Events in the Community

NWCCA’s Collaboration with Seattle’s Town Hall

Here’s to the Future!
An Intergenerational Conversation about Aging with Erika Crichton and Rebecca Crichton

Monday, November 18, 7:30 PM, The Medhi Reading RoomTown Hall Seattle
1119 8th Avenue, Seattle
$10 – $35 sliding scale

Mother and daughter Rebecca and Erika Crichton discuss how Gen X and Boomer-aged people can learn more about one another by openly sharing perspectives on the joys and challenges of aging well in our modern world.

Erika has worked in the fields of aging, disability and dementia services, caregiver support and training, and hospice and palliative care since 2006. She has extensive experience as a medical social worker and has also held leadership roles in large healthcare systems. Trained as a Hospice Volunteer, Rebecca teaches and facilitates Grief and Resilience support groups for several organizations. She has master’s degrees in child development and organizational development and is a Certified Coach.

A Podcast Conversation with Rebecca Crichton

Creative Aging, Death Awareness and Resilience
End of Life Conversations
On this podcast, Rebecca shares personal experiences with death and highlights the importance of having conversations about death and end-of-life choices, emphasizing the value of resilience and positive psychology in the grieving process. She also talks about the significance of legacy letters and the need for open discussions about death and dying. Rebecca encourages listeners to embrace the gift of each day and find purpose in their lives. Click here to listen.

Virtual and Live Offerings in the Larger Community

Look Again: Early Stage Memory Loss Guided Art
First Fridays: November 1, 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
First Fridays, 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Nov. 1, Dec. 6

The Memory Hub,1021 Columbia St., Seattle
Discover changes through the season, engage in horticultural activities, and learn what makes this public “memory garden” particularly accessible to people living with dementia and their families. Light refreshments provided. Offered in partnership by Seattle Parks and Recreation and UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and with support from Aegis Living Assisted Living and Memory Care. Click the date links to learn more and to register.

Un-American Activities: The Blacklist Era and Hollywood
Saturday, October 5, 2 – 3 PM
Presented by Humanities Washington
“Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” The answer to this question—or the refusal to answer it—cast hundreds of lives into turmoil at the dawn of the Cold War. This presentation, illustrated with film clips, tells the stories from this heartbreaking and scandalous era, and how notables such as Humphrey Bogart, Elia Kazan, and Charlie Chaplin were swept up in the frenzy. We’ll also ask a question: With today’s politics at a boiling point, are we living in such a period again? Click here to learn more and to register.

Alzheimer’s Café at the Memory Hub
Second Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4 PM
: Nov. 12, Dec. 10
The Memory Hub,1021 Columbia St., Seattle
Join the Frye Art Museum and the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center for an uplifting time of social connection. A unique opportunity for people living with dementia, their care partners, family, and friends to enjoy companionship, live music, and fun in a relaxed environment. Advance registration required.  Click the date link to learn more and to register.

Dealing with Dementia Caregiver Workshop
Tuesday, October 8, 1 – 5 PM
NEST Office Fireside Room, Wedgwood Presbyterian Church
A workshop for Alzheimer’s and dementia family caregivers to gain a better understanding of dementia. Attendees will learn to utilize best practice strategies to help them understand dementia, manage problem behaviors, handle stress, and to find time for themselves. They will also receive a free copy of the new Dealing with Dementia Guide, which provides over 300 pages of information and solutions to problems caregivers face every day. Registration not required

Elders Who Hoard: What It Looks Like and How We Can Help
Wednesday, October 23, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
The Elder Education Institute from Sound Generations offers professional and community-based workshops on topics related to the special needs of our elders. In this workshop, participants will learn how to diagnose HD, how to identify safety and health-related challenges, and will explore the research around a variety of Evidence-Based Interventions. Community resources for both clinicians and clients to utilize in addressing Hoarding Disorder will also be included.  Click here to learn more and to register.

NE Seattle Resource Fair
Tuesday, October 29, 11 AM – 3 PM
Magnuson Park Hangar 30, 6310 NE 74th Street, Seattle
An opportunity for older adults and their families to be introduced to resources and services available in the NE Seattle community that cater to their specific needs and interests. Hosted by NEST in collaboration with Park and Recreation’s Lifelong Recreation and Aegis Living.  Click here to learn more.

In-Person Offerings at Greenwood Senior Center

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

Whodunit Book Group
Tuesday, October 1, 6:30 – 8:15 PM
The Whodunit Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the GSC. The books are available in print, e-book and audio from Seattle, King and Sno-Isle libraries. All are welcome – even if you haven’t read the book! Call or email Ariel Burnett for questions and book info: 206-297-0875.

UnLonely Film Festival
Wednesday, October 2, 11 AM – 12 PM; Free
The annual UnLonely Film Festival, sponsored by the Foundation for Art & Healing, celebrates the power of storytelling in film. It’s a curated series of award-winning short films that give voice to the loneliness epidemic and represents the many lived experiences with isolation. Several films will be viewed and discussed. Call or email Teresa Tam to register: 206-531-0061.

Weird and Wacky Elections
Friday, October 4, 1 – 2 PM; Free
From a contest when the sitting Vice-President defeated the sitting President (and was almost bested by his own running mate), through the several elections when nobody won at first, to the election when dangling chads, a dissident candidate, and a divided court determined the outcome, this tour with Bill Woodward, Professor Emeritus of History at Seattle Pacific University, through the quadrennial selection of a President reveals the many occasions when the improbable and impossible happened – almost routinely. RSVP by calling 206-297-0875.

Falling Safety and Balance Workshop
Friday, October 11, 1 – 2 PM; $5 suggested donation
Presented by Quantum Martial Arts
Warm up with some body and situational awareness exercises and then move into improving your balance, using mats and practice techniques for falling safely. End with a few self defense techniques that everyone should know. No experience necessary. Quantum Martial Arts Seattle is a nonprofit dojo in Seattle’s central district, focused on improving safety and increasing personal empowerment. Must RSVP as space is limited: 206-297-0875.

The Northwest’s Most Infamous Crimes with Author Rebecca Morris
Friday, October 18, 1 – 2 PM, Free
Sponsored by Seattle Public Library
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Morris visits to talk about the Pacific Northwest’s most infamous crimes, both solved and unsolved. Morris is a former journalist and the author of eight true crime books and one memoir. Her book A Killing in Amish Country was made as a Lifetime television movie in the fall of 2023. RSVP by calling 206-297-0875.

CPR/First Aid/HIV Certification
Saturday, 9 AM – 12 PM: October 19
$55 PNA Members/$65 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.

Hunger Goblin’ Trick or Treat & Food Drive
Saturday, October 26, 12 – 3 PM
Participating Businesses between 67th and 87th on Greenwood
For over 30 years the PhinneyWood business district has hosted a daytime trick or treat the Saturday closest to Halloween. In 2013, they transformed the event into a food drive to benefit the amazing FamilyWorks in Wallingford, and the Hunger Goblin’ Trick or Treat & Food Drive was born. Click here to learn more.

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. Click the title link to learn more.

October’s gatherings facilitated by NWCCA Board President Dory Gillam.

Speaking of Dying
How comfortable are you having conversations about end-of-life issues? Many people don’t want to talk about the subject and are glad when they can learn they can. Explore how we can normalize this sensitive topic.

  • Thursday, October 17, 2 – 3:30 PM
    Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Avenue NW, Shoreline
  • Monday, October 21, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
    Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85th Street, Redmond

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

  • Explore WA Voter Websites
    Wednesday, October 2, 2 – 3 PM
    Explore Washington State and King County voter websites that allow you to track your ballot, change your info and more.
  • Passkeys Are Coming for Passwords
    Wednesday, October 9, 2 – 3 PM
    Companies are beginning to suggest passkeys to avoid password problems. Explore this new option that is expected to become the primary login method in future.
  • PC Maintenance for Absolute Beginners
    Wednesday, September 18, 2 – 3 PM
    Learn basic steps for checking and maintaining your PC and when to replace or repair.

Death and Mortality Book Group
Tuesday, October 1, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
This month’s selection: The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
Part of KCLS’s year-long Death, an Online Educational Series, this book group explores books that cover various topics on death, grief and the death care industry. Death care professional, Beverly Tryk from the People’s Memorial Association, will be hosting.Click here to learn more and to register.

First Tuesday Book Group
Tuesday, October 1, 7 – 8 PM
New members are always welcome! Click here for the reading list for October 2024 -September 2025. Click here to register.

Well Read Book Group
Wednesday, October 2, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
A book group that focuses on reading, discussing, and amplifying books written by authors of color. New members are always welcome. This month’s selection is Honor by Thrity Umrigar. Click here to learn more and register.

Healthy Mourning, Happy Loving
Thursday, October 3, 6 – 7 PM
Most of us were never taught how to grieve or to mourn our losses. Join Maria Kliavkoff in exploring the topic of grieving for adults as she shares clarity in the chaos and hope for the grief journey.  Click here to learn more and register.

This Book Group is Queer
Tuesday, October 8, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
This month’s theme: Horror/Spooky
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 register.

Cook’s Book Group
Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
This month: Seed to Plate, Soil to Sky: Modern Plant-based Recipes Using Native American Ingredients by Lois Ellen Frank and Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona by Jacki Alpers
Visit the Southwestern United States in October! Due to the limited availability of each title, there are two to choose from. Please only check out one at a time. Try making a recipe of your choice from the same cookbook! Send a photo of your finished dish to the librarian host along with brief comments about your experience. Click here to learn more and to register.

Our Lives, Our Choices
Friday, October 18, 2 – 3 PM
Author of Facing Death: Finding Dignity, Hope and Healing at the End, Dr. Jim deMaine had a long career in pulmonary/critical care medicine with Group Health where he was chief of medical specialties and co-chair of the ethics committee. Join Dr. deMaine as he walks us through the difficult conversations and choices that we are confronted with as we age and have serious illness or disabilities. Click here to learn more and to register.

Aging Well Learning Community
Saturday, October 19, 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
An open-learning community dedicated to aging well with consciousness, courage, and contribution. Enjoy nonfiction and fiction books, films and other arts as catalysts for reflection and conversation. You do not need to have read the book to participate in the discussion.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 to check special events added later in the month.

Cinema Termite Presents: Jaws
Wednesday, October 2, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
This1975 film is a thriller with three Oscar wins, a killer shark, and a chiller score. To RSVP for this free screening, call (206) 461-7825 or email.

Connecting in Aging
Monday, October 7, 3:15 – 4:15 PM
How do we enhance friendships and community as we age? Join Denise Malm, WCSC Social Worker and Geriatric Mental Health specialist, as she explores the growing issue of loneliness and isolation in our society. This presentation addresses the social aspect of developing a Personal Safety Net (PSN) that impacts our health and well-being. RSVPs required for this free event. Call (206) 461-7825 or email.

History of Jazz by Charles Lambert
Wednesday, October 9, 1:30– 3:30 PM
Join musician Charles Lambert at the keyboard as he highlights the history of American Jazz and some of the greatest musicians of the genre. Through piano performance and lecture, Charles will train your ear to recognize the distinctive sounds of Big Band, Bebop, Modern Jazz, and Afro-Cuban Jazz. RSVPs appreciated. 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, October 30, 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 and to register.

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.