Join us for Curiosity Café, a new Lifelong Learning at Bucks gathering built around simple pleasures: something interesting to discover, good conversation, and a chance to connect with others over coffee and light refreshments. This month, we’re asking: What Happened to Halloween? Take a nostalgic look back at the Halloween traditions we remember—and some that have disappeared along the way. From homemade costumes and plastic masks to school parades, neighborhood mischief, and pillowcases full of candy, we'll compare memories and explore how Halloween has changed over the years. Come ready to reminisce, laugh, share a story or two, and enjoy coffee and seasonal treats. No costume required—just bring your curiosity!
Join naturalist and artist Jack Hobe for a hands-on workshop inspired by the swallows of Tyler State Park. Using an easy-to-learn gesture sketching system, practice capturing swallows both perched and in flight while learning to recognize common local species and techniques for drawing birds from life. No art or drawing experience required—all skill levels are welcome!
Fascination with French Food & Wine
Tuesday, October 27 | 10–11 a.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
How did France build its extraordinary reputation for food and wine—and convince the world that French cuisine was simply better? Join French educator Wendy Rosen to explore the traditions of terroir, the development of the AOC system, and the history and influences that helped spread French tastes and culinary ideas around the world.
Register for French Food and Wine
Tiles, Tea & Talk: Rummikub Social
Select Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 17–December 10 | 1–2:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Solarium, Newtown Campus
Cost: $10 for the full fall series
Pull up a chair for an afternoon of tiles, tea, talk, and friendly competition! Whether you’re a seasoned Rummikub player or brand new to the game, Rummikub Social is a relaxed and welcoming way to play, learn, and connect with others. One $10 registration covers the entire fall series! Come to as many gatherings as your schedule allows—there’s no need to register for each date separately. All game materials and light refreshments will be provided. No experience necessary; beginners are always welcome!
Fall Rummikub Social Dates:
1–2:30 p.m.
Oct. 27 | Nov. 12 & 24 | Dec. 10
Register for Rummikub Social
Curiosity Café: What Happened to Halloween?
Wednesday, October 28 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Gene & Marlene Epstein Campus, Bristol – Room TBA
Cost: $10
Take a nostalgic look back at the Halloween traditions we remember—and some that have disappeared along the way. From homemade costumes and plastic masks to school parades, neighborhood mischief, and pillowcases full of candy, we'll compare memories and explore how Halloween has changed over the years. Come ready to reminisce, laugh, share a story or two, and enjoy coffee and seasonal treats. No costume required—just bring your curiosity!
Register for Curiosity Cafe
In Cordelia’s Cauldron: The Origins of Witches and Halloween
Thursday, October 29 | 2–3 p.m.
Rollins Center – Solarium, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Where did our familiar Halloween traditions come from? Award-winning storyteller and reenactor Jane Politi becomes Cordelia the witch for a spirited journey through more than 2,000 years of Halloween history. Reach into Cordelia's cauldron to uncover the ancient beliefs, festivals, stories, and traditions behind witches, pumpkins, jack-o'-lanterns, goblins, and the holiday we celebrate today.
Register for In Cordelia's Couldron
November 2026
Your 100-Year Life: How Old Are You, Really?
Wednesday, November 4 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
We're living longer—but what does research tell us about aging well? Inspired by the Stanford Center on Longevity's New Map of Life, this interactive session challenges common myths about aging and explores the difference between chronological and biological age. Learn how genetics, environment, and lifestyle influence the aging process and consider evidence-based strategies for living better, longer.
Led by Kim Martin Korda, founder of Aging Made Interesting and doctoral student in gerontology at USC.
Register for How Old Are You, Really?
Your 100-Year Life: Who Am I Now? Purpose and Meaning in the Second Half of Life
Wednesday, November 18 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Longer lives are changing the traditional “learn, earn, retire” path. Explore how retirement, changing family roles, relationships, and other transitions can reshape our sense of identity and purpose. Through research, reflection, and conversation, we'll consider how purpose, mindset, and a sense of possibility can help create a meaningful and fulfilling next chapter.
Register for Who Am I Now?
Illustrating Birds of Tyler State Park: Drawing Hawks
Friday, November 20 | 10:30 a.m. to noon
The Orangery, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
Learn to capture the power and personality of Tyler State Park's hawks on paper. Local ornithologist and artist Jack Hobe will share loose sketching techniques for drawing raptors both perched and in flight, including tips for capturing their distinctive features and fierce expressions. Participants will practice using photographs of local hawks. No art or drawing experience required—all skill levels are welcome!
Register for Drawing Hawks
December 2026
Your 100-Year Life: Your Social Portfolio – Investing in Connection
Wednesday, December 9 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Rollins Center – Gallagher Room, Newtown Campus
Cost: $15
We plan for our financial future—but what about our social future? Explore why relationships, friendship, and community are important to well-being and healthy aging, along with the barriers that can make connection more difficult as life changes. We'll discuss practical ways to build and maintain a strong “social portfolio” at any age and share ideas and local opportunities for staying connected.
Led by Kim Martin Korda, founder of Aging Made Interesting and doctoral student in gerontology at USC.
Register for Your Social Portfolio