The annual Senior Center Craft Faire launches the holiday season (Yes, the season is here already) at the Senior Center, 1303 Fremont Ave., Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local artisans present unique items, available, for the most part, only seasonally at holiday craft shows. It’s a free event, open to the community as well as Senior Center members.
“I go to craft fairs to find something unique for gifts, and this one has a good variety of vendors,” commented Santa Clara resident Caren Ratermann at the 2016 Craft Faire.
The affordable, handmade items include wood toys from the Senior Center woodshop, ceramics made in the ceramics studio, knitting, fishing gear, jewelry, stationery, photography, holiday table linens and more. Hot chocolate, coffee, pastries and a BBQ lunch are available for purchase at the snack bar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Don’t be put off by the name “Senior” Center. The center is open to anyone over 50 and has a plethora of services, activities and classes available for free or at low cost. The Natatorium has a three-lane lap pool, warm water pool and spa. The 3,000-square-foot Fitness Center has commercial-quality cardio and weight training equipment, some wheelchair accessible. The Billiards and Game Room has five standard pool tables, a shuffleboard table and dart board. The updated Computer Lab has 14 personal computers. And those activities are just for starters.
“We want to get new seniors involved and using the senior center facilities and programs more,” said Senior Advisory Commissioner Grant McCauley. “When I was 50, I was one of those ignorant of the many programs there for you to use. I’m retired now, and I really use the pool a lot. I also use the exercise room.”
Visit the City website (www.santaclaraca.gov) for Senior Center information and to access the November Senior Center newsletter.