Community Events

NWCCA’s Collaboration with Seattle’s Town Hall

Gifting Our Treasures — The Joy of Letting Go
Lynda Dowell with Rebecca Crichton

Monday, Nov. 10, 7:30 PM, The Medhi Reading Room, Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Avenue, Seattle; $10 – $35 sliding scale

Most people have too much stuff and figuring out what to do with it can feel overwhelming. We know we need to do something with it all and might not know where to start. Join us for a conversation about how generosity can help you simplify your life and bring joy to others. This season of gratitude and generosity could be the right impetus for gifting your treasures to people who will appreciate them.

Join Lynda Dowell, professional realtor and downsizer, in a conversation with Rebecca Crichton about how our treasures might become treasures for others. They will discuss the necessary and uncomfortable topic of what to do with our stuff. We can reframe our relationship with the many things in our life to see them as gifts to those who will also love and value them. Let’s turn giving into living. Click here for more details and ticket info.

Virtual and Live Offerings in the Larger Community

Travel the Blue Danube Together: April 18 – May 2, 2026
You are invited to join us and sail for 10 nights aboard the privately-owned, 162-passenger M/S River Adagio on a comprehensive four-country journey along the Danube. Stroll along the fairytale streets of Old World Prague, taste the local flavors of Vienna’s famed Naschmarkt, explore Bratislava’s quirky art scene, and feast your eyes on the detailed Art Nouveau architecture of Budapest. Complete details here!

Look Again: Early Stage Memory Loss Guided Art
First Fridays, 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.

Fall Garden Discovery Program
Fridays, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, 10:30 AM – 12 PM, The Memory Hub
1021 Columbia Street, Seattle
Discover changes through the season, engage in horticultural activities, engage in nature-based projects, and learn about this public “memory garden,” created for people living with dementia and their families. Offered in partnership with UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Seattle Parks and Recreation, with support from Aegis Living Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. A conversation with the Dementia-Friendly Recreation Specialist is required for first-time participants. Please contact tamara.keefe@seattle.gov. Click here to learn more.

Sound Generations Golden Gala: Sherlock Stories
Solving Life’s Aging Concerns, One Story at a Time
Friday, October 24, 4:30 – 7 PM, Labour Temple, 2800 First Avenue, Seattle
Sherlock Stories is an intimate, in-person happy hour event with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live entertainment, an auction, wine wheel, and more. The online auction is live from October 1 through 24. Click here to learn more and to register.

The 6 Essential Documents to Have In Place for Estate Planning
Thursday, Oct. 30, 1 – 2:30 PM; NEST Office Fireside Room, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but having the right documents in place provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Elder Law Attorney Jonathan Bowman uses his expertise to guide attendees through the essential estate planning tools that every Washington resident should know about. Click here to learn more and to register.

Have You No Sense of Decency? Shame in American Politics
Monday, Nov. 17, 7 – 8 PM; Presented by Humanities Washington
Professor Carolyn Long examines the rise of shamelessness in American politics and the use of shame against those with whom we disagree. When shame is used to demonize others, does it contribute to political polarization? Are shame and shamelessness equally destructive to our politics and society? Can shame be used effectively in politics without demonizing the person being shamed? And if this is the case, how can we fix this and improve our political discourse? Click here to learn more and to register.

In-Person Offerings at Greenwood Senior Center

Unless indicated, events are free and held at GSC.
525 N. 85th Street, Seattle

CPR/First Aid/HIV Certification
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 AM – 12 PM, Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 7
$60 PNA Members/$70 Public
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, Oct. 21, 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.

US Immigration and Immigration Policy from Cortez to Trump
Tuesday, October 21, 1 – 2 PM
How did immigration patterns from the Eastern Hemisphere impact what eventually became the United States? As US immigration laws changed, how have they impacted immigration patterns up until today, and how do some of the more recent events and policies fit into the pre-existing patterns? Speaker Don Swisher served as a diplomat in the State Department from 1959 to 1968. Call to reserve your spot: 206-297-0875.

Sipping Safely: Navigating Alcohol Consumption in Later Life
Wednesday, October 8, 11 AM – 12 PM; Online & In-Person
Lisa Gutierrez, MC, MA, will present on how our bodies process alcohol differently as we age, and how to best manage drinking as an older adult. To participate remotely, please email.

Is Cohousing Right for You?
Friday, October 10, 4 –6 PM
Imagine a small group of peers who design and create their community of homes and shared amenities, where they mutually support and enhance each other’s lives as they age. Speaker Sandy Wood will present cohousing as an option for older adults and will also provide information about current efforts to establish a small senior cohousing community in the North Seattle area.  RSVP to 206-297-0875.

Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation
Tuesday, October 14, 10 AM –12 PM
Join Statewide Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA) volunteers Lee Rockoff and Laura Tranin for a talk and Q&A on how Medicare’s open enrollment works and how to sign up for (or change) Medicare plans. SHIBA is a free, unbiased, and confidential service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. RSVP to 206-297-0875.

Magic Key Ukulele Band
Friday, October 17, 10 AM –12 PM
Magic Key: Unlocking the Joy of Ukulele is a collaborative group of local uke-centric musicians who joined together to share their love of music. They’ve been creating musical mayhem featuring a plethora of musical genres since 2019. RSVP to 206-297-0875.

Scarecrow Video Classic Movie
Wednesday, October 22, 1 –3 PM
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. Call for movie title or to RSVP: 206-297-0875.

Blood Drive: Bloodworks Northwest
Friday, October 24, 10:15 AM –4:25 PM
Phinney Center Campus: Blue (upper) Building, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle
Donating blood through Bloodworks Northwest is an immediate and essential way to help cancer patients receive care at hospitals and cancer centers across the Pacific Northwest. About 25% of the blood supply is used by patients battling cancer. In one hour, you can make a difference in their lives. Click here to book your appointment.

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.

  • Who Am I in Retirement?
    Thursday, October 16, 2 – 3:30 PM; Facilitated by NWCCA Board President Dori Gillam
    Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Avenue NW, Shoreline
    Who was I before I retired? Who did I think I would be after my work life? Who am I now that I no longer work to live?

Tech Programs with Bridget of GentleTechHelp.com
Click the title links to register.

Medicare Open Enrollment Webinar
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6 – 7:30 PM
Click the date links to register for this free virtual event which will review:

  • What you can do during Open Enrollment
  • Choosing and changing plans
  • What Medigap plans are available
  • How to get help paying for Medicare

Well Read Book Group
Wednesday, October 1, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
October’s book: The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
This bimonthly virtual book group focuses on reading, discussing, and amplifying books written by authors of color. Discussion questions are available by email request. New members are always welcome. Click here to register.

First Tuesday Book Group
Tuesday, October 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, October 14, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
This month’s theme: Paranormal!
Find conversation and community in a lively LGBTQIA+ book chat! New members always welcome. Bring your own book or check out their suggestions. In partnership with Charlie’s, Seattle’s queer bookstore committed to creating community connections through LGBTQIA+ literature. Click here to learn more and to register.

Cook’s Book Group
Wednesday, October 15, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Continuing the series of Seattle and Washington authors with:
A Very Chinese Cookbook: 100 Recipes from China & Not China (But Still Really Chinese) by Kevin Pang
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, October 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 learn more and to register.

Back & Joint Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Wednesday, October 22, 6 – 7 PM
This online event is sponsored by Overlake Medical Center and presented by Herbie Yung, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Overlake Medical Center. Click here to learn more and to register. Gain tools and knowledge about:

  • The most common causes of pain
  • How back and joint pain is diagnosed
  • The latest treatments and strategies for lasting relief
  • Tips for reducing discomfort and regaining mobility

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 for complete monthly calendar.

Cinema Termite Presents: Island of Lost Souls
Wednesday, October 1, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
A sailor who finds himself stranded on an island that is occupied by the scientist Dr. Moreau (Laughton). Parker agrees to stay until the next boat arrives; Moreau introduces him to Lota (Burke), who, unknown to Parker, is part-panther. It is revealed that all of the island’s inhabitants are the result of Moreau’s experiments to create humans from animals. It will be shown along with Superman shorts. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

Music and Meditation: Free Four-Week Workshop
Thursdays starting October 2, 1:15 – 2:15 PM
Practice mindfulness, relaxation, and self-awareness, and learn how to implement these practices in your life. Sessions taught by board-certified music therapist Kate Schneider will incorporate breathwork, gentle movement, and instrumental improvisations, all while focusing on relaxation and restoration. RSVPs appreciated. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

Windows 11 — Let’s Do This
Wednesday, October 8, 1:30 – 5 PM
A hands-on workshop to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 with guidance and support in a friendly group setting, walking through the process and troubleshooting any technical issues. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

Author Event: I Love Being Abroad
Tuesday, October 14, 1:30 – 3 PM
Join Julie Cascioppo as she discusses her memoir, I Love Being Abroad, reads a few excerpts, signs purchased copies of the book, and performs a French song or two! Julie’s memoir offers a rare and funny glimpse into the Paris of the 1980s through the eyes of a woman who dared to go it alone—and sing her way home. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

NW Geological Catastrophes Presentation
Wednesday, October 15, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Imagine enormous surges of molten lava flowing across the land, then 2 million years of glacier ice sheets thousands of feet thick, and a series of breath-taking floods, all bringing us to today’s remarkable Cascades volcanic scenery. Retired park ranger Pat Pilcher interprets these events to help you understand and appreciate the monumental geologic legacy. RSVPs appreciated. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

Balladores de Bronce Performance
Tuesday, October 21, 10 AM – 1:30 PM; $12 members; $14 nonmembers
A dynamic showcase of traditional dance and music, Bailadores de Bronce was formed by a group of students at the University of Washington in 1972. It portrays the positive aspects of the Mexican culture in the broader community, breaking down cultural barriers and building bridges within the community. RSVPs required. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

Travels with Anita: Tropical Time Travel—Rediscovering Wonder in Costa Rica
Tuesday, October 28, 1 – 2 PM, Free
Anita Elder will be sharing about her experience in Costa Rica, with snapshots of wildlife, waterfalls, and the kind of peace you don’t pack in a suitcase. RSVPs appreciated. Call (206) 461-7825 or email. 

On-going Events & Programs

Blood Pressure Readings
Second Wednesdays, 10 AM – 12 PM, Free
Wallingford Community Senior Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 140, Seattle
Ballard Center is at WSCS every 2nd Wednesday, offering blood pressure readings. No appointments required.

End of Life Ready Planning Session
Wednesday, October 22, 12 – 1:15 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 and to register. 

The Gathering Place: In-Person
An early-stage memory loss enrichment program
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 12 participants. $50 per session. Some scholarships available.  For more information, email or call Kristen Oshyn, MSW, at (206) 297-0875, ext 133.

Ongoing NEST Activities Open to the Public
North East Seattle Together, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle
A non-profit grassroots community based on the national “virtual village model.” Check their monthly calendar for ongoing and special events that are open to the community.

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.