Christina Waters, Katelin Carollo, Joanna Jenkins, NGA Trinh-Halperin, Colleen Murphy, Lisa Catterall, Jeanne Howard, Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Bobbi Jo Palmer
AD REPRESENTATIVES
Ann Fitts Sophie Veniel Bob Pursley advertising@growingupsc.com
CONTACT US
408.656.1519
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P.O. Box 3505, Santa Cruz, CA 95063
DECEMBER 2024 | VOL. 28 NO. 12
Even small changes can make a BIG difference.
Triple P is a scientifically-proven, world-renowned positive parenting program available to families in Santa Cruz County.
Triple P strategies address a wide range of parenting challenges by providing a toolbox of easy-to-use tips.
Find a full schedule of Triple P tips and classes at triplep.first5scc.org.
Local Businesses Need Your Help
We got some disturbing news recently from two local businesses we love. They are struggling badly and need us to shop in their stores.
The good news is that we can help them, just by shopping in real life, not online.
The bad news is that we may be watching the end of retail as we know it. Amazon and the billionaires boys club are killing local businesses.
Wonderland Toys, a great shop in Aptos, is one of those businesses that recently sent out an appeal for help.
“There’s nothing easy about this announcement, so we’re just going to come out & say it…our little shop is in trouble. This past year has been a real struggle. Despite hearing daily how much our shop is valued for the service & experience we provide, retail habits have changed.
Many of our expenses have gone up, including rent. Our landlords, who do not live in the area, have thus far been unwilling to offer any relief, but we remain hopeful they will see the importance of working with a beloved locally owned business like ours.
We have been doing our best to ride this current wave, continually thinking the upswing is right around the corner and making adjustments where we can, but over the past several days we have had to come to realize that we aren’t just struggling, but are indeed in trouble.
We are optimistic about having a great holiday season, but are honestly not sure how long Wonderland can survive. We have been honored & proud to serve our community for the last nine years & would love to continue to do so.
We are humbly asking you, our
Catch the Social Media Wave
Don’t miss the Growing Up in Santa Cruz videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. To promote your business to thousands of viewers in the area each week, email editor@growingupsc.com or call (408) 656-1519.
WONDERful, family, friends & supporters for financial help. Here are options of support: 1) Donate to our Wonder Wishlist Go Fund Me, which will help us give new toys & games to local children in-need AND support Wonderland at the same time. To learn more about Wonder Wishlist, and to donate, visit gofund.me/4e72296e 2) Shop with us. In store and/or online. 3) Donate directly to Wonderland, via Venmo venmo. com/u/wonderlandtoys, to help with rent and other operating costs.
4) Share this message! 5) Use our plea as a reminder to visit, shop and support ALL your favorite local businesses as well. We don’t know what’s to come in the next months or year(s). We know we aren’t the only retailer in this situation. We desperately want to believe that brick & mortar retail business is still wanted and needed within local communities, & we think & hope you do too. Shopping local is more than a catchphrase; it’s essential for thriving communities.”
We got a similar plea from Comicopolis, the comics and bookstore in Downtown Santa Cruz.
We patronize both regularly.
The thing we love about both places is that they carefully and artfully present products kids love. You can touch them and really know what you are buying. They both understand their markets and choose things kids and parents will enjoy.
Please, do what you can do to help save both.
Thanks for reading and have great holidays Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher
Santa stops by Wonderland Toys.
On the Cover Lindsey Chester Launches Theatre 831
BY CHRISTINA WATERS
You don’t have to tell Lindsey Chester that all the world’s a stage! Chester has devoted herself and two decades of artistic management helping young performers take their first steps with All About Theater.
Many of her young students go on to larger regional stages, even Hollywood and Broadway! Now the founder of AAT is expanding her reach by leasing and opening up the Colligan Theater for a new season of performance.
Taking over the former Tannery Arts Center home of the Jewel Theater with her new project Theater 831, Chester is already reaching out to local arts groups. Giving priority to performance groups at the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center, Chester is determined to expand the events offerings in the beautiful jewelbox theater, in much the way that Kuumbwa and the Rio Theater have done.
Within weeks of assuming management of the theater vacated last Spring, Chester and her AAT performers have already mounted a production of The Little Mermaid, essentially diving into her exhilarating new venture with little time for thinking twice.
“All About Theater was my first child,” she admits. While Chester’s AAT will maintain a vigorous performance schedule
at the Colligan, Chester has plenty of room for community groups to schedule musical and theatrical events throughout the year.
“We’re promoting it as a venue space.
This will not be All About Theater at the Colligan, which is what Jewel did. It is the Colligan Theater, and All About Theater happens to do some shows. I want to put it where we are more collaborative within the community.”
Chester sees artistic direction in Santa Cruz being refreshed by a post-COVID turnover in leadership. She cites Andrea Hart and the Cabrillo Stage; Charles Pasternak with Santa Cruz Shakespeare, and her own new leadership with Theater 831. “I think Charles’ vision is amazing, with the outreach program that they’re trying to do year round. I think we have an opportunity for education with new vibrant people. We should all collaborate now.”
The last thing the Colligan’s new tenant wants is to create another
LUCADANO
exclusive performing arts silo. Chester wants to make it perfectly clear that under her Theater 831 management, all organizations will have access. “We have kept our spring days very flexible currently, because we wanted to wait and see who else wanted to perform here. And different people are responding. Different people are reaching out to us.”
Chester senses a “mental shift” within performance groups. “That us-versuseverybody else attitude has never, ever served performing arts. People want more collaboration. Maybe they’re concerned that it will become simply a recital hall for the parents of the children in the children’s theater, that kind of thing, and they’re worried about that”
Tuition from AAT parents has helped to support the maintaining of a warehouse for costumes and other theatrical props, as well as leasing the Colligan Theater as a venue. “Our aspiration is that we would keep our current studio and would also be able to offer evening classes. There’s the main theater here, but there’s also the lobby where we could have open mic nights, other community events, exhibitions with live guitar music. We’re going to be
applying for a liquor license so that other artists could have an intimate setting in the lobby, a little reception area also. Creative concession offerings will also bring in more support revenue.”
Yes there are big challenges.
“We are literally hitting the ground like not just gazelles but cheetahs. We basically had two and a half weeks to get in to learn the whole system. Not everything was labeled, not everything was wired correctly. The space was not cleaned. Getting it ready has taken copious amounts of manpower and labor, some of which are volunteers.”
The second big challenge she admits, “as we grapple with what this beautiful vision could be, is how to handle hiring. How do you hire somebody if they’re not needed full time? Maybe it will end up as the full time position, but only maybe. That’s the the beauty of having All About Theater in there is that the bills get paid. We’re looking at how we adjust the infrastructure and find the environmentally friendly way of running things? So there’s a big learning curve, but once we’ve hit the ground running within the next couple of shows, I do feel that we will be able to move past the chaos.”
Find out about Theater 831 and Colligan Theater programming at colligantheater. org/rent-the-colligan
COVER PHOTO BY MARCO
FAMILY GUIDE
ENRICHMENT
All About Theatre
1010 River Street, Santa Cruz
831.345.6340
allabouttheatre.org
International Academy of Dance IADance.com | NutcrackerSantaCruz.com info@IADance.com 831.466.0458
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Jazz. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio! Come see us on stage at Nutcracker: Experience The Magic at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater, Dec. 21 & 22!
explore the season’s mysteries, learn how plants and animals adapt, and investigate weather patterns. In spring, super sleuths will enjoy crafting, games, and scientific discovery. Our camps inspire academic success while fostering a love for the environment. Join us for fun, friendship, and a deeper connection to the natural world!
Seven Directions Creative Learning Center 831.713.9392 sevendirections.org sevendirectionsinfo@gmail.com
Seven Directions is Santa Cruz’s premiere creative center for kids and teens! Offering instruction in various arts, sciences and more in a lively studio with over 30 live exotic animals, we are committed to helping to nurture students’ self esteem, building lasting friendships and empowering them as artists, learners and creative thinkers.
more than 100 locations throughout the region. All backed up by Dominican Hospital’s nationally recognized programs for heart, cancer, obstetrics and other specialties. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/SantaCruz.
First 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217
First5scc.org
First 5 Santa Cruz County promotes the healthy development of children from birth to age 5. Parents and caregivers of newborns can contact First 5 to receive a free “Kit for New Parents” with parenting videos, children’s books, information on caring for babies and local resources. First 5 also offers parenting support through the Triple P –Positive Parenting Program, a world-renowned program that strengthens families by building positive relationships. To find Triple P classes or quick tips, visit triplep.first5scc.org or facebook.com/triplepscc
Celebrating nearly 23 years of theater, and over 175 productions in Santa Cruz County. Offering training in the performing arts for children aged (3-6), Youth (6-10), Pre-teen (10-13) & Teens (13-17) and Adults. Our upcoming Winter Season; Alice in Wonderland Jr. and Footloose the Musical, will be performing at our new home The Colligan Theater, located in the heart of the Tannery Arts Center at 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz. With a new state-of-the-art theater, we will be offering training and advancement classes in audio visual, stage managing, lighting design, broadway dance, voice and more…. There’s a place for everyone! Come be a part of the magic of theater this December and in 2025.
“Our family loves this amazing community! We started a year and a half ago and my daughter has flourished and challenged herself. Lindsey Chester has brought out gifts that my daughter did not know that she has. Please run, don’t walk and join us!”
Continuing swim lessons during the winter months at British Swim School offers numerous benefits for your child. Our year-round, indoor heated pool ensures a comfortable environment for learning. Regular swimming strengthens the immune system by boosting white blood cell count, helping fend off illnesses. It reinforces muscle memory for survival skills and stroke techniques, essential for the upcoming swim season. Additionally, swimming reduces anxiety, enhances mental clarity, and releases endorphins, promoting overall well-being. Lessons also build water confidence, teaching students to overcome fears. This balanced exercise improves muscular strength, cardiovascular health, and coordination, while fostering trust and respect between instructors and students.
City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz 831.420.5270
Kickstart your New Year by getting healthy and active with Parks and Recreation! Explore fitness classes, nature trails, sports leagues, and community events designed for all ages and abilities. Connect with nature, stay motivated, and enjoy fun activities while improving your physical and mental wellbeing. Start today for a healthier you!
Drawn 2 Art Studios
19C Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos 831.661.5652
drawn2artclasses.com Aptos@Drawn2ArtStudios.com
Drawn2Art offers a “Free Introductory Art Class,” ages 4 years- Teens/Adults. The trial Class is a nice introduction into the program and the student takes home a finished picture. The program is designed to the student’s level of ability, each student works independently at their own pace/artistic level. The techniques are based in a traditional/classical approach, using different mediums/ subject matter. Classes are available throughout the week and are broken up into different age groups. Seasonal Camps are offered throughout the school year. Call us at: (831) 661-5652 or email us: aptos@drawn2artstudios.com. Sign-Up Now and Join Us for educational fun!
“I love the twirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and the naughty gingerbread in the Santa Cruz City Ballet Nutcracker. Best of all is the joy of the performers. The venue at the Crocker Theater is the best. My family comes back to watch the performance year after year!” - Attendee
Jim Booth Swim School
Harvey West pool in Santa Cruz and Watsonville 831.722.3500
Jimboothswimschool.com
Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!
Junebug’s Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz
831.464.BUGS (2847) junebugsgym.com
JuneBug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. Our caring staff encourages your child to build strength and confidence through movement. Through gymnastics, we help them master fundamental motor skills and nurture their self-esteem. To learn more, see our website at JuneBugsgym.com!
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™
Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County Call/Text: 831.332.9002 registrar@musicalme.com musicalme.com
Elevate your family’s experience with the gift of music! Explore the wonders of Music Together®, a cutting-edge music enrichment program for children aged birth to 5, and the adults who hold them dear. This research-backed program not only enhances your child’s development across various domains but also strengthens family bonds, offering a valuable addition to your parenting toolkit. Siblings (infants under 8 months are free!) are welcome. Contact us for a free class or gift certificate (GREAT holiday gift!).
Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc. 2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.462.0655 scgym.com
At Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center our mission is to build a community of people that all support each other’s growth, learning, safety and development through our love of gymnastics and fun. From preschool to competitive programs, kids will learn skills such as rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. We also focus on age-appropriate school readiness skills such as waiting in line, sharing, taking turns, and color/number/ shape recognition. We know that every child can benefit from gymnastics, physically, emotionally and cognitively so we offer something for everyone. Check out our website for more information and class registration.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz 831.420.6115 camp@santacruzmuseum.org santacruzmuseum.org/camp
Discover the marvels of nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s seasonal day camps! Through hands-on exploration, creative experiments, and outdoor adventures, campers will ignite curiosity, develop a passion for science, and connect with their community. This winter, students will
We provide comprehensive dentistry in a caring environment for children of all ages. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. We have a pediatric anesthesiologist on our premises and are able to treat special, challenging children safely and comfortably under a general anesthesia. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients.
Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Lori Butterworth lori@ccamh.org 831.222.0052 ccamh.org
Caring for a child or teen struggling with their mental health can be a terrifying and isolating experience. As parents, we face unprecedented challenges navigating social media, political unrest, COVID-19, and influences beyond our control. Finding therapy can be frustrating with long waitlists and difficulty accessing affordable care tailored to your child’s unique needs. You are not alone. Affordable, evidence-based youth mental healthcare is now available at the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Soquel Village. We offer family-centered, individual, family, and group support as well as free Parent Drop-In sessions with a youth mental health expert.
“CCAMH’s free Parent Drop-In sessions have given me the tools I need to get my 12-year-old off her @%# phone! It’s been a lifesaver for my family.” – Parent
Community Bridges WIC Program
South County/Watsonville 18 W. Lake Avenue Suite A 831.722.7121
North County/Santa Cruz 1105 Water Street, Santa Cruz 831.426.3911
Communitybridges.org/WIC
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and social services for millions of families, and it plays a crucial role in improving lifetime health for women, their infants, and young children. Part of the nation’s nutrition safety net for over 45 years, WIC serves pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children through their fifth birthday. Annually, Community Bridges WIC program serves over 500 pregnant women, 800 breastfeeding women, 1,100 infants, and 3,800 children offering a comprehensive range of services to promote healthy lifestyles both on-site and online.
“I have received so much help from WIC from nutritional classes to just being able to ask questions like is my child eating enough or are the eating too much and also with breastfeeding support.” – Paloma, WIC participant
Dignity Health-Dominican Hospital
1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz 831.462.7700
DignityHealth.org/SantaCruz
Expert and compassionate care for you and your family This Open Enrollment, choose access to Dignity Health. When you’re comparing health plans this season, consider the advantages of a plan that connects you to Dignity Health, the largest physician network in Santa Cruz County. Like our more than 200 primary and specialty care providers located in
SCHOOLS
Gateway School, K-8th grade 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz 831.423.0341 gatewaysc.org
Located on the west side of Santa Cruz, Gateway School provides students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade with an exemplary education. Small class sizes and programs in Art and Technology, Music, Spanish, and Life Lab complement a robust academic curriculum grounded in Social Emotional Learning. We value collaboration, creativity, and a love of learning, and encourage our students to become compassionate and responsible citizens. Gateway School is the only K-8 school in Santa Cruz accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Its mission is to inspire children to lead lives of purpose and compassion through scholarship and citizenship, and all are welcome. Learn more by visiting gateways.org.
Orchard School, established over 30 years ago, provides a unique, yet comprehensive K-6 education. At Orchard, we weave together the magic of an extraordinary faculty, a 14acre campus and a down to earth philosophy that nourishes and honors the natural growth and development of children. Small class sizes, an organic garden and an animal farm create enriching “whole child” learning experiences that are hands-on and individualized. We provide Strong Core Academics, Lab-Based Science Curriculum, Art, Music, Physical Theater/Circus Arts, Electives, Ceramics, Archery, Swimming, Leadership, Field Trips, Drama Productions, and more.
Pacific Collegiate School
3004 Mission st. Santa Cruz, CA. 95060 831.479.7785 pacificcollegiate.com
Learning at PCS is an adventure where the journey is as important as the successful outcome. We are a free, public charter school in Santa Cruz serving students in grades 7-12. We nurture the whole person—body, mind, and spirit - by providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, celebrate their identities, and find what fuels their curiosity. Applicants to 7th grade under free or reduced price meal programs or 1st generation to college are 30% more likely to get in! Visit www.pacificcollegiate. com to learn more, attend an informational session and make sure to apply for the lottery by Feb 13, 2025.
Santa Cruz Montessori
Ages 18 months – 14 years
Main Campus (Primary and Elementary) 6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos Winston Campus (Young Children’s Community and Jr. High) 244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel 831.476.1646 scms.org
Established in 1964, Santa Cruz Montessori is a non-profit school serving children 18 months to 14 years, celebrating our 60th anniversary this year! Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best. Our community of teachers and parents works together to support our learners and provide an engaging Montessori curriculum including humanities, math, sciences and arts. Our mission: as a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a more peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child.
Santa Cruz City Schools
Sam Rolens samuelrolens@sccs.net
831.419.2927 sccs.net/enroll
At Santa Cruz City Schools, students find belonging, room to explore & high expectations. In Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten, students are welcomed into education with a play-centric, curiosity-driven experience. In Elementary, students learn in classrooms, gardens, kitchens, art studios, and in the field–and in our after-school enrichment programs. In Middle School, we encourage independence and emotional development as students push themselves academically. In High School, we provide countless opportunities: more AP classes, more athletics, more artistic and performance outlets, more leadership opportunities, more community connections and more supports to launch students into their next adventure in college or career excellence.
Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8 2190 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz 831.425.0519 santacruzwaldorf.org
Santa Cruz Waldorf School nurtures the whole human being in every individual, cultivating the capacity of head, heart, and hands. We offer a rich and balanced curriculum in which intellectual and artistic development are both vital and fully integrated. Specialty teachers work alongside class teachers to provide students with diverse experiences in language, movement, music, arts, games, and gardening. Our magical, rural campus is nestled in the redwoods above USCS. Our community is warm and joyful. We are committed to protecting childhood, supporting each individual, respecting nature and all life. Santa Cruz Waldorf School cultivates self-directed, empathetic, and free-thinking individuals with the courage and capacities to serve an everevolving humanity.
• Wide selection of classes and camps for ages 5 and up! • Visual & performing arts, sciences and more! • Homeschool and after-school programs • Lively 2,000 sq ft studio
35+ live exotic animals sevendirections.org (831) 713-9392 sevendirectionsinfo@gmail.com
PERFORMING ARTS
Scrooge Meets Shakespeare
BY CHRISTINA WATERS
From the story that gave us the expression “Bah, humbug!” and the character Scrooge—A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, a new holiday tradition will debut next week.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare Artistic Director Charles Pasternak has adapted Dickens’ beloved story and will direct the upcoming Santa Cruz Shakespeare production opening next week in the downtown Santa Cruz Veterans Hall. The story is well-known, well-loved, and will warm the hearts of audiences of every age.
The ghost of Jacob Marley—greedy business partner of tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge—is condemned to an afterlife bound in chains. His midnight visit to Scrooge sets up a series of emotional episodes that will transform the cold-hearted Scrooge into a generous benefactor. Mike Ryan, former Santa Cruz Shakespeare Artistic Director plays Scrooge, with Julie James, Charlotte Munson, Robert Zelaya, and Andrea Sweeney Blanco, also young actors Lincoln Best and Joseph Pratt Lukefahr alternating the role of Tiny Tim.
We asked Charles Pasternak, Mike Ryan, and Julie James about this eagerlyawaited production.
Charles Pasternak: The key thing for me in adapting Dickens’ amazing novella was to trust Dickens. With the exception of a word here or there, the entire adaptation is taken straight from Dickens and arranged dramatically. This story has been adapted hundreds of times—I don’t believe I’ve done anything new, but I’m proud of the exciting pattern we’ve found of telling a dynamic story with only five adult actors, and two kids.
Mike Ryan: The delight of playing Scrooge is that the actor gets to play one of the greatest character arcs ever written. What thrills us about the story is the total transformation that occurs from the start of the play, when Scrooge is such a “covetous old sinner”, to the end when he is “as good a man as the good old city knew”. The greater these opposites, the more joy there is in the journey.
The beauty and joy of playing Scrooge is not just in his wickedness, but in watching the light reach the dark places, and in seeing his vulnerability. I may not be the wickedest old coot of an actor that ever graced the stage, but I like to believe that one of my strengths as an actor is my ability to express vulnerability on stage, to find light and humor where there is often little to be found, and in expressing joy. These three things are all essential to Scrooge and what makes the story, and the meaning, of Christmas, so important to us all.
Julie James, known for countless Jewel Theater productions, plays many roles.
Q: It must be such a challenge to play multiple parts after so many years as a leading actor.
JJ: It is a lot of fun to do multiple
roles. But it is definitely challenging too, because you want them all to be distinctly different from each other, so you go about finding the particular vocal and physical aspects of each character that helps contrast them compared to the other characters. But you also want what you are doing to feel organic to the character and be believable to the audience. So there is a balance needed to not go too broad just for contrast’s sake.
Q: You play Fezziwig, the Ghost of Christmas Present, Mrs. Dilber. How does that work?
JJ: I’m also playing Jacob Marley, a narrator type character, which is great fun, and I do have different costumes for each but that means when I’m not on stage acting, I’m off stage changing my costume, usually very very quickly. Most of us in the play have several quick changes. So no time to think about what’s next, just jumping from one thing to the next and hope I don’t skip anything!
A Christmas Carol, produced by Santa Cruz Shakespeare, from the novella by Charles Dickens, runs Nov. 23 - Dec. 24 at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 846 Front St, in downtown Santa Cruz. santacruzshakespeare.org for tickets. The show is 90 minutes and has no intermission.
Photo credit R.R. Jones
The Little Mermaid Jr.: A Tale of Curiosity, Longing and Acceptance
The seaweed is always greener in somebody else’s ocean... or is it? This idea resonates deeply in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” a tale that explores the longing for a different life, the struggle to accept one’s circumstances and the pursuit of curiosity.
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, “The Little Mermaid Jr.” – as embodied onstage by Mount Madonna School’s (MMS) middle school cast – is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.
Performances are Dec. 14 and 15 at 2pm at Mount Madonna School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater. Tickets on sale at mmsthelittlemermaid.brownpapertickets.com.
Adult tickets are $20; seniors are $15 and $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved. This production is designed for children and families of all ages.
In a magical underwater kingdom, a young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the human Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.
“For middle school students, this period often marks the emergence of identity questions and the drive to carve out their unique paths.,” observed Director Chelsea Otterness. “The story is infused with a lively, playful energy, both above the waves and beneath them. Picture sparkling mermaids and squawking gulls, bringing humor to the narrative, while a more profound message quietly unfolds. Ariel sacrifices her voice – her means of self-expression – in exchange for legs, something she wasn’t born with. This essential loss signifies the cost of exploring
new worlds, and illustrates that in the quest for more, we may lose a part of ourselves.”
Eighth grade student River Russell is cast as King Triton.
“The sea king, Triton, loves his daughter and his daughter loves a human,” said Russell. “It’s kind of like “Romeo and Juliet”; they need to find a middle ground between their worlds. It has all the archetypes of a perfect story. It’s ideal for middle school because we are a strong community. We get to be in this new world together, giving us a chance to step out of our comfort zone and become part of something new. When we’re in the play, we aren’t middle schoolers anymore – we transform together into something else.”
Eighth grader Cadence Barr is cast in the role of the mermaid, Ariel.
“This story is about pursuing your dreams and desires rather than listening to others’ expectations, and this is an interesting concept,” said Barr. “As a child, you might dream of being a mermaid, but Ariel dreams of being human. It speaks to the idea that once we achieve something, we often want more, never fully content with what we have.
“In middle school, this feeling is magnified by constant comparisons,” Barr continued. “Ariel compares herself to humans and when she finally gets the chance to live among them, she’s amazed. Yet, she sacrifices something precious, her voice – her ability to express herself – just to gain this new experience.”
“I’m playing the marvelous Scuttle,” said eighth grade student Eva Melton. “He’s a funny character who thinks he knows everything, but he’s constantly giving Ariel bad advice – kind of like those Reddit accounts that post false information! When I was young, this story was a big part of my childhood.
The storyline was cute: Ariel wants to be somewhere else, has all these dreams and does something drastic to achieve them. She ends up in a tough situation, but it all works out in the end, which is the kind of story that leaves you feeling good.
“I think everyone has moments, big or small, when they have a desire and try to make it happen,” Melton continued. “Not everyone follows through though, and while selling your soul isn’t the best idea, it’s a compelling plot point.”
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” is presented through special arrangement
with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows. com.
“Middle school students are immersing themselves in the script and applying the Chekhov method to develop their characters,” said Otterness. “They are learning to construct authentic personas by probing motivations and desires, delving deeply into the text. The songs will resonate with emotion, and their dedication to character development will be exceptional.”
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Drawn 2 Art Studios
19C Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos
831.661.5652
drawn2artclasses.com
Drawn2Art offers holiday packages for your budding artist!
Give the “Gift of Art” this holiday season—Gift Certificates Now available. Children (4+), teens, and adults gather for weekly classes to practice their drawing & painting skills. Packages include 1-6 months + t-shirt / apron or a One-Day Seasonal Camp. We would love to meet you!
Register for the SCSPCA Great Animal Migrations Winter Camp today via our website! Enroll your 6 to 9-year-old for December 30th, 31st, 2024 and January 2nd, 3rd, 2025. Discover which animals migrate, hibernate or adapt during Winter while also helping to socialize and train our shelter animals each day!
SPENGA Santa Cruz
831.227.2130
Info@spengasantacruz.com santacruzca.spenga.com
SPENGA offers a unique fitness experience, combining 20 minutes each of spin, strength training, and yoga in every session. Enjoy a multi-sensory workout with energizing beats and aromatherapy, designed to strengthen both body and mind. Discover the best workout ever, where fitness and life align seamlessly.
Monarch Pilates
4125 Portola Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 475-8994
info@monarchpilates.com monarchpilates.com
Monarch Pilates is a mom-owned Pilates studio offering group reformer classes, private lessons, physical therapy. Our specialties include pregnancy & postpartum, scoliosis, pelvic health, and fitness/strength conditioning for
Jim Booth Swim School
Harvey West pool in Santa Cruz and Watsonville 831.722.3500 jimboothswimschool.com
Dive into the perfect gift! Give the gift of Swimming lessons— perfect for making a splash this holiday season! Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School.
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with heaters and fireplace, catering, curbside, delivery and online ordering. Friday & Saturday evenings Kianti’s brings “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to life! Performances by Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie, Santa and the entire Kianti’s crew!
Seven Directions Creative Learning Center
831.713.9392
sevendirections.org
sevendirectionsinfo@gmail.com
Give the gift of creativity! Seven Directions is Santa Cruz’s premiere creative center for kids and teens! Offering instruction in various arts, sciences, and more in a lively studio with over 30 live exotic animals, we are committed to helping to nurture students’ self-esteem, building lasting friendships, and empowering them as artists, learners, and creative thinkers.
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™ Throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County Call/Text: 831.332.9002
leagues, and community events designed nature, stay motivated, and enjoy fun activities well-being. Start today for a healthier you! - Almaden 95062, inside 24 Four
Come celebrate in the joys of musical theater and performing arts this holiday season. All About Theatre is offering 3 amazing musicals at the Colligan Theater; Disney’s Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland & Footloose. From live orchestras to delicious treats there is something for everyone. Visit us online at www.allabouttheatre.org
santacruzparksandrec.com
Give the gift of recreation! Gift cards available at SantaCruzParksandrec.com Kickstart your New Year by getting healthy and active with Parks and Recreation! Explore fitness classes, nature trails, sports leagues, and community events designed for all ages and abilities. Connect with nature, stay motivated, and enjoy fun activities while improving your physical and mental well-being. Start today for a healthier you!
Acton Academy Santa Cruz 7979 Soquel Drive, Aptos info@actonsantacruz.org actonsantacruz.org
Join us Dec. 14 in Aptos for Acton Academy’s 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair! Discover crafts, jewelry, décor, food, and more at 7979 Soquel Drive. Open to youth and adult vendors—email Families@actonsantacruz.org to register. Support young entrepreneurs and enjoy a festive community event. Don’t miss out!
https://britishswimschool.com/santa-cruz-almaden/24of water safety! Cruz offers small advanced swimmers at 24 Hour water survival and learn-to-swim heated pool, led by highly Santa Cruz gym Class! where your child can adventure in movement. Our your child to build strength and
British Swim School of Santa Cruz - Almaden
1261 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, inside 24 Four Fitness 408.647.1526
This holiday season, give the gift of water safety! British Swim School of Santa Cruz offers small group classes for beginners and advanced swimmers at 24 Hour Fitness. Our unique year-round water survival and learn-to-swim program takes place in an indoor heated pool, led by highly trained instructors. Join the fun!
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz 831.420.6115 camp@santacruzmuseum.org santacruzmuseum.org/camp
Discover unique treasures at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Store! Located above Seabright Beach, the shop offers nature-inspired gifts perfect for curious kids, passionate naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Celebrate over 100 years of connecting our community to the wonders of nature with items highlighting our region’s rich biodiversity.
•Advanced Placement* (AP)/College level classes starting in 10th grade. *College level classes w/support of teachers to build confidence & skills essential for success in college.
WE MEET STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE
•Small class sizes & gradual skill building.
•Free tutoring program for students who need extra support.
•Special support for first-generation College students.
FOSTER COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
• Mental health support.
•16 sports, 4 world languages, 32 art classes and 46 clubs.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AREA
•Bilingual support for Spanish-speaking families.
•Individualized program for students with special needs.
•Student Identity Clubs (Latine Student Union, Black Student Union, etc.)
Tips for Supporting a Neurodivergent Child During the Holidays
BY KATELIN CAROLLO,
For neurodivergent children, the holiday season can be challenging. This time of year is full of new experiences, new foods, new sounds, and new people. Simply put -- for children who are neurodivergent, special needs or highly sensitive -- new often equals hard. And when kids are having a hard time, parents are usually having a hard time as well. So how can parents keep the joy and fun of holiday activities and traditions while supporting their child? Here are four practical strategies for navigating the holiday season with a kid who needs some extra support. But first, let’s unpack why some children struggle with the holiday season.
Why exactly are the holidays hard for kids with special needs?
Holidays are often when we meet with extended family and friends to celebrate together. This means more people together in one space, either “invading” a child’s safe place or making the child go to a new, unfamiliar place. The holidays can be a sensory overload for neurodivergent/special needs children. The bright lights, loud noises of music and people talking, different foods, and increased activity can feel overwhelming
for these children. Especially for kids who thrive on routine and predictability, these times can be uncomfortable. Their schedules are different, they don’t know what to expect, and they are around new and unfamiliar people and places, which can all create fear and dysregulation. So how can parents approach holiday gatherings and traditions in a way that supports their special needs child?
PREPARE YOUR CHILD AND YOUR FAMILY BY TALKING ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT
Do this early – think weeks in advance – and often. Describe or bring up details that your child knows or remembers. For example, “We are going to Nana’s house for Thanksgiving this year. Remember, she has the green house with the trampoline in the back.” Let them know what the plan is so they feel prepared and
Musicals
are not caught off guard. Such as, “We will get to the house, and you can play on your tablet, then we will eat dinner and afterwards, we can go home.”
*Bonus tip: If your child is visually focused, make a visual schedule for the day or show pictures of family members they are going to see or a video of the place they will be at.
PREPARE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Let everyone know about the child’s sensory needs. For example, “Clara will be using an AAC device, she can talk with you through that and she might show you some pictures.” Or “Please do not ask Ben to give hugs or make eye contact.” It’s also helpful to tell family and friends about the child’s interests so they can more easily connect. Saying something like, “Antonio loves sea creatures. If you’d like to get to know him better, ask him about his favorite sea animals.”
Finally, if your child exhibits common behaviors when they are overwhelmed or dysregulated – such as tapping, yelling, singing loudly, etc. – let your friends and family know about this before you arrive and before they see it.
BRING COMFORT ITEMS FROM HOME TO PUT YOUR CHILD AT EASE
If your child has a favorite toy they usually want to bring everywhere, this
isn’t a time to leave it behind. Come prepared with common items or activities that help regulate your child and bring them with you! If watching a video on their tablet helps them regulate, make sure you have the tablet charged and ready to go. It can also be very helpful to bring familiar foods or snacks for your child. This doesn’t mean they can’t sit and eat at the table with everyone, but make them feel comfortable and nourished while being a part of holiday traditions.
MEET YOUR CHILD AT HIS/HER LEVEL AND ADVOCATE FOR THEM BY HOLDING BOUNDARIES WHEN NECESSARY
Setting boundaries for your child can look like saying no to caroling if they hate loud noises, not forcing them to play with cousins if they prefer to play alone or giving them some of the holiday meal without any pressure to try these new foods. Get comfortable with your child saying “no” to certain aspects of holiday traditions and honor the boundaries they set for themselves, such as not wanting to give someone a hug, or needing a break from the noise and activity.
Katelin Carollo, CCC-SLP,is a speech language pathologist and clinical director at Central Coast Language & Learning Center.
Colligan Theater
Help Santa Cruz Pets Come Home for the Holidays COMMUNITY
BY ALISON TALLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
The Santa Cruz SPCA (SCSPCA) recognizes that a community without pet over-population, abuse, neglect, homelessness, and other animal welfare issues begins, in part, with youth education and involvement.
Given this, we have created fun-filled programs that help young people feel engaged and inspired as they learn about animals so they can make positive choices for their community, now and for the rest of their lives.
The Santa Cruz SPCA offers a number of ways for youth to get involved.
IGNITE A LOVE FOR ANIMALS AT SANTA CRUZ SPCA YOUTH CAMPS
This year’s winter camp theme is Great Animal Migrations. Kids kids ages 6-9 will learn about which animals migrate, hibernate or adapt during the cold of Winter. They will discover why animals need to migrate and learn what they use to find their way across oceans and continents without getting lost.
The camp will educate youth on which animals travel across California on their way to warmer locations, how far they go, which animals are residents and which ones are migrants.
Camp leaders keep the activities fun, informative and engaging by using clues to find migrating animals in scavenger hunts. Campers will make paper bag puppets of animal migrants and paint giant maps to chart where the animals go.
Campers will have the opportunity to learn about and interact with numerous different animals, including shelter animals as well as other animals.
Throughout all of the Santa Cruz SPCA’s youth programs the focus is on sharing information about shelter animals, including things like the ways we train and socialize the animals to help them get adopted.
Camp runs from 9am to 3pm on Monday 12/30/24, Tuesday 12/31/24, Thursday 1/2/25 and Friday 1/3/25.
PROMOTING ANIMAL WELFARE WITH STUDENTS (PAWS)
The Santa Cruz SPCA has two ongoing youth volunteering programs. Promoting Animal Welfare with Students (PAWS), for ages 7-12, and Community Service Saturdays for ages 13-15.
PAWS has two different levels. PAWS 1 is for students just starting our PAWS program and who are still learning to be comfortable around animals and to work in small groups.
You can sign up for this session if your student has never been to PAWS or has recently started their journey in one of our PAWS programs. PAWS 1 sessions meet Monday from 4-6pm for Juniors (age 7-9 yrs. old) and Tuesday from 4-6pm for Pre-Teen (10-12 yrs. old). The cost for one two-week session of PAWS 1 is $65.
PAWS 2 is for students who have a good level of experience in our PAWS program and are looking to take it a step further. Students in this group work from existing skills learned in the PAWS 1 program and gain further skill sets and a greater understanding of the bigger picture of animal welfare. PAWS 2 sessions meet on Wednesday from 4-6pm for Juniors (7-9 yrs. old) and Thursdays from 4-6pm for Pre-teens (10-12 yrs. old). Prerequisite: At least one or more sessions of PAWS 1 completed. The cost for one three-week session of PAWS 2 is $65.
COMMUNITY SERVICE SATURDAYS
Many area middle and high school students are required to meet a certain number of community service hours to graduate or meet college entrance goals.
We realize that these students may not have the desire, nor the ability, to commit to volunteering for the long term, so Community Service Saturdays was developed in an effort to serve our community’s youth and to allow us to benefit from their valuable volunteer time.
We can accommodate up to 12 middle and/or high students in a session who are supervised by the SCSPCA’s Humane Educator. Students will complete work such as shelter site maintenance, cleaning of the shelter site, animal enrichment, preparing
food bags, dog walking and cat TLC.
Typically held on the last Saturday of the month from 10:00am until 1:00pm, our Community Service Saturdays program runs from September through May at a cost of $25 per student.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
To encourage the placement of as many of our shelter guests into permanent homes for the holidays as possible, we are running a promotion called Home for the Holidays in which participants can name their own adoption fee.
This promotion runs through year-end and focuses on the types of animals filling shelters across the US and needing second chances.
• 11/27-12/1 -- Big Adult Dogs (over 6 months and 40lbs.)
• 12/4-12/8 -- Adult Cats (6 months and over)
• 12/11-12/15 -- All animals with over 30-day stays (6 months and over)
• 12/18-29 -- ALL three categories
The opportunity to name your own adoption fee is made possible by a generous gift from Kevin Kowalkowski, a dear friend to the animals and the Santa Cruz SPCA.
ACT NOW FOR GENEROUS MATCHING PROGRAMS
Gifts to the Santa Cruz SPCA made by the end of December 2024 will be matched up to $1,000 per gift, up to a total of $25,000. The community’s support has already had a remarkable impact and now there is a chance to double your gift to help the animals.
This matching gift opportunity was created by the family of longtime supporter Peggy Hillis, who was a true champion for homeless pets and a dear friend of the Santa Cruz SPCA. Visit spcasc.org/donate to support our work.
LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED!
To learn more about our adoption experience and see our animals that are available for adoption, visit: spcasc.org/ adoption-process
The SCSPCA is open for browsing and adoptions Wednesdays – Sundays 11am5pm at 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz.
Can’t make a permanent commitment but still want to help? Consider becoming a foster home. This can be a great experience for the whole family. spcasc. org/foster
Questions: 831.465.5000 or adoptions@spcasc.org.
LEFT: The SCSPCA lets you name your own adoption fee in December to bring a pet home for the holidays. RIGHT: Long-time SCSPCA donor Peggy Hillis, with her dogs Bambi & Molly. Peggy’s family gave $25,000 for matching donations this December.
SANTA CRUZ SPCA
Discover your well power.
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When you’re comparing health plans this season, consider the advantages of a plan that connects you to Dignity Health, the largest physician network in Santa Cruz County. Like our more than 200 primary and specialty care providers located in more than 100 locations throughout the region. All backed up by Dominican Hospital’s nationally recognized programs for heart, cancer, obstetrics and other specialties. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/SantaCruz.
5 Money Habits to Teach Your Kids in 2025
Simple
concepts can quickly evolve into positive habits
Good money habits start young, and teaching kids about finances doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five simple, kid-friendly money habits that can set your children up for success in 2025 and beyond:
1. SAVING A PART OF ANY INCOME
Whether it’s allowance, birthday money, or earnings from small chores, teaching kids to save a portion of their money is a great habit to build early on. Help them understand the idea of “paying yourself first” by setting aside a percentage to save before spending on anything else. Using a clear jar or a savings account can help them see their savings grow, creating a sense of accomplishment.
2. SETTING SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM SAVINGS GOALS
Teach kids the difference between saving for something small, like a toy, versus something bigger, like a bike. Have them set one short-term and one longterm savings goal. Kids learn patience and the value of delayed gratification, which are essential skills for responsible money management. Setting realistic goals helps children see that saving pays off and encourages careful spending.
3. UNDERSTANDING NEEDS VS. WANTS
Teaching kids to distinguish between needs and wants is foundational for making smart spending decisions. Use everyday examples, like food and clothing as needs and toys and treats as wants. This habit builds awareness, which can be further developed as they grow, helping them avoid impulsive spending and understand the importance of budgeting for essentials first.
4. PRACTICING SIMPLE BUDGETING
Budgeting can be as simple as dividing money into categories
like saving, spending, and giving. Kids can put their allowance or gift money into envelopes or jars marked for different purposes. You might encourage them to give a small portion to charity, reinforcing values like sharing and responsibility. Budgeting even small amounts of money gives children a sense of control and helps them learn financial planning from a young age.
5. LEARNING TO COMPARE PRICES
Before making a purchase, encourage kids to compare prices on similar items with varying retailers. For example, if they’re saving up for a toy, they can check different stores or look online to see where it’s sold for the best price. This habit teaches kids about making informed choices and getting the most value for their money. It’s also a fun way to help them feel empowered by their
spending decisions. Teaching kids good money habits doesn’t have to be complicated. By introducing simple concepts like saving, budgeting, and distinguishing needs from wants, you’re setting them up with skills that will soon become a habit. The new year is a perfect time to start practicing, so give these tips a try and enjoy seeing your kids become financially savvy young individuals!
Local Woman Makes ‘Not So Neighborly’ Holiday Game
BY JOANNA JENKINS
Courtney Laschkewitsch, a Santa Cruz local, is an innovative, brilliant product licensing coach and tabletop gamemaker. Her ongoing career allows her to make people’s dreams come true, and now, she is bringing one of her own dreams to life. A beautiful mix of strong family values, imagination, and love for the holidays has inspired Courtney to create an accessible, fun Christmas themed “Print & Play” tabletop game.
Where are you from? What was your childhood like?
Courtney Laschkewitsch: I grew up in La Selva Beach with my brother and parents. We were homeschooled for most of my education . My parents would revolve our interests around education. We were encouraged to follow a path we loved with education as a foundation. We grew up “professional with passions”. We learned mindfulness with passion for the business world.
What was it like to win the 2015 NEXTies award?
CL: Through my speech about the importance of ASL and business, I was able to be entered into the NEXTies 18 & under division and won the award. I was passionate about changing the world through business. Two years later, I reposted my NEXTies award speech and Invent Right called to hire me. Beautiful full circle moment of passion. The gift that keeps on giving. Pivotal part of my journey and why I’m here.
“I talk about passion because people come in with passion and I was hired solely based on my passion”--CL
What is your current job?
CL: I am a Product Licensing Coach at Invent Right. There is the Main program for inventors aged 19+. I am a manager and coach for the Youth program for inventors aging 5-18. I coach inventors who have product ideas ranging from games to kitchen utensils. I aid them to get their product patented and pitched to major companies like Hasbro. Then they market, manufacture, and distribute the product into their line and the inventor collects a royalty.
“I’m holding people’s dreams in my hands every single day.”
What tabletop games did you play growing up? What games inspired you?
CL: My family grew up playing mass marketed games such as Scrabble and Yahtzee. One of my favorites was Dragonology because I loved how the dragon theme drove the gameplay. This was my gateway game to more niche, themed games outside the traditional. I developed games my whole life in homeschooling but wasn’t an all knowing professional yet. Two years ago, I dove into the game industry–such a warm, open, and immersive community. I fell in love with “Print & Plays” . Print & plays are
accessible and repeatable games that are made on paper from your home!
How do you celebrate Christmas with your family?
CL: I grew up with strong family traditions and fell in love with the holidays because of family get-togethers, especially Christmas. My parent’s house was insanely decorated, like you’re walking into Santa’s Workshop. We had huge themed collections–nut crackers, teddy bears, etc. When I step into my family home, I enter the Christmas Spirit, family magic, fun, and mischief. We also loved watching Christmas light competition tv shows–all of this inspired the creation of my Print & Play game.
How is the The Not-So-Neighborly Christmas Lights Competition Game played?
CL: Main Game–You’re Six days away from Christmas Eve, you are thrust into the spotlight of an epic, chaotic Christmas light competition in your neighborhood. The game is a Print and Play, Choose & Roll, Draw & Color Competition. You are competing with your neighbors to decorate the best house. You’ll pick a house, and then choose between 5 different actions to take on your turn. Once you choose, you will roll dice to see the outcome. If you gain a decor item, you will draw and color it on your house or property! You can choose to play Naughty or Nice with every roll. Naughty or Nice, the element of sabotage makes the game exciting. Since it’s a family game, the sabotage mechanic can be hard for kids to accept so I made sure that if you play Naughty, there are rules that will reward the other player. Scoring is based on what colors you choose and placements of your colors. This levels the playing field because you don’t have to be an artist to win. The goal is to make the holiday spirit brighter with mischief and shenanigans.
What are the rules of the Suburb Edition?
CL: One house per paper with unlimited player count. It’s longer and slower so you can take your time decorating. For someone who wants a longer 1-2 hour game or in general if they enjoy the art of the game and want more time for that. You can think about your turns longer with lower stakes.
“Accessibility is the reason, the drive, the motivating factor of the creation of this game. I aim to change the world through accessibility.”
What is your kickstarter goal?
CL: My initial $100 goal was hit within two hours of starting the kickstarter. I have more stretch goals including $1000 to get the game out there as a form of marketing. I have stretch goals of $300+ so I can add features such as snow ball fights to the game. I am also working on a Gingerbread house and halloween edition.
The Kickstarter launched Nov. 12 and ends Dec. 6, with late pledges available after it ends
Fostering Compassion in Children Through Animals
BY NGA TRINH-HALPERIN
It’s that time of year: holiday buzz, gatherings, and plenty of cozy family moments! And in the midst of all the excitement, we’re also reminded of some of the season’s most important themes—connection, empathy, and finding little ways to spread kindness.
This month’s “All About Animals” spotlights our local county animal shelter and offers some compassionate activities for families to consider when celebrating our furry friends.
A little background: Did you know that the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter… is the largest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in our county takes in almost 7,000 animals every year— including dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, and even barn animals is the county’s only open-admission shelter, which means they welcome every animal in need.
With two locations, one in Live Oak and one in Watsonville, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is here to rescue, protect, and find loving homes for the community’s most vulnerable animals. Alongside these efforts, they offer preventive resources to help keep animals with their families, like free vaccine clinics and low-cost spay and neuter
services. These programs are game-changers for pet owners and ultimately make a huge difference in reducing the number of animals surrendered to the shelter.
CULTIVATING COMPASSION AS A FAMILY
One of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s biggest goals is humane education and whether you have a pet at home or not, there are plenty of ways to incorporate kindness toward animals into your family’s holiday season. Here are a few ideas, from quick activities to long-term commitments:
Got a pet at home? Set aside an hour for your kids to spend quality time with their animal friends. Try baking dog treats or crafting a DIY toy for your cat (see recipes and ideas below). Or, just get cozy together with a book and relax.
BEDTIME STORIES AT THE SHELTER
On Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-6pm, your child can read books to dogs, cats or rabbits and guinea pigs at the Live Oak location. RSVP for a 20-minute slot!
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IDEA (12+)
If your child is 12 or older, consider volunteering in 2025 as a New Year’s Resolution, adult chaperone required. It is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and great bonding for all involved.
FOR TEENS 18+:
Volunteering can be a great way for older teens and young adults to build skills for adulthood and working with animals is known to reduce stress and anxiety.
ADULTS NEED LOVE TOO!
If you’re looking for a fulfilling way to give back, consider volunteering yourself (no kids required). The benefits go both ways: animals help reduce loneliness and increase happiness for people of all ages.
FOSTER AN ANIMAL
If your family is up for a commitment, fostering a pet can be a heartfelt way to show empathy and generosity. Plus, fostering helps make space in the shelter for other animals in need.
OATMEAL AND BANANA TREATS FOR DOGS thrivingdoggo.com/homemade-dogtreats-sensitive-stomachs
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm. Cool before serving!
DIY CAT TOYS care.com/c/diy-cat-toys
Try stuffing a toilet paper roll with treats and folding the sides, or cut some holes in a cardboard box and toss in a ping-pong ball for hide-and-seek. For crafty folks, make a wand toy with leather cord, a dowel, a bell, and felt.
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND BEYOND
As the year wraps up, let’s remember to slow down and connect with the animals in our lives and community. Engaging with animals can teach kids empathy, kindness, and emotional intelligence. By nurturing these connections, we’re helping to shape a generation that values compassion—not just for animals, but for each other. And isn’t that the best gift of all?
Nga Trinh-Halperin is the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation which supports the Shelter through fundraising, education and advocacy to help the County’s neediest animals. Nga is also the former Executive Director of Positive Discipline Community Resources. You can reach her at nga@scanimalshelterfoundation.org.
How to Stop Gift-Giving for the Holidays
BY SUSAN TATSUI-D’ARCY
The holiday season is often synonymous with gift-giving, but for many, the pressure to buy the perfect present has overshadowed the true spirit of the season. If you find yourself stressed about shopping, worried about your finances, or surrounded by gifts that you don’t want or need, you may be ready to rethink this tradition.
Here’s how you can stop giving gifts for the holidays while still celebrating with your friends and family in more meaningful ways.
COMMUNICATE EARLY AND HONESTLY
The key to shifting away from gift-giving is to let your family and friends know your intentions well in advance. Explain your reasons:
Stop worrying about how much to spend on gifts.
Focus on quality time, not material goods. Aim for financial freedom.
Simplify the holidays and reduce stress. A heartfelt conversation can help people understand that your decision isn’t about withholding but about creating a more intentional holiday.
OFFER ALTERNATIVES TO GIFT-GIVING
Gifts are often forgotten, but experiences create lasting memories. For your family, create a holiday bucket list of fun activities to
do together:
Game or Movie Night: Spend time together playing games or watching classic holiday films.
Nature Outings: Take a hike, walk on the beach, or go bike riding together.
A Holiday Potluck: Gather friends and family for a meal where everyone contributes a dish.
Acts of Kindness: Involve your kids in choosing a charity to donate to or volunteering as a family. Helping others during the holidays can teach them the value of generosity and gratitude.
FOCUS ON HANDMADE AND HEARTFELT GESTURES
If you feel that skipping gifts entirely might be too drastic, consider replacing store-bought presents with homemade or thoughtful gestures. Examples include: Making lip balm or lotions.
Organizing a photo collage of special moments.
Baking cookies or other treats to share.
SET BOUNDARIES ON GIFT-GIVING
If you’re part of a family or social circle that clings to gift-giving, propose a compromise: Draw names for a Secret Santa so everyone buys just one gift.
Set a strict budget for presents to reduce financial stress.
Focus on gifts for children only (and put an upper limit cap), if applicable.
MODEL THE CHANGE
Be prepared to encounter some resistance, especially if gift-giving is deeply ingrained in your family or friend group. By showing how meaningful and enjoyable a gift-free holiday can be, you may inspire others to follow suit in future years.
REFRAME THE PURPOSE OF THE HOLIDAYS
Redirect the focus from presents to presence. Remind loved ones that the holidays are about being together,
appreciating our blessings, and remembering family and friends who are no longer with us. Share stories, cook meals, and create new memories.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
If you’re worried about disappointing others, remember that the holidays are what you make of them. Take time to appreciate the relationships, health, and opportunities you already have. Gratitude is the best gift you can give to yourself and those around you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Stopping gift-giving for the holidays doesn’t mean losing the joy of the season—it means rediscovering it. By focusing on connection and experiences, you can create traditions that are less about materialism and more about what really matters.
Take the first step this year and see how liberating (and joyful) a no-gift holiday can be. You might just find it’s the best gift you’ve ever given yourself.
Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy is the founder of Merit Academy (one-on-one classes) and Merit Educational Consultants (college and educational advisory). She has written books on projects, free child care, education, and parenting. Susan hosts TEDxMeritAcademy for students to present their innovative projects and solutions. meritworld.com
Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Campaign 2024
BY JEANNE HOWARD
As we embark on this year’s fundraiser for 63 local nonprofits, we can all be grateful that 2024 is the first year in quite a while without a community-wide crisis. While most years don’t have a pandemic, a flood, or a recession — for many of our neighbors, every year is a challenge.
Some of the organizations who are participating in Santa Cruz Gives work to provide essentials such as food and shelter for the neediest. Others elevate the quality of life for all residents to provide what government and for-profit enterprises do not: programs that meet our aspirational hopes and dreams—for example, arts and education that are affordable. Other organizations work to improve specific areas such as the environment, healthcare, animal welfare, et cetera.
Whatever areas of community improvement spark your interest, there is certain to be a nonprofit in the “Gives” campaign whose work aligns with your goals. The groups are organized by category on the SantaCruzGives.org website, though most of them cover at least two categories. For example, the Teen Kitchen Project teaches volunteer youth to cook professionally in a commercial kitchen, and the meals are delivered to housebound seniors in need. They serve Youth, Seniors, and provide Education and Nutrition. We tag the relevant categories for each nonprofit.
The online platform is the key to this fundraiser. It is now easy to learn about a variety of nonprofit
work being done in the community and for donors to use a shopping cart to enter a dollar amount for each organization of interest. The minimum donation is $5. You can do that, right?!
Our hope is that you will use this site to learn about the great local work being done, and will support the organizations that inspire you. You might even get a bit carried away when you read some profile pages and view some of the videos, and realize how amazing the people who work at these organizations are to devote their time to serving our community. Many are volunteer-driven. Santa Cruz Gives has now raised more than $5 million for local projects. Beyond the funds raised, the
nonprofits receive training from the Volunteer Center and public exposure from Good Times and other media at no cost. The Volunteer Center works throughout the campaign and all year to assist local nonprofits with best practices to sustain their operation and also provides volunteers. You might consider becoming a volunteer for one of the participating organizations.
The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County helps Santa Cruz Gives to raise matching funds and operational funds from philanthropists, and also serves in an advisory role, as the online platform is still a relatively new way of donating for many.
As past publisher of Good Times, I founded Santa Cruz Gives. The local weekly along with its two partner newspapers — the Press Banner (San Lorenzo Valley) and the Pajaronian (Watsonville) — promotes the campaign with editorial and advertising throughout the six-week campaign.
Local radio stations pitch in with spots: KSQD, KZSC, KAZU, KPIG and the Stephens Media Group. Growing Up in Santa Cruz generously donates promotional space, too.
We welcome our newest sponsor, the 1440 Foundation, and extend sincere thanks to our other sponsors who have returned year after year with support: Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Driscoll’s, Inc., Applewood Foundation, Joe Collins Foundation, Santa Cruz County Bank, and Wynn Capital Management. Please consider donating at SantaCruzGives.org through December 31, 2024
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE PARENTING
Be the Asking Parent, Not the Telling Parent
BY COLLEEN MURPHY
I think it’s safe to say that most humans do not like being ordered around and dictated to. The inner human spirit will rise up and push back in order to be the leader of our own lives. Guess what? Kids are humans, too.
It can be hard to remember that fact when we are in charge of ensuring they are dressed, fed, cleaning up their messes, and taking out the trash. We want to give quick instructions, get through the task list, and move on to the next thing.
We don’t want them to have opinions or give voice to the inner human spirit that rises up against us when we are directing them to meet demands. We want quick results. If you are parenting young children, you know it is rare to finish anything quickly.
When our kids enter their teen years, the desire to control their lives, and stuff them full with life’s lessons can be even more compelling as they prepare to launch into full or semi-independence. The lecturing, the nagging, the demanding, the assuming of their bad intentions… we hated it when our parents used these techniques, but it’s so easy to fall into these habits anyway.
What else can we do instead that is more effective, gives kids and teens responsibility over their lives, and allows them to think? Use questions to guide their actions and guide the conversation.
EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS FOR GAINING COOPERATION
Using questions as a tool gives you ninjalike parenting skills. Gaining cooperation just may get a bit easier and illicit thinking skills at the same time.
Change “Get your jacket on,” to “What do you need put on since it’s a rainy day?”
Change “Stop fighting with your sister!” to “Who’s got an idea how to solve this?”
Change “Do your homework,” to “What is your plan about starting homework - before dinner or after?”
Change “Brush your teeth,” to “What is the next thing on your bedtime routine chart now that you’ve taken your bath?”
In my parenting workshops, parents and I role play so they can experience being told vs. being asked. Parents often reflect when they are first told what to do, they feel an automatic instinct to rebel. When they are asked, they feel a shift and begin to engage their brains. They had to think, “Oh, it’s raining outside. What DO I need? I think I’ll grab my raincoat and my boots, too.” Or instead think, “What ARE some ways we can share this toy?”
Responsibility is firmly placed in the child’s lap to figure out what to do, right where responsibility belongs.
EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONS FOR DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
In Positive Discipline, these types of questions are called Curiosity Questions. This is a vital tool to use when your kids hit the teen years and lecturing is simply not an option, but you still need to influence them and guide them. It is also a very useful tool to help kids assess their behavior thoughtfully. Adults love to jump in with all the answers instead of leading and guiding kids to their
own conclusions. After all, the goal is to set them up for success independent of us, not depending on us to figure things out for them.
Curiosity Questions need to be said with an authentic, genuine tone. You must be curious about the answers, not attached to a specific agenda otherwise the conversation will flop.
Change “They won’t want to be your friend if you keep doing that,” to “What do you think your friends will do if you keep treating them that way?”
Change “You weren’t paying attention and now you need to clean up your spill,” to “What caused that to happen? What do you need to get this cleaned up?”
Change “Be nice!” to “What made you so angry to want to hit? ”
Change “I’m disappointed in your behavior at school. You need to apologize,” to “So, a rough day at school? What happened? And then what happened? How do you feel about what happened? How do you want to make amends for your part in the problem? What is another idea about how to handle it next time?”
QUESTIONS TO GUIDE TEENS
Teens will surprise you at times with statements, requests, or opinions that you are not prepared to address. “Can I get my nose pierced?” “I don’t want to go to church with the family anymore.” “I don’t see any point in going to school. I want to quit.” Curiosity Questions can give you time to help them and yourself think it through.
Questions will help you better understand their perspective that is different from yours. Asking first rather than responding with harsh statements that dismiss them, (“No, that is not an option” “Over my dead body!”) keeps your relationship intact even if your answer is still “no.”
In my parenting journey, my daughter asked to get her nose pierced which went against our family policy to wait until she was 18 to alter her body. My questions went
something along the lines of, “How long have you been thinking about this? Do you know what’s involved? How much does it cost and do you have the money for it? Let me talk to your dad and we will consider your request.” In the end, we held to the policy. She was disappointed but accepted it. When she turned 18, she didn’t rush to get her nose pierced as the urgency had died down.
One of my favorite dialogues is published in Jane Nelsen’s book, Positive Discipline. Her daughter announced she was thinking of getting drunk at a party.
Jane calmly asked a series of questions as they dialogued: “Can you tell me why? What do your friends say about you since you don’t drink? What do you think they’ll think or say about you if you start drinking? How do you think you’ll feel about yourself?” Her daughter
had shared how her friends admired her and that she may start feeling like a loser if she drank. Her ending statement was, “I don’t think I will.”
Inquiry over commands is a powerful thing. Add this one to your parenting tool belt and see what happens.
Colleen Murphy is a credentialed adult ed teacher, a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer at Positive Discipline Community Resources (www.pdcrcc. org), a preschool teacher at Soquel Parent Education Nursery School, a parent coach (fromtheheadtotheheart. com), and in healthy relationships with her two grown kids. Catch her interviews on Lost or Found - Apple Podcasts with Dr. Michelle Choi.
Ani Age 5
Anna Age 5
Aroh Age 7
Bailey Age 7
Cate Age 6
Cole Age 5
Dylan Age 4
Emma Age 4
Gia Age 5
Isla Age 7
Jaden Age 6
Marie Age 11
Marlee Age 5
McKenna Age 6
Adaline Age 8
Adalyn Age 10
December 21st & 22nd
Performances at 1:00 & 4:30
Eleanor Age 6, Oliver Age 8
Rosie Age 7
Ruby Age 4
Megan Age 9
Nala Age 6
FRI 6
First Fridays Santa Cruz 5-8pm On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. firstfridaysantacruz.com/event
First Friday Boulder Creek 5-8pm
Enjoy a free monthly mountain street fair in the name of creation and community. There will be local art, music and food lining the sidewalks of downtown Boulder Creek. firstfridaybouldercreek.org
DEC 6-7
Heritage Holiday Craft Fair 5:30-9pm
With three big buildings to shop, you will find crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys and much more. Bring the family for a great shopping experience, enjoy a great dinner, and walk through the holiday lights that will be found throughout the fairgrounds. fairgrounds-foundation.org/ holiday-fair-2-2/
DEC 6-14
“Alice in Wonderland Jr.” Join All About Theatre for a magical journey through Wonderland, featuring music
from the 2010 live-action film. Whether you’re discovering Alice for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this timeless tale of adventure, imagination, and fun is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. allabouttheatre.org/productions/alice-inwonderland-2024
SAT 7
Boulder Creek Winter Festival 1-6pm From the enchanting tree lighting to the joyful music, hayrides, and crafts, there’s something for everyone to create lasting memories. The event is free to all to attend, however the DIY crafts do cost $5 each. BoulderCreekWinterFestival.com
Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting 1-4pm Head to the Aptos Village Green to see local craft vendors, sip coffee or hot chocolate with your cookies and have a picture with Santa. Enjoy music, performances, and of course the tree lighting ceremony. aptoschamber.com/ event/aptos-village-square-tree-lighting
Holiday Parade 10am-noon The man of the hour is welcomed back to Downtown Santa Cruz. Bring the family or participate! The parade route starts at the intersection of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street. downtownsantacruz.com/do/holidayparade-2
GUiSC will attempt to update the calendar listings as needed; however, it is the responsibility of the organization listed to provide updated information. GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to check the accuracy of the information provided. Events that are free or cost less than $10 can be submitted for inclusion in the calendar. GUiSC does not guarantee that a submitted event will automatically be included. Preference is given for events of interest to children and/or parents. Submit entries at growingupsc.com/events/ community/add. Calendar entries must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the event. To find out more about promoting your event further or including a paid event, email advertising@growingupsc.com.
TUES 10
Gateway Tour 9-11am Visit the school on one of the monthly Tuesday tours and see why Gateway was voted Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz. Hang with our kindergarteners on Kindy Island, see what’s growing in the Life Lab outdoor classroom, join the middle schoolers for a science experiment, and see first hand the unique benefits of a K - 8 education. gatewaysc.org
SUN 8
Antiques Faire 8am-6pm The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more. Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.
Artisan Faire noon-4pm Head to Abbott Square every second Sunday of the month for free live music while you browse handmade jewelry, soap, clothing, and much more! There is always something at these events that has your name on it! abbottsquaremarket.com/events
WED 11
Special Needs Meeting 6:30-8pm Miracles Santa Cruz will hold its monthly meeting at the Colligan Theatre at the Tannery Arts Center. This event is open to performers with special needs (ages 14 and up) and volunteers who are ready to share their love and energy. facebook.com/MiraclesSantaCruz
SAT 14
Second Saturday on the Farm 11am3pm The Agricultural History Project’s 2nd Saturday events are like taking a step back in time. Grab your cowboy hat and put on your boots and come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon on the farm! In addition to Summer Fun special activities, you’ll be able to milk a “cow”, drive-a-tractor, and enjoy crafts, hayrides, puppet show, antique
engines and museum exhibits. Bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic. aghistoryproject. org/2nd-saturday-on-the-farm
Free Movie 11am-1pm Admission is free for ‘Willy Wonka’ at the historic Del Mar Theatre. Invite the entire family for a day filled with chocolate delights and pure imagination. Watch this timeless movie on the big screen. downtownsantacruz.com/ do/free-family-movie-willy-wonka
Swing Dancing 2-5:30pm You will find music, friends, and food while you improve your dancing digs. All levels, and various styles plus a social dance with great ambiance are welcome! Go Join the fun on the Second Saturday evening of each month at the Santa Cruz Wharf stage. cityofsantacruz.com/
Castro Adobe Open House 10:303:30pm Learn about the contributions of the Indigenous people as skilled laborers for the Castros on Rancho San Andre. santacruzstateparks.as.me/ CastroAdobeOpenHouse
Holiday Craft Faire noon-3pm Explore a variety of unique crafts, jewelry, home décor, and indulge in delicious food and sweets at 7979 Soquel Drive, Aptos. The fair is open to youth and adult vendors. Register by emailing Families@ actonsantacruz.org. actonsantacruz.org
SUN 15
Downtown Makers Market 10am-5pm Visit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists every third Sunday of the month on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln streets. scmmakersmarket.com
FRI & SAT 21-22
Nutcracker Kick-off your holidays with joy. Add sparkle to the season with the magic only the Santa Cruz City Ballet Nutcracker can bring. Performances are both days at 1pm & 4:30pm at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater. NutcrackerSantaCruz.com
THROUGH-DEC 23
Reindeer Round-Up Pick up a map at the Downtown Santa Cruz Information Kiosk, located at 1130 Pacific Avenue K2, the corner of Pacific and Soquel Avenues or at Pacific Cookie Company to find participating businesses, and then visit them all to search for the beautiful hidden reindeer. downtownsantacruz.com/do/ reindeer-round-up-2
THROUGH-DEC 24
A Christmas Carol Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents a world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, by Artistic Director Charles Pasternak. This Carol will hew closely to Dickens’ original text while embracing the exciting, inspiring spirit that SCS is known for. Featuring Mike Ryan as Scrooge, as well as local favorite Julie James, the production will take place at the historic Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Memorial Building. santacruzshakespeare.org/season-2024
MINDY ABRAHAM
TEACHER’S DESK
A Guiding Value: Selfless Community Service
BY LISA CATTERALL
If you want to have new ideas, innovate, rise up from depression or heal a wound, the most direct path you can take to your goal is to forget about yourself for a time.
I have wonderful ideas when I am washing dishes or running. I’m pretty sure the running ideas are from how fast the blood is pumping through my brain, but the dishwashing is because I am not thinking about “me” while I do it. An even better way to pause destructive or negative thinking is to get involved in a service project.
When I first arrived at Mount Madonna School as a new teacher, fresh out of a very intense job in corporate America, the idea of “selfless service” was not entirely foreign to me, but it had never been something I would adopt as a way of life. As an American, my values were closer to home; I was building a family, and that nuclear family was what I was working for. That was selfless enough for me.
I discovered, through working at the school, that the benefits of really taking on humble service in the community is like shaking up a snow globe and watching a little world come to life. It’s so simple to have kids do service projects. Let’s go volunteer! Schools everywhere participate in service. It’s different when it is a deep, abiding, underlying value of an entire community.
At the end of senior year at my private school, we were sent off into the woods for a week. Our class was handed shovels and instructed on how to rebuild a stream that had been interrupted by logging corridors. We spent a week saving
a habitat for a rare sort of fish that lived there. Instead of the creek spreading out over the new tree-free scars and into sticks and mud, we made beautiful little channels and pools for the water to fall into so the fish could swim.
Unhealthy social norms we had established as a group of high school kids fell away. Everyone was sweating together. The pressures of success in a college-preparatory environment fell away. Everyone was talking and thinking as one. The fear of leaving home and each other for college fell away. We were in the moment, for the first time that year, perhaps. At some point on about day three, I looked up and realized how happy I was.
I took that forward into life, but it got lost in other things until I circled back into the world of private school. In the distant past, private schools may have had an idea about being home for the privileged, and needing those privileged students to share out their good fortune. Now, however, service is well known to equate to a deeper sort of success for all humans. Private schools are working hard to welcome and support students from any socioeconomic background, with programs like the flexible tuition offered at Mount Madonna. Service has a different goal; what we have to offer each other is not material, but rather, it is shared humanity.
My students ask why, when we work in the community, there are people with nice cars picking up free food. They are not judging, they are just adjusting their notion of who might be hungry or in need in our community. They are learning to extend their empathy and
open their hands to anyone with the courage to ask for help. They are learning to drop assumptions about other humans based on what they see. They are learning to be curious before they criticize.
They are also learning to find and follow their bliss, and that self-interest is not nearly as satisfying as looking outside of themselves. It starts with a simple “that was FUN!” after we volunteer somewhere, then it naturally embeds in their hearts. I’m grateful for our private school’s requirement that students serve their community, however that notion originated, and I wish it were required absolutely everywhere. Every single one of us, every single student, has something to offer to others.
Mount Madonna School originated in the crucible of the Mount Madonna Center yoga community in the 1970s. The guru of that community, Baba Hari Dass, suggested that the yoga students name their fellowship after the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman. None of the members at that time, and to this day, consider themselves to be Hindu, in fact, many of them are Jewish. But they did enjoy many aspects of Indian culture, and certainly, dedicated their lives to the study of yoga. When I joined the school as a teacher, I was informed that Hanuman was the god of selfless service, and that’s why he was such an important icon to the founders of the school.
Selfless service in the Mount Madonna world, Hanuman’s world, went much deeper than logging community service hours or doing a volunteer task here and there. It was a daily, deep, way of life. I now work with adult children of
the founders who look for ways to help others, every day, without expectation of “anything in return,” rather, the return is the opportunity to serve in and of itself. True, humble service brings joy and happiness. It’s so simple, and so profound at the same time.
After a few years of teaching at the school, I had the chance to travel to the “orphanage” in India that was also founded by Baba Hari Dass, and run by the same group of people. I refer to it in quotes, because Baba Hari Dass did not set out to create a traditional orphanage. Orphans are stigmatized in India, so he simply created a gigantic home, with a gigantic family. The proprietress on the ground was a self-proclaimed “soccer mom of 65 kids” and the children were loved unconditionally and treated like a giant family. It was so inspiring that when I came home, I finally took a step I’d been contemplating for years and began the adoption process here in Santa Cruz County. Service, and love, are the most rewarding things in this life. What was there to fear? Indeed, there is nothing to fear about giving your time, and your heart, to others, and to your community. I’m so grateful that my children, and my students, are surrounded by this sentiment, on every level, every day.
Lisa Catterall teaches STEAM, math, science, and art at Mount Madonna School and is a senior associate of the Centers for Research on Creativity. She lectures and trains teachers and administrators on innovation in education in Beijing, China. Lisa has five children and lives in Santa Cruz County.
