New Member Spotlight: GRO Community

In October of 2022, Santa Cruz County officially welcomed its newest nonprofit organization centered around children.

Believing that every child should have access to team sports, tutoring, art classes, dance classes, and summer camps regardless of economic status, GRO Community’s mission is to bridge the gap and create opportunities for children to access these programs.

Founded by Gina Odom of Scotts Valley, GRO Community was born when

Odom observed that children were not pursuing extracurricular activities like music lessons, art, dance, and sports due a lack of income.

She also noticed a huge discrepancy between children who could afford tutoring and those who could not and the unfair advantage it created.

Investment in our children means direct investment in our community, our economy, and the overall well-being of our community.

Gina brought together other members of the community with the same beliefs to form GRO Community with the desire to have a positive impact on the families and businesses of Santa Cruz County.

To date, GRO Community has helped bridge the gap and has given 31 children grants in Santa Cruz County for art, music programs, math tutoring, and martial arts classes.

Seven businesses have benefited from the grants as well.

GRO Community’s work would not be made possible without the generous support and donations from members of the community as well as the partnerships with organizations in Santa Cruz County that also have the desire to invest in children and foster their creativity and growth. •••

To learn more about Gro Community visit Gro-Community.org.

CALL FOR ARTISTS! — Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival

The 2023 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival dates are Saturday August 19 from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday, August 20 from 10am to 5pm.

The Kids Fun Zone will be back and the area’s most prestigious wineries and award-winning micro-breweries pouring their best.

The ever-popular Cops ‘N Rodders Car Show will be on Saturday and on Sunday, the fun-filled “Dog Day” will feature many canine contests and prizes! All artworks will be juried. Artist must have original, quality art and excellent

Save $40 with Early Bird Discount before June 15 craftsmanship in all areas of the various mediums. No kits, mass-produced items, commercial reproductions or imports will be allowed.

The Artist Application is Now Open. You can Apply at SVArtFestival.com. Artist Questions?

Email svartwinebeer@gmail.com •••

Local SC County Residents

Single Booth (12x12) $275 + $35 (nonrefundable) jury fee = $310 (Early Bird Price $270)

Double Booth (12x24) $475 + $35 (nonrefundable) jury fee = $510 (Early Bird Price $470)

Non-Local SC County Residents

Single Booth $420 (12x12) + $35 (nonrefundable) jury fee = $455 (Early Bird Price $415)

Celebrating 42 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 - 2023

$5200/mo 3BR/2BA large sunny Home on Granite Creek in Scotts Valley. Gas FP. Newer windows. Deck. W/D incl. 2-car garage. No pets.. Available early March

$4400/mo 3BR/2BA Duplex unit on Old Orchard in Los Gatos/Santa Cruz Mtns. Incredible views. Wrap-around deck. Some utilities incl. Available early March

$3850/mo 3BR/1.5BA 2-story Apartment in a Duplex on Ocean Street. New flooring. W/D incl. 2 carport spaces for parking. Available Now

$1450/mo Private room in a house on Glenwood Drive in Scotts Valley. Private bathroom. Laundry. Full kitchen. Deck. Views. PG&E & Water incl. Available Now

Double Booth $720 (12x24) $35 (nonrefundable) jury fee = $755 (Early Bird Price $715)

Initial Results of Jury will be Posted on June 15th. Applicants after June 15th will be juried on an individual basis. Final Registration Deadline is July 20th.

Manage Water Use

WaterSmart is a service portal that provides the tools to monitor and understand your water use and your bill.

SCAN OR VISIT THE WEBSITE TO REGISTER: www.svwd.org/WaterSmart