Summer is here and so much is Coming UP at the Village and In the Community. Read on for details.
Village Santa Cruz County Member Picnic Celebration Today
Friday, May 31
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Village Office Schedule Changes for the Summer!
Tracy, our office admin, will be working Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM from the week of June 9 through July 20. After July 20, we'll be back to the regular office schedule. Thanks for your understanding.
Ending Ageism Together
on zoom
June 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
FREE and Open to the Public
Janet Masters, Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Change Agent for Changing the Narrative, a national organization to end ageism, will lead a presentation and Q&A on ending ageism together: various ways it shows up and what each of us as individuals can start to change our own internal ageism and ageism in the community. Register and receive the zoom link at our Events calendar at our website
Home - Village Santa Cruz County or contact us at info@villagesantacruz.org.
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Author and Village member, Leslie Karst (second from left) enjoys the support of her Village member fan base, at the launch of Leslie's latest book, Molten Death. The Village Book Group looks forward to a lively discussion of Molten Death on June 21.
 Feeling Too Old for the Rollercoaster?
If not, the Boardwalk has announced that a ride on the Giant Dipper will only cost $1 every Wednesday from May 29th thru August 7th. If anyone is interested in making an outing of it, contact Robin McDuff, 831-295-2182 text or ramcduff@gmail.com
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REPORT: April 2024
Insights on Developing Research Capacity for Healthy Aging with Villages
Healthy aging has many dimensions, but its overarching theme describes a complex process for maintaining functional ability and well-being in older age. The Village Movement in the U.S. consists of a variety of grassroots, community-based initiatives that aim to support aging in place and promote social integration, health, and well-being. As of 2024 there are over 270 Villages in the U.S. with dozens more in development. The scale and growth of Villages present a key opportunity to advance healthy aging through evidence-based research.
This study sought to better understand how Village participants think about healthy aging, how they think Villages help support healthy aging, as well as barriers, facilitators, and research capacity among Villages in the U.S.
The report is a compilation and analysis of information collected from discussion groups with Village members and leaders as part of the Village to Village Network’s project with Rutgers School of Social Work and RAND Social and Economic Well-Being, a division of the RAND Corporation. Read the full report Rutgers Report Draft 07 - 240416 1318 (villagesresearch.org) | |
Engaging Villages as Key Partners for Healthy Aging Research
Thurs., June 27, 10:00 - 11:30 am PT
The "Engaging Villages as Key Partners for Healthy Aging Research" is hosting six virtual summits in the summer of 2024 to discuss critical topics about using research as a tool to strengthen and sustain the Village Movement.
Come connect with other Village members and leaders and engage through mini-presentations and facilitated discussion. We want to hear your voice!
Villages are designed to help people age in their communities with greater social connection and better mental and physical health. Yet research on how Villages promote healthy aging is in its early stages. How can we evaluate the impact of Villages? What kind of data and partnerships do we need?
Sponsored by:
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Recommendations from the TV/Movie Discussion Group
The TV/Movie Discussion Group meets monthly online to share their favorites. All Village members are welcome to drop in anytime you'd like.
Billy and Molly - a sweet movie about a man adopting an otter. On Hulu and Disney. It has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes with both critics and audiences!
Wild Life - Documentary. The story of how the owners of Patagonia helped protect more than 14 million acres of land in Chile and Argentina. On Disney+
Tattooist of Auschwitz - 6 episode series. A prisoner forced to tattoo campmates finds love amidst the horror. Based on a true story. Peacock.
Ripley - 8 episode series. Patricia Highsmith's sociopathic con man character Ripley is "creepy good". Netflix.
Our Universe - 6 episode series. A journey through the cosmos, from the Big Bang to life on Earth, emphasizing the connection of all living things. Netflix
Spiral - 8 season series. French with subtitles. Police drama where Parisian cops and lawyers battle crime and corruption in a web of moral ambiguity. Available on MHZ ($8/per month) or DVDs at the Santa Cruz Public Library.
Offspring -7 season series. Australian family dramedy centered on the professionally competent Nina, an OBG, but juxtaposed with her messy family and love life. Hulu
 RummiKub, a rummy-like game that you play with tiles instead of cards. We have a monthly game going. Village members: contact info@villagesantacruz.org if you'd like to try it out. See the Coming UP section for date and time.
Wisdom of Our Elders
Titled “Wisdom of Our Elders,” this mural at 501 Main Street in downtown Watsonville is a collaboration between Community Bridges, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, and local Chicano muralists, The Jams, aiming to underscore the profound significance of older adults within the community. Our Elderday Mural - Community Bridges
Anyone up for a Village field trip to visit the mural and the Pajaro Valley Art?
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 Our Village members are amazing. So many of them, in addition to helping one another, also do volunteer work out in the larger community. This month I reached out to Gail Greely to tell us a bit about her volunteer work. From Gail:
On May 22nd I lined up outside the auditorium for an unusual graduation ceremony at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I was receiving a red blazer indicating I had completed my extensive training to become a full-fledged volunteer guide. I was proud to have made it through the course work covering everything from microscopic plants to global climate change, but mostly I felt the strong commitment of the Aquarium’s entire volunteer community to our mission: inspiring conservation of the ocean.
I work a 3 ½ hour weekday shift at the Aquarium, along with about two dozen other guides, most of whom are retired seniors. We start every shift with updates on the animals and exhibits, followed by a lesson on some aspect of ocean life, including the many threats to it. Then we “hit the floor” for more learning, as we talk with guests of all ages from every corner of the world about the wonders on display. On any given day we may see dolphins in the bay, molting penguins, or an octopus protecting her eggs. Each observation leads to more learning, as we discuss what we’ve seen with guests, other volunteers and the expert naturalists on staff.
Of course, there are mundane tasks like pointing the way to the bathrooms (“toward the escalators, then left under the whale skeleton”). But there is always learning and community – things that can diminish when we retire from our jobs and move to new homes. There is also purpose. I have always loved the ocean; have always felt at home near it and in it. Now, through my volunteer work, I can help protect it by sharing its beauty, diversity, mystery and power with our guests.
If you’re interested in one of the many volunteer opportunities at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, check the website: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/join-give/become-a-volunteer. In addition, there are great organizations throughout Santa Cruz County working to protect the natural environment and many of them need volunteers for a variety of jobs. Check out the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County (https://www.scvolunteernow.org//) for opportunities.
- Gail Greely, Village Member, Aptos Circle
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Experts rate the pros and cons of different medical alert devices
and explain 'hard' vs 'soft' falls.
- What is the difference between 'hard' and 'soft' falls, and why does this matter when choosing a fall detection device?
- Should You Use Apple Watch for Fall Detection in 2024?
National Council on Aging Adviser reviews. Written by: Emily Breaux, Medical Reviewer: Christopher Norman.
Apple Watch fall detection may be better at detecting “hard” falls compared to slow, gradual falls. Understand the difference and learn why this matters. Should You Use Apple Watch for Fall Detection in 2024? Experts Weigh In (ncoa.org)
Many Medical Alert Systems are covered by Medicare.
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7 Tips to Protect Your Smartphone from Getting Hacked, from McAfee Security Software. Hackers target smartphones because they’re often unprotected, which gives hackers an easy “in” to your personal information. Here are some tips to help protect from getting hacked:
1. Add extra protection with your face, finger, pattern, or PIN.
2. Don’t go onto a public WiFi network unprotected. Use a VPN.
3. Stick to the official app stores for your apps.
4. Back up the data on your phone.
5. Learn how to lock or wipe your phone remotely in case of an emergency.
6. Get rid of old apps—and update the ones you keep.
7. Protect your phone with security software.
Read the full article here. 7 Tips to Protect Your Smartphone from Getting Hacked | McAfee Blog
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Village Movement California 6th Annual Statewide Conference:
Thursday – Friday, September 12 & 13
La Jolla, CA
Program details and conference agenda coming soon.
- Join a growing coalition of 10,000 engaged older adults, intergenerational volunteers, and caregivers.
- Engage in peer-to-peer learning that develop programs and opportunities to age with independence, dignity, and purpose.
- Network with colleagues and learn from thought leaders in the field of aging.
All Village members are invited to join over 100 village leaders, elected officials, sponsors, stakeholders, and researchers who all are helping to transform the experience of aging across California. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with village members from around the state and learn how each individual village is set up.
Contact info@villagesantacruz.org for more information such as cost (there is an early-bird discount as well as a group discount), travel and hotel room-sharing).
| | CA for ALL Ages & Abilities: Day of Action
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 in Sacramento
Save the Date
The 2024 Master Plan for Aging (MPA) Day of Action brings together consumers, aging and disability leaders, and policymakers to elevate the current and future issues that impact older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Sign up for the CDA newsletter to stay connected. California Department of Aging (list-manage.com)
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Become a Member of Village Santa Cruz County
|  | Coming UP in June
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
Monday, June 3, Guided Meditation, 4:00 - 4:15 PM, Join on Zoom.
Wednesday, June 5, Redwood Rx Mini Retreat, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, In Person, @ Henry Cowell State Park, Felton--we will meet on the deck outside the Nature Store near the main parking lot. This retreat will be led by nature connection guide Kai Siedenburg, who has 30+ years of experience connecting people with nature as a path to greater peace, joy and healing. She has written three books of nature poems and practices. Contact Mary K for more info at mary@koehring.com or call 831-354-8185.
Wednesday, June 5, Aptos Circle Chat, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, In Person @ 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, June 6, Bocce, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, In Person @ Felt Str. 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, June 6, Solo Agers, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM , In Person @ Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 W. Cliff Dr. Carpooling advised if you do not have a State Parks parking pass. Request a ride on the Forum or do a group email to the Solo Agers if you need a ride. There will be a no host lunch afterwards.
Thursday, June 6, Westside Circle Chat, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, In Person @ Iveta Coffee, 2125 Delaware Ave. 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. In the event of rain we will lunch together at Walnut Cafe in downtown Santa Cruz, on their outdoor covered patio.
Monday, June 10, Westside "Days of Our Lives" Discussion, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Join on Zoom, Topic: How do we try to make a difference in the world?
Monday, June 10, Rumminkub, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, In Person, Location: Player's home in Mid-County. Rummikub is a fun board game for everyone, Join us in playing it. Contact info@villagesantacruz.org for more information.
Tuesday, June 11, Mid County Circle Chat, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, In person @ TBD.
Wednesday, June 12, SLV Circle Chat, 10:30 – 11:30 AM, In person @ Valley Women's Conference Center at Highlands Park Community and Senior Center, 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.
Thursday, June 13, Bocce, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, In person @ 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, June 13, Governing Board 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 14, Westcliff Walks, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, In person. We will walk along Westcliff Dr. Meet in the parking lot of Shrine Coffee. 544 Westcliff Ave. And perhaps, like last time, we'll have coffee/tea and a nice chat at Shrine Coffee after the walk!
Tuesday, June 18, Changing the Narrative: Ended Ageism Together, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Join on Zoom, Janet Masters, Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Change AGEnt for Changing the Narrative, a national organization to end ageism, will lead a presentation and Q&A on ending ageism together: various ways it shows up and what each of us as individuals can do to combat it, in both ourselves and the larger community. FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Go to ChangingtheNarrative.org for additional information.
Wednesday, June 19, Village Walks, 10:30 - 11:30 PM, In person @ Felton Rite Aid parking lot across from the Felton Post Office (near Gushee St) we’ll carpool from there to a parking area on Farmers Lane. Text Karen that you are joining the walk so that we wait for you.
Wednesday, June 19, Aptos Circle Luncheon, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, In person, location TBA in an upcoming member weekend Eblast.
Thursday, June 20, Bocce, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, In person @ 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, June 20, Movie/TV Discussion Group, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Join on Zoom.
Friday, June 21, Book Discussion, 1 - 2 PM, In person, Book: Molten Death, by Leslie Karst, part of the Orchid Isle series. Location: TBD
Monday, June 24, Memoir Writing, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, In person @ Seabright Area. Because of the very personal nature of our writings, which we share, this group is currently closed to new members. Want to start a 2nd writing group? Contact info@villagesantacruz.org
Tuesday, June 25, Mid-County Luncheon, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, In person, @ TBD
Tuesday, June 25, Housing Group, 4:00 - 5:00 PM, Join on Zoom. We will discuss and explore continuing care and aging in place options, from living in our own homes to shared housing or communities.
Wednesday, June 26, SLV Circle Chat, 10:30 – 11:30 AM, In person @ Valley Women's Conference Center at Highlands Park Community and Senior Center, 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.
Wednesday, June 26, Keeping Current, 4:00 - 5:00 PM, Join on Zoom. We will meet and as a Group will explore ideas of Topics for Learning & Discussion, which would be led by an 'expert' in the field. We will exchange ideas about potential topics and potential experts on the topic who can inform us and lead a discussion.
Thursday, June 27, Bocce, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, In person @ 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, June 27, Movie at the Theater, 2:30 - 5:30 PM, In person. Movie and details TBD when the movie list for this date comes out.
| In Our Community
At the MAH (Museum of Art and History): Sowing Seeds: Filipino American Stories from the Pajaro Valley explores Filipino labor and migration to the Pajaro Valley from the 1930s to the present. The exhibition brings together oral history, archival materials, and contemporary works of art to feature multidimensional narratives across four themes: labor, gender, conflict, and memory. Sowing Seeds celebrates the perseverance of a Filipino American community to transform the Pajaro Valley into a home in the face of racism and exclusion. On display until August 4. Sowing Seeds: Filipino American Stories from the Pajaro Valley | MAH (santacruzmah.org)
Saturday, June 1, 8 AM - 2 PM, Scotts Valley Flea Market and Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. 370 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. Multi Vendor Flea Market and All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast. All proceeds benefit the Scotts Valley Senior Center. For information call 831-438-8666.
City of Santa Cruz Garage Sale Weekend event, for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1 & 2, at various sites in Santa Cruz. The event promotes reuse, repair and resale opportunities with goal to help the environment by reducing waste. To explore the sales inventories, map a shopping route, or sign up to host a sale, visit Santa Cruz Garage Sale Weekend | City of Santa Cruz
Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. The Redwood Mountain Faire at Roaring Camp in Felton. A benefit for local non-profit organizations. 25 bands on 3 stages. Arts & Crafts. Learn more and purchase tickets at Redwood Mountain Faire
 Sunday, June 2, Santa Cruz Pride Day, parade starts at 11 AM. Downtown Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz. Pride 2024: Beacon of Pride. The parade will be followed by a festival in Abbott Square. Learn more at Santa Cruz Pride | Official Site
Saturday June 8, 11 AM - 12:15 PM at Seabright Beach. Waves of Wellness: Powered by Connection. The Health Projects Center Health for an Aging Population | Health Projects Center | hpcn.org invites you to join them in Waves of Wellness, beach yoga, where every stretch and breath symbolizes the power of connection. The Health Projects Center provides exceptional community-based programs that support elders to live and age with dignity at home. You can make a difference by joining them at the beach yoga event or donating to support their cause. The ticket for the event is $5, but they are also offering a package complete with yoga, a water bottle, a towel, and a tote bag for $50. When you give a gift of $50 you buy an older adult an emergency response device, ensuring a quick alert in the event of a fall or other emergency.
 Saturday, June 8, Japanese Cultural Fair, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm in Mission Plaza Park - across the street from Holy Cross Church & the Santa Cruz Mission. Find out more Japanese Cultural Fair (jcfsantacruz.org)
 Saturday, June 15, Juneteenth Celebration in Laurel Park, 12 - 5:00 PM. Find out more Home | Santa Cruz Juneteenth
Saturday, June 22, 1 PM, Pleasure Point Street Fair On Portola Ave. between 38th ave and 41st ave. Come celebrate the Solstice at the Pleasure Point Street Fair. Enjoy food, music, and over 100 vendors. Lots of activities for the whole family. For more information, go to Pleasure Point Street Fair 2024.
Articles, Videos, and Listening
“I Want to Be Water”: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Bridge Divides in Fiery Times. By Elizabeth Lesser, from Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, May 18, 2024. Read the article here.
SAGE, advocacy and service for LBGTQ+ elders. Learn how SAGE, through their Housing Initiative work is leading the way for affordable housing for LGBTQ+ elders. sageusa.org/housing-initiative/
Patients Fare Better When They Get Palliative Care Sooner Not Later, Scientific American, May 14, 2024, by Lydia Denworth, is an award-winning science journalist and contributing editor for Scientific American. Supportive care is often started late in an illness, but that may not be the best way. Read the article Patients Fare Better When They Get Palliative Care Sooner, Not Later | Scientific American
Oral histories can bring us closer and help us learn about our roots. But how do we gather these stories from our friends and family? Learn how to start in this Next Avenue article.
| Village Santa Cruz County
1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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