Winter Book Club to Support Mental Health and Build Community

Join the City of Wheat Ridge and Jefferson Center as we work to build community and connection through a book club during the cozy winter season! During times of tremendous uncertainty and change, we can be tempted to succumb to feelings of overwhelm and disempowerment. Join us as we learn about managing uncertainty and finding your anchor of hope.

We will have a kickoff session with a presentation, followed by a four-session book club exploring The Lightmaker’s Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy. Together, we’ll discuss and reflect on each of the book’s four parts through guided conversation and simple, practical exercises. Lunch will be provided.

Please bring: your copy of A Lightmaker's Manifesto, something to write on, and a willingness to reflect and connect.

Managing Uncertainty and Change

• Date & Time: Friday, January 23, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Location: Active Adult Center, 6363 W 35th Ave, Wheat Ridge
• Speaker: Christy Boland
• Presentation Summary: Uncertainty impacts our minds and bodies in predictable ways—and stress is a normal response, not a personal failing. Attend this brain-based, practical session to learn how uncertainty affects us and simple tools to stay grounded, resilient, and balanced during ongoing change.

Book Club Session 1: The Lightmaker's Manifesto: Part 1, Clearing: Making Space for Joy & Meaning (chapters 1 - 3)

• Date & Time: Friday, February 6, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Location: Active Adult Center, 6363 W 35th Ave, Wheat Ridge
• Facilitator: Christy Boland
• Book Club Discussion: We’ll kick off the series by exploring what it means to be a “lightmaker” and why joy and meaning matter when life feels heavy or uncertain. This session focuses on clearing away noise so you can better notice what truly energizes you—especially the small “whispers” that point toward purpose. Expect welcoming discussion, gentle reflection, and a simple intention-setting practice to help you begin the series grounded and clear.

Book Club Session 2: The Lightmaker's Manifesto: Part 2, Gifts, Intergrity & Values in Action (chapters 4-5)

• Date & Time: Friday, February 20, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Location: Active Adult Center, 6363 W 35th Ave, Wheat Ridge
• Facilitator: Christy Boland
• Book Club Discussion: We’ll discuss how to recognize and use your strengths with integrity, empathy, and kindness—so your efforts feel aligned and sustainable. You’ll reflect on what consistently lights you up and begin naming the words, themes, or values that can guide your next steps in work, community, and life.

Book Club Session 3: The Lightmaker's Manifesto: Part 3, Spark - Your Values, Your Mission, Your Spark Statement (chapters 6-8)

• Date & Time: Friday, March 6, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Location: Active Adult Center, 6363 W 35th Ave, Wheat Ridge
• Facilitator: Christy Boland
• Book Club Discussion: In this session we turn clarity into direction. We’ll explore how values shape purpose and how small, intentional steps can build real momentum. A key focus will be on creating a “Spark Statement”—a personal mission statement that names what ignites you to do good and make light in your work, community, and world. You’ll also have the option to use simple mapping tools to connect your values to practical next steps and supportive relationships.

Book Club Session 4: The Lightmaker's Manifesto: Part 4, Spark - Your Values, Your Mission, Your Spark Statement (chapters 9-11 + epilogue)

• Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Location: Active Adult Center, 6363 W 35th Ave, Wheat Ridge
• Facilitator: Christy Boland
• Book Club Discussion: In our final session, we will focus on longevity: how to keep showing up for what matters without losing your joy. We’ll discuss self-compassion, courage, curiosity, and the role of celebration and gratitude in sustaining meaningful work. You’ll leave with tools for maintaining balance and tracking wellbeing, plus a chance to reflect on what you want to carry forward beyond the series—individually and as a community.

Contact Christy Boland at [email protected] or 720-781-8896 with questions.

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Host or Publisher Jefferson Center for Mental Health