It is an exciting week in the South Bay! As we enjoy the final screenings of the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival downtown, we are also preparing for the Spring Equinox this Friday. At Seniors Helping Seniors® San Jose, we love this time of year; it’s a season of renewal, storytelling, and fresh starts.
Local Spotlight: Cinequest & Community Connection
The energy in Downtown San Jose is palpable as Cinequest wraps up its 2026 run. While the red carpets at the California Theatre have been a highlight, there is still time to enjoy the “creativity” part of the festival with a stroll through the Rose Garden or Willow Glen neighborhoods.
- Activity Idea: If you missed the red carpets, you can still catch local art exhibits like the “Hometown Heroes” display at the SAP Center or a quiet stroll through Willow Glen to see the spring gardens beginning to pop.
- The Equinox: This Saturday, March 21st, the Center for Spiritual Living San Jose is hosting a Spring Equinox Labyrinth Walk. It’s a gentle, meditative way to welcome the longer days ahead.
Don’t Miss: This Saturday, March 21st, the Center for Spiritual Living San Jose is hosting a Spring Equinox Labyrinth Walk. It is a gentle, meditative way for seniors to welcome the longer days ahead.
Recipe: “Spring Green” Lemon & Pea Pasta

Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb Orzo or Orecchiette pasta (small shapes are easier to eat)
- 1 cup sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil & 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh mint or parsley (chopped)
Instructions:
- Boil: Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add the peas to the boiling water.
- Drain: Save a small splash of pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas.
- Whisk: In the warm pot, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and a tablespoon of the pasta water.
- Toss: Add the pasta and peas back in, tossing with the Parmesan and fresh herbs until coated
Caregiver Tip: Our team loves assisting with the “zesting” and “chopping”. It’s a great way to keep hands active and enjoy the fragrant scents of spring in the kitchen!
A Partner You Can Trust: Seniors Helping Seniors®
At Seniors Helping Seniors® San Jose, we act as a “force multiplier” for community staff. We provide the 1-on-1 companionship that allows residents to stay connected to the city, whether that’s attending a film screening or enjoying a seasonal meal.
Why Choose SHS San Jose?
- Companionship First: Our caregivers are seniors themselves, providing a unique peer-to-peer bond that reduces isolation and promotes joy.
- Beyond the Basics: We don’t just provide care; we provide experiences like a trip to the Cinequest screenings or help prepare a seasonal meal like our “Spring Green” pasta.
- Professional Partnerships: We proudly work alongside San Jose’s residential communities to provide 1-on-1 support for residents with Alzheimer’s or those who simply need a friend to walk with in the spring sun.
