February 23-March 1, 2026

NAMESAKE DAY

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Namesake Day is celebrated every first Sunday of March, paving the way for International Celebrate Your Name Week. Can you believe that about five former United States presidents share the same name and surnames? Namesake Day is set aside for people to investigate the origin of their surname and given names, who or what they were named after, and what the names mean. While you share your name or surname with many other people, there is always a reason why your parents gave you that name. That is why Namesake Day was created to allow people to research the history behind their names and see if they can live up to its expectations – if any.

Have you wondered where Joslyn Center got its name? It comes from the generosity of Merritt and Penny Joslyn. Their photo is on display in our lobby. In 1981, the Palm Desert Senior Association was started with a community meeting of 40 people. As the group met more often in larger numbers, they knew a larger location was needed. Within the first year, Merritt Joslyn was approached for funding for a building. The Joslyn family, Merritt and his wife Penny were living in the Thunderbird community and had long supported charities focused on senior issues. A challenge grant of $100,000 was given and local philanthropists, center members and local governments met the challenge. By April 1983, money was in place, an architect was hired, and construction of a permanent facility was scheduled to begin in the fall of that year. That is the current Joslyn Center in Palm Desert.

The Joslyn name is on many senior centers that he supported throughout the state of California. He was the original recipient of the Coachella Valley Good Samaritan Award and a charter member of Thunderbird Country Club. Being an avid lawn bowler, his support of Joslyn Senior Centers, each with their own lawn bowling green is how many knew him best. He called our center in Palm Desert his jewel.

Merritt and Penny’s philanthropy helped support many charitable organizations in California and Merritt’s native Illinois. He was also a supporter of Eisenhower Medical Center’s Five Star Club, a daycare center for the elderly.

Merritt passed away at the age of 92 in 1998. Penny passed away in 2005 at the age of 103! Merritt and Penny continued support of their cherished organizations until their dying days.

In addition to the financial support that he gave to many senior centers, he also provided financial help to many lawn bowling clubs in Southern California that would not have existed without his generosity. Continue reading to learn about the Lawn Bowlers that the Joslyns supported.

JOSLYN LAWNBOWLERS TOURNAMENT

The Palm Desert Lawn Bowling Club held its annual Tournament of Hearts at Joslyn Center on February 12 and 13. Four teams played five games each, with a championship final for the sixth game. With beautiful weather, all games proceeded well, with several games featuring tricky shots and “jacks” darting to difficult corners. Each team had some winners, but the final winners with the most points was the Team skipped by Bob MacGregor. The winner's names will go on the Tournament of Hearts plaque that hangs in Joslyn Center’s Lobby. Newcomers are always welcome to try their hand at lawn bowling. Club members are on the Green at Joslyn Center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with an 8:30am check-in.

Tournament of Hearts 2026 Winners (L-R): Gordon Mortensen, Todd Bass, Bob MacGregor. Not pictured: Hugh Tennant.

THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS

WEDNESDAY MOVIE MATINEE

ARTHUR NEWMAN THEATRE

February 25, 2:00pm

The War with Grandpa

2020, 1h 34m

Peter and his grandpa (Robert De Niro) used to be very close, but when Grandpa Jack moves in with the family, Peter is forced to give up his most prized possession: his bedroom. Peter will stop at nothing to get his room back, scheming with friends to devise a series of pranks to drive him out. However, grandpa doesn't give up easily, and it turns into an all-out war between the two.

CLICK TO VIEW UPCOMING MOVIE SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 26, 1:15pm

Meet at

Cups Cafe

A quaint restaurant with a cozy hometown feel. Fresh farm to table ingredients and traditional Mexican flair. A place where good food and great coffee brings friends and family together.

77912 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert

Click image for restaurant information.

Arrive at 1:15pm for Mix & Mingle

Meal order at 1:30pm.

Do not come before 1:15 to avoid the lunch crowd.

CASH ONLY PER SINGLES GROUP POLICY

Please call John at 760-989-7031 for reservations.

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Don't forget to bring an interesting story or topic.

UPCOMING DATES & RESTAURANTS

March 5 – Carmen’s Con Sabor Mexicano - Palm Desert

March 12 - Oceana - Palm Desert

March 19 - China Wok - Palm Desert

March 26 - Project Burger - Palm Desert

TAKE THE SURVEY BY FEBRUARY 28

MARCH VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB

WITH SHARYN

Friday, March 27, 10:30am

Queens of Crime: A Novel is a historical fiction mystery by Marie Benedict (writing as Heather Terrell) about famous female crime writers Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Emma Orczy, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham forming a secret society to solve a real murder and gain recognition in the male-dominated Detection Club. Set in 1930 London, the book follows the "Queens of Crime" as they investigate the murder of a nurse, while Sayers confronts personal threats related to her past. The novel explores themes of sexism, class, and the criminal justice system, blending historical figures with a fictionalized mystery.

Queens of Crime

by Marie Benedict

SAVE THE DATE

16th ANNUAL JOSLYN IN BLOOM

FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON: AVANT-GARDEN

Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 11am-2pm

In Support of Joslyn Center Programs & Services

Sparkling Wine Reception & Silent Auction

11am-12pm

Luncheon & Program

12pm-2pm

Three-Course Luncheon Including Wine

(dietary restrictions in advance, please)

Merritt & Penny Joslyn Award Honoring

Barbara Rogers & Gary Geske

Live Auction & Raise the Paddle Fund Appeal

Fashion Show by SUSANSTEINSTYLE! featuring

"Model Citizens" from the Coachella Valley Community

SUGGESTED AVANT-GARDE LUNCHEON ATTIRE

Complimentary Valet Parking

$150 per Person ($100 Fair Market Value)

Sponsorship & Underwriting Opportunities

2/23/26 DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IN INVITATION

RSVP, Questions, Payment: 760-895-4654 / 760-895-4651

TICKETS

SPONSORSHIP & UNDERWRITING OPPORTUNITIES

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & UNDERWRITERS

CUBISM SPONSORS

Barry Kaufman &

Margo Handelsmen

DADAISM SPONSORS

Lewis Da Silva &

People Helping People USA

DeAnn Mix &

Jim Buchholz

FUTURISM SPONSORS

Jeff Elder &

Karla Kjellin-Elder

SPARKLING WINE

PATRON

WINE

PATRON

Susan Gelman

PROGRAM BOOK

PATRON

Marge Welmas Barry

SUNDAY CABARET SERIES

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEKS!

VISIT THE CABARET WEBSITE

SOCIAL SERVICES

CONTACT JUDY TO VOLUNTEER

JOSLYN CENTER GOLD BUSINESS PARTNERS

The Business Partner program is one of the reasons Joslyn Center is able to keep membership dues and activities low fee or free. Our business partners also sponsor events and social programs, helping to defray costs. To learn more about Gold Business Partner services, please click their logos below.

For a full list of Joslyn Center Business Partners, please click below.

For information on becoming a Business Partner,

please contact Alex at AlexG@JoslynCenter.org or 760-895-4652.

JOSLYN CENTER BUSINESS PARTNERS

The Joslyn Center provides extensive programs and services for older adults in Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding Coachella Valley communities.

Thank you to the Cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert and

Rancho Mirage for their ongoing support.