PLACES & SERVICES

Best Credit Union Star One Credit Union

From home and auto loans to small-business checking or personal finance services, Silicon Valley’s Start One Credit Union members enjoy the dedicated service of one of the largest, local, member-owned financial institutions. Star One Credit Union keeps money where its members are, while providing the attentive care and financial products. And they do so at competitive rates that members say big banks can’t obtain. It’s all about long-term planning and financial solutions at Star One, where representatives help members with banking and educate them about how banking decisions can affect their overall financial picture. Star One is full-service banking with a small-town feel. Six Silicon Valley Branches: Cupertino; Palo Alto; San Jose (2); Saratoga; Sunnyvale 408-543-5202 starone.org

Best Local Bank Wells Fargo

Since its founding in 1852, Wells Fargo prides itself on being the neighborhood bank in each community where it has a presence. Today, Wells Fargo is a “re-established” financial institution that is launching a campaign that leans into the company’s history and heritage, acknowledges past issues, communicates organization-wide changes and shows how the company is reaffirming its commitment to its customers, team members and communities. Visit a local branch to speak in-person with Wells Fargo team members about how these changes help make banking better. Wells Fargo strives to provide personalized service with financial services and products that are second to none. Several South Bay locations. Visit wellsfargo.com

Best Neighborhood Bookstore Recycle Bookstore

For more than 20 years, owners Eric and Cynthia Johnson have catered to the whims of readers at the San Jose institution they purchased from its original owners. Then, in 2004, six years after

opening on The Alameda, they quenched readers’ thirst for more local, indie bookstore gluttony by opening a Campbell location. Recycle Books buys, sells, trades and stocks more than 100,000 titles; each store has become a gathering spots in its neighborhood. Nothing makes the owners happier than knowing people think of Recycle Bookstore as an “oasis of culture” that connects community members. Come for the books, stay for the atmosphere, return for book club. 1066 The Alameda, San Jose, 408-286-6275

275 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408-370-3514 recyclebookstore.com

Best Place of Worship Immanuel Lutheran Church Los Altos

More about its people than its place, Immanuel Lutheran Church Los Altos welcomes everyone to visit their dynamic faith community. Whether new to the area and seeking a faith family, testing the waters of the Christian faith or considering a return to church, arms are open to newcomers at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Members recommend gathering with members and clergy during the weekly 10 a.m. Sunday gathering that happens between services. Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Day Camp are open to all, as are 7 p.m. Monday Pilates classes and an open art studio from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays. 1715 Grant Road, Los Altos 650-967-4906 ilclosaltos.com

Best Retirement Community The Villages Golf & Country Club Community

Life at 55+ is when the fun really begins; and at The Villages Golf & Country Club — a 55+ Silicon Valley community — the word “retirement” is seldom used. This private, secluded, gated community allows for at least as much activity as it does relaxation. Nestled in Silicon Valley’s Evergreen foothills and with a spectacular PGA golf course as its focal point, The Villages is easy distance from shopping, dining, public transportation and the Bay Area’s abundant cultural attractions. Clubs, social events and an active clubhouse round out the lifestyle, while a variety of real estate options allow for ownership, with some properties for rent. 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose thevillagesgcc.com

Best Senior Living Facility Terrace Gardens Senior Living

Seniors 62+ who qualify to live at Terrace Gardens value the attractive facilities in Milpitas. Their families take comfort, too, in well-maintained sites available to people who meet the income requirement. Most apartments are 1 bedroom/1 bathroom and (565 square feet) with a full kitchen. Units also have 24-hour monitored emergency pull cords, plush carpets and private balcony or patio. Common areas feature a pool table, pingpong table, lounges, library, salon, community room, guest rooms, community garden, laundry rooms and assigned parking. Evening meals are served in the beautiful, full-service dining room Mondays through Fridays. People 62+ who meet the income requirement are encouraged to apply. 186 Beresford Court, Milpitas 408-946-9034

Best Tutoring Center AJ Tutoring

A love of learning and the passion for achievement abound at each AJ Tutoring Center, a business formed 13 years ago to provide the best one-on-one tutoring to help students reach their full potential. Whether a student is in need of keeping up with their peers on course-specific work or hoping to gain an edge in preparation for SATs, ACTs or AP exams, the relaxed environment of each AJ Tutoring center feeds growth. Parents love the “amazing” tutors who have “great energy” and are skilled at assessing students and developing tutoring plans that meet each person’s unique styles of learning and processing. 15 Silicon Valley locations.

Visit ajtutoring.com to find the most convenient location.