Serving Our Community For 22 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville
December 1 2013 • Vol 22 No. 23 • www.tpgonlinedaily.com Protest growing over PG&E plan
A surge of protest is growing against Pacific Gas & Electric’s plan to place a series of new, larger power poles along the Freedom Boulevard corridor. Nearly 100 people packed themselves into the Aptos Library’s Community Room Tuesday night to learn more about it, about the same number that went to a similar meeting on Saturday. Full Story on page 14
Do You Remember Santa’s Village?
The reaction is always the same ... “Aaww, I went there when I was a kid.” Almost everyone in Santa Cruz, over a certain age, remembers Santa’s Village in Scotts Valley. Open year-round, it has come to represent a simpler time when even adults believed in the joy of Santa Claus. Full Story on page 17
The Original Santa Cruz Nutcracker
Welcome to The Nutcracker! — A favorite holiday tradition for people of all ages. No matter what your relationship to this wondrous music, no matter how many times you may have attended, danced in or played in the orchestra, all agree that The Nutcracker is a gift. Full Story on page 13
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Adopting Families for 20 Years Twenty years ago, a local businessman in Aptos was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. As the cancer progressed, he was unable to work or support his family as the holidays approached. Our community put on a huge Spaghetti feed and the money collected went to help his family. Patrice Edwards, of the Aptos Times, and a friend worked tirelessly to collect toys, food, clothes, rent money, and more to carry his family through the coming months.
We had the opportunity to talk to Judy McMillen of the first Aptos Adopt-A-Family. It was Judy’s husband, Doug McMillen, whose untimely illness in 1993 became the reason for the birth of Adopt-a-Family. They had four young children and a new business that they had to close leaving them with no income. Just weeks before the cancer took Doug in 1995, Adopt-A-Family stepped forward again with airplane tickets to Colorado so he could see his son one last time. ... continued on page 4
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No. 23
Volume 22
10
12
19
Table of Contents
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Cover
Adopting Families for 20 Years
Community News 7 8 10 13 14 17 18 19 23 30
Aptos Crossing Agreement Reached Annual Winter Dance Concert – Presented by the Cabrillo College Dance Department • Christmas with the Chorale The Live Oak House By Kevin Newhouse Original Santa Cruz Nutcracker Protest growing over PG&E plan for more power poles By Jon Chown Do You Remember Santa’s Village? by W. Wilde Partnering in Community by Edita McQuary Aptos Cinema Upgrades are Great! by Noel Smith Trent Smith and His Journey by Noel Smith Ten and 12-year-olds share Artist Of The Month by Joyce Oroz
Business Profile
12 Central Coast Foot and Ankle
Local Sports
16 Aptos Athletes Sign Letters of Intent – Leonardini, Belton Heading to Division I Universities by Michael Oppenheimer 23 Aptos High School Scoreboard
Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 - 29 Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your December Horoscope -
Annabel Burton, Astrologer©
Featured Columnists
22 Seniors in Action by Noreen Santaluce – The Giving Tree 25 Staying Safe by Mike Conrad, Division Chief Operations Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District 26 The Book Bag by Robert Francis – Some pre-Christmas reading for youngsters… 27 Classical Reflections by Josef Sekon – Fate & Fantasy with the County Orchestra
SPCA Featured Pet • Page 31 – Murphy seeks recess from
shelter life
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 3
Patrice Edwards Lindsay Nelson
publisher publisher’s assistant editor
Noel Smith
contributing writers Kevin Newhouse, Jon Chown, W. Wilde, Edita McQuary, Noel Smith, Joyce Oroz, Annabel Burton, Noreen Santaluce, Mike Conrad, Robert Francis, Josef Sekon, Michael Oppenheimer layout Michael Oppenheimer, Whitney Wilde graphic artists Whitney Wilde, Michael Oppenheimer production coordinator Sandra Gonzalez advertising sales Don Beaumont, Jackie Hinds, Judie Block, Michelle Hayes, Steve Sierra office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Jana Mears
TPG
Times Publishing Group, Inc.
Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-weekly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com
Judy started a day care/preschool, our neighbors, that need help. The ThanksChildren’s Cottage that is in operation giving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday today. Her four children all live in the area seasons are a time of celebration. But for and they have blessed her with six grand- some families there are no feasts or Chachildren. “Now its my turn to give back,” nukah gifts or presents under a Christmas said Judy, “I will be adopting a family tree. There is no joy for them in telling their this year, twenty years after we found our children there will be no special turkey family in desperate need and Adopt-A- dinner or that Santa isn’t coming this year. In this time of economic distress and tight Family found us.” Death, illness, a traffic accident, budgets, remember that there are those divorce, loss of job, anyone can become in our communities who may have no unable to manage without help. Members earnings at all or no place to call home. There are people from all walks of life of our community, from children to seniors, from mothers to single dads, to entire who undergo changes in circumstances families have been adopted and helped by that force them to depend on others to help keep their families from becoming fractured Adopt-a-Family. Over the years there have been hun- and feeling that there is no hope. That’s where Aptos Adoptdreds of stories, and A-Family comes in thousands of gifts. and connects families Gifts of wheelchairs, “I will always be with families. Look a handicap accesgrateful because God into your heart and sible van, lifts, food, sent angels to my family find that by helping clothes, toys bikes, this year. I thank you others, it makes rent, phone bills, you a better person physical therapy— with all my heart.” and brings the true gifts that helped a ••• meaning of the family to enjoy the “You have allowed season into your life. holidays. One year us to add a little extra Aptos AdoptAdopt-A-Family A-Family focuses was able to donate blessing to our son’s primarily on families a $4,000 wheelchair Christmas this year.” having financial challift to a local family. lenges due to medical Trees, turkeys, gift certificates—whole neighborhoods catastrophe within their family. Death or have adopted families! Girl Scouts have illness in a family is devastating and can adopted families. Churches, parents, those emotionally and financially cripple. Our who could only give one toy and those program can step in, find someone to who could provide a sizable check…it has adopt the family, and help out with needed been amazing! We live in a very generous medical equipment, home care, etc. Sponsors provide their “adopted” community. Those of us who are blessed enough family with gifts and sometimes decorato in such a beautiful area often forget that tions and a tree. Though the adopted there are many families, some of whom are family identity is anonymous, some
Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions/Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: assistant@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com distribution We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / December 1st 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
of them choose to meet their sponsor. Some families even go holiday shopping together! Several of these families have stayed friends over the years. Adopt-AFamily helps by providing gift certificates to local stores along with the gifts that the sponsor family has provided. Please give us a call to find out how you can adopt a family this year or how you can help make this a Merry Christmas for one of our families by donating to the program. The Aptos Adopt-A-Family committee asks you to adopt a family or just one child, or send your donation in the form of gifts or a check. Everything sent will be given to a specific family you choose or distributed fairly to others. If you know of someone in need, please don’t hesitate to call and let us know. All referrals are anonymous. n ••• You can help! Call Aptos Adopt-AFamily at 688-7549 to refer someone. To send a donation: Aptos Adopt-A-Family c/o Times Publishing Group - 9601 Soquel Drive - Aptos, CA 95003. Aptos Adopt-A-Family: Making a Difference in a Time of Need! Cover Photo: The McMillen family, the original Adopted Family, now adopts families of their own.
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6 / December 1st 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Aptos Crossing Agreement Reached S anta Cruz & Monterey Bay Railway Company (SC&MB) and the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) announced that an agreement has been reached with Barry Swenson Builder and Aptos Ventures, LLC, providing for changes in grade crossings to accommodate the planned Aptos Village Project. The challenge for this project was to meet state and federal safety requirements for railroad crossings and plans for future freight and passenger train operations in a way that complements the Aptos Village Plan approved by Santa Cruz County in 2010. Ed Ellis, president of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railway, said “SC&MB wants to be a good neighbor, and we are pleased that we found a middle ground that
works for everyone concerned. I particularly want to acknowledge the contribution of supervisor Zach Friend, who was instrumental in helping to work on a resolution for the complicated issues involved.” Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commissioner, said “This agreement to add a new crossing, Parade Street, will form the gateway to the Aptos Village core and the project represents a huge step for the community. The Aptos Village Project is important to our area and we are glad that an agreement could be reached that provides an entry to the Aptos Village that maximizes safety to meet the concerns of the railway.” Master developer Barry Swenson
Location of New Crossing into Village
Builder looks forward to the project’s next steps with heightened enthusiasm. As expressed by Jesse Nickell, Senior Vice President of Barry Swenson Builder in Santa Cruz, “Parade Street is a vital link to the proposed village green and heart of Aptos Village. We greatly appreciate SC&MB working with us on this important issue so the project plans as fully-envisioned by the Aptos community can move forward.”
The County of Santa Cruz, the Regional Transportation Commission, Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay Railway, and Barry Swenson Builder will now work together to obtain approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the new street crossing and all of the other railroad crossing improvements. This will help clear the way for the implementation of the approved Aptos Village Plan. n
Heartland Hospice invites you to join us for the 3rd Annual “Light Up a Life” event. Bring your families and friends to help celebrate the lives of those we have lost and to honor those who are living with illness. We invite you to decorate and light a luminary bag to represent that person’s life.
December 7, 2013 • 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. The Bandstand, Downtown Capitola Village* Luminary decorating from 3:30 – 5:15 p.m. Lighting of the luminaries at 5:15. Refreshments will be served. Live music by: Michelle Kiba In case of rain: Pacific Cultural Center 1307 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 373-8442
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 7
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Presented by the Cabrillo College Dance Department at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater • December 6 – 8 APTOS —The Cabrillo College Dance Department is proud to present their annual winter concert, featuring new choreography by faculty, guests, and student artists. Cabrillo dancers will perform in an exciting mix of contemporary techniques and styles, from popping and locking to post-modern physical theatre. Dancers from all over Santa Cruz County join to celebrate the diversity of dance at Cabrillo College. This year’s concert features world premieres by guest choreographers Robert Kelley (Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre), Damara Ganley (Joe Goode Performance Group/ Project Bandaloop) and Melissa C. Wiley (Flex Dance Company). Cabrillo faculty member Amy Farhood-
Christmas with the Chorale oin the Santa Cruz Chorale for their annual holiday concert, Christmas with the Chorale, Dec. 21 and 22 at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz. Treat yourself to beautiful seasonal music from around the world, including traditional carols from several countries such as France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Ukraine and others. Led by Artistic Director Christian Grube, the Chorale will take you on a journey from the Renaissance to the 21st century with a diverse and fascinating repertoire including the music of Josquin des Pres, Byrd, Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams, Whitacre and many others. Don’t miss this beloved community tradition!
J
Sterling brings together students from her Watsonville and Aptos classes in her exciting Salsa extravaganzas. Hip Hop choreographer, and new faculty member, Cassandra Owen is challenging Cabrillo students to up their game in a fast paced new work. “Cabrillo Dance” page 30
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 - 8 pm Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013 - 4 pm Holy Cross Church 123 High Street Santa Cruz Get your tickets now at www.santacruzchorale.org or by calling 831-427-8023. Tickets will also be available at the door. All tickets are general seating. General $25, Seniors (62+) $20, Students $5 For 31 years, communitybased Santa Cruz Chorale has been performing exciting and distinctive concerts for audiences in Santa Cruz County. Artistic Director Christian Grube is emeritus professor of choral conducting at the Berlin University of Arts. His choirs are known for their pure sound, range of dynamic expression and ability to interpret diverse styles. n
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The Live Oak House
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By Kevin Newhouse
ne of the oldest and most historically significant buildings still standing in Aptos today is the Bay View Hotel. The beautifully constructed hotel was completed in 1878 and is one of the few remaining links to the original town. Although the Bay View was built very early in the town’s development, it was not the first hotel in Aptos. That honor goes to The Live Oak House. The hotel’s founder, Patrick Walsh was a rough character. He was a criminal, a slave owner, and refused to comply with the law if it didn’t suit him. His life began and ended with acts of civil disobedience. Walsh was born in Ireland on March 17, 1832. At the age of 13, he was caught stealing a salmon. After being punished by both the schoolmaster and his father, he ran away from home. He reached the sea, gave his age as 17, and signed up as a deck hand on a mail ship to Liverpool. After arriving, Walsh found a job in the railroad industry. Starting out polishing locomotives, he eventually worked his way up to mechanic, fireman, and finally, an
Patrick Walsh around 1870s with Live Oak House in the background. engine driver. At the age of 21, Walsh went to work for an American railroad and became an engineer on a train out of St. Joseph, Missouri. He bought a farm and married a young Canadian woman named Catherine.
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During the Civil War, Walsh was a lieutenant in a private regiment for the Confederacy called the Emmet Guards. He was captured as Vicksburg fell but because his skills as an engineer were needed for
reconstruction in the South, he was released after being held only briefly. It was around this time that stories about opportunities in California started surfacing from relatives who traveled west to Aptos by wagon train. Even though Aptos was still a very young, undeveloped town, Patrick and Catherine decided to join their relatives. They bought a piece of land between Aptos and Valencia Creeks where they built a house that still exists today as a private residence. They planted a farm and built a hotel about 50-yards west from their home along Coast Road (today’s Soquel Drive). The two-story hotel was opened for business in 1869. The first floor of the Live Oak House included a lobby, dining room, and kitchen facilities. The second floor was equipped with 12 sleeping rooms. Patrick Walsh also built a saloon adjacent to the hotel, which would later be known as “The Aptos Club.” “History” page 24
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 11
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he Central Coast Foot and Ankle He has practiced for 16 years, first in a office in Watsonville is the place to rural practice in Texas, and then at the Santa go for adult and child foot and ankle Clara Valley Medical Center, followed by care of the highest order. Dr. David Abdoo practices in Salinas and Watsonville. Dr. runs his practice at a pace that allows him Abdoo is focusing his Watsonville practice to spend plenty of time with his patients, to utilize the latest technologies such listening to their symptoms, examining as digital x-rays and electronic medical them, taking digital x-rays when needed records, to take a less rushed approach and carefully discussing the treatment to patient care and to advance the reconoptions to each patient. He has a perfec- structive and stabilization procedures that tionist approach to each care experience, he excels in. What to Do for Long-Lasting Injuries doing his utmost to enable each patient to have the best possible outcome from the ne of Dr. Abdoo’s specialties is post treatments or surgeries chosen. injury chronic pain. Ankle sprains are probably the most common sports injury Credentials and Experience Matter dd Dr. Abdoo has achieved the highest and when this happens sometimes the pain, level of board certification, certified instability and dysfunction linger, prein Foot Surgery and Rear foot and Recon- venting full enjoyment of life and risking structive ankle surgery by the American re-injury. Who doesn’t know someone who says, “Yeah, that ankle Board of Podiatric Surgery has never been the same and is board certified via since I…” the American College of Happily, Dr. Abdoo Foot and Ankle Surgeons. is an expert when it He is an attending phycomes to foot and ankle sician at the Monterey Bay joint stabilization. A Wound Treatment Center classic scenario after an based at the Watsonville ankle sprain, a certain Community Hospital percentage of people where he specializes in the do not heal completely treatment of difficult-towith the rest, ice, comheal wounds of the lower pression and elevation extremities. Through con(RICE) protocol or even tinuing education, which the use of an ankle he consistently pursues, brace. These patients Dr. Abdoo stays current Dr. David Abdoo have over-stretching with all the most advanced treatments for foot and ankle care. He grad- of the ligaments and develop scar tissue uated from the California College of Podiatric and inflammation inside the joint, which Medicine and had the good fortune to earn cannot be seen on x-ray. In depth diaga residency and an advanced fellowship nostics are needed to determine the exact in surgery at Stanford University. He was cause, allowing the use of arthroscopic trained and personally mentored by some of surgery and joint stabilization that can produce amazing results with minimal the top surgeons in podiatric medicine.
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invasiveness. When a patient’s ankle is made well again and the person can return to a full and active life, Dr. Abdoo smiles and says, “That’s why I do this. Providing somebody this kind of relief is a wonderful thing.” Moving Beyond Surgery r. Abdoo stresses the fact that he is not only a surgeon. He treats foot and ankle conditions, whenever possible, with the most conservative treatments first. He’s using the most advanced medical developments to successful treat chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis without surgery. There are also non-surgical options for foot neuromas. Treating athletic injuries is a special interest of Dr. Abdoo. He is well versed in lower extremity biomechanics, which is beneficial in treating athletes, in recovery from injury and preventing of future injuries. His skill and knowledge level on painful adult and pediatric flat footedness provides both conservative treatments and advanced surgical techniques for this foot deformity. Dr. Abdoo treats the full spectrum of foot ailments including nail fungus, plantar warts, hammertoes, heel pain, nerve problems, fallen arches and plantar fasciitis. He accepts all insurance plans including Medicare and Central Coast Alliance. “I think it is important in a community, to treat everybody. It is not just about the financial (aspect) but if we can provide somebody with pain relief and correction, people appreciate that.” Bunions Be Gone r. Abdoo says, “I love to do bunion surgery and the reason is that there is such a high degree of patient satisfaction, at least in my practice—at least 98%. When I see a patient with a painful deformity, I
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know I can improve upon that with a very high rate of success and I can provide the patient with what they want.” Dr. Abdoo works hard to manage the post operative period closely so that patients are kept comfortable and brought along at their own pace and back to functionality. Each patient presents a different picture, which he takes the time to know and monitor. On a first office visit for bunions there is a consultation and digital x-rays are taken. Dr. Abdoo will explain the deformity, showing the patient on a computer screen what parts of the foot’s anatomy are involved. He discusses what it will take to correct the problem. Viewing before and after x-rays gives a remarkable understanding of the extent of the correction he has achieved. n ••• Contact Dr. Abdoo at Watsonville hospital, 75 Nielson St., Ste.B1432 (Inside the hospital next to the coffee bar). Phone #: 831-443-6050.
The Original Santa Cruz Nutcracker
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elcome to The Nutcracker — A favorite holiday tradition for people of all ages! No matter what your relationship to this wondrous music, no matter how many times you may have attended, danced in or played in the orchestra, all agree that The Nutcracker is a gift. The performers truly enjoy telling the story and bringing the magic alive, not just for children, but also for those who count on The Nutcracker to welcome in the season. Although Maestro Pamela Martin is new to Santa Cruz, she has many years of experience working with orchestras and dance companies such as Cleveland/San Jose Ballet, Ballet West in Salt Lake City, and Oakland Ballet with the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Having conducted various versions of The Nutcracker (including three different versions for the Oakland Ballet!), she expressed that Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s version is musically very pure: “There are very few cuts or changes and most musicians, including myself, are quite appreciative of that. The Nutcracker score itself is truly a masterpiece, and I have always found it artistically very satisfying.” She also admits to a fondness for conducting for ballet; as she sees it, through the dancers the music becomes visible. As a ballet conductor, she has learned that it is best not to “follow the dancers,” rather, it is her job to lay down tempos that will serve the choreography. And of course, an important part of this process is an orchestra that watches the conductor closely and responds well. As a guest conductor last year, she was delighted to find how cohesive and attentive the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Orchestra is. “They are excellent players who give 110% every time.”
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Nahshon Marden, a young, promising dancer who will be dancing his second year with this Nutcracker, is happy with the great work ethic in rehearsals and how everyone enjoys the process. He has been learning how to partner not only from his teachers Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher, but also from his partners in each dance. “I find that a good partner is someone who knows how to dance with his or her own strength, while making it blend with the partner ’s strength. I find that we are both constantly working at the same time to make it work.” Norman Peck, Orchestra Manager and percussionist, speaks about live music versus recordings: “No digital representation can replace the immediately visceral, first hand experience of the talent and energy of the artists. The Nutcracker is a BIG production and a palatable spark permeates the auditorium completely. The orchestra is placed in the middle of everything in the perfect location to connect with the audience and the dancers.” It is a given that with performers onstage, the orchestra becomes accompanist to the dancers; however, this does not diminish their role. “Santa Cruz Nutcracker” page 20
The Santa Cruz Nutcracker
Featuring guest artists from the Houston Ballet plus the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Orchestra with 55 professional musicians Conducted by the remarkable Maestro Pamela Martin Friday, December 20 at 8 PM • Saturday, December 21 at 1 and 4:30 PM Sunday, December 22 at 1 and 4:30 PM. ••• Celebrating Eleven years at the Civic!
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 13
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140 DuBois Street, Suite A Santa Cruz, California 95060 Phone: 831-426-7744
Photo Credit: Jon Chown
Zach Friend, (from left) Marco Romanini, Nancy Bensen and Jim Kerr talk to residents about PG&E’s plan to place large power poles along Freedom Boulevard.
Tuesday night to learn more about it, about the same number that went to a similar meeting on Saturday. Jim Kerr and Nancy Bensen, who started working together against PG&E’s plan months ago, arranged the meeting. The project, to be constructed along the Freedom Boulevard corridor, will connect a second 115 kV line between PG&E substations in Corralitos and southern Aptos. It does this by creating a new 1.7 mile-long 115 kV line with new poles, and converting 7.1 miles of existing line into a double 115kV line with larger poles. Work is estimated to begin in the summer of 2015 and finished by fall of 2016. About 31 new wood poles, about 85 feet tall, will replace 26 older, shorter poles. Another six or so 91-feet-high steel poles will also be installed at the intersection Freedom Boulevard and MacDonald Road, the intersection of Cox Road and Day Valley Road, and elsewhere. Currently, the California Public Utilities Commission is only requiring an initial study mitigated negative declaration for the project, a very low standard for environmental review. Kerr and Bensen are driving for a full environmental impact report and asked the crowd to write a letter and request the same. According to PG&E, the project is necessary in order to improve local service and prevent large-scale outages in the future. District 2 County Supervisor Zach Friend told the audience that PG&E told him that the project would also help prevent brownouts in the Central Valley. If an EIR was required, he said, the actual need for the project would have to be shown. “Maybe they can make the argument that there is a need; I just don’t like the way this is being done,” Friend said.
Unfortunately, Friend said he hadn’t been able to do much so far, but if enough residents protested, the California Public Utilities Commission, which makes the decision, could require the EIR. A similar situation occurred in Redding and changes were made. “It’s crazy,” said Brian Mathias of PG&E’s plan, which would put a huge steel pole on the corner of his mother’s property. Mathias was a member of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Board and is very familiar with environmental reviews. “You need an EIR to sneeze now. We had to do an EIR for a rodeo and they don’t for this? This is a 7-mile corridor; it’s a massive path,” he said. Mathias said he would write a letter. Kerr and Bensen were handing out stamped envelopes, already addressed with letters already written — just waiting for signatures. Many in the audience took advantage of these. Sylvia Prevedelli, who owns Prevedelli Farms on Pioneer View Road, was one of several in the audience who had already written a letter of their own asking for an EIR. Prevedelli said the power lines run through her property, a beautiful apple orchard. PG&E plans to cut hundreds of trees all along the route to make room for the added lines and Prevedelli is worried about her orchard. She said a PG&E worker recently tried to enter her property to check the lines and she sent him away. “I stopped him and asked to see the right of way,” she said. “It was in 1947 or 1950 that this was done, so I don’t know what rights they have. They said I should research it; I told them they needed to do the research. It’s my property.” Prevedelli said PG&E’s plan would put a 90-foot pole 100 feet from her house.
Marco Romanini points out some of the alternative paths PG&E could take. “I don’t want six lines running over my house,” she said. “PG&E doesn’t understand the impact they are making on the community.” Because of Kerr’s efforts, the deadline for public comment on the
Photo Credit: Jon Chown
project has been extended until Dec. 5. Concerns regarding the PG&E project can be sent to Tania Treis, principal, Panorama Environmental, Inc., One Embarcadero Center, Suite 740, San Francisco, CA 94111. n
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 15
Aptos Athletes Sign Letters of Intent
Leonardini, Belton Both Heading to Division-I Universities
O
By Michael Oppenheimer
n November 18, friends, family and faculty gathered at the Aptos High School main office to celebrate as Seniors Tommy Leonardini and Jenna Belton officially accepted scholarships to universities by signing their letters of intent, Leonardini at the University of San Francisco and Belton at University of Southern California. “We’re very proud of you,” Mariners
Athletic Director Mark Dorfman said to the two athletes and the gathered crowd. “Never forget, wherever life takes you, you will always have a support system here in Aptos.” Leonardini’s decision to take the partial scholarship from USF after conTommy Leonardini necting with the school and his future teammates on the Dons’ baseball team. “Everything I saw and everyone I met helped me make the decision,” he said. Jenna Belton “The Coaches and the players were great. They all were there for me at a simple baseball camp. That’s an environment I want to be a part of.”
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Jenna Belton (left) and Tommy Leonardini sign their letters of intent with USC and USF, respectively. A lot of factors went into Belton accepting a partial scholarship for Beach Volleyball — called Sand Volleyball at inland programs — at USC, not the least of which being its location.
“L.A. is the hub of Beach Volleyball,” Belton said. “The location is great and I love the school and the coaches.” “And the sport, of course,” she added with a smile. n
Do You Remember Santa’s Village? T he reaction is always the same... “Aaww, I went there when I was a kid.” Almost everyone in Santa Cruz, over a certain age, remembers Santa’s Village in Scotts Valley. Open year-round, it has come to represent a simpler time when even adults believed in the joy of Santa Claus. Back then, there were no video games and kids went outside and played, using their imagination to become soldiers, cowboys or princesses. Highway 17 was just a simple two-lane road through the mountains. There were no on- or off-ramps, but you could get homemade apple cider up near the Summit. Noel Smith, editor at Times Publishing, remembers stopping there while visiting Santa Cruz. Having been to other theme parks around the country, Noel was impressed by how first-class our Santa’s Village was: “There was great attention to detail to make it as realistic as possible.” As a kid, I thought it was pure magic that Santa’s Village had a North Pole that was always icy and freezing cold. I wanted to lick it to see if my tongue would really stick, but my mom was always watching. So many memories... Claudia Brown went there as a reward for having her tonsils out. Christine Giulianelli writes, “I have such fond memories of Santa’s Village. I have pictures of Santa on the trolley waving to me on the snowball ride (like Disneyland’s teacups). It was a magical place for kids.” First Theme Park Franchise anta’s Village was the first franchised theme park in the country. Number one opened Memorial Day weekend of 1955 near Lake Arrowhead in San Bernardino County. It beat Disneyland’s opening by less than six weeks. While Walt Disney struggled to find investors for a theme park based on a cartoon mouse and Sleeping
S
The Good Witch has delightful things for little ones at the Gingerbread House. Beauty’s Castle, Santa’s Village was the vision of: Glen Holland, a Southern California developer. Scotts Valley was the second of the three theme villages, with a third Santa’s Village opening near Chicago in Dundee, Illinois. General contractor Putnam Henck built Santa’s Village in Scotts Valley in 9 months at the cost of one million dollars – which would be over $8 million today! Our very own local Santa’s Village officially opened to large crowds on Memorial Day Weekend: May 30, 1957. North Pole Characters cotts Valley’s first Santa Claus was played by Carl Hansen, a native of Denmark with Alma Ragon as Mrs.
Claus. After five years as Santa, Hansen left to have his own popular TV show on KNTV as Hocus Pocus the Clown and magician. Elves, pixies and gnomes dressed in green or beige leather vests, green leotards, pointed elf boots with bells, and a green felt hat with a green ostrich feather. They sold tickets, souvenirs, food and refreshments. Ride operators wore leather Lederhosen, suspenders and knee-high
socks. For many who worked there, it was a dream job. Characters from Alice in Wonderland, Jack Pumpkin Head, the Easter Bunny, Little Bo Peep, and a Good Witch wandered throughout the grounds, greeting youngsters. Sometimes there would be local celebrity guests such as Captain Satellite, Smokey the Bear, and Romper Room’s Miss Nancy. “Santa’s Village” page 24
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 17
Partnering in Community
Santa Cruz County Social Services/Family Services Court System and ‘Sew Little Timers’
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By Edita McQuary
ovember was “National Adoption Month” and Friday, November 22, was “National Adoption Day” in Watsonville. At 8:20 a.m., the benches opposite the Department “A” courtroom were crowded with moms and dads-to-be. Briefcase carrying attorneys and Social Services staff walked the hall cheerfully greeting each other and their clients. The excitement mounted as the door to the courtroom was finally
unlocked and the first family to adopt was ushered in. The Sew Little Timers group of quilters, Karen Cunningham Gonzalez, Kristie Shulman and her mom, Barbara Jud, along with Nancy Goudarzi, Nancy Nichols, Pat Huntsinger, Nan Fitch, Joy Ricther, Kathy Ritchey, and Laurel Turner who is Judge Denise Guy’s mother, walked in sporting yellow roses on their lapels as they took their places on the left side of the courtroom’s aisle.
18 / December 1st 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Presiding Judge, Denise Guy, broke the ice to make the first adopting family and the 17-year old young man being adopted comfortable. She joked with them then initiated a drum roll while presenting the official adoption document for each to sign. Judge Guy expressed her happiness that the young man, who had been in the foster care system for nine years, finally had a family: a father, mother, and a little sister. A gift of a beautiful quilt made by Barbara Jud was presented to the young man as a symbol of the warmth and caring of family and community. Then Judge Guy asked the parents to stand opposite her and repeat after her the “Oath of Adoption.” It was very moving, much like a marriage ceremony, pledging them to look after their adopted son as one of their own, loving him, and encouraging him. Several people had tears in their eyes. After time for photographs, the new family walked out to cheers and applause. The young man and his parents then paused to thank the Sew Little Timers ladies for the quilt. This scene happened eighteen times that day as 20 children in all were adopted! Each child or young person was presented
with a hand-made quilt. Social workers were pressed into service as photographers recording the event on the families’ cameras and smart phones to commemorate the end of the long road from foster care to adoption. The Sew Little Timers group is a part of the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA). The idea of a quilt presentation originated with Judge Guy when she asked her mom to make some quilts. It soon got to be more than Laurel could handle on her own so she asked Karen Cunningham Gonzalez of the PVQA for help. The Sew Little Timers group “adopted” this project! Every Friday throughout the year, such adoptions take place. Because of the number of adoptions ~ 250 each year ~ other PVQA members came forward to make quilts for the foster children being adopted. This has become a partnership with Social Services and Family Service Courts of Santa Cruz County helping to promote a better life for children and families in this community. n ••• Interested in becoming a foster parent? See www.fostercare4kids.com. Thanks to Karen Cunningham Gonzalez for help with this article. See pvqa.org
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Aptos Cinema Upgrades are Great! By Noel Smith
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hen you pay for your movie ticket, get your Xtra Large popcorn and drink and settle yourself in one of those marvelously comfortable brand new theater seats with the built-in cup holders, you know you will be coming back for more. The distance between the seats (seatback to seatback) has been increased from a standard 42 inches to 50 inches. No more having to stand up to let people by or worrying about having your toes stepped on; once you sit… you’re set! Ike Jablon Director of Marketing & Special Events for Nickelodeon Theatres gave us a preview of some of the new features that are now installed. The number of seats in the large theater has been decreased from the old (and kind of crowded) 461 seats to a new and roomy capacity of 241 with spaces in mid-audi-
torium (no longer stuck in the back) for those who are in wheel chairs. Another innovation is… closed captioning anywhere you are sitting! The unit works on a WiFi connection, is battery operated and fits in your seat’s cup holder! Another innovation concerns the movie itself. No longer are there reels and reels of film that require changeovers and rewinding or large platters of film spinning round and round. A movie now exists as a digital recording on a hard drive. Whether black and white or color in 2D or 3D with all the marvelous sound that accompanies the images, that is all there is… it’s just recorded electronic signals. While the media is simple, the projection system is large and expensive. Many small theaters are finding it difficult to switch because of the cost. Aptos Cinema has the latest in projection
equipment and now has some of the most comfortable seating you can find in the county. Another benefit for Aptos, both the large and small theaters of the Aptos
Cinema are available for public and private meetings and presentations. Call Ike Jablon at 345-1950 for more information. See you at the movies! n
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 19
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20 / December 1st 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
“Santa Cruz Nutcracker” from page 13 “Our attention, and the conductor’s, is focused on following the nuances of this very human and therefore unpredictable art form and making that accompaniment as solid and dependable as possible.” Diane Cypher, co-Executive Director for Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, comments on her Nutcracker experiences as a ballerina: “I was fortunate to work with very accomplished conductors. My collaborations with these conductors changed the way I would interpret a role’s musicality, and sometimes even my dramatic interpretation was transformed with their knowledge and advice.” Diane also notes the collaboration she had with Brenda Vahur, who played Celeste to Diane’s Sugar Plum. “Having this kind of camaraderie was definitely a high point of my career as a dancer.” She also points out that “Live music brings an extra human element to it all–which is exciting and makes you listen more carefully.” Maestro Pamela Martin gets the final word: “Robert Kelley’s Nutcracker is a special version. It not only tells the magical story, it does so with a great deal of heart and has real respect for Tchaikovsky’s score. The Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre dancers do a wonderful job of bringing the show to life, and having the exquisite
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n additional Nutcracker Sweet Treats backstage event, a delight for children of all ages, can be purchased separately. Join us as Nutcracker magic comes alive prior to curtain! Nutcracker characters will be on hand to greet you for photos, so bring your camera! You will also receive a cookie, compliments of Pacific Cookie Company, and an ornament to commemorate this holiday tradition. Available on Saturday and Sunday only, prior to the 1:00 PM performances. ••• Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.santacruztickets. com. You may also purchase in person at the Civic Auditorium Box Office, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, or by calling 831-420-5260.
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The Giving Tree D
uring the Christmas season, would return to the booth unwrapped. The parents it make you feel happy if you could pick up the gifts at an appointed time at the fulfill a young child’ s wish for a Salvation Army Headquarters, wrap them, particular toy? Or, adopt a family for the and are able to have the presents under the season and make their Christmas a happy Christmas tree. In past years, I was able to see this very one? Each year the Santa Cruz Salvation Army provides the opportunity for men worthwhile program in action as I assisted Betty Torchio in the booth. and women of good will to do just that. For many years she enjoyed this task, From the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, you will see “The Giving often welcoming people who came back Tree” inside the Capitola Mall in front of the year after year to participate in granting entrance to Kohl’s Department Store. This children’s’ gift wishes. Some would bring their children to help will be in a booth choose the gifts and maintained from share the joy to be 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. found in giving to by volunteers of the others at Christmas Salvation Army. The By Noreen Santaluce time. Others would tree will be covered donate money to be with tags from boys and girls, who are twelve years old and used for the gifts and food gift cards to be under from qualified families unable to used for the holiday meal. Some businesses and organizations provide these gifts to their children. Each tag gives the child’s age and have decided to forego their annual gift the particular toy they most desire for exchange and donate to the Gift Tree Christmas. The donors choose a tag or tags instead. Others have participated in and purchase that toy or toys, which they “Adopt a Family.”
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Denise Acosta has been in charge of this program for fifteen years, in addition to her many other duties for the Salvation Army. She told me that this year they have already received 680 requests. How Can You Help? 1. Sign up to be a volunteer for a two-hour shift in the booth. It is necessary to have two people in the booth at all times. Denise says that seniors are very good in this capacity Sarah Acosta, daughter of Giving Tree Project Denise Acosta beside because Grandmothers The Giving Tree in The Capitola Mall a lot of love into shopping for toys, and Grandfathers fit right into the blankets, clothing and giving food gift Christmas atmosphere. certificates to their adopted family each 2. Adopt a Family. Individuals, orgayear. Last year they were able to purnizations, or businesses can do this. chase a stroller for the young family. La. Posada Senior Complex has been 3. Donate money to be used for these participating in this program for many projects. The need is larger than ever years. The members like the idea of this year. If you wish to be involved helping a single mother with small or help in any way, contact The Santa children. Jack and Marge Specht, Pat Cruz Salvation Army at 426-8365. n Lafoon and Ester Shambley have put
Trent Smith and His Journey
‘I want to get the people involved, not to be just an audience’
T
By Noel Smith
rent Smith just moved to Santa Cruz County from Paradise … California that is … with his wife and two children where he, at the age of 34, has taken the position at the largest church in Santa Cruz County as the new Worship Pastor at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos. Trent has been married to his wife Deborah for 14 years and they have a son 9 and a daughter 7 years old. He feels blessed to have been called to Twin Lakes Church. “I first visited here six years ago and felt such a positive experience and that this was a place to put your musical energy into.” But this is a journey that started in Homer Alaska. This town of 5,000 people is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capitol of the World” but is also know as “The end of the road,” the road being Alaska Highway 1 winding 220 miles up the Kenai Peninsula to the state capitol of Anchorage. Trent’s journey started there in the snows of Homer, then wound through the corn fields of De Moines Iowa where he went to college at the age of 17, then to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Paradise as a Worship Pastor, and now is on the beaches and in the redwood forests of Santa Cruz where he is already learning to surf.
The Smith Family
That is his physical journey, but Trent’s personal journey has been much more challenging. He is a very accomplished musician and singer who began learning the violin (his favorite instrument) at the age of seven and is a skilled musician as well on the piano and guitar. Trent is also is a talented composer and arranger. If you look in iTunes, you will find five albums of his songs and music.
There is another part to his journey that was not of his choosing. Trent has Multiple Sclerosis. “I believe I started feeling its effects when I was 18-19 years old,” said Trent, “But it wasn’t diagnosed until I was 25 when I had lost strength and couldn’t control my left side.” As you can imagine, for a gifted musician finding out you have MS was a real shock. “I’m on medication and I keep physically active, such as playing tennis, woodworking, hiking and now surfing, in order to keep it under control.” Asked about his composing, Trent said, “As a writer of songs I want to translate human emotion and experience to music and to connect these with hope both emotionally and intellectually. I wrote the song “Molly’s Hope” for a young girl I knew who was dying from cancer. I find myself writing about life, its challenges and the hope that is available to all no matter their situation.” His challenge as a Worship Pastor is to encourage ‘participation worship.’ “I want to get the people involved, not to be just an audience,” said Trent, “My job is to be a tour guide to the beauty of God.” n
Aptos High School Scoreboard Football
Aptos Season Record (9-2, SCCAL 5-0) CCS D-III quarterfinals Aptos 34 – Aragon 19 (Nov. 22) Aptos Stats: First Downs 13; Rushes-Yds 42-283; Passing Yds 98; Comp-Att-Int 3-5-0; FumblesLost 1-1; Penalties-Yds 6-30 Aptos Scoring: Michael Chavez 27 yd run (Brooks Nicholson kick) 1Q 8:43; Chavez 25 yd run (Nicholson kick) 1Q 5:52; Eli Ungerecht 30 yd pass from Alex Joh (Nicholson kick 1Q 0:10; Kyle Marks 1 yd run (Nicholson kick) 2Q 8:45; Gio Russo 2 yd run (kick failed) 3Q 2:48 SCCAL Champions Undefeated 5-0 Aptos 42 – SLV 0 (Nov. 16 @ SLV) Aptos Stats: First Downs 19; Rushes-Yds 39-318; Passing Yds 47; Comp-Att-Int 3-5-0; FumblesLost 1-1; Penalties-Yds 6-70 Aptos Scoring: Eli Ungerecht 26 yd run (Brooks Nicholson kick) 1Q 9:40; Gio Russo 1 yd run yd
(Nov. 8, SCCAL Finals) Aptos Scoring: Claire Coash 12 kills; Jenna Belton 12 kills; Maddy Bol 9 blocks; Elise Coash 7 blocks; run (Nicholson kick) 1Q 7:27; Karsen Welle 6 blocks Tanner Riggs 2 yd run (Nicholson Cross Country kick) 1Q 0:14 Miguel Barranco 17 2013 CCS D-III yd run (Nicholson kick) 2Q 9:55; Girls Team Champions Ben Sherriffs 45 yd run (Nicholson Defeated second place kick) 2Q 6:17; Connon Houser 2 Valley Christian 19-60 yd run (Nicholson kick) 3Q 1:16 D-III girls Champions – 1. Clare Peabody, 18:01 – 3. Matti Peoples, Girls Volleyball Aptos Season Record (26-10, SCCAL 13-1) 18:26 – 4. Olivia Quinn, 19:01 – 5. Yulisa Abundis, 19:05 – 6. Annika CCS D-III Playoffs Valley Christian def. Aptos 3-1 McBride, 19:16 – 9. Quin Lin (25-17, 16-25. 25-16, 25-11) (Nov 20) Harrell, 19:27 – 17. Emily Passey, Aptos def. S. San Francisco 3-0 20:10 (25-19. 25-18, 25-18) (Nov 16) 2013 CCS D-III Aptos Scoring: Jenna Belton 18 Boys Team Champions kills, 8 digs; Clair Coash 7 kills 1 Defeated second place block; Maddy Bols 4 kills; Karsen Welle 2 blocks; Madi Dueck 16 Sacred Heart Cathedral 50-86 D-III Boys Champions – 5. digs; Taylor Guy 9 digs; Elise Morgan Miller 16:10 – 7. Patrick Coash 7 digs, 32 assists Olson 16:15 – 14. Jack Rose 16:37 League Championship – 16. Chris Tiran 16:42 – 20. Noah Aptos def. Harbor 3-0 Price 16:57 (25-17, 25-15, 25-13)
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2013 / 23
“History” from page 10 The saloon would prove to be Walsh’s most profitable venture, as it was a popular hangout for lumbermen, tannery workers, stage drivers and travelers. Despite competition from Claus Spreckels’ Aptos Hotel (1875) and the Arano Family’s Bay View Hotel (1878), the Live Oak House successfully operated as a hotel until 1910… one year after Catherine passed away. Patrick, however, would continue to operate The Aptos Club as a tavern and card room, even when he was told to stop serving alcohol. In November 1912, even before the days of prohibition (1920-1933), The Soquel District had voted itself “dry” under the local option law. Walsh did not comply. Walsh’s grandnephew, the late Vincent T Leonard recalled his “Uncle Pat” saying something along the lines of, “I’ve run a decent business for 50-years, and no sissy psalm-singers are going to drive me out”. He was given several warnings and was arrested multiple times. He was acquitted by the justice court in the Aptos district but in 1916 was indicted by the district prosecuting attorney and was found guilty, making him the oldest man at this time (84 years old) to appear for sentencing in a California Court. Walsh, unwilling to pay the $300 fine, was ordered to serve his time in the Santa Cruz Jail. Walsh was released from jail, went home, and despite all he had gone through,
Live Oak House in the 1950s which clearly shows the sign for the Aptos Club. opened his saloon. Over the next few years, Walsh would continue to defy authority and was eventually sentenced to 90 days but was judged “incompetent.” He was released into the care of his niece, Clara Leonard, who kept a close watch on him. Walsh passed away in his sleep on February 27, 1927, at the age of 94.
“Santa’s Village” from page 17 The Many Attractions rom puppet shows to a petting zoo, there was plenty of free entertainment. Kids could feed goats, sheep, bunnies, ducks, deer and a Mexican burro. Popular entertainer, Penny Peck, was the piano playing chicken. Reindeer imported from Unalakleet, Alaska pulled Santa around in his sleigh. Children could also get lost in the Alice in Wonderland Maze, gaze upon a giant Jack-in-the-Box, Santa’s Enormous Boot, Queen of Hearts figure, or visit a puppet theatre or the “refrigerated” North Pole. Only the rides cost money, including a bobsled roller coaster, spinning snowballs (now re-themed and still in operation at The Boardwalk), a giant whirling Christmas tree ride, pony carts and a miniature train. The brightly colored mushrooms can still be spotted here and there around the county. According to Norwegian legend, Vindicans (ancestors to pixies, elves and gnomes) lived in the giant toadstools and mushrooms. Visitors could wander around the Village and visit Santa’s workshop, Santa’s oversize mailbox (to leave your letters for Santa), see treetop-tall wooden soldiers and candy canes, visit a gingerbread house, the mill-wheel toy factory along the creek,
F
24 / December 1st 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
The Aptos Club continued to operate in the Live Oak House until 1966, when the last remnants of the town’s first hotel were dismantled. A gas station was built in the hotel’s location (Driftwood Gas Station, which became Mohawk Gas, and then later Terrible Herbst Service Station). After the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989,
the property fell into disarray and was eventually demolished. Today, Bay Federal Credit Union occupies the location. n ••• For more information about the Aptos History Museum, upcoming events, or becoming a member of the museum, please visit www.aptoshistory.org.
a lollipop tree, a magic shop, the reindeer barn and a gift shop. Mrs. Claus had a kitchen that served hamburgers, hotdogs and steak sandwiches. Santa even had a Standard Oil (now known as Chevron) gas station to fuel the visitor’s cars! Appropriate holiday music flowed from speakers hidden in the trees. Upkeep was very important and structures were continuously painted and paths were kept clean. Santa’s Village, in its lovely redwood setting, was a fairyland for young and old. Time Changes the Village n 1966, Noorudin Billawalla purchased the Santa’s Village property, leasing it back to Santa’s Village Corporation until they went bankrupt in 1977. Billawalla changed the name to “The Village” and promoted it as an arts and crafts fair, but two years later, Santa’s Village closed forever. Since 1985, the property has changed hands a half dozen times. In 1992, Borland tore down or sold the village’s buildings. Some are being used as bed and breakfast cabins at Sorenson’s Resort near Lake Tahoe. The current property owner, Lennox Homes, has proposed a 40 resident development there. The off-ramp signs still announce the ghost of Santa’s Village. Many who pass there reminisce, some even shed a tear, some wish they could take their children
and grandchildren back to the uncomplicated times of Santa’s Village. The rides, though simple, were fun for all ages. Entry was free, so a family could go and have a good time for very little money. Ed Blake commented that it was “a fun place to go to that wouldn’t impact your budget. Not like what you have to put out to go to Great America or Disneyland.” Santa’s Village in Scotts Valley will be featured on a new show called “Lost Parks of Northern California” (greatamericanthrills.net/lost-parks) hosted by Kristopher Rowberry on Bay Area NBC. The day they arrived to shoot the Santa’s Village episode, the bulldozers were there to tear down the last of the buildings, the barn used to house the reindeer. They were excited to find a treasure old ticket stubs and other memorabilia still there. We seemed to have lost our innocence somewhere around 1977 needing faster rides and bigger thrills. When computers, iPods, iPads and iPhones became popular, kids stopped having to use their imaginations. Their destinations became small screens with action heroes rather than an old-fashioned Santa’s Village, but are we all better for it? n Special thanks to Frank Perry at Capitola Historical Museum and Eric Taylor for the use of the photos. Written by W. Wilde.
I
Staying Safe I
t’s that time of year again and we have lots to talk about. First, while we have had some rain we still need to be vigilant for wildland fires. Cal Fire in our area has extended the fire season. While shorter days and cooler temperatures help, it is still very dry. So please keep alert for just a bit longer. With our winter storms just around the corner, now is the time to address what we can do to protect our property and ourselves. Take a look around your property is it ready for the rainy season? Have the gutters on your house been cleaned? Are the downspouts free of obstructions and connected to your drainage system? What is the condition of your roof? Now is the time for repairs or replacement. Will rain water drain away from your home or will it accumulate? Does drainage from your property impact your neighbor’s property? Is your property ready for the strong winds that we often see during the winter? Have trees and limbs checked and removed if necessary. Take time now to secure loose items in the yard or store them for winter. Are you are ready to spend several days without electricity. Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Have a battery operated radio and a basic telephone, which requires no household electricity to operate. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to insure that a proper chimney cap and spark arrestor are in place. Check for tree limbs that have grown close to your chimney and trim them back at least 10 feet. Remove all paper, wood and furniture that are too near the fireplace or wall and floor furnaces. During winter storms, do not walk or drive into flooded roads; it only takes two feet of water to carry your car away and as little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. So, stay put during storms unless told otherwise by local emergency responders. If you live in an area where flooding is possible, keep sandbags, plastic sheeting and other materials on hand.
By Mike Conrad, Division Chief Operations Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District
It’s also the holiday season and while you are enjoying the time with family and friends, please take a few moments to ensure their safety. U.S. Fire Administration statistics show that during the month of December, 72 percent of all structure fires are in apartments and homes and the leading cause involves cooking, closely followed by heating related fires. While you are busy in the kitchen, pay close attention to these common causes of holiday cooking fires. Cooks can become distracted during this time of the year, by family, friends even adult beverages. It only takes a few minutes for oil in a pan to reach its ignition temperature and ruin a holiday. Fifty-four percent of cooking fires result from food or cooking equipment being left unattended or combustible items like towels, wooden utensils, oven mitts and cook books being left too close to a heat source. Keep all combustibles well away from any burners and stoves. During the holidays, the use of open flames in our homes increases with the use of a fireplace, wood stove and candles; also from kids playing with fire. Keep candles away from combustible items and never leave a candle burning when you leave the house or go to bed. If you have children in the home, remind them that fire is very dangerous and should not be played with. Depending on the age of your children you may consider teaching them the proper use of fire and how to safety start a fire in the fireplace or light a candle, always under adult supervision. Christmas trees can produce the most dangerous fires of all. A Christmas tree can burn with the same intensity as a 2-foot pool of gasoline depending on how dry it is. If you have a real tree keep it well watered and remove a dry tree from the house right away. Keep the tree away from a fireplace or heater, inspect all Christmas tree lights and don’t leave them on while away from home or when going to bed. Be sure to have working smoke detectors in your home. Change the batteries twice a year with the time change.
While maybe not as exciting as many other holiday presents, the gift of a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher may give the gift of life. On behalf of the members of the Aptos La Selva Fire District, I would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. Oh, and don’t forget you
can spread the joy of the holiday season by stopping by any of the fire stations and donating food or toys for those in need. n ••• For more information please visit; www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_ prev/holiday-seasonal/holiday.shtm or call your local fire department.
Pop Culture
ACROSS
1. “The buck _____ here” 6. Augment 9. Like a jury unable to agree 13. Orca, e.g. 14. *Photographs in text messages 15. Wiser 16. Buddhist who has attained nirvana 17. Australian runner 18. Sign of life 19. *Movie host 21. *Like popular TV genre 23. Hot springs resort 24. Ski lift 25. Sensitive subject to some
28. Delhi wrap 30. Boredom 35. “____ Free” (1966) 37. *What a judge does on “Top Chef” 39. Straight muscles 40. Continental currency 41. Iron Age priest 43. Churn 44. M ake more attractive 46. Major European river 47. “Fool me ____, shame on you” 48. Rodent and name of outdoor gear maker 50. Fungal spore sacs 52. Articulate 53. Coffin along with stand 55. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” 57. *One Direction, e.g. 61. *Modern book
9. Drag 10. Tangerine and grapefruit hybrid 11. Egg holder 12. *Multi-shaded Christian 15. Merciful one 20. Talked like a sheep 22. *”The Biggest Loser” isn’t supposed to do it a lot 24. Like a noble dignitary 25. At right angles to ship or plane DOWN 26. Known for its 1. Go to and fro common red casing 2. Through, to a poet 27. Computer message 3. Pearl Harbor location 29. Like pink steak 4. Surveyor’s maps 31. Audition tape 5. Arrangements 32. *They’re on an iPhone 6. D’Artagnan’s weapon screen of choice 33. Carthage’s ancient 7. *Kourtney and KhloΘ’s neighbor sister 34. *From Disney to pop 8. Beyond suburbs star 65. Architectural projection 66. Jelly-like stuff 68. *”Say Yes to the Dress” target 69. Calyx part 70. Emergency responder 71. Saint _____ of Rome 72. *American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest 73. Unidentified John 74. City in Belgium
36. “Cheers” regular 38. *The Jonas bros 42. Interior designer’s focus 45. Cricket penalty 49. Sn, on periodic table 51. First-aid item 54. Bordered 56. Frustration, in print 57. *One of Miami Heat’s “Big Three” 58. Filling treat 59. Pitiful puppy cries 60. *”Teen ____” mag (1967-2007) 61. Besides 62. Have supper 63. Original garden? 64. R in RIP 67. Rock music style © Statepoint Media
Answers on 31 »
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By Robert Francis
Some pre-Christmas reading for youngsters …
The Smallest Gift of Christmas
By Peter H. Reynolds Candlewick Press. $14 (Ages: 3-7) ere’s a cautionary holiday tale about a little boy named Roland who learns an important lesson about the size of the box a gift comes in. On Christmas morning Roland races downstairs only to find a small, wrapped box under the tree. “It was the smallest gift he had ever seen. Had he waited the whole year for this tiny gift? Roland closed his eyes and hoped and wished as hard as he could for a BIGGER gift.” This seems to work, but the little boy is never happy with the size of the “new” gift and the process continues until he conjures a gift bigger than his house. Now the story gets a little bizarre and when he opens the really big box, Roland discovers a real rocket ship. Determined to search the universe for an even bigger gift, Roland suddenly realizes he is moving out into space and his home planet, as it recedes, is getting smaller and smaller. “Roland never thought he’d want something so small so badly.” Now what’s the greedy little boy going to do? I’ll let you read this amusing picture book to discover how he reverses this situation and, in the process, learns an important lesson. At a time of the year when it is easy to get caught up in buying things and measuring how much we are loved or appreciated by the number or size of the presents we receive, this little book reminds us that some of the best gifts come in very small boxes!
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Just when it looks like the Christmas will be a total bust, the muddled, little, blond fairy notices her wand in the branches of the tree. “Now let’s use some magic and save Christmas Day!” Sparkle says. You’ll discover a press-out Christmas ornament of Sparkle at the back of this book that can be used to decorate your own Christmas tree. Take care, though, because the pieces also pose a choking hazard should they find their way into a toddler’s mouth!
Olivia Helps With Christmas
By Ian Falconer Atheneum. $7.99 (Ages 3 and older) elebrate Christmas Eve with Olivia and her family as they prepare for Santa’s visit and the festivities of Christmas day. After some last minute, morning shopping, Olivia helps decorate the Christmas tree and then she set the table for dinner. Then, after singing some carols and setting a snack out by the fireplace for Santa, Olivia and her siblings are off to bed. Naturally, Olivia isn’t very sleepy. Is that a noise up on the roof? Yup! Can that be Santa? Nope, it’s a raccoon! Eventually the little white pig falls asleep and before you can say “Vixen and Blixen,” it is Christmas morning.
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Sparkle the Fairy
Illustrations by Rebecca Finn Campbell Books. $5.99 (Ages 1 and older) ust the right size to slip into a Christmas stocking, this board book features Sparkle the fairy who is worried that Christmas may be a total disaster this year. Sparkle has mislaid her magic wand and without it there will be no carrots for Santa’s reindeer, the Christmas tree will be bare and there will be no gifts to share.
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26 / December 1st 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
A fresh blanket of snow covers the ground and beneath the Christmas tree are a pile of gifts. After giving her parents a very special present, a self-portrait to hang over the fireplace, Olivia heads outdoors to try her new skis. And, that night, totally exhausted, the tired little piglet sleeps like a log, This special board book will become a favorite of youngsters who can’t get enough of Olivia. What’s not to like about this outgoing, rambunctious and amusing character who sleeps at night with a “Ski Gstaad” poster over her bed and dreams about performing in the “Nutcracker Suite”?
A Very Fuddles Christmas
By Frans Vischer Aladdin. $5.99 (Ages 4-7) his hilarious picture book presents the misadventures of a very pampered cat named Fuddles. When the spoiled feline sees all the special holiday food, beautifully wrapped gifts and nicely decorated Christmas tree, he wrongly believes this seasonal display is all for him. After trying to sample the food, ripping open a few presents and having a wonderful climb up the tree, Fuddles is banished to the snowcovered backyard. Now the unhappy, somewhat
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miffed cat must find a way to get back inside the house where it is nice and warm. How he manages this and what awaits him once he’s back inside is explained in the last half of this funny Christmas story. It all turned out well for Fuddles but there were some moments, especially when he was braving the frigid elements, when this fat cat thought that this wasn’t going to be a very merry Christmas. Cat lovers will especially appreciate and perhaps recognize some of the quirks Fuddles displays. Undoubtedly in households where a cat rules supreme, this storybook will be enjoyed over and over again.
My Carry-Along Christmas Activity Book with Stickers
By Jocelyn Miller Illustrated by Cathy Hughes Lion. $9.99 (Ages 3 and up) here are actually three activity books aimed at holiday readers in this series. Besides “Christmas,” there’s “Santa” and “Angel.” All three books, with their convenient built-in carrying handle, feature a variety of hands-on activities like solving puzzles, decorating calendars, creating seasonal cards, and making craft items and holiday foods. In the “Santa” book, you’ll find a calendar where a sticker can be added each day in December leading up to Christmas. There are instructions also for making ornaments, a Santa treat box, and small Christmas stockings or reindeer. Other activities include puzzle pages, a reindeer race, and a penguin party. The other two books contain similar activities that will keep youngsters occupied in the days leading up to Christmas. The books will come in handy on travel days and grandparents may wish to stock up on these titles so they have something in place when the grandchildren come to visit. All three books also come with stickers, which could pose a choking hazard for young children. The pages with the stickers are easy to remove If there’s a chance they might end up where they don’t belong in a toddler’s mouth! n
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Fate & Fantasy with the County Orchestra O n Sunday, November 17, the Santa Cruz County Symphony Orchestra under the capable baton of Maestro Daniel Stewart took the stage at the Mello Center For The Performing Arts. The performance included Ma Mère L’oye (1908, 1911) by Maurice Ravel (18751937), Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 107 (1959) by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), Austin Huntington soloist and Beethoven’s (1770-1827) monumental Symphony No. 5 in C major (1808). I had the pleasure of attending a rehearsal and witnessed the talented, newly appointed Director and the spirited orchestra at work. Professional praise is well deserved for this orchestra whose musical abilities under the keen ear and musical insight of Maestro Stewart are awesome! The rehearsal ended with the Maestro complimenting the orchestra with “Thank you for your hard work and concentration.”
Ravel’s fascination to incorporate poetry becomes evident in one of his most challenging works Gaspard De La Nuit, a suite for solo piano based on three poems by Aloysius Bertrand. Ma Mère L’oye was composed for one piano, four hands and dedicated to Jean, the 7-yearold son and Mimi, the 6 year old daughter of his friends, the Godebskis. The poems Sleeping Beauty and Little Tom Thumb were based on the tales of Charles Perrault, while Empress of the Pagodas was inspired by a tale (The Green Serpent) by Madame d’Aulnoy. The delicate opening of flute against a pizzicato backdrop by the strings set a tranquil mood that ran like a golden thread throughout the work. The solos performed by Susan Vollmer, Carmen Lemoine, Karen Sremac, John Weeks, Jane Orzel and Kristina Anderson were beautifully realized during all three works of the concert. “Symphony” page 31
Austin Huntington
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Aptos Chamber Events Calendar Thursday Dec. 5 Holiday Mixer
5 – 7 p.m., Seascape Beach Resort oin us for our Annual Holiday Mixer at Seascape Beach Resort. Enjoy an amazing shop local raffle, networking, fabulous food, music from Music Now DJ, and more! You don’t want to miss this mixer. We will also be collecting unwrapped toys/presents for Toys for Tots and canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank. Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers
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being held in Santa Cruz County, on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. For a meeting near you call (888) 374-1164 or email saveyoursanity@aol.com Visit http://nar-anon.org/Nar-Anon/ California.html for more information.
California Soroptimists Seeking Applicants for Young Women’s Volunteer Award
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oroptimist International (SI) of Capitola-By-The-Sea is seeking applicants for its Violet Richardson Award for young women students between the ages of 14 and 17 who are making the community a better place through volunteer efforts. A $1,000 award is given to the student. Deadline to apply for the Violet Richardson Award is December 1, Saturday Dec. 7 2013. Applications are available on the Holiday Craft Fair SI website at www.best4women.org. The winning recipient will be honored and Tree Lighting 2 -5 p.m., Aptos Village Tree (corner at an awards dinner in March, 2014. of Soquel Dr & Aptos Creek Rd) oin us for our Annual Holiday Craft Fair & Tree Lighting at the Aptos Village Tree! There will be local vendors selling holiday gifts and crafts, hot chocolate served by Mondays Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant, hot Meal Solution Mondays dogs, Christmas Carols, a special 4:00pm-6:00pm, New Leaf Comvisit from Santa and more! munity Markets, 1210 41st Ave. Cost: Free Admission Capitola (Also down town and at West side stores) Thursday Dec. 12 et fresh ideas for easy-to-prepare, December Breakfast Meeting affordable, and nutritious main Best Western Plus, Seacliff Inn entrees from a member of the New 7:30 -9:00 a.m. Leaf Community Markets culinary oin us for our December Breakfast team. A different recipe featured Meeting with special guest every Monday, ranging from meat speaker Fred Keeley, Treasurer dishes, to gluten-free, to vegan. Try a of Santa Cruz County. Breakfast sample, get a recipe card, and learn meetings are a great chance for tips for meal prep and leftovers. you to network with other comFeatured recipes are posted on munity members, hear important the New Leaf Community blog at committee reports, hear what the www.newleafcommunity.com. guest speaker has to say, and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Please call for Mondays, Wednesdays, reservations, 831-688-1467 and Thursdays Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers Co-dependents Anonymous o-dependents Anonymous is a Tuesday Jan. 14 12-step group for people who January Mixer at Café Rio want healthy relationships and 5 – 6:30 p.m., Café Rio 131 self esteem. Weekly meetings are Esplanade, Rio Del Mar, Aptos offered free of charge in Santa Cruz oin us for our first Mixer of and Watsonville. 2014 at Cafe Rio in Aptos! Enjoy For a schedule and more networking with other businesses, information, go to www.coda.org scrumptious appetizers, no host or e-mail gratefulcoda@gmail.com bar and more! Mixers offer you or call (831) 469-6096. the chance for casual networking where you can get to know Second and Fourth Mondays more about local businesses and First and Third Wednesdays business members.
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Ongoing Events
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Announcements Nar-Anon
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hat is co-dependency? What is enabling? What is this insanity? Am I the only one who feels this way? Join Nar-Anon, a world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of addicts who have been affected by someone else’s addiction. Three meetings are now
Alzheimers Support Groups
Monday: 2:00 - 3:30pm Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00pm Conference Room at Elena Baskin/ Live Oak Senior Center, 1777-A Capitola Road, Santa Cruz. acilitated by Jill Ginghofer, this group is for caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimers
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Tuesdays
Women Care Drop in Cancer Support
28 / December 1st 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
rop in Support Group is a D gathering for women with all types of cancer. We offer support
information, call 831-335-3693.
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ublic is invited to all programs. Contact President Jess Allen 831-684-2721 or Past Overeaters Anonymous for women through all stages from 6:30-7:30pm at Teach by the Beach President Barbara Chamdiagnoses through treatment. #50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos berlain at 831-688-3356 for For more information or to For more information, call (831) meeting/dinner reservations register call (831) 457-2273 429-7906 or information or visit www. cabrillohostlions.org.
Drop in Grief Support
6:00pm at Aegis, 125 Heather Terrance, Aptos oin other adults who are grieving the death of a friend or family member. Learn helpful tools for coping: Share stories and receive support from people who care. No registration required, please call (831) 430-3000
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First Wednesday each month
Adoption/Child Welfare Orientation Third Thursday each month 6:00pm- 8:00pm 1400 Emeline Pacific Speakers Association Avenue room 206, Santa Cruz.
and CAM (complimentary and alternative medicine) resources for women wishing to explore safe, natural alternatives to promote mental health in a positive atmosphere. Please RSVP if possible: for more information e-mail dyane@baymoon.com.
Sundays
7:00pm, Firehouse on Soquel Dr. Aptos Over-Eaters Anonymous he first step to becoming 9:00am-10:15am, Sutter peakers helping speakers get a foster and/or adoptive Maternity and Surgery Center, gigs. parent is to attend orientation. 2900 Chanticleer Ave. Sc. Call (831) 332-8221 for more The orientation is designed to A is a 12-step support group information. review the child welfare system for those who wish to stop and to give you a chance to have eating compulsively. All are your question answered by child Fridays welcome. First Tuesdays each month welfare staff. Clutterers Anonymous Free childcare with advance To register to one of the meeting Tail Wagging World of Dog reservation by 5pm, Fridays. Call 5:30-6:45 Sutter Maternity & and for directions, please call Ownership (831) 429-7906. Surgical Center, 2900 Chanticleer 6:30pm at the Santa Cruz SPCA, 454-4687. Ave, Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz. Second and Fourth Wednesdays 2685 Chanticleer Ave., Santa ired of Clutter? Stuff piling Church Bible Study/Worship Cruz (cross street is Soquel Ave.). Freedom Forum Presents: up? Support is available. CLA 9:45am: Bible Study; 11:00: meeting every Friday. Worship, First Baptist Church Constitution Classes 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos First Tuesdays and 7:00pm, Quaker Friends Meeting For more info call 426-1868 FREE ooking for a church? Come Third Wednesdays each month House, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz worship with us!
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Orientations to Become Advocates for Children
North County, 5:30-7p.m., first Tuesday of month (for location details contact Danielle at 7612956 X102) South County, 5:30-7 p.m., third Wednesday of the month at the CASA Office, 813 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) needs volunteers, 3-5 hours per week, to provide support, guidance, and a powerful voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Everyone welcome, men and bilingual folks especially encouraged. To RSVP call 761-2956 Ext. 102, or email Danielle@casaofsantacruz.org
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Second Tuesdays each month
Free Job Seek Workshop!
6:00pm-7:00pm, Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd. Scotts Valley. For more information, visit http://hirewire.org
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
7:00pm-9:00pm, 900 High St. First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz To learn more, call (831) 4274016 or visit www.pflagscc.org
Wednesdays
Toastmasters: Speak for Success
12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. iving a business presentation? Interviewing for a job? Improve your speaking skills in a friendly, supportive environment with Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters. Open to all levels. Drop-ins welcome. For more
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October 2: War Crisis
B12 Fridays
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3:00pm-6:00pm, Thrive Natural For more information, visit http:// Medicine, 2849 Park Ave. Soquel et $5 off of B12 shots. B12 www.meetup.com/santacruzsupports immunity, energy, freedom-forum/ sleep, mood, and the body’s ability Saturday Nov. 30 to handle stress. Plant-Gift-Bake-Sale Santa Cruz/ Monterey Bay Branch To learn more, call (831) 515-8699. 9:00am-1:00pm, Aptos ADHD Support Group Meetings Community United Methodist 6:30-8:00pm Aptos Fire Station Drop-in Grief Support Church, 221 Thunderbird Drive, on Soquel Dr. 12:00pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz Aptos/Seascape pen Support meetings on and-crafted gifts on sale will second Wednesday. Adult Only County ospice of Santa Cruz County include jewelry items, hair meetings on fourth Wednesday. is now offering a drop-in grief ornaments, and knit garments. Any Questions, contact Judy support group for adults grieving Plant arrangements, homemade Brenis at (831) 818-9619. the death of a family member or a jams, and homemade baked friend. This group is a place where breads and pies will also be Third Wednesdays you can share stories, learn tools available. Meeting Schedule for the for coping, and receive support from people who care. SCWD2 Task Force 7:00pm, Soquel Creek Water For more information, please call Wednesday Dec. 4 District Headquarters, 5180 Watsonville Adult Education (831) 430-3000. Soquel Dr. Soquel Student Exhibit Ceramics eetings are open to the public Saturdays and Bake Sale and the location alternates between the City of Santa Cruz Aptos Certified Farmers Market 9:00am-12:00pm, The Towers Police Community Room, and 8:00 -12:00pm at Cabrillo College Building Watsonville/Aptos the Soquel Creek Water District he Aptos Market, with over Adult Education, 294 Green Headquarters. 80 vendors, is open year Valley Rd. Watsonville Visit www.scwd2desal.org round, with the best selections of his sale has been going on for more info. fresh foods. In addition, family for over 6 years and helps activities, music, cooking demos fund this worthwhile senior by professional chefs, gardening Thursdays ceramics program. Jewelry, workshops, seasonal fairs and Capitola-Aptos events are a part of the market. ceramics, and other crafts will be for sale as well as home Rotary Club Meeting 12-1:30 p.m. at Seascape Golf Course. Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market baked goodies. Contact Chuck at 831-462-6092 9a.m.-1p.m. SV Community Center, or e-mail charleswhitt@att.net for Why Art Matters: Teaching Art and 360 Kings Village Drive more information. www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org Design in the New Millennium 1:30 pm, Monterey Peninsula Second Thursdays each month College Lecture Form 103 Third Saturdays of Each Month 980 Fremont St. Monterey Veterans of Foreign Wars hat is the value of an 6:30 pm, 2259 7th Ave. Santa Cruz Hopeful and Naturally Healing ommander Ronals Petty leads Peer Support Group education in the arts? Has the meetings. 3:00pm-5:00pm, 12855 Boulder the role of art in society changed For more information, call (831) St. Boulder Creek in the information age? Join Jamie 475-9804 Dagdigian, MPC instructor and or any woman living with Art Department Chairman, for a any degree of depression, Second and Fourth Thursdays anxiety, and/or bipolar presentation about the opportunities and challenges of teaching Cabrillo Host Lions Club disorder. Free childcare art in 2013. 7:00pm at the Cabrillo Comand well-behaved dogs are Learn more by visiting gentrain. munity Center, Aptos Village welcome! This free ongoing Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. group provides encouragement org, or by calling (831) 646-4224. Lectures are free.
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Dated Events
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Saturday Dec. 7
San Lorenzo River Bird Walk
8:00am-10:00am oin the Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) and birder Steve Gerow of the Santa Cruz Bird Club to walk the banks of the San Lorenzo River. We should see a mix of birds including sparrows, various gulls, diving ducks, herons and maybe even some notable wintering rare birds. This is a great chance to see a piece of the riparian habitat of the San Lorenzo! RSVP is required. Call CWC at (831) 464-9200 or email tours@ coastal-watershed.org.
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Sunday Dec. 8
Worldwide Candle Lighting Children’s Memorial Ceremonies
(Two bilingual public gatherings) 6:00pm 611 Abbot Street Salinas 6:00pm, 2007 Freedom Blvd. 6:30pm, Quaker Meetinghouse, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz 7:00pm: Candle lighting ceremony in both locations acob’s Heart Cancer Support Services, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, and Salinas Memorial Hospital invite parents who have lost a child at any age to remember their children. For information about ceremonies in Watsonville or Salinas, call (831) 724-9100, for ceremony in Santa Cruz, call (831) 332-9893.
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Wednesday Dec. 11
The Santa Cruz CHADD Support Group Meeting 6:30-8:00pm, Aptos/La Selva Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Dr. Aptos upport for parents of children when have ADHD.
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Wednesday Dec. 18
Magic of Nature and Human Observation
1:30 pm, Monterey Peninsula College Lecture Form 103 980 Fremont St. Monterey pend an hour with professional magician Richard Myer, and you will experience everything from the improbable to the impossible. He will look into your mind and know what you are thinking, he will guide your thoughts and choices, even if you think you are making a free choice. Learn more by visiting gentrain. org, or by calling (831) 646-4224. Lectures are free.
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Saturday, Jan. 18
Soquel Creek History Tour
10:00am-11:30 pm oin the Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) and historian Frank Perry, Director of the Capitola History Museum, for a history walking tour along Soquel Creek. The group will set out from museum and hear along the way about what attracted settlers to Soquel Creek, historical residences and properties along the creek and past sources of pollution of Soquel Creek. RSVP is required. Call CWC at (831) 464-9200 or email tours@ coastal-watershed.org. n
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Your December Horoscope Announcements San Lorenzo Valley Museum Black Friday Special!
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ur Black Friday specials are historical! Visit the San Lorenzo Valley Museum between November 29 and December 1 and receive a 15% discount on our wonderful book collection! We have a huge selection including books on Santa Cruz History, regional nature, and cooking. Buy one for yourself or as a gift for this holiday season. Your purchase will support the museum’s important preservation efforts. San Lorenzo Valley Museum, 12547 Highway 9, Boulder Creek For more information, call (831) 338-8382.
orty-seven years of performing Fpopular in the Bay Area, over 250 tunes. Come see our
band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Wednesday. No cover. Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking Agent, at 408-993BAND (2263) for information about booking the band for Non-profit events (donations are tax deductible). www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org
Thursdays
Modern Square Dancing Class
7:00pm, German-American Hall Santa Cruz, 230 Plymouth all (831) 726-7053 or e-mail caller4u@razzolink.com for more information!
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Last Thursdays each month
Monthly Argentine Tango at Star Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante
4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene Italian/Argentene Restarante, 21245 East Cliff Dr. he Scotts Valley Arts Comhis is a night for true “Social mission is issuing a call to Tango.” Order a wonderful artists to submit designs for three meal from the Star Bene Argentine traffic light junction boxes on Menu, (or their well known italian Scotts Valley Dr. The Artists will menu), and enjoy the ambiance of receive a stipend of $300, and will Argentina and join us in a social be reimbursed for materials up tango dance to music from the to $200. The boxes are located on Golden Age of Tango. Private instruction and classes by Scotts Valley Dr. at Erba Land, Carbonero Dr. and El Pueblo Dr. arrangement. For more information, call Michael (831) 239-2247. The artists are requested to submit a full color design and their First Fridays each month preference for location (if any). Applications may be picked up at First Friday Art Tour he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Scotts Valley City Hall, or on the Cruz Institute of Contemporary City’s website. Submissions are to be dropped off at City Hall during Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The regular hours. event takes place year-round and Any questions, call (831) illuminates some of the most talented 438-1000. local artists from local galleries. To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)
Calling All Artists!
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Ongoing Events
Ongoing thru February 1
Ageless Art at the Scotts Valley Library
251 Kings Rd. Scotts Valley Ca. geless Art Project Exhibit featuring Oak Tree Villa’s Resident Artwork will be on display at Scotts Valley Library. For further information. please contact the Ageless Art Project at (831) 459-8917 x 208.
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Tuesdays
BINGO
6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. Buy-In $15. Full snack bar available. First Tuesday of each month is special $25 buy in (up to five packs). Join us! www.soquelsports.com
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Wednesdays
Peninsula Banjo Band
7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose
Second Fridays each month
Big Band Dance
7:30pm-10:00pm, at Mid-County Senior Center 829 Bay Ave, Capitola allroom dancing to live music by The 10th Ave. Band. Refreshments, large floor, friendly atmosphere, free parking. Open to the public-singles welcome! Suggested donation, $6 per person. Proceeds benefit MCSC. For more information, call (831) 476-4711.
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Friday Dec. 6 thru Sunday Dec. 8
Cabrillo College Presents Annual Winter Dance Concert
Friday & Saturday 7:30 pm Sunday, 2:00 pm, Cabrillo Crocker Theatre, 6500 Soquel Dr. Aptos abrillo dancers will perform an exciting mix of contemporary techniques and styles, from popping and locking to post Second Sundays Each Month modern physical theatre. This Downtown Santa Cruz year’s concert features world premieres by guest choreographers Antique Fair Robert Kelley, Damara Ganley, and 9:00am-4:00pm, Lincoln St. Melissa C. Wiley. (Between Pacific and Cedar) endors offer an eclectic blend Tickets are $14 for general of antiques and unique items. admission, $12 for students and seniors, and $6 with a student Come and check it out! Browse activities card. Available at www. through a wide assortment of treasures including books and pho- cabrillovapa.com, or by calling tographs, vintage jewelry, clothing, (831) 479-6154. glass and ceramic collectibles, vintage hawaiian kitsch, turquoise, Seacliff ParkStore Holiday Sale original artwork, and a whole lot 10:00am-4:00pm of whatnot! ome find great nature For more info, please contact us inspired gifts and support at (831) 476-6940 or visit us on your state parks and beaches at Facebook. the Seacliff ParkStore Holiday Sale! This sale runs Friday thru Sunday December. All funds stay local and non-members receive 15% off. Save on iconic Michael Schwab park illustrations, on Saturday Nov. 30 apparel, and more, plus jewelry, Plant Gift Bake Sale maps, nature guides, local 9:00am-1:00pm, 221 Thunderbird history books, educational toys, Dr. Aptos/Seascape apparel, and other merchandise ptos Community Methodist representing the special cultural Church will hold a plant gift history and environment of our and bake sale. Hand-crafted gifts parks. on sale will include jewelry items, hair ornaments, and knit garments. Saturday Dec. 14 Plant arrangements, homemade jams, and homemade baked breads Telemann not Television: and pies will also be available. An Evening of Music For more information, call (831) for your Enjoyment 688-2210. 7:00pm, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 9850 Monroe Ave. Aptos oin us for an evening of music for your entertainment. Driftwood Consort will share with you some selections from Telemann’s works, as well as other chamber works, played on baroque flutes with harpischord and viola da gamba. Tickets are $20 (advance), $22 (door) and $5 (youth, door only) and are available at www. brownpapertickets.com or at the door from 4pm onwards. For more information please visit www. driftwoodconsort.org, or call 831-706-8408.
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Dated Events
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Tuesday Dec. 17
Aptos Sons in Retirement Holiday Luncheon
11:30am, Severinos Restaurant, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos adies Day Program will feature Charlie and Pat Kieffer on “The Romantic Banditos of Early California?” Call Jack at (831)688-0977 for information. n
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Annabel Burton • Astrologer © Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
While it may be important to be patient, you know instinctively that everything happens at the right time, and often for reasons out of your control. This brings a feel a fairly pragmatic attitude and of course you know that on a person level this is a significant time for you. The changes that you have intorduced are about to come to fruition and a new phases is starting. When the sun moves into your sign on the 22nd you get more of an inkling how this will work out for you, time wise. Venus is in Capricorn for some months to come so make the most of your creative and loving self.
Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)
You are more than usually sociable and ready to party. This is the festive season, of course, but you find people on your wavelength who haven’t been around for a while. Your ideas and plans are at last taking shape with the significant progress, especially after mid month. Take note of the time after Christmas when you are a little bit secretive, since a special venture is about to start. Consider this as a period of preparation when you need to do your research and find out. Luck is on your side on the 17th.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
You like to keep arrangements flexible which means that you keep your options open, but you are facing a stark choice at the beginning of December, Rather than committing to one thing or another, bide your time and see that a natural outcome occurs which suits you very well. Friends and loved ones mean more than keeping promises to distant acquaintances so you may have to refuse invitations or situations that you feel you are duty bound to attend. You are elusive and can change your mind at the drop of a hat.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
You have high hopes and welcome the chance to shine and sparkle. At the start of this month, you are counting the cost as unusual expenses are needing your attention but you can turn your hand to making a little extra by working smarter, not harder Take note of some good advice from someone who knows you well and be sure to return the favour sooner rather than later. Finding balance in a relationship may mean that the rules have to be rewritten based on what is fair. A new start work wise is welcome and not before time.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
While your focus for this month may initially be on making a fresh start, or having a rethink about a current project, you are soon taken over by other events out your control. This promises to be an exciting time and your expertise is required solving a tricky situation. Friends show their worth but someone else surprises you by their change of heart. Still, you are drawn to the idea of going away, having a short break and getting a change of scene. If this is something you love the idea of, then the best time is over the Christmas period.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Mercury in your opposite sign is great for romantic communication. Perhaps you and a loved one need to get away form the usual routine and be adventurous. The last thing a Gemini needs is to get bored! But it is likely that you will have to take the initiative. Some fabulous offers come out of the blue and you find that you are having to prioritize, but this could be your chance to do what you have always wanted to do. Seize the day, especially around the 17th.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
This is the month where you seem to have too much to do and not enough time! But the start brings a dilemma and the solution come easily enough if you are patient. It is definitely a case of leaving some people to sort out their own problems, if you are able. But you are very practical too, and can give up your time helping out when you would prefer more appreciation. Cash comes from selling unwanted items and you may discover buried treasure, in a manner of speaking! Good days to party are around the 17th and 22nd.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)
You love the festivities and all the razzamatazz that is Christmas and this year is no exception. You are cleaver and thoughtful and love the chance to show how truly creative and talented you are! Take note of someone’s great advice in the first week, but keep your own counsel. You know yourself better than anyone. In fact, you have seen how far you have come by following your own path and creating what you want rather than being too influenced by others. After the 22nd your attention turns to practical matters and exciting changes at work.
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)
You really do not have to try too hard as what comes naturally means that you always do your best, and others know this. In fact, they find it quite difficult to meet your standards at times! But you give your nearest and dearest the benefit of the doubt and love the attention to detail and the thought that goes into the simplest things. These are what you cannot put a price on. Avoid the Christmas rush by getting organized early and be happy to let others take the strain once in a while.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)
This time of year is one for sharing and caring and all the ideals that you have yourself, all the time. This month, the action planet, Mars, is in your sign and this energizes you and helps to spread enthusiasm in engagement in even the most routine jobs. Since you are feeling a little feisty it means that you could attract some oppositions but provided you believe in yourself and what you stand for then you can change minds and influence people. You are continuing to keep a tight rein on your finances.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
The start of this month is a time for your determination and focus means that you can be sure of the success you have been working so hard for. Now that you have others onside it you know that a long battle is finally coming to a conclusion. Your financial situation is improving at last but you are aware that this has not been easy to rectify. Some wonderful surprises are in store and a chance meeting around mid month points you in the right direction. Be alert to those situations that others miss, that indicate it is all about being in the right place at the right time.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Freedom is very important to you but especially at the beginning of this month. You are wanting to do things your way and resent being told what is good for you. Consequently you are little feisty but not short of determination and enthusiasm. Take note of your feelings and intuition as you are more than usually sensitive and a little bit psychic. Love and romance are favored particularly around the middle two weeks, when you are have an amazing ability to tune in to your loved one.
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Ten- and Twelve-Year-Olds share Artist Of The Month
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By Joyce Oroz
race Laurin and Giselle Rocha are sharing Dragonfly Gallery’s “Artist of the Month” title for December. Grace is ten-years-old, loves to draw horses and make earrings and necklaces. Giselle is twelve-years-old, loves to draw, paint and write. Grace has created lovely pieces of jewelry and Giselle has created a novel, designed and created the book cover. These two sweet girls, bubbling over with talent, will be meeting and greeting folks at the Dragonfly Gallery, 380 Blohm, Aromas, Saturday, December 14 from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Dark Sky, a
“Cabrillo Dance” from page 8
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Other faculty choreographers include Rhonda Martyn, Sharon Took-Zozaya, and Winter Dance Concert co-producers David King and Cid Pearlman. n ••• The Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert Friday & Saturday, Dec 6 & 7 at 7:30 pm, Matinee Sunday, Dec 8 at 2 pm Tickets: $14 General, $12 Students/Seniors, $6 Student Activity Card Available at www.cabrillovapa.com or 831-479-6154 Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
novel by author Giselle Rocha will be for sale along with Grace’s necklaces and earrings, which make wonderful Christmas gifts. Giselle Rocha wrote A Dark Sky in response to a challenge from her seventh-grade English teacher. It was a fun, silly adventure riddled with errors and corny jokes until the project turned into something more serious—her first novel. Giselle lives with her parents, sister, and kitty in Salinas, CA. Dark Sky, A LEGEND—once thought of as nothing but an old fairy tale—is about to come true. On
the 500th anniversary of King Taizkehwa’s fall, the tyrant shall break out of his stony prison to take back his kingdom—and his queen—once and for all. Desperate to escape the clutches of her former husband, Queen Genevieve seeks out the kingdom’s only hope: six young people who hold the power of the purest magic in their hands. Kristen, the only one of the six to be found, suddenly finds herself thrown into a fantastical dream and nightmare of war, magic, pegasi, dragons, betrayals, secrets, and newfound love. Grace Laurin loves nature, and has saved many a lizard, beetle, bug, from death. She draws horses and dragons and works in her “fairy garden.” When Grace turned oneyear-old she made it clear to her parents that she loved horses. She happily takes riding lessons, mucks out the stalls, and mentors younger riders. Don’t forget to come, meet the girls December 14 and see all the new and wonderful items at the Dragonfly Gallery 380 Blohm Ave. Aromas. n ••• For more information, call 831-224-8888 View Joyce Oroz’s blog at http:// authorjoyceoroz.blogspot.com
SPCA Featured Pet
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Murphy seeks recess from shelter life
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emember the movie where a playful pup follows a little boy to school? That is exactly what Murphy, a sweet Shih Tzu/Poodle Mix, did one bright morning in Bakersfield. Murphy and the children at the school were having fun running, skipping, and playing fetch until the recess bell rang and the teacher noticed an extra “student” lining up to go to class. Wanting the dog to be reunited with its owner, the teacher contacted the local animal shelter, but unfortunately, Murphy had no identification and no owner came for him. Eventually, the Shih Tzu/Poodle Mix was transferred to the Santa Cruz SPCA where he has been happily running and playing with dogs and volunteers, but it’s obvious from the quizzical way he stares at you that he wants more than simple room and board. Every person, big or small, that comes to the Santa Cruz SPCA is greeted by a bout of Murphy’s kisses and playful prancing. Although Murphy is 5 years old, he is quite spry for his age and would fit in a variety of households and living situations given adequate recess time. Murphy can be choosey about his dog-friends, but is super loyal and loving to the friends he chooses. If his cute under bite and “parti poodle spots” aren’t enough to test you, our overnight fosters believe Murphy to be house-trained and “evaluated” him as a laid-back couch potato in the home. As Murphy’s Poodle heritage would suggest, he is intelligent and eager to learn but like most intelligent students, can be willful at times. While Murphy’s health exam came back an A+, he currently weighs a pudgy 14 pounds for his size and would benefit from losing a little weight. Also, being a Shih Tzu/Poodle Mix, Murphy’s fur continues to grow (like human hair) and will need regular grooming; this is also a trait that makes him hypoallergenic! Can you teach Murphy how to love again? The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community. For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.spcasc.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m. The SPCA Mall Adoption is at the Capitola Mall. n
“Symphony” from page 27 Dimitri Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, Opus 107, is perhaps the most popular 20th Century cello concerto. Shostakovich wrote the work for his friend Mstislav Rostropovich. I am completely amazed that he committed the work to memory in four days and gave the premiere on October 4, 1959! Soloist Austin Huntington gave a brilliant virtuoso performance! Shostakovich employed a four-note theme that is modified, reshaped and distorted throughout the first movement. This first theme is set beside an even simpler one performed by the woodwinds, which reappears in leitmotif fashion throughout the work. Huntington’s technical skill performing flawless scale passages was impressive. Overall, orchestral dynamic balance, solo passages, perfect simultaneous entries and attention to musical detail were present throughout this performance. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, sounded fresh, crisp and revitalized. After the exciting, well-executed first movement, an over-enthusiastic patron yelled approval. Maestro Stewart turned to the audience with a huge smile, said gracefully “Thank you,” and continued. Under the direction of Maestro Stewart, the orchestra performed with delicate precision and superb balance. In the intense excitement
Maestro Daniel Stewart
Photo Credit: RR Jones
of the final movement, the baton flew out of Stewart’s hand. The concert ended and the standing packed-house demanded no less than four appropriate curtain calls! n
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