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Village Santa Cruz County
Aging Better Together
The Village News
January 2026 | |
Dee Edwards
Dee transitioned to whatever awaits us after we pass, on December 14, due to throat cancer that had metastasized into her bones. She was accepting of this and ready to meet again with her husband, Teddy, who had passed in 2019.
Dee made so many friends within Village Santa Cruz because she was a joiner and a helper. Dee often volunteered when another Village member needed help. Her caring was deep.
Dee was a member of Aptos Circle, Solo Agers, Bocce, and Rummikub Social Club. She led the Guided Meditation group. I can still hear her instructing us in a gentle voice, "Go to your happy place."
Dee was an inspiration, finding her own happy place even during her most difficult circumstances. She was a great model of how to live life and approach death. Dee, you remain in our hearts.
A memorial will be scheduled at a later date. | | | |
SAVE the DATES
May through October 2026
3rd Monday of the month
STEP: Strategic Transitions and Planning
workshops to gather what's important
In Partnership with the Aptos library
in person at the Aptos Library
also on zoom
FREE and open to the public
We are excited to announce that because of your generosity through Santa Cruz Gives, Village Santa Cruz has raised enough money to purchase the license and support for Preparing for Life's Transitions, officially known as STEP: Strategic Transitions & Essential Planning.
STEP is a fully developed proven curriculum. In six workshops over six months, we will cover: personal information, legal, medical, financial, insurance, real estate, living options, daily living, crisis plan, home health, hospice and end of life.
Experts in these fields will discuss important points and answer questions. Attendees would have a complete record, revisable as circumstances change, and easy to locate.
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Why is this important for each of you, no matter your age? Check out this Good Times December 23, 2025 article, "Be Prepared: Village Santa Cruz County wants to help locals expect the unexpected". Read the article.
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The STEP license includes an online document of 60-page writable PDF forms and useful information. During these last days of the SCGives campaign, we hope to raise a little more money, so that Community Printers can print all materials, which we'll collate in a binder for each participant.
You've been so generous, with us and with all of the 73 nonprofit organizations. If able, will you donate for this last piece?
SCGives ends midnight December 31
Click the link Santa Cruz Gives to donate
Thank you for your support
have a wonderful New Year! | |
Village Santa Cruz Mixer
Closes Out 2025
Remembering our past...
A beautiful memorial table was created by Annaleah, with names, pictures, flowers and candles, as a remembrance of our members who have passed.
Looking to the future...
Members mingled, discussed personal interests and found other members with similar interests. As days and times are established, you'll see some new Village interest groups on the Village event calendar, such as Art, Photography, Cultural Outings, Cooking, Gardening, South County Walks, and Writing in all genres.
Contact info@villagesantacruz.org if you are a Village member and would like to join a specific interest group, old or new.
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Village members Rina, Mary, Leila and Merci help out with Adopt-a-Family gift sorting
Aptos Circle's annual white elephant gift exchange.
Alice and Dody 'debate' who will get this white elephant.
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SCAM prevention:
How to Recognize & Avoid Scams
A conversation led by
Shandra Handley with the Santa Cruz County Consumer Fraud Unit
January 28, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Hosted by the Volunteer Center's
Retired Seniors Volunteer Program
at Twin Lakes Church
2701 Cabrillo College Dr Building 7000 Aptos, CA 95003
Call to Register 831-427-5070 x118
Download the flyer
Call to Register:
(831) 427-5070 ex118
(The Volunteer Center staff will be back in the office January 5.) | | |
January Book Group Read
"Twice" by Mitch Albom. Twice is an exploration of love, time, and the consequences of our choices. Alfie Logan can relive any moment in his life once, choosing a different path the second time—but never without consequence. The gift comes with strict limitations: mortality cannot be changed, and the second version becomes the only reality for everyone but Alfie.
Other Recommendations:
"The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister. Emmeline lives on a remote island with her father, who teaches her about the natural world through her senses. What he won’t explain are the mysterious scents stored in the drawers that line the walls of their cabin, or the origin of the machine that creates them.
"Flesh" by David Szalay. Flesh tells the story of István, a young boy whose life is irrevocably altered by a traumatic relationship with an older woman. The narrative spans decades, chronicling István's journey from adolescence in Hungary to adulthood in London, where he navigates the complexities of wealth, power, and emotional detachment.
"Front Street" by Brian Barth. Blending memoir, investigative reporting, history and cultural criticism, the book paints a picture of a community searching for dignity and connection within the Bay Area's homeless encampments.
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Recommendations from
the TV/Movie Discussion Group
"This is Going to Hurt," British, Netflix, an intense medical drama/comedy that focuses on the lives of a group of junior doctors working on an obstetrics and gynecology ward in a National Health Service hospital.
"Man vs. Baby," British, Netflix, a lighthearted TV series perfect for the holidays starring Rowan Atkinson, aka Mr. Bean. Trevor Bingley has taken a quiet job as a school caretaker. A lucrative Christmas penthouse gig becomes problematic —when no one collects the Baby Jesus from the school nativity, Trevor finds himself with an unexpected companion over the holidays.
"Marriage Story," American, Netflix, a 2019 film that explores a couple going through a bi-coastal divorce complicated by custody issues surrounding their son. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. This film got a lot of buzz when it first came out six years ago.
"Too Much," Netflix, a romantic comedy limited series created by Lena Dunham and Luis Felber, starring Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe. After a traumatic breakup, the main female character goes to London and begins a romance with a British man, and they must wade through a lot of personal history to sustain the relationship.
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[When we invest in community-led solutions and provide the right support, we create sustainable models of care that can be adapted and replicated anywhere.]
Village Movement California Wins National Award
Village Movement California (VMC) has been awarded the prestigious Archstone Award for Excellence in Program Innovation by the American Public Health Association (APHA) for its groundbreaking Village Incubator program, which has successfully launched three new villages in 2024 and is currently supporting four additional communities preparing to launch in 2025.
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The award, presented at the APHA 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo in Washington, D.C., recognizes the Village Incubator as a best practice model in aging and public health—one that can be replicated nationwide to enhance innovative services for older adults.
The Village Movement California Incubator provides comprehensive training, technical support, and resources to empower communities to organize and launch their own villages. The program addresses the unprecedented increase in California’s aging population by helping communities create locally tailored solutions. |
22ND ANNUAL New Year's Eve
INTERFAITH VIGIL FOR PEACE
Everyone is invited to join. Steadfast in Hope: Being Peace in Troubling Times vigil with people of different faiths or no affiliation, for an evening of quiet meditation and walking the labyrinth Dec. 31 at Holy Cross Hall, 170 High St. #A, across from Mission Plaza Park. The event is from 7:30-9:30 PM, with doors opening at 7:00.
Beginning at 7:30 PM in the parish hall at Holy Cross, there will be conversations with representatives from local faith communities about how to remain steadfast in hope during troubling times, interspersed with prayers from universal wisdom traditions. You are welcome to join us any time during the evening. Admission is free. Find out more.
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Social Isolation:
How Health and Friendships Are Affected
First workshop of 3-part series
January 10 @ 3:00 PM
The Friends of the Aptos Library will be hosting a three-part workshop in 2026 on social isolation and loneliness.
Social isolation affects the physical and emotional health of people of all ages and in a myriad of ways. Learn how to build and maintain meaningful friendships in this series that explores the impacts of social isolation on health.
The first workshop will be presented by Dr. Maureen Cahill, who will lead a discussion of the impact of social isolation on one’s physical health. Snacks available. Register Here
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2025 - 2029 Older Americans Act State Plan
Each year, the federal government gives California funding for programs authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) and related federal legislation. Our California 2025-2029 Older Americans Act State Plan has set six statewide goals to guide how services are delivered across California. The goals identified within the State Plan include:
- Goal 1: Enhance Outreach, Information and Assistance
- Goal 2: Increase Opportunities to Age-in-Place in Home and Community-Based Settings
- Goal 3: Prevent Isolation, Promote Inclusion, and Advocate for Elder Justice
- Goal 4: Strengthen Partnerships
- Goal 5: Advance Strategies to Improve Financial Security and Economic Support
- Goal 6: Support Aging Services Providers Statewide
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Become a Member of Village Santa Cruz County
|  | Coming UP in January
Members will receive Zoom information in weekly eBlasts.
Monday, December 29, Westside end-of-year meet-up, 12:30 - 1:30 @ The Abbey Coffeehouse, 350 Mission St.
Thursday, January 1, 2026 Begins!
Friday, January 2, Executive Board Meeting, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, on Zoom.
Tuesday, January 6, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, January 6, 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, January 7, Aptos Circle Meet Up, 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, January 7, SLV Walks, 1:00 - 2:30 PM, @ various locations. Email Mary K at mary@koehring.com for more information.
Thursday, January 8, Solo Agers, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, @ 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 time and location change!
Thursday, January 8, Bocce, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Felt Street Park, 1904 Felt Street, Santa Cruz. Come play Bocce with us! All members welcome. Bocce 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, January 8, 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, January 9, 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, January 13, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, January 13, Mid County Circle Meet Up, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, @ Zizzy's, 3555 Clares Str. Capitola. Note location change! Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us.
Wednesday, January 14, SLV Circle Meet Up, 1:00 – 2:30 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.
Wednesday, January 14, ART, 1:30 - 2:30 PM. This is a new group. At this meeting we will discuss the format of our future Art Group, while working on or sharing a current project. Contact info@villagesantacruz.org if you would like to be added to the group list and to find out more.
Thursday, January 15, Bocce, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Felt Street Park, 1904 Felt Street, Santa Cruz. Come play Bocce with us! All members welcome. Bocce 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, January 15, 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, January 16, Book Group Read: "Twice", 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ Simpkins Swim Center Library Annex, 979 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, Meeting Room C. Twice, by Matt Albom, is an exploration of love, time, and the consequences of our choices. Alfie Logan can relive any moment in his life once, choosing a different path the second time—but never without consequence. The gift comes with strict limitations: mortality cannot be changed, and the second version becomes the only reality for everyone but Alfie. NOTE: Because of the long wait list at the library for this book, feel free to choose an alternate book to read & share a short report on.
Monday, January 19, Westside Circle Life Stories, 1:00 - 2:00 PM @ The Abbey, 350 Mission Str.. Topic: TBD Contact info@villagesantacruz.org to register. Open to Westside Circle members only. Note Date Change!
Tuesday, January 20, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, January 20, 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, January 21, Aptos Circle Luncheon, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ TBD. Open to Aptos Circle Members only.
Wednesday, January 21, SLV Walks, 1:00 - 2:30 PM, @ various locations, email Mary K at mary@koehring.com for more information.
Thursday, January 22, Bocce, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, @ Felt Street Park, 1904 Felt Street, Santa Cruz. Come play Bocce with us! All members welcome. Bocce 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, January 22, Advisory Board Strategic Planning Meeting, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Friday, January 23, Westcliff Walks, 12:30 - 1:30 PM. This is an hour walk, 1/2 hour out and 1/2 hour back. Meet in the parking lot of Shrine Coffee. 544 Westcliff Ave. Note time change!
Tuesday, January 27, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, January 27, Mid-County Luncheon, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, @ TBD
Wednesday, January 28, SLV Circle Meet Up, 1:00 – 2:30 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.
Thursday, January 29, 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.
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In Our Community
VETS 4 VETS Talent Show Benefit. If you have a talent to share — whether it’s poetry, music, singing, dancing, comedy or something totally unique — Vets 4 Vets want to see it! The deadline to sign up is Jan. 5, 2026. Email Vets4Vets@vets4vets santacruz.org. Enjoy an evening of mixed-arts performances at the Vets and Friends Talent Show, Jan. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at VFW Post 7263, 2259 7th Ave. Tickets are $5. Veterans are free. Visit https://givebutter.com/v4vtalentshow for more.
Friday, Jan. 9 - Sunday, Jan. 11. 2:00 - 5:00 PM on Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. Santa Cruz Fungus Fair at the London Nelson Center, 301 Center Str. The 2026 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition will offer three days of fun, demonstrations, informative speakers, and fungus-forward activities for the whole family. For more information, go to the event website.
Men’s Support Group Starting. If you are 55 or older and would enjoy the support and camaraderie of other men, Senior Outreach, a program of Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, invites you to join a men’s support group, free of charge. The sessions are facilitated by trained peer-counselors as you discuss topics of your choice. The group begins Jan. 14, 2026, from 9-10 a.m., at the WomenCare Office located at 2901 Park Ave., and continues on Wednesday mornings. To register and/or request further information, please call Gary at 831-234-1744 or Barbara at 831-459-9351. If you reach voice mail, please leave a message for a call back within 24 hours. Space is limited.
Monday, Jan. 19, 12:45 - 3:00 PM. MLK Day of Service at Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville. Join us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as we honor Dr. King's legacy through service and volunteerism. This National Day of Service: take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. Second Harvest is looking for 100 volunteers to help us pack bags of food that will be given out to the 70,000 people we serve in Santa Cruz County each month. Two shifts available! Register Here or contact Sandy Chavez at volunteer@thefoodbank.org (831) 232-8619.
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count will take place Jan. 29, 2026. The annual PIT Count is vital to secure funding and support the development of policies that will help resolve homelessness in Santa Cruz County. The county is seeking volunteers for the count. Using an app-based data collection tool, volunteers, with a trained guide, will cover the entire county in one morning from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. To sign up as a volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/SantaCruzPIT2026
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Articles, Videos, and Listening
Older adults may struggle to learn a new language but classes are a worthwhile exercise, by December 15, 2025, by Stephen Wade, Associated Press. “Trying to learn a language late in life is a great idea, but understand it won’t make you bilingual and is probably too late to provide the protective effects of cognitive aging that come from early bilingualism. However, learning a new language is a stimulating and engaging activity that uses all of your brain, so it is like a whole-body exercise.” Read the article here.
How to get the most out of your doctor's appointment? Visits to the doctor go by so quickly. How can we make the best of our appointment? Learn some things to do (and not do) during your next appointment in this article from AARP.
How racial bias works -- and how to disrupt it. TED Talk, Jennifer L. Eberhardt, June 2020. Our brains create categories to make sense of the world, recognize patterns and make quick decisions. But this ability to categorize also exacts a heavy toll in the form of unconscious bias. Psychologist Jennifer L. Eberhardt explores how our biases unfairly target Black people and how to help us actively interrupt and address this. Watch or read the transcript
The Immigrant Roots of My Family Tree, by Leslie Hunter-Gadsden, October 16, 2025, Next Avenue.
My great-grandmother and my father were both immigrants to this country. I wonder how they would have fared under the current immigration rules. Read the article.
| Village Santa Cruz County
1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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