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ESCOM Clubs are designed by and for older adults, but everyone is welcome! Free to ESCOM members, our clubs bring people together around shared interests for intellectual, creative and spiritual engagement.

Club News
Club FAQs

CLUB LISTINGS:

Printable Club List
Arlene Stark Philosophy Club (Online)

ARLENE STARK PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE CLUB

1st, 3rd & 5th Monday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online/ZOOM
This club is named in honor of its late founder, Arlene Stark. Discussions and programs focus on Science and Philosophy.
The club is presently engaged in the Great Courses “Law School for Everyone”, a 48 lecture series. All lectures are, of course, connected, but can be absorbed at any time, since each is a stand-alone exposition of one aspect of legal practice.
For more information & Zoom link, contact: Jay Conner: greatferm@email.com, 415-858-3297
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%22The_School_of_Athens%22_by_Raffaello_Sanzio_da_Urbino.jpg
Artificial Intelligence Club (Kentfield/Online)

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CLUB

1st Tuesday 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Kentfield ESCOM Center & Online Hybrid
Learn AI concepts and practice online with ChatGPT. Members use own laptops or share ESCOM PCs.
For more information & Zoom link, contact Gary Gonser via email or at 415-966-6542.

Astronomy Club (Novato)

ASTRONOMY CLUB

2nd Monday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Novato (IVC) ESCOM Center
The ESCOM Astronomy Club is devoted to a non-technical approach to the current understanding of the Universe, its structure and its many components. This includes learning about our Sun and the planets in our solar system, comets, the nature of stars and star clusters and the types of galaxies.  We also spend time learning about the ongoing scientific explorations into such topics as black holes, dark matter and dark energy, the expansion of the Universe and the search for extraterrestrial life. In addition, we try to follow the contemporary discoveries of both earth and space-based telescopes.
An important part of each month’s meeting is to inform ourselves of what’s up in the night sky of that particular month: the planets, stars, constellations and other telescopic objects (star clusters and nebulae).  Periodically we will plan night outings to observe the night sky at a dark location, using binoculars and small telescopes.
The typical format of our meetings will be a combination of formal presentation along with some hands-on activities and discussion.  Occasionally we will use professionally-made videos to illuminate a particular topic and follow those with discussion.  In addition, there are a few of our members who have personal expertise in astronomical topics who will make presentations.
We welcome participation by anyone who has an interest in astronomy, regardless of personal experience or expertise.

For more information, email Rich Lohman.

Caregivers Club (Online)

CAREGIVERS CLUB

Online/Zoom
2nd Wednesday 1:00 – 3:00 pm
We share what has worked, how we stay on an even keel, and tricks for keeping our sense of humor. We discuss sharing tasks, experiences with family, and sources of help. We can also just bitch, moan and laugh at what our lives have become. The main idea is that sharing a load makes it easier to bear burdens, support our loved ones, and live meaningfully.
For information & Zoom link, email Diana Davis.
Book Forum Club (Novato)

BOOK FORUM CLUB

4th Monday 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Novato (IVC) ESCOM Center
Recent books read & discussed have included: ‘How the Light Gets In’ by Joyce Maynard, ‘There Are Rivers in the Sky’ by Elif Shafak, and ‘Look for Me There’ by Luke Russert. Contact Susy or Cheryl to learn about current and upcoming books.
For information and Zoom link, email Susy Miller or Cheryl Hoy.
StockCake-Cozy Library Gathering_1752287882.jpeg
Chess Club (Kentfield)

CHESS CLUB

Every Friday 2:00 pm
Kentfield ESCOM Center
We welcome anyone who knows how to move chess pieces and understands the basic principles. If you haven’t played in a long time, we recommend playing 10 to 20 games as a beginner on chess.com or on lichess.org as a refresher. Getting better is a slow process that takes a fair amount of studying, playing puzzles, playing games, and getting used to losing.
Usually, but not always, we play with a clock. For instance, we play “Rapid” games of 25 minutes with a 15 second increment for each player. (Here is a link with an explanation of increments: Time Controls.)
Some club members play only for enjoyment and aren’t bothered if they lose a lot; others enjoy the game but are also quite competitive.
For more information, email Spencer Star.
https://pixabay.com/photos/chess-pieces-chess-chess-game-343919/
Current Events and Issues Club (Online)

CURRENT EVENTS & ISSUES CLUB

2nd & 4th Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online/ZOOM
Before the meeting begins each month, we each have time to turn to our morning news source of choice for a nugget of news or concern we can present for the consideration of our assembled fellows. We welcome all fresh, new, informed opinions, civilly presented and argued.
For more information and Zoom link, contact Jay Conner via email or at 415-858-3297.
https://pixabay.com/photos/newspaper-paper-newsprint-943004/
Digital Camera Club (Novato and Outdoors)

DIGITAL CAMERA CLUB

1st & 3rd Mondays

NOTE: Meeting days can vary. Check schedule below to confirm.

1st Monday:
Field Outing (check schedule below for info)
3rd Monday 10:30 am- 12:30 pm:
Novato (IVC) ESCOM Center

Open to anyone who would like to expand their photographic capabilities by learning from others on how to capture images. Join our group on the first Monday of each month to discover unique and unexpected locations, capture amazing photographs; then share your experiences during our 3rd Monday meetings at the IVC ESCOM Center!

 During our meetings we showcase photos on a shared monthly shooting theme, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. We’d love to have you with us! 

Digital Photography Club Schedule

For more information contact:

Dynamic Mindfulness Club (Kentfield and Outdoors)

DYNAMIC MINDFULNESS CLUB

Fridays, 11:00 – 12:00
Kentfield Campus Redwood Grove (between Math/Science/Nursing and Performing Arts Buildings)
During Dynamic Mindfulness Club meetings, we walk with mindfulness to increase attention, aliveness, appreciation of the walking body, and awareness of the environment. We meander around the campus while moving from a very body-centered, self-aware state. Walking seldom requires much concentration or instruction; we’ve been doing it since we first learned to walk. However, there is a way to walk that allows you to experience your body and the space around you as you have never experienced it before. If you are paying full attention, every step is a new experience. Dynamic mindfulness dramatically increases aliveness and appreciation for the experience of walking and awareness of the space around you. 
For more information, email Larry Berkelhammer
Ecoutearth Club (Novato and Outdoors)

ECOUTEARTH CLUB


Novato (IVC) ESCOM Center & elsewhere.
Dates and locations vary.
Contact Karina for info.
Ecoutearth is a practice of mindfulness, ecotherapy, and expressive arts.
When we add ecopsychology to mindfulness it becomes a practice of noticing our own experience as well as the experience of the environment around us. When we add expressive arts it brings in a new way of relating by studying and becoming present through experiential action.
Ecoutearth is about spending time in nature and taking time to listen with all of your senses to what is around you. Listen with your heart, your ears, your eyes, your toes and feet, your nose. Listen with your whole being. In this way we invite you to join in slowing down and listening to the earth, to ourselves in the earth, on the earth and with the earth.
We give the instructions, and let people go out and explore. Then we come together to share our expressions.
For information, dates, and locations email Karina Colliat.
Fun with Games Club (Novato)

FUN WITH GAMES CLUB

2nd & 4th Wednesdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm 
Novato (IVC) ESCOM Center
Games such as Scrabble, RummiKube, Mexican Train (Dominoes), and card games! 
We encourage fun and participation. Game rules are followed, but there may be some ’wiggle-room’ (so keep your rule-books at home)!
For more information contact Sue Derana via email or at 415-987-1719.
Great Courses Club (Online)

GREAT COURSES CLUB

Every Thursday 1:30 – 3:00 pm 
Online/ZOOM
Our meetings are fun and filled with lively discussions. You can ‘drop in’ and join us for these sessions.
Current course: ‘Post-Impressionism: The Beginnings of Modern Art’. Taught by Ricky Allman, professor of Painting and Drawing, University of Missouri-Kansas City.
For more information & Zoom link contact Ellen Breazeale via email or at 415-892-6546.
Mahjong Club (Novato)

MAH JONG CLUB

2nd & 4th Tuesday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Novato (IVC) ESCOM Center
Mahjong is on Summer break. Meetings will resume in September. Please contact Linda if you are interested in playing then.
This club was formed to teach people how to play Mah Jong and to offer a venue for experienced players to meet.
This is not a club where you can ‘drop in’ with the expectation that you can join a game. Please be sure to contact the club leaders, so they can plan on the number of people, including who needs lessons and who just wants to play.
To arrange attendance and get more information, email Linda Henderson or Pat Bailey.
Marin County Book Club (Online)

MARIN COUNTY BOOK CLUB

4th Tuesday 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Online/ZOOM

We focus on fairly short pieces of fiction, often well-known, but sometimes we read classical books, plays, essays, poems, etc.

Upcoming:
  • JUNE—No meeting
  • JULY 28—History. Barbara Tuchman: The March of Folly, (Chapter 4: The British Lose America).
  • AUGUST 28—Poems. Wallace Stevens: Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird. Emily Dickinson: Banish Air from Air and Nobody Knows this Little Rose. Jalāl ad-Dīn Rumi: In Silence. Cathy Park Hong: Ballad in A. Juan Felipe Herrera: Blood on the Wheel.

Please call Norman if you’re planning to attend for the first time.

For more information & Zoom link contact: 

Mindfulness Meditation Club (Novato/Online and Kentfield)

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION CLUB

EVERY TUESDAY, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Pacific Time

Our Location ALTERNATES:

1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesday:
2nd & 4th Tuesday:

We gather to learn and practice mindfulness. Whether we’re just beginning or have meditated for years, we settle more fully into our bodies and our lives. We build capacity to remain balanced during negative experiences and fully present for positive ones, while embracing the impermanence of both.

Format:

  • 30 minutes of mindful reflections
  • 15 minutes of optional gentle movement
  • 30 minutes of meditation, with some guidance
  • 10 minutes discussion, Q&A

For more information, contact:

Opera and Beyond Club (Online)

OPERA & BEYOND CLUB

2nd Tuesday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Online/ZOOM

We view complete opera videos, shown with English Subtitles. Recent operas have included:
Die Fledermaus, by Johann Strauss II; La Boheme, by Giacomo Puccini; Rigoletto, by Giuseppe Verdi.

Coming Soon!

Opera & Beyond resumes in-person meetings!

For more information and Zoom link, contact:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Giovanni_Paolo_Pannini_-_Fête_musicale_-_1747.jpg
Silent Sitting Club (Novato)

SILENT SITTING CLUB

2nd Saturday (usually, check with Will to confirm)
10:00 am -12:00 pm
Novato (IVC) ESCOM Center
Next Meeting: Saturday August 8
This club offers longer periods of contemplative practice, with a brief introductory talk about meditation, but simple silence (no guidance) during the practice periods.
Format:
Announcements & brief talk 
40 minutes silent practice
Break & mindful movement
40 minutes silent practice

For more information, email Will Meecham.
Spirituality of Aging Club (Novato/Online)

SPIRITUALITY OF AGING CLUB

2nd & 4th Thursday, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Hybrid in-person/online:

We meet for mutual support, as we contemplate the GIFTS of aging. For instance, how growing older encourages letting go, acceptance, strength of heart, a sense of humor, supporting younger generations, exploring new interests, finding meaning, making peace with mortality, etc, etc.

For more information & Zoom link, contact:

The Play Reading Club (Kentfield/Online)

THE PLAY READING CLUB

3rd Tuesday, 1:00 – 2:30 (or 3:00) pm

Hybrid in-person/online:

Alternating between

We read aloud and discuss short and full-length plays, both serious dramas and comedies. Plays enjoyed include works by Neil Simon, Lynn Nottage, Albee, Miller, Sarah Ruhl, and Tennessee Williams. 

NOTE: On July 21 the Play Reading Club will meet at the Novato/IVC ESCOM Center (no meeting in June). We will read Dipika Guha’s Yoga Play, a comedy about business, spirituality and consumerism.

For more information & Zoom link, contact:

The Ur Discussion Club (Online)

THE Ur DISCUSSION CLUB

1st & 3rd Thursdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online/ZOOM (contact Jay for link)

Ur is a prefix, meaning primitive, original, earliest – as in Ur-text, Ur-language, or Pilsener Urquell, the source. It can also be an abbreviation for Ultimate Reality.

We are presently working our way through 24 Great Courses lectures on Frederick Neitzsche. The series can be joined at any time. 

Come see! Join us anytime!

For more information and Zoom link, contact:

Wednesday Detection Club (Online)

WEDNESDAY DETECTION CLUB

1st Wednesday, 1:00 – 3:00 pm 
Online/ZOOM (contact Diana for link)

The Wednesday Detection Book Club usually picks books for the year in January–usually cozies but a few darker books also sneak in. The person who chooses the book also presents a bio of the author.

Upcoming books:

  • July 1st: “Curious Beginning” by  Deanna Raybourn presented by Barbara
  • Aug. 5th: “Nobody’s Perfect” by Douglas Clark presented by Jackie
  • Sept. 2nd: “Mrs. Pargeter’s Prejudices” by Simon Brett presented by Dori
  • Oct. 7th: “A Lover Too Many” by Roy Lewis presented by Diana
  • Nov. 4th: “Deception by Gaslight” by Kate Belli presented by Barbara
  • Dec. 2: “The Christmas Appeal” by Janice Holletts presented by Jackie
  • Jan. 6th: Book Selection Meeting for 2027

For more information and zoom link, contact:

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Who Done It? Book Club (Online)

“WHO DONE IT?” BOOK CLUB

3rd Wednesday, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Online/Zoom (contact Diana for link)

Club members receive an email notice the Thursday before and a Zoom invitation the day before each Meeting.

In the “Who Done It?” club we choose books in January.  We read anything from police procedurals to cozies with a few thrillers thrown in. The person who chooses the book also presents a bio of the author.

Upcoming books:

  • June 17th  “”Under Lock And Skeleton Key” by Gigi Pandian presented by Jackie
  • July 15th  “The Last House Guest” by Megan Miranda presented by Lynne
  • Aug. 19th  “Heat Lightening” by John Stanford presented by Dori
  • Sept. 16th  “Special Circumstances” by Sheldon Siegel presented by Barbara
  • Oct. 21st  “The Frangipani Tree Murder” by Ovidia Yu presented by Diana
  • Nov. 18th  “Straight” by Dick Francis” presented by Joan
  • Dec. 16th  “A Murder of Crows” by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett presented by Marghie ….be aware there are several books with this title …..be sure of the author!!
  • Jan. 20th Book selection for 2027

For more information and Zoom link, contact:

https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=280217&picture=crime-scene