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Village Santa Cruz County
Aging Better Together
The Village News
April 2026 | |
Village Santa Cruz County
In the News
Village Santa Cruz County offers connection and support for older adults – want to join us?"
by Mary Howe
Lookout Santa Cruz
March 8, 2026
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Lookout Santa Cruz
delivers local online news at
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Look for it!
Village Santa Cruz County is coming to Watsonville. Plans are underway to start a Watsonville Circle. Our first event will be May 27. Details to come.
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Village member Robin, is completing a booklet - offered FREE to Village members - on home (and general life) 'good enough' maintenance as we age.
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Robin will also be offering a workshop for Village members, this summer on using A.I. as a helpful tool.
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Village Westside Circle Meetup at The Abbey Coffeehouse.
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Village Grub Club Potluck
A lovely evening that included shrimp curry, red snapper in a creole sauce, ratatouille, several salads and blackberry tart for dessert! | | | |
Save the Date
Friday, May 15, 11 am- 1 pm
All-Member Annual Picnic
To Celebrate
Village Santa Cruz County's
9th Birthday!
(details coming soon) | |
First in the six-part series
Life information and Legal Essentials
Monday, May 18
Offered online and in-person but the in-person option is almost full.
email
info@villagesantacruz.org
for more information and to register | | | Out in the Community
Gail, Patti, Susan and Dede join the demonstration in Watsonville,
while Luna helps Don & Mary as safety monitors at the Santa Cruz march. | |
April Book Group Read:
Replaceable You
by Mary Roach
"A rollicking exploration of the quest to re-create the impossible complexities of human anatomy.
"The body is the most complex machine in the world, and the only one for which you cannot get a replacement part from the manufacturer. For centuries, medicine has reached for what’s available―sculpting noses from brass, borrowing skin from frogs and hearts from pigs, crafting eye parts from jet canopies and breasts from petroleum by-products. Today we’re attempting to grow body parts from scratch using stem cells and 3D printers. How are we doing? Are we there yet?
"In Replaceable You, Mary Roach explores the remarkable advances and difficult questions prompted by the human body’s failings. When and how does a person decide they’d be better off with a prosthetic than their existing limb? Can a donated heart be made to beat forever? Can an intestine provide a workable substitute for a vagina?"
Note: Book group members may choose another Mary Roach book to read and report on, if they so choose.
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Recommendations from
the TV/Movie Discussion Group
"Vladimir," on Netflix. A very dark comedy starring Rachel Weisz. When an English professor becomes obsessed with a handsome new colleague, her already complicated marriage and career are thrown into total chaos. The main character is a bit of a psychopath, who keeps addressing us (her audience) with her tongue-in-cheek responses to what's happening around her. That's what makes it a comedy. Quite entertaining.
"Rebecka Martinsson," on Amazon Prime. Swedish. A high-powered attorney returns to her hometown in the far north after a brutal murder there. An interesting drama.
"The Pitt," on HBO/MAX. A medical drama that takes place completely in the ER. This is a very intense, extremely graphic show, but also very compelling.
"Parenthood," on PBS Nature, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, exploring the diverse, challenging strategies animal parents use to raise their young. Filmed over three years across six continents, it highlights creatures from ocean depths to grasslands.
Recommendations for what's currently playing at the movies: "The Secret Agent," a Portuguese film nominated for four Academy Awards, "Sinners," and "One Battle After Another," winning Oscars in several categories.
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Caregiver University Conference
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
10 AM - 3 PM
881 Line St., Hollister, CA 95023
"The day opens with Joy Smith, RN, MSN — a Certified Grief Counselor, palliative care educator, and oncology nurse at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Joy brings warmth, wisdom, and a message that will stay with you long after the day ends."
For information on the breakout sessions and to register go to
Del Mar Caregiver Conference
"Since 1988, Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) has served families of persons living with a brain impairment caused by a neurological condition such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury and other conditions that may result in memory loss and confusion."
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AARP’s Senior Planet:
Ask The Techspert
If you are an AARP member, Senior Planet has a load of good information, including TechBytes – the column where multiple reader questions are answered in one place. TechBytes episode 7 March 21, 2026, by Jonathan Ushindi Zaluke
Santa Cruz County
Ripple Effect Arts Festival
April 16 – 26
The arts community of Santa Cruz County is coming together for this exciting new 11-day celebration showcasing the region's rich artistic landscape. The festival will feature performances, exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events across venues countywide, inviting audiences of all ages to experience the transformative power of art. Learn More
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RTC Seeks Input on the Unmet Transit, Paratransit Needs
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is seeking input on transit needs in Santa Cruz County.
What transit and/or specialized transportation services are needed in Santa Cruz County?
Are there places you would like to get to on transit, but cannot?
What would make it easier for you to ride the bus?
A list of Unmet Paratransit and Transit Needs is drafted by the RTC’s Elderly and Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee and is reviewed and adopted by the Regional Transportation Commission each year. The list helps prioritize services and projects if additional funding becomes available.
The RTC is seeking public input through an online survey, by emailing info@sccrtc.org, by calling 831-460-3200, or in person or online at the advisory committee meeting April 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Additionally, at the public RTC hearing on May 7 at 9:00 a.m. at the Watsonville City Council Chambers, 275 Main St., Watsonville. Visit paratransit-needs-in-santa-cruz-county for details.
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Ideas Festival: Smart conversations that spark solutions
Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel – Sacramento, CA.
Attend the CalMatters Ideas Festival to meet people who care about, are affected by and have the power to do something about California’s pressing challenges.
The programming will focus on the future of California as new technology, new leadership and new ideas shape how we live our lives in the Golden State. Plus, your ticket includes a continental breakfast and lunch.
to learn more & register
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Become a Member of Village Santa Cruz County
|  | Coming UP in April
Members will receive Zoom information in weekly eBlasts.
Wednesday, April 1, 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.
Thursday, April 2, 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, April 2, Solo Agers, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, @ Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr., Aptos. Topic for April: TBD. We meet once a month to talk about how we deal with various issues and to offer aid and support.
Thursday, April 2, Westside Circle Meet-Up, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ The Abbey Coffeehouse, 350 Mission Str. Santa Cruz. 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, April 3, Executive Committee Meeting, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, on Zoom. This is a closed meeting of the Village Executive Committee.
Tuesday, April 7, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, April 7, Rummikub Social Club, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, @ Member's 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 8, SLV Circle Meet Up, 1:00 – 3:00 PM, @ the Empire Grill, 6155 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!
Wednesday, April 8, ART Play, 1:30 - 3:00 PM, @ Volunteer Center, 1st floor Community RM, 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz. If you are a member and would like to join, please contact info@villagesantacruz.org
Thursday, April 9, 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, April 9, 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.
Tuesday, April 14, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, April 14, Mid County Circle Meet Up, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, @ The Loft Coffee, 2701 Cabrillo College Dr., Aptos. Curious about Village? Open to all. Non-members are welcome to join us.
Wednesday, April 15, Aptos Circle Luncheon, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ TBD. Open to Aptos Circle Members only.
Thursday, April 16, 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, April 16, TV/Movie Discussion Group, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, on Zoom. Look at the recommendations above for suggestions on what to watch.
Friday, April 17, Book Group Read: Book: Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy, by Mary Roach, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ Simpkins Swim Center Library Annex, 979 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, Meeting Room C. Please see above for a description of this great book.
Monday, April 20, Westside Circle Life Stories, 1:00 - 2:00 PM @ The Abbey, 350 Mission, Str. Topic: Tell us about one teacher you have had, anytime during your life, who made a big impression on you (good or bad). Open to Westside Circle members only.
Tuesday, April 21, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, April 21, 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 info@villagesantacruz.org if you’d like to join us.
Wednesday, April 22, SLV Circle Meet Up, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ the Treehouse, 13266 CA 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, April 23, 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.
Friday, April 24, Westcliff Walk, 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.
Tuesday, April 28, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, April 28, Mid-County Luncheon, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, @ TBD
Thursday, April 30, 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.
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In Our Community
Tuesday, April 7, at 1:00 PM. Genealogy Online Lecture, “From Census to Story: Bringing Ancestors to Life with Evidence, Context and AI” hosted by the Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Genealogist Randy Seaver will be the guest speaker. To register via Zoom, visit this link. Online registration via the library website is necessary for viewing this event from home. Join the livestream in person, no registration is needed in the upstairs meeting room at the downtown library at 224 Church St. Visit scgensoc.org To learn more about the Santa Cruz Genealogy Society.
Saturday, April 11, from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, and Sunday, April 12, from 8:30 AM 0 1:30 PM. Young Ladies Institute Spring Rummage Sale. Come and get your bargains at the Young Ladies Institute rummage sale ($5 a bag Sunday). The Young Ladies institute, a Catholic Women’s group, gives the money collected to local charities. If you have clean, reusable items drop them off Friday, April 10 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Hall, 515 Frederick St. For information, call 831-423-8141
Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Felton Classic Car Show in Downtown Felton, in the new Ace Hardware parking lot. Come check out classic cars! For more information, check out the event Facebook page.
April 12 2-4:00 PM, The Market Street Theater and Senior Center: Spring Fling-Open Talent Mic. Performers of all ages welcome to share their unique talents. Whether you enchant the crowd with a song, mesmerize them with a dance, recite a captivating piece of poetry or bring laughter with your comedy act, this stage is yours. Mark your calendar for and get ready to shine at the Market Street Theater, 222 Market St. If you’re interested in showcasing your talent, send an MP3 of your performance or bring your own CD to the event. Each performer is guaranteed one performance slot. Additional time may be allowed depending on the schedule. A $5 donation fee is requested for attending the event. Your contribution will help support the various programs and activities at the Market Street Theater and Senior Center. For any questions or further information, please contact Henry at henry95062@gmail.com.
Thursday, April 16 at 5:00 PM to Friday, April 24 at 9:00 PM. Santa Cruz Dance Week. There will be dancing in the streets! …Literally. Watch cultural, classical, modern and everything in between. There will be mid-day exhibitions and dazzling night shows. Performances held at Cooper Street and Pacific Avenue between Locust & Church Streets. For more information, please go to the event website.
Saturday, April 18, 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Earth Day 2026 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz at 118 Cooper Str. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. For more information, go to SCEarthDay.
Smart Driver Classes for Older Adults. Smart Driver classes are designed to help maturing drivers maintain safe driving skills and keep their licenses longer. California insurance companies are required by law to give a discount for three years to anyone who completes this class. The regular eight-hour class is offered in two four-hour sessions; the refresher class is offered in one four-hour class. The class fee is $25 per person without AARP membership and $20 per person for AARP members. Registration is recommended as drop-ins may find the class is full or has been cancelled for lack of enrollment. Classes are offered in several locations in the Santa Cruz County. To register or to get information, contact Zandra Amato at 831-728-4201.
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Articles, Videos, and Listening
This diet beats out 5 others when it comes to cognitive health, study finds, by Sarah Klein, Washington Post, March 19, 2026. Two studies have found the DASH diet — either alone or combined with the Mediterranean diet — is a winner for lowering the risk of dementia. Read the article here.
How can California boost its water supply? by Rachel Becker, November 7, 2022 Read the article here.
License to Kill series. An ongoing CalMatters investigation examines how the state of California routinely allows dangerous drivers with horrifying histories to continue to operate on our roads. Too often they go on to kill. Many keep driving even after they kill. Some go on to kill again. You can read articles in the series here.
An increasing number of women have cardiovascular disease. What can we do to lower our risk? Find our in this AARP article.
Have a plant! “The Ultimate Fruit and Veggie Hub: Making it easy to have a plant every time you eat”. Learn more here.
Art may well be the cure for what ails you! Studies show that engaging in the arts can reduce the need for pain medications, lowers doctors' visits and decreases hospital stays. Learn how in this article from Next Avenue. Village Santa Cruz has a new interest group--ART Play. You can find out more about it on our Event Calendar.
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1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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