Curve

Spring Forward: Cinequest Magic and Equinox Wellness in San Jose

Sara Leonard 20 Mar 2026

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

Seniors Helping Seniors San Jose caregiver assisting a local senior with a healthy spring recipe.

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:

  1. Boil: Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add the peas to the boiling water.
  2. Drain: Save a small splash of pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas.
  3. Whisk: In the warm pot, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and a tablespoon of the pasta water.
  4. 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.

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