SVEF: $100,000 for School Behavior Specialists, By Tyler Crawford

COMMUNITY NEWS

SVEF: $100,000 for School Behavior Specialists

By Tyler Crawford

On Nov. 8, the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to the Scotts Valley Unified School District for the 2022/2023 school year.

The funds will be matched by the district in order to provide two behavioral intervention specialists to support students and staff district-wide.

The behavioral intervention specialists will provide in-service and on-site training to staff on instructional and behavioral management strategies to help teachers and staff better support our students.

Each year Scotts Valley Education Foundation works with leadership at the district to identify the greatest needs for the upcoming school year. A recent study conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics found that “87 percent of public schools reported that COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted student socio-emotional development.”

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools are finding this to be directionally true in the Scotts Valley Unified School District where we are seeing an uptick in challenges facing our educators. This incremental resource for our schools will be a support to our students as well as the wonderful teachers and faculty of the district. Developing a sound foundation to support mental health and wellness of students in the district is more important than ever and the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation is pleased to be able to help contribute our support to this important cause. n

“Nutcracker” from page 9

Christina Frankiv, 16, will be playing the role of Sugarplum Fairy this year alongside guest artist Aly Ely. Both Christina and Aly have been dancing at Agapé ever since its opening, so it’ll be fun having both dancers on-stage for the 10th Anniversary show.

Along with these fabulous dancers, this year’s show will be featuring a special new section for Agapé alumni choreographed by Aly Ely. The creative team at Agapé can’t wait for the community to see this spectacular show. n

•••

This year, you can catch Agapé Dance’s 10th Anniversary Nutcracker at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater, where it will be showing on Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22, with shows at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on both days. A portion of the ticket sales for the show will be donated to Nova Ukraine, an organization providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians during the ongoing struggle. Tickets start at $35. Visit our new Davenport gallery for gifts that are beautiful, unique, and locally made!

Hand blown glass ornaments, vases, and more.

STUDIOAND GALLERY

OPEN FRIDAY &SATURDAY 11-5 131OLD COAST RD, DAVENPORT CA 95017

www.chrisjohnsonglass.com

Classic Toys

ACROSS

1. *”____ Wars” toys from Kenner in the

‘70s 5. *Certain toy G.I. 8. Miss America’s accessory 12. Pot inhale 13. Morsel of Little Miss

Muffet’s meal 14. Private 15. Larger-than-life 16. Children’s author ____

Blyton 17. Post-Its 18. *Sticks and spools toy set 20. One of the Olsens 21. Gibson garnish 22. Middle-earth creature 23. Bias 26. Neat in appearance 30. Chasing game 31. Chancellor, in Europe 34. Not happening 35. Anomie, alt. sp. 37. Local area network 38. Re-attempt 39. Wyatt Earp’s card game 40. Common parakeet, colloquially speaking 42. Snakelike fish 43. Not yet a wife 45. *Like certain toy

Cathy 47. Mine deposit 48. Water nymph 50. Cassette contents 52. *Illuminated picture maker 56. Wainscots 57. Play parts 58. The Fonz: “Sit ____ ____!” 59. Face-to-face exams 60. Not this 61. Brainchild 62. Homey, alt. sp. 63. “Fight for You” singer 64. High rocky hills

DOWN

1. Editor’s mark 2. African antelope 3. Related 4. Suppose 5. Political club, in the olden days 6. Celestial hunter 7. Whirlpool 8. *Sno-Cone, actually (2 words) 9. Opposed to 10. “As ____ on TV” 11. Retail posting acronym 13. Blood-red 14. Beginning of essay 19. “Dear Diary” bit 22. Hockey legend 23. “The Office” people, e.g. 24. Veranda on Oahu 25. Ancient Greece marketplace 26. “The ____ Show” (1976-1980) 27. Sacred song 28. White heron 29. *Raggedy Ann or

Strawberry Shortcake, tenderly 32. *Professor Plum and

Colonel Mustard game 33. Little bit 36. *Avenues and rail roads game 38. Betty Ford Center, e.g. 40. Spelling contest 41. Superlative of icy 44. Edible herb 46. Quick and skillful 48. Specialty 49. Rose oil 50. Tropical edible root 51. Dwayne Johnson’s 2022 role Black ____ 52. Wooden slat 53. ____-China 54. Part of a traditional wedding cake 55. Greek Hs 56. *Play-____

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road La Boutique at the Scotts Valley Senior Center is ready for the holidays.

Come and shop. Or drop off your nice holiday things that you no longer want. Information: (831) 438-8666 or check Facebook.

JACOB’S HEART: ADOPT A FAMILY

Every year, the Jacob’s Heart Adopt-a-Family program helps alleviate some of the stress families feel during the holiday season.

Some of our families feel the burden of medical expenses, constant hospital trips, grocery needs, and other financial challenges the most during the holiday season.

Your help can lessen this burden and bring joy to these kiddos and their families. We still have 25 families that need to be adopted. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/jacobsheart-AoF-signup or reach out to pao-la@jacobsheart.org to learn more about how you can give some holiday cheer to a child who has cancer. ••• Another way to help: Host a Holiday Drive. It doesn’t have to be toys. It could be shoes, coats, or household essentials. Help Jacob’s Heart spread some holiday cheer and sign up for a Holiday Drive today! Reach out to Brianna@Jacobsheart.org to learn more.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give now to help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.

Donors — especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets — are asked to make an appointment to give.

There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu shot. Make an ap-pointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is offering donors a $10 Amazon gift card to those who give Nov. 28-Dec. 15. Details at rcblood.org/perks and rcblood.org/together. •••

As many gather for celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross urges donors to shake up their holiday traditions and plan a time to give blood.

Dec. 3: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond

Dec. 14: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

In the first three drive-through distributions, Second Harvest Food Bank staff and volunteers gave out more than 330,000 pounds of food, primarily shelf-stable pantry items, plus frozen meats and fresh vegetables.

Food prices have been rising faster than other goods in 2022 due to complex factors such as avian flu, which reduced the supply of chicken and other poultry, and higher transportation costs due to higher fuel prices.

This means especially high prices for turkey and other traditional holiday favorites. The average Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost 20% more than last year and 37% more than two years ago.

Housing prices in Santa Cruz County are among the most expensive in the U.S., with average rent in the city of Santa Cruz at $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, up 17% over last year. Dates are:

Dec. 5 & 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 p.m. for training. Second Harvest Food Bank will provide a light dinner and volunteers can take food for themselves or others. If you are interested, email Stephanie Russo at stephanier@ thefoodbank.org, or call (831) 232-8186.

FLYNN CREEK CIRCUS AT CAPITOLA MALL

Flynn creek Circus presents “Winter Fairytale,” featuring wild acrobatics, hilarious comedy, and extreme skills Dec 16-Jan. 1 at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola.

The Woodsmen, the Fairy, and the Spring Sprite are some of the colorful characters you will meet in this memorable holiday production. This tale speaks to the quiet darkness of Winter and the value of rest and reflection.

Flynn Creek Circus performances will take place under a big top tent.

Showtimes vary. Tickets are at https://www. flynncreekcircus.com/

Tickets are sold by table reservation, single seats or seating at a shared table.

Seating prices range from single bar stool, $23, and single seat, $38, to high top tables seating 4-6, $121 to VIP tables.

Beer, mulled Wine, hot drinks and light concession are available for purchase. Charity shows are at 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28 and are open to the public. To donate a ticket to a local charity, contact Nicole at (707) 684-2118.

HOLIDAY FUN AT THE BOARDWALK

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been made over for the holidays!

Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Boardwalk and enjoy holiday decorations — a 3-story Christmas tree! — photos with Santa, festive food and shopping.

“The holiday season is a magical time at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,” said Kris Reyes, Boardwalk spokesman. “Where else can families get their picture taken with Santa, do some holiday shopping and ride a world-famous wooden roller coaster?”

Special performances: Mini Nutcracker performance by Santa Cruz City Ballet at International Academy of Dance at Colonnade Stage – 2 p.m. Dec. 3 & 4. School choir/band performances (3 schools each day at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11.

Classic holiday movies are shown in rotation at Colonnade Stage 5-7 p.m. Also: Pedal karts in the main plaza, fire pit rental & holiday s’mores.

Package pricing is $29.95. Dates: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 26-28, Saturdays & Sundays Dec. 3 – 18, Monday – Sunday Dec. 19 – Jan 1.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project presents Holiday Lights 2022 from 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 25 – Dec. 25 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.

This is over a half-mile drive-through experience of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. Visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights/.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by December 19

& Therapeutic Center in La Selva Beach are selling their artwork for the holidays.

A show of 50 pieces of artists’ quality giclee prints at the Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse, 4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel is open through Saturday, Dec 17. All 50 pieces are the same price, $45 each; credit cards and Venmo accepted.

To purchase prints, contact Christine Kiebert-Boss at gombhtc01@gmail.com or 831-840-0047. She is trying to set up a website to sell student art but that will likely come after the holidays.

“There is so much more to do for our students with disabilities,” she said.

The Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, which serves people with all disabilities including autism, recently received a generous $75,000 grant from Helpers Community, some of which is designated for the arts program. Students will also show their greeting cards, melamine trays, and prints at the Tannery Arts Center Winter Market, 1070 River St., Santa Cruz, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec 10.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: 831-423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

RESOURCE FOR CAREGIVERS

As families gather for the holiday, people may see grandma or grandpa, their mom or dad, or their aunt or uncle more forgetful or frail and in need of care.

Since 1988, Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center has served Santa Cruz County families of persons living with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other conditions that cause memory loss and confusion.

Trained staff are tuned in to the experiences and issues caregivers face, ready and able to connect, listen and support. The center receives funds from the state Department of Health Care Services. For information, see https://www.delmarcaregiver.org/ or call toll-free (800) 624-8304.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8 The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event. Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/ griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

DATED EVENTS

Friday thru Sunday December 2-4 and 9-11

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS BOUTIQUE

1:30-7:30 p.m. (11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday), Mount Hermon Conference Center, 37 Conference Dr, Felton Mount Hermon Conference Center will host a Christmas Crafts Boutique in the multi-purpose room below the dining hall.

There will be 30+ exhibitors with original creations.

Proceeds benefit Campership Fund. More info at MountHermond.org/Christmas or call 831-3354466.

Saturday December 3

SAN VICENTE REDWOODS TRAILS OPEN

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), Sempervirens Fund and Save the Redwoods League, who own and manage the nearly 9,000-acre San Vicente Redwoods property in north Santa Cruz County open the first phase, 7.3 miles, of an envisioned 38-mile multi-use trail system.

The parking lot is at 12001 Empire Grade, Bonny Doon. For information see https://www.landtrustsantacruz.org/

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

5:30 – 6:45 p.m., Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, the Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Charter boats are available.

This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor. Parade begins at 5:30 p.m, rain or shine. Call 831-425-0690 for more information.

HOLIDAY AND ENTERTAINING INSPIRATION AND TASTING SANTA CRUZ

3 – 6 p.m., Staff of Life Natural Foods, 1266 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz Enjoy the specialties of the season with a handpicked assortment of wine from 12 different wineries, cheese, charcuterie and pastries at Staff of Life.

Tickets are $25 in advance at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/holiday-and-entertaining-inspiration-and-tastingsanta-cruz-tickets-465325600397. Proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, and there will be a collection barrel for food.