Scotts Valley Times December 2011 by Times Publishing Group

December 2011

C O M M U N I T Y N E W S T H AT M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E

Vol 14 No. 12

Serving Scotts Valley, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek & Felton

2011 Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Guide

Gathered donated gifts his season, the Volunteer Center invites community members to reach beyond their normal holiday celebrations and create new traditions through volunteering. The Volunteer Center maintains an on-line listing of Holiday Volunteer Annual Opportunities on their Valley website to make the Holiday search for holiday volProjects unteer opportunities Now through quick and easy. This Dec. 22 list will be available now through New Year’s and will be regularly updated throughout the season. To view the listing visit www.scvolunteercenter.org and check out the list of opportunities. Feel free to call the Volunteer Center with any questions about Holiday Volunteering at 831427-5070. ••• he Valley Churches United Missions Thanksgiving Project provides ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal. The Christmas Project provides toys, gifts, basic necessities and food to families, seniors, disabled and homeless.

Children of all ages gather at the Community Center for the Christmas Tree Lighting.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL Help the Hungry With Your Donation to Valley Churches United

his annual event is presented by our Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce businesses and community members to create a fun evening for our children of the Community… and all of us who are children at heart, especially

around Christmas. This Festival serves as a major fundraiser for Valley Churches United Missions. Be sure to come at this “Season of Giving” with arms loaded with cans of food for those less fortunate this Christmas.

The Scotts Valley Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival will take place on Saturday, December 3, at 5 pm, at the Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road. The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony features tal-

ented musicians of the community coming together to perform. You’ll be greeted by the Vine Hill Service Club and honor our Country’s flag with the Boy Scout Troop.

... continued on page 5

... continued on page 4

2 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityNews

Halloween Haunted House Fundraiser

Scotts Valley High School Raises over $7,600 to Fight Blood Cancer

n behalf of Scotts Valley Haunted House, Scotts Valley High School teacher Erik Wyner and SVHS students Jordan Rogers and Lizzie Torrez presented a check in the amount of $7,613 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Tuesday’s Scotts Valley Unified School District board meeting. Over the past nine years, Wyner has challenged and empowered students in a truly extraordinary program that combines project-based learning, leadership, peer mentoring and community service with creative arts, engineering, marketing, and communications to create a communitywide multigenerational event designed to scare you silly all while raising funds to fight blood cancer – the leading cause of cancer-related illness and death in teens. What began in 2003 as a class project by then-sophomore Chris Mylrea has turned into a highly anticipated community event attracting more than 1,400 visitors from throughout wider Silicon Valley and from as far as Colorado. This past October, the 9th annual Scotts Valley haunted house – a finely orchestrated experience that teamed 200 students volunteering more than 9,000 hours – resulted in a frightening encounter that many say rivals full-scale professional productions. Senior Jordan Rogers has been a driving force for the past three years, and this year she was Ringleader with Wyner. “It took her a while to get used to the idea that she could work as an equal with an adult on such a huge project,” says Wyner. “But because she did so, this year turned out to be phenomenal.” Sophomore Lizzie Torrez has been selected as next year’s Ringleader. She has big shoes to fill, and the planning process for next year is already underway. Wyner mentioned that he loves the student involvement. “It’s not just students deciding what to do, it’s the students running it. That’s not to say that there

aren’t adult volunteers, but the adults are being managed and directed by the kids…there are 211 kids there until the wee hours of the morning and there are no issues. They stay in character, stay busy and do their jobs.” “That’s one of the things I love about the Haunted House,” says Rogers. “It’s everyone coming together and it becomes a family.” She went on to mention that the project has been a positive force for the culture and climate at SVHS. “It’s not like the Hollywood movies here,” she says, “where student cliques don’t mix. All the groups— sports, drama, science, whatever — work together on this.” Early on, students decided to make the event a charity fundraiser and each year they vote on which organization to support. Last year, then-junior Erick Murai was diagnosed with leukemia and the students decided to donate the proceeds to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), recognizing the importance of funding research for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. “I am in constant awe of the passion and commitment displayed by students,” says LLS School and Youth Manager Brenda Hendricksen. “Nationwide, K-12 students raised $26 million last year in support of kids battling blood cancer. That is power. It’s just amazing.” The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. n ••• To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. For information about local School & Youth programs, visit www.schoolandyouth.org/ca or call 408-490-3116.

Table of Contents

Cover Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – Help the Hungry With Your Donation to Valley Churches United 2011 Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Guide

5 6 8 9 10 11 14 19 20 21 24 26 20

15 16 17 18

Community News Halloween Haunted House Fundraiser – Scotts Valley High School Raises over $7,600 to Fight Blood Cancer Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert McPherson runs for County Supervisor – Fifth district race now includes former Secretary Of State By Noel Smith • Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center Events Community Leader Alvin Scarborough Dies • SPCA Opens Pet Adoption Store in Capitola Mall The Nutcracker - A Santa Cruz tradition! December 16, 17 & 18 • Christmas with The Santa Cruz Chorale County is the Stage 2 Destination for 2012 Amgen Tour – AMGEN officials to visit Santa Cruz November 30 to determine where stage 2 will end Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to Protect 10,000 Acres – Group seeks final $2.5 million in $46 million fund-raising campaign • Valley Churches United Holiday Events A World of Many Colors – New Concert by the Santa Cruz World Choir and Orchestra • Santa Cruz County Bank Collecting for the Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive The Cobbler’s Tale New Director, New Projects – Big Changes at Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County • ‘Birdies For Charity’ – Golf Fans Support O’Neill Sea Odyssey’s Ocean Youth Program Give the Gift of Music – The Santa Cruz County Symphony Concert Season is here! Hospice of Santa Cruz County Understands the Journey of Grief and the Holidays Planning for ‘Music at Skypark – 2012’ to begin Sports Wrap Scotts Valley Post Football Season Ends – Final Effort Falls Short in CCS first-round playoff game

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Scotts Valley Chamber News • Pages 15-18 Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Biz Walk • Shop Scotts Valley! • New Nelson Addition! • Calendar of Upcoming Events “Black Ties & Red Roses” Dance Gala – Awards Recipients Honored in Style Scotts Valley Artisans Hosted Fantastic Business Networking Mixer • SV Water District’s 50-Year Celebration FINAL Opportunity – Book Your Travel to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day 2012 • Start 2012 Out Right – January Business Networking Mixer • Thank You to Our Renewing Members • Welcome to Our New Members Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 & 29

Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your December Horoscope - Annabel Burton, Astrologer©

22 23 25 27 30

Featured Columnists The Book Bag by Robert Francis – Books with holiday themes for all ages… EarthTalk® – Garlic & Onions May Help to Prevent Some Cancers Work in Progress by Camille Smith – There’s no pill for communication indigestion … only a cure Out & About by Josie Cowden Holiday Fire Precautions & Prevention by Mike Conrad, Division Chief Aptos La Selva Fire District SPCA Featured Pet • Page 31 – Hope is all it takes

Scotts Valley Times

VOL. 14 NO. 12

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 3

Scotts Valley Times publisher

Patrice Edwards publisher’s assistant

Lindsay Nelson editor

Noel Smith contributing writers

Noel Smith, Sharolynn Ullestad, Annabel Burton, Robert Francis, Camille Smith, Josie Cowden, Mike Conrad layout

Michael Oppenheimer, Mike Lyon graphic artists

Mike Lyon, Michael Oppenheimer production coordinator

Sandra Gonzalez advertising sales

Don Beaumont, Sadie Wittkins, Meredith Pozzi Feldsted office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Jana Mears

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, printed twice annually and Hospice Magazine, printed once annually, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2011. 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 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.cyber-times.com Graphics Dept: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: assistant@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com

CoverStory

“Holiday Gifts” from pg 1

They run Adopt-A-Family, Adopt a Senior Program, and a Christmas food Drive. Volunteers are needed to fill food bags, gift-wrap, for pick up and delivery, clerical support, and distribution help. They are open 7 days a week through Dec. 22. To Volunteer call 336-8258. ••• he California Grey Bears is a non-profit organization made up of seniors helping seniors. The organization’s Holiday Food Delivery is on Dec. 23-24, and help is needed to deliver food to seniors throughout the county. For more information, call 831-479-1055. ••• Adopt A Family Holiday Project Volunteers Needed he Holidays can be a worrisome time for families struggling to make ends meet. The Volunteer Center in partnership with fellow nonprofits, strives to make the holidays brighter for more than 400 local families by providing them with holiday packages of food, clothes, and gifts through the Adopt a Family Holiday Project. You can be the difference and share in the holiday spirit by volunteering to support this annual program. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the project session. Our Adopt a Family Phone Lines are now open Monday through Friday from 10am-4pm until Dec 9. Give a call to adopt a family, donate, volunteer or ask questions. 831427-5075 in Santa Cruz and 831-722-2364 in Watsonville.

T T

Beach Flats Community Center Annual Thanksgiving Meal oin us for our Thanksgiving dinner with all the Turkey Trimmings. This wonderful, warm celebration is open to all community members, and supports homeless & low-income folks. Volunteers needed to

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT:

www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement 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.

Volunteers work on decorations for gift packages.

4 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

help with the welcome table, set up, serving, kids activities and clean up. Dinner will be served from 3-6pm, but we will need volunteers from 1-7pm. Two hour shifts available. Dinner will take place at Beach Flats Park (corner of Raymond St. & Leibrandt Ave/ 160 Raymond Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060). In the case of rain, the meal will be held inside of the Beach Flats Community Center, at 133 Leibrandt Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Community Connection Thanksgiving Meal e are seeking 3-5 volunteers to support with preparing food for the Community Connection Thanksgiving Meal. This is a wonderful, free meal provided to low-income folks in south county @ the Watsonville Veteran’s hall. Traditionally, South County mental health staff serves the meal to the mental health clients in this festive, annual community event. Volunteers are needed to help prepare stuffing and mashed potatoes at the Watsonville Volunteer Center kitchen (located, adjacent to the Veteran’s Hall at 12 Carr Street, Santa Cruz, Ca 95076.) All ingredients and recipes will be provided, volunteers will simply support with the food prep work. Volunteer Shift. Tuesday, 11/22/11, from 9:30-12:30pm. For More Information/To Get Involved: Contact Community Connection Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Glynn @ rglynn@ccsantacruz.org or via phone 831.722.6708

Holiday Camping Trip Sat, Dec. 10, 9am to Sun Dec. 11, 5pm olunteers ages 18+ are needed to assist with a fun Holiday Camping Trip for developmentally disabled children and adults. Volunteers will spend the night at Camp Krem in Boulder Creek and assist campers with their needs during their overnight visit. Volunteers will help us

offer a wide array of activities including arts/crafts, music, dance, games, hiking. Volunteers will also assist with supervision, food prep and clean up. Please join us for this festive weekend, featuring tree trimming, a visit from Santa, a talent show and more! Volunteers should be mature, friendly and patient folks who can commit to a full weekend volunteer shift, from 9am on Saturday through 5pm on Sunday. Background Check required. To apply, email us at campkrem@gmail.com.

Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party Sunday Dec. 11 lice, again, will venture into the Rabbit Hole to attend (and help host) the Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party to benefit Toys For Tots in Santa Cruz County, sponsored for the third year by Aptos Seascape Beach Resort. This season, in an effort to involve as many characters as possible, the Mad Hatter is planning a cabaretstyle program, characters roaming tableto-table. This means adding an MC, performers, and yes, even MORE madness! Invited along to the party are the White Rabbit, King & Queen of Hearts, Jack of Hearts and the Caterpillar as character actors (adults please), and you know the rest! Event to benefit Toys For Tots-Santa Cruz County — Experienced child performers, and adults, are welcome to participate as: musical entertainers, · perform dance routines, · magicians, jugglers, and · performing skits that fit the theme. Bring us your creative ideas and talent for consideration! ·Adults needed for Director, Backstage and Production Crew assistance.

Community Connection Christmas Party Dec. 22 11am - 1pm ooks (12/21 evening and 12/22 morning, deliver to our offices on 12/22 by 10am) (in our kitchen: 12/22: 7-10:30am). We need one to three cooks to prepare a variety of dishes from cranberry sauce to turkey. Cook in the comfort of your home and deliver to our offices for the party or bring your favorite apron and whip it up in our kitchen on the morning of the 22nd. Set Up 12/21 2-5pm: The party planners are seeking two people to help with pre-party set up. This includes hanging decorations, arranging tables and other odd jobs to make our office a magical Winter Wonderland. One or two people are welcome to make detailed adjustments to the party setting just before our guests arrive. This includes setting up tables, preparing food trays, sign making, and other tasks for our elf helpers. Wrapping Gifts 12/21: The Elf Wrapping Crew can expect to become tape masters, red and green paper twirlers, and scissor symphonists. Come transform our purchases into picturesque presents. Please call or email for shift times. n

“Holiday Tree Lighting” from pg 1

We’ll sing Christmas carols together led by our musical team from Gateway Bible Church, listen to the music from the Scotts Valley High School Chorale, Vine Hill Service Club, and more. It’s a great celebration as the children welcome Santa as he arrives into town atop our own Scotts Valley Fire Engine. Visit with Santa and have your picture taken by a professional photographer, Jesse Gabriel Photography, for only the price of donated cans of food or cash. Your donated food cans (or cash) with get you a warm cup of soup in the Community Center as you wait for your opportunity to meet Santa.

CoverStory

It is a fun evening for all as we help build the donation Christmas Tree for Valley Churches United Missions with all the food supwe plies Celebrate bring. Santa’s Arrival In Come be a part of this Scotts Valley great Festival, Saturday, December 3, December 3, 5 pm 5:00 pm, at the Scotts Valley Community Center. Bring your family, friends, neighbors and associates of all ages and lots of food cans as we Light Up Scotts Valley together as a Community at our Scotts Valley Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. n

Children Gather to Greet Santa after the Lighting of the Christmas Tree.

CommunityBrief

Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert abrillo College Dance Department Presents Annual Winter Dance Concert Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 & 3 at 7:30 PM • Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:00 PM The Cabrillo College Dance Department proudly presents its annual The Winter Dance Concert. The concert

features dances by faculty and guest choreographers, performed by Cabrillo College dance students. Guest choreographers include Flex Dance Company’s Leslie Johnson, SambaDa’s Dandha Da Hora, Hip Hop choreographer Marissa Valera, and Damara Vita Ganley, of San Francisco’s critically acclaimed Joe Goode Performance Group. Faculty choreographers include David King, Cid Pearlman and Amy Farhood with her Watsonville Salsa Repertory class. Flex Dance Company and Dixie Fun Dance Theatre will also perform. n ~~~ Friday & Saturday, December 2 & 3 at 7:30 PM | Matinee Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:00 PM Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos Tickets: $12 General, $10 Students/Seniors, $8 Student Activity Card at www.brownpapertickets.com www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 5

CommunityNews

McPherson runs for County Supervisor

Fifth district race now includes former Secretary Of State

By Noel Smith

ounty redistricting could provide the opportunity for Bruce McPherson to continue his distinguished political career. The former owner and editor of the Santa Cruz Sentinel ran for his first political office, the California state assembly, in 1992 after stepping down as editor of the Santa Cruz Sentinel, which his family owned until 1982. The county recently went through a redistricting of Supervisor disBruce McPherson tricts to comply with the 2010 census. County Supervisors made a controversial decision to use the Hwy 17 as the border between districts 1 and 5 thereby splitting the city of Scotts Valley between the two supervisorial dis-

for me to help local tricts. This new “The opportunity to serve government deal boundary precluded two local Scotts as Supervisor comes at a with the state in proValley politicians time when political power viding the funding and services the from running for the is reverting more and state has promised.” soon-to-be open fifth more to the local level.” Stepping from district seat being — Bruce McPherson state office into local vacated by politics, McPherson Supervisor Mark Stone. Stone announced that he was run- joins State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto ning for the seat being vacated by who is planning to run for the Santa Assemblyman Bill Monning in the newly Clara County Board of Supervisors after reconfigured 29th Assembly district, his term in office ends in 2012. Other candidates that have declared which includes parts of Santa Cruz, they are in the 5th District race: Monterey and Santa Clara counties. San Lorenzo Valley contractor Eric The new fifth district boundaries Hammer, 43, a member of the moved McPherson into the position of Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks being able to run for the open seat. When District Board and President of the asked about his running McPherson said, “The opportunity to serve as Supervisor comes at a time when political power is reverting more and more to the local level. This also provides the possibility

6 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Boulder Creek Business Association. Former Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District chair John Abel, 56, a building analyst and licensed general contractor. Lompico County Water District board member Bill Smallman, member of the Lompico Water Conservancy, Sempervirens Fund and involved with the Santa Cruz County Land Trust. Former San Lorenzo Valley School board member Susan Weber. Current San Lorenzo Valley School Board member George Wylie, former director of programs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, a retired Navy and commercial pilot. n

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center Events

December 11, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. REE Family Holiday Gift Making Workshop: Facilitated by several of our talented teaching artists. Join us for artistic gift making fun for the whole family. Drop in any time during the 3-hour workshop to make a variety of beautiful holiday gifts and have some festive snacks. Intended for families: children must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

Gallery Exhibition

“The Gift of Art” through December 24, 2011 e turn our gallery into a BIG artful gift shop! Heaps of handmade goodies! Fifty local artists are participating in this show. Find that unique gift for that special someone in your life! Jewelry, textiles, ceramics, wood, glass, baskets, paintings, cards and more! Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 12 6 pm FREE Admission - All are welcome!

Classes & Workshops

Adult On-Going Classes Life Drawing - Tuesdays, 7–9:15 pm with facilitators rop in sessions for beginners or pros featuring a different model every week. Third Tuesday is long pose night with two models.

Raku with Dale Bates - Fridays 6 – 9 pm. Fire a little Raku with the master. Weather dependent. Clay Studios at the Art Center – Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 2 – 5 p.m. With Jody Snyder, Linda Levy and Travis Adams. Self-directed studio time & Projects Clay Expressions - Wednesdays 12 – 6 pm Wheel & Hand Travis Adams Suitable for beginning through advanced potters, this class is for experiencing an ancient creative and functional outlet that we all deserve in our lives. Beginning Ukulele - Mondays 5:00 - 6:30 pm Learn to play your ukulele with Marty Carlson starting with the C chord. Play songs together with others, the best way to learn. No prior experience necessary. Per class: $2 donation Intermediate Ukulele - Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm Ongoing class with Rick Duncan. Come a half-hour early for a basic introduction to the ukulele. Per class: $2 donation.

Youth Classes

FREE Teen After School Art Program Thursdays, 2:30 - 5 p.m. at SLV High School art room. Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center 9341 Mill Street Ben Lomond, Tel. 831-3363513 n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 7

CommunityNews

Community Leader Alvin Scarborough Dies

he sudden passing of Alvin Scarborough, 64, the president of Scarborough Lumber and a Ben Lomond resident, has left the communities of San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley in mourning. He died unexpectedly on Friday, November 18, at his family’s cabin in South Lake Tahoe. Scarborough was born Dec. 26, 1946, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. His family moved to Scotts Valley in 1955 and he graduated from Soquel High School in 1964. He worked at Standard Lumber Mills in Scotts Valley and then was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1967. His family opened the Scarborough Lumber & Hardware the next year. Scarborough and his brother Mike ran the business. He was active in local civic groups and donated generous amounts of

his time, money and materials to schools, businesses and clubs in both SLV and Scotts Valley but never in ways to draw attention to their good works. Linda Lovelace of Valley Churches United wrote, “VCUM is honored to be listed as Alvin Scarborough’s choice of charitable donations. I just saw him last week when he delivered the Boulder Creek Men’s Club’s donation for Thanksgiving. His car was burgeoning with goodies. Through his and the Club’s efforts, they have raised Alvin Scarborough $29,747.00 in donations (for VCUM) since 2006 not to mention the previous years. Our condolences

to his family, friends and community to suffer such a sudden and tragic loss.” In 2005 Alvin, Mike, and Karen Scarborough were made honorary members of the San Lorenzo Valley High School Hall of Fame, which stated in part, “The Scarborough family has… always been there for the schools.” n ••• Alvin Scarborough Dec. 26, 1946 ~ Nov. 18, 2011 Education: Santa Cruz High School and Soquel High School Military Service: 1967-1968 Career: Co-owner of Scarborough Lumber Civic Service: Member of the Boulder Creek Men’s Club; board member of the Pasatiempo Golf Club; member of the Scotts Valley Chamber of

Commerce; president of San Lorenzo Valley High School Athletic Boosters Club; founder of the San Lorenzo Valley High School Golf Booster Club Tournament Survived by: Mother Nena Scarborough; brother Mike Scarborough; sister Linda Gilbert; partner Jeannine Sirles; daughters Jeanna Cianciarulo, Krista Freeland, Mikala Clements and Aricka Scarborough; Vicki Scarborough, mother of his children; eight grandchildren; and five nieces and nephews. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday, November 26 at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, followed by a private burial at Santa Cruz Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions: Valley Churches United Missions, 9400 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond

tors can also expect to see award winning Santa Cruz photographer Portia Shao at the new store offering holiday pet portraiture for new adopters as well as the public and their pets. High fashion canine garments MyFavoriteCouture made by local designer Anastasia Torres-Gil, will also be on display for sale. Manager of the Capitola Mall, Merrie Ann Millar, invited the Santa Cruz SPCA into their high traffic shopping center because of her love for animals. “I have always had wonderful experiences with SPCA and it’s a chance for everyone to learn more about the organization and what they actually do for our community. The bonus is that this exposure leads to more animals finding “forever” homes.” Millar said. One-day adoption events have been held at the Capitola Mall in the past, but nothing quite like this. “We feel absolutely privileged to have been given this amazing opportunity and plan to put as much effort into it as possible,” said Lisa Carter, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz SPCA. The chance to showcase adoptable animals

while interacting with the public on a large scale is a wonderful and welcome change. “We look forward to being more accessible to the public and for our orphaned animals to have a greater amount of exposure. Running this store in such a well-known place will help us really show people who we are as an organization,” said Carter. The mall also sees the partnership as beneficial. “Retail locations make great alternative adoption centers for people who do not want to visit the shelter. It benefits the mall by attracting visitors that might not come to the mall otherwise,” says Capitola Mall manager, Merrie Ann Millar.

Adoption policies and procedures will be followed as normal and the original shelter will continue to run as usual. The Santa Cruz SPCA recently purchased land for the construction of a new home shelter and is currently in the design process. As pet lovers, we are excited to see the world continue to lean in the animalfriendly direction, with big business providing animal organizations and owners alike opportunities directly benefiting their pets. n ••• The Santa Cruz SPCA is a private, nonprofit, no-kill rescue that relies solely on donations. They are located at 2685 Chanticleer Ave in Santa Cruz. Visit their website at www.santacruzspca.org or call 831-465-5000.

SPCA Opens Pet Adoption Store in Capitola Mall

n November 15, tails began wagging at the new Santa Cruz SPCA store in the Capitola Mall for the holiday season. The 5,000 square foot retail space is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering dog and cat adoptions as well as the sale of jewelry, tshirts, greeting cards and other SPCA merchandise. Aside from adoptable animals, visi-

8 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityNews

The Nutcracker - A Santa Cruz tradition!

December 16, 17 & 18

ith the assistance of the ” She appreciates playing in her own Orchestra Manager, Norman town: “It holds a special charm.” In Santa Peck, Maestro John Larry Cruz, she can enjoy seeing current and Granger gathers the Santa Cruz Ballet former music students both onstage and Theatre Orchestra together each year in the audience. It takes a lot of people working hard since Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher, moved their Nutcracker to the Civic to make sure this masterpiece by Tchaikovsky come to life each December. Auditorium in 2006. Tchaikovsky is renowned for being a All the musicians agree that Santa Cruz master of orchestration, and gives every Ballet Theater provides a magical producinstrument something special to do. The tion and that the holiday season would pleasure of playing the music is some- not be complete without The Nutcracker. Maestro John Larry Granger conthing that John Larry Granger encourtends that The ages, at the same Nutcracker is one of time expecting, the great symphonic Starring Guest Artists and alumni indeed demanding, scores that never Melody Herrera and each musician’s best gets old; as such, it Lucien Postlewaite, with effort. continues to be a Conductor Larry Granger and the Norman says ballet that pleases Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Orchestra not only is this proaudiences all over at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium duction glorious the world. His own looking, but also rewards in the perbecause the musicians are in full view of the audience, they formance include working with Robert are more involved and immersed in Kelley, Diane Cypher and their dancers and guest artists. “Of course, the greatest bringing this story to the audience. Concert Mistress Kristina Anderson, reward is witnessing the glow on the a local professional violinist, said: “The audience’s faces after they have enjoyed music, especially for the first violins, is this magical experience.” Co-Artistic Director Diane Cypher very difficult. The overture to The Nutcracker is on auditions for says that live music has changed the permany major symphonies, and takes prac- formance for the dancers. “They are so ticing every year, no matter how many very fortunate to have the experience of times one may have played it.” She loves waiting for the conductor’s downbeat seeing the young dancers experiencing before they start to dance and making eye the grandeur and sheer danceability of contact with him on certain phrases for this music as the story of The Nutcracker tempo. It is a thrilling experience for them and contributes to the electricity of unfolds. Polly Mahan, who plays viola in the live performance.” Co-Artistic Director orchestra, was introduced to this holiday Robert Kelley agrees and adds that there tradition as a child. She says, “I was five is no doubt that the orchestra brings the the first time. I was thrilled and insist- story to life in a way that a recording caned on starting ballet lessons immediately! not. The fact that the audience can both

listen to and watch the musicians along with the dancers makes the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre production even more compelling, especially for children.

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre hopes that you will join the orchestra and the dancers to enjoy the gift that is The Nutcracker. n

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s annual production of “The Nutcracker”

The Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s annual presentation of The Nutcracker will be performed for the sixth time at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium with a 55-piece symphony orchestra conducted by John Larry Granger. Performances: Friday, December 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, December 17 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 18 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online through www.scbt.org or 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. An additional Nutcracker Sweet Treats backstage event, a delight for children of all ages, can be purchased separately.

CommunityBrief

Christmas with The Santa Cruz Chorale oin the Santa Cruz Chorale and friends in celebrating the Christmas season. Friday, December 16, 7 pm Our Lady Help of Christians 2401 East Lake Ave, Watsonville Saturday, December 17 8 pm – Sunday, December 18, 4 pm, Holy Cross Church, 170 High St. Santa Cruz Performing Bach’s Nun komm der Hieden Heiland, Magnificat in D major by Monteverdi, and some wonderful Renaissance Motets and Christmas songs from around the world. The Chorale will be joined by some of the

Bay area’s finest instrumentalists. Tickets are available online www.santacruzchorale.org, from members of the Chorale or at the door. General Admission $23, Seniors $19, Students $5 For information call 831-427- 8023

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 9

CommunityNews

County is the Stage 2 Destination for 2012 Amgen Tour

AMGEN officials to visit Santa Cruz November 30 to determine where stage 2 will end

fter reviewing more than 100 submissions from cities throughout California, presenter of the Amgen Tour of California, AEG, has announced the 13 official Host Cities for the 2012 race to include Santa Cruz. Considered America’s largest and most prestigious professional road cycling stage race, the seventh consecutive edition of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California will travel more than 750 miles from May 13 – 20, 2012. “Our goal for the Amgen Tour of California has always been to create a route that not only provides a challenging race for the world’s top cyclists, but one that highlights the beauty and diverse terrain that make up the great state of California as well,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California. “Every year we challenge ourselves to

AMGEN racers are preparing to make their way to Santa Cruz County in 2012.

raise the bar once again and create a route more challenging than the last, but that’s the great thing about planning a race in

10 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

California, there is so much from which we can choose. From epic climbs to fast and flat stages to rolling hills and thrilling finishes by the sea, California has it all.” “This race is special because it takes place in one of the most beautiful places in the world – California,” said Chris Horner, 2011 Amgen Tour of California champion. “The Host Cities are always so welcoming and the crowds are always great, not to mention, they provide some of the toughest racing terrain around! I’m looking forward to racing in California again and defending my title in 2012.” This year Stage 1 of the race will start in Santa Rosa, hometown of three-time Amgen Tour of California Champion Levi Leipheimer. “I’m so proud to have the Amgen Tour of California coming back to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County in 2012,” said Levi Leipheimer, three-time race winner (2007, 2008, 2009) and Santa Rosa resident. “As host of the overall start on May 13, we’ll

have a chance to show off our home town to the world. I’m looking forward to introducing some of the best cyclists in the world to some of the best cycling in the world – right here in my back yard.” Stage 2 takes the riders from San Francisco to Santa Cruz County for starting with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop and once again bringing the route back along the picturesque coast of the Pacific Ocean. “The County of Santa Cruz is honored to be selected to host a stage of the Amgen Tour of California. From Coastal redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the breathtaking beauty of the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz County offers a challenging course for the cyclists and spectacular viewing for cycling enthusiasts. With cycling such a significant sport in our community we anticipate a great deal of enthusiasm and ample local support to make the Santa Cruz County stage of this world renowned event a success” said Santa Cruz County Second District Supervisor, Ellen Pirie. Stage 3 heads inland beginning in San Jose (the only city to be a Host City each of the previous six years of the event) and ending in Livermore, traversing an entirely new part of the State not showcased in previous editions of the race. Stage 4 will start in Sonora, a new city for 2012, and wind its way south, featuring several new climbs, before what’s sure to be a dramatic sprint finish in Clovis. Stage 5, the much-anticipated Individual Time Trial, will be held in Bakersfield, a city that has hosted the Amgen Tour of California before Stage 6 will start in Palmdale and head to Big Bear Lake, which was the site of a thrilling stage finish in 2010 when

Photo Credit: Doug Pensinger

“AMGEN” > 12

CommunityNews

Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to Protect 10,000 Acres

Group seeks final $2.5 million in $46 million fund-raising campaign

he Land Trust of Santa Cruz County announced today that it is in the home stretch of a campaign to protect 10,000 acres critical to water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreational and economic opportunities for the people of Santa Cruz County by the end of 2012. This campaign is the first step in the implementation of the Land Trust’s Conservation Blueprint, which called for the protection of five times as much land over the next 25 years. A key acquisition over the next year will be the 1,200-acre Star Creek Ranch in the Pajaro Hills, the start of a long-term protection effort in that region. The Pajaro Hills are situated east of Watsonville and west of the Highway 101 corridor and form a natural greenbelt between Santa Cruz County and the urban growth that is spreading from San Jose to Salinas. “By the end of 2012, we will have protected a slice of old California that each generation will be able to discover anew,” said Terry Corwin, Executive Director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. Acquisition of Star Creek Ranch is the start of a long-term goal to protect 24,000 acres in the region, Corwin said, noting that the Land Trust’s Conservation Blueprint identifies the Pajaro Hills as a priority area for conservation. The hills provide a critical link between the Santa Cruz Mountains and Gabilan Range and protect the long-

The Land Trust campaign to protect 10,000 acres of land by the end of 2012; more land Wilder Ranch State Park or within the Santa Cruz city limits. term health of wide-ranging species like of its four Living Landscape Initiative partners, POST (Peninsula Open Space Trust), the mountain lion and badger. In addition to protecting the Pajaro Save the Redwoods League and Hills, the organization will secure a conser- Sempervirens Fund on another major projvation easement on 80 acres of apple ect that the Land Trust plans to announce orchard in the Pajaro Valley by the end of in the near future. The total cost of protecting 10,000 the year. The transaction will keep the land in private ownership and permanently set acres will exceed $46 million. The Land aside the property for agriculture. Trust anticipates raising most of that from Although the Land Trust currently protects another 1,300 acres of farmland in the Pajaro Valley, this transaction marks the first protected orchard land in the region. The campaign will also fund the protection of 100 acres of rare Sandhills habitat. The organization is working with three

foundations, state bond measures and other conservation partners. A quarter of it, $13.5 million will be raised locally from individuals – making the campaign one of the largest in county history. The Land Trust says it has already raised $11 million from a few key donors and from its Board of Trustees – and is seeking to raise the final $2.5 million within the next year. “The big lesson I’ve learned these past six years is that the people of this county love it – and that they will dig deep to protect it for those who will follow us,” says Corwin. n ••• Formed in 1978 by local residents concerned about protecting the lands that make Santa Cruz County special, the Land Trust has protected more than 3200 acres of land and worked with other organizations to protect another 9,000 acres. The trust protects both working lands, like farms and timberland, and natural lands with high conservation value – thus protecting water supplies, wildlife habitats and open space. For more information and to browse a photo gallery of the lands the Land Trust will protect over the next year, visit www.landtrustsantacruz.org.

Valley Churches United Holiday Events Thursday, December 1 17th Annual Angel Awards Gala Dinner and Auction Scopazzi’s Restaurant 13300 Big Basin Way Boulder Creek Begins 6 pm, no host cocktails and raffle ticket sales. Live Music by Scotts Valley High School Vocal & Ensemble. Dinner 7 pm, beef or salmon with wine Advance purchase $55 — At the door $60. For reservations, call 336-8258 Great Auction Items include lodging, ski trips, casino trips, restaurants and a special Treasure Chest Saturday, December 3 Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce “Holiday Tree Lighting Festival & Food Drive” Scotts Valley Community Center 360 Kings Village Road 5 p.m. Music & Santa Pictures

Sunday, December 4 Ghost Mtn. Riders of Lompico “Bikers Santa” Canned Food Drive & Christmas Party 1-5 pm Portuguese Hall, 216 Evergreen St. Santa Cruz near Harvey West Park Live music provided by “ Whiskey Ninjas, and The Smokin’ King Snakes “ Admission $ 5.00 with 2 cans or $10.00 with no cans. For info: 335-7720 Benefits Valley Churches United Missions Saturday, December 10 Joe’s Bar Annual Spaghetti Feed and Food Drive 6 pm Boulder Creek. For info: 338-9417 Sunday, December 19 San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce “Light up the Valley“ Potluck, Raffle & Awards. Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9 Felton www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 11

“AMGEN” from pg 10

Michael Rogers (AUS) of HTC-Columbia secured his place as the race leader. For 2012, new challenges arise as a new climb is thrown into the mix. Stage 7 of the race will start in Ontario, another new city for 2012, and available to people affected by cancer once again include a grueling route to the through its Breakaway from Cancer® initop of Mt. Baldy. During the 2011 race, Mt. tiative. A leading global biotechnology Baldy was the scene of an electric stage fin- company with headquarters in California, ish when American cyclists and Amgen’s invaluable support has helped to RadioShack teammates Chris Horner and ensure the continued success of the race Levi Leipheimer crossed and impact beyond the the finish line first and secsporting arena. America’s Premier ond respectively. Tacking “Amgen stands ready Cycling Race on an additional 10 miles to collaborate with this to the route with the start year’s Host City communiMay 13 to 20, 2012 in Ontario, Stage 7 will ties to spread awareness Challenging Route likely prove to be the about our company, our to Take Cyclists penultimate stage once mission to serve patients, Over More Than again. and the incredible support 750 Miles of Stage 8, the final stage services that are available California Terrain of the 2012 Amgen Tour of at no cost to people affectCalifornia, will take place in ed by cancer through the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, sending Amgen’s nonprofit Breakaway from riders in and around L.A. through the sports Cancer partner organizations,” said Stuart and entertainment district which includes Arbuckle, vice president and general manSTAPLES Center and Nokia Theatre for an ager, Amgen Oncology. epic overall finish to a thrilling race. The Amgen Tour of California continFor 2012, Amgen will return as the ues to draw global attention as one of the title sponsor for the seventh consecutive most anticipated cycling events of the year year, continuing to leverage the race to – one that attracts Olympic medalists, raise awareness of the important resources World Champions and the top Tour de

12 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

France competitors. “Everyone always looks forward to the Amgen Tour of California because it has it all – a challenging route, fierce competition, incredible fans and a beautiful setting,” said Christian Vande Velde, who placed fourth overall in the 2011 Amgen Tour of California. “I feel proud to be an American cyclist right now, when events like this race not only showcase the great racing that takes place here, but the amazing talent as well.” The 13 Host Cities for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California include: Stage 1: Sunday, May 13 – Santa Rosa Stage 2: Monday, May 14 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County Stage 3: Tuesday, May 15 – San Jose to Livermore Stage 4: Wednesday, May 16 – Sonora (new for 2012) to Clovis Stage 5: Thursday, May 17 – Bakersfield (Individual Time Trial) Stage 6: Friday, May 18 – Palmdale to Big Bear Lake Stage 7: Saturday, May 19 – Ontario (new for 2012) to Mt. Baldy

Stage 8: Sunday, May 20 – Los Angeles/L.A. LIVE The largest cycling event in America, the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, which challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 13-20, 2012. Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. n ••• To learn more about our pioneering science and vital medicines, visit http://www.amgen.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen. Founded in 2005 by Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer® is a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship. For more information, please visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com or follow us @BreakawayCancer on Twitter. AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. For more information, visit AEG today at www.aegworldwide.com.

CommunityNews

A World of Many Colors

New Concert by the Santa Cruz World Choir and Orchestra

he Santa Cruz World Choir and Orchestra is a labor of love for composer and artistic director Stephen Bigger, and his labor is back on display with “A World of Many Colors” taking

place at the Rio Theater on December 11. Now in it’s second season, the SCWCO is unlike any other group in the area. Influenced by the visual artistry of performances like cirque du soleil, and the musical impact of groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, SCWCO draws upon the great wealth of talent in the area and brings a unique flavor to their holiday performance. This is not your typical choir. A veteran composer from a musical family many of the works to be performed are original compositions by Stephen Bigger. “ Growing up, music was everywhere, I would be trying to write a song on the piano in my bedroom... “I’d play like eight

14 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

chords in a progression (probably copping Chopin) and say “dad- what comes next?” and he would say, “its your song. What do you want to come next?” “ I approach composing for the group in a few different ways. Sometimes I will just listen to a certain style of music or a group from a particular region and listen for what is the unique flavor of that culture. I then begin to compose something for the group. Other times, a melody will get into my head and I have no choice but to get it out. Often, it will be influenced by what I have been listening to.” Stephen’s approach to taking the worlds musical traditions and blending them together is not only echoed in this year’s concert, featuring special guest, The Taiko Ensemble of Watsonville, it is also how Stephen is cooperating with other local groups to grow the audience for all. “ I first met Stephen last year in the Ugly Mug in Soquel. He was sitting next to me talking about the choir and how to market a new musical ensemble,” said

M i c h a e l Logue, a member of the Cruz Santa Chorale and now also an integral part of the SCWCO. “ I was intrigued, so I introduced myself. We began regular conversations about how we could grow the audience for each our groups by cooperating. In today’s economy it is the only way for the arts to thrive.” n ••• This years SCWCO concert, A World of Many Colors, is December 11, 7 pm at the Rio Theatre 205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. Tickets are $15 in advance available online from www.santacruzworldchoir.com or $20 at the door.

Santa Cruz County Bank Collecting for the Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive

n preparation for the holidays and to help provide much needed nutrition for the 55,000 individuals served by the Second Harvest Food Bank each month, each of Santa Cruz County Bank’s five local banking offices will serve as a com- For every $1 raised, four meals are providmunity drop off location for Second ed. Every full barrel provides 125 pounds Harvest Food Bank’s of food and feeds Holiday Food Drive. 100 people. The Bank’s goal is to col- overSanta The public is encourCruz lect over 10,000 pounds County aged to make cash Bank’s donations or bring in Harvest of food for the local Second non-perishable food Holiday Food Drive Food Bank. All Santa Collection Locations: items to fill the Holiday Food Drive Cruz County Bank locaAptos – 7775 barrels, such as soups, Soquel Drive tions are stocked with stews, beans, rice, Capitola – 819 Food Collection barrels Bay Avenue pasta, cereal, canned meats, tuna, peanut Santa Cruz – 720 and cash contribution butter, canned fruits Front Street receptacles through and vegetables. Scotts Valley – December 16. The Bank’s goal is 4604 Scotts Valley to collect over 10,000 Drive pounds of food for the local Food Bank. All Santa Cruz County Watsonville – 595 Auto Center Drive n Bank locations are stocked with Food ••• Collection barrels and cash contribution 2011 marks the eighth year that Santa receptacles through December 16, 2011. Cruz County Bank has participated in the

Chamber of Commerce Biz Walk

We Had a Great Day on the Streets of Scotts Valley

he Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce launched a new program last month called the “Business Walk,” which occurred on Wednesday, November 2. Representatives of the Chamber and City leaders walked the streets of Scotts Valley to visit with our local businesses and find out “How’s business?” The goal of this “walk” was to give individual business owners and managers the opportunity to talk with the business and civic leadership of our City who have the ability to act on their behalf and work together to ensure a more prosperous business climate here in Scotts Valley based on the information we garner from our local business owners. Our first Biz Walk was Great! With the forecast of rain not becoming a reality, the sunny day brought out a couple dozen

Vice Mayor Donna Lind joined by Chamber Member Denise Vivar set out with their clipboards for the First Annual Scotts Valley Chamber Biz Walk.

Chamber volunteers and we set out to visit businesses all across the City. In the course of the day, we were able to visit with 130 businesses and listen to what our local business community had to share. All our Volunteers came back with very positive stories to share and we heard

Shop Scotts Valley!

he Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce encourages you to take the time to think about our local businesses when you are shopping for your Christmas gifts. Shopping in your Community helps keep your tax dollars supporting your City services. When you shop in your own Community, you are supporting your Neighbors and Friends. Stay Local. — SHOP SCOTTS VALLEY!

a lot of input on what is good about doing business in Scotts Valley and areas we need to look at to assist our businesses in 2012. Since the surveys were open-ended questions, it will take a while to compile all the data collected. However, the most resounding answers we heard from our Biz Walk was that business-owners like doing business in Scotts Valley because of this Great Community of people! A big thank you is extended to the Sacramento Metro Chamber for sharing this Business Walk program with us and allowing us to implement their template. This program is designed specifically to help businesses in the community stay in business, and we are looking forward to working to better some of the challenges that were presented to us on this first Biz Walk. To all that participated, A Great Big Thank You!

New Nelson Addition!

Calendar of Upcoming Events December 3 • Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:00 pm

Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Rd.

December 5 • FINAL Sign-up & Informational Meeting on 2012 Ireland Trip, 6 pm

Scotts Valley Chamber Office, 360 Kings Village Rd.

December 25 Merry Christmas!

December 26-30 Chamber Office Closed

January 1 Happy New Year 2012!

January 26 • The Scotts Valley Chamber’s First 2012 Business Networking Mixer, 5:30 – 7 pm Scotts Valley Host Lions at Mint Fine Living & Fresh Bites, 4652 Scotts Valley Dr.

Scotts Valley Chamber Board of Directors President Erik Nelson (Wells Fargo Bank) and wife Amy welcomed their new son into the family. Olin Bodie Girot Nelson was born September 22 joining his big brother Finn into our ever-growing Chamber family. Congratulations to the Nelsons!

Join us at Our Christmas Tree Lighting December 3rd!

February 4 • Free Financial Planning Clinic, 2 – 6 pm

Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Rd.

Call the Chamber Today or visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 15

Scotts Valley Chamber News

‘Black Ties & Red Roses’ Dance Gala

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Honored 2011 Community Awards Recipients in Style

he Hilton was THE place to be Saturday evening, November 12 as Scotts Valley Community members and friends gathered to celebrate with the 2011 Awardees at the annual Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala. Guests enjoyed the Delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by Hilton’s Chef as they mingled and bid on the fantastic auction items donated by our generous Chamber business members. There was so much delicious food and wine, and so many great auction items to choose from – both Live and silent! Of

course, the festive mood was set by the aroma of the beautiful red roses around the room and the music of the “Sparkletones” who entertained us the minute the doors were opened, and then on into the late hours of the night as the dancing revved up. It was a great evening with our SVHS students joining in the fun with the adults on the dance floor. While Celebrating our 54th year as the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, members and friends recognized our outstanding Community leaders for 2011: Woman of the Year Scotts Valley’s Vice Mayor, Donna Lind Sharemi Ullestad Memorial Youth of the Year Tyler Marshall Man of the Year Don Dumller

16 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Business of the Year Scotts Valley Market Organization of the Year Friends of Scotts Valley Library Beautification Project of the Year Interact Clubs of SVHS & SVMS The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce was proud to honor these deserving individuals, businesses and organizations of the Community with a beautiful video presentation prepared by Ron Haedicke of Freedom Media Services. We enjoyed the humor of our resident judge, the Honorable Paul Marigonda, who served as Master of Ceremonies for this event. Event Chairwoman Diane Bianconi of DBM Enterprises designed the beautiful décor with an assist from our Chamber Ambassadors. The Lively auc-

tion was conducted by the father-son Slawinski Auction team - Bob and Rob Slawinski. These wonderful pictures were taken all evening courtesy of Jesse Flippen of Jesse Gabriel Photography. We were honored by the accolades given our Chamber by Vic Marani, President of the Santa Cruz County Board of Education, for being the only Chamber of Commerce in the County who honors the youth of our Community. It was a fantastic evening joining students and adults in a great celebration. The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce wants to thank all our volunteers and donors who helped make this evening such a great success. It was definitely a gala to remember with “Black Ties and Red Roses.”

2010 Man of the Year John Hohman honors 2011 Man of the Year Don Dumller • And we Danced! • Woman of the Year Donna Lind with Sister and Brother in Law • Annette Marcum and June Amelunk of Valley Churches United Missions • Auctioneers Bob Slawinski and Diane Bianconi • Bob Mazurek gets into the Dance • Deborah VanBruggen accepts award for the Friends of Scotts Valley Library • Erik Nelson awards Donna Lind as 2011 Woman of the Year • Event Photographers Jesse and Susan Flippen • Let the dance begin - with a Line dance • Mayor Dene Bustichi awards Ron Clements of Scotts Valley Market the 2011 Business of the Year • 2010 Woman of the Year Kelly Gladder and Friends • Lovely Ladies enjoying the Gala • Our Men in Black - Black Ties • Police Chief John Weiss and Chamber Director Sharolynn Ullestad congratulate Man of the Year Don Dumller • SVHS Interact Club with their Rotary Sponsors • The Sparkletones Kept the evening Lively • Tyler Marshall accepts the Sharemi Ullestad Youth of the Year Award from her Mother Sharolynn • Mr and Mrs Ron Clements dance the First Awardees Dance

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley Artisans Hosted Fantastic Business Networking Mixer

ovember 17 found Chamber members enjoying a pre-Thanksgiving dinner of turkey meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy and all the Thanksgiving fixin’s as we gathered at Scotts Valley Artisans in Kings Village Shopping Center for our November business networking mixer. We met several of the local artists who showcase their fine art pieces at this

wonderful store and started our Christmas shopping, as well as our personal “Wish Lists.” Dawn Teall and Pam Nielsen have created a beautiful store filled with fantastic Art by local artists. Be sure to stop in and do your Christmas shopping here where you will find great one-of-a-kind gifts for all and support our local Scotts Valley Artisans!

Ambassador Wendy Von Bach Welcomes guests • Dawn Teall shares details about our Local Artisans • Larry Beaman begins his Christmas shopping • Newest Chamber Members Phil and Kathy Bogner • Our Hosts: Dawn Teall and Pam Nielsen • Paul McKellar, Kathy Carney and Mike Bini enjoy shopping at SV Artisans

SV Water District’s 50-Year Celebration

he Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated with the Scotts Valley Water District on their 50 years of service to Scotts Valley. It was a great evening of delicious food prepared by Mint Fine Living and Fresh Bites and fine wine served by our newest Scotts Valley Winery – Skov Winery. We enjoyed live music as Scotts Valley Water Board members past and present

joined together to celebrate this big anniversary. Mayor Dene Bustichi was on hand to present the Official Mayoral Proclamation and we enjoyed the delicious birthday cake after Board members blew out the candles. It was truly a fun evening of celebration with the Scotts Valley Water District. Congratulations on your 50 years of Service to our Community!

Scotts Valley Chamber Members Get special rates for advertising in the section of the

SCOTTS VALLEY TIMES Learn how to get a FREE FULL PAGE BUSINESS PROFILE in the

SCOTTS VALLEY TIMES Chamber Director Sharolynn Ullestad awards 50th Anniversary Placque to Water Board President Chris Perri • City Councilmember Randy Johnson with Annette Marcum of Valley Churches United Missions • Mayor Dene Bustichi presents the City's Mayoral Proclamation • Raffle time with Becky McMillion, Diane Bianconi and Vice Mayor Donna Lind • The Chefs of Mint Cafe • Uli and Farah Theissen of Gobosource enjoy the celebration • Vice Mayor Donna Lind presents anniversary cake to Director Charles McNiesh and Board members Kassis, Miller, Hodgin, and Mosely

For more information or to place an ad contact:

Don Beaumont • 831-713-9291 Donbea@cyber-times.com www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 17

Scotts Valley Chamber News

FINAL Opportunity to Book Your Travel to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day 2012

he Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to join with us for an 8-day journey in March 2012. Make St. Patrick’s Day 2012 the most memorable of your life by celebrating the day with the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce… in Ireland. Where better to experience the Luck o’ the Irish than with the locals in Ireland itself. Spots for this tour have been filling up fast so we will offer one last opportunity to be a part of this great Ireland trip! We will be staying at the world renowned Adare Manor Hotel & Golf

Conwy Castle • Courtesy of FreeFoto.com

Resort, with a five star rating. Ideally located within a 15-minute walk from the Manor house, Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is set in the heart of an 840-acre estate. Each villa has two, three or four bedrooms with private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchen. This will be our home for the entire time we are in Ireland – so no packing up your suitcases and moving here and there while we visit other sites. We will visit the Cliffs of Moher, the market town and fishing port of Dingle, “Rock of Cashel”— the dramatic limestone rock crowned with secular and religious buildings- visit Kilkenny Castle built in the 13th century, enjoy a medieval-style dinner and entertainment in Bunratty Castle, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the town of Adare, where there will be many local festivities. All this for only $2199 per person, including round trip air from San Francisco. Join us Monday evening, December 5

Start 2012 Out Right

oin with us for our First 2012 Business Networking Mixer hosted by the Scotts Valley Host Lions Club. The mixer will be held at the newly remodeled Mint Café and Wine Bar – serving their delicious food and drink for the evening. This is a great opportunity to start your year of networking out right, learn more about what the Scotts Valley Host Lions do here in Scotts Valley and enjoy the new look of Mint Café. Be sure to bring your raffle items to

January Business Networking Mixer

Thursday, January 26, 5:30 – 7 pm

Hosted by Scotts Valley Lions Club at the Mint Café and Wine Bar 4652 Scotts Valley Dr. Scotts Valley

showcase your business and plenty of business cards to share with your new contacts. Admission is $5 for Chamber Members and $10 for prospective members. Don’t miss it! Mark your calendar now!

in the Scotts Valley Chamber Newsletter

Last Informational Booking Meeting

Monday, December 5 • 6-7 pm Scotts Valley Chamber Office 360 Kings Village Road

Our Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sharolynn Ullestad (second from right) joined with six other Bay Area Chamber Executives in meeting with Representative Anna Eshoo to discuss the challenges facing our businesses in California.

Welcome to Our New Member Phil Bogner Heating & Air Conditioning

Phil Bogner 297 Green Valley Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831 438-1102 www.bognerheatingandair.com

Thank You to Our Renewing Members Mint Fine Living & Fresh Bites Redwoods Pet Sitting Scotts Valley Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce 360 King’s Village Road Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Advertise

at 6 pm at the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce office, next to the Scotts Valley Community Center, and take a look at this trip of a lifetime. Time is running out to be a part of this fantastic Ireland Adventure so this will be our last meeting to offer this exciting trip. Don’t miss out!!

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Santa Cruz, CA Permit No. 329

Change Service Requested CALL FOR FOR CALL

SPECIAL RATES

831.438.1010

18 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityNews

The Cobbler’s Tale

nce upon a time there was a cobbler, a good and honorable man. One Christmas Eve he dreamed that the next day, on Christmas, Christ was coming to his humble shop. Christmas morning he got up early and went to the woods to gather green boughs to decorate his shop for so great a Guest. He laid out a fine woolen cape and some blankets to give to the Lord. He lit a fire and set out bread and meat, and put the kettle on to boil. All morning he waited, then a feeble old man came to his door asking to rest. The cobbler invited him in to sit and rest by the fire where he gave the old man hot tea and cakes. When he left the cobbler

gave him a package of his best bread and meat. The day became afternoon. He saw a wounded soldier; his feet wrapped in bloody rags, limping slowly down the street. The cobbler called and invited him into his shop. He bathed the soldier’s feet, wrapping them in clean cloth. He then gave the grateful soldier the sturdiest shoes in the shop. When the soldier left, there was a new strength in his step. As evening approached, the cobbler became discouraged. Just then a young woman walked by shivering and crying, carrying a baby in her arms. The cobbler called to her asking what was wrong. “Oh, sir,” she said, “My husband died of the fever so I couldn’t pay the rent. The

landlord put us out of our home and I’m traveling to the next town to stay with my husband’s parents. But it’s so far, I’m so hungry, and my baby is so cold.” The cobbler brought her in to share his dinner with her. He took the woolen cape and the blankets he had set aside for the Christ and gave them to the woman to keep her and the baby warm. Then, he hitched up his horse and cart and drove the woman to the next town. It was very late and Christmas was over when he finally got home. Sure that he had missed the Christ he cried out,

“Why, Lord? Why did you not come? Was I so unworthy?” He sank to his knees in tears. Then it seemed he heard a Voice, sweeter than any other: “My child, I kept my word. Three times I visited you and three times you showed your love for Me. I was the old man; I was the poor soldier; I was the cold and hungry woman and her baby. You warmed Me at your fire. You bandaged My wounded feet. You fed Me and clothed Me. Did I not say, ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of My brethren, you do it to Me.’” Merry Christmas! n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 19

SportsWrap

Scotts Valley’s Football Season Comes to an End

Falcons’ Final Effort Falls Short in the first round of the CCS tournament

hard fought game came to a dramatic end when Sacred Heart Prep (SHP) quarterback Jack Larson completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Pat Bruni with only 10.5 seconds remaining in the game’s fourth quarter. The play ended a 13-point comeback from the host Gators, who defeated Scotts Valley 27-20 November 19 in Atherton.

The Gators had trailed 20-14 entering the fourth quarter but a 13-yard pass from Larson to Duke Moran had tied the game 20-20. The two schools had met in a pre-season on Sept. 23, which SHP won by two touchdowns. This was a very different game, but unfortunately with the same result. The touchdown was part of a 13 points scored in the fourth quarter by SHP, overcoming a 17-7 Falcon half time lead. Two SHP turnovers in the first half, an interception and a fumble that Falcons Senior Spencer Fogelquist ran back 15 yards for a touchdown, gave 14 points to Scotts Valley in the first half

and the halftime lead. With only seconds left, Scotts Valley never gave up. Senior captain Victor Passanisi almost broke it in returning the kickoff 48 yards to the SHP 29-yard line. In the final play and needing a touchdown to go into overtime, Scotts Valley senior quarterback Jack Pasquini Photo Credit: Chuck Walker threw a pass into the Scotts Valley players are dejected after Sacred Heart Prep’s last-second right corner of the end zone to Andrew victory in the first round of the CCS playoffs. Stumbo, but the ball was knocked away by a Beito – Second Quarter: Fogelquist 15 yd Gators defender to end Scotts Valley’s hopes. fumble return (Beito kick) – Third Quarter: SV Scoring – First Quarter: Gillette 26 yd 38 yd FG Beito n SV Season Record: 8-3 pass from Pasquini (Beito kick), 36 yd FG

CommunityNews

Big Changes at Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County

or the first time in its history, Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County has a “pipeline” of projects for the next few years. In addition to building three townhomes in Scotts Valley, Habitat received a one-acre residentially zoned parcel in the Live Oak area and $900,000 in funding from the County of Santa Cruz. While the project still has to go through planning review and approvals, it is expected that 4-6 single-family units will be built on the parcel. Habitat has built 34 homes in Santa Cruz County to date and the units in Scotts Valley

and the Live Oak Area will bring the total to over 40 homes. During the last several years, Habitat has been on a steady trajectory of growth and these two projects will ensure Habitat’s continued and successful development Melanie Shaffer Freitas as a prominent local nonprofit affordable housing provider in Santa Cruz County.

In addition to securing the new Live Oak project, another change at Habitat is that the current Executive Director, Melanie Shaffer Freitas, will be leaving Habitat at the end of the year to return to her private consulting practice. She has successfully led the organization during the last several years of sustained growth. According to Ms. Freitas, “Now that Habitat is thriving and has a secure pipeline of new projects, I feel proud of all of my accomplishments and am ready to return to the private consulting practice that my husband and I have

owned for the last 30 years.” Recruitment for an individual to fill the Executive Director position has begun and more information about the Habitat organization and application requirements for the Executive Director position can be found at www.HabitatSC.org. n ••• Founded locally in 1989, Santa Cruz County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and to making adequate, affordable shelter available to families in need.

irdies for Charity” provides a fun way to support O’Neill Sea Odyssey (OSO)’s free, ocean-going youth science program by pledging an amount per birdie now at the AT&T Pebble Beach golf tournament in February 2012. 100% of collected pledges go directly to OSO, plus the Monterey Peninsula Foundation will provide a 15% match. To pledge funds, go to https://birdies.attpbgolf.com/give.php, click on “Pledge your favorite charity,” then enter O’Neill Sea Odyssey. You can also guess the number of birdies scored and win prizes - including airline tickets and a Florida golf package - if

you guess correctly. Use the pledge form at https://birdies.attpbgolf.com/pdfs/2011b4c-pledge-form.pdf. Since its inception in 1996 OSO has served over 60,000 youth in the world’s largest classroom; the Monterey Bay. OSO engages 4th - 6th grade students with educational programming in navigation, conservation and marine science on a 65-foot catamaran sailing Monterey Bay, and in a shore-side education center. The need for environmental steward-

ship and leadership is greater than ever. OSO’s program is free, in order to provide our program to kids that would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience marine science at sea. For many of our students, OSO is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants have conducted over 1,800 community service projects. For many lowincome students the program provides a strong sense of purpose and 98% of the kids who undertake the program resolve to become stewards of the ocean and watersheds. OSO also boosts academic

achievement among the youth it serves: recent study showed that low-income youth who experience outdoor education have 27% higher science scores than those who don’t. In December 2004, OSO received the California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in Children’s Environmental Education and in May 2005 US Senator Barbara Boxer’s Environmental Champion award. In August 2009 the Adam Webster Memorial Fund received the Special Parent’s Information Network’s “Community Spinners” award for its work with special needs youth. n

‘Birdies For Charity’: Golf Fans Support O’Neill Sea Odyssey’s Ocean Youth Program

20 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityNews

Give the Gift of Music

The Santa Cruz County Symphony Concert Season is here!

or the holiday season, the Santa Cruz County Symphony is offering special gift packages for the remaining three concerts of the Symphony’s 54th Season. This exceptional live classical music makes a perfect gift for the aspiring musician and music-lover alike, and will bring your friends and family happiness that will last far longer than your holiday decorations! This year, consider giving a meaningful gift that will both inspires and uplift the spirits of your loved ones… the gift of music! This season is a special one for the Symphony because it is the last to be conducted by the Symphony’s beloved maestro of over 20 years, John Larry Granger, before his retirement. Under Maestro Granger’s direction, the Symphony has advanced to become a fully professional organization. Its artistic caliber has improved markedly and it has received the highest ranking in its class by the California Arts Council. There’s no better time to hear this musical gem in our community.

ture by the early Romantic Swedish composer, Franz Berwald. Then Jon Nakamatsu, Van Cliburn Gold Medalist and favorite of local audiences, returns to Santa Cruz County to perform Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto. This inventive work’s intimate exchange between piano and orchestra offers a unique glimpse at the composer’s tender and graceful side. The concert concludes with Johannes Brahms’ final majestic Symphony in E minor.

Jonathan Dimmock

Suite. This concert also features Jonathan Dimmock, a frequent organist for the San Francisco Symphony, performing two major works by French composers Francis Poulenc and Camille Saint-Saëns. Poulenc’s dramatic Organ Concerto is rich with contemporary harmonies, vivid rhythms and haunting melodies. The powerful ‘Organ Symphony’ of Saint-Saëns is a triumphant work whose themes were featured in the movie “Babe.” March Concerts “Three B’s” Saturday, March 24 8 p.m. Santa Cruz Civic Sunday, March 25 2 p.m. Mello Center, Watsonville he Symphony opens this program with Estrella de Soria, a rarely heard over-

T John Larry Granger

••• January Concerts “Certified Organic” Saturday, January 28 8 p.m. Santa Cruz Civic Sunday, January 29 2 p.m. Mello Center, Watsonville he Symphony celebrates the 150th anniversary of the British composer, Frederick Delius, and opens this concert the opulent first movement of his Florida

Jon Nakamatsu

May Concerts “Poetic Songs” Saturday, May 12 8 p.m. Santa Cruz Civic Sunday, May 13 2 p.m. Mello Center, Watsonville he Symphony’s season concludes with the orchestra’s time-honored collaboration with the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, under the direction of Cheryl Anderson. Following the brilliant Maskarade: Overture by Danish composer, Carl Nielsen, the chorus and orchestra perform Felix Mendelssohn’s extraordinarily beautiful Psalm 42. The concert concludes with Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, which features the dramatic and timely poetry of Walt Whitman about the human costs of war and peace. The Symphony is joined by Soprano Anja Strauss, and baritone Steven Berlanga for a rousing finale to its 2011/12 season and the accomplished career of Maestro Granger. n ••• Gift Subscriptions: Call the Symphony office at 831.462.0553 ext. 10 to purchase. Single Tickets: $20 - $65 On-Sale online at SantaCruzTickets.com — Civic Box Office phone: 831.420.5260 Civic Auditorium: 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz Box office opens 90 minutes before concerts Hours: Tu-F 11- 6 PM and Sat 10 AM – 1:30 PM All single tickets subject to taxes and service charges. Mello Center: 250 E. Beach Street, Watsonville Box office is open 90 minutes before concert only. Advance sales through Civic Box Office. All single tickets subject to taxes and service charges. Pre-concert talks by Dr. Don Adkins will take place at 7 PM in the Civic Auditorium prior to the Saturday evening concerts and by Dr. Anatole Leikin at 1 PM in the Watsonville Mello Center prior to the Sunday matinee concerts.

Steven Berlanga

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 21

FeaturedColumnist The Book Bag by Robert Francis

The Book Bag by Robert Francis

A Christmas Homecoming

By Anne Perry Ballantine. $18 (Rating: Excellent) nne Perry constructs this unusual holiday mystery around Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Christmas is just weeks away and a theatrical troupe has been summoned to the coastal village of Whitby in Yorkshire to perform a special adaptation of “Dracula”. You might remember that this is the fishing village where Stocker’s Count Dracula arrives in England. The daughter of a local millionaire, Charles Netheridge, has written the play and it is all but impossible to perform. With tempers getting shorter and shorter and the weather getting nastier, it appears the play will not make it to the stage. Then a mysterious stranger arrives and takes over the directing chores. Is he a theatrical genius or something else? The production suddenly becomes strangely compelling and a brooding evil emerges under the man’s direction. When a murder mars the rehearsals and threatens the production, it is up to one of the company’s members to play amateur sleuth. Something quite sinister seems to have taken over the inhabitants of Charles Netheridge’s lonely hilltop mansion and totally marred the festive season. The question is whether anything can be salvaged of what is supposed to be a special holiday treat.

Christmas at Timberwoods

By Fern Michaels Zebra. $7.99 (Rating: Very Good) imberwoods Mall is ablaze with Christmas cheer, but head of security Heather Andrews isn’t celebrating. If frazzled parents, disgruntled Santas and, rowdy teens and the occasional shopping bag snatcher aren’t enough to cause

Books with holiday themes for all ages …

Heather concern, Angela Steinhart has become a big headache. Besides designing the mall’s spectacular holiday displays, Angela is also known for her premonitions, which have a nasty habit of coming true. The young woman has had a vision that tragedy will strike the mall on Christmas Eve. As much as she would like to ignore Angela’s fears and dismiss them as holiday stress, Heather realizes she can’t just ignore the woman’s uncanny certainty that something really, really bad is going to happen at Timberwoods. As the days countdown to Christmas, Heather will need to stay very alert and look for signs that someone is about to outdo the Grinch on Christmas Eve. If she fails, it could be a very memorable holiday in the very worst way imaginable!

“Cousins are twisting and jumping and flipping. Great-aunts and uncles are stepping and dipping.” After dancing the evening away, everyone is tired except Rachel. “Biddy-biddy bim-bom bim-bom bop, I’m the only one still dancing at our Hanukkah Hop,” she says.

The 12 Bugs of Christmas

By David Carter Little Simon. $12.99 (All ages) f you have enjoyed the series of bug popup books created by David Carter, you’ll definitely want to get a copy of this reworking of the traditional holiday song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” Flip open the gailywrapped box on the accompanying page and you see a fruitcake bug in a pear tree!

The Hanukkah Hop!

By Erica Silverman Illustrated by Steven D’Amico Simon & Schuster. $12.99 (Ages 3-6) o one loves Hanukkah more than Rachel. While she helps her dad decorate the house and her mom whips up a batch of latkes, Rachel hums a Hanukkah tune. “ B i d d y biddy bim-bom bim-bom bop,” she sings. “I’ll whirl all night at our Hanukkah Hop.” When the house is ready and the food prepared, the family’s guests begin to arrive. “Bubbes and zaydes zoom in by plane. Nieces and nephews ride buses and trains. Great-aunts, second cousins, old friends from afar are arriving by motorbike, camper, and car.” After the menorah is lit and the dreidel song sung, everyone sits down to eat. And, when they are all done, the real fun begins. The four-piece Klezmer Band arrives and once they are set up the dancing begins.

22 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

popular titles her readers have snatched up the second they became available. This season’s novel finds free-spirited Jacquie Grey heading west to start a whole new life. Her solo road trip is going great until she literally runs into Arizona rancher Choya Barnett. Luckily, no one is injured, but Jacquie’s car needs major repairs and she doesn’t have the money to make them. At this point Choya offers to give her a job taking care of his young son and home until she makes enough money to be on her way again. What choice does Jacquie have? Of course, a temporary job turns into something a little more permanent as the rancher and his new nanny/housekeeper discover an attraction that is very hard to resist. With Christmas just around the corner, perhaps there will be a very special present under the tree for this adventurous young woman. And for Choya and his little boy, this might be one of the best holidays they have had in a long time.

Santa’s New Jet

And so it goes. Cuckoo bugs, sneaky bugs, snowflake bugs, and so forth. It is when you get to the final days that you’ll see if Carter is up to the challenge. Of course, he is! On the eleventh day you’ll find eleven dainty bugs a-dancing and on day twelve up will pop a tree with a dozen angel bugs a-rising! Whether you collect pop-up books because you love their intricate paper engineering or just like unusual holiday books, this is certainly a little volume you’ll want to buy and share with friends and family.

To Santa With Love

By Janet Dailey Zenith. $7.99 (Rating-Very Good) uthor Janet Dailey has been writing holiday romances for years. “Searching for Santa”, “Scrooge Wore Spurs” and “Maybe This Christmas” are just a few of the

By David Biedrzycki Charlesbridge. $7.95 (Ages 3-6) oor Santa! It is almost time to start delivering toys but he is facing some major transportation problems. Not only does his sleigh need major repairs, but the reindeer are also totally out of shape after eating pizza and watching TV all summer. Fortunately, Orville the Elf has a solution to the problem. He and the other elves have designed a special jet that will whisk their boss off on his Christmas Eve journey. Unfortunately, the new mode of transportation isn’t perfect. In fact, it is hard to land on roofs and when the fog sets in, Santa is in a real pickle. In fact, it looks like no more gifts will be delivered unless some old friends can quickly harness up and come to Santa’s rescue. A lot of different spins have been put on Santa’s Christmas journey, but this is one of the more humorous ones. Children and adults will get a few chuckles as they watch how new, cutting-edge technology isn’t always the best solution to a problem! n

FeaturedColumnist

Garlic & Onions May Help to Prevent Some Cancers Dear EarthTalk: Given the preponderance of carcinogenic chemicals out there today, is it true that eating certain foods like garlic or onions can actually help prevent cancer? — M. Stone, Boston, MA

atural healers have extolled the cancer-preventing virtues of garlic and onions for years, but only recently do we have enough scientific research to draw some conclusions. Several animal studies showing promising results using garlic and other members of the allium family (onions, leek, shallot, and chive) to prevent tumors have led to hundreds of studies involving human garlic eaters. While it is near impossible to pinpoint a direct link between garlic consumption and cancer prevention, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that “several population studies show an association between increased intake of garlic and reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast.” To wit, a multi-year study of 25,000 people from Switzerland and Italy found that those who ate the most garlic and onions were up to 88 percent less likely to develop various types of cancer (including cancers of the esophagus, mouth, throat, colon, breast, ovary, prostate and kidney) than those who said they ate little or none. “High onion intake, for example, was associated with a 56 percent lower risk of colon cancer and a 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to no onion intake,” reports Karen Collins of the non-profit American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). According to Collins, another study found a 32 percent lower colon cancer risk among Iowan women who ate at least one garlic clove a week compared to others who ate one once a month or less, while an analysis of several studies worldwide “linked a 31 percent lower risk of colon cancer with consumption of about four to five cloves of garlic weekly.” And the results of several studies conducted in China show that that those who eat five cloves of garlic a week are half as likely to develop stomach cancers than non-garliceaters. Meanwhile, AICR reports that isolated components of garlic have shown the ability to slow or stop the growth of

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Studies seem to indicate that consumption of onions, garlic and other members of the allium family (leeks, shallots and chives) reduces the risk of certain cancers.

tumors in prostate, bladder, colon, and stomach tissue. Just how do allium plants prevent cancer? “Like many vegetables, onions and garlic contain antioxidants that can block highly reactive free radicals from damaging cell DNA and starting the cancer process,” reports Collins. “Laboratory studies have shown that onion and garlic compounds can increase enzymes that deactivate carcinogens in the body, enhancing our ability to eliminate carcinogens before they do any damage.” Some researchers, however, say that study limitations—that is, the accuracy of reported amounts and frequency of garlic consumed and the inability to compare data from studies that used different garlic products and amounts—make a definitive declaration on the topic unlikely anytime soon. And without such definitive conclusive proof of a causal link, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will not allow food purveyors to state the health benefits of the garlic in their products on their labels. NCI would like to see better-designed human dietary studies using predetermined amounts of garlic to discern potentially effective intakes as well as more studies directly comparing various garlic

preparations. “Given this protective potential, the challenge now is to identify amounts that will provide optimal effects,” says Collins. In the meantime, don’t skimp on the garlic and onions. n ••• Contacts: National Cancer Institute,

www.cancer.gov; American Institute for Cancer Research, www.aicr.org. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 23

CommunityNews

Hospice of Santa Cruz County Understands the Journey of Grief and the Holidays

olidays once filled with joy can be a painful time when someone we love has died. Many people who are dealing with loss are often caught in the dilemma between the need to grieve and the pressure to get into the spirit of the season. Hospice of Santa Cruz County understands that many bereaved people simply ask what they can do to get “through” the holidays. Since every individual handles stress and grief differently, there is no one simple answer. Think about how following the same traditions might impact you during this time. You may even consider changing some of them. Linda Donovan, who is now a grief support volunteer for hospice said, “On one holiday season after my husband died, I decided that I didn’t want my daughters to experience the painful reminder that their father would no longer be with us. So, I changed our holiday tradition, and took the girls on a trip to a place we had never been before. We created new memories and had a wonderful time. It may be something as basic as going to a family movie together after a holiday dinner or making a

meal that is totally different than what you have had in the past.” Donovan also recommends the special services that hospice offers during the holidays. “The drop-in grief support group on Coping with Grief during the holidays and many people may find comfort in the Interfaith Memorial Service and the Tree of Lights Ceremony.” Another suggestion: do what is comfortable. “The holidays can create unbearable pressure,” commented Jack Gordon, President of HFA. “The key to coping with grief during the holidays is to find the way that is right for you.” Hospice of Santa Cruz County has several events planned that may provide support throughout an individual’s personal grief journey this holiday season. In addition to our ongoing individual and group counseling, we offer a number of community events during the holiday season to support healing and commemorate those who have died. Hospice Tree of Lights Ceremony Sunday, December 4, 5:30pm At The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz,

7807 Soquel Dr Aptos Hospice’s Tree of Lights ceremony is not only a remembrance service but also a way to raise much-needed funds to support Hospice programs. Family and friends are invited to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on the tree. Each light will represent a thoughtful donation made in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate a special relationship. The trees will remain lit during the entire season as a reminder of the love and memories of special people in our lives. Funds raised provide hospice care for those who are uninsured or underinsured; community-wide grief support, including children’s programs; Transitions care for those not yet ready for hospice; education and outreach. To make a Tree of Lights donation in honor of a loved one, please visit www.hospicesantacruz.org or call 4303082. Hospice Foundation of America also suggests additional steps to help those grieving during the holidays: • Plan for the approaching holidays. Be

aware that this might be a difficult time. • Doing things a bit differently can acknowledge the change while preserving continuity with the past. • Be careful not to isolate yourself and don’t cut yourself off from the support of family and friends. Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides grief support to everyone in need in Santa Cruz County. If you are grieving the death of someone close to you, call HSCC at (831) 430-3000. Let them share how they can help. HSCC relies solely on foundation and community support to raise over $1 million each year to cover the costs of community grief support, Transitions care, hospice care for uninsured and under-insured patients, end-of-life educational and outreach efforts and the We Honor Vets program. Hospice programs include: Transitions: A program designed to ease the concerns of those who are not quite ready for hospice by helping to coordinate care and resources while providing an understanding of the disease processes. “Hospice” > 30

LISTEN & BE HEARD ON ULTIMATE LOCAL RADIO Listen to KSCO’s Happy Hour Commute from 4pm to 7pm

“Genial Genius” Charley Freedman

“Dead Air Dave” Dave Michaels

Local News, King of the Hill Traffic, Sports in Your Shorts, Weather, Music from the Past, Comments about the Present and Your Telephone Calls about Everything 24 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Listen as 89 of your friends and neighbors talk their walk on AM 1080 KSCO

Be heard by KSCO/KOMY’s audience of decision-making adults. Contact Michael Olson mo@ksco.com • 831-475-1080

Dave Alan, Easton Allyn, Kim Allyn, Gary Arnold, Steve Ashley, Tavia Avila, Sam Badawi, Jamie Baker, Mike Baxter, Dr. David Biles, Sam Blakeslee, Vernon Bohr, Catherine Boult, Jennifer Brewer, Allen Bushnell, Karen Calcagno, Al Carman, Don Carroll, Lisa Carter, Dr Matthew Chalmers, Rosemary Chalmers, Rebecca Costa, Katherine Cunningham, Donald Davidson, Jacques Delacroix, Ron Dornseif, Charley Freedman, Benjamin Fuchs, Jeff Galipeaux, Dr Cory Gold, Bill Graff, Steve Gregg, David Harken, Franklin Harris, Helbart, Pamela Fugitt-Hetrick, Thomas Hughes, Don Husing, Michael Jacobi, Donna Jacobs, Nikki James, Chris Jensen, Dr Pete Keesling, Steve Kuehl, Kristina Kuprina, Michael Larson, Al Lundell, Sun Lundell, Richard Luther, Jim Martin, Joey McMurry, Renee Mello, Dave Michaels, Nada Miljkovic, Michael Milligan, Bill Monning, Dr Stan Montieth, Kelsey Olson, Michael Olson, Ric Orlando, Rick O’Shea, John Pengally, Tom Quinn, Dan Rusanowsky, Michael Sammet, Michael Sarka, Tim Sculley, Edmund Scurich, Rocky Snyder, Jeff Shapiro, Rachael Shelton, Dr Aimee Shunney, Alan Smith, Carol Stafford, Mark Silverman, Susan Simon, Michelle Sousa-Pennuto, Chris Spenser, Teresa Thomae, Kurt Useldinger, Melanie Useldinger, Alex Valesquez, Katia Valesquez, Peter Vokos, Dr Joel Wallach, Rex Walters, Natalia Williams, Doug Winfrey, Kay Zwerling, Michael Zwerling

FeaturedColumnist

There’s no pill for communication indigestion … only a cure

By Camille Smith

versations that sound something like this: “Be quiet… it’s too risky to speak up… it’s not my place to say something… he/she/they won’t understand… I’ll speak up next time.” Not only do we listen to the flurry, we believe it’s true and absolutely going to happen. What’s driving this internal snowstorm that freezes us? Many of us believe that being silent is better than risking saying something that might damage the relationship. Here’s the cosmic joke: The silence we invoke to protect the relationship often does more damage than a conversation that’s rough around the edges but wrapped in partnership. Our silence does not salvage the relationship, it sinks it. Our fear that we’ll lose the relationship actually is realized. Sad, isn’t it? Sometimes people have told me one of the myths they have believed is: It’s better to have a bad relationship that no relationship at all. While there isn’t a pill for this kind of laryngitis, there is a cure. Rather than putting something in us, we need to generate something out from us. We need to generate a commitment to who we want to be and how we want to show up. From there, we can then generate a way of communicating that’s summed up by this mantra offered by Susan Scott in Fierce Conversations: Model what I want. Learn the communication Heimlich maneuver: • Stand behind yourself. Take a stand for the kind of communicator you want to be. • Squeeze yourself. If you want openness and honesty from others, be open and honest when you speak. If you want others to reveal their secret agendas, share your hidden agenda first. Squeeze yourself to ask in this way, not others. • Dislodge myths. As you model the way you want to be communicated with, the myths that have kept you silent will be dislodged. Waiting will not dislodge them. Taking new actions Give yourself a communication will. • Use your words. Heimlich! Recognize the phrase? Yeah, that’s what we say to children • Stand behind yourself. who are throwing a tantrum. Maybe being silent, out of • Squeeze yourself. spite and not reflection, is an myths. • Dislodge adult tantrum. The “silent • Use your words. treatment” punishes both parties. Removing the blockage to communication begins with you. I know it may be annoying to keep

uring the changeover in a recent tennis game, one of my buddies reached in his bag and offered his partner some pills, saying “We really need our vitamin A today.” Wanting to join in, I quipped: “A for attitude?” They laughed, “No. A for Advil. Otherwise, we’ll seize up!” It got me thinking. What vitamin could we take for those times when our conversations seize up and words get stuck in our throats? You know… those times when you have something important to say, but don’t know how to say it so you swallow your words. Those times when you want to ask a question, but don’t. Those times when you overhear someone being verbally abused and rather than step in, as you wish you would, you quickly move out of the area to avoid being seen by the parties involved. Here’s what I experience as I help people regain their voice and learn how to deliver and receive difficult messages. When we go silent when we don’t want to, we are listening to a flurry of internal con-

Self-administered Heimlich Maneuver

hearing that it’s up to you. Too bad. You are that powerful. Modeling the behavior you desire from others is risky and rewarding. Risky because you don’t know exactly how the conversation will turn out. That’s uncomfortable. Rewarding because once you experience communicating in the manner you want to be communicated with, you’ll feel a new sense of power (not force), pur-

pose and partnership. That’s addictive. It’s either a tough or sweet pill to swallow when we get that it’s up to us to go first. We have the cure inside us, we just need to cough it up. Give yourself a Heimlich for what sticks in your throat. Be mindful that what comes out models the behavior you want to receive. You’ll stop chocking and breathe a lot easier, I promise. n

W HEN

TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN , DO YOU : 1. Feel out of control? 2. Stop communicating effectively? 3. Get crankier than usual?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these and you’re ready to get a grip and learn how to say “No” to these same questions, here’s a special offer:

Take an online assessment and receive coaching from Camille Go to www.wipcoaching.com/assessment, enter promocode: TPG to receive a $175 discount…and get a grip. Questions? Call Camille, 831-685-1480 www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 25

CommunityNews

Planning for ‘Music at Skypark – 2012’ to begin

usic at Skypark for 2011” began with organizing meetings and band selection in February and culminated in a celebration on Nov. 9. The high point of the evening was presentation of the proceeds of the concerts — $19,500 — to the Scotts Valley Schools Music Program. The money is given with no strings attached, except that it must be spent to enhance the Music program. At the November 9 celebration, held at Bruno’s Barbecue, each sponsor and vendor received recognition for their efforts. Top-level sponsors got plaques suitable for display in reception areas.

3 Convenient locations to serve you

Soquel

The 2011 program consisted of four free concerts on the last Sunday afternoons of June, July, August and September. While the concerts were free, a variety of vendors sold food and drink and generously contributed 60 percent of their proceeds to the program. The vendors were four service clubs, SKOV Winery, Santa Cruz Pizza, Baskin-Robbins, Mint, Dawgs and Scotts Valley Performing Arts. There were fifteen sponsors at four levels: $250, $500, $1000 and $2500. Each sponsor received banner space on the stage, with the two $2500 sponsors, Green Waste Recovery and Small Business Consulting, sharing banner space over the top of the stage. Of course, it’s not over yet. “Music at Skypark – 2012” is about to begin. To get involved in any aspect of this program come to a Kiwanis meeting. (7AM, Wed at Bruno’s). n

Refer a friend & get a $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE! Through the month of December

425-0123 3711 Soquel Dr, 95073 Just West of 41st. Ave.*Restrictions Apply

Aptos

687-0123 9687 Soquel Dr, 95003 Between Rio Del Mar & Freedom Blvds.

Watsonville

728-0123 445 Herman Ave, 95076 Holm Rd. (Off Airport Blvd.)

• Staffed to meet your storage needs • Happy to answer all questions • Well lit and completely secure • Locally owned and operated • Ask about reduced rates

“Self Storage you can trust with a personal touch” 26 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

FeaturedColumnist

&About

Out

Family Service Agency of the Central Coast and the Daisy Auxiliary he Family Service Agency of the Central Coast exists to assist members of the community who are struggling to face life’s challenges. The Agency is there to give a helping hand and some practical encouragement to those in need. For more than five decades, the Family Service Agency has been helping the community of Santa Cruz County by providing counseling, suicide prevention, education, outreach and supportive services.

The Daisy Auxiliary he Daisy Auxiliary was founded in 1968 as a volunteer organization benefiting the Family Service Agency. The Daisy runs a store in Capitola – an upscale resale boutique selling women’s clothing, purses, scarves, hats, shoes, jewelry, collectibles and more – which is manned entirely by volunteers. It is well worth a visit to rummage around and find that little treasure you can’t live without. All the money from The Daisy’s sales goes to help fund the Family Service Agency. A few weeks ago, I attended a fashion show at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz put on by The Daisy organization. As well as having a great time and seeing lots of friends who work at The Daisy, it was good to know that all the money raised is for a very good cause. Family Service Agency, 104 Walnut Ave., Suite 208, Santa Cruz, 423-9444. The Daisy, King’s Plaza Shopping Center, 1601 41st Ave., Capitola, 462-3686. www.fsa-cc.org.

Sharp Quick he last thing you need during the holidays is a drawer full of blunt knives. With all the parties, family gatherings and endless meals to be prepared over the festive season, it’s good to have sharp knives that will cut and chop easily. Terry Beech, owner of Sharp Quick, has a speedy knife-sharpening business – and you can find him all over town at farmers markets and outside various stores. Beech had set up outside Staff of Life recently and sharpened several pairs of scissors for me. He also sells beautiful knives – many of them imported from Italy and Germany – that would make great gifts for Christmas. www.sharpquick.com

Le Chef in Aptos e Chef in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center is the most wonderful little kitchenware store. Almost everything in the place would make a good Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. Owners Keang and Dee Dee Lee have filled their store with and endless list of affordable items – all carefully chosen and attractively displayed. There are kitchen towels, aprons, chopping boards, colanders, scales, casserole dishes, rolling pins, and oven mitts, coffee pots, coffee presses, tea pots, and a fine assortment of teas. Several items caught my eye – a beautiful cheese board with two stainless steel knives for $40; gorgeous pepper mills (handmade in Maine) at various prices; little paring knives with a plastic cover for $5.99; and a good assortment of electric kettles ranging in price from $29 to $100. There are Gelpro kitchen mats for $100 – made in Texas – and even chopsticks. Le Chef, 94 Ranch Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos, 685-1808. Email: lechefkitchen@yahoo.com.

Le Chef

Aptos Center Holiday Open House n Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1-4 p.m. there will be discounts and raffle prizes at every store in the Aptos Center – including Chic Boutique, Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine, Frank’s Pharmacy, Aptos Natural Foods, Ace’s Flowers, Pacific Coffee Roasting, Blue Moon, Bella Donna and Campus Styling, Heather’s Patisserie, Carried Away and Mark Areias, Shoe Fetish and Patrick James. Santa will be making an appearance; so don’t miss this festive event.

By Josie Cowden

Aptos Center, Soquel Drive, Aptos (in the 700 block).

Dining Etiquette on’t forget the golden rule of not clearing away a single plate until everybody at the table has finished eating. This is the correct thing to do. Restaurant servers make this mistake all the time –

prompting those left behind to hurriedly finish their food. Even at special events where people should be taking their time over each course – such as weddings and birthday gatherings – diners are always rushed. I call it Dine and Dash! n ••• Josie Cowden is a freelance writer and proofreader. Contact her at ravenone274@comcast.net.

At The Gym

49. Police ___ shot 64. Narrow water-filled 10. Used in angling 28. ____ E. Coyote ACROSS 51. Region of northeast11. ""Iliad," e.g. gorge 30. Silver in a cloud? 1. Can cause mass ern South America 12. Skin cyst 35. Often done cold turkey 65. And not destruction 15. *Exercise of the heart 54. Type of boom 6. *Part of a strength 37. Harsh, as in remark 67. Greek bazaar 56. Pelted, as with eggs 20. Piaf or Wharton 68. Raja's wife 39. Oil tanker training set 57. *Congratulatory 40. "Do ____ others as 69. *Sometimes follows 22. Unagi 9. Ball of yarn gesture 24. Ascetic Muslim injury you would have 13. Fear-inspiring 58. *Listen to one on monk 70. Himalayan country them do..." 14. Husk of corn headphones while 41. _____ like a dark 71. *____ gym, accessi- 25. *Glute exercise 15. It has two doors exercising 26. 1/16th of a pound ble to everyone cloud 16. "Boy _____ World" 59. Bad luck predictor 72. Kicked in yard game 27. Recognized 17. "He ___ and drank the 43. Bog down 29. Vietnam's neighbor 60. Kind of bird 73. Proficient precious Words..." 44. Sour in taste 31. Jodie Foster's "____ 61. It springs eternal? 46. Feed storage 18. Packers QB 62. Try not to fall into Island" (2008) 47. Don't forget to hit this DOWN 19. *Lookout man this 32. It describes the button when done 1. Tailor's actions 21. ____ the Great, king 63. Lot's wife turned siege of Troy 2. Sound from rival of 48. Ennui of Persia into a pillar of this 33. Courage to go on #28 Across 50. *Done to a sparring 23. Rolled grass 64. "To and ___" 3. Black and white treat 34. Light signal partner 24. Colored 52. Bear's winter hangout 4. Catcher's gear, pl. 36. Reality TV actress 66. South American 25. Socialist, abbr. tuber Spelling 53. Conservative talk- 5. Bequeath 38. "Wilhelm ____" by 6. Back seat show host Friedrich von Schiller 7. Jack Sprat couldn't 55. File a suit 42. Agitate 57. Red light, green light do this to fat © Statepoint Media 8. College president 45. *Often done in four 60. *Dumbbells and Answers on 31 » counts 9. Sweet talk plates www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 27

Announcements

Bizaid for AIDS Campaign

November 25 thru December 5 ow in its 21st year, BizAID for AIDS was developed by New Leaf Community Markets and Santa Cruz Aids Project (SCAP) as a way for businesses to support people in Santa Cruz County living with HIV. Participating companies commit to SCAP a percentage of sales or a specific amount to donate during the ten days after Thanksgiving. SCAP provides critical support to people living with HIV/AIDS for free, including referrals, psychosocial support and financial support, plus outreach to high-risk populations to prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted diseases. You can support SCAP by patronizing businesses displaying BizAID for AIDS posters in their windows. More information at: www.scapsite.org

Become a CASA Advocate

or a child who has been neglected or abused, the world is a lonely place. In santa cruz county there are more than 250 kids living in foster care because they have suffered severe abuse or neglect at home. You can be a friend, mentor, and a powerful voice in court for a child in foster care. Join more than 1,000 members of our community who have been trained to serve children in foster care and as sworn officials of the court. Becoming a Court Appointed Security Advocate means volunteering 3-5 hours a week. For more information, call CASA at (831) 761-2956 today and find out how you can help.

Ongoing Events First Mondays of the Month

Lecture Series on "Great Decisions"

7:00pm-8:30 pm, Episcopal Church of St. John, 125 Canterbury Dr. in Aptos ectures will be lead by Dr. Laina FarhatHolzman, sponsored by Santa Cruz Beach, American Association of University Women. For more information, call (831) 688-0541

Second and Fourth Mondays First and Third Wednesdays

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 Rd, Santa Cruz acilitated by Jill Ginghofer, this group is for caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimers.

Learn helpful tools for coping: Share stories and receive support from people who care. No registration required, please call (831) 430-3000 for information.

Women Care Drop in Cancer Support

rop in Support Group is a gathering for women with all types of cancer. We offer support for women through all stages from diagnoses through treatment. For more information or to register call (831) 457-2273

Tuesdays thru Fridays, Sundays

Svaroopa® Yoga Instruction at Aptos Yoga Aptos Yoga, 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd. Ste.23B, Aptos. 831-688-1019 varoopa® Yoga is very different from what most of us think of as yoga. With the support of blankets, beginning students relax into easy poses designed to release the deepest tensions in the body along the spine. This release deeply relaxes the body, quiets the mind, reduces pain, accelerates injury recovery, and promotes better overall health. Classes five days each week. First Class free. For more information, call 688-1019 www.aptosyoga.org

First Tuesdays and Third Wednesdays each month

Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

North County, 5:30-7p.m., first Tuesday of month (for location details contact Danielle at 761-2956 X102) South County, 5:30-7 p.m., third Wednesday of the month at the CASA Office, 294 Green Valley Rd. Suite 326, Watsonville. ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Cruz County needs your help. Volunteer 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

Wednesdays

Aptos Toastmasters

Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Rio Sands Motel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos.

f you have trouble or fear of public speaking, this is a perfect opportunity for you to get over your fears! Call 970-2229 for more information.

Lectures on Western Civilization

1:30pm-2:30pm, Monterey Peninsula College xciting lectures will cover fascinating topics such as "The Art of Alchemy," as well as "Lord Byron: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know." Purchase free parking tickets at the college, lectures are free.

RR Toastmasters meetings

12:00pm at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. ear of public speaking is the #1 fear in America. Since public speaking fears are so common, realize the tremendous power of influence that you will hold when you master speaking skills. Come and find out how you can lose your fears and realize your full potential at Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters Club.

Coastal Professionals

8:00am to 9:30am at Aptos History Museum, Old Dominion Court, Aptos. earn tips and make connections. Local professionals meet weekly to focus on business building and collaboration. Interested business owners, independent professionals and guests welcome. For more information: 621-1153, www.CoastalProfessionals.net

First Wednesday of the Month

Child Welfare Review

6:00pm- 9:00pm 1400 Emeline Avenue room 206, Santa Cruz. he orientation is designed to review the child welfare system and to give you a chance to have your question answered by child welfare staff. To register to one of the meeting and for directions, please call 454-4024.

Fourth Wednesday each Month

Ongoing Constitution Classes

7:00 pm Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz iew video lessons of an in-depth teaching about our Constitution, one of the most respected and copied documents in our nations history. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/santacruz-freedom-forum or email scfreedomforum@gmail.com

Thursdays

Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club Meeting

12-1:30 p.m. at Seascape Golf Course. ontact Doug at 831- 724-9192 or e-mail dnakashima@razzolink.com for more information.

Fridays

Holiday Style Event for CASA

Clutterers Anonymous

5:30-6:45 Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz. ired of Clutter? Stuff piling up? Support is available. CLA meeting every Friday. For more info call 426-1868 FREE

Saturdays

Come As You Are Zen

9-10:30 am, Ocean Gate Zendo, 920 41st Ave. Suite B, Santa Cruz (next to Family Cycling Center) ome as you are Zen focuses on Buddhist practices that enhance our daily lives. This will be an informal talk with time for discussion. Free - donation accepted. Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.

C T

Aptos Certified Farmers Market

8:00 -12:00pm at Cabrillo College, Aptos. he Aptos Market, with over 80 vendors, is open year round, with the best selections of fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seedlings, flowers, local honey, fresh eggs, fresh fish, artisan baked goods and gourmet foods. In addition, family activities, music, cooking demos by professional chefs, gardening workshops, seasonal fairs and events are a part of the market.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market

9a.m.-1p.m. SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Drive www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org

Sundays

Main Beach Volleyball Club Blenders Program

9:30am - 11:30 am Cabrillo College Gym 5-6th grade coed, 7-8th grade girls. Contact Jan Furman at 831-345-1441

6:00pm at Aegis, 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos oin other adults who are grieving the death of a friend or family member.

Terri and students at Aptos Academy

28 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

12:00pm-5:00pm, 736 Chestnut St. Santa Cruz eet local artists, support local businesses, and enjoy holiday music. Find great gifts, such as jewelry, artwork, handmade skin products, winter tonics & elixirs, local organic edibles, fair trade products, discounted gift certificates, and packages for SCNMC and more! For more information, call (831) 477-1377 or visit www.scnmc.com

5:00pm-9:00pm, Urban Groove Salon, 575 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz ot Groove Salon and more than a dozen local beauty and health related businesses will host "Hot for The Holidays," a night of socializing, shopping, and a silent auction that will benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates, in memory of Celestial Cassman, a former salon client and a member of CASA's Board of Directors. $10 in advance, $15 at the door includes gift bag and complimentary glass of wine.

Saturday December 7

Auditions for the Santa Cruz Youth Symphony

here are openings in all sections of the orchestra, including all strings. Scholarship assistance is available. For audition information, email info@sccys.org or call (831) 607-9678

Thursday December 8 Women in Business Annual Giving Luncheon

11:00am-1:30pm, The Cocoanut Grove he Women in Business program of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual "Giving Luncheon" which will feature keynote speaker, John Gray, sponsored by Bay Federal. John Gray, PhD, is the best selling relationship author of all time. He is the author of 17 books including "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." As our Call to Action, the Committee is asking attendees to donate new and gently used coats to support Coats for Kids, a project created by Classic Cleaners. Cost for Chamber of SC members is $37, Cost is $50 for non-members. For more information, contact the Chamber at (831) 457-3720 or visit www.santacruzchamber.org

Thursday December 1

Tuesday December 13

Open House at Aptos Academy

Sons In Retirement (SIR) Ladies Holiday Luncheon

Drop in Grief Support

Local Artisan Holiday Gift Faire at the Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center

7:30pm at the Cabrillo Community Center, Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. ublic is invited to all programs. Contact President Paul Henry 831-688-31 or Past President Barbara Chamberlain at 831-688-3356. For meeting/dinner reservations or information or visit www.cabrillohostlions.org.

Dated Events

7 p.m., 920 41st Ave., Suite B, Santa Cruz. (next to Family Cycling Center) lease join us on Tues. nights at 7pm beginning with a 30 min. meditation, followed by a Dharma talk. Tea & cookies served after the talk, during a discussion/question period. Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.

Saturday December 3

Cabrillo Host Lions

Second and Fourth Thursdays of the month

Tuesdays

Ocean Gate Zendo

For more information, call (831) 688-1080, or visit www.aptosacademy.org

6:00pm-8:00pm 1940, Bonita Dr. Aptos he Aptos Academy invites you to an Open house to meet the schools friendly, inspiring teachers and view a video of the beautiful, five acre campus with a theater, running track, and horse facility. Learn how PreK-8th grade students at this WASC-accredited, non-denominational school are inspired by individualized, arts-enriched academic programs, and daily PE.

11:30am, Aptos Seasape Golf Course, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos. ntertainment will be the Mele O Ke Kapuna (The Music Of The Elders) band playing holiday and traditional music of the Islands. SIR is an organization for retired men for which there are no dues or fees, political or religious agendas. Call 688-0977 for information. n

This month begins on a high as Venus and powerful Pluto meet, bringing passion and love into your life. You are distracted by this so that other matters are on hold for a while but you are keen to make an impression with long lasting consequences. A situation that is in the balance resolves itself after the 25th and in fact Christmas Day could be a turning point for you as you reflect on the previous months. Your priorities are changing which can have far reaching consequences, and the time for actions starts from the 22nd.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Announcements

The 2012 Aptos History Calendar is finally Available!

his calendar, created by Heidi and Dick Garwood of Aptos, features photographs and brief anecdotes describing historical events in mid-county. It also features ads from many local advertisors! Buy it now at seven Aptos locations as well as the Capitola Book Cafe.

Holiday Tree Walk

November 25, 26, 27; December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18: train departs at 11:00am & 12:30pm assengers riding the stream train will delight in the tree-lined walk of festive holiday trees displayed atop Bear Mountain. Guests may sip hot cider and view beautifully adorned trees, decorated by area businesses an organizations as they raise funds for their respective organizations. For more information, visit www.roaringcamp.com

Donate to the Holiday Boutique and Santa's Workshop!

9400 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomand. he Holiday Boutique remains open from through Christmas! Visit the shop and purchase slightly used items or drop off donations. There are many ways to volunteer, from baking cookies to building senior boxes. For more information, call (831) 336-8258

Ageless Art Project

rtists/Crafts people volunteers Share your talent and make creative expression possible by leading an art group of care facility residents. Become an Ageless Art Project Volunteer. For information call 459-8917 ext. 208

SPECTRA Arts Learning

he Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County is seeking stories and anecdotes from people with current or past experience with SPECTRA Arts Learning. These stories will serve as examples of successes students have found through the Council’s SPECTRA program over the years, and may be used to promote the Council’s Arts Learning Resource Directory. If you are an artist, parent, teacher or student with a story to share about your experience with SPECTRA, you are invited to send a brief narrative to Sonia Deetz at the Cultural Council: sonia@ccscc.org.

Ongoing Events

Mondays and Wednesdays

Salsa Rueda Class

7:00pm at Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. earn Salsa Rueda. For more information visit www.salsaruedasantacruz.com or call 831-457-7432

Tuesdays

BINGO

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. BuyIn $25. Also, we have a special BINGO, celebrating our 2nd anniversary, on Sept. 28 at 6:30. Buy-in only $15. www.soquelsports.com

Tuesdays and Weekends

Fourth Saturdays of each month

Live Music on the Esplanade

Writers and Poets Open Mike

Paradise Beach Grille 215 Esplanade, Capitola. ive music weekends and acoustic guitar Tuesdays. For schedule and more information: (831) 476-4900 Or visit paradisebeachgrille.com

2:00pm-4:00pm, Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St. Soquel riters and Poets are invited to a new monthly open mike reading series. Come and read your fiction, essays, or poetry. For more information, call Jean at (831) 475-4221

Dated Events

Wednesdays

Peninsula Banjo Band

7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose orty-seven years of performing in the Bay Area, over 250 popular tunes. Come see our band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Wednesday. No cover. Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) for information about booking the band for Nonprofit events (donations are tax deductible). www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org

Fridays

Ballroom Dancing

7:30- 11:00pm at Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola. ive music by The Rainbows. Refreshments, large floor, friendly atmosphere, free parking. All for a donation of $8 per person.

First Fridays of each month

First Friday Art Tour

he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented 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.)

Fridays thru Sundays thru Nov. 19

Cabrillo Theatre Arts Presents: The Three Sisters

Friday & Saturday nights at 8:00pm; Sunday Matinees at 2:00pm and a special performance, on Nov. 18 at 10:00 am or ticket information, call (831) 479-6154 or visit www.ticketguys.com Tickets are $15 for students/seniors, $18 for general public

Every other Friday

Shakespeare Club of Santa Cruz

10:30-12:30 pm, First Congregational Church, 900 High St. Santa Cruz, Starting November 4th hakespeare's club is seeking new members to join in the study of his plays. For more information, visit www.fridayshakespeare.org

Fourth Friday of each month

Musical Me Inc. Family Jam Night

6:30-8:30p.m. 239 High St., Santa Cruz. ring your favorite music to dance to and any instruments you'd like to share or perform with. Sliding Scale donation per family of $10-$25 (all proceeds going to our scholarship fund.) For more information call 831-438-3514.

Saturday, November 26

Holiday Gift Show at Center St. Grill 12:00pm-6:00pm, 1001 Center St. Santa Cruz enter Street Grill and Community Bridges invite you to the 5th annual holiday gift show featuring beautiful and unique gifts from local vendors. Wares include jewelry, accessories, photography, ornaments, wreaths, soaps, candles, jams, candy and much more! Each artist and the restaurant will donate a portion of sales to Community Bridges. Please join us for a day of shopping along with live jazz and a wine and Champagne bar. For more information, call (831) 423-4745

Saturday November 26 Sunday November 27 Santa Cruz Holiday Faire

Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am3:00pm his holiday faire will feature arts, gifts, crafts and more. Meet the artisans and shop their wares. They will feature their creative treasures, including gifts, jewelry, dolls, toys, wearables, scents, computers, electronics, cameras, candy, and foods. Admission free with donation to Valley Churches United Christmas Food Drive or pay $3 per person. Free for active military families and well behaved children under 13.

Purchase a festival glass and enjoy wine tasting, hot spiced Chaucer's Mead and Christmas Carolers while meandering throughout our cellars filled with fantastic gift options. Food will be available for purchase, Private Wine Club Reception Saturday, Dec. 3 (6:00pm-8:00pm.)

Sunday, December 4 Corralitos Festival of Lights

10:00am-6:00pm, Corralitos Community Church, 26 Browns Valley Rd. ome visit the second happiest place on earth! Our festival of lights features music, tasty food, gingerbread houses, and cookie decorating. Santa and Mrs. Clause will ride in on a Fire Truck at 2:00pm for photos, and a fabulous Tri-Tip Dinner will be served from 1:00-6:00pm. For more information call Shirley at (831) 724-7962 or Joyce at (831) 722-2919

Sunday December 11 Third Annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party

12:30pm- 3:00pm, Seascape Beach Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Dr. his 3rd annual festive tea party will feature local actors, including children, as Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter. All proceeds and one unwrapped toy per person will be donated to Santa Cruz Toys for Tots. Donations: $29 ages 2-12, $40 ages 13 and up. For more details, visit www.seascaperesort.com or call (831) 662-7108

Vinnie Hanson Book Signing

Saturday December 3 Sunday December 4 $25 or Less Handmade Gift Sale

Saturday December 3rd at 1543 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz; Sunday, December 4th at The Art Factory, 9099 Soquel Dr. Aptos fter you watch the Parade in downtown Santa Cruz, enjoy this fabulous gift sale. Items for sale will include handmade jewelry, clothing, organic preserves, sea glass treasures, and much more! Fore more information, contact Yvette at (831) 688-8862, or Jenny at (831) 425-0960

Bargetto Winery 20th Annual Art in the Cellar

11:00am-5:00 pm, Bargetto Winery hop local artists fine art and gifts in Bargetto Winery's Historic Cellars.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

While much of this month you are thinking about the path you want to take and your direction long term, you are also mindful of how this fits in with your relationship. Mars here has been stirring things up and if you are in a new relationship, then it is in the exciting and passionate time. You are juggling with so many demands on your time it's hard to know how to do as much as you want without being burned out. But you are resourceful and will go with the flow without worrying too much about the consequences. Let intuition be your guide but be grounded in commonsense particularly after the 21st.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You are more positive and upbeat and looking forward to the season of goodwill. Indeed, you have plenty to keep you occupied and although parties and celebrations may not be quite what you expect, nevertheless you are resourceful enough to make this a happy time for those who feel less than enthusiastic. Initially there may be conflict around a work or health issue, but this doesn't dampen your spirits. You are ambitious and looking for a change regarding work and this could come through in the New Year.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

While you have had the feeling that certain matters have been on hold for a while, this is set to change this month, when your preparations are now on track and your expectations are high. Your personal hopes and wishes are more likely to be fulfilled, but this has a lot to do with other aspects of your life reaching a natural conclusion. Venus links to Pluto at the start of the month and this helps you to feel effective and passionate about what is important and fairly ruthless about what isn't. Harmony prevails from the 22nd onwards.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Relationships are under the spotlight and you could be catching up with past loves or those who have been away for a while. this is a time when team work is best for you and a helpful ally brings you the assistance you need to get a project off the ground at last. Mercury goes direct again after the 14th and those matters that have floundered somewhat are now back on track. Use your resourcefulness to plan ahead for the New Year and enjoy the spirit of Christmas in a simple and creative way.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Intriguing developments at the start of the month could mean new love for some of you, and perhaps a really meeting of hearts and minds for others. Venus in your chart area of relationships bodes well for the month, at least until the 21st. After this time the Sun enters this area. This is a time when you feel less like taking charge and are happy to be guided by your special other. You could do with some serious rest and relaxation and a last minute break is tempting. The lunar eclipse on the 10th in Gemini invites you towards a more spiritual and peaceful time.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

The Sun is in the most playful part of your chart initially and you can make the most of this by rediscovering your inner child, making things for Christmas and not being to precious about being perfect or caring what other people think. Mercury is here too, promising plenty of activity and invites and you are witty and great company to be around (nothing new here!). Take note of the eclipse around the the 10th as this puts a focus on your friends and associates. You have an ideal and a vision you want to share to make the world a better place.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Saturday December 3 1:00pm-3:00pm Cross Roads Books, 1935 Main St. Watsonville ocal author Vinnie Hansen is a recent retiree after 27 years of teaching at Watsonville High School. She will be signing her locally set mysteries featuring intrepid heroine, Carol Sabala, a baker and private investigator. For more information, visit vinniehansen.com, or contact the author vinnie@vinniehansen.com

This month brings a helpful alliance between Neptune in your sign and Saturn. This can have the effect of making your dreams real, and some of your wackier ideas being a working reality. By now you will have done your homework and research on what is important and begin to allow a venture to take shape at last. Venus enters your sign after the 21st and brings a more peaceful and collaborative time, especially when you are dealing with others. After the 22nd, you know your limitations and can work with what you have to greatest effect.

Sunday December 11 Youth Music Showcase

3:00pm, Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Dr. Aptos he Santa Cruz County Music Teacher's Association of California presents a concert uniting Santa Cruz's three youth orchestras, Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony, the Santa Cruz Chamber Strings, and the Cabrillo Youth Strings Baroque-Classical Ensemble, as well as solo performances by selected young musicians. The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy the multiple talents of our communities young musicians. Admission is free, for more information contact panofsky@cruzio.com

Wednesday December 14 Good Shepherd Catholic School Presents their Annual Holiday Concert

6:00pm, 2727 Mattison Lane, Santa Cruz he students at Good Shepherd Catholic School will present their annual Holiday Concert. The preschool through first grade students will perform at 6:00pm, the second through fifth grade students will perform at 7:00pm. Admission is free, for more information please call (831) 476-4000 n

All month Mars is working its way through your sign. On the one hand you are ready to battle, and on the other you want to create something new and change the way things were done previously. This could get you into all sorts of hot water, but you have what it takes to make things happen. Your relentlessness could leave you feeling somewhat exhausted, so do the right thing and delegate if necessary. You take the initiative, which is fun, and as such you could stir things up at home. Your travel plans are looking great after Christmas Day.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You have been feeling under pressure to do more than you are willing to do and take on board commitments that you are not absolutely sure of. This may mean that others think you are stubborn but you have good reasons. You are protective of your space and don't want to be invaded! Be clear and make sure there are no misunderstandings. The lunar eclipse on the 10th works well for you and allows you to rise above petty squabbles. All is peaceful later and you can enjoy the festive season. You win respect for some hard decisions towards the end of the month.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

What you hear and understand can have quite an impact on you initially and it's these kind of chance encounters that can lead you down a different path. Take note of how you feel towards someone new and see that there could be a great future collaboration here that you can both benefit from. You are particularly clever with your cash in December and boost your income in ingenious ways, particularly after the 14th. You reach a kind of turning point on the 10th as an idea takes hold. After the 21st, travel is an important feature and you could be changing your mode of transport.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

This month Mercury has been retrograde in your sign, which may have the effect of holding things up a little but also giving you valuable time to rethink something that is important and precious to you. this has an impact on your closest relationship which was helped by Venus in your sign. Now with the lunar eclipse in your opposite sign of Gemini on the 10th certain agreements can be made which enhances your future together. Your focus is on your resources after the 22nd. Counting the cost of Christmas? ••• Find Out More www.AnnabelBurton.tv

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 29

FeaturedColumnist From Watsonville to Santa Cruz Free estimates for new roofs, reroofs, repairs, or just some advice!

KNOX ROOFING

461-0634 Lic.#696146

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

Holiday Fire Precautions & Prevention

By Mike Conrad, Division Chief Aptos La Selva Fire District

t’s the holiday season; everyone is busy with the hustle and bustle that goes with this time of year. So, while you are enjoying family and friends this year, please take a few moments to ensure their safety. Kitchen & Cooking Safety tatistics from the U.S. Fire Administration shows that during the month of December, 72 percent of all structure fires are in residential buildings and the leading cause involves cooking and is closely followed by heating related fires. While you’re busy in the kitchen this year pay close attention to the common causes of holiday cooking fires. Cooks can often become distracted during this time of the year, by family, friends and yes, even adult beverages. On average 54 percent of cooking fires during the holidays will result from either 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 heat source and never leave items cooking left unattended, it only takes a few minutes for oil in a pan to reach its ignition temperature and possibly ruin a holiday. Fireplace, Wood Stove & Open Flame Safety uring the holidays, we also see the use of open flame in our homes increase, with the use of a fireplace, wood stove and candles. With this increase we also see an increase in fire’s not only from the obvious of items coming into contact with these open flames but also from kids playing with fire.

You’ll Find it here 30 / December 2011 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Hospice” from pg 24

Grief Support: Support for Hospice families or to anyone faced with the loss of a loved one. Healthy Understanding of Grief (H.U.G): helps children and teens with their grief by helping them to feel and direct their emotions of loss in a positive and healthy manner.

Be very careful with candles keep them away from combustible items and never leave a candle burning when you leave the house or go to bed. Make sure items are not stored to close to the fireplace or wood stove and if you have children in the home remind them that fire is a tool, a very dangerous tool and should not be played with. Depending on the age of your children you may consider taking this time of year and 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 Tree Safety hile the number of Christmas tree fire incidents tends to be low, they can produce the most dangerous fires of all. An average Christmas tree will burn with the same intensity as a 2-foot pool of gasoline. How fast a Christmas tree fire will spread depends mostly on how dry it is. Take a few minutes and search for videos of Christmas tree fires on the internet, you will find many that show a fire in a tree spreading to the entire room in just a couple of minutes. If you have a real tree, keep it well watered and remove a dry tree right away.

Charity Hospice Care: Helps provide Hospice care for the under and uninsured community. Education and Outreach: A variety of programs that help educate the community about the services that Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides. We Honor Vets: Our newest program identifies the special

Always keep the tree well away from ignition sources like the fireplace or heater and inspect all lights that you place on the tree and never leave them on while away from home or when going to bed. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors ake sure you always have working smoke detectors in your home, change the batteries twice a year, you should have done this in November with the time change. While maybe not as exciting as many other holiday gifts, 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. For more holiday safety tips, please contact your local fire department or visit Holiday Fire Prevention at www.sufa.dhs.gov/safety/tips/holiday.shtm If you have any questions for Chief Mike, e-mail him at, mikec@aptosfire.com

needs of Veterans, honoring their services and connecting Vets and their families with benefits and resources. n ••• For more information about Hospice of Santa Cruz County and how they can help your family, call 831-4303000, or visit them online at www.hospicesantacruz.org.

SPCA Featured Pet

Hope Is All It Takes

Bestselling author featured at annual holiday event

Women in Business program hosting “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” writer

h e Wo m e n i n B u s i n e s s program o f t h e S a n t a C r u z Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual “Giving Luncheon” at the Cocoanut Grove on December 8. The event will feature k e y n o t e s p e a k e r, J o h n G r a y, made possible by a sponsorship by Bay Federal Credit Union. John Gray, PhD is the best-selling relationship author of all time. He is the author of seventeen books including the #1 New York Times Best-Selling book of the last decade, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, that sold over 50 million copies worldwide. During his presentation, John will tell stories, give advice, sign books and entertain the attendees of this luncheon. The luncheon will also feature a champagne reception and networking. There will be a presentation to the Student of the Quarter and a raffle for fabulous themed baskets donated by the business community to benefit the Women in Business scholarship fund. The table sponsor is Core Fitness. In addition, the Committee is asking attendees to donate new and gently used

crossword on

or five years, this six-year-old tiny toy Poodle named Hope was forced to deliver litter after litter so the owners could sell the puppies for a profit. The last litter was not the money producer her owners had hoped for; instead, it nearly took her precious life and left her orphaned with nowhere to go. After four days of heavy labor, Hope was finally taken to the vet who found that the four puppies inside her had died and were now poisoning her from within. Without surgery, she would die a painful death and without much thought, her owners chose to have her euthanized. The Santa Cruz SPCA was notified of her situation and quickly made the decision to delve into our Second Chance Fund and provide her with the lifesaving surgery she needed. We then vowed to provide her with all the care she needed until we could find her a new home. She now lies comfortably in her bed, recovering from surgery and has proven herself to be the sweetest and most gentle girl we could have ever imagined. She’s quiet and patient and would make the most amazing lap dog for someone seeking out a small and calm companion. She has no problem being in the company of other dogs or cats and doesn’t mind being held or picked up. Hope is in great health but is still on a few medications that will be provided to any future adopter. This sweet girl deserves only the best and will give you so much more. When all else failed, a little hope was found. Our adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, an ID tag, collar, a free health exam with a licensed Veterinarian, one month’s free health insurance, discounted crate purchase and other animal care materials. If you would like to help animals like Hope and her orphaned friends, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. 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.santacruzspca.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. n

CommunityNews

John Gray, Ph.D.

coats to support Coats for Kids, a project created by Classic Cleaners. The event will begin at 11:00 for champagne and networking and will end at 1:30. Cost for Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce members is $37 and $50 for non-members. Members are encouraged to bring friends! Tickets are available online at http://SantaCruzChamber.org or by calling 831-457-3713. About John Gray n his groundbreaking new book, Venus On Fire Mars On Ice; Hormonal Balancethe Key to Life, Love and Energy, Gray reveals the c o n n e c t i o n s between hormone levels and happiness and advises men and women to harness the connections between stress, blood sugar, body fat, and behavior to create lifelong passion and better health. He talks about the differences between the sexes and how they relate to one another and can be explained and managed by our hormones. John is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of communication and relationships, his unique focus is assisting men and women in understanding, respecting and appreciating their differences. For more than 35 years, John Gray has conducted public and private seminars for thousands of participants. In his highly acclaimed books, DVDs, CDs, as well as in his seminars, John entertains and inspires audiences with his practical insights and uses communication techniques that can be immediately applied to enrich relationships. n ••• Summit Entertainment has recently purchased the rights to John Gray’s bestseller Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus with the intention of creating a feature film and TV series. The expected release dates is 2012.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2011 / 31

Times Publishing Group

Published on Dec 1, 2011

Scotts Valley Times December 2011

Community News That Makes A Difference. Serving Scotts Valley, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek & Felton. Vol 14 No. 12. Annual Christmas Tree Lig...

Scotts Valley Times December 2011

Published on Dec 1, 2011

Community News That Makes A Difference. Serving Scotts Valley, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek & Felton. Vol 14 No. 12. Annual Christmas Tree Lig...

timespublishinggroup

Go explore