 .
Village Santa Cruz County
Aging Better Together
The Village News
June 2026 | |
Santa Cruz PRIDE 2026
No Going Back
Santa Cruz Pride is the largest LGBTQ+ event on the Central Coast (the third oldest annual Pride Parade and Festival celebrated in California), attracting more than 7,000 participants every year since June 1975.
51st Annual Pride Parade, Sunday June 7, starts at 11am in downtown Santa Cruz Along Pacific Ave. Come watch!
For a full schedule of Santa Cruz Pride month events check out Santa Cruz Pride |
Nowhere to Go: Addressing the Crisis in Supportive Housing for Older Californians
Thursday, June 11, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Nearly half (48%) of people experiencing homelessness in California are older than 50, and 41% of homeless adults became unhoused for the first time after they turned 50.
Join us - in person or online - for an important informational hearing examining the growing crisis in supportive housing for older adults in California.
Learn more and register at https://ccoa.ca.gov
| | |
New Village Santa Cruz
Lesbian Group Forming!
first gathering
Tuesday, June 2
4:15 - 5:15 PM
at a member's home on the Westside of Santa Cruz City
Open to member and non-member Lesbians and allies
Chris Burdick, a Village of Santa Cruz County (VSCC) member, is forming and facilitating a Lesbian Interest Group, to focus on issues of interest specific to older lesbians. Allies welcome, as long as the intended focus remains. The group will be open to members and non-members of VSCC.
|
ART Play
May project: Rock Painting, using acrylic pens.
June Project, Graphite Drawing: Using pencil, we will learn to draw from photos. Bring a headshot of your favorite dog or cat friends. Open to all Village members.
| | | |
Picnic Celebration
at Anna Jean Cummings Park
On May 15, Village members gathered to celebrate the 9th anniversary of Village Santa Cruz County.
Patti and Toni catch up on their lives.
Watsonville Community Gathering
On May 27, Village Santa Cruz County hosted our first Watsonville Community Gathering, along with Elder Living Today. Twenty-eight Watsonville residents and Village members shared lunch and conversation.
Much appreciation to RC Fam for sharing their space, Susan Castell for donating amazing desserts, and a huge thank you to our co-hosts, Solutions for Independent Living. They were the force behind the event!
Good food, good company
| |
Grub Club
Cooking Together
Marc puts the finishing touch on his polenta dish, giving step-by-step instructions.
Dukh Niwaran opened her home and kitchen to the Grub Club. Members demonstrated preparing different recipes. After the cooking, the group sat down to enjoy their creations together.
Grub Club Summer Schedule
This summer, Lynn will lead a "How To" Cooking Series! "Inspired by my business partner Jan, who learned how to hard boil an egg this year, let's learn together how to prepare healthy, easy, and delicious meals for a party of one or more. Mark your calendars!"- Lynn
Friday, June 26 – Love Thy Planet! Healthy plant-based meals that are easy to make and help save the planet.
Friday, July 24 – Love Thy Body! Healthy, anti-inflammatory meals to nourish and protect your body.
Friday, August 28 – Love Thy Free Time! Making healthy meals ahead of time to help save your life energy.
All sessions run from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We'll enjoy simple appetizers together while we prepare main courses and learn techniques and simple meals side by side. Open to all Village members. Contact info@villagesantacruz.org for more information. | |
Strategic Transitions and Essential Planning
STEP #1 Workshop a Success
Thanks to the comprehensive and easy-to-understand responses of Deborah Malkin, attorney at law, the 70+ attendees walked away with a greater understanding of trusts vs wills, power of attorney vs advanced care directive, and much more.
Adding to that, the real-life examples from Dana Bellows, VillagesOKC development manager of the program, brought home the importance of why gathering all personal information in one easily accessible place, is so important.
A big thank you to our guest panelists.
The June STEP workshop we will focus on medical and financial information.
We are sorry, the workshop series is FULL and cannot add anyone who did not attend the first workshop. |
June Book: The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff. The Vaster Wilds follows an unnamed servant girl who escapes a brutal colonial settlement in 17th-century Virginia, embarking on a harrowing journey through the wilderness to find a new way of life, challenging her faith and civilization's values as she confronts nature and her own resilience. Praised for its beautiful, propulsive prose and visceral depiction of survival, it's a story of escape, introspection, and the power of the natural world, inspired in part by Robinson Crusoe.
How to Care for Your Home - and Yourself
Village Santa Cruz member Robin McDuff has written a free booklet titled Half-Ass Maintenance for Old Folks: How to Care for Your Home – and Yourself – as You Both Grow Older.
What began with a ladder fall in Hilo became a thoughtful, funny, and practical reflection on aging in place, letting go of perfection, reducing risk, and adapting gracefully to later life.
Free download:
https://robinmcduff.substack.com/p/half-ass-home-maintenance-for-old
|
Recommendations from
the TV/Movie Discussion Group
It Was Just an Accident, on Hulu. This is an Iranian film nominated for the 2026 Academy Awards for International Feature Film and for Original Screenplay. Directed by Iranian filmmaker and activist Jafar Panahi, the story follows Vahid, an auto shop worker who hears a man enter his store and is convinced, based on the customer's squeaky footsteps, that this is the officer who tortured him in jail.
The Capture, on Peacock. Very scary, but amazing work about the potential to have one's life controlled by AI. When soldier Shaun Emery's conviction for a murder in Afghanistan is overturned due to flawed video evidence, he returns to life as a free man with his young daughter. However, as damning CCTV footage from a night out in London comes to light, Shaun's life takes a shocking turn.
Remarkably Bright Creatures, on Netflix. A 2026 movie starring Sally Field and an octopus. Field plays Tova Sullivan, an elderly widow who works as a somewhat misanthropic night janitor at an aquarium in fictional Sowell Bay, Washington. This film is currently very popular and is being highly touted for Field's outstanding performance.
The Wonder of Song, on PBS. This is a David Attenborough documentary that presents seven of the most remarkable animal songs found in nature and explores the significance of these songs in the lives of animals.
American Classic, on MGM+. This is an American comedy television series from creators Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin that premiered on March 2, 2026. It stars Kevin Kline, Jon Tenney and Laura Linney. A narcissistic Broadway star returns to his hometown after a public meltdown and decides to save his family-run theatre by directing and starring in a production of a great American classic. Droll satire.
Marty: Life is Short, on Netflix. This is a documentary about comic actor Martin Short which covers his life and career from the early 70s to the present day. It highlights his comic genius as well as his generous and compassionate nature. Well worth watching, especially if you've been a fan.
Currently at the movie theaters, our recommendations are:
Michael, a biopic on the first half of MIchael Jackson's life, from the time he became a child wonder in the music world to his peak in the 1980s. He is played in the film by his nephew, Jafaar Jackson, who does an amazing job of depicting Michael at the top of his game. If you enjoyed Jackson's performances with the Jackson Five in the Motown days or his brilliant videos on MTV in the 80s, you will love this film.
The Sheep Detectives, a surprisingly charming film that follows a flock of sheep who try to solve the murder of their shepherd. Warm and funny. | |
Village Santa Cruz Office Info
Beginning June 1 through July 20, Tracy, our admin coordinator, will be working on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM while Cabrillo is in summer session. You can call 831-400-6065 or email tracy.richmond@scvolunteercenter.org, or info@villagesantacruz.org anytime and she will get back to you as soon as possible. |
Become a Member of Village Santa Cruz County
|  | Coming UP in June
Members will receive Zoom information in weekly eBlasts.
Tuesday, June 2, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, June 2, 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).
Tuesday, June 2, Lesbians and Allies, 4:15 - 5:15 PM, @ a member's home. Village Member, Chris Burdick, is spearheading and facilitating a Lesbian Interest Group, to focus on issues of interest specific to older lesbians. Allies welcome, as long as the intended focus remains. The group will be open to members and non-members of VSCC. This first meeting is for planning and organizing. If you are interested or want to know more, please contact info@villagesantacruz.org
Wednesday, June 3, 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, June 3, SLV Circle Meet Up, 1:00 – 2:30 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.
Thursday, June 4, 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, June 4, Solo Agers, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, @ Natural Bridges, 2531 West Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz. We meet once a month to talk about how we deal with various issues and to offer aid and support.
Thursday, June 4, 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, June 5, Executive Committee Meeting, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, on Zoom. This is a closed meeting of the Village Executive Committee.
Monday, June 8, Westside Circle Life Stories, 1:00 - 2:00 PM @ a member's home. Topic: Describe the physical house you grew up in (or one of them if lived various places). Think color, space, your favorite room.
Tuesday, June 9, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, June 9, 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, June 10, ART Play, 1:30 - 3:00 PM, @ Study Room at the Live Oak Library Annex at Simpkin's Swim Center, 979 17th Ave. Santa Cruz. Graphite Instruction: Drawing from a Photo. Please bring HB or #2 lead pencil, copy paper and headshot of a dog or cat. Chris will lead the instruction. All Village members welcome. Please RSVP to info@villagesantacruz.org
Thursday, June 11, 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, June 11, 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, June 12, Village Santa Cruz Men's Luncheon, 1:00 - 2:30 PM,@ Tramonti Italian Restaurant, 528 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz.
Monday, June 15, STEP Presentation, 12:30 - 2:30 PM, This event is full. STEP is a workshop series designed for participants to gather all essential information in one place where it can be easily accessed when needed. For more information, please contact info@villagesantacruz.org
Tuesday, June 16, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Wednesday, June 17, Aptos Circle Luncheon, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ TBD. Open to Aptos Circle Members only.
Wednesday, June 17, SLV Circle Meet Up, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, @ Corazon De Leon, 9217 Hwy 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 location change!
Thursday, June 18, 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, June 18, TV/Movie Discussion Group, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, on Zoom. Look at the recommendations above for suggestions on what to watch.
Friday, June 19, Book Group Read: Book: The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, @ Simpkins Swim Center Library Annex, 979 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, Meeting Room C. Please look above for a description of this great book.
Tuesday, June 23, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
Tuesday, June 23, Mid-County Luncheon, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, @ TBD
Thursday, June 25, 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, June 26, 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, June 30, Pickleball, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, @ Derby Park, 508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz, All levels, including beginners are welcome.
| |
In Our Community
Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Foraging Walk with Robin Greenfield. Lighthouse Field State Beach, 644-670 W Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, meet at the Westside parking lot. Robin will introduce you to: 10+ common edible and medicinal plants growing in your area, How to safely forage, How to harvest sustainably, and Simple strategies for successful foraging. This event is accessible to all, regardless of experience. We generally walk less than a half mile total, and no more than 10 minutes from the starting point. Suggested donation $10-40 to support our grassroots service through our nonprofit. For more information or to register, please go to the event page.
Friday, June 5, 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County on First Friday for a free interactive evening where nature, art and community come together, at the Land Trust, 911 Center Str. Santa Cruz. Explore local natural history specimens collected from Land Trust properties that have been curated by the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz. Stop by and see the display, meet the interns behind the work and enjoy light refreshments. Registration is required. You can register here.
Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Free Shredding Event, at the Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave. Capitola. Presented by HICAP and SCRM. Please contact HICAP at Senior Network Services with any questions (831) 462-5510 or email
hicap@seniornetworkservices.org. Download the flyer here.
Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2:00 PM. Postcards from Paradise Performance, Market Street Theater and Senior Center, 222 Market St., both shows start at 2:00 PM. The show includes live ukulele and island drums, hula performances and captivating songs of aloha. This immersive show promises stunning visuals, infectious rhythms and the warm hospitality Hawaii is famous for. General admission is $20. Buy tickets here.
Saturday, June 6, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Garfield Park Library Friends’ Outdoor Book Sale and Open Mic, at the library, located at 705 Woodrow Avenue. Westside mystery author Clifford Henderson will be holding a reading at 1:30 PM. Open mic will follow, with writers and poets from Writers Over 55 and 2025 Westside author readers. There will be light refreshments. Bring your poem to share, and have a conversation with neighbors and friends. For information, email garfieldpark@friendsofsantacruzlibraries.org
Saturday, June 13, 12:00 - 5:00 PM, Juneteenth Parade, Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, followed by Juneteenth celebration at Laurel Park behind the historic London Nelson Community Center in downtown Santa Cruz for more information, please call 831-420-5273, or go to the website.
Saturday, June 20, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Santa Cruz Mission Guided Adobe Tour, 144 School Str. Santa Cruz. A guided adobe tour centered on the experiences of Native communities in the Santa Cruz mission providing insight into daily life, cultural change, and the impacts of the mission system. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous people in the region. For more information, please go to the event page.
|
Articles, Videos, and Listening
The Coming of Age, a new exhibition at the Wellcome Museum in London, UK. ‘The Coming of Age’ explores experiences and perceptions of aging, from adolescence to later life, and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better. See some of the exhibition highlights at their website.
Why sitting all day is so bad for you — and what to do about it, May 7, 2026, Washington Post. Sitting isn’t exactly the “new smoking,” but it still isn’t a healthy habit. Here’s what too much sedentary time is doing to you and how to move more. Read the article
A few minutes of heart-pumping physical activity a day could lower your risk for eight major diseases, a new study finds. Learn how in this article from AARP.
Effective Ways to Protect Yourself From Scams. Scams are everywhere these days. Learn what you can do to protect yourself, and what to do if you have been scammed in this article from AARP.
| Village Santa Cruz County
1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Member of:
| |