Greater Niles Village Gazette

Greater Niles Village is Aging. Better. Through membership in GNV, we create a vibrant community of neighbors who share skills and support with each other to navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging. Join us in the purposeful and powerful space for learning, laughter and courage as we take on the future.

Need more information or registration assistance?
Call 510-458-7357 or email info@greaternilesvillage.org

Essanay Silent Film Museum Social Event

The Essanay Silent Film Museum recently hosted a delightful social event celebrating the rich history of the silent film era in Niles. About 20 Villagers attended the gathering where museum presenters shared fascinating stories about the early days of filmmaking and the role Niles played in the film industry. Highlights included watching two Charlie Chaplin shorts that were filmed in Niles through Essanay Studios.

Villagers enjoyed a festive Halloween touch, complete with popcorn, Halloween candy and fun headbands. A big thank you to Villagers Beth Rasler, Sherry Blackman and Marge Leonard for providing the treats and adding to the evening’s cheerful atmosphere. The event was both educational and entertaining - a perfect way to honor Niles’ cinematic legacy and community spirit.

Essanay Tour Photo Gallery

Join GNV in the Niles Festival of Lights Parade!

The holiday season is almost here, and what better way to kick it off than by joining the Niles Festival of Lights Parade on Friday, November 28 at 6:30 PM!

GNV is excited to take part in this year’s parade with one decorated truck and a group of walkers, spreading cheer and good vibes all along the route. We’d love for you to join us - whether you want to walk alongside the truck or simply wave and smile to the crowd.

Come be part of the fun, show your holiday spirit, and help represent GNV at Niles’ holiday parade!

Please email Barb King (Barb.King@ NilesVillage.org) for more information.

Save the Date!

Patterson House Tour on December 11th at 1PM followed by a coffee hour at Devout Coffee in Niles.

Volunteer Opportunity

Helping Hands Needs You!

Our Helping Hands team connects service members with volunteers for friendly visits, short walks, and other simple acts of kindness. While we usually match requests quickly, we’ve recently seen a surge in members looking for a companion for a short stroll or a friendly chat.

If you have a little time to spare now and then, we’d love to hear from you. Your small effort can make a big difference.

Please give us a call to get involved!

Helping Hands
Mon-Thu 9am-1pm
(510) 458-7357

Links to Community Resources that Benefit Seniors

Please see attached links for detailed information about:

Medicare Open Enrollment Period - If you've been wondering why Medicare has been in the news lately, check out this recorded zoom presentation about Medicare changes for 2026. For specific information affecting Alameda county, contact the Health Insurance, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP), a free advisory service registered with the State. For more info please call: 510 839-0393.
https://www.benrose.org/resource/medicare-changes/
CERT Refresher Training - Have you completed the CERT Basic Training with the Fremont Fire Department in the past? To maintain your affiliation as a Fremont Fire CERT Volunteer and respond in a disaster, you must renew by completing CERT Refresher Training (6 hours). CERT Refresher Training consists of a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction, focused on the essential skills outline in the Fremont Fire CERT Emergency Pocket Guide. Upon completion, participants will take the Disaster Service Worker oath and receive a new CERT ID badge and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consisting of a helmet, goggles, vest, and gloves.

November 9: CERT Refresher Training – Open to Fremont residents who have completed the Fremont Fire Department’s CERT Basic Training at any time in the past.

Can’t make it to this one? Let us know by sending an email to CERT@fremont.gov, and we’ll hold another offering if there is sufficient interest.

CERT Basic Training

CERT Basic Training is open to Fremont residents who are at least 18 years old.

Winter 2026 CERT Basic Raining – On weekends, beginning Sunday, January 25 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Spring 2026 CERT Basic Training – On weekends, beginning Sunday, March 8 (9:00 pm – 4:00 pm).
Summer 2026 CERT Basic Training – Seven consecutive Wednesday evenings, beginning Wednesday, May 27 (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm).

Special Interest Groups

GNV Special Interest Groups are created by Villagers to explore their favorite activity with others. What’s your passion? We’ll help you find others who share your enthusiasm. Activities are open to all but require registration.

Scrabble

Location: Home of Paula Hague
Wednesdays, November 5 & 19, 2025
9:45-11:00 am
Join GNV’s brand-new Scrabble group, which will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Registration is recommended so that we have enough Scrabble boards.

Need more information? Contact Paula Hague @ Paula.Hague@NilesVillage.org

Information and Registration 11/5

Registration 11/19