August 4-10, 2025

Books are the purest form of escapism. They can take you to any time, place, or culture. In honor of National Book Lovers Day on August 9, we put away our smartphones, pull out a good book and simply read. (Well, an audiobook will suffice too.) From clay tablets to today’s eBooks, literature has played a crucial role in preserving cultures, educating the masses, and storytelling. Thanks to Johannes Gutenberg’s 15th-century printing press, anyone, not just royalty, monks or landed gentry, could read and own books. But, alas, there was no overnight shipping. Today, join a book club or re-read a favorite novel because National Book Lovers Day rocks!

Joslyn Center bookworms have two literary options to consider with a Book Club and a Free Lending Library. The Book Club is currently on hiatus and will return in September with Sharyn McKee at the helm. Sharyn is a retired librarian who has been a reader all her life. The Book Club has been virtual in the past and will potentially be an onsite hybrid program. The tentative schedule is Friday from 10am-12:30pm, and the first book will be Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. The Free Lending Library offers a range of books to "check out" and return when finished, and it is closed for lunch from noon-1pm. In the immortal words of Frank Zappa, "So many books, so little time."

Achieve confidence and stability in your daily life with the Balance Conditioning class, led by our fabulous fitness instructor, Debbie Chester. This engaging class focuses on the art of understanding the key components of balance and how to strengthen them. Participants will learn practical techniques to improve balance, coordination, and overall physical conditioning, helping to reduce the risk of falls and enhance mobility. This class combines targeted standing and seated exercises and expert insights to empower you with the skills needed to navigate your world safely and confidently. Balance Conditioning is ideal for adults looking to improve their balance, maintain independence, and enhance physical confidence—no matter your current fitness.

NATIONAL JUMP FOR JELLY BEANS DAY

Last week, we had a contest to guess the correct number of Jelly Belly jelly beans in the jar. Guesses were accepted either online or in person. The winner was the person with the closest guess to the actual number, without going over. The correct answer was 604. We received a wide range of guesses, but ultimately, Connie Laub was the closest with a guess of 587. She wins the jar and all of the Jelly Belly jelly beans inside. Congratulations, Connie!

Would you like to see another contest? Let us know!

Paddington

2014, 1h 35m

After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in Peruvian rainforest, a young bear (Ben Whishaw) makes his way to England in search of a new home. The bear, dubbed "Paddington" for the London train station, finds shelter with the family of Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins). Although Paddington's amazement at urban living soon endears him to the Browns, someone else has her eye on him: Taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) has designs on the rare bear and his hide.

August 13 - Max (2015)

August 20 - Fences (2016)

August 27 - Paddington 2 (2017)

September 3 - The Sandlot (1993)

September 10 - The Greatest Showman (2017)

September 17 - Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)

September 24 - Marley & Me (2008)

Meet at

Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar

Award-winning Sushi, Tempura and more.

78480 Highway 111, La Quinta

at 4:00pm for conversation and a great meal.

Click image for restaurant information.

Located on the northwest corner of Washington and Hwy 111.

Happy Hour / special pricing may be available.

CASH ONLY PER RESTAURANT GROUP POLICY

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

(John is filling in while Francie is away for the summer.)

UPCOMING JOSLYN SINGLES RESTAURANTS

August 14 - Yard House at The River, Rancho Mirage

August 21 - P.F. Chang's at The River, Rancho Mirage

August 28 - Piero's PizzaVino, Palm Desert

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 for their ongoing support.