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Village Santa Cruz County
Aging Better Together
The Village News
April 2024 |
Save the Dates!
Our Village is Eight
We want to celebrate!
Friday, May 9, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
@ Community Foundation
Music sing-a-long
cupcakes and snacks
party with your friends
meet Village members from different area Circles
Walk and Picnic at
UCSC Arboretum
Sunday, April 27, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
We have invited some of the UCSC students that we've met through our Co-generational activities.
All Village members welcome.
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Kathleen and Joanne enjoy the Clay workshop with some students from UCSC. Corey (in the background), founder of the Student Doctor Alliance club at UCSC, has been volunteering with the Alzheimer's Association.
Corey will be presenting an upcoming
Alzheimer's Association Talk,
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
Tuesday, April 8 at 2:30 pm
at the Scotts Valley Senior Center,
370 Kings Village Rd. Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Pre-registration not necessary; you can just show up. | | | | 
Santa Cruz DA's office presents
SCAM Prevention
On March 28, the Santa Cuz DA's office gave an excellent presentation on some of the most prevalent scams, the latest scams, and actions that each of us can take to prevent being scammed. This was followed by a short presentation by Santa Cruz HICAP on Medicare Fraud. There was so much good information, some of it new, some a reminder. If you missed it, here are a couple of online resources: AARP's Fraud Watch Network FRAUD Watch and Senior Medical Patrol (SMP) Medicare Fraud Schemes
Reminder: Get Your 2nd Dose of the 2024/2025 COVID vaccine
People 65+ and those who are immunocompromised should receive a second dose of 2024–25 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated each year to provide the best protection against circulating variants.
Making sure you and your family members are up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines is a safe and powerful way to help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. You can even get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit.
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 by Dody Anderson
An easy way I found to improve my sleep: If you don't have sleep apnea, consider wearing a small piece of sleep tape over your lips to keep your mouth closed and promote nasal breathing. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, breathing through your nose "plays an important role in the physiology of sleep." It delivers extra oxygen, reduces stress and converts more healing nitric oxide in the body. Dr. Breus calls the metabolism-boosting gas an "endocrine signaler" that supports insulin to work better, noting, "Nitric oxide is pure magic for your health.
Make sure you use breathable tape, like medical tape. You do not want to use something like duct tape that totally restricts breathing if your nose becomes clogged and can't pull in air. You can find medical tape at any pharmacy or in the First Aid section of a drug store.
Please NOTE: So far, there have been very few studies on mouth taping to show whether it can treat or prevent any issues related to mouth breathing. However, mouth taping can be dangerous for some people, especially those with GERD, anxiety, nasal congestion or obstruction and sleep apnea. Before trying talk with your doctor.
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Matter of Balance
April 22 – May 20 (no class April 24)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 AM – 12 PM
Matter of Balance, an award-winning program offered by the Volunteer Center’s Empowered Aging group, designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. In small group sessions, the workshop series explores techniques to overcome the fear of falling and learn simple exercises, so participants come away with a well-rounded approach to staying safe and healthy at home, and beyond. FREE grab bar installation and raffle prizes upon completion of class. This is NOT a drop-in class. You must register and be pre-screened to see if the workshop is right for you.
Location: Annex Room at the Simpkins Center, 979 17th Ave., in Live Oak.
To register and for pre-screening
phone 831-205-0160
or email ares.bartell@scvolunteercenter.org
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Can't come to the library?
We'll come to you!
Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Homebound Library Cards
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries offers homebound library cards for individuals within the Santa Cruz Public Libraries service area who are unable to visit the library due to disability, frailty, or extended illness. Special homebound borrower cards are available for those individuals. Library materials will be delivered to your home.
Who Can Apply? Any person in the Santa Cruz Public Libraries service area who is unable to visit one of the Library's branches or the bookmobile due to a physical disability, frailty or extended illness.
How to Apply: Call the Homebound services office at 831-427-7700X 7614, send an email to homebound@santacruzpl.org. Learn more at Library cards for the homebound
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Book Group April Reads:
"James" by Percival Everett. The book is a retelling of the classic story “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man. - recommended by Patti & Jacquy
“Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan. Just over 100 pages, it can be read in one or two days. I haven’t before read a book that takes me into the interior life of a working-class middle-aged man. - recommended by Alice
What else are our members are reading and recommend?
“The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams. Fascinating fictional treatment of the very real development of the Oxford English Dictionary. - recommended by Barbara
“An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, memoir, published in 2024. The book blends memoir and historical nonfiction, focusing on her life with her late husband, Richard Goodwin, a prominent political advisor and speechwriter for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Goodwin offers an intimate portrayal of their relationship and an exploration of significant historical events, particularly the social and political upheavals of the 1960s. - recommended by Joanne
“The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon, historical fiction. The year is 1789 and a New England midwife is called to investigate a dead man pulled from the icy river. The book follows her pursuit of justice. - recommended by Mary
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Recommendations from the Movie/TV Discussion Group
“Paradise," TV series on Hulu. The series is set in a serene community inhabited by some of the world’s most prominent individuals. But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high-stakes investigation unfolds.
"Adolescence," TV series on Netflix. This is a new limited series that has come to shock many viewers with its sad and dark depiction of real life when it comes to the world of social media and how it influences people, particularly kids to do the worst things imaginable.
"Funny Woman," limited series on PBS. It’s the height of the swinging 60s and Barbara Parker has just been crowned Miss Blackpool – but she’s certain there has to be more to life than being a beauty queen in a seaside town. With the bright lights of London calling, Barbara packs her bags and heads off to the city where she looks to take on the male-dominated world of comedy by storm.
"Matlock," a new series on CBS. This one stars Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, a brilliant lawyer who uses her unassuming demeanor to win cases.
"Murder in Sweden," a series on PBS. On a picturesque Swedish island, Maria juggles being a good mother and detective--all while sustaining her female perspective and approach to life--and solving some heinous crimes.
"To Be or Not to Be," available on MAX. Fun to see an old movie once in a while, and this one, a 1942 American black comedy film, was directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Carole Lombard and Jack Benny.
"Boomers," a British comedy series about senior citizens on Amazon Prime. Three couples who are friends are figuring out their lives in retirement.
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Medicare Coverage for Telehealth
extended through September 30, 2025
The bill to fund the federal government through Sept. 30 will also extend Medicare coverage of telehealth from home. For details Read the Article from Center for Telehealth, CTel.org
Improving Care for Medicare Beneficiaries in CA: Recommendations of the California Medicare Collaborative. California’s 65-and-older population is diversifying and growing faster than any other age group. By 2030, nearly one in five Californians will be 65 or older, and the majority of them will be Medicare beneficiaries with complex health care needs.
To effectively address these needs, California’s health care ecosystem must be strengthened to provide person and family-centered care for this growing and diverse group. With this in mind, the California Medicare Collaborative (Collaborative) was created as a multi-stakeholder space for health care leaders to prioritize strategies within their locus of influence for improving care delivery to Medicare patients. Download the Report
For updated information on Medicare, check with our local HICAP, a program of Senior Network Services. The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides free and unbiased Medicare counseling and advocacy for seniors of Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. Call 831-462-5510 or Email hicap@seniornetworkservices.org |
The Curious 100
The Curious 100 is a celebration of one hundred courageous leaders and creative minds across the United States who are harnessing the transformative power of curiosity to solve today’s most pressing problems—whether it’s combating climate change, advancing racial justice, addressing the housing crisis, or tackling food insecurity. This list includes a wide range of advocates, from those championing regenerative agriculture and material use to those supporting some of the most vulnerable communities in our society.
Presented by the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, The Curious 100 honors the legacy of Ray and Charles Eames, whose insatiable curiosity and interdisciplinary approach to design continue to inspire innovation and creative problem-solving. Find out more.
 Third Act is a community of Americans over sixty determined to change the world for the better. Third Act harnesses an unparalleled generational power to safeguard our climate and democracy. Learn more here--https://thirdact.org/
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CA State Attorney General Urgently Issues Consumer Alert for 23andMe Customers
From Scott Wiener, Representing CA 2nd District:
This week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an urgent warning to every Californian who has taken an at-home DNA test through 23&Me: Please consider deleting your 23andMe data now.
23andMe filed for bankruptcy in federal court last week after years of financial struggles. As a result, the company and its assets are being put up for auction, meaning that any data still retained by the company could soon be sold to a new entity for unknown purposes.
Under California’s privacy laws, anyone who has taken a 23andMe test can ask for their data to be deleted. Here's how:
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How to Delete Your 23andMe Data
- Log into your 23andMe account.
- Go to your Profile, then tap Settings.
- Scroll to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page and click View.
- If you want to download your data, select what you want.
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section and click “Permanently Delete Data.”
- Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe, and click the link in the email to confirm | | |
Become a Member of Village Santa Cruz County
|  | Coming UP in April
Members will receive Zoom information in weekly eBlasts.
If you are not yet a Village member but would like to join one of our events, to meet some Village members, please contact info@villagesantacruz.org
Tuesday, April 1, Rummikub, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, @ Player's mobile home park clubhouse in Capitola. Rummikub is a fun board game for everyone. Easy to learn. We spice up the game with a little wagering on the side, so bring your spare change (pennies, nickels and dimes).
Wednesday, April 2, Aptos Circle Chat, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ Aptos Methodist Church, 221 Thunderbird Drive, Aptos. Relax with a cup of coffee or tea and catch up on what's happening with your Circle friends. Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us.
Thursday, April 3, Solo Agers, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, @ The Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr. We meet once a month to talk about how we deal with various issues and to offer aid and support.Note: We are starting at 10:30 now and will have a 1.5 hour meeting.
Thursday, April 3, Bocce, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Felt Street Park, 1904 Felt Street, Santa Cruz. Come play Bocce with us! All members welcome. Bocce Ball is simple to learn, it's a lot of fun, and good exercise (not to mention the great company). Come try it out. Cancelled in the event of rain or wet court.
Thursday, April 3, Westside Circle Chat, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ The Abbey Coffeehouse 350 Mission St. Relax with a cup of coffee or tea and catch up on what's happening with your Circle friends. Non-members are welcome to join us.
Friday, April 4, Executive Board Meeting, 12:00 - 12:30 PM, Join on Zoom. The Executive Board meets to plan the agenda for the Advisory Committee meeting on April 10. This planning meeting is closed but you are welcome to send in any topic suggestions for the agenda and are invited to attend the April 10 meeting.
Tuesday, April 8, Mid County Circle Chat, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, @ Simpkins Swim Center Library Annex, 979 17th Ave. Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us.
Wednesday, April 9, Bowling at the Boardwalk Bowl, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, @ The Boardwalk Bowl. Join us for a fun time bowling. Feel a bit rusty? Never tried it? No problem. Some of us plan to use the bumpers to keep our ball from straying in the alley! Contact info@villagesantacruz.org if you plan to join us and we'll pass it on to the group. Note that bowling is now starting at 11:00 AM, on the second Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, April 9, SLV Circle Chat, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, @ Highlands Park Community and Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. Relax with a cup of coffee or tea and catch up on what's happening with your Circle friends. Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us. Note time change! We are now meeting from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Thursday, April 10, Bocce, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Felt Street Park, 1904 Felt Street, Santa Cruz. Come play Bocce with us! All members welcome. Bocce Ball is simple to learn, it's a lot of fun, and good exercise (not to mention the great company). Come try it out. Cancelled in the event of rain or wet court.
Thursday, April 10, Advisory Board Monthly Meeting, 12:30 PM - 2:15 PM, Join on Zoom. All Village members are invited to attend our monthly planning meeting. Email info@villagesantacruz.org if you plan to attend, so that we can send you the agenda.
Friday, April 11, Westcliff Walks, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, We will walk along Westcliff Dr. Meet in the parking lot of Shrine Coffee. 544 Westcliff Ave.
Monday, April 14, Westside Circle: Life Stories, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ a Westside Circle member's home. Topic: Talk about a person who has made a big impact in your life. The story can be about a lifelong friend, someone you met briefly at the grocery store who brightened your really bad day or something in between. PLEASE NOTE: if something major is currently happening in your life and you want to talk about this instead, we are happy to listen.
Tuesday, April 15, Co-Generations Coffee House Chat, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ The Abbey Coffeehouse 310 Mission Str. Santa Cruz. We'll continue our co-generational coffee chats, the third Tuesday of each month. All Village Members invited to attend, please RSVP Mary at villagescmhowe@gmail.com if you plan to come.
Wednesday, April 16, Aptos Circle Luncheon, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ TBD. Open to Aptos Circle Members only.
Thursday, April 17, Bocce, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Felt Str. Park, 1904 Felt Street, Santa Cruz. Come play Bocce with us! All members welcome. Cancelled in the event of rain or wet court.
Thursday, April 17, Movie/TV Discussion Group, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Join on Zoom. Look at the recommendations above for suggestions on what to watch.
Friday, April 18, Book Discussion Group, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ Simpkins Swim Center Library Annex, 979 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, Meeting Room C. Books: "James" by Percival Everett. The book is a retelling of the classic story “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man. And “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan. Just over 100 pages, it can be read in one or two days. I haven’t before read a book that takes me into the interior life of a working-class middle-aged man.
Monday, April 21, New Member Orientation, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz Coach Room, 7807 Soquel Dr. In Person and on Zoom. Join us for a presentation about connecting via the website, we will answer your questions in real time. If you have have a question, you can send it to info@villagesantacruz.org in advance. Coffee and Tea will be provided. Come at 10:15 if you'd like to get a drink and settle in before the presentation starts.
Tuesday, April 22, Mid-County Luncheon, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, @ TBD.
Wednesday, April 23, SLV Circle Chat, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, @ at Highlands Park Community and Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. Relax with a cup of coffee or tea and catch up on what's happening with your Circle friends. Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us. Note time change! We are now meeting from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Thursday, April 24, Bocce, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Felt Str. Park, 1904 Felt Street, Santa Cruz. Come play Bocce with us! All members welcome. Cancelled in the event of rain or wet court.
Thursday, April 24, Movie at the Theater, Time: TBD, Movie and details TBD when the movie list for this date comes out.
Sunday April 27, Walk and Picnic at the USCS Arboretum, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Some of the UCSC students we have met through co-generational connections will join us for a walk through the Arboretum, followed by a brown bag picnic.
Monday, April 28, Memoir Writing, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Because of the very personal nature of our writings, which we share, this group is a closed group. Want to start a 2nd writing group? Contact info@villagesantacruz.org and we'll help put out the word and connect you with other members who are interested. Note date change. Memoir Writing will return to the third Monday of the month in March.
| In Our Community
HOWL: The Art & History of Pets, March 21 – August 3, @ the MAH, 705 Front Street, downtown Santa Cruz. An exhibition featuring a selection of pet themed art and historical photos from the Museum of Art & History’s collection to celebrate our furry and feathery friends. HOWL invites our visitors to explore why we love our animal family members so much, and the historic relationship between people and pets. Artifacts and artwork in the exhibition explore complex themes such as how we grieve and remember our deceased pets, and the healing aspects of pet companionship, such as the sound of a cat’s purr, or a dog nuzzling at your feet.
From now until 2028, the west bound side of the Murray Str. Bridge (over the yacht harbor--going from Live Oak to Santa Cruz) will be closed to all traffic (foot, bicycle and car.) The east bound side will remain open, with some complete bridge closures as the project proceeds. Learn more at the Dept. of Public Works Website.
Sunday, March 30, 1:00 to 2:30 PM, "Jewels in the Garden" Hummingbird Natural History at UCSC Arboretum. A fun and inspiring lecture and walk from Dr. Bruce Lyon about hummingbirds! For more information go to the event page here.
Thursday, April 3, 2:00 - 3:30 PM, Author Talk with Annelise Schinzinger: The Art and Science of Caregiving. @ the Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Rd. Annelise inspires and informs through her stories about elders, the Action Points for Caregivers that follow each story, and her thoughtful guidebook. Gain valuable insights on how to help someone live as fully as possible during the end-phase of life, while still enjoying what is available to them. For more details, go to the Event Page.
Saturday, April 5, 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Downtown Santa Cruz: Oaxacan Festival. Pacific Ave. between Water and Locust Strs. The Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, music, dance, music, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos. This local festival is like the traditional fiestas celebrated each summer in Oaxaca, Mexico. For more information, go to the City of Santa Cruz Event Page.
The Community of Digital Artists, Member’s Exhibit at the R. Blitzer Gallery, 2801 Mission St. from April 3 to 26. The exhibit features the work of 40 CODA members. The opening reception, featuring live music, will be held on first Friday April 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. The closing reception on April 26 from 1-4 p.m. (presentation at 1:30) will feature an artist talk, book signing and pop-up exhibit by award-winning photographer and author Oliver Klink. To learn more, go to the event website.
Jazz at the Library! Friday, April 4, 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Downtown Library, 224 Church Str. Free Admission. Download the informational flyer here Jazz at the Library
Hands Off National Day of Action, Saturday, April 5. This is a non-violent day of action to protect our healthcare, social security, our economy, and our democracy. Two local rallies, both 12:00 – 2:00 PM: Santa Cruz Rally at the County Court House, 701 Ocean Street AND at the Watsonville City Plaza, 358 Main Street.
50% Off at Grey Bears, Saturday, April 12, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 50% off everything in the thrift stores, excluding compost. Address: 2710 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065.
Santa Cruz Dance Week! April 17 to April 25. There will be dancing in the streets! …Literally. Watch cultural, classical, modern and everything in between. Mid-day exhibitions and dazzling night shows. Sponsored by Motion Pacific. Go to their event page to learn more.
Santa Cruz Earth Day, Saturday, April 19, 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 118 Cooper Str. Santa Cruz. Earth Day Santa Cruz is an annual event bringing our community together to promote environmental stewardship, healthy living, and sustainability. We strive to celebrate the importance of protecting our Earth’s resources and to collaborate on empowering the environmental movement in Santa Cruz County and beyond. For more information, go to their website.
Downtown Farmers Market moving to new location. The Wednesday afternoon downtown Santa Cruz farmers market is moving to a new location in May - Cedar Street between Walnut and Church - due to construction of a new mixed use library project. This location is temporary and will probably last between two to four years. “It includes some exciting new design elements, community programming, events and vendors,” says Nicole Zahm, communication and programs manager for Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets.
Articles, Videos, and Listening
The High Cost of My Mother's Longevity, By Christine Schoenwald, March 18, 2025, Next Avenue. Death has its timetable, and it didn't sync with my mother's — so she lived past her personal expiration date and was ready to die for several years. Read the Article.
The Art of Dying Well, by Gary Stern, March 11, 2025, Next Avenue. Experts say it starts with accepting truths such as 'what would be left undone if I were to die suddenly today? What business do I need to complete or turn over to others? Read the article here.
Do we really know our dogs? Hidden Brain, March 21, 2025. “A new study suggests that when people interpret a dog’s emotions, they tend to rely more on context than on the dog’s actual behavior, which might lead them, dare we say it, astray.” Read the article here.
California Launches $429 Million in New Stem Cell/Gene Therapy Plans, Striving for Bigger Impact plus Speeding Commercialization, March 27, 2025, The California Stem Cell Report, by David Jensen. “California’s ambitious stem cell and gene therapy agency approved sweeping new plans this morning as it searches for greater success in developing cures and treatments for afflictions ranging from autism to heart disease. The effort came as the agency said investment in cell and gene therapy has “flatlined” and federal funding for biomedical research is under grave assault from the Trump administration.” Read the Article
This group of 90-year-olds were tired of being lonely, so they started a podcast, source: CNN. Living past 90 comes with a unique kind of loneliness. There’s so much to share from a lifetime of experience, but a dwindling number of people to talk with as the average nonagenarian outlives their friends, spouses, and loved ones. In Argentina, some seniors are turning to podcasts to share their stories. Last year, 97-year-old Alberto Chab posted a video online from his home in Buenos Aires with the help of a granddaughter, calling for others around his age to unite and talk about what’s going on in their lives. Watch the video
You're never too old to exercise, and reap the benefits. Read about how a group of ninety-something folks changed their lives and caused a paradigm shift in science by taking up strength training in this article from the Guardian.
Having trouble sleeping? You may want to look into getting a sleep study done. Learn what happens during a sleep study, why you may want to get one, and other helpful information in this AARP article.
Read about "The Grandma Stand" a pop up stand in NYC where anyone could come and receive wisdom from Grandma Eileen. This virtual pop-up stand was created by Mike Mattthews, because he wanted others to benefit from the wisdom of his grandmother. Learn more in this article from Next Avenue.
| Village Santa Cruz County
1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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