October was full of fall fun! Great Getaway bus trips enjoyed time in Half Moon Bay, learning about the ghost haunting Moss Beach Distillery, touring a goat farm, exploring glass blowing, and visiting a pumpkin patch. Hands-On Art made incredible storefrontworthy Halloween wreaths (see picture on page 3). Bridge raised $215 for the Alzheimer’s Association. We had two informative guest speakers: attorney Barbara Nesbit on legal matters of Estate Planning and Trust Administration, as well as a panel of experts discussing Downsizing. If you missed the Downsizing talk, there are info packets available for pickup at the 55 Plus office. Brooke held the inaugural Team Trivia event, and the "Fearsome Foursome" took home trophies. Jackie’s Jewels, our new beading workshop program, also began, and members crafted three boo-tiful bracelets. Bocce was back, and members enjoyed a lovely fall day in Saratoga trying to land their bocces closest to the pallino. We will celebrate Halloween by handing out goodies at the Library and a Trick-or-Treat-themed Food for Thought, complete with a costume contest. As we celebrate the season, "Elton John" even made a guest appearance at Monday Chair Zumba!
This November, join us on Friday, November 14th, from 4:00 PM–5:30 PM in the Large Hall. We are hosting a Member Mixer social to celebrate our 1,000-member milestone! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, mocktails, socializing with others, and plenty of raffle prizes to be won. We are grateful to local dentist James Lin for helping sponsor this event. We look forward to seeing you there! Our team is also excited to host Thanksgiving Lunch on Monday, November 17th. There are still a few seats open for the 1:30 PM sitting. Our meal is made fresh locally at Los Gatos Meats. Thank you to Vasona Creek Healthcare, who are helping sponsor and volunteer at the event, and to the Los Gatos Lions, who are volunteering. In lieu of Mary Ann’s Stay Fit and Balance Awareness classes, we will continue to offer Chair Zumba with Kiana on Monday and Sit and Be Fit with Angela on Friday in November.
November also means it’s time to renew your annual 55 Plus Membership; it will not be auto renewed. Current members save $5 when you renew in November or December for 2026. Also, a great time for new members to join and enjoy benefits through 2026. We are so thrilled to have surpassed a new record high of 1000 members this year!
Lisanne Kennedy (Recreation Coordinator)
Spooktacular Halloween Wreaths
New Program: Team Trivia
New Program: Boo-tiful Bracelets
Happy Halloween & Birthday Dave
Mah Jongg Lessons
Team Trivia Winners
Fall Bocce in Saratoga
Fall Bocce in Saratoga
NOVEMBER 3RD-14TH
3 4 5 6 7
St. Mary’s Bridge (Rm 5) *No Drop Ins
10:00AM-1:30PM Wood Carving Group (Rm 206)
10:00AM-2:00PM Hand & Foot Canasta (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:00PM
Chair Zumba w/ Kiana (Hall) *RSVP
1:00PM-2:00PM Badminton (Hall)
3:15PM-4:15PM
Tuesday Town Walk (Lounge)
9:15AM-11:00AM Mah Jongg (Hall)
10:00AM-12:30PM
ZUMBA Gold Toning (YRC Rm B) *Register $5
11:30AM-12:20PM Pinochle (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:15PM Ping Pong 2 Tables (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM
Bridge (Hall) $5 *RSVP
9:30AM-12:30PM Canasta (Rm 3)
9:30AM-12:30PM
Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM
Art & Music Appreciation (Lounge) *RSVP
12:40PM-1:55PM
Yoga - Chair or Mat (YRC Rm B) *Register $5
3:00PM-4:00PM
ZUMBA Gold Evening (YRC Rm B) *Register $5
5:30PM-6:20PM
Mexican Train (Rm 2)
10:00AM-12:30PM
ZUMBA Gold (YRC Rm B) *FULL
11:30AM-12:20PM Pinochle (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:15PM Ping Pong 2 Tables (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM
Prize BINGO (Hall)
3:00PM-4:00PM
Rosie the Riveter (Bus Trip) *Sold Out
8:00AM-6:00PM Artist Workshop (Hall)
9:00AM-12:00PM
Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM Sit and Be Fit (Hall) *RSVP
1:00PM-2:00PM NEW ZUMBA Gold (YRC Rm B) *Register $5 1:00PM-2:00PM 10 11 12 13 14
St. Mary’s Bridge (Rm 5) *No Drop Ins
10:00AM-1:30PM
Wood Carving Group (Rm 206)
10:00AM-2:00PM Hand & Foot Canasta (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:00PM
Chair Zumba w/ Kiana (Hall) *RSVP
1:00PM-2:00PM Badminton (Hall)
3:15PM-4:15PM No Balance Awareness or Stay Fit, See Alternatives
NEW ZUMBA Gold (YRC Rm B) *Register $5 1:00PM-2:00PM
NEW Member Mixer (Hall) *RSVP 4:00PM-5:30PM
DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES:
Wednesday 12/3, 10, 17 - FREE Yoga with Angela *RSVP
Friday 12/5 - Hands on Art: Clothespin Snowflakes *RSVP
Friday 12/5 - Food For Thought: Nuts & Nutcracker *RSVP
Monday 12/8 - Craft Holiday Cards *RSVP
Wednesday 12/10 - Coco and Caroling *RSVP
Friday 12/12 - Holiday Team Trivia *RSVP
Monday 12/15 - Member Holiday Party *RSVP
Wednesday 12/17 - Great Getaway: Nutcracker & Dinner at Beach Chalet *Register
JANUARY SAVE THE DATE
Celebrate the New Year with Us! Friday, January 9th 4:30PM-6:30PM
Holiday Office Closure: Monday December 22 - Friday January 2
*Renew
NOVEMBER 17TH-28TH
17 18 19 20 21
St. Mary’s Bridge (Rm 5) *No Drop Ins
10:00AM-1:30PM Wood Carving Group (Rm 206)
10:00AM-2:00PM
Hand & Foot Canasta (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:00PM
Thanksgiving Lunch (Hall) *SOLD OUT
11:30AM-12:30PM
Thanksgiving Lunch (Hall) *REGISTER $5
1:30PM-2:30PM No Exercise Classes or Badminton.
SALA by Appt. (Rm 2)
9:00AM-12:30PM
Tuesday Town Walk (Lounge)
9:15AM-11:00AM Mah Jongg (Hall)
10:00AM-12:30PM
ZUMBA Gold Toning (YRC Rm B) *Register $5
11:30AM-12:20PM Pinochle (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:15PM Ping Pong 2 Tables (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM
Bridge (Hall) $5 *RSVP
9:30AM-12:30PM Canasta (Rm 3)
9:30AM-12:30PM
Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM
Art & Music Appreciation (Lounge) *RSVP
12:40PM-1:55PM
Yoga - Chair or Mat (YRC Rm B) *Register $5
3:00PM-4:00PM
ZUMBA Gold Evening (YRC Rm B) *Register $5
5:30PM-6:20PM
Mexican Train (Rm 2)
10:00AM-12:30PM
Guest Speaker: Life Transitions (Hall) *RSVP
10:00AM-12:00PM
ZUMBA Gold (YRC Rm B) *FULL
11:30AM-12:20PM Pinochle (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:15PM Ping Pong 2 Tables (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM
Artist Workshop (Hall)
9:00AM-12:00PM
Hands on Art - Painted Door Mats (Hall) *FULL
10:00AM-12:00PM Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM
Sit and Be Fit w/ Angela (Hall) *RSVP
1:00PM-2:00PM
NEW ZUMBA Gold (YRC Rm B) *Register $5
1:00PM-2:00PM
Food For Thought: Turkish Food (Hall) *RSVP
3:30PM-4:30PM SUNDAY 23
Cirque de Soliel (Bus Trip) *Register $190 10:45AM-6:45PM
St. Mary’s Bridge (Rm 5) *No Drop Ins
10:00AM-1:30PM
Wood Carving Group (Rm 206)
10:00AM-2:00PM Hand & Foot Canasta (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:00PM Chair Zumba w/ Kiana (Hall) *RSVP
1:00PM-2:00PM Badminton (Hall)
3:15PM-4:15PM
Tuesday Town Walk (Lounge)
9:15AM-11:00AM Mah Jongg (Hall)
10:00AM-12:30PM Pinochle (Rm 3)
12:30PM-4:15PM
Ping Pong 2 Tables (Hall)
1:00PM-3:00PM
Healing Hearts: Grief Support (Lounge) 1:30PM-3:00PM No Zumba
Bridge (Hall) $5 *RSVP
9:30AM-12:30PM Canasta (Rm 3)
9:30AM-12:30PM Ping Pong (Rm 5)
10:00AM-12:00PM
Art & Music Appreciation (Lounge) *RSVP
12:40PM-1:55PM No Zumba or Yoga
Office Closure
CLASSES AND GROUP DESCRIPTIONS
• AARP DRIVER SAFETY - 2 Day Course and 1 Day Refresher offered in person bi-monthly. Contact the 55 Plus Office to schedule.
• AARP TAX AIDE - IIn person appointments during tax season. Contact the 55 Plus Office for scheduling information.
• 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.
• BADMINTON - Drop-in play. All levels welcome. Equipment 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.
• BEADING WORKSHOP - Piece together your own jewelry with Jackie. All levels welcome. Materials and projects provided.
• BINGO - Get out your dauber and get ready to have some fun! Join us monthly for prize BINGO.
• BINGOcize® - Evidence based 10-week program that combines BINGO with gentle exercises and fall prevention tips. Stay active, boost your brain and connect with others. Instructor: Santa Clara County
• BOOK CLUB - Meets on the 4th Thursday 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.
• FOOD FOR THOUGHT – Bring your appetite for learning something new about food and sample the subject matter.
• GREAT GETAWAY – Local bus trips arranged monthly. Additional fees and registration required. $10 discount for members.
• GUEST SPEAKER – Bringing a variety of local experts to share their knowledge with us. Suggestions welcome!
• HEALING HEARTS – Grief support group open to both women and men. Led by Jackie. Find solace in the company of other singles as we process our grief together and make new friends. Leave with some journaling prompts to work through until our next meeting.
• 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 exploring different mediums. All levels welcome. Materials provided.
• HEALING HEARTS – Grief support group open to both women and men. Find solace in the company of other singles as we process our grief together and make new friends. Leave with some journaling prompts to work through until our next meeting.
• HICAP – In-person appointments with a trained volunteer for free and objective information and counseling about Medicare. Contact 55 Plus Office for scheduling information. Funded by the California Department of Aging and Sourcewise.
• MAH JONGG – American Mah Jongg players group, some knowledge of game play required. Interested in learning to play? Inquire with the 55 Plus office.
• MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES - Be the first player to lay down your dominoes. It's a lots of fun and just a few key rules. All levels.
• PAINT PARTY - Sip, paint and socialize with us. Follow a video tutorial creating a fun seasonal painting. All materials provided. All levels.
• PING PONG – Drop in to socialize and play. Equipment provided.
• SALA - SENIOR LEGAL AID – On site appointments for free legal services. Contact the 55 Plus Office to schedule.
• SIT AND BE FIT – Chair exercise class aiming to improve balance, strength, coordination, and flexibility. Low to moderate intensity and use of resistance bands. Sign up with the 55 Plus office required.
• SPECIAL EVENTS (MONTHLY) – Dances, High Tea, Boats & BBQs, July Picnic, Thanksgiving Lunch, Holiday Social, Bocce, 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
• TEAM TRIVIA – Teams of three or four put their knowledge to the test with a variety of topics.
• 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! Sign up with the 55 Plus office required.
• WOOD CARVING – Turn pieces of wood into objects of art. Group helps mentor all levels of carvers to improve your skills.
• 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 an active older adult. Pre-registration required $5/class.
55 Plus
Holiday Social
Monday, December 15th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for games, art, photos, Golden State Trains, and plenty of good tidings! Refreshments and goodies will be provided. RSVP
Holiday Cocoa & Caroling
Wednesday, December 10th
Adult Recreation Center - Large Hall
Get in the holiday spirit with a festive sing-a-long with Ed and Claudette.
HOLIDAYS EDITION
Friday, December 12th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Adult Recreation Center - Large Hall
RSVP
Holiday Cards Workshop
Monday, December 8th
10:00 AM - 12:oo PM
Adult Recreation Center - Large Hall
Project Inspiration Materials to be Provided. & 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
RSVP
Diane Keaton - “Annie Hall“
197 7 Best Actor Award
“Annie Hall Propelled Her Career”
Best known for leading comedic and dramatic roles on stage and screen.
Over Diane’s six-decade long career she received 82 nomination and won 37 awards.
Soda Works History Tour
Friday, November 7, 11 AM @ New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU)
Almost 100 years ago, Los Gatos Soda Works was bottling and selling its own sodas right here on East Main Street. Learn more at our tour!
Participants will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift card to Los Gatos Soda Works!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LG THRIVES FOUNDATION
MONDAY MORNING MOVIES
INFO - Tickets are $10 for movie, coffee, and pastry. Purchase online at losgatosthrives.org/monday-movie
WHERE - CineLux Los Gatos Theatre, 43 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030
WHEN - 9:45AM-12:45PM on Monday November 3rd showing Annie Hall & Monday December 1st showing Wicked: For Good
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.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NAVIGATOR
PROGRAM
INFO - Peer support and referrals.
WHERE - Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos
WHEN - Tuesdays @ 10:00AM-3:00PM
DROP IN TECH HELP @ LOS GATOS LIBRARY
WHERE - 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030
WHEN - Tuesdays 3:00PM-4:30PM
WVCS MOBILE FOOD PROGRAM
INFO - FREE access to food including fresh produce, meat, dairy, dry goods, and canned food. Call for more info 408.471.6123
WHERE - Next to Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave
WHEN - 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 10:00AM-11:15AM
Dr. James Lin’s Dental Tip
Looking for a dentist? Ask the 55 Plus Office for $100 new patient promo with Dentist James Lin
Crossword #47
Use the clues to fill in the crossword.
Across
1.Take on, as an identity
4.“Do ___ others as...”
5.Simple bed in a tent
7.Numerical data
10.Fastener with a Phillips head?
11.Cataract site
12.Nightcrawler
13.Well-off
14.Extremely angry; irate
18.Fanatical; excessive
20.Volcanic flow
22.Research workplace
24.Acorn-bearing
25.Triage area
27.Soapmaker’s need
28.At wits’ end; hopeless
29.Environmental prefix
Crossword #47
30.Go yachting
31.Basic structure
(clues)
Across
1.Take on, as an identity
4.“Do ___ others as...”
5.Simple bed in a tent 7.Numerical data
10.Fastener with a Phillips head? 11.Cataract site 12.Nightcrawler
13.Well-off
14.Extremely angry; irate 18.Fanatical; excessive
22.Research workplace 24.Acorn-bearing 25.Triage area
First, find the 10 words in the first grid. Then find each word’s synonym in the second grid. Words can be found horizontally, vertically, forward, or backward. One answer is given (angry, mad).
Geography and Weather Pass It On
After answering each clue, use the last letter of the answer for the first letter of the next answer. The first answer is given.
1.Large land mass
2.Caribbean climate; hot and humid
3.Longitude’s counterpart
4.Our planet
5.Violent tropical storm
6.Hemisphere dividing line
7.Precipitation
8.Opposite of southeast
9.Frozen plain
10.Book of maps
11.Top layer of a field; good dirt
12.Volcanic output
13.Continent with the most nations
14.Polar region
15.Rocky ledge
16.Overflow of water onto dry land
17.Dry land area
18.Ocean motion
& PUZZLES
Instrumental Word Blocks
Combine blocks of letters to create names of instruments. Each block is used only once, and some words use more than two blocks. For example: sax+ op + hone = saxophone
Link Le'ers
Starting from any letter, move from letter to letter along connecting lines to form common words of three or more letters. You many not reuse a letter within a particular word. We found 44 words in this star (counting only the longest form of any word): 19 three-letter words, 16 four-letter words, six five-letter words, one six-letter word, and two eight-letter words.
PICK UP FOR ALL TRIPS FROM:
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, visit Great Getaways or scan the QR
GREAT GETAWAY ADULT DAY TRIPS
• WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17TH- NUTCRACKER BALLET & BEACH CHALET SUNSET DINNER - $200 The Beach Chalet offers us a 3-course meal with spectacular sunset views of the Pacific Ocean. Golden Gate Theatre presents Nutcracker! Magic Christmas Ballet. Make a treasured holiday memory!
NEW IN 2026
55 PLUS PROGRAM
New to 55 Plus? Become a member now for benefits through 2026. $35 annual fee. Current members, renew your membership in November or 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, Table Tennis, LGS Pickleball League, social dances, and exclusive activities at Vasona Boating and the LGS Aquatics Center. LGS
• WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21ST – SUGAR TOWN, CROCKETT, CA - $145 - Tour the Crockett Museum to learn about the historic town's history tied to C & H Sugar, dine at The Dead Fish on the Carquinez waterfront, and tour the Carquinez Model Railroad Society. *Must be able to walk one block and climb up and down one flight of stairs with a handrail.
• FRIDAY, JAN. 30TH – PASTA AND PEANUTS - $145
- Enjoy a three-course meal at Cucina Paradiso Ristorante Italiano before heading to the Charles M. Shultz Museum for a private tour exploring the endearing and nostalgic characters of the Peanut's comic strip and movies.
• FRIDAY, FEB. 13TH – DANDELION CHOCOLATE CLASS & TOUR - $160 - Snag some chocolate for your sweetie, family, or friends from the Dandelion Chocolate Factory after a private tour and a Chocolate 101 class or bring them along for a fun date! Free choice of lunch at Pier 39.
