SENIOR CENTER CITY OF SANTA CLARA - February 2021
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February 2021
CITY OF SANTA CLARA
SENIOR CENTER February 2021
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They
must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
Happy February to all of you, from all of us at the Senior Center. Stay well and be safe.
AARP—The Tax Assistance Program
Currently AARP has a large backlog of requests for tax preparation assistance. Here are some
suggestions (provided by AARP) you might consider in the meantime:
• If you think you owe money to the IRS, you have the option to request an extension, but you will
need to pay money owed. Find instructions and forms on the following IRS webpage: https://
www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return.
• If you are due a refund or have no tax liability, you may file your federal return any time until
April 15, 2022, without penalty.
• If you would like to submit your return now, we ask that you find alternate service through a
paid preparer or complete your own return. Tax-Aide will continue to offer access to self-prep
software, without volunteer assistance, that you may link to via the Tax-Aide
homepage at www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide
Individual income tax returns: April
15 falls on a weekday in 2021, and it's not a
holiday this year, so the filing deadline for
your 2020 personal tax return is
indeed April 15, 2021.
Contact Information Lines & Email
AARP
888-227-7669
888-687-2277
taxaide@aarp.org
IRS
800-829-1040
Senior Nutrition Meals—Upcoming Holidays
Due to the holiday closure, no meal will be served on President’s Day, Monday, February 15th.
February 2021
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Health & Wellness Program
Our RNs provide free assistance to find resources, apply for programs, understand health
information, and problem-solve. We are available by phone or email. If you would like to be on our
list for a friendly check-in phone call or to receive our Health & Wellness Howdy packet (newsletter,
health information, games, and fun stuff) mailed to your home each month, please contact Larisa at
the phone number or email below. We’ll need your name and contact information.
Program Hours: Mon, Tues & Fri, 7:30am to 4pm and Wed & Thurs, 7:30am to 5pm
Phone meetings: Book a free appointment through the Front Desk (408) 615-3170. We will call
you at the appointed time.
Or email us: Larisa Polozova, RN, lpolozova@santaclaraca.gov and Mallory von Kugelgen, RN,
Health & Wellness Coordinator mvonkugelgen@santaclaraca.gov
New Classes from The Health Trust: “Diabetes Self-
Management” and “Better Choices, Better Health”
Our community non-profit partner, The Health Trust, has taught classes
at the Senior Center for many years and we have missed them! They are
starting three new, free classes on Zoom and we urge you to sign up.
Their first class of each series will be spent helping you get settled in on
Zoom, and then you will begin covering content. Their classes are very
fun and interactive, as well as informative and helpful. They can help you feel better, manage
symptoms, and feel confident about managing your ongoing health conditions. Call them at 408-
961-9877 to register.
• “Diabetes Self-Management” – Mondays, 9:30 am to 12 pm, January 25 to March 15, 2021 (No
class on February 15). New enrollments accepted until February 8th
• “Better Choices, Better Health” – Tuesdays, 2 pm – 4:30 pm, February 9 to March 23, 2021
“Better Choices, Better Health” – Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, February 3 to March 17, 2021
Meet Up with Mallory: COVID19 Vaccinations
Third Tuesday monthly, starting February 16,2021 through June 15,2021
11:30 am – 12:30 pm on Zoom
Activity Code #21508
On Zoom, join our Health & Wellness Coordinator, Mallory von Kugelgen,
RN, each month for a lively, informative discussion on current events related to health, wellness,
resources, and trying to get by in our 2021 world. The February meeting will address COVID19
vaccinations – who, what, when, and where. Meetings will be from 11:30am – 12:30pm on the 3rd
Tuesday of each month starting February 16 through June 15, 2021. There will be a different topic
each month. Meetings are free, but pre-registration is required. Zoom link will be provided upon
registration either through the Front Desk (408) 615-3170 or online http://
apm.activecommunities.com/santaclara/Activity_Search/16512. Grab some lunch and let’s talk!
2
February 2021
SCAM ALERT
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February 2021
RESOURCES
Front Desk Assistance at the Senior Center
We are still here, available via phone Monday—Friday, from 8:30
am—1:30 pm. If you have a question, need assistance, or need to
order your meal, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist you.
If you happen to call when the office is closed, please leave a message
and staff will return your call the following business day (408) 615-
3170.
River of Life Food Pantry
(1177 Laurelwood Rd.—Santa Clara—95054)
The River of Life Foundation is providing a Drive-Thru Food Pantry
service for individuals who live in the 95054 zip code and are low-income
families, or those economically impacted by the CoVID-19 crisis.
No appointment is necessary. Individuals will stay in their car and
registration will occur verbally through the car window. Food will be
placed directly in the trunk of the vehicle. Each household in the car must provide I.D. in the form of
a drivers’ license or state-issued ID.
A hot meal option is also available Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am—1:00 pm. Persons can pick
up no more than 2 servings per person.
Operation Hours:
Tuesday/Thursday: 10:00 am—1:00 pm
Sunday: 2:00 pm—4:00 pm
Low Cost Lunch Alternatives
Non-profit organizations are struggling for survival. Funds have dwindled
since the COVID outbreak and many non-profits have gotten creative to
keep their operations afloat during the closure. One such organization is
American Legion Santa Clara Post 419 which services all veterans of the
armed forces, located at 958 Homestead Road, between Washington and
Lafayette streets.
The Legion has a small staff of volunteers who cook, pack and sell hot
lunches to-go, available every Wednesday- Saturday for only $10 (cash or check only) from 11:30—
2:00 pm. You can also purchase beverages to go for an additional fee. One entrée is featured daily
and usually includes a vegetable or salad. The menu changes weekly and are available to view on
Facebook, or call (408) 244-3050 prompt -3. No reservations are necessary. Clam chowder, pork
loin, BBQ chicken, meatloaf, and shepherds pie are just a sampling of the meals that come out of the
kitchen. “The lunches are great, and I go at least once a week” says Donna Dull, one of our travel
escorts from the Senior Center. Lunches are open to members and non-members of any age, and
masks are required to enter the facilities.
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February 2021
ZOOM CLASSES
Winter Zoom Classes
Keep your mind and body healthy by joining your
favorite instructors from the comfort of your home.
The Senior Center is excited to offer a variety of online
recreation classes this winter. Class options include:
mind & body, fitness, and individuals with disabilities.
Registration is open. Classes start the week of February
1, 2021. To view classes and register,
visit SantaClaraCA.gov/recclasses.
Questions? Email the Senior Center
at CustServSrCenter@SantaClaraCA.gov.
Mindful Meditation with Chris Becker via ZOOM
Activity Code: 21509
Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 am
January 19, 2021 – February 23, 2021 (6 sessions)
Join Chris Becker as he facilitates a Zoom experience of
Mindful Meditation from the comfort of your home.
Mindfulness is practicing “being in the moment” to focus our
thoughts and energy into what is happening now, instead of hashing over old experiences or
worrying about future ones. Using techniques like quiet breathing and simple actions, such as sitting
or walking, mindfulness helps lower stress and enhances life experience. It’s not hard or
complicated, and if ever we could use some coping skills, it is now!
This activity has already started, but registrations are still being accepted. Individuals may register
online at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/santaclara/Home. Click on the activity code above,
or call the Front Desk (408) 615-3170 for assistance in registering. The Zoom link will be made
available with your registration.
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February 2021
ZOOM CLASSES
Tai Chi, Level 1—Online
Tai Chi is a slow, gentle, flowing martial art
promoting balance, flexibility, strength, and clarity.
LEVEL 1 class is for beginners and will provide
instruction and guidance through the beginning
moves and poses. Instructor—L. Scheer
Activity Number: 21516
Wednesdays, 9:30 —10:30 am
March 3 – 24, 2021;
$34 (res) / $42 (non.res)
Registration is open and required for the above class. The last day to register is February 24, 2021.
Individuals can register online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/santaclara/Home,
or call the Front Desk (408) 615-3170. The Zoom link will be made available with your registration.
Small Group Fitness - Online
If you like working in smaller groups and want to learn
new exercises that can improve your strength and endur-
ance, then this is the class for you! In this class, you will be
guided through an engaging warm-up, small group
workout, and a cool-down that aims to increase overall fit-
ness. This class is for individuals of all different skill levels
and physical abilities. All individuals are welcome and
encouraged to participate! Instructor J. Erpe
Activity Number: 21513 Activity Number: 21514
Tuesdays, 2:00 — 3:00pm Fridays, 2:00 — 3:00pm
February 2 –23 February 5—26
Registration is open and is required for the above classes. The last day to register is one week prior to
the start date. Individuals can register online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/santaclara/
Home, or by calling the Front Desk (408) 615-3170. The Zoom link will be made available with your
registration.
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February 2021
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
TRS Flex Fitness - Online
Join the virtual TRS Flex Fitness for a fun, active
aerobics and fitness class! This class consists of a
lively warm-up, cardio routine, and strength training
exercises that strive to improve the overall fitness of
all participants. This class is for individuals with
disabilities, and offers modified versions of exercises
for those with physical health needs.
Instructor J. Erpe
Activity Number: 21511
Tuesdays, 1:00 — 2:00pm
February 2—23
$33 (res) / $41 (non.res)
Registration began December 14 and is required for the above class and can be done so online at
https://apm.activecommunities.com/santaclara/Home, or by calling the Front Desk (408) 615-3170.
The Zoom link will be made available with your registration.
TRS Dance Aerobics - Online
This class is designed for individuals with disabilities and will
incorporate rhythmic movements to improve balance,
coordination & flexibility, and will include a low impact physical
exercise class to improve strength & cardio-vascular fitness.
Instructor J. Erpe
Activity Number: 21512
Fridays, 1:00 — 2:00pm
February 5—26
$33 (res) / $41 (non.res)
Registration began December 14 and is required for the above class and can be done so online at
https://apm.activecommunities.com/santaclara/Home, or by calling the Front Desk (408) 615-3170.
The Zoom link will be made available with your registration.
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February 2021
RECIPES
White Bean & Chicken Chili—Serves 6
Recipe courtesy of Shauna Niequist author of Bread &
Wine adapted by our very own Jennifer Herb, Recreation
Supervisor at the Senior Center.
This is one of those go-to dinners you can pretty much always
throw together, perfect for last-minute guests. It’s easy and
quick, and all the ingredients are things you’re likely to have
on hand.
This is a highly versatile recipe. I like to add a couple cans of
whole-kernel, canned corn, a can of mild, diced green chilis,
and a small can of salsa verde. You could add a can of black
beans if you’d like, for a little color and for their mineral-y,
almost chocolate-y flavor. To make it even one step easier, you can use a rotisserie chicken,
skin removed and meat shredded.
I wouldn’t add kidney beans, because that would make it too much like a plain old chili.
Ingredients
• 1.5 lbs. chicken-breasts, tenders, boneless skinless thighs, or rotisserie - cut into bite-
sized pieces (I prefer chicken breasts)
• 1— 16 oz. container of salsa, preferably fresh (I find mine in the deli section). I also add
the green salsa, as discussed above.
• 4—Cans white beans (I use Great Northern beans, but you could use Navy Beans or
Cannellini Beans). I drain 2 cans and rinse, the other two I leave in their liquid to use as
a thickener)
• 4—Cups chicken broth (more of less depending on how “soupy” you like your chili)
Instructions
1. In a Dutch oven or stockpot, cook over medium heat until chicken is almost cooked
through, about 5 minutes (I cook my chicken breasts with a little chicken stock in a
crockpot on low for 6 hours, then shred). Add salsa and beans, including bean liquid,
and broth.
2. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, but, really, the longer the better.
Serve with cilantro, wedges of lime, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, chips, sour cream, or
maybe salsa. (I add it all except the sour cream...I’m not a fan.)
Enjoy!
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February 2021
EXERCISE
Rotational Squat and Reach
This is the last video of the series for 5 Exercises Seniors Should Do Every Day, working on rotation.
1) Stand tall with your feet facing forward and spread apart comfortably. 2) Step back with your right
toe out to the side, making a L shape with your feet. 3) Gently bend your knees and sink down into a
squat, hips back slightly. 4) Stand up and come back to center. 5) Lift your left heel and arm while
you pivot to the right. 6) Come back to center and relax your arm. 7) Do the opposite side– sit back
in a rotational squat on your left side, sink down into your squat, then come back to center. 8) Lift
your right heel and arm while you pivot to the left. If the reach up is difficult, then reach across the
body is okay. Keep the chair nearby if you need to hold it for balance. Repeat both sides 5 times.
Add these (total of five) exercises to your daily routine and keep doing the things you love. Video
link courtesy of Silver Sneakers and it is also available on You Tube.
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5 6 7 8
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February 2021
VIRTUAL TRAVEL & ENTERTAINNENT
Adventures To Go
Enjoy these Mindful Mediations from the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Reduce stress and center your mind with a
MeditOcean
Sometimes, the world can feel overwhelming. In
times like these, taking a few minutes to breathe
can be just what's needed to return to a centered
state of mind. We're sharing this series of guided
meditations so you can join us for relax-ocean
anytime you like.
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/stories/
guided-mindfulness-meditations
DC Travel Guide
What better way to celebrate President’s day than by visiting
Washington, D.C., home to the nations capital. This video
highlights the top ten attractions- however there is much more
to see, do and experience in this great city of government.
TOP 10 Things to do in WASHINGTON, D.C. | DC Travel Guide
- YouTube
Best Destinations in the World
Let’s go global, and visit some of the best destinations
in Europe and Asia. Put your travel shoes on and get
comfortable on your sofa as we “walk” through the
cultural highlights and attractions.
Travel Channel Documentary National Geographic -
Best Destinations in the World - YouTube
10February 2021
JUST FOR
WORD SEARCH
FUN
11February 2021
JUST FOR
WORD SEARCH
FUN KEY
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