 & March 28, 7 – 10 PM
Play rollicking games of bingo (for cash prizes!), wow the crowd with your karaoke skills, and buy your friends a round of drinks and snacks. All proceeds support activities for seniors, daily meals, memory-loss programs, and support groups at the Greenwood Senior Center, a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association. Click here for details and to purchase your ticket.
Virtual Offerings from King County Library System (KCLS)
Wisdom Café
Wisdom Cafés provide space for older adults to engage in ongoing and facilitated conversations about livability issues affecting all people, as we grow. Registration not required.
- Wisdom Café and Social Hour: The Gift of Presence
Tuesday, January 28, 1 – 2:30 PM
Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave SE, Renton
Why is being present so important for our well-being? How do we pivot in a way that is mindful, rather than reactive? Make connections and learn from each other while enjoying a warm beverage. - How Has COVID Changed Your Life?
Thursday, January 30, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Avenue NW, Shoreline
How did you stay sane during the pandemic? Or did you? What did you learn about yourself? What are you doing differently?
Tech Programs with Bridget of GentleTechHelp.com
Click the title links to register.
- Explore YouTube
Wednesday, January 8, 2 – 3 PM
Discover what YouTube videos might interest you. Learn how to save, share and more. - Simplify Your Digital Life
Wednesday, January 15, 2 – 3 PM
Learn tips to minimize time spent on a computer sorting email, printing documents and more. - Free Digital Language Tools
Wednesday, January 22, 2 – 3 PM
Discover free digital tools that can help you learn and translate other languages.
First Tuesday Book Group
Tuesday, January 7, 7 – 8 PM
New members are always welcome! Click here for the reading list for October 2024 -September 2025. Click here to register.
This Book Group is Queer
Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
This month’s theme: Cozy Fantasy
Conversation and community in a lively LGBTQIA+ book chat on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Click here for a list of reading suggestions on this month’s theme. Click here to learn more and to register.
Cook’s Book Group
Wednesday, January 15, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
This month: The Complete Small Plates Cookbook: 300+ Shareable Tapas, Meze, Bar Snacks, Dumplings, Salads, and More from America’s Test Kitchen
Try making one or more recipes of your choice from this month’s cookbook! Send a photo of your finished dish or dishes to the librarian host along with brief comments about your experience. Click here to learn more and to register.
Aging Well Learning Community
Saturday, January 18, 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
An open-learning community dedicated to aging well with consciousness, courage, and contribution. You do not need to have read the book to participate in the discussion. New members are always welcome. Click here to register.
Unlock Your Creativity Through Drawing
Tuesday, January 21, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Unlock your creativity through drawing! Practice drawing techniques and bring your ideas to life with graphic journalist, editor and teacher Shay Mirk of Crucial Comix. Click here to learn more and register.
In-Person Offerings at Wallingford Community Senior Center
Unless indicated, events are free and held at WCSC.
4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 140, Seattle
Click here to check special events added later in the month.
WCSC Book Club
Tuesday, January 7, 1 – 2 PM, Free
This month: James by Percival Everett
A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view. New York Times Best Seller, National Book Awards Winner, shortlisted for the Booker Prize, Kirkus Prize Winner. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.
MOHAI Outing
Tuesday, January 14, 1 – 3:30 PM; $5 members; $7 nonmembers
The Museum of History and Industry is the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington making the Puget Sound region’s history come alive using hands-on interactive experiences. Check out temporary exhibits about Almost Live! and the WTO protests, along with the museum’s permanent historical collection. RSVPs required. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.
Scarecrow Presents: Wings of Desire
Wednesday, January 15, 1:30 – 3:30 PM, Free
“One of cinema’s loveliest city symphonies. Bruno Ganz is Damiel, an angel perched atop buildings high over Berlin who can hear the thoughts—fears, hopes, dreams—of all the people living below. But when he falls in love with a beautiful trapeze artist, he is willing to give up his immortality and come back to earth to be with her. Made not long before the fall of the Berlin Wall, this stunning tapestry of sounds and images, shot in black and white and color by the legendary Henri Alekan, forever made the name of director Wim Wenders synonymous with film art.” – The Criterion Collection. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.
Social Skills Discussion
Third Thursdays, 1:15– 3:30 PM; January 16, February 20, March 20 & April 17
Are you looking for connection? For ways to deepen your existing friendships? Sign up for this Social Skills series and discuss the book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks. Facilitated by Denise Malm, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist at the Wallingford Senior Center and Teresa Tam, Social Connection Project Coordinator at the Greenwood Senior Center. Register by emailing Denise Malm.
GenPride
Wednesday, January 29, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
A presentation from GenPride for anyone looking to solidify their understanding of core LGBTQIA2S+ concepts and how LGBTQIA2S+ folks are impacted by discrimination in communities. This presentation will cover the LGBTQIA2S+ senior experience, foundational concepts around gender & sexuality, how gender diversity shows up globally, and pronoun use. Registration required. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.
Food and Finality
Discussions facilitated by Rebecca Crichton around death and dying, grief and loss, discussions that honor and acknowledge the discomfort, judgments, confusion and other emotions that these topics can engender. Rebecca creates and holds the space with the intention that everybody is included and feels safe.
- Invite six to ten people who want to talk about end-of-life concerns.
- Provide food (takeout is fine) and a space for the gathering.
- Sliding scales ranges from $25 to $50 per person, payable to NWCCA.
If you’ve ever wanted to discuss some of the concerns and questions you have around the daunting topic of end of life, but couldn’t imagine how that could happen, this might be a good way to start. Contact NWCCA to begin the conversation.
On-going Events & Programs
End of Life Ready Planning Session
Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Review how to fill out and document a set of Advance Directives, how to choose a Health Care Agent if you can’t speak for yourself, and what choices are legal and accessible to die on your terms in Washington State. Presented by End of Life Washington. Click here to learn more.
The Gathering Place: In-Person & Virtual
An early-stage memory loss enrichment program
Virtual: Tuesdays, 1 – 3 PM
In-Person: Thursdays, 1 – 4 PM, Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th Street, Seattle
A weekly enrichment program for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage memory loss (ESML). Not a drop-in group but an ongoing commitment limited to 8 participants. Virtual: $20 per session; In-person: $40 per session. Some scholarships available. For more information, email or call Carin Mack, MSW, 206-230-0166.
Humanities Washington Programs
Humanities Washington holds events and programs led by cultural experts, scholars, and storytellers, who discuss everything from Washington State history to philosophy to current social issues. Click here for their current calendar and to learn more.
Seattle Public Library Arts Access
Two free services for streaming videos available: Kanopy and Access. All you need is a library card. You can get one now, for digital access, at spl.org. On Kanopy you can stream 5 free programs a month. Access is unlimited streaming.
Silver Kite Community Arts
SilverKite is teaming with the local library systems to offer online intergenerational arts workshops, talks, social hours, and performances for the community. Visit their website for schedules and to learn more.