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Village Santa Cruz County
Aging Better Together
The Village News
November 2024 | |
MEDICARE 2026 Options
HICAP Presentation
hosted by Village Santa Cruz County
Friday, November 7
10:30 – 11:30 AM
at the Volunteer Center
1740 17th Ave.
It's that time of the year again. From October 15 until December 7, is the window of opportunity to choose, renew or change your Medicare insurance plan.
A Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) representative will talk with us about changes coming in 2026 to the plans and providers for Santa Cruz County, as well as give us tips on making the best choice for our individual situations.
Open to the Public
RSVP
OR self-register on our website calendar
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Save the Date
to Celebrate!
Village Holiday Mixer
Friday, December 12
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
@ Simpkin's Center
- Lunch is on us
- Connect with members within and outside of your Circle and Interest Groups.
- Idea for a new Interest Group? There will be a chance to pitch your idea and find other interested members.
RSVP
so we know how much food to order
NOTE: This is a Village member only event.
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Adopt-A-Family 2025
Bring Holiday Magic to Local Families in Need. Help provide gifts and groceries for 2,000 children and their families this season. The Volunteer Center partners with 35+ local nonprofits, schools, and social service agencies to bring joy and relief to families facing hardship during the holidays. Ways that you can be part of this effort:
- Make a donation.
- Adopt-a-Family. October 28, 2025 to December 5th, 2025.
- Or shop for special requests of items for families.
- Find out more.
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November Book Group Read: Inland, by Téa Obreht. Set in the late 19th century, "Inland" follows two main characters: Nora Lark, a resilient frontierswoman, and Lurie Mattie, a former outlaw haunted by his past.
The novel alternates between their perspectives, capturing the struggles and desires of both characters in a lawless and drought-ridden land. The lyrical, visceral prose blends historical grit with magical realism, exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and the human desire for belonging.
Other Recommendations:
"What We Can Know, by Ian McEwan. Set in the year 2119, the world has been drastically altered by climate change. Tom, an academic, is on a quest to uncover the mystery of a lost poem, "A Corona for Vivien," which was read at a party in 2014. The narrative oscillates between the past and the future, examining how history and personal legacies intertwine.
"1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History-and How It Shattered a Nation" by Andrew Ross Sorkin is a gripping narrative that delves into the infamous stock market crash of 1929. The book, which is a follow-up to "Too Big to Fail," offers a deep dive into the greed, blind optimism, and human folly that led to this era-defining collapse.
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Recommendations from
the TV/Movie Discussion Group
"Sunday Best," The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan," Netflix. Ed Sullivan broke barriers by booking Black artists on his Sunday night variety show. This documentary spotlights the TV pioneer's legacy of equality.
"Past Lives," Netflix. Korean and American. This picture was nominated for Best Picture in 2024. Two deeply connected childhood friends are wrest apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. 20 years later, they are reunited for one fateful week.
"Highest 2 Lowest," Apple TV. Directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington. After losing touch, two childhood classmates with a magnetic connection wonder where destiny will take their friendship when they reunite as adults.
"No One Saw Us Leave," Netflix. Mexican. Two Jewish families living in Mexico are intertwined by marriage but imploded by infidelity. A father leaves the country with his children while the mother tries to find them.
“Jana - Marked for Life,” Amazon Prime. Swedish. Assistant Prosecutor Jana Berzelius investigates the murder of a high-ranking Swedish official and discovers a link between the murder and her dark past.
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County of Santa Cruz Master Plan for Aging
Community Needs Assessment
The County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department has compiled a Community Needs Assessment to inform the County’s Master Plan for Aging, as part of its overall Age Well Santa Cruz County initiative. A steering committee of active members of aging communities in the county was convened to advise, guide, and implement the project, with a critical focus on outreach and recruitment for the survey.
Santa Cruz County released its findings from the 2024 survey of 3,200 county residents 40+ years of age. Download the Report
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National Villages Annual Conference
Our Village-to-Village Network gathering was a dynamic exchange of ideas, resources, and personal experiences, with a strong focus on supporting aging populations through Village organizations. Discussions highlighted practical challenges (e.g., measuring impact), innovative partnerships, and the emotional and practical complexities of caregiving, particularly for dementia. The gathering showcased a committed community eager to share best practices, address challenges, and leverage resources to enhance their support for seniors.
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Wine, Women and Dementia
The conference included filmmaker Kitty Norton for a special screening of her acclaimed documentary, Wine Women and Dementia. The film is an honest portrayal of the difficult yet fulfilling journey of caring for a loved one with dementia. The film resonates deeply with those who feel the isolation, heartbreak and hilarity. Click on the link below to watch the screening.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11YAv4qDNg7cMzAzpHoHhaVC9i-i4EEsA/view
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Less Medicine More Connection
Village to Village Network Conference
takes on the topic of
Social Prescribing and Better Medication Use
in Age Friendly Health Systems
Prescriptions no longer come just from pharmacies. Social prescribing is an important aspect of one’s healthcare. Hedva Barenholtz Levy, a geriatric pharmacist, discussed Age Friendly Health Systems and how "social prescribing" fits in perfectly with the mission and work of Villages.
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What is Social Prescribing? Social prescribing is a model of care delivery that enables health professionals to formally prescribe non-clinical community activities to improve patient health. Social prescribing is designed to address social determinants of health, including social connection. Social prescribing broadens health professional toolkits, rather than to replace pharmacological measures.
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What are the Components of Age Friendly Health Systems?
What Matters: Know and align care with each older adult’s specific health outcome goals and care preferences, including but not limited to, end-of-life care, and across settings of care.
Medication: If medication is necessary, use Age-Friendly medications that do not interfere with: What Matters to the person, Mobility, or Mentation across settings of care. Use social prescribing in addition to and where appropriate in place of pharmaceuticals.
Mentation: Prevent, identify, treat, and manage dementia, depression, and delirium across settings of care.
Mobility: Ensure that older adults move safely every day in order to maintain function and do What Matters.
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Finding Reliable Public Health Information
California has joined the West Coast Health Alliance to ensure our public health advice is based on science and facts.
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Public health officials in Santa Cruz County, following advice from the West Coast Health Alliance, encourage all eligible residents to get vaccinated and protect themselves against potentially harmful respiratory viruses.
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County Health Officer Lisa Hernandez is recommending that community members get updated doses of the COVID 19 and seasonal influenza vaccines. “Protect yourself and others,” said Hernandez. “Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID isn’t just caring for your health, you’re also helping to safeguard your family, friends, and the most vulnerable members of your community.”
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The updated vaccine is now available in pharmacies and health care provider offices throughout the region. Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive the updated flu vaccine each year, and everyone 6 months and older who lives in California can also get the updated COVID vaccine. The vaccines help prevent severe illness and hospital visits.
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Beginning November 1, Santa Cruz public health order requires all individuals who are not patients to wear face masks indoors when visiting acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, surgical and maternity centers and infusion centers such as dialysis and chemotherapy centers.
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Become a Member of Village Santa Cruz County
|  | Coming UP in November
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, November 4, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, November 4, Rummikub Social Club, 12:00 - 2:00 PM @ Leila'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, November 5, 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.
Wednesday, November 5, SLV Walks, 1:00 - 2:30 PM, @ various locations. Email Mary K at mary@koehring.com for more information.
Thursday, November 6, Solo Agers, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd. We meet once a month to talk about how we deal with various issues and to offer aid and support. Note time change!
Thursday, November 6, 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, November 6, 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. Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us.
Friday, November 7, HICAP Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program Presentation, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ The Community Room in the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 1740 17th Ave. Santa Cruz. During this presentation, the HICAP presenter, will talk about any changes to the plans and providers for Santa Cruz County, as well as give us tips on making the best choice for our individual situations. Open to the Public. For more information, or to register, please contact info@villagesantacruz.org
Friday, November 7, Executive Board Meeting, 4:00 PM, on Zoom.
Saturday, November 8, Solo Agers Potluck, 11:30 AM- 2:30 PM, @ Members' clubhouse, further details and exact location will be sent in an email to Solo Agers Group Members.
Monday, November 10, Westside Circle Life Stories, 1:30 - 2:30 PM @ Member's home. Topic: The Effect of Winter and/or the Holidays on your mood. Note time change! Contact info@villagesantacruz.org to register and for the address. Open to Westside Circle members only.
Tuesday, November 11, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, November 11, Mid County Circle Chat, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, @ Starbucks inside Nob Hill, 809 Bay Ave. Capitola. Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us.
Wednesday, November 12, SLV Circle Chat, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, @ Cowboy Diner, 5447 Hwy 9, Felton. 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 location change!
Thursday, November 13, 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, November 13, 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, November 14, Village Santa Cruz Men's Luncheon, 1:00 - 2:30 PM, @ Tramonti Italian Restaurant, 528 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz. For more information, contact info@villagesantacruz.org
Tuesday, November 18, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, November 18, Co-Generational Coffee House Chat, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ The Abbey, 530 Mission Str., Santa Cruz. The third Tuesday of each month, a group of Village members meet and invite whoever happens to be at the coffeehouse to join us just to talk. Contact Mary Howe villagescmhowe@gmail.com if you’d like to join us.
Wednesday, November 19, Aptos Circle Luncheon, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ TBD. Open to Aptos Circle Members only.
Wednesday, November 19, SLV Walks, 1:00 - 2:30 PM, @ Location Varies, email Mary K at mary@koehring.com for more information.
Thursday, November 20, 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, November 20, TV/Movie Discussion Group, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Join on Zoom. Look at the recommendations above for suggestions on what to watch.
Friday, November 21, Book Group Read: "Inland" by Tia Obreht, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ Simpkins Swim Center Library Annex, 979 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, Meeting Room C. See above for a description of this great book.
Tuesday, November 25, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, November 25, Mid-County Luncheon, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, @ TBD
Wednesday, November 26, SLV Circle Chat, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, @ the Treehouse, 13266 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek. 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 location change!
Thursday, November 27, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Friday, November 28, Westcliff Walks, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, We will walk along Westcliff Dr. Meet in the parking lot of Shrine Coffee. 544 Westcliff Ave.
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In Our Community
Governor Newsom announces affordable CalRx® insulin will be available for purchase starting January 1, 2026. The retail price of not more than $55 per five-pack of pens (average cost of $11 per pen) reduces barriers to accessing this essential diabetes medication. As the first and only state contracting for its own affordable insulin, this launch marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing effort to lower prescription drug prices and improve medication access statewide.
At the MAH: FREE Halloween Dance Party, Friday, October 31, 5pm-8pm. DJ Big Fun will be spinning all-spooky, all Halloween vinyl for a festive Samhain dance-party. Come dressed to impress and ready to dance!! Find out more
Wisdom Center to Host Fiduciary Practices Workshop. Kim V. Coleman will share information on fiduciary practices, Nov. 3 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz, 740 Front St., Suite 240 Community Room. Fiduciaries focus on conservatorships, guardianships, trust administration, bill payment services, durable power of attorney, trust accounting services and miscellaneous administrative matters. Fiduciaries can also provide invaluable insight within families to assist loved ones to make sound health care decisions, estate management decisions, address tax issues, record keeping, aging in place or transitioning to new senior assisted living/residential care home, and processing medical bills, daily care, medical needs, financial management services ranging from basic bill paying to estate and investment management. This is a free program and available online and in-person. For information, visit wisdomcentersc.org.
King Tides from Nov. 5 - 7. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The extreme low tides, expose tide pools rarely seen and allow miles of beach walking and extended exploration. For more information, click here.
Friday, Nov. 7, 1:00 - 1:30 PM. Guided Tour of the MAH, 705 Front Str. Santa Cruz. Take a guided tour of the MAH by one of our staff members! At the MAH, our tours don't just take you through art and history. They immerse you in it and connect you to Santa Cruz and beyond. Join us every Friday for an informative private tour free with admission. Art experts, historians, and educators are here to help. Plus, stick around to meet new people.
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Articles, Videos, and Listening
2026 Cost of Living Increase Announced. The Social Security Administration announced that Social Security beneficiaries will get a 2.8 percent increase in their monthly payments next year.
You may be able to save money on Medicare Part D this month, according to Boston College's Center for Retirement Research. It says "these plans can change from year to year – sometimes dramatically – switching plans may offer big savings. Plan features that may vary include premiums, deductibles, copays, pharmacy networks, and even which medications are covered. As a result, a plan that worked well for you in 2025 may not be the best choice in 2026." Read about the center's tips here for the fall enrollment period.
Answering your questions about using AI as a health care guide. Here’s how to best engage with chatbots about your medical concerns. That's the topic of this useful article from the Washington Post, written by a physician.
Are neighbors the key to solving the loneliness epidemic?, by Catherine Ho, SF Chronicle, October 19, 2025. Small acts of kindness can improve feelings of well-being and reduce stress, loneliness and isolation, says a 2024 study. In San Francisco, folks are implementing a Neighbor-to-Neighbor program to ease what is called a loneliness crisis. Read about it here.
Social Ties Help You Live Longer. What Does That Mean for Introverts?, NYTimes by Dana G. Smith, oct 9, 2025, You don’t have to be the life of every party to reap the health benefits. Read the article here.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Health: A Qualitative Inquiry into Ethical, Social, and Policy Scenarios. Journal of Foresight and Health Governance, Vol 1, No.1, 2024. This study explores the ethical, social, and policy implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in public health. https://www.journalfph.com/index.php/jfph/article/view/19
AARP family caregiving guides. You can use these guides to find help assessing needs, start important conversations, assess your loved one’s needs, create and/or update your caregiving plan, including getting help and caring for yourself, and deal with grief and plan for life after caregiving. Go to this page to download a guide.
Want to Access the NY Times? Here's How: According to Santa Cruz Public Libraries, anyone can get a free library card at Santa Cruz County public libraries and then have online access to all NYTimes articles. Besides reading the paper itself at any branch, you can also get full access to the online version. (You must first Register for an account or log in with an existing NYT account). Then, for remote access (from home or from your phone), use this link and follow these instructions. Please contact your local SC Library branch if you have further questions or for additional assistance.
| Village Santa Cruz County
1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Member of:
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