From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.

Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life — Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, I’m very excited to expand our Community Drumming Classes in Soquel Village from gathering on the third Friday of each month to meeting on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAYS, beginning February 6th! Where: The Congregational Church of Soquel (the white church with the steeple) Parish Hall 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA When: First & Third Fridays of every month 7:00–8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and you’re always welcome to bring your own favorites. All levels of experience are warmly welcome at this family-friendly gathering! For beginners, I offer a few fun and easy tips for playing hand drums and percussion instruments, while exploring universal foundation rhythms. From there, I add more advanced elements for experienced players, guiding the group through a step-by-step Rhythm Journey that I've conducted globally for thousands of corporate and community sessions over the past four decades. Along the way, I also demonstrate how rhythm can become the foundation for a playful, positive Life Practice... reinforcing powerful Life Rhythms and supportive patterns of attitude and action. Together, we cultivate a strong, joyful Groove ... the powerful state of entrainment known as the Zone and Flow... personally, and as a community. Gathering in rhythm is one of humanity’s oldest ways of celebrating life, beginning when our ancestors first gathered around the fire... clapping hands, stomping feet, and howling at the stars... we have used rhythm to connect, empower and rejoice. Every beat reminds us that we are part of something ancient and beautiful, linking us across generations and cultures! We humans are at our best when we come together to celebrate the miracle—the blessing—of life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim

Supporting Save our Shores The Ocean Film Festival World Tour, now in its 13th year, is set to make a splash across the globe in 2026, returning with a powerful and visually stunning line-up of films that celebrate the ocean from every angle — above the surface, beneath the waves, and deep into the stories that connect us all to the sea. This year’s tour promises an unforgettable night out for ocean lovers, featuring six remarkable films from around the globe. From high-stakes adventure and record-breaking journeys to intimate portraits of marine life and environmental restoration, the 2026 program is packed with breathtaking cinematography, inspiring characters, and a deep respect for the ocean and the communities shaped by it. One of the standout films in the 2026 program is The Raftsmen, an epic story of courage and endurance. Twelve unlikely adventurers from seven different countries come together to attempt a feat few would dare imagine — crossing the world’s largest ocean on three handmade wooden rafts, guided only by the sun and stars. Battling storms, starvation, and the psychological toll of life at sea, their six-month journey remains the longest raft expedition ever completed. Now, fifty years later, the original 16mm footage has been beautifully restored into 4K, allowing modern audiences to witness the sheer scale of this once-in-a-lifetime ocean odyssey. Jemima Robinson, Founder and CEO of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour, says the 2026 season continues the festival’s mission to share ocean stories that move, inspire and connect audiences. Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocean-film-festival-world-tour-tickets-1993720822650

On Saturday, September 5, we're filling a 20,000sq ft event space with an absolutely stacked lineup of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, makers, artists, and assorted businesses from Santa Cruz and beyond.

Collective Santa Cruz and DoubleMeatPlease from Instagram are brining together some of the best restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, food trucks, pop ups, and local makers from all over Santa Cruz County. And they’re packing them in a BRAND NEW VENUE that’s 20,0000sq ft! Your favorite food spots/makers, and so many bangers you can’t wait to see! All in one spot. All for one day!

Head to Downtown Santa Cruz for a Brazilian Festival! Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, traditions, and community spirit—free admission!

Soundacruz is a free festival of sound arts in the Santa Cruz mountains. Hear unique sounds and music in a natural setting

Got plans yet for Labor Day weekend? How about a fun Block Party in the Seabright neighborhood? On Sunday, September 6, celebrate the end of summer with live music, free activities for kids of all ages, vendors, local food and more! The Block party is located on the closed portion of Murray Street on the corner of Seabright.

📌 SAVE THE DATE: SLV Senior Caregiver & Family Resource Fair! 📌 Most of us will eventually need a caregiver or become one as we age. Planning ahead is the single best way to reduce future stress, exhaustion, and financial strain. ❤️ Mark your calendars for this incredible, completely FREE event gathering vital resources for San Lorenzo Valley residents, all under one roof! Come discover local services, tour the Center, and see how we are working together to make life at 50, 60, and beyond vibrant, social, and enriching. 🗓️ When: Thursday, September 10th | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Where: Highlands Park Senior & Community Center (8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, CA) — Look for the green building behind the soccer field! Searching online or driving across the county to find support services can be incredibly time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve gathered your local county and independent organizations into one central SLV location! Join us to explore a comprehensive hub of local resources across 10 essential focus areas: 🏠 Housing & Care Management: In-home care, assisted living, home repair grants, and safety modifications. 🧠 Medical & Specialized Support: Resources for Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's, and caregiver respite. ⚖️ Legal Aid & Disaster Prep: 1-on-1 financial planning support, Living Trusts, estate guidance, and mountain storm preparedness. 📱 Affording Aging Perks: Tools to reduce living costs, including utility assistance and internet program discounts. 🍎 Food & Nutrition: Learn about local grocery distributions, communal dining hubs, and home-delivery options. and MORE! Whether you foresee caring for a loved one or want to map out your own future, don't miss this chance to navigate the aging journey in an empowered way. Spread the word!🌲✨ 🔗 More Info: https://tinyurl.com/caregiverfair 📞 Questions? Contact the Senior Center at (831) 336-8900