Why Connection Matters by Julie Young and Sara Robinson
• Practice small daily acts of connection—send a text, make a call, or say hello in person. • Offer help and ask for help—connection grows when support goes both ways. • Connect through service—volunteering and helping others strengthen your sense of belonging. • Express gratitude—simple appreciation deepens bonds.
You Belong Here.
It’s not just a Community Center saying—it’s our motto, and the heart of how we operate. We believe every person in our community belongs here, and we work every day to create a culture of inclusivity, a place where people of all ages can gather, connect, and feel supported. Whether you are young, old, or somewhere in between, we meet you where you are and help you get your needs met.
The Power of Social Connection
Social connection is essential throughout our lives. Research consistently shows that regular social participation supports not only mental health, but also has a direct impact on physical health—especially as we age. In August, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy spoke in Marin at the Marin Villages Anniversary Event. He offered powerful reminders about the importance of connection: • “Reach out to those around you and do something for another person each day.” • “The heart relaxes when it is filled.”
He also shared practical ways individuals can strengthen connection in their own lives:
SENIOR LUNCH The San Geronimo Valley Community Center welcomes all to join us at our Senior Lunch for a nutritious and delicious congregate meal provided through Community Action Marin. Funding for this program, at least in part, is made available by the Older Americans Act, administered locally by the Marin Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services. FEE: Suggested contribution of $3 for over 62, $6 under 62 DAYS/TIME: Monday, 12:00 pm LOCATION: Valley Room CONTACT : Nicole Ramirez, nramirez@sgvcc.org SENIOR TEA & COOKIES The San Geronimo Valley Community Center hosts a Tea and Cookies Get Together for Seniors. Enjoy this casual get-together with staff and other seniors in our community. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: First & Third Friday of the month, 11 - 12pm LOCATION: West Room CONTACT: Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org SENIOR SOCIAL Directly following the Senior Tea, the Community Center hosts “Senior Games & Social” with activities and various games including chess, backgammon, board games, scrabble, cards, dance, music, friendship, conversation, discussion and more. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: First & Third Friday of the month, 12 - 2:30pm LOCATION: West Room CONTACT: Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org SENIOR STROLL Meet Center staff in front of the Community Gym to take a walk around the San Geronimo Commons. The back 9 is flat, level and easy to walk. The walk will last from 45 minutes to an hour. Bring your water bottle and let’s meet in front of the gym. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Fridays (senior stroll will be canceled if it rains), 8:30 - 9:30am LOCATION: In front of Lagunitas Community Gym CONTACT: Poko Giacomini, pgiacomini@sgvcc.org ELDERS ADVISORY COUNCIL The San Geronimo Valley Elders Advisory Council is a gathering of individuals and representatives of organizations that identify and address the needs of elders of the San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio through coordination, advocacy, trusted advising and agreed upon actions. The Elders Advisory Council inspires connec- tions, builds community, and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2 - 3:30pm Vivek Murthy’s Tips to Reduce Loneliness and Foster Connection • Prioritize quality over quantity—deeper conversations matter more than the number of interactions.
Elders Excursion field trip to SFMOMA
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LOCATION: West Room CONTACT:
Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org
SENIOR TAI CHI Tai Chi Practice/Study Group for advanced practitioners
This Yang style Tai Chi practice group is available for people who are current or former students of Kenn Chase or students who are very familiar with Yang short form and have at least some experience with Long Form. Practicing Tai Chi with other students enriches and deepens your understanding of Tai Chi and builds confidence in your skills. You will have a chance to practice in a warm, supportive, friendly group of fellow students. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Fridays, 10 - 11 am LOCATION: West Room CONTACT: Jack Obedzinski; jack.obedzinski@gmail.com or (415) 250-3453 SELF CARE/MOVEMENT WORKSHOP Energize and strengthen your body with stretching, breathwork, dance movement, weights, yoga and Qi Gong. We move making space in our bodies allowing for the unobstructed flow of Qi/energy/life force. Improvement in movement, strength and flexibility. Guaranteed to crack a smile. Bring a yoga mat. Contributions grate- fully accepted & let’s not forget the oil pull. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Mondays 4 - 5:15pm Thursdays 4 - 5:15pm LOCATION: Valley Room CONTACT: Carole Alter, axiatonalarts@yahoo.com, (415) 747-9354 GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY - THREE GROUPS A discussion group for seniors. Volunteer peer counselors help senior members of our community sort through the transitions and realities of aging that we all face: the loss of independence and control, isolation, and declining physical health. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Tuesdays 10:15 - 11:45am & 1 - 2:45am, Thursdays 10:15 - 11:45am LOCATION: Living Room CONTACT: Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org *Limited to 10 seniors, currently full - waitlist available CHAIR YOGA WITH MUNIERA Just before the Senior Lunch, Muniera Kadrie is offering a free one hour Chair Yoga session to awaken the body, mind and spirit! FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Mondays, 11 - 11:45 am LOCATION: West Room CONTACT: Muniera Kadrie (415) 488-9115
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