Community Connection: Mix & Mingle Open House Celebrates SLV Senior Center February 12

By Bryan Chambers

Ben Lomond — The Highlands Park Senior & Community Center invites the San Lorenzo Valley community to an evening of networking, discovery, and intergenerational collaboration on Thursday, February 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free Mix & Mingle Open House, co-hosted with the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce and Ben Lomond Village Alliance, promises to showcase the vital role the center plays in the lives of valley residents age 50 and older.

Located at 8500 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, the updated facility serves as a modern resource hub offering a wide range of programs, activities, and services designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults throughout the San Lorenzo Valley.

“We hope you’ll join us and bring a friend! Our members are excited to meet and connect with the next generations who will help shape the Center’s future,” said Coco Raner-Walter, President of the Center’s Board.

An Evening of Community Building

Attendees can expect delicious refreshments while touring the beautiful facility, networking with local business and nonprofit leaders, and learning about the center’s extensive offerings. The event will also feature a silent auction with gift items from local donors, with proceeds supporting the center’s programs and operations.

The open house provides an opportunity for newcomers to discover the center for the first time, while longtime valley residents can rediscover how the facility has evolved to meet the community’s changing needs.

Supporting Valley Seniors Age 50+

For decades, the Highlands Park Senior & Community Center has been a cornerstone of support for SLV’s aging population, offering everything from fitness classes and educational workshops to social activities and wellness programs. The center’s mission focuses on promoting healthy, active aging while fostering connections among community members.

Membership benefits extend beyond access to activities, creating a welcoming space where older adults can find companionship, purpose, and resources to navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging in a rural mountain community.

February activity calendar at the Highlands Park SLV Senior & Community Center in Ben Lomond

Chamber Partnership

The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce has long championed local businesses and community organizations that contribute to the valley’s economic and social vitality. By partnering with the senior center for this event, the Chamber reinforces the important connection between thriving local businesses and robust community services.

The Chamber works year-round to promote local commerce, support entrepreneurs, and facilitate networking opportunities and business workshops that strengthen the valley’s economic foundation. Events like the Mix & Mingle Open House exemplify the Chamber’s commitment to building bridges between business leaders and community organizations.

“Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network or give back to those who built our community, this is your chance to do both,” organizers noted.

How to Get Involved

The February 12 event is open to everyone – business owners, nonprofit leaders, SLV residents of all ages, and anyone interested in supporting programs that serve the valley’s senior population. Attendees will learn about sponsorship and membership opportunities that directly impact the center’s ability to serve the community.

For more information about the event, visit the SLV Chamber of Commerce website at slvchamber.org or the Highlands Park Senior & Community Center at highlandsparkseniorcenter.org. You can also call 831-336-8900.

The event represents more than just an evening of socializing – it’s an investment in the people who helped build the San Lorenzo Valley and an opportunity to ensure resources remain available for current and future generations of older adults who call this mountain community home.

Bryan Chambers is Executive Director at the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is a lifelong SLV resident and a Realtor with Bailey Properties. bchambers@baileyproperties.com