Community Events

NWCCA’s Collaboration with Seattle’s Town Hall

Psychedelics and the Reimagining of Old Age

Wednesday, December 9, 7:30 PM, The Mehdi Reading Room, Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Avenue, Seattle; $10 – $35 sliding scale


What if psychedelics could make older age the most meaningful, expansive, and joyful time of one’s life?

This was the overwhelming message author Abbie Rosner heard from 36 older psychonauts she interviewed for her new book. In this informal event, Abbie will share highlights from her own journey, excerpts from the book, and explain how she sees the beginnings of a new movement of conscious elders ready to meet the challenges of our troubled times. The book will be available for signing. Click here for more details and ticket info.

Virtual and Live Offerings in the Larger Community

Be a Beta Tester for Alli Care, An AI Companion
Alli Care is a companion built for older adults that supports you or a loved one throughout the day. It lives on a tablet, and you just talk to it the way you’d talk to anyone. It checks in throughout the day, reminds you about medications, helps manage your schedule, and encourages healthy habits. It can also help with everyday things like a tech question or setting up a video call. For family, there’s a simple app so caregivers can see that you’re doing okay, without a worried phone call. Alli Care is currently in free beta testing. Alex Yu, the founder and a student at the UW, is looking for people to try it and share feedback. Interested? Email Alex Yu.

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.

Creative Aging at the Frye
Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Avenue, Seattle
The Frye Art Museum offers creative, arts-based programs for all older adults, including those living with memory loss. Their programs are designed to inspire participants to deepen their life experiences and connect meaningfully with others through art. All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Their offerings include:

Click here for a complete list of their Creative Aging activities.

Fall Garden Discovery Program
Fridays, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, The Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia Street, Seattle
Click the date links for more information and to register.
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 for free in partnership with UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Seattle Parks and Recreation. RSVP by calling 206-297-0875. A conversation with the Dementia-Friendly Recreation Specialist required for first-time participants. Please email Tamara Keefe.

Downsizing: Moving Forward, Making Space
Wednesday, November 4, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
at Broadview Branch Seattle Public Library, 12755 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle
Leaving a long-time home is more than just a physical move. It means letting go of a place filled with memories – an emotional milestone. Lynda Pack Dowell and Charlie Hoffman will walk you through a roadmap for an empowering and supportive process, from deciding what to keep, share, or let go of, to preparing your home for a move. Click here for the event flyer.

Beyond Treaties: Native Stories of Survival and Strength
Wednesday, November 4, 6 – 7 PM, Humanities Washington Presentation
Explore Native resilience through the personal journey of John Halliday (Coyote), a Muckleshoot artist, speaker, and former tribal leader. After surviving a near-death experience and losing much of his sight, Halliday turned to traditional Native values of endurance and adaptation to remake his life through art, music, and storytelling. Audiences will gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, strength, and creativity today. Click here to learn more and to register.

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Civic Coffee: Caregiver Support
Thursday, November 12, 1 – 2 PM
Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S. Holly St., Seattle, or Online
Explore ways to support brain health, spark creativity, and build meaningful connections. Civic Coffee events provide an opportunity for older adults and community members to come together, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with valuable resources. Presented by Age Friendly Seattle. Questions? E-mail agefriendly@seattle.gov.

November Events at MOHAI
MOHAI, 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle
Click the title links to learn more and to register.

  • Unrecognized: Duwamish Film Screening
    A film about power, politics, and culture.
    Thursday, November 12, 7 – 9 PM; Sliding scale: Free – $50
    Drawing on historical records, lived experience, and behind-the-scenes decisions about public art, the half-hour film shows how the struggle for recognition is both political and cultural. Join filmmaker BJ Bullert and Duwamish Tribe Council Member Ken Workman for a screening and conversation about the local tribe that refuses to be erased.
  • Sculptors of Speed
    Saturday, November 14, 6 – 9 PM; Students $10; General Admission $25
    In a UW boathouse, an English craftsman named George Pocock quietly changed American sport. His cedar racing shells carried the university’s legendary 1936 “Boys in the Boat” crew to Olympic gold. Directed by award-winning novelist and Emmy-nominated producer and writer Maren Higbee, this feature documentary examines Pocock’s life and legacy, tracing his journey to North America and Seattle and his lasting influence on generations of athletes and coaches.
  • History Café: Across Time on Skis in the PNW
    Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 – 8 PM; Sliding scale: Free – $50
    Skier, climber, writer, and photographer Lowell Skoog’s book, Written in the Snows: Across Time on Skis in the Pacific Northwest, is a visually rich history of the past century of Northwest ski culture. From stirring and colorful stories of wilderness exploration to the evolution of gear and technique, he traces the development of skiing in the Cascades and Olympics from Mount Baker to Mount Hood and from the late 1800s to the present. While weaving his own impressions and experiences into the larger history, Skoog shows that skiing is far more than mere sport or recreation.

When Someone Must Take Over: Navigating Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
Thursday, November 12, 1 – 2:30 PM
NEST Office, Fireside Room, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle
Non-member $5–$ 10 sliding–scale fee
Call (206) 525-6378 for more information
Although these three federal programs may work together, each has its own rules about who can act on someone’s behalf, when they can step in, and what authority they have. This presentation will clarify how they intersect and offer practical steps to help families and caregivers plan ahead, preserve options, and make informed decisions. Whether you’re just beginning to plan or already navigating these challenges, you’ll leave with a better understanding of what to do next and how to avoid being forced into decisions before you’re ready.

In-Person Offerings at Greenwood Senior Center

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

Tea & Brain Games with Rec’n the Streets
Tuesdays, 2:30– 4 PM
Join Seattle Park’s Rec’n the Streets for tea and games at Greenwood Senior Center. Activate your mind with activities ranging from dominoes to themed trivia. Or, challenge your cognition with logic puzzles to keep your brain sharp. Tea will be provided at this ongoing weekly activity, so drop in any Tuesday.

What I Wish I Had Known: A Survivor’s Guide to Stroke Prevention
Wednesday, November 4, 1 – 2 PM. GSC & Zoom
Ellia Harris tells her stroke story, shares important data, describes the five most common signs that someone is having a stroke, talks about who is most at risk, and provides tips for a more successful recovery. This talk occurs live on Zoom and will be simultaneously streamed at the GSC. Email Ariel for the link or call 206-297-0875 to RSVP for the live stream.

Travelogue: Scotland
Wednesday, November 11, 1 – 2 PM
Julie Gangler, GSC community member and travel writer, returns to share photos and stories of her recent trip to Scotland. Call 206-297-0875 to RSVP.

Stories of Belonging
Friday, November 13, 1 – 2:30 PM
GSC is inviting submissions of short stories, poems, or artwork that depict a time when loneliness was lifted by a sense of belonging. The deadline for submission is Friday, November 6. This art will be revealed at this Stories of Belonging event at the GSC. Email Teresa Tam for submission guidelines or call 206-531-0061.

Estate Planning Talk
Tuesday, November 17, 1 – 2 PM
Attorney Diane Cenidoza will present on basic estate planning topics, including wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and some common estate planning mistakes. The presentation will be designed to be practical and accessible, with time for questions.  RSVP by calling 206-297-0875.

Understanding Gender: What’s Cake Got to Do With It?
Wednesday, November 18, 1 – 2 PM
This presentation is a bite-sized “beginner’s” introduction to gender, a good fit for anyone who might feel overwhelmed or perplexed by the topic. Covered will be the basic concepts and terminology, focusing on both what gender is and what it is not, followed by questions, comments, and discussion. And yes, they will also talk about why cake is related to gender! RSVP by calling 206-297-0875.

Thanksgiving Luncheon
Friday, November 20, 12 – 1 PM. GSC. $5.
For everyone who just cannot get enough turkey! Join GSC for an early Thanksgiving lunch with all the fixings among friendly folks. Register by November 18. Call 206-297-0875.

Unlonely Film Festival
Tuesday, November 24, 1 – 2:30 PM
The annual UnLonely Film Festival, sponsored by the Foundation for Art & Healing, is a curated series of award-winning short films that give voice to the loneliness epidemic. A selection of the films will be viewed and discussed.

LEGO Open Build Time: Bricks for Your Brain
Wednesday, November 25, 1 – 2 PM
Building with LEGO has been scientifically proven to boost cognition and stimulate your creativity. It’s also fun to do with others! There will be a large bucket of bricks to play with – no instructions, just create whatever you feel like. RSVP by calling 206-297-0875.

Virtual Offerings from King County Library System (KCLS)

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. November’s programs are facilitated by Dori Gillam, NWCCA Board Chair.

  • Dementia
    Friday, November 6, 12:30 – 2 PM
    Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park
    What do you know about dementia? Who have you known who was diagnosed with dementia? What can you do to see if you are at risk or already are showing signs? Have you thought about what you would do if you were diagnosed?
  • Retirement Living Options
    Thursday, November 19, 1 – 2:30 PM
    Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Avenue NW, Shoreline
    What do you know about the differences between the types of care facilities? Who have you known who has lived in any of those types of facilities? Under what circumstances could you envision living in one of these types of care? What are your concerns or what are the positives?

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

Online Death Café
Tuesday, November 3, 6 – 7 PM
An informal, gently facilitated gathering for those who wish to discuss and learn more about topics related to death and dying. We live in a death-phobic society where these conversations are often avoided. Bringing the topic into the light creates an opportunity to share experiences, questions, and concerns. It can increase awareness and personal agency, to reduce fear and suffering at the end of life – both for those who are leaving, and those who remain. Click here to learn more and to register. Death Cafés are not structured grief support or counseling services.

This Book Group is Queer
Tuesday, November 10, 6 – 7:30 PM
This month’s theme: Indigenous!
Find conversation and community in a lively LGBTQIA+ book chat! New members are always welcome. Bring your own book or check out their recommendations. 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, November 18, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Vegan, At Times by Jessica Seinfeld
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.

Reading the Classics Book Group
Third Wednesdays: November 18, 6:30 – 7:45 PM
This month: Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
What makes a classic a classic, and how can reading books from the past help us better understand our future? This book group will read books that have endured the test of time, as well as those that may have been overlooked during their author’s lifetime. Click here to register. Click here for the 2026 book list.

Aging Well Learning Community
Saturday, November 21, 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
An open-learning community dedicated to aging well with consciousness, courage, and contribution. New members are always welcome. You do not need to have read the book to participate in the discussion. Click here to learn more and to register for this month’s session.

Well Read Book Group
Wednesday, December 2, 6 – 7 PM
December’s book: The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hishashi Kashiwai
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.

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 the Special Events calendar.
Call (206) 461-7825 or email for more information.

Health Fair with PLU Nursing School
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM: November 2 & 9
Nursing students from Pacific Lutheran University are hosting four free Health Fairs at WCSC. Each week, this group of nursing students will provide health assessments, check vital signs and blood pressure, and offer health education and resources. No registration required.

Cinema Termite Presents: Ghost
Wednesday, November 4, 1:30 – 3 PM
Sam and Molly are deeply in love, but their happiness is shattered when Sam is tragically killed during a street robbery. To his surprise, he finds himself a ghost, desperately trying to protect Molly from the danger he knows she’s now in. He must find a way to warn her and ensure her safety, all while navigating his newfound spectral existence. Starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Speaking of Dying: Film Screening and Discussion with Denise Malm, LICSW
Thursday, November 5, 1:30 – 3
Fear of dying is most often fear of the unknown, and due to this fear, far too many of us die in ways we would not wish to. This documentary demonstrates the value of end-of-life planning and dying well, capturing the voices and stories of people becoming comfortable speaking of dying. It reveals the complexities of end-of-life choices in today’s medical environment, while also demonstrating resources and empowering attitudes. RSVPs appreciated. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

Cascadia Art Museum Outing
Thursday, November 6, 1 – 3:30 PM; $14 members, $16 non-members
Cascadia Art Museum provides enriching experiences for the community through original exhibitions, public programs, publications, and educational outreach. Join a guided tour and learn about local Northwest art history. RSVPs required. (206) 461-7825 or email.

Seattle Raging Grannies Performance
Thursday, November 12, 1 – 2 PM; Free
The Seattle Raging Grannies (SRGs) have been a beloved local institution for 30 years! In the tradition of wise women elders, their mission is to promote global peace, justice, and social and economic equality by raising public awareness through the medium of song, humor, and education. The concert from this funny, poignant. and memorable group will be about 20 minutes, followed by a discussion.  RSVPs appreciated. (206) 461-7825 or email.

Home Energy Savings Presentation
Wednesday, November 18, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Join Kambo Energy Group for an interactive workshop focused on practical ways to save energy and lower household utility costs. Learn simple energy-saving strategies, explore available utility assistance and home energy support programs, and connect with resources to help make your home more energy-efficient. RSVPs appreciated. (206) 461-7825 or email.

Ongoing 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, November 18, 12 – 1:15 PM, Free
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.

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: 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 teams 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.