COMMUNITY NEWS
My House is Your House: Our Families
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By Hedwig Heerschop ajaro Valley Art’s gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays through
Above: Sadness and pain honoring my mother’s loss • by Martine Mahoudeau Below: We are all Stardust • by Heidi Alonzo
Dec. 13 by appointment only. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 4 pm. Masks and social distancing will be required. To schedule an appointment, go to pvarts.org/appointment. Not ready to visit in person? See the virtual tour at: https://my.matterport.com/ show/?m=4xoqWLBhv5D Mi Casa es Tu Casa: Nuestra Familias/ My House is Your House: Our Families is PVA’s annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a traditional holiday in Mexico that celebrates those who have passed away. This year our family-friendly exhibit features papel picado by Catalina Delgado Trunk from the collection of Paul Brennan; regional artists’ interpretations of this holiday; and coloring pages from the Fiesta de Día de Muertos Art Activity Book published by the Watsonville Film Festival. You can view (and take selfies with) the fabulous pieces created by Priscilla Martinez, which were showcased in the Plaza. This year, our nation has suffered so many losses. We are saddened that we could not celebrate and honor those who have passed with community altars as we have in the past, however, we have created a beautiful, heartfelt show. We dedicate this exhibit to longtime supporters and friends, Cheryl Marquez and Hal Hyde. Artists: Heidi Alonzo, Elyse and Stephan Biggs, Trino Castro, Kathleen Crocetti, Maia Cahill, Genevieve Daly, Catalina Delgado Trunk, Paul
E.A. Hall Middle School altar Mi Casa
DeWorken, E.A. Hall Middle School, David Fleming, Juan R. Fuentes, Ome Garcia, Maria Gitin, Rosa Hernandez, Geneffa Jonker, Vanessa Ledesma, Gaby Litsky, Priscilla Martinez, Martine Mahoudeau, Meritt Medusa, Cindy Rodriguez, Laura Ortiz-Spiegel, Samuel Torres, Graciella Vega, Martha Vega, Augie W.K, Gerardo Zambrano, Emauel Zúniga. n ••• Curated by: Tracy LeCroy and PVA Gallery Committee. Call 831-722-3062 for more information.
Anna Gertrude Hildebrant Lance and Joseph Beavers Lance • by David Fleming
Make the Holidays Brighter for a Family in Need
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By Christine Loewe
he holiday season has begun. The tinsel, glitter and endless supply of holiday baubles have arrived on store shelves, carols have begun playing over loudspeakers, and many are ready to turn their thoughts to the joy of the holiday season. While 2020 has upended so many daily norms, many are determined to not let it diminish the spirit that comes with the holiday. Unfortunately, while some are thinking of creative ways for safe, socially distant celebrations many others
are managing deep struggle this year. For those who lost their homes in the CZU fire, were impacted by COVID layoffs, and those facing a variety of economic and social hardships, the holidays bring yet another burden. Fortunately, in Santa Cruz County there are programs like the Volunteer Center Adopt a Family Project where community members can make a difference for a family in need. Each year the Volunteer
24 / November 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Center partners with 25 nonprofits to meet the needs of 400+ families. Partner nonprofits provide the project with a short bio about each family and a list of the items that each family member requests. Adopt a Family Project staff and volunteers then set to work connecting these families with donors. Requests include basic necessities like sheets, towels, or shoes along with special gift requests for the children.
“For many of us the holidays are such a joyous time with family and friends, but for struggling local families this is instead a stressful time of year. It is truly heartbreaking to read through our binder of family stories and to know that without this project these children might not have a warm jacket, let alone gifts or toys,” said Volunteer Center Adopt a Family Coordinator Aisha Charves. “Volunteer Center” page 29
