August 17-23, 2026

Celebrated annually on August 19, National Photography Day honors the artistry and rapid technological evolution of capturing visual stories. The medium traces its roots to 1837 when French inventors Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre created the daguerreotype—the first commercial photography process—which the French government later released globally as a copyright-free gift. Innovation quickened with William Henry Fox Talbot’s paper-based salt prints in 1839 and George Eastman’s 1884 invention of lightweight film, which eliminated toxic chemicals and heavy copper plates. Eastman’s 1888 launch of the Kodak camera officially democratized the craft, making photography accessible to the general public.

Today, photography thrives as a powerful historical archive, an artistic passion, and a lucrative online side job. Even in a modern, highly digital world, the core substance of the craft remains unchanged as people use lenses to immortalize expressions and moments. Interestingly, a dedicated community of purists still rejects digital dominance, choosing traditional film for its superior resolution, independence from electricity, and minimal copyright complications.

Share Your Favorite Joslyn Moments!

Have you captured a great moment at Joslyn, or will you after reading this? We want to see it! Whether it is a snapshot of you enjoying an activity, a fun memory with friends, or a beautiful view of our campus, please share your photos with us. You can email your pictures or drop off a copy at the Front Desk. We cannot wait to showcase your photos in the lobby for everyone to enjoy! Some of these may be used in brochures, on our website, or around the campus, with photographer credit provided for each image!

The Wizard of Oz

1939, 1h 42m

When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard (Frank Morgan), and en route they meet a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) that needs a brain, a Tin Man (Jack Haley) missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) who wants courage. The wizard asks the group to bring him the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) to earn his help. Oscar winner for Best Song & Score.

Adventure/Family

Meet at

D'Coffee Bouteaque

Eclectic, relaxed eatery offering coffee, croissants, pastries and light bites.

36-901 Cook St., Palm Desert

Click image for restaurant information.

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

August 27 - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, Rancho Mirage

Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed. 

Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister’s seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies. 

Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman running low on luck with little left to lose. When their fates—and Meg’s—converge, Charlie comes up with an audacious plan for them to take control of their lives. But in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife and women’s freedom is fragile, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences.

The Calamity Club

by Kathryn Stockett

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.

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 (Cove Communities) for their ongoing support.