There was so much to be thankful for in November. Food for Thought was a gouda time, covering all things cheese. Hands on Art members tried their hand at engraving slate cheese boards, just in time for holiday platters. Live music by Seascape Sounds made for a delightful social dance. We hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony with a riveting speech by Technical Sergeant Jaclynn Canavan Bol, USAF Retired. The Veterans Day event involved live music from Claudette and Ed, a new flag stand carved by our wood carving group, poems read by members, an address from Mayor Badame, a representative from Santa Clara County Veterans Services Office, TAPS echo, information about the Veterans Memorial Foundation from General Kent Hillhouse, and more. Our sincere thanks to Jaclynn Canavan Bol, Mark Buxton and John Lochner for their support in planning the event.
Members gathered for Thanksgiving. We served over 180 meals, prepared by Los Gatos Meats, including 90 pounds of smoked turkey! We are grateful to this year's community sponsors who also rolled up their sleeves to help volunteer: Vasona Creek Healthcare, Cedar Creek Alzheimer's & Dementia Care, and Los Gatos Thrives Foundation for Older Adults! Whole Foods also generously donated Martinelli's and whip cream. Pianist Sue created a lovely ambiance. Los Gatos Lions volunteered to dish out meals. Many thanks to all members of Los Gatos Town Council for volunteering at the event. New Town Manager Chris Constantin and assistant Town Manager Katy Nomura stopped in to visit too. County Supervisor Joe Simitian was on site as we gave thanks for the ADA bathroom constructed earlier this year. Thank you, members, for your generosity with socks and underwear donations.
This December, the 55 Plus Team of Elves have a few things planned for members including: Holiday Morning Social, 3 Free Yoga Classes, Holiday Gift Wrap help during Tech with Teens, Holly Jolly Jars and bonus quick crafts. Guest speaker will be local audiologist Christine Throm with snacks provided by Clear Captions. There are also a lot of fun festive things happening in Los Gatos, be sure to check out page 9.
This coming tax season we will once again offer FREE electronic tax filing appointments onsite through AAPR Tax Aide Volunteers. Call or visit the 55 Plus office to secure an appointment on Mondays at either 9:00am or 10:30am from February 10th through April 7th. We will miss you over the holiday break, may your days be merry and bright!
Season's Greetings, Lisanne Kennedy
Recreation Coordinator
• January 6th – Office Re-Opens
DECEMBER 1ST-13TH
JANUARY SAVE THE DATES:
• January 8th – Great Getaway SF Orpheum – Some Like it Hot
• January 10th - New Year's Gala - Live Music with Cook N'Fenny- $10/$20
• January 17th - Hands on Art *RSVP
• January 17th - Social Dance - NEW Irish Celi
• January 24th - Food For Thought *RSVP
• January 31st - Great Getaway - A Day at the Museums & Lunch
Please note our offices will be closed from December 23 through January 3rd for the Holidays. 2 3 4 5 6
LG Thrive Foundation Movie (Cinelux)
$10 tickets
9:45AM-12:45PM
St. Mary’s Bridge (Rm 5) *No Drop Ins
10:00AM-1:30PM Wood Carving Group (Rm 206)
10:00AM-2:00PM Stay Fit (Hall)
1:00PM-2:00PM Hand & Foot Canasta (Rm 5)
1:45PM-4:00PM Balance Awareness (Hall)
2:00PM-3:00PM Drop in Badminton (Hall)
3:30PM-4:30PM
St. Mary’s Bridge (Rm 5) *No Drop Ins
10:00AM-1:30PM Wood Carving Group (Rm 206)
10:00AM-2:00PM Stay Fit (Hall)
1:00PM-2:00PM Hand & Foot Canasta (Rm 5)
1:45PM-4:00PM Balance Awareness (Hall)
2:00PM-3:00PM Drop in Badminton (Hall)
3:30PM-4:30PM
Tuesday Town Walk (Lounge)
9:15AM-11:00AM Mah Jongg (Hall)
10:00AM-12:30PM Ping Pong (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM Pinochle (Rm 5)
1:00PM-4:30PM ZUMBA RETURNS IN 2025
Game Day (Hall) $5 *RSVP
9:30AM-12:30PM Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM Art & Music Appreciation (Lounge) *RSVP
12:00PM-1:15PM Holly Jolly Jars (Hall) *RSVP ��
2:00PM-3:00PM 55+ Yoga (YRC Rm B) FREE ��
3:00PM-4:00PM
HICAP by Appt (Rm 2)
9:00AM-12:30PM Tuesday Town Walk (Lounge)
9:15AM-11:00AM Mah Jongg (Hall)
10:00AM-12:30PM
AARP Driver Safety- 2 Day Course by Appt (Rm 214)
12:00PM-4:30PM Ping Pong (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM Pinochle (Rm 5)
1:00PM-4:30PM
Game Day (Hall) $5 *RSVP
9:30AM-12:30PM
Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM
Woman’s Artist Connection (Rm 3)
10:00AM-12:00PM
VTA Ride & Taste LG (Lounge & Offsite)
*RSVP
11:00AM-2:15PM
Art & Music Appreciation (Lounge) *RSVP
12:00PM-1:15PM Single Again (Rm 3) *Womens Group)
12:30PM-2:30PM
Holly Jolly Jars (Hall) *RSVP ��
2:00PM-3:00PM
55+ Yoga (YRC Rm B) FREE ��
3:00PM-4:00PM
Reader’s Theatre (Rm Lounge)
3:00PM-5:00PM
Mexican Train (Rm 3)
10:00AM-12:00PM
Hearing for the Holidays (Hall) *RSVP
10:00AM-11:00AM Hands on for the Holidays: Mini Beanie Ornaments (206) *RSVP
11:00AM-12:00PM Ping Pong 2 Tables (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM Pinochle (Rm 5)
1:00PM-4:30PM
Holiday Gift Wrapping (Materials Provided) �� 3:00PM-4:00PM
NEW Teen Tech & Table Games (Hall) ����
3:00PM-4:30PM
Mexican Train (Rm 3)
10:00AM-12:00PM
AARP Driver Safety- 2 Day Course by Appt (Rm 214)
12:00PM-4:30PM Pinochle (Rm 5)
1:00PM-4:30PM Ping Pong 2 Tables (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM
Holiday Gift Wrapping (Materials Provided) ��
3:00PM-4:00PM
Artist Workshop (Hall)
9:00AM-12:00PM Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM Stay Fit (Hall)
1:00PM-2:00PM Balance Awareness (Hall)
2:00PM-3:00PM NEW Food for Thought (Lounge) *FULL �� 3:00PM-4:00PM
Check out the 68th Annual Parade on Saturday! See p. 9
Artist Workshop (Hall)
9:00AM-12:00PM Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM Hands on Art - (Hall) *FULL
10:00AM-12:00PM Stay Fit (Hall) 1:00PM-2:00PM Balance Awareness (Hall) 2:00PM-3:00PM NEW Teen Tech & Table Games (Hall) ���� 3:00PM-4:30PM
Social Dance - SOUL Line
Dance (Hall-LA-LA-LALA) $5/$10 6:00PM-8:00PM
St. Mary’s Bridge (Rm 5) *No Drop Ins
10:00AM-1:30PM Member Holiday Social (YRC) ☃
10:00AM-12:00PM
Wood Carving Group (Rm 206)
10:00AM-2:00PM Chair Exercises with Jackie (Hall)
1:30PM-2:30PM Hand & Foot Canasta (Rm 5)
1:45PM-4:00PM Drop in Badminton (Hall)
3:30PM-4:30PM
SALA by Appt (Rm 2)
9:00AM-12:30PM
DECEMBER 16TH-31ST
Tuesday Town Walk (Lounge)
9:15AM-11:00AM Mah Jongg (Hall)
10:00AM-12:30PM Ping Pong (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM Pinochle (Rm 3)
1:00PM-4:30PM Great GetawaySeaside Shopping, Dinner, and Holiday Lights Train (Offsite) *Register 1:00PM-9:30PM NO MAGIC MOVIE TOUR
Game Day (Hall) $5 *RSVP
9:30AM-12:30PM Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM
55+ Yoga (YRC Rm B) FREE ��
3:00PM-4:00PM ART & MUSIC
APPRECIATION RETURNS 1/29
Mexican Train (Rm 3)
10:00AM-12:00PM Hands on for the Holidays: Giant Paper Snowflakes (Hall) *RSVP ��
10:00AM-11:00AM Ping Pong (Rm 5)
1:00PM-3:00PM Pinochle (Rm 3)
1:00PM-4:30PM
NEW Teen Tech & Table Games (Hall) ���� 3:00PM-4:30PM
• AARP DRIVER SAFETY - 2 Day Course and 1 Day Refresher offered in person bi-monthly. Contact the 55 Plus Office to schedule an appointment.
• AARP TAX AIDE - In person appointments during tax season. Contact the 55 Plus Office to schedule.
• ART AND MUSIC APPRECIATION – Interactive class exploring and discussing influential artists and musicians. Partnership with West Valley College. Sign up with the 55 Plus office required.
• ARTIST WORKSHOP - Open workspace. Bring in your materials and work on your individual projects with our welcoming community of artists. No formal instruction and all levels are welcome.
• BADMINTON - Join us for drop-in play. Open to all levels. Equipment will be provided
• BALANCE AWARENESS - Develop a foundation of balance for functional fitness and fall prevention. Partnership with West Valley College. Sign up with the 55 Plus office required.
• BOOK CLUB - Meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Pick up the booklist from the 55 Plus Office.
• BINGO – Get out your dauber and get ready to have some fun! Join us monthly for prize BINGO.
• GREAT GETAWAY – Local bus trips arranged monthly. Additional fees and registration required.
• GUEST SPEAKER – Bringing a variety of local experts in to share their knowledge with us. Suggestions welcome!
• FOOD FOR THOUGHT – Bring your appetite for learning something new about food and sample the subject matter you are learning about!
• HAND & FOOT CANASTA – Calling all Canasta players! See the 55 Plus office for a list of rules and a description of play.
• HANDS ON ART – Tap into your creative side with a new project each month. All levels welcome. Materials provided.
• HICAP – In-person appointments with a helpful volunteer for free and objective information and counseling about Medicare. Contact 55 Plus Office to schedule.
• LEARN TO CROCHET – Bring your patience in with you and learn how to loop yarn into all sorts of cozy items. Materials provided.
• MAGIC MOVIE TOUR - Lights, Camera, Action! Join us each month for a movie, discussion, and fun facts about the world of cinema...and some popcorn too!
• MAH JONGG – Friendly American Mah Jongg players group. All levels welcome. If you are interested in learning to play, please inquire with the 55 Plus office.
• MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES - Be the first player to lay down your dominoes. A lot of fun and just a few key rules, makes this a great social game to join! All levels welcome.
• PING PONG – Drop in to socialize and play. Equipment provided.
• READER’S THEATER – Read aloud modern and classic plays without having to memorize the lines! Sign up with the 55 Plus office required.
• SALA - SENIOR LEGAL AID – On site appointments now available, schedule with the 55 Plus Office
• SINGLE AGAIN – For women who are widowed. Meet others who will understand and provide support in dealing with this life-changing transition.
• SOCIAL DANCE – Dance instruction, refreshments, and music!
• SPECIAL EVENTS (SEASONAL) – High Tea, Boats & BBQs, July Picnic, Thanksgiving Lunch, Holiday Social, and more!
• STAY FIT – Seated exercise class focusing on range of motion and building strength with resistance bands. Partnership with West Valley College. Sign up with the 55 Plus office required.
• ST. MARY’S BRIDGE – Looking for intermediate level bridge players interested in subbing. Inquire with 55 plus office. NO DROP INS
• TECH WITH TEENS - Bring your devices and questions to a knowledgeable high school volunteer or join in a fun board/card game.
• TUESDAY TOWN WALKERS - Get Moving! Walk to local areas at your own pace, socialize and explore Los Gatos.
• WEDNESDAY GAME DAY/BRIDGE - Staff coordinate tables of over 40 Bridge players each week! Canasta tables too. Sign up with the 55 Plus office required.
• WATER WORKOUT – Seasonal summer program at the LGHS Pool. Pre-registration and class fee required.
• WOMEN’S ARTIST CONNECTION – Share and discuss your work in a friendly and non-judgmental atmosphere.
• WOOD CARVING – Turn pieces of wood into objects of art. Group helps mentor all levels of carvers to improve your skills. Pop in to check out the projects they are working on!
• YOGA – Practice from a chair or mat or both. Boost energy, reduce stress, improve flexibility and balance. Pre-registration required $5/class.
• ZUMBA GOLD - Join this easy-to- follow dance workout that focuses on balance, range of motion, coordination and fun! Perfect for the active older adult. Pre-registration required $5/class. Drop-in $10
Dr. James Lin’s Dental Tip
Dental implants need attention too!
Consider using interdental brushes, thicker woven floss, and water flossers to further increase the longevity of your implants.
HOLIDAY MARKET
DECEMBER
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LIVE OAK PROGRAMS
INFO - Weekday meal program for older adults call 408.354.0707. Day program for seniors with mild to moderate dementia & respite for caregivers call 408.354.4782
WHERE - Los Gatos Methodist Church, 111 Church St.
WHEN - Weekdays
LG THRIVE FOUNDATION MONDAY MORNING MOVIE
INFO - https://losgatosthrives.org/monday-movies
WHERE - Cinelux Los Gatos Theatre, 43 N Santa Cruz Ave
WHEN - First Monday of the month @ 9:45AM12:45PM
LOS GATOS IN LIGHTS – ANNUAL WINTER CELEBRATION
INFO - https://www.losgatosca.gov/2510/Los-Gatos-inLights---Winter-Celebration
WHERE - Town Park Plaza
WHEN - Friday December 6th @ 05:00PM – 7:00PM
68TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAYS PARADE
INFO - www.lgsrecreation.org/parade/
WHERE - Route starts by Bank of America on Santa Cruz Ave. And ends before Los Gatos Highschool
WHEN - Saturday December 7th @ 11:00AM
MISSION VALLEY CHORUS PERFORMANCE - JINGLE BELL TEA
INFO - www.missionvalley.org/jbtea
WHERE - 19655 Allendale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
WHEN - Saturday December 7th
NUMU FESTIVE NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
INFO - www.numulosgatos.org/events/festive
WHERE - 106 E Main Street, Los Gatos
WHEN - Friday December 13 @ 5:00PM-9:00PM
KIWANIS HOLIDAY MARKET & MUSIC
INFO - lgkiwanisgives.org/los-gatos-holiday-market
WHERE - Civic Center Lawn
WHEN - Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15th @ 10:00AM-4:00PM
Crossword #36
Use the clues to fill in the crossword.
Across
1.In use, as a phone
Across
1.In use, as a phone
6.Kind of truck that pulls others
8.Highest possible amount
11.Dig in!
12.Baseball stat
13.Operate
14.Tending to be reserved, quiet, or introspective
Down
1.Makes
2.Scarecrow
3. __-ho-ho!
4.Amazing
5. E pluribus
7.Cried
8.Temperate
9.Slope example
16.Freight weight
18.Figured out
19.Below the ocean’s surface
21.Needed in a recipe
24.Association of Bridal Consultants, abbrev.
25.Worldwide
27.In poor health
28.Mother Goose piece
Crossword #36
30.Octopus’ defense
31.Principles of conduct
(clues)
Down
1.Makes cupcakes
10.Get
15.Pay
17.Paddle
18.Huge,
20.Vital, 21.Winter
22.The San
23.Something
26.Marilyn ____
28.Purge;
29.Kind
6.Kind of truck that pulls others
8.Highest possible amount
11.Dig in!
12.Baseball stat
13.Operate
14.Tending to be reserved, quiet, or introspective
Use the clues to determine words that contain and.
1.Ranch worker
2.Musical group
3.Snifter contents
4.Bamboo eater
5.Kind of piano
6.Neckerchief
7.Ten hundreds
8.Dune makeup
9.Piece of hair
10.To-do list item
11.Light shoe
12.Hormone producer
13.Stretchy material
14.Product name
15.Land in water
16.With no apparent pattern
17.Papa goose
18.Wife’s partner
55 PLUS PROGRAM 2025 $35 Annual Fee
Current members, renew your membership for 2025 in December and save $5.
Join our community of vibrant older adults! The LGS Recreation 55 Plus program provides comprehensive free or low-cost programs for people age 55 and over. You do not need to be a Los Gatos resident to join. To enjoy a variety of groups, programs, classes, social events, guest lectures, and services. Members receive special discounts for Great Getaway Adult Day Trips, LGS Pickleball League, social dances, and exclusive activities at Vasona Boating and the LGS Aquatics Center.
GREAT GETAWAY ADULT DAY TRIPS
Pick up for all trips from the Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center 208 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Joan Pisani Community Center 19655 Allendale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
55 Plus Members receive $10 off all Great Getaway trips! Note: Trips are non-refundable.
To register call 408.354.8700 or bit.ly/3NN57Qw
• DECEMBER 17TH - SEASIDE SHOPPING, DINNER AND HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN - $195/$205 - Wrap up your holiday shopping in Capitola or relax with a warm oceanview drink. Enjoy dinner in a festive private seaside room at Ideal Bar and Grill, then ride the Holiday Lights Train with live music and Santa. Tickets include transportation, gratuity, dinner, first-class train ticket, and $10 boardwalk cash.
• JANUARY 8TH – ORPHEUM SF: SOME LIKE IT HOT$145/$155 - Join us for a matinee showing of Some Like it Hot. Set in Chicago during Prohibition, two male musicians witness a mob hit. They jump a cross-country train dressed as women in an all-female band to escape. After the show, dine at your choice of many restaurants at the Hillsdale Shopping Center or enjoy some shopping. Ticket includes: transportation and theatre ticket.
• JANUARY 31ST – DAY AT THE MUSEUMS - $110/$120 - Explore the watercolor wilderness journeys of Tony Foster and finish the day learning about Rodin’s bronze sculptures at The Cantor Arts on Stanford’s campus. Enjoy lunch at a unique lunch destination, Buck’s Restaurant, in between. Ticket includes: Two guided tours, lunch, and transportation.
• FEBRUARY 27TH – JACK LONDON STATE PARK$100/$110 - Visit Jack London State Park, home to White Fang and Call of the Wild's author. Enjoy a two-hour tour of historic sites, agricultural innovations, and scenic grounds, followed by a boxed lunch from Glen Ellen Deli. Includes transportation, entrance fee, lunch, and gratuities. (1.5mile walk on uneven ground.)
LGS Recreation has a web resource page to help connect older adults to services and information. We also offer several service providers in house. Contact the 55 Plus office for more details.
