Aptos Times May 1st 2012 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

May 1 2012

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

Vol 21 No. 9

Serving Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom, Watsonville, & Pajaro

John Larry Granger’s Grand Finale

Maestro John Larry Granger

tiple governmental agencies for approval. Completing the details of long-term plans, their approval, and implementation will require our conservancy to secure grants.

anta Cruz County Symphony concert features works by Mendelssohn, Nielsen and Vaughan Williams with vocal styling of the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, soprano, Anja Strauss and tenor, Steven Berlanga. This Mother’s Day weekend, the Santa Cruz County Symphony celebrates the end of an era. Maestro John Saturday, May 12 Larry Granger 8 p.m. will conduct his Santa Cruz Civic last concert series Auditorium with the Santa ••• Cruz County Matinee Symphony in Performance grand form with Sunday, May 13 the entire Cabrillo 2 p.m. Symphonic Watsonville’s Chorus and two Mello Center talented vocal soloists. Symphony audiences will have one last chance to witness the culmination of Maestro Granger’s 21 years at the podium before he retires. This special concert will be held on Saturday, May 12, 8 pm at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium with a matinee performance on Sunday, May 13, 2 pm at Watsonville’s Mello Center for the Performing Arts.

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Aptos Creek before breakthrough, turning south toward Rio del Mar Beach.

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LAGOON CONSERVANCY PROGRESS

meandering, beach access, beach erosion and fish habitat. The Conservancy raised over $31,000 from the local community toward the cost of a contract with a geomorphologist associated with Philip Williams and Associates (PWA), adminis-

Free Community CPR Classes Aptos/La Selva Fire Department

PAGE

he Rio del Mar Beach and Lagoon Conservancy (RDMBLC), a committee of the Rio del Mar Improvement Association (RDMIA), was established last November. We are committed to resolving the issues associated with creek

AND

Music in May Fifth Season Cabrillo Hall

tered by the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCD). The contract was completed in February. PWA focused on near-term (0-3 years) plans, but also suggested long-term plans and provided an interface with the mul-

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RIO DEL MAR BEACH

Second District Debate

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FeaturedColumn

Table of Contents

Cover Rio del Mar Beach and Lagoon Conservancy Progress John Larry Granger’s Grand Finale – Saturday, May 12, 8 p.m. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium & Sunday, May 13, 2 p.m. Watsonville’s Mello Center 3 5

VOL. 21 NO. 9

6 7 14 16 17

APTOS TIMES

20 21 23 24 26 30

Community News Social Security: Serving Wounded Warriors and the Survivors of Our Fallen Heroes Prepare Yourself to Help Others in an Emergency – Free Community CPR Classes offered By Aptos/La Selva Fire District By Noel Smith Music in May 5th Anniversary Season • Violinist David Arben, Holocaust survivor Family Arts Nights Cabrillo Stage Announces 2012 Season – A Chorus Line, Anything Goes, Escaping Queens and A Night at the Nutcracker Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre In Concert at Crocker Theater Second District Candidate Debate Highlights Differences By Noel Smith – Openings for Año Nuevo State Park Volunteer Naturalist Training • Honor Society Awards Scholarships • Mar Vista Elementary School Given Gift of Trees 20,000 Stories Ready to be Taken Home! Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries Book Sale May 25 –26 at the Civic Auditorium • Shuttle’s Flight to Final Landing Fiddler On the Roof comes to Aptos Artists in the Gardens – Aromas Country Garden Tour – Saturday, May 12, 10 am – 4 pm By Joyce Oroz Mt. Charlie Challenge – Annual Fundraising Bike Ride and Festival Set for May 5 Amgen Tour comes through Santa Cruz; ends Stage 2 in Aptos Companion Chickens for the Housebound – River’s Crest Dragon Slayer Animal Therapy Program American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast – Wednesday, May 16, 7a.m. – 9 a.m. Cocoanut Grove Ballroom

Letters to the Editor Rancho Del Mar Redevelopment Cover Story

Sports Wrap Signing Ceremony for Aptos Athletes • Aptos High School Scoreboard

Kids Camp Protect Your Kids from the Dreaded ‘Summer Slide’

Social Security: Serving Wounded Warriors and the Survivors of Our Fallen Heroes

t’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — especially honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. If you are a military service member who was wounded and needs to apply for disability benefits, it’s important to know that you will receive expedited processing. Our wounded warriors initiative is for military service members who become disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel, including dependent children and, in some cases, spouses, may be able to receive benefits. Learn more about it at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. Did you know that May also is National Military Appreciation Month? Even more reason to let members of our military know how much we value what

they do for us and for our nation. To learn more about the Social Security benefits for those who have served in the military, read our publication, Military Service and Social Security. You can find it online at www.social security.gov/pubs/10017.html or send us an email at OPI.Net.Post@ssa.gov, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask for a free copy to be mailed to you. Memorial Day also is a good time to remind families of fallen military heroes that we may be able to pay Social Security survivors benefits. If the person you depended on for income has died, you should apply for survivors benefits. Learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/ survivors.htm. The men and women of the Armed Forces serve us each and every day. At Social Security, we’re here to serve them too. n

Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 & 29

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

Featured Columnists 22 The Book Bag by Robert Francis – What’s buggin’ you? Kiddies bug books… 25 Work in Progress by Camille Smith – Are you a Sweet Genius Under Pressure? 27 Out & About by Josie Cowden 31 Veteran Fire Fighters Recognized By Mike Conrad, Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District SPCA Featured Pet • Page 31 – Stan is the Man

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CoverStory

“RDMBLC” from pg 1

Status • Report outlining possible initial nearterm approaches sent to the agencies in preparation for their initial meeting with the RCD and PWA • Reasonably detailed report developed • RDMBLC pursued Imminent Threat and Suggested Response January 21-23 storm was modest rainfall. Combination of the creek flow plus high tide and waves overtopping the beach sand berm caused considerable erosion at the base of the seawall protecting homes along the beach. Coastal Commission acknowledged the emergency but initially claimed that the plan presented by PWA was too complex and experimental. Coastal Commission finally granted a permit for the Conservancy’s emergency plan. Heavy rains on March 14 caused significant sand erosion on the main beach and more damage along the seawall by Aptos Creek before it broke through to the Bay. While the breach eliminates the immediate problem, there is an established tendency of the creek to turn southward and be trapped by the summer beach berm. This is why we have begun work on a long-term plan to meet the goals and objectives of the Conservancy.

What the RDMIA has accomplished • Established the RDMBLC (Rio del Mar Beach and Lagoon Conservancy). • Established our Conservancy goals and objectives. • Thanks to our community, we raised more than $31,000 pursuing near-term and long-term solutions under a PWA contract and began a continuing dialogue between RDMBLC and all agencies. • Demonstrated our commitment to finding a long-term solution to the agencies in keeping with our goals and objectives. • Followed the advice of Lorin Letendre, President of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy (see his presentation at the Annual Meeting at www.RDMIA.com). His counsel has been invaluable. • Several near-term plans have been proposed by PWA and reviewed by agencies, which is essential to the success of a future long-term plan. • Considerable insight into possible long-term plans has been gained which we believe will be successfully grant-funded and permitted in the future. Lorin Letendre, the president of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, has been working on a similar project with the Carmel River Lagoon. He has been very

The Times Publishing Group Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-weekly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, printed twice annually and Hospice Magazine, printed once annually, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission. PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions / Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.cyber-times.com Graphics Dept: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: assistant@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com

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Aptos Creek going directly into the bay after breaking through the sand bar.

4 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

supportive of our Conservancy. Letendre said, “The RDM Beach & Lagoon Conservancy has achieved amazing progress, in just a few short months, on finding solutions to the problems that have plagued this once beautiful beach— progress that has taken all of us working on similar problems at the Carmel River Beach five years to achieve. The Conservancy deserves all the support they can obtain from the Rio Del Mar and Santa Cruz communities, so that the RDM beach can once again be clean, easily accessible, and free from coastal erosion.” Our thanks to those community members who have contributed to this project. We still need your help to keep the process and planning moving forward. We encourage members of the Aptos and Rio del Mar communities to make donations. Our beach and lagoon are a community treasure and are enjoyed by many who live and visit here. Donations made through the Resource Conservation District are taxdeductible. Please make your check payable to “RCDSCC” and include the words: “Aptos Lagoon Sandbar.” You will be mailed an acknowledgement letter for your donation. n ••• Donations should be mailed to: Sharon Corkrean, Director of Finance, RCD, 820 Bay Avenue, Suite 128 Capitola, CA 95010

CommunityNews

Prepare Yourself to Help Others in an Emergency

Free Community CPR Classes offered By Aptos/La Selva Fire District

By Noel Smith

oday’s hands-only CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is much simpler and easier to use than just a few years ago. No longer is mouthto-mouth recommended, defibrillation devices are often available in public places and CPR procedures are simple enough for several volunteers to share the job of CPR until first responders arrive. With an aging population, the possibility of being faced with someone in cardiac distress in your family or when in public is growing. However, CPR is not

“Granger” from pg 1

The concert opens with the brilliant overture to Maskarade, an opera by Denmark’s greatest composer, Carl Nielsen. Based on a Danish theatrical comedy set at a masked ball, Maskarade soon became one of Nielsen’s most popular works and has become an essential part of Denmark’s cultural heritage. Next, we welcome soprano, Anja Anja Strauss Strauss, baritone, Steven Berlanga, and the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus performing Felix Mendelssohn’s poignantly beautiful Psalm 42. This emotive piece presents an intense depth of feeling- a remarkable departure from Mendelssohn’s characteristic cheerful sound. Cabrillo Choral Director, Cheryl Anderson will borrow the Maestro’s baton to lead the orchestra, chorus and soloists for this stirring piece. The concert concludes with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Steven Berlanga powerful masterpiece, Dona Nobis Pacem, which translates as “Give Us Peace.” Drawing its lyrics and inspiration from the vivid poetry of Walt Whitman and biblical passages, Dona Nobis Pacem is arguably classical music’s most profound answer to the ever-present question of war. Written on the eve of

just for adults, but can be used on children in swimming or playground accidents. The Aptos/La Selva Fire District regularly offers CPR classes so you can be prepared to help if and when such an emergency happens. The course makes it clear that almost anyone can take action if needed. No longer do you have to fear the need to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to save someone. All you need is the opportunity to attend a class to learn how to properly compress the chest in order to keep the blood flowing to the brain thereby

CoverStory

Britain’s entry into World War II, this complex and moving work served as both a prayer and a warning. It is a message that remains poignant today, and one John Larry Granger has chosen to be his last musical message from the podium. Maestro Granger explains, “Nothing can tear people apart like war, but music can truly bring them together.” Free pre-concert talks take place before both performances: at 7 PM in the Civic Auditorium, prior to the Saturday evening concert; and at 1 PM in the Watsonville Mello Center, prior to the Sunday matinee concert. The Pre-concert talks are free and open to all concertgoers. The 2011/12 season is generously sponsored by the Dorothy Wise; the Symphony League of Santa Cruz County; and Plantronics. The ‘Poetic Songs’ concerts are made possible with support from the David E. Davis Fund at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County with additional support from Dr. Fred Chen & Kate Chen and Lee & Emily Duffus. n ••• Single tickets ($20-$65) are now on sale: 831.420.5260 or www.SantaCruzTickets.com Student Rush: On the day of the concert, bring a Student ID to the box office between 6:307:30pm at the Civic Box Office or to the Mello Box Office between 12:30-1:00, and pay just $10! 2012/13 Symphony Season Tickets are available online at SantaCruzSymphony.org or by calling 462-0553, ext. 10. For more information, visit www.SantaCruzSymphony.org ••• John Larry Granger front page picture by Dina Scoppettone

keeping the person alive until the first responders can get there to take over. Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Kretsch of the Aptos/La Selva Fire District and his team do a great job of helping their CPR students to learn the basics, develop confidence in the procedure and understand how important it is know CPR for the safety of those around you whether an adult or child. Take an evening out to learn handsonly CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and how to use a defibrillator. Get confidence in your ability to help someone survive a heart attack, electric shock, serious fall or other medical emergency or accident. It’s important to you and particularly to that person whether he or she is an adult or child that you were able to help when they needed it most. The next free Community CPR class (featuring hands-only CPR) will be offered

Instructor Mike Kretsch demonstrates HandsFree CPR

at the Aptos/La Selva Fire District main station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos, on Tuesday, May 15, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. This course is for basic CPR only, with infant and defibrillator training available on request. Class size is limited, so early signups are encouraged. To register, email sarahm@aptosfire.com or call the Administration Office at 831-685-6690. Take the time to learn CPR, someone’s life may depend on it. n

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CommunityNews

Music in May 5th Anniversary Season

World Class Chamber Music Concerts at First Congregational Church and Cabrillo College Recital Hall usic in May (Mim) will present a very special Season 5 Anniversary Celebration on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, 2012, including a World Premiere and an extraordinary roster of guest artists hailing from five countries. The season is dedicated to David Arben, former Associate Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, a Holocaust survivor and mentor to Mim’s Artistic Director Rebecca Jackson. Mim 2012 welcomes back pianists Amy Yang (“a magnificent artist and poet: everything she touches turns to gold.” ––The New York Concert Review) and Russian-born Kostantin Soukhoveski (“master storyteller”––mostlyclassical.blogpost.com), Joining them will be Jose Gonzalez Granero, principal clarinet of the San Francisco Opera, cellist Ani Kalayjian (“representing the young, up-and-coming generation”––Los Angeles Times], violinists Dmitri Pogorelov (“Clearly this artist has the makings of a violin superstar.” ––Flint Journal), Alexandra Leem of the Santa Fe Opera, and Mim Artistic Director

Rebecca Jackson with Jose Gonzalez Granero. Rebecca Jackson (“riveting”––San Francisco Examiner). On Friday May 11 at First Congregational Church, Santa Cruz, the program features Bartok’s Contrasts, a dynamic 16-minute piano, violin, & clarinet trio, flanked by two romantic giants: Schumann’s Marchenerzalungen (piano, viola and clarinet) and Rachmaninoff’s D Minor Trio (piano, cello, violin). On Saturday May 12 at the Cabrillo College recital Hall, Aptos, the centerpiece

Photo Credit: Scot Goodman Photography

of the concert will be the World Premiere by composer Polina Nazaykinskaya, graduate of Yale. A monumental work inspired by the miraculous life of David Arben, former associate concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Holocaust survivor, it will feature two pianos, string quartet, and clarinet, and will be conducted by the composer. Also featured on that program is Anna Clyne’s Within her Arms. Commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for Esa

“Music in May” > 13

Violinist David Arben, Holocaust survivor

native of Poland David commenced playing violin at age 7. His father brought him two years later to a concert in Warsaw to hear Efrem Zimbalist play Beethoven’s violin concerto. The 9 year old secretly vowed to one day have this famous violinist as teacher. Taken by force, at age 13, soon followed by parents, brother and sister whom he never saw again, David was the sole survivor of 4 years in Nazi camps that included Auschwitz. After multiple brushes with death and eventual liberation, he scrounged on the streets of postwar Germany as a displaced person. Guided by his departed parents’ belief that he was “a violin virtuoso,” the

Rancho Del Mar Redevelopment Cover Story es, indeed the development will redefine Aptos, conflating it to the likes of so many other towns boasting cookie cutter-designed centers and chain-store tenants. Based on your cover story, most of the businesses that draw me and my family to Rio Del Mar Shopping Center will

Y 6 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Pekka-Salonen’s final season and performed at the finale concerts of the 2011 Cabrillo Festival, the work has met with overwhelming praise and emotion. Alex Ross of The New Yorker described it as “…a fragile elegy for fifteen strings; intertwining voices of lament bring to mind English Renaissance masterpieces of Thomas Tallis and John Dowland.” Mim’s string quartet will also be featured in Osvaldo Golijov’s Tenebrae. Of a Charleston performance, Post and Courier reported, “When it ended, the whole crowd leaped up in a spontaneous standing ovation.” Other works on the program include Rachmaninoff’s Suite No. 1 for two pianos and Kovacs’ clarinet solo Hommage a Manuel de Falla. “We’re so proud to have reached this significant milestone of our 5th anniversary,” said Artistic Director Rebecca Jackson. “We’re reaching for the stars by being extremely ambitious and presenting more pieces and involving more performers than in any of our previous seasons. It’s going to be the best season yet!”

teenage Arben struggled to find a way back to serious study of the instrument. Miraculously, he later gained passage to America and fulfilled the childhood dream of entering Curtis Institute of Music with instruction under Zimbalist. Looking back, after attaining the position of associate concertmaster in the Philadelphia Orchestra and innumerable honors worldwide, Mr. Arben attributes his triumph to the violin. More than once it was instrumental in averting death in the camps. Music became his only family, true love, therapy for healing and life preserved. “Arben” > 13

LettersToT TheEditor

be relocated or closed and there’s no telling if they will be able to afford the rents in the future Aptos Village development. Safeway is only part of the draw; we will miss the families and individuals who run the soon-to-be dislocated small businesses.

— Diana Bermudez

CommunityNews

Family Arts Nights A special initiative of SPECTRA, an arts education program of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, presented in collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. The Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County is pleased to announce its Spring 2012 Family Arts Nights, to include activities in folk dance, African drumming, storytelling, and visual arts. Family Arts Nights offer an opportunity for parents and children to share in fun learning activities together, and for parents to experience first-hand how learning through the arts can help their children in all aspects of their lives.

Yasmina Porter (center)

Family Arts Nights are an initiative of the Cultural Council to bring arts education to area schools, and are sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education

(led by Superintendent Michael Watkins) and supported by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Family Literacy Project. Through this collaboration, Family Arts Nights are presented at no cost to the schools or families. In the last nine months, SPECTRA (SPECial Teacher Resources in the Arts) has allocated over $59,000 to bring professional artists to teach in schools in a variety of disciplines. Together with Mariposa’s Art, the Cultural Council’s arts education programs reach over 10,000 students each year countywide. “Family Arts Nights” > 13

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SportsWrap

Signing Ceremony for Aptos Athletes

amisa Composti, Graceann Rettig, and Deirdre Wilson, three graduating Aptos High School seniors signed athletic scholarship agreements at the Aptos school offices on April 25. The ceremony was attended by their coaches, family and school officials. Composti will be Deirdre Wilson (from left), Graceann Rettig and Camisa Composti. attending Holy Name University in Oakland California on a San Francisco State while attending on a Basketball scholarship and will be major- soccer scholarship. The SF State Gators ing in Ag Business with a minor in Equine compete in the NCAA’s California Science. The Hawks are part of the Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Wilson will be attending Wheaton NCAA’s PacWest Conference. Rettig will be majoring in nursing at College in Norton, Massachusetts. Wheaton is part of the NCAA’s Easter College Athletic Conference (ECAC). She will be majoring in Neuroscience with a specialty in Child Development. Her goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant in Pediatrics. Deirdre says her inspiration is Aptos High School teacher Mark Hull. “He is a great teacher and a good man.” AHS Athletic Director Mark Dorfman said, “We are incredibly proud of our student athletes. We wish them great success Camisa (from left), Graceann and Deirdre sit at the next level.” with Basketball coach Cade Bell (from left), All three students will be playing for Athletic Director Mark Dorfman and volleyball NCAA schools. n coach Jessica Perkin.

Aptos High School April Scoreboard

Baseball

Aptos Season Record: (10-5, SCCAL 7-0) Aptos 4 – Harbor 3 P: Jordan Talbot Aptos Scoring: Bryan Bucher 3 for 3, BB, 2 2 Bs, 2 RBIs; Nicco Bailey 2 for 3, 2B; John Evans 1 for 3, Sac. Fly RBI; Michael Heinevetter 2 BB, R; Jared Koenig 1 for 2, 2 BB, R. Aptos 3 – Santa Cruz 0 WP: Jared Koenig Aptos Scoring: Michael Heinevetter 2 for 3; Jordan Talbot 2 for 2, Bryan Bucher 2 for 2

Boys Golf

Aptos Season Record: Aptos 9-1 Aptos 178 – SLV 222 (Boulder Creek Golf Club) edalist: Joe Demera (A) 33 Aptos Scoring: Jack Doerr 35, Bo Kittleson 35, Cory Peterson 37, Ian Barbieri 38

Lacrosse

8 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Aptos Season Record: (13-4, SCCAL 8-0)

Aptos 10 – Santa Cruz 0 ptos Scoring: Cotton Lawler 4g, 1 assist; Josh Wagner 2g; Nick Greene 1g, 1 assist; Jeremy Medina 1g, 1 assist; Jakeb McCold 1g, 2 assists; Tristan Dames 1g; Goalie-Weston White 4 saves.

Softball

Aptos Season Record: (2-14, SCCAL 2-4) Aptos 6 – Harbor 4 P: Michaela Barnett Aptos Scoring: Nicolle Getzschmann 1 for 3, 2 RBI, R; Rita McCreesh 3 for 4, RBI, R; Emma Wilson 2 for 3, R.

Boys Volleyball

Aptos Season Record: (4-7) Mt. Madonna def. Aptos (25-16, 25-21, 25-15) ptos Scoring: Luke Paulus 9 kills, Kael Losik 7 blocks

“Scoreboard” > 13

KidsCamp

Protect Your Kids from the Dreaded ‘Summer Slide’

Start Planning Now as Educator Offers Tips to Prevent Learning Loss, Weight Gain

orking parents are already lining up child care plans for the summer. While they’re at it, educators say all parents of school-age children should also plan for preventing the dreaded summer slide. “The ‘summer slide’ is the information and skills children forget during summer break from the end of one school year to the beginning of the next school year,” says Carrie Scheiner, who created Exploracise (www.exploracise.com), to provide parents and educators with award-winning products and programs that combine learning, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. The education slide is well-documented by numerous studies, which were synthesized in the 1990s by Harris Cooper, then a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He found that children could forget one to three months of learning over the summer.

“While some people are aware of the learning loss, many aren’t aware that children tend to gain weight more rapidly when they’re out of school,” Scheiner says, citing a 2007 study by Paul Von Hippel of Ohio State University. “He found that kids, especially those at risk for obesity, gain as much weight during the summer as they do all school year.” “Kids Camp” > 10

Monte Vista Horsemanship Camp Phone: (831) 206-9707 Week-Long Sessions web: www.montevistaequestrian.com email: MVEquestrian@gmail.com Sleep-Over or Day Sessions Mailing Address: 2 School Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 June thru August The week-long Horsemanship Camp at Monte Vista Christian School is a wonderful opportunity for boys and girls to spend hours every day riding and learning about horses. We have wonderful school horses for riders of every experience level. We offer Western and English riding, as well as crafts, swimming, archery and marshmallow roasting at the evening campfire. Sign up today for an unbelievable summer camp experience! Call Cassie Belmont at (831) 206-9707, email MVEquestrian@gmail.com or visit www.montevistaequestrian.com for more information today!

Jim Booth Swim School Call Jim — New Classes Forming!

Phone: (831) 722-3500 web: www.jimboothswimschool.com

Jim Booth Swim School is known for its gentle classes where infants are taught to swim and are never dunked or forced. Parents feel comfortable that they are starting their children in a safe and sensible way. Jim Booth Swim School gives children of all ages the foundations required to be great swimmers for their entire lives. Mike Bottom, a member of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team said, “This is the way to start babies in the water.” For more information call Jim Booth Swim School at (831)722-3500 or visit www.jimboothswimschool.com.

Basketball Jones Aptos: June 25-29 Santa Cruz: July 30 - August 3

Phone: 800.348.3803 Web Site: www.basketballjonescamps.com Aptos: Aptos High School • Santa Cruz: Mission Hill School

Basketball Jones Hoop Camps is a great avenue for any young basketball player who is looking to improve their basketball game. With over 200 camps under our belt and over 15,000 campers having gone through our program there is NO trial and error. We are cofident that this is the camp for your child to refine their basketball skills, improve on team concepts, have fun and meet new friends! We have sold out both of our camps in Santa Cruz County the past five years!

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 9

KidsCamp

“Kids Camp” from pg 9

What can parents do to keep young brains and bodies engaged in healthy ways over the summer? Scheiner offers these tips: • ACTIVE-ate the brain. Getting active exercises both the body and the brain. Just like our body needs exercise to

stay healthy, so does the brain to keep those neurons firing. Encourage kids to stay active and play outside during the summer and allow only limited, scheduled times for sedentary activities like video games or TV. • Try a weeklong educational day camp. We all want our kids to have fun during the summer, and they can. Enroll in the fun, active day camps that focus on art, music or swimming. But toward the end of the summer, have your children attend one week of math camp and one week of reading camp as a refresher. • Feed the brain during free time. Kids have a lot more free time in the summer. With fewer scheduled activities, even kids who attend a camp may

Catalyst Soccer Seven One-Week Classes June 18 thru Aug 10

Phone: (831) 423-3556 web: www.catalystsoccer.com email: info@catalystsoccer.com Mailing Address: PO Box 1175, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

Catalyst Summer Soccer Camps 2012: Player and Skill Development! This summer, Catalyst Soccer is celebrating the beautiful sport of soccer with a top level development and instruction for all soccer loving young players. Catalyst Soccer has been at the forefront of youth soccer development since 1999 and has helped develop thousands of young players towards the skillful side of the game with their passion and professional approach to youth development. We hope to inspire, educate and celebrate during this amazing sport this summer with Catalyst Soccer. Boys and Girls who love soccer will love the FUN and LEARNING of Catalyst Soccer! For more information on a summer camp in your neighborhood, please call Catalyst at (831) 4233556 or go to www.catalystsoccer.com

Aptos Academy Summer Adventure Day Camps Phone: (831) 688-1080 June 25-August 18 web: www.aptosacademy.org Half-or-Full Days Mailing Address: 1940 Bonita Dr., Aptos Week-or-Full Sessions Eight weeks of fun for kids ages 3 to 12. The day camp features crafts, art, nature study, climbing wall, swimming, horses, field trips, and optional morning academics. Located on 5 acres just off Highway 1 at San Andreas exit. Each week has a fun and educational theme. See website for details. June 25 — August 17. Attend by the week or full session, and full or half days.

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have more time to hang out in the evening. How can you feed their brain during this extra time? Visit the library and check out print books, audio books, educational DVDs, and even educational computer games. Many websites offer activity ideas that you and the kids can enjoy together. For instance, a free e-book, “10 Top Fun Wise Games: Making Learning Math Fun” is available at www.exploracise.com. • Journal current achievement levels. How do you know if your child is affected by summer slide if you don’t remember where they ended the year? Create a summer journal and, in the first few pages, document what they most recently learned in their major subjects. Were they adding and subtracting double-digit numbers? Doing long division? What were some of their vocabulary or spelling words?

KidsCamp

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Throughout the summer you can track their progress and, at the least, maintain those levels — or maybe even move on to more challenging material. n ••• Carrie Scheiner was inspired by her own children to develop the first Exploracise® program that creatively teaches math facts during a complete workout. Scheiner earned a bachelor’s degree in math with a minor in secondary education, and a master’s in statistics from Rutgers University.

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Sanford’s Traditional Martial Arts

Phone: (831) 475-9676 email: questions@mydojo.com web: www.sanfordkarate.com Mailing Address: 4626 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073 Camp Type: Karate & Self Defense Camp Director: Sean Sanford

Our Youth Karate camps are lots of fun and very safe. They are open to current students and to beginners. The summer camps are a perfect way for someone with no experience to be exposed to the Martial Arts. Each camp has its own curriculum theme. Our camps are open to ages 7-14 and we have a discount for early sign up. Call today to sign up!

Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Swim Lessons run June 26-August 31

Phone: (831) 454-7901 Web Site: www.scparks.com Mailing Address: 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Camp Type: A wide variety of summer camps and activities

Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation has something for everyone this summer, including La Selva Beach Summer Recreation for ages 6-12, Swim Lessons at the Simpkins Family Swim Center, Renaissance Art and Science Camp for ages 6-11 at Aptos Park, Time Travelers and Science Sleuths Camps at Quail Hollow Ranch for ages 6-11, a variety of Baseball Camps, Kreative Kids program, Theater and Chorus classes, Spanish Language classes, and more! Register NOW at www.scparks.com.

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2012 World Cup Summer Camps

Taught by Top Youth Coaches along with Current Collegiate Players Special 4 on 4 competitions in celebration of the International World Cup Tournament Super FUNdamentals (Boys and Girls, ages 6-14) 9 am — Noon • $125 Little Skillsbuilders (Boys and Girls, ages 4-6) 9:30 am — 11 am • $75 June 18 - 22 June 25 - 29 July 2 - 6 July 16 - 20 July 23 - 27 July 30 - Aug 3 August 6 - 10

Scotts Valley (Skypark Sports Complex) Soquel (Anna Jean Cummings Park) Ben Lomond (Highlands Park) Aptos (Polo Fields) Santa Cruz (Mission Hill Middle School) Scotts Valley (Skypark Sports Complex) Soquel (Anna Jean Cummings Park)

Don’t miss these amazing opportunities for your young player to enjoy and celebrate the greatest game in the world: SOCCER! Call for information on small-group and team discounts!

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES & SATURDAY SWIM now available at our indoor pool

To register or more information go to www.catalytsoccer.com or simply call Catalyst at (831) 423-3556 www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 11

“Scoreboard” from pg 8

Track and Field

Top 8 Invitational irls 1600 – #1 Nikki Hiltz (Aptos) 4:47.631 (Fastest in the nation for 2012); #2 Anna Maxwell (San Lorenzo Valley) 4:52.883 • Girls 800 – #1 Nikki Hiltz (Aptos) 2:09.701; #2 Anna Maxwell (San Lorenzo Valley) 2:11.685 Boys 800 – #1 Cody Johnson (San Lorenzo Valley) 1:55.786 Girls Aptos 97 – Soquel 32

“Family Arts Nights” from pg 7

Dates and locations include: Mintie White Elementary – 4/13, Ohlone Elementary – 4/17, Calabasas Elementary – 4/19, Starlight Elementary – 4/20, Freedom Elementary – 4/24, and Live Oak Elementary – 4/26. All Family Arts Nights are held from 6-8pm and are open to students of the school and their parents. Please contact your school for more information. Teaching artists are selected from the

Aptos 111 – St. Francis 22 400 – #1 Nikki Hiltz (Aptos) 58.81; #1 200 – Hiltz (Aptos) 26.8; 4x400 – #1 (Aptos) Hiltz, Stanger, Peabody 4:18.6, Crocker; 100 Hurdles – #1 Christen Goetz (Aptos) 17.7; 800 – #1 Clare Peabody (Aptos) 2.21; Pole Vault – #1 Thresa Vinson (Aptos) 11-6.

Boys Aptos 97 – Soquel 31 Aptos 118 – St. Francis 10 400 – #1 Riggs Powell (Aptos) 51.6; Discus – Alex Yerena (Aptos) 141-10 n

SPECTRA arts education program, and include: Noelle Correia, Jerry Falek, Olga Loya, Lynn Guenther, Salif Kone, Claudia Stevens, Susana Terrell, and Kat Weeks. To learn how to bring Family Arts Nights to your school, please contact Sonia Deetz, Arts Education Manager at: sonia@ccscc.org. n ••• For more than 32 years, the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County has led and advanced the arts by providing funding, advocacy, and support to artists and arts organizations. Website: www.ccscc.org.

“Arben” from pg 6

David shared these life’s lessons and many others while mentoring Rebecca Jackson, Mim’s artistic director, over the last decade. He restored her dream to play violin and left the whole family forever indebted to him. Rebecca and her fellow artists lovingly dedicate this year’s Mim concert series to Mr. David Arben. n

“Music in May” from pg 6

Each performance is preceded by a free pre-concert lecture presented by musicologist Kai Christiansen. Tickets are available now and range from $20-$30, with discounts for advance purchases. The public can find more details at www.musicinmay.org Music in May is presented under the auspices of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County. Mim’s mission: Mim brings renowned musicians to Santa Cruz, CA in a weekend full of concerts. The intent is to expand and broaden the audience of classical music, impact youth, increase awareness of and develop relationships with other local nonprofit organizations serving the Santa Cruz community. n ••• Music in May 2012 Season 5 Anniversary Celebration Presented by: Music in May and Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County Friday, May 11 First Congregational

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David Arben with Rebecca Jackson

Church, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 6:30 PM Pre-concert lecture, 7:30 PM Concert $20 advance/$25 door Program: Schumann’s Marchenerzalungen (Fairy Tales), Op. 132 for Viola, Piano and Clarinet • Bartok Contrasts for Violin, Piano, and Clarinet • Rachmaninoff’s Piano Trio D Minor, No. 1 Saturday, May 12 Cabrillo College Concert Hall, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 6:30 PM Pre-concert lecture, 7:30 PM Concert $25 advance/$30 door Program: World Premiere by Polina Nazaykinskaya • Kovac’s Hommage a Manuel de Falla for Solo Clarinet • Golijov’s Tenebrae for String Quartet • Clyne’s Within Her Arms for 15 Strings • Rachmaninoff’s Suite No. 1 for Two Pianos, Op. 5 Tickets: Phone: (800) 838-3006, Online: www.brownpapertickets.com, In Person: Soif Wine Bar, 105 Walnut Ave., Downtown Santa Cruz Website: www.musicinmay.org

www.TPGonlinedaily.com www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 13

CommunityNews

Cabrillo Stage Announces 2012 Season

A Chorus Line, Anything Goes, the World Premiere of Escaping Queens and A Night at the Nutcracker

abrillo Stage, the professional musical theatre company at Cabrillo College, announces its 31st repertory season starting July 13 and playing through December 30. This year the company will take a bite out of the Big Apple with four tales based in The City, including a world premiere, as part of this summer’s productions. Cabrillo Stage’s 2012 summer repertory season of tales from the Big Apple opens with Broadway’s singular sensation, A Chorus Line, performing in the Cabrillo Crocker Theater July 13 – August 12. Then it’s romance from New York to the high seas in Cole Porter’s classic Anything Goes performing July 27 – August 19. In the intimate Cabrillo Black Box Theater, Stage is proud to present the world premiere of a poignant yet comic tale of coming of age in the projects with Escaping Queens, August 10 – 19. The Christmas season will bring riotous screwball comedy to the ballet in A

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Cabrillo Stage on August 10. In the shadow of the Queensboro Bridge lies the heart-rending and comic story of an immigrant family. Through the eyes of a young boy, we meet a zany cast of jubilant characters—a gambling Puerto Rican father, a nurturing Italian mother, a love-crazed teenager, a lurking neighborhood bookie and Doo Wop kids singing on the street corner—who weave the tale of a desperate escape from New York. Greg Fritsch, Director A Night at the Nutcracker — The Marx Brothers played havoc with the worlds of opera and horse racing. What if they’d had a crack at a ballet company? The hilarity ensues in this musical farce when the world’s greatest detective, Felix T. Filibuster teams up with Pinchie the silent butler and his Italian friend, Pepponi. Together they come to the rescue of Constance Stuffington, patron of the arts, whose fortune has been swindled A Chorus Line is a stunning musical away. Can opening night of the city’s about a chorus audition for a Broadway Nutcracker Suite Ballet be saved in time? musical. It tells of the achingly poignant With slapstick comedy, one-liners, chases, ambitions of professional Broadway gyp- beautiful girls, musical numbers and the sies to land a job in a show, and is a pow- craziest version of The Nutcracker you’ll erful metaphor for all human aspiration. It ever see, A Night at the Nutcracker is a is a brilliantly complex fusion of dance, Christmas musical comedy that’s fun for song and compellingly authentic drama. the whole family! Andrew Ceglio, The show was instantly recognized as a Director n ••• classic, receiving nine Tony Awards and a Cabrillo Stage 2012 season runs July Pulitzer, among many others, and being one of the longest running shows on 13 to December 30, 2012 at the Cabrillo Broadway. Adult themes. Janie Scott, Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. A Chorus Line plays Wednesday Director/Choreographer Anything Goes — Cole Porter’s Tony Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM, weekend matinees at 2 PM Anything Award winning musical. Goes plays Wednesday This saucy and splendid A Chorus Line Saturday evenings at 7:30 revival is one of the greatest July 13 — August 12 PM, weekend matinees at 2 musicals in Broadway histoAnything Goes PM Escaping Queens plays ry. As the S.S. American Wednesday - Saturday heads out to sea, from New July 27 — August 19 evenings at 8 PM, Sunday York to England, two unlikeEscaping Queens matinees at 3PM ly pairs set off on a cruise to August 10 — 19 Tickets: Online now at true love…proving that A Night At The www.cabrillostage.com. sometimes destiny needs a Nightcracker Staffed box office at 831-479little help from a crew of December 14 - 3 6154 starting June 19 Prices singing sailors, an exotic dis$20 = $40 (including ticket guise and some good oldfashioned blackmail. Peppering this hilar- fees). Information: www.cabrillostage.com Cabrillo Stage is a non-profit, non-union iously bumpy ride are memorable Cole Porter favorites, including “I Get A Kick professional summer stock musical theatre out of You,” “It’s De-lovely” and company dedicated to presenting full-scale “Anything Goes.” It’s the perfect family Broadway musicals to the greater Monterey show! Kikau Alvaro, Bay Area. Producing a diversity of musical theatre works with the goal of educating as well as Director/Choreographer World Premiere of Escaping Queens giving its audiences quality family entertain— Santa Cruz composer Joe Ortiz’s musi- ment. Jon Nordgren, Producing Artistic cal memoir, making its world premiere at Director.

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CommunityNews

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre In Concert at Crocker Theater

Contemporary ballet premieres alongside classical favorite anta Cruz Ballet Theatre presents its In Concert performances at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater on June 3. Choreographer Eva Stone’s piece “End of a Year” for Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is a modern dance performed to music by Luigi Boccherini in new costumes designed and built by Suellen Baum of Utah Regional Ballet. Robert Kelley comments, “It has a tongue-in-cheek sense of

humor, which is not that easy to pull off with dance. This work is fundamentally grounded in modern technique – something you do not always see ballet dancers take on. This group of dancers is more than up for the challenge. “ Ms. Stone has created commissioned works for many local and regional dance companies such as Spectrum Dance Theater, South Bay Ballet, Santa Cruz Ballet

16 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Theatre and Seattle Dance Project. Her work has premiered in New York, London, Geneva and St. Petersburg, Russia. A recent work, The Unraveling, debuted at Lincoln Center as part of the New York International Ballet Competition Gala. “Being of One’s Hour” with original score by Christopher Pratorius is a contemporary piece in the neo-classical style, choreographed specifically for the talents of this season’s dancers, by Artistic Director Robert Kelley. Robert received the commissioned musical score from Chris in August - it was a specific vehicle for Emerson Moose’s talents as a dancer and as a partner, and his access to emotional qualities. The music is elusive yet has an incredible driving force. The corps makes up the framework of the structure of the dance; they are dancing the driving beat, like riding the crest of a wave, without pushing it musically. This ballet is asks emotional questions without making a definitive statement leaving it open to the interpretation of the viewer. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre also presents works from the classical repertoire. For 2012, the Company will dance “Paquita”; a time-honored classic challenging the dancers with the demands of classical ballet technique. Set to uplifting, fastpaced music by Leon Minkus, the ballet showcases a principal couple, several soloists and a corps de ballet. Co-Artistic Director Diane Cypher is re-staging this traditional ballet, orginally

choreographed by Marius Petipa for the Imperial Ballet of St Petersburg in Russia in 1881. At the time this work was first presented, it revealed a new choreographic concept: that two ballerinas could be onstage at the same time. “Paquita” includes an entire suite of solos for different ballerinas – this was a first in the late 1800s! Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre In Concert Cabrillo Crocker Theater at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, June 3, 2012, at 1 pm. A contemporary and classical ballet concert featuring premieres choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Kelley and guest artist Eva Stone. TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $12 - $24 and go on sale May 7. Tickets may be purchased at The Studio office, 2800 South Rodeo Gulch in Soquel, Monday-Friday noon-5 PM; by calling Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre at 831-477-1606; online at www.scbt.org ; at the Crocker Box Office one hour before the performance. Founded in 1978, the company is directed by Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre became a nonprofit corporation in 1982, to give aspiring young dancers an opportunity to develop the performance skills necessary for their training as professional ballet dancers, and to provide high caliber ballet performances for the local community. n ••• The mission of Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is to inspire and create opportunities for young artists through the advancement of the art of ballet. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is recognized as one of the top regional ballet companies in the country. Many of its alumni continue on to professional dance careers. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is partly funded by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation Youth Fund.

CommunityNews

Second District Candidate Debate Highlights Differences By Noel Smith

he Aptos Chamber of Commerce hosted a debate among the five candidates for supervisor in District 2. It happened at the Chamber’s April Breakfast meeting on Thursday, April 12 at the Seacliff Inn. With standing room only, the packed room listened intently as the five answered question asked by the moderator, retired Superior Court Judge William Kelsay. The debate covered a variety of topics and included questions from the audience. The candidates responding were Daniel Beckett, Doug Deitch, Zach Friend, Rich McInnis and Antonio Rivas. Before the business-friendly chamber

The debate covered a variety of topics and included questions from the audience. The candidates responding were Daniel Beckett, Doug Deitch, Zach Friend, Rich McInnis and Antonio Rivas.

CommunityBriefs Openings for Año Nuevo State Park Volunteer Naturalist Training nce a year Año Nuevo State Park opens its doors to new recruits for our extensive volunteer training program. Año Nuevo State Reserve is currently looking for outdoor enthusiasts to join our volunteer family. A true jewel of the California coast and home to a large Elephant Seal rookery, Año Nuevo is 20 miles north of Santa Cruz and offers an uncommon and remarkable wildlife experience. Accepted applicants receive comprehensive training as docent naturalists; then lead guided walks through the rookery during the breeding season and act as “roving” naturalist interpreters for the rest of the year. Training begins in early September. For more information, please call (650) 8792029. •••

Antonio Rivas Daniel Beckett audience, all candidates agreed that more needs to be done by the county to improve the local business environment and the county’s infrastructure especially maintaining local roads and reducing traffic congestion. Local Water activist Doug Deitch saw the topmost concern to be county’s water supply while Seabreeze Tavern owner Rich McInnis had the county’s poor attitude toward small business — which had personally experienced — as his number one. Contractor Daniel Beckett named the county’s building department as needing improvement in dealing with the public, former County Democrat Central Committee Chairman Zach Friend named

Honor Society Awards Scholarships lpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) California Community College Scholastic Honor Society announced that Cabrillo College students Charlotte Achen, Cedar Green, and Oleksii Chuiko were each awarded scholarships by the academic honor society and service organization of the California Community Colleges AGS holds an annual convention each spring, at which the organization awards scholarships to students who excel in academics and/or community service. This year’s 86th Annual AGS Convention held in the Doubletree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, CA, had 539 attendees representing 44 college chapters. At the award ceremony on Saturday April 21, 54 student members of AGS were awarded scholarships totaling $38,400. Ms. Achen was the recipient of $600 for the Ed Walsh Scholarship for outstanding community service. Mr. Green and Mr. Chuiko were both recipients of $700 for the Kathleen D. Loly Award, which recognizes academic excellence. Mr. Green serves as president of the Cabrillo College chapter of

Doug Deitch Rich McInnes the infrastructure as his top priority and Antonia Rivas, Former Watsonville Mayor and PVUSD Counselor, was concerned about public safety. The hot button topics were the Aptos Village plan and the proposed new Safeway in Rancho Del mar Shopping Center. McInnes said the planned Aptos Village plan didn’t have the activity/business center it needs to succeed; both Rivas and Becket were against the plan, while Deitch and Friend supported the Aptos Village. The proposed new Safeway was another matter with Deitch the only one outright opposing it with the other four supporting it because it is a redevelopment

AGS. Ms. Achen is a former president and was a presenter at this year’s convention. ••• Mar Vista Elementary School Given Gift of Trees ocal Modern Woodmen chapter takes part in national Plant a Tree Program on Friday, April 20. Four trees were planted on school grounds, two Magnolias, a Melaleuca and a Chinese elm. “This program allows Modern Woodman members to give the community a lasting gift,” said Ramona Bridgen, leader of Modern Woodmen Chapter 777. “The name Modern Woodman honors the pioneer woodman who cleared the forests to build homes and secure futures for their families. Planting trees is a way to secure a future for families, communities and the environment.” Through their Plant A Tree program, Modern Woodman has planted thousands of trees across the United States. For more information contact Ramona Bridgen at 685-3040. n

Zach Friend Judge William Kelsay of an already existing commercial center. General impressions eckett wants a friendlier attitude from the planning department; Doug Deitch is continuing to base his campaign on water related issues; Zach Friend is part of the new generation of politicians in Santa Cruz County seemingly willing to listen to all sides; Rich McInnis is willing to learn and didn’t sound like a one-trick pony; Antonia Rivas is a long-time politician with his roots deep in the south county. n ••• Candidate Websites: Daniel Beckett – beckettforsupervisor.com/, Doug Deitch – www.dougforsupervisor.com, Zach Friend – www.friendforsupervisor.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 17

18 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityNews

20,000 Stories Ready to be Taken Home! Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries Book Sale May 25 — 26 at the Civic Auditorium Friday: 5:30 p.m. — 8 p.m. — members only • Saturday: Open to the general

public, 10 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. — 3 p.m.

ind some good summer reading at the Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries big biennial book sale. More than 20,000 used books, books-on-tape, CDs and DVDs to choose from. All proceeds benefit FSCPL’s 10 local branches. Books sell for $1.50 per pound Friday night and Saturday morning, then $5 per brown paper grocery bag, Saturday afternoon. Call 831-427-7716 or visit www.fscpl.org for more info. The Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries holds its spring book sale May 25-26 at the Civic Auditorium in downtown Santa Cruz. With more than 20,000 used books to choose from, this biennial event is one of the biggest used book sales in the region. It’s also one of the longest running. Norah Mayper, a retired Friends board

member who still volunteers at the spring and fall sales, says they were going strong when she joined the board some 20 years ago. Each sale attracts thousands of book lovers, and professional dealers have come from as far away as Berkeley to search for “finds.” A couple of years ago, a happy buyer was overheard telling a companion: “I’ve been looking for this book all over the world. I found it in London for £800, but I couldn’t afford it. I paid $2 today.” Every category of books is there: biographies, novels, mysteries, children’s books, non-fiction, cookbooks, gardening, poetry, art, travel, sports, spirituality — you name it! All the books have been donated. The sale is open to Friends members only on Friday night, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and to the general public on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday night and Saturday morning books sell for $1.50 per pound — think one fat novel or two paperbacks! Scales are set up throughout the auditorium so shoppers

can weigh their pickings before the final weigh-in at the cashier’s table. Saturday afternoon the price drops to $5 per brown paper grocery bag. Careful baggers really get their money’s worth! Books on tape, CDs and DVDs, as well as a few hundred “special” books — literature and art, mostly -– are priced separately. All proceeds from the sale go to support the Central Library in Santa Cruz and

Shuttle’s Flight to Final Landing

ASA’s longest-serving shuttle, was carried north by is own 747 to Virginia’s Dulles International Airport, and flown for the last time over Washington, D.C. On Thursday, Discovery will be rolled into its final destination. Even before NASA’s final space shuttle mission—an Atlantis expedition last July—workers had begun making Discovery safe for the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International, draining toxic fluids, disabling flammable fuel cells, and removing other dangers. During its career, Discovery marked a series of space milestones. Discovery was the first to dock with Russia’s Mir space station, it carried NASA’s first African-American mission commander as well as the first woman to pilot a spacecraft—and executed the first “return to flight” missions after the Challenger disaster. NASA’s space shuttle fleet began setting records with its first launch on April

12, 1981 and continued to set high marks of achievement and endurance through 30 years of missions. Starting with Columbia and continuing with Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour, the spacecraft has carried people into orbit repeatedly, launched, recovered and repaired satellites, conducted cutting-edge research and built the largest structure in space, the International Space Station. The final space shuttle mission, STS-135, ended July 21, 2011 when Atlantis rolled to a stop at its home port, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As humanity’s first reusable spacecraft, the space shuttle pushed the bounds of discovery ever farther, requiring not only advanced technologies but also the tremendous effort of a vast workforce. Thousands of civil servants and contractors throughout NASA‘s field centers and across the nation have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mission success and the greater goal of space exploration. n www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 19

CommunityNews

Fiddler On the Roof comes to Aptos

Aptos High School Cast of “Fiddler on the Roof” at rehersal.

20 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

unrise, Sunset,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Matchmaker,” and “Tradition”; These are just a few of the memorable musical moments from Fiddler on the Roof, this year’s Spring Musical at Aptos High! AHS Performing Arts Dept. proudly presents: Fiddler on the Roof, opening Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 7:30 PM. Additional evening performances are: Friday, April 27, Saturday, April 28, Thursday, May 3, and Friday May 4, all at 7:30. The show closes with a matinee on Saturday, May 5 at 2 PM. The show features a cast and crew of 60 AHS students, a 20-piece orchestra made up of volunteer students and community members, spectacular sets and lights, and colorful costumes. Fiddler on the Roof is a musical with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. It is based on Tevye and his Daughters (or Tevye the Milkman and Other Tales) by Sholem Aleichem. The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. He must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters – each one’s choice of husband moves further away from the customs of his faith – and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their beloved village of Anatevka. The musical ends as Tevye, Golde and his two youngest daughters leave the village for America. As the fiddler begins to play, Tevye beckons with a nod, and the fiddler follows them out of the village. The original Broadway production of the show, which opened in 1964, had the first musical theatre run in history to surpass 3,000 performances. Fiddler held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical for almost 10 years until Grease surpassed its run. Opening night (April 26) all seats are $6. Reserved tickets for all performances will be available for purchase online

beginning April 10. Prices are: $6.00 for Kids, $8 for students 12 and up and Seniors, and $10 for Adults. You get to choose your seats if you buy online! Or — buy at the door 1/2 before show time at $7, $9 and $12 (non-reserved). Go to the Aptos High Homepage at www.aptoshs.net and click on the PAC Event Tickets link, starting April 10. n ••• Aptos High School Production of Fiddler on the Roof Theatre Arts and Musical Director: Stacy Aronovici • Orchestra Conductor: Terrel Eaton • PAC Theatre Manager and Technical Director: Kevin Johnston Fiddler on the Roof Cast The Fiddler – Michael Sheely Tevye’s Family: Tevye – Jacob Nichols, Golde – Nichole Jensen Daughters: Tzeitel – Maddy Mouw, Hodel – Alexi Baker, Chava – Kara Jonsson, Shprintze – Maddy Welty, Bielke – Julia Standen The Suitors: Motel – Jordan Pierini, Perchik – Spencer Johndrew, Fyedka – Anthony Gorman The Villagers: Lazar Wolf – Gabe Llamas, Yente – Autumn Knapp, Avram, the bookseller – Michael Sheely, Mendel, the Rabbi’s Son – Matt Myers, The Rabbi – Tommy Woodward, Mordcha, the Innkeeper – Brad Cole, Shandel, Motel’s mother – Kate Woodward, Yussel, the hatmaker – Seth Sandoval, Two Boys (Act II, sc. 7) – Liam Jensen, Benji Standen The Russians: Constable – Richard Garrett, Sasha – Diego Cantu-Gil, Fyedka – Anthony Gorman • Soldiers: Brandon Lopez, Tyler Morgan, Jacob Baker, Dalton Haines-Scrodin The Dream Ladies: Grandma Tzeitel – Maddy Welty, Fruma Sarah – Leah Daugherty Ensemble: Kira Arias, Jacob Baker, Ali Barrick, Serena Calcagno, Becky Cassar, Grace Crandall, Karianna Crowder, Leah Daugherty, Melissa Dittrich, Richard Garrett, Alina Goodman, Megan Gorges, Alison Hoffman, Courtney Laschkewitsch, Brandon Lopez, Marie Markoff, Kimberly Mix, Tyler Morgan, McKenzie Phelps, Hannah Pico, Jessica Pierini, Arianna Richie, Seth Sandoval, Steven Tao, Dakota Tittle, Sydney Woolery, Marikin Ziegler, Benji Standen, Liam Jensen & Ruby (Kevin’s cousin)

CommunityNews

Artists in the Gardens Aromas Country Garden Tour — Saturday, May 12, 10 am — 4 pm

By Joyce Oroz

hen lovely and interesting gardens, fine artwork and friendly people come together it’s called The Aromas Garden Tour, my favorite event of the year. The Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, treat yourself and your mom, to the country gardens of Aromas. Nestled in selected gardens you will find artists from the Aromas Hills Artisans guild showing and selling their work. Participating gardeners and professional landscapers are busy putting finishing touches on their flowering masterpieces. Save the date, May 12, and join us on the path to still waters, lily pads, oceans of iris, yards of succulents, masses of exotic blossoms and lovely but practical native plants. Along the path, among the blossoms, you will discover artisans such as Linda Bjornson and her beautiful stained glass creations, Barbara Scoles and her hand carved wooden Santas, Christine West and her handmade

greeting cards, Rhoda Erath with fused glass jewelry, Katherine Stutz-Taylor and her etchings and woodblock prints and Cynthia Armstrong with her watercolors and botanical illustrations. Maybe you will come across the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Tickets for the event are only $15.00 per person, two tickets for $25, and AHA Members and Seniors (65 & older) $10.00 each. Your ticket stub will be automatically entered in a drawing to win the artists rendition featured on the cover of this year’s Garden Tour booklet. Tickets and maps are available at the Aromas Grange, located at the corner of Rose and Bardue Avenues. As a special feature, Master Gardeners will be on hand at the Grange to answer your gardening questions. n From Watsonville, take Hwy 129 east and turn right on the Rogge exit. From Hwy 101 take 129 west to Rogge (the Aromas exit). See a preview at www.aromashillsartisans.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 21

FeaturedColumnist The Book Bag by Robert Francis

The Book Bag by Robert Francis

Bug Off! Creepy, Crawly Poems

By Jane Yolen Photos by Jason Stemple WordSong/Boyds Mills. $16.95 (Ages 5 and up) ver a dozen short poems and brilliant color photos of each poem’s subject make this collection one that young readers will enjoy reading. The featured insects include a fly, praying mantis, butterfly, ants, honeybees, lovebug, two types of spiders, dragonfly, tick, ladybug, and grasshopper. While some of the poems are humorous, others are cautionary and warn the reader to avoid squeezing a tick (“Bacteria comes sliding out, which makes a person sick”). Along with the verse and photo, each insect page also features a paragraph that gives information about the bug. You’ll learn that the fastest butterflies fly twelve miles per hour and dragonflies feast on mosquitoes, flies and midges. The author invites her readers to take their time to look at these gorgeous photographs, read the poems, and then write some of their own. That’s not a bad idea! Let this book be the catalyst that sparks your child’s creation of his or her own collection of creepy, crawly poems.

Bugs Galore

By Peter Stein Illustrated by Bob Staake Candlewick Press. $15.99 (Ages 4-8) ith its silly rhymes and comic retro illustrations, this read aloud picture book will have your child buzzing with excitement. A flurry of insects in every imaginable shape, size and color crawl and wing their way across the pages in an infestation of whimsy and humor. “Mud safari – hunt for worms. This one’s squishy, that one squirms. Aaah-bugs! Ewww-bugs! Crawl-onYOU bugs! Stay away from crawl-on-POO bugs!”

What’s buggin’ you? Kiddies’ bug books …

Even though your child may have mixed emotions about these little critters, that will change for the better after enjoying this fun book with its cartoonish bugs crawling, slithering, hopping and flying about on each page. In fact, your preschooler may start bugging you to read this book over and over again because he or she can’t get enough of “Bugs Galore.”

Creepy-Crawlies

By Karen Wallace and Tudor Humphries Kingfisher. $6.99 (Ages 3 and up) his “Flip the Flaps” picture book is filled with basic information that will satisfy any curious child who wants to know more about ladybugs, ants, butterflies, spiders, honeybees and dragonflies. Each two page entry includes an additional half page in the middle that features three questions. Flip it over and you’ll find the answers. For example, a question might be “How do ladybugs smell, taste, and feel?” Turn the page and you discover “Ladybugs use their two antennae, or feelers, to touch, smell, and taste.” And, of course, there’s an accompanying illustration of the antennae. Given the format of this book your child can begin to master not only identifying the insects and spiders featured here but they’ll also know something about what makes each one special and unique.

One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin

By Kathryn Lasky Illustrated by Matthew Trueman Candlewick Press. $6.99 (Ages 7-12) ou are invited along as Kathryn Lasky traces Charles Darwin’s life from his childhood when the youth went around the countryside collecting insects and other specimens to his famous voyage on the

22 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Beagle in 1831. Collecting everything he could lay his hands on such as an octopus, butterflies and spiders, Darwin also filled many notebooks with observations of the natural wonders he found from the Cape Verde Islands and Brazil to Valdivia and the Galapagos Islands. Mulling over his findings after he returned home to England, eventually Darwin wrote “The Origin of Species.” This book presented the natural scientist’s theory of evolution and explained the process of natural selection and the idea of the survival of the fittest. This “Smithsonian Notable Book for Children” brings together a fairly detailed text with a number of illustrations that picture Darwin’s adventures. Given the length of the narrative, this paperback would be best given to youngsters who are rather competent readers.

Insect Detective

By Steve Voake Illustrated by Charlotte Voake Candlewick Press. $6.99 (Ages 5-8) nother book for older children, this “Read and Wonder” book encourages the reader to explore his/her natural surroundings and observe some of the insects that might be found around the yard. Although we don’t usually realize it, there are some very exciting things happening in the insect world right beneath our feet. Ants are collecting food, wasps and bees are making their nests, caterpillars are at work nibbling away on plants, and ground beetles are helping keep gardens free of slugs and snails. The illustrations in this book are a bit washed out and not as eye appealing as what you might find in other picture books, but the content is quite good. Hopefully after reading this paperback the youngster

will want to learn more about the insects he or she can find very close to home.

Kingfisher Readers: Butterflies

By Thea Felsman Kingfisher. $3,99 (Ages 4 and up) Part of the “Read and Wonder” series, this level one book is ideal for beginning readers. The short sentences, familiar vocabulary and engaging color photos will make your child want to lend a hand with the reading chores when story time rolls around. On the inside cover you’ll find hints for parents on how to make this a good experience for the beginning reader. As the title suggests, the butterfly and its life cycle is the book’s subject. Besides picturing a number of different butterflies and sharing some basic information about them, the author takes the reader through the phases from laying eggs, through the caterpillar stage and to the safety of the chrysalis. Then, after a few weeks, the transformation is complete and out emerges the beautiful butterfly.

Step Gently Out

By Helen Frost Photos by Rick Lieder Candlewick Press. $15.99 (Ages 2-5) tunning close-up photography accompanies the lyrical text created by Helen Frost in this book that implores children to look more closely at the world around them. “Step gently out, be still, and watch a single blade of grass. An ant climbs up to look around. A honey bee flies past.” A cricket chirps, a moth glides by, a spider spins a silken thread in this little microcosm of the larger, natural world. There’s a praying mantis looking at you. A wasp balances on a leaf. As the light shifts, other tiny creatures reflect the soft beams and even the dew of branches sparkles like diamonds. Very simple in nature, this short poem by Frost coupled with some outstanding color photos highlights and accents the simple wonders one can discover if the person takes the time to look closely at what’s going on around him or her. n

CommunityNews

Mt. Charlie Challenge

Annual Fundraising Bike Ride and Festival Set for May 5 or the tenth consecutive year, the Mt. Charlie Challenge Fundraising Bike Ride returns to Scotts Valley, this year on Saturday, May 5. Sponsored by the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF), Mt. Charlie Challenge has now raised over $250,000 for Scotts Valley’s four public schools. New this year will be a children’s bike ride around Skypark, a children’s obstacle course, bike safety classes, bike registration, a hands-on children’s crafts area and artists’ booths with demonstrations by local artists. There will also be a family BBQ, beer and wine for purchase, live music, a raffle and silent auction. Skypark festival-style events begin at 11:00 a.m. and are free and open to the public. BBQ meals can be purchased for $10 per person. All proceeds of the bike rides and BBQ go to support Scotts Valley public schools. The three Mt. Charlie Challenge rides begin and end at Skypark in Scotts Valley: • 100-mile ride (starts at 7 am), stretches from the Summit to Elkhorn Slough across scenic and sometimes challenging climbs. • 100-kilometer ride (starts at 8 am) goes past beautiful wineries and forests up to the Summit. • 50-kilometer ride (starts at 9 am) has modest climbs through beautiful Santa Cruz County, and is perfect for novices. This is the first year that Mt. Charlie Challenge is offering a 100-mile ride. All riders can register on active.com for a fee Retaining Wall Systems Pavers • Flagstone & Slate Lawn & Garden Center Topsoil & Compost Organic Veggie Mix Custom Mixes Sawdust • Boulders

of $100. Maps of the rides are on active.com or SVEF’s website, www.svef.net. Riders receive a ride t-shirt, goody bag, SAG support, fully-staffed and stocked rest stops, raffle tickets, ride-day bike tuning, a post-ride BBQ lunch prepared by Scotts Valley Kiwanis and a music concert in Skypark featuring the band “Back to Nowhere”. Riders and supporters will be able to purchase commemorative 10th Annual Mt. Charlie Challenge t-shirts, jerseys and posters at the event or on SVEF’s website. The Mt. Charlie Challenge has traditionally been SVEF’s biggest fundraiser of the year. “We owe it all to the incredible community support we receive,” said ride co-chair Aura Clendenen. “It’s amazing how riders, sponsors, donors and volunteers step up each year. It’s truly a reflection of how much this town values its public schools,” Clendenen added. n ••• For additional information about the 10th Annual Mt. Charlie Challenge, check SVEF’s website at www.svef.net, or contact Aura Clendenen at (831) 247-4805 or clendenen@ earthlink.net or co-chair Michael Rein at (831) 440-9835 or mike@reinlaw.net. Stepping Stones Decorative Rock & Bark Soil Amendments Screened Dirt • Fertilizers Ponds & Pumps • Water Plants Synthetic and Organic Fertilizers

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831-688-6211 www.aptoslandscapesupply.com

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Mon-Sat 7:30 - 5:00 www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 23

CommunityNews

Amgen Tour comes through Santa Cruz; ends Stage 2 in Aptos n Monday, May 14, Cabrillo College hosts the stage 2 finish of the Amgen Tour of California after a day-long ride from the heart of San Francisco. Beginning at Marina Green at 11:05 am in San Francisco’s Marina District, the start line will run right to the break wall of San Francisco Bay. The backdrop will be the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Marin Headlands. Within minutes, the race will pass through the Presidio then continue south on Highway 1 through Pacifica and Daly City. Making its way along the Devil’s Slide then through Half Moon Bay the riders and spectators worldwide will enjoy this spectacular coastline. The stage then turns inland and starts the assault up Bonny Doon Road and Empire Grade then whiteknuckling it down Jameson Creek road through Boulder Creek. The route again climbs up Bear Creek Rd, along Summit Rd to the final 11-mile descent along Soquel-San Jose Road, through Soquel and along Soquel

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Drive to Cabrillo College and the finish line at approximately 3:53 pm. The stage has two long climbs giving the riders another KOM (King of the Mountain) opportunity. The 117-mile stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California will be a long and difficult stage. n

••• The largest cycling event in America, the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 13-20, 2012.

FeaturedColumnist

Are you a Sweet Genius Under Pressure?

By Camille Smith

admit it. No matter what I’m doing when I’m not coaching (watching TV, playing tennis, practicing my guitar), I’m asking, “What can I learn right now about being effective and producing desired results?” On a recent rainy day, Sweet Genius, a cooking show competitive (www.foodnetwork.com), offered some insights on being effective when the heat’s turned up. (Think I can write off my cable bill as a business expense?) In case you haven’t seen it, here’s how the show goes. The judge, renowned for his exquisite desserts, presents three chef competitors with dessert challenges. Each timed round begins with two things: a mandatory ingredient and something to stir their imagination and be represented in the dessert. In the rainy day episode, these were orange soda and a bubble machine. The competition begins with chefs gathering supplies from the pantry and running back to their workstations. As they dice, season and blend, their voiceover tells us what they plan to make and we hear their self-talk and thoughts about doubts and desires. Halfway through the allotted time, the judge introduces a second mandatory

ingredient. The contestants roll their eyes and, on the fly, figure out how to integrate the new element. (Same episode, this was pretzel rods.) We hear their internal conversations: “I’ve never cooked with this. I’m allergic to it. How can I beat the others? What happens if I lose?” At the end, two finalists bring their desserts to the judge who gives feedback as he nibbles the sweet concoctions. “You are no sweet genius” greets the loser. A twinkle of the judge’s eye and “Congratulations” goes to the winner, plus a check for $10,000. Imagine with me how the Sweet Genius format might show up at work … Scenario: To take advantage of an unexpected funding opportunity, the boss (judge) asked the team of sales managers (contestants) to create a sales projection for next 12 months within 24 hours (mandatory ingredient). To inspire the contestants’ imagination, the boss states the winner will be chosen by a VC (the real judge: person with authority to say something is successful or not) and would be the next VP of Sales (the imagination stimulator). The clock starts. The employees/contestants run to their cubicles and begin to slice and dice numbers in a spreadsheet.

Whether in the kitchen or the boardroom, being able to produce under pressure is a capacity worth building. Halfway through the allotted time, the boss tells contestants (employees) that the VC called to say the projections must include two new international markets. (Talk about a “what the?” curve ball!) Some contestants roll their eyes and mutter bleep-able phrases. Those we hear sound like this: “This isn’t fair! I can’t work with this kind of pressure. Why didn’t I pay closer attention in that Excel class?” Time’s up. Presentations made. Here’s what the VC (judge) says before declaring the winner: “If this was just about the spreadsheet, Mary would have won. However, there’s more to this challenge than manipulating data. The winner’s data wasn’t as detailed as Mary’s, and it showed a sufficient grasp of the issues and opportunities. Their communication skills and ability to take, not deflect, the feedback were outstanding. What set the winner apart was how they demonstrated skills required of a VP by • Delivering on the conditions of satis-

faction and not adding unrequested bells and whistles • Communicating upfront what wasn’t done, without offering excuses • Accepting positive and negative feedback without rebuttal • Thinking and acting with the interests of the company as a whole, not just their job Congratulations, Matt, you are the new VP of Sales.” Whether in the kitchen or the boardroom, being able to produce under pressure is a capacity worth building. It takes selfdiscipline, self-trust, the ability to communicate and connect with the audience’s concerns, and a commitment to a produce results, not reasons. These are all learnable skills. Which one do you need to improve so you can produce results under pressure? n ••• PS: If you have a TV show you’d like me to critique in this way. Email me: camille@wipcoaching.com.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 25

CommunityNews

Companion Chickens for the Housebound

River’s Crest Dragon Slayer Animal Therapy Program

By Claire Le Gall

iver’s Crest Dragon Slayers is a magical place. For over 40 years, in this haven located in Nisene Marks State Park, physically challenged people have been able to empower themselves with the help of exotic animals. Their partners in this adventure are Kublai Khan the camel, Voodoo the Watusi cow, Mazeltov the Poitou donkey, Samurai Warrior the Serama chicken, and many others. The program, free of charge for the physically challenged, relies only on donations from the community to feed and care for the 60+ animals. Some of the animals are bred and sold like a baby miniature donkey, to help finance the program. River’s Crest Dragon Slayers offers free companion chickens that are fully trained for any handicapped person. They are also available to buy, and make excellent indoor or outdoor pet. “The smaller the chicken, the better the students can handle them,” said Josef Rivers, 75, owner and director of River’s Crest Dragon Slayers, himself wheelchair bound due to polio at a young age. Rivers told us that working with birds helps students with their motor movements. “Soon you will learn chicken talk,”

Josef Rivers, director of River’s Crest Dragon Slayers, is showing Samurai Warrior, a 12ounce Serama rooster. The program offers free trained chickens for physically challenged people. 26 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Mazeltov the Poitou donkey. Fully grown, Poitou is one of the largest breeds of donkey standing between 13 – 16 hands high (4’-4” to 5’-4”).

said Rivers, “And you and your chicken will have conversations over your evening meal about the events of the day. Frizzle Seramas are the smallest breed of chickens in the world weighing less than a pound. This is what River’s Crest Dragon Slayers suggest for your housebound chicken. We guarantee you will learn a lot of chicken words because chickens love to talk and even sing beautifully.” “We train them, and do exercises with them. We put them on the hoop,” said Rae Ellen, a student of River’s Crest Dragon Slayers for over 20 years. River’s Crest Dragon Slayers has many birds and mammals for their students to take care of and bond with. Students groom the donkeys and the miniature horses, which helps them with their shoulder mobility. With the yak and camel, they can spin the fur into wool to make yarn and for knitting sweaters. “I have three sweaters made from three different camels,” said Rivers. Did you know that Emus lay dark green eggs that look like avocados? If you scratch the surface, the eggshell is white. Dragon Slayer students etch them making beautiful art. One of the Watusi cattle has the largest horn circumference in the world at 41 inches. “Do you know how many wives you could get for this bull?” said the person who donated the animal to Rivers. Sizes go from one extreme to another at River’s Crest Dragon Slayers. In one enclosure, adult miniature donkeys and horses are mingling with a young mammoth donkey already towering the rest of the group. “Dragon Slayer” > 30

FeaturedColumnist

&About

Out M

Santa Cruz Food Tour y husband and I had out of town guests staying for the weekend recently, so we thought an ideal way for them to experience some of the area would be on the Santa Cruz Food Tour. Owned and operated by Brion Sprinsock, this is a culinary and historical adventure that is fun and informative at the same time. Our merry group of about a dozen people gathered at an appointed spot downtown with Sprinsock giving us information on what to expect on the three-anda-half-hour tour. It was cold and raining that day, but spirits were not dampened. With Sprinsock at the helm, the tour was splendid and uplifting all the way. A hearty plate of food made for a good start, with several more culinary stops taking in ice cream, and burgers and a beer tasting as well. Myriad snippets of information on the history of Santa Cruz were revealed by the very knowledgeable and entertaining Sprinsock, and the walking part of it is over easy terrain. The tour ended at a downtown restaurant where plentiful food was served. I highly recommend Santa Cruz Food Tour – for locals and visitors alike. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, and so did our guests. Santa Cruz Food Tour, 529 Chestnut St., #12, Santa Cruz, 800-838-3006. Email: scfood tour@gmail.com. www.santacruzfoodtour.com. Eddison & Melrose — Karen Anne’s Granola aren Murray can’t keep up with the demand for her granola. With a busy catering company and tea shop to run, she started making healthy granola just for family and friends. But she was urged to

market it, so you can now find her granola in all New Leaf stores (except on the Westside), Shopper’s Corner, Whole Foods in Capitola, and A.J.’s Market in Soquel – as well as stores in San Francisco, Oakland, Pacific Grove, Campbell and Salinas. Right now, four different flavors are available, but Murray will be adding more. She says not all flavors are in every store, but everybody’s favorite is almond pecan. All the granola varieties are very healthy and are made fresh daily. “It goes straight from our oven into the bag,” Murray says. “It’s as fresh as can be. It’s not too sweet and it’s not too hard, and that seems to be what people like.” Murray, an affable Brit with a husband and 5-year-old son to take care of, is a trained chef who also runs her own tea room in her store in Monterey where she serves a typical English afternoon tea. “We do afternoon tea served on china, Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, bridal showers, kids’ birthday parties, and more,” Murray says of her busy life. “People come into the store for afternoon tea and the aroma of granola baking in the oven drifts into the shop – honey, cinnamon, apple, etc., and people buy it right there.” Murray caters weddings, parties of all kinds and many corporate events. She also gives back to the community with donations to school fundraisers and many charitable events. “We are always willing to help somebody,” she says. Eddison & Melrose, 25 Soledad Drive, Monterey. 831-393-9479. www.eddisonand melrose.com.

Dining Etiquette ry not to talk with your mouth full, even though it’s difficult sometimes. When you are asked a question and you have just taken a bite of food, chew and swallow b e f o r e speaking. That’s why it’s better to take small bites of food when dining with other Photo Courtesy of Santa Cruz Food Tour people. And try not to Brion Sprinsock (right) doles out information about Santa Cruz’s culinary surprises

By Josie Cowden

slouch over your food. It looks so much better to sit up straight, and it helps the digestion, too. Preferably at mealtimes, children should not have anything in their hands other than a knife and fork. I recently observed a family in a restaurant where the boy had left most of his breakfast untouched, pushed his plate away whilst

his parents and sister were still eating, and was more interested in his iPhone than enjoying a meal with his family. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children good manners. n ••• Josie Cowden is a freelance writer and proofreader. Contact her at ravenone274@comcast.net.

Earth Day

ACROSS 35. Faubourg Saint1. Jacobs and Chagall, Honore and Rivoli, e.g. e.g. 6. Lake in Provence 37. Where batters prac9. Angelina's partner tice 13. Seize or take over 39. Neatly smart in 14. Boxer Clay dress, dapper 15. Grease another's palms 40. Gaelic 16. Lord's estate 41. Acquired behavior 17. For every pattern 18. Painter's helper 43. Freezing tempera19. *Endangered ture in Celsius _______ Act 44. Colorado national 21. *Re-purpose park 23. Traveler's destination 46. ____ Lee 24. Evade payment 47. *What most cars do 25. End of a fuse? with pollutants 28. *Quickly spreading 48. Type of engine desert 50. Beaks 30. Island famous for 52. ___ Paolo bears 53. Like a painting on a wall 55. Top seed in tournament 57. Because of that 61. *Gaylord Nelson to Earth Day

65. Group of wives 10. Reduced instruction 42. Something best not 66. Sea in Spain set computer mentioned 68. Garden dweller 11. Cain's victim 45. "In the grand 69. *Diminishing layer 12. Mark for omission ______ of things" 70. One who plays for pay 15. Appear inviting 49. Center of activity 71. Harry's Professor of 20. Steve Buscemi's 51. Cozy and warm Defence Against the character on 54. Usually depicted as Dark Arts "Boardwalk Empire" beautiful maiden 72. R in RIP 22. Bugling ungulate 56. Boredom 73. Bottom of pants, e.g. 24. Beginning of universe? 57. God of thunder 74. Triangular road sign 25. *An objective is to 58. *Atmospheric dust, save these vapor, smoke and DOWN 26. _____ Ratched from moisture 1. "____ the word" "One Flew Over the 59. Aphrodite's son 2. As quickly as you Cuckoo's Nest" 60. Popular rock opera can 27. *Outer layer of 61. "____ Russia with 3. Ancient Germanic seeds Love" alphabet character 29. Sheep cries 62. Ignorant person 4. Cash Return on 31. Fog or stupor 63. Male version of Capital Invested 32. Milk and bread on a Emily 5. *Rachel Carson's grocery list, e.g. 64. Tear violently "Silent ______" 33. Courtyards 67. "____ we there yet?" 6. 200 of these in 34. *_____ Protocol, a Daytona 500 framework for cli7. Type of brew mate change © Statepoint Media 8. Type of clouds, pl. 36. Nostradamus, e.g. 9. Make like a donkey 38. Irish name of Ireland Answers on 31 » www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 27

Announcements

Big Brothers, Big Sisters is Gearing up to Celebrate 30th Anniversary

ig Brothers Big Sisters is calling out to all of the wonderful people in Santa Cruz who have participated in their program to share their stories and experience at the 30th Anniversary Celebration. To learn more, visit www.santacruzbbbs.org, or contact Julie at (831) 464-8691, Julie@santacruzmentor.org

Nar-Anon

hat is co-dependency? What is enabling? What is this insanity? Am I the only one who feels this way? Join Nar-Anon, a world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of addicts who have been affected by someone else's addiction. Three meetings are now being held in Santa Cruz County, on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. For a meeting near you call (888) 374-1164 or email saveyoursanity@aol.com

Ongoing Events First Mondays of the Month

Lecture Series on ‘Great Decisions’

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

Second and Fourth Mondays First and Third Wednesdays

Alzheimers Support Groups

Monday: 2:00 - 3:30pm Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00pm Conference Room at Elena Baskin/Live Oak Senior Center, 1777-A Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz acilitated by Jill Ginghofer, this group is for caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimers.

Tuesdays

Women Care Drop in Cancer Support

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

Drop in Grief Support

6:00pm at Aegis, 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos oin other adults who are grieving the death of a friend or family member. Learn helpful tools for coping: Share stories and receive support from people who care. No registration required, please call (831) 430-3000

Tuesdays thru Fridays, Sundays

Svaroopa® Yoga Instruction at Aptos Yoga

Aptos Yoga, 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd. Ste.23B, Aptos. 831-688-1019 varoopa® Yoga is very different from what most of us think of as yoga. With the support of blankets, beginning students relax into easy poses designed to release the deepest tensions in the body along the spine. This release deeply relaxes the body, quiets the mind, reduces pain, accelerates injury recovery, and promotes better overall

health. Classes five days each week. First Class free. For more information, call 688-1019 www.aptosyoga.org

First Tuesdays of the month

Tail Wagging World of Dog Ownership

6:30pm at the Santa Cruz SPCA, 2685 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz (cross street is Soquel Ave.).

First Tuesdays and Third Wednesdays each month

Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

North County, 5:30-7p.m., first Tuesday of month (for location details contact Danielle at 761-2956 X102) South County, 5:30-7 p.m., third Wednesday of the month at the CASA Office, 813 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Cruz County needs your help. Volunteer 3-5 hours per week to provide support, guidance, and a powerful voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Everyone welcome, men and bilingual folks especially encouraged. To RSVP call 761-2956 Ext. 102, or email Danielle@casaofsantacruz.org

Second Tuesdays Each Month

Free Job Seek Workshop!

6:00pm-7:00pm, Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd. Scotts Valley or more information, visit http://hirewire.org

PFLAG

(Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) 7:00pm-9:00pm, 900 High St. First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz o learn more, call (831) 427-4016 or visit www.pflagscc.org

Wednesdays

Coastal Professionals

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

Cooking Course on Cancer Prevention and Survival

thru February 15, 6:00pm-8:00pm, New Leaf Community Markets, 1101 Fair Ave. Santa Cruz hysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is sponsoring a 4-week course entitled “Food for Life: The Power of Food for Cancer Prevention and Survival.” Learn how proper diet can help prevent and survive cancer. Topics: how foods fight cancer; beneficial low-fat, high-fiber foods; dairy and meat alternatives; cancerfighting compounds; and healthy weight control. $95 To register, visit www.cancerproject.org/ classes, call 831-325-381l, or email simplynutritious@gmail.com

28 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Toastmasters: Speak for Success

12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. iving a business presentation? Interviewing for a job? Improve your speaking skills in a friendly, supportive environment with Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters. Open to all levels. Drop-ins welcome. For more information, call 831-335-3693.

G E

Lectures on Western Civilization

meeting with her constituents and encourages Capitola residents to stop by and meet with her. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (831) 475-7184

Second Thursdays of the Month

Veterans of Foreign Wars

6:30 pm, 2259 7th Ave. Santa Cruz Commander: Ronals Petty. For more information, call (831) 475-9804

Fridays

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

Overeaters Anonymous

Saturdays

6:30-7:30pm at Teach by the Beach #50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos For more information, call (831) 429-7906

First Wednesday of the Month

Child Welfare Review

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

First and Third Wednesdays

Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay ADHD Support Group Meetings

6:30pm-8:00pm at Mar Vista Elementary School on Soquel Dr. or more information, contact Jude Brenis at jbrenis@sbcglobal.net or call (831) 684-0590

Fourth Wednesday each Month

Ongoing Constitution Classes

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

Thursdays

Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club Meeting

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

Overeaters Anonymous

1:00-2:00pm, Louden Nelson Community Center, Rm. 5 301 Center St. Santa Cruz For more information, call (831) 429-7906

City Council Member Stephanie Harlan to hold Office Hours in Capitola Mall

1:00pm-4:00pm Capitola Mall No meeting on Thanksgiving ouncil Member Harlan will meet with residents and persons interested in discussing City issues at Capitola Mall. She looks forward to

Clutterers Anonymous

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

Learn to Meditate Series

Continues May 10 and 17 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Aptos Yoga Center, 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Ste 23B, Aptos he theme of the 3 part-series which includes instruction and practice is “The Four Pillars of Meditation.” The pillars are: the goal of meditation, how to be comfortable while sitting, working with the mind, and what fuels mediation. Preregistration is required; to register call 831-688-1019 or email info@aptosyoga.org. www.aptosyoga.org.

Saturday May 5 Intro to Svaroopa® Yoga

Come As You Are Zen

Monday May 7

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

Aptos Certified Farmers Market

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

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market

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

Dated Events

Wednesday May 2 How to Avoid Remodeling Pitfalls and Create a Great Remodel!

6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Capitola Community Center 4400 Jade Street, Capitola earn how to avoid the stress and costly home remodeling pitfalls during this free 45 minute workshop. Your project does not have to become an overwhelming challenge! Discover how you can create a fun and rewarding home remodel or new home building project. Seating is limited, to register on line email craig.norleen@gmail.com

Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters Special Open House

12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Philis Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Dr. Scotts Valley earn powerful speaking skills with a special guest speaker. Walk-ins welcome. Event is free. Call (831) 335-3693 for more information.

Thursday May 3

9:00am-10:30am, Aptos Yoga, 783 Rio Del Mar. Blvd. Ste 23b, Aptos xperience how Svaroopa® Yoga works in your body at an introductory class – free with no obligations. Supported by blankets, you’ll relax into poses that release deep tensions in your spine. This unique form of yoga quiets your mind, reduces pain, and accelerates injury recovery. For more information and registration, call 688-1019 or email chudala@aptosyoga.org. (www.aptosyoga.org)

Candidate forum for Second District Supervisor Candidates

7:00pm, Rio Sands Motel in Aptos Beach lease join us to hear candidates Zach Friend, Antonio Rivas, Dog Deitch, Daniel Beckett, and Rich McInnis explain their positions on key issues and answer your questions to better inform you for the upcoming election on June 5th.

Saturday May 12 Spring Sale!

8:00am-4:00pm, Unitarian Church 6401 Freedom Blvd. Aptos urniture, "selectibles," accessories, housewares, and more. Free shoes and books. For more information, contact Bonnie at pawprint@elgatito.com

Tuesday May 15 Parenting Workshop: Dealing with Disobedience

5:30pm-8:00pm, Mountain Community Resources, Highway 9 Last workshop on Tuesday, June 5 mprove your parenting skills! These workshops will include free food, free childcare, and one on one parenting support. Topics will include supporting your partner, dealing with fighting and aggression, being bullied, and the power of self esteem. Events are free! To learn more, call (831) 3356600

Tuesday May 22 Sons In Retirement Luncheon Meeting

11:30am, Severinos Restaurant, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos peaker will be Larry Tartaglino on subject "Sailing Around Cape Horn In The 1800's "The story of the treacherous journey many took to seek their fortune in the golden land of California. SIR is an organization for retired men which has no dues, fees, political or religious agendas. Call 688-0977 for information. n

Discovering new ideas and searching for information comes naturally to you, and keeps you on the case. But you get to a point where something really takes your interest and you go further than a mere superficial glance. This could also be said of a new person in your life too. Venus in your sign is not all sweetness and light, however, and you could come unstuck with allowing certain obligations to slide. Get the balance right and delegate if you must. A new strange works well for you particularly when it comes to sprucing up your image.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Announcements

Spring 2012 Family Arts Nights!

he Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County is pleased to announce its Spring 2012 Family Arts Nights, to include activities in folk dance, African drumming, storytelling, and visual arts. Family Arts Nights offers the opportunity for parents and children to share in fun learning activities together and for parents to experience first-hand how learning through the arts can help their children in all aspects of their lives! For dates and locations, visit ccscc.com.

Music and Green Festival Seeks Volunteers and Vendors!

he Second Annual Santa Cruz Rejuvenation Festival will take place on May 19 and 20 in San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz. This event will include over 20 performances on two stages, as well as on-going yoga classes and an eco-fair. Organizers are seeking volunteers who will receive free tickets to the after-party at the Catalyst with Soul Majestic. Booth space is still available for eco-friendly vendors and healers. For more information, visit www.rejuvenationfestival.com

Ageless Art Project

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

SPECTRA Arts Learning

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

Ongoing Events

Mondays

Live Team Trivia

6:00pm Brunos BBQ 230 G Mt Hermon RD. Scotts Valley eams for trivia can be as few as one person or as large as 20! Great prizes for 1st and 2end place teams. No cost to play.

Mondays and Wednesdays

Salsa Rueda Class

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

Tuesdays

BINGO

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. BuyIn $25. Also, we have a special BINGO,

celebrating our 2nd anniversary, on Sept. 28 at 6:30. Buy-in only $15. www.soquelsports.com

$25 (all proceeds going to our scholarship fund.) For more information call 831-438-3514.

Tuesdays and Weekends

Writers and Poets Open Mike

Live Music on the Esplanade

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

Fourth Saturdays of each month 2:00pm-4:00pm, Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St. Soquel no meeting Jan., July, Aug. or Dec.) riters and Poets are invited to a new monthly open mike reading series. Come and read your fiction, essays, or poetry. For more information, call Jean at (831) 475-4221

Dated Events

Wednesdays

Peninsula Banjo Band

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

Fridays

Argentine Tango at Dance Synergy

8:00-8:30pm class; 8:30-10:00+pm, practice 9055 Soquel Dr. Aptos e will cover the fundamentals of leading and following traditional Argentine Social Tango, focusing on what you need to dance well and enjoy yourself at the Milongas, (Tango dance party) and other social Tango events. For questions, contact Michael, stclare7@tangoworld.net (831) 239-2247

Ballroom Dancing

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

First Fridays of each month

First Friday Art Tour

he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries. To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)

Every other Friday

Shakespeare Club of Santa Cruz

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

Fourth Friday of each month

Musical Me Inc. Family Jam Night

6:30-8:30p.m. 239 High St., Santa Cruz. ring your favorite music to dance to and any instruments you'd like to share or perform with. Sliding Scale donation per family of $10-

Saturday April 28 The Choral Project Presents: Soaring Spirits

7:00 pm, Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. Santa Cruz e invite you come hear The Choral Project sing what it does best in the breathtaking acoustics at Holy Cross Church! ONLINE: $20 general, $15 student + senior. AT THE DOOR: $25 general, $18 student + senior. Children under 10 are free. Tickets available at www.sjcp.org.

Saturday April 28 Sunday April 29 California Coast On30 Model Railroad Exhibit

Saturday: 9:30am-3:30pm, Sunday 9:30am2:30pm, Roaring Camp, Felton vid hobbyists will be exhibiting and operating their On30 modular railroads in Bret Harte Hall. See narrow-guage equipment roll through realistic scenes from central California during the early 1900s. For information on model trains, visit www.ccc-on30.org. Admission is free, parking is $8 per vehicle. To learn about this exhibit as well as the steam train schedule, visit www.roaringcamp.com

22end Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show

10:00am-4:00pm, Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N Cabrillo Hwy. alf Moon Bay's showcase of motorized mechanical marvels from throughout the 20th and 21st Centuary with more than 2,000 displays for public viewing! Show will include a Demolition Derby, Unicycle Drag Racing, monster truck rides, go-kart rides, kids amusements, food and live music. All to benefit the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for kids and ages 65+, free for kids 10 and under. To learn more call (650) 726-2328 or visit miramarevents.com

Saturday May 5 Cinco De Mayo Dinner Dance Party

6:00pm, Scotts Valley Community Center 360 Kings Rd. Scotts Valley his fun celebration will feature catering from Taqueria Los Gallos, raffle drawings, UCSC Mexican folklore dancers, a live auction, and a no host bar! All proceeds to benefit local projects and organizations. Tickets can be purchased at both Los Gallos Restaurants. To learn more, Contact R.J Escobar at (831) 603-0209

Saturday May 5 Sunday May 6

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Annual Spring Show presented by The 17th Ave. Studios

11:00am- 6:00pm, The 17th Avenue Studios, 980 17th Ave. Santa Cruz esident and invited guest artists will showcase works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, handmade paper, printmaking, collage and mixed media in four buildings. Many of the artists are veteran Open Studio Participants. For more information, contact Ronna at (831) 234-2215.

16th Annual A La Carte & Art

10:00am-6:00pm Castro St. Mountain View he Bay Area's popular outdoor festival season kicks-off in Mountain View, at this vibrant Cinco De Mayo celebration featuring live music, a juried arts and crafts show with 200 of the West Coast's top artists. There will also be art showcases, health and wellness displays, home and garden exhibits, festive food and drink with premium wine, microbrews, margaritas, mojitos, and sangria, a farmers market with fresh seasonal produce, a classic car show, and exciting kids' fun in the Tons of Fun Zone. Admission is free. To learn more, call (650) 964-3395

Sunday May 6

The Aptos Community Foundation Presents:

The Yamaha CFX Piano Series Benefiting The Juanita Orlando Grand Piano Fund

7:00pm, First Congregational Church, 900 High St. Santa Cruz pen to the public. To learn more visit www.disginguishedartists.org. or call (831) 539-0000, or email joorland@gmail.com

You are being proactive and dynamic on the work front and perhaps your new found assertive has come from necessity more than anything else, But rest assured, the changes that you insist happen pave the way for better practices in the future. On a personal level, a situation occurs where you find who your true friends are, if you didn't know already. and also you are set to make new friends through coincidences and chance encounters. Stay true to yourself rather than trying to by the person you thinks others expect you to be.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

You are encouraged this month to try new things, to explore, to travel and go beyond what is tried, trusted and familiar. Why? Jupiter in Taurus is set to change signs next month and start a whole new chapter for you but meanwhile this is the time to say yes to invitations and positively seek out what has interested you, but you never got around to finding out more. The Sun is in this part of your chart too, and shines a light on some great experiences with lots of fun, socializing and enjoyment. Money matters are improving as you have been proactive in making sure this happens.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Venus is in helpful position for you for some time to come. Expect interesting love tangles, and jealousy but also peak moments of joy. You are bringing the best of both worlds together by the choices you make and with your new found experience you can trust your own judgments so much more. You speak with the voice of authority and others respect you for this. Take note of what you hear and discover, since important information comes from unexpected sources. A new job could be all that you hoped it could be.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

There is a big Full Moon in your sign on the 6th. What will you do with this and how will it affect you? It brings out what is hidden and means that change is taking place for you on inner emotional level. This is a time to be open and honest and know that by doing so you clear a path to a new way of being. As it is, partnerships are under the spotlight and as a powerfully passionate person, then this can bring real connections to someone who you were losing touch with. Memorable times can be enjoyed but you are moving away from what was no longer supporting you.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You can make the best of whatever life throws at you, although you sometimes wish there were more bouquets than brick bats! Nevertheless, this is the last month that your ruler Jupiter is in the most practical of signs for you and you can see how these last few months have been all about getting things done, completing little jobs and improvements as there has always been so much work to do. No wonder you are a little jaded with all this! It's time to finish what you started and enjoy your efforts. Holidays are on the horizon and you and your other half enjoy quality time together.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Not only are you able to climb mountains but you could probably move mountains to this month. While others may be advising of caution you instinctively have a superb sense of timing and know when to take action or sit it out until things are a little improved. This is why it is so important to go with your instincts as these are the best indicator for deciding when to put into place important changes. This month's Full Moon on the 6th is brilliant for friendships and renewing links with people. Creative pursuits are both challenging and fulfilling through May.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Saturday May 12 Awakening the Dreamer

10:00am-2:30pm, Natural Bridges Highschool, 313 Swift St. Santa Cruz his powerful four hour workshop will cover such topics as the dwindling biodiversity to growing economic disparities, feature videos from innovative leaders, and will also include lively participation in breakout groups. Participants are advised to bring a brown bag lunch. To learn more, visit awakeningthedreamer.org, or call (831) 662-2349. Small donations will be asked for at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Saturday May 19

Those people who come into your life when you share difficult times together stay for keeps. This month common ground is what brings an important friendship just when you need someone. You feel supported and that someone else has your best interests at heart. The Scorpio full Moon on the 6th can be a time of endings and beginnings as you move on from where you were, in an emotional sense. By keeping positive and look forward you avoid getting stuck in a past that you cannot change. This is a time of stunning insights and deep thought for you.

Art Festival, School and Camp Open House

11:00am- 3:00pm, 1940 Bonita Dr. Aptos he Aptos Academy will hold an art show featuring the fine art and jewelry of several local artists including Jane Brown and Katherine Stutz-Taylor plus student art. Concurrently, there will be an open house for the school and summer camp for ages 3 – 12. Meet the school’s teachers and tour the beautiful, five-acre campus with theater, running track, and horse facility. The WASC-accredited school’s mission is to provide an affordable, safe educational environment where students are excited about learning and can discover and meet their full potential, while studying at their own rate on an enriched curriculum. For more information, visit www.aptosacademy.org or call 688-1080. n

Initially, you are wrestling with what you do and what you earn. While this can seem challenging, ride the storm and see that you are in a better position than you started. You are not one to compromise too much and see what is lost when others do exactly this. Consequently, you have a reputation for stubbornness but you can always justify your stance. This month, Venus tens to soften the edges and create circumstances which are light in intensity and just more fun. You benefit form the change of mood and at last relinquish certain principles, simply because it makes more sense to do so.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You can react to a situation and then think about it later, or you can plan some kind of strategy. What comes a long has something to teach you or show you to enable you to get a greater understanding. As such, welcome the unexpected and see how you tackle what could be quite overwhelming. Actually it isn't and it is your ability to adapt that is the secret to turning around a difficulty into the key to a new way of being. There is not much time to rest on your laurels as you have so many places to be and people to see. It's a busy time!

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You begin the month with the best intentions and find it easy to talk to people and ask favours. You have the confidence to open doors and strike up conversations. Later this month, though, you are more attuned to money and finances and could be discussing business plans and ideas. Make the most of your creativity at this time, since you are not short of plans and ideas. If you are in the mood for love, then it all starts with the meetings of minds and perhaps an old friend. Days to watch our for are the 10th, and the 21st.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

While you feel in your element, you would like to find ways to make this last. Consequently, your long term plans are taking shape. Your situation financially is looking good although this may come from the help of a bonus in your pay or an unexpected windfall. The Full Moon on the 16th can bring matters to a head romantically, and partnership issues dominate while the Sun is in your sign. You can negotiate peaceful solutions with practical ideas much more easily and so this lightens the atmosphere around your home. Enjoy! ••• Find Out More www.AnnabelBurton.tv

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 29

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

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461-0634 Lic.#696146

American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast

or the past seven years, the American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Chapter has hosted a Heroes Breakfast to honor community members who have demonstrated heroism through extraordinary acts of courage, kindness or have demonstrated an exceptional spirit of giving. Join us Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 7a.m. — 9 a.m. at the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: General admission is $20 and includes a buffet breakfast. Master of Ceremonies KSBW Reporter Phil Gomez Award Categories Animal Rescue: Hannah Nevins and Josh Adams (Nominated by Adrienne Maguire) “Dragon Slayer” from pg 26

You’ll Find it here

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549 30 / May 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Wednesday, May 16, 7a.m. - 9 a.m. Cocoanut Grove Ballroom

In the next enclosure, there’s the yak, and in the next, Indira Gandhi, one of the miniature adult Brahman cattle that could pass for a calf. Roaming around on the grass, next to a large collection of Bonsai trees, is a family of Sulcatas, which are a large North African tortoise. “Working with animals, you come out of yourself, you are not isolated,” said Sharon, a student for the past 10 years, with Barcode, a Rock Plymouth chicken with black and white feathers on her lap. “Animals help bring your personality.” More than just physical therapy, River’s Crest Dragon Slayers becomes a spiritual experience. A 6year student told Rivers that he flew with Turbojet, a homing pigeon, and saw how River’s Crest Dragon Slayers looked like from the sky. When Rivers asked how, the student didn’t want to tell his secret. “I am not a man to say ‘no, this hasn’t happened’,” said Rivers. What happens at River’s Crest Dragon Slayers stays in the heart and mind of the students. But what is sure, is that each and every student become more empowered and confident after the experience. “I never felt I was anyone until I met Kublai. He gives me strength,” said one of the students to Rivers about the Bactrian camel. When he was a child, Rivers was

Education: Bassel Flatas (Nominated by Kris Munro) Good Samaritan: Aaron Carota and Angel Estrada (Nominated by Leo Welsch) Law Enforcement: Zane Ota and Donny Thul (Nominated by Sgt. Saul Gonzalez) Lifetime Achievement: Gina Castaneda (Nominated by Carol Schimke and Adrienne Maguire) Medical Professional: Dr. Sharon Tapper (Nominated by Dr. Larry deGhetaldi, M.D.) Military Hero: Isaac Hatch (Nominated by Mary SullivanWhite) Rescue Professional: Karen Clark (Nominated by Marsha MillerAyers)

Workplace Hero: Letitia Mello (Nominated by Sgt. Saul Gonzalez) Youth Hero: Shayne Ely (Nominated by Chris Garcia) Eleanor Wasson Lifetime Volunteer: Dorrie Stallings (Nominated by Kathleen and Jamie Proffitt, Jeanne Milnes and Tracy Schultz) Please support our community heroes and the American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Chapter. All funds raised at this event help support local disaster relief. We help our community to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. We need to be ready 24/7 and we are not able to do that without the support of local donors and community leaders. Heartfelt thanks to our generous supporters. n

Students ny physically disabled person can become a Dragon Slayer, provided they meet the requirements of courage, and commitment to a minimum of 12 months. In return, each student experiences the thrilling freedom and breathtaking sense of power that building a relationship with human and animal brings. Students receive therapy in a multitude of forms; increased strength, balance and coordination are just a few of the measurable physical benefits. Dignity, accomplishment and selfesteem are some of the immeasurable, far-reaching results. Minimum age is six, with no maximum age. There is never a charge to students or their families for lessons or adaptive equipment. We look to private individuals or organizations to pay for adaptive equipment. Weekly commitment is a minimum of one hour, reaching for a goal of 46 hours, three days a week. Volunteers olunteers are the backbone of this organization. By volunteering with River’s Crest Dragon Slayers, you can learn about disabilities, work with unusual animals, and make new friends. And you’ll gain satisfaction from watching our students improve physically, mentally and emotionally. Volunteers must be 21 years of age, non-smokers, with no drinking or drug involvement as volunteers are often times role models for our students. Dependability and punctuality are a must. Please call River’s Crest Dragon Slayers Josef Rivers at 831-688-6699 and learn how you can help.

shy and introverted. Living in Bolivia at the time, his dad found that Rivers had a gift and ease with animals, and would bring him exotic animals like chimpanzees to take care of. “He realized that animals brought me out of my shell,” said Rivers. His father also told Rivers something that inspired him and explains the name of the program: “Every man, woman and child you meet, has a dragon to slay.” Now

Rivers helps others that are also physically challenged to slay their dragon. “I tell my students: your disability can be an asset when used correctly.” n ••• For more information: Contact Josef Rivers at 831-688-6699 or write to River’s Crest Dragon Slayers, PO Box 1051, Aptos, CA 95001 Website: http://josefriversdragonslayers.org

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SPCA Featured Pet

Stan is the Man

Veteran Fire Fighters Recognized

By Mike Conrad, Division Chief Operations, Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District

pring is here and it always seems like a very busy time here at the fire department. Several of us our currently away at training while others are working extra to maintain the necessary coverage to ensure our readiness to respond to any and all emergencies. This is also an exciting time as we have ordered some new equipment and await its delivery, which will then require countless hours of training to make sure all personnel are prepared to utilize the new equipment to its maximum benefit.

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The big news for the Aptos La Selva Fire District that I want to share with you this month is the celebration that we had in April for Firefighter Ray Welch. Firefighter Ray Welch has now served the people of this community for forty years — yes that is not a typo — forty years of service to the people of Aptos, La Selva and the county. On April 12 prior to the monthly meeting of the Fire Board, we celebrated Ray’s accomplishment with a BBQ to honor him and his family. Approximately fifty people, family, friends and coworkers attended to show their support for Ray and his achievement. Forty years at any job would be worthy of mention but when you consider forty years of service as a firefighter with all the physical and mental stress and strain that you are subject to is something to be applauded. During this celebration Firefighter Welch was presented with his forty years of service pin by Fire Chief Jeff Terpstra, Chief Terpstra stated during the presentation that accomplishing 40 years in the fire service is rare and that the company that provides our service pins had to make a special pin just for this occasion. Also, during this celebration Firefighter Paramedic Jared von Schell was awarded his permanent badge having completed his eighteen-month probationary period and is now a permanent member of the Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District family. Congratulations to both Ray and Jared. Jared, Ray has set the bar high you only have thirty eight and a half plus years to go, remember Ray is still working good luck breaking that energizer bunnies record. n ••• If you have questions for me or ideas you would like to see in future articles, feel free to contact me at mikec@aptosfire.com

Firefighter Ray Welch has now served the people of this community for forty years — yes that is not a typo — forty years of service to the people of Aptos, La Selva and the county.

e’s friendly to every person and dog he meets, loves kids, is eager to snuggle, has the most adorable prancing trot, doesn’t shed and he’s as cute as they come. It just doesn’t get much better than Stanley! Stanley, a threeyear-old Miniature Poodle/ Bichon Frise mix is ready and waiting to be taken home by a loving family who is looking for a little fun and a lot of love. This sweet boy was owned by a family with children who loved him but he was primarily an outdoor dog. Although his family gave him attention and the basic necessities, they weren’t knowledgeable about the proper care a dog like Stanley needs. Dogs of his breed don’t do well being left outside because of the kind of coat they have, which is “hair” instead of “fur”. They get cold easily and their hair gets painfully tangled and matted if not groomed and brushed regularly. When he arrived at the Santa Cruz SPCA we couldn’t tell what was under all of the mats but after a new hair-do, a beautiful and well-muscled little dog emerged with a puffy pompadour. Stanley has been extremely social and playful with all the other dogs and will climb into any lap whether it’s a man, woman or child. He comes when called, walks very nice on a leash and is coming along nicely with his potty training. He’s very smart and responsive, making us believe he would very easy and fun to train. We promise that if you meet Stan, you will decide he’s YOUR man! Our adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, an ID tag, collar, a free health exam with a licensed Veterinarian , one month’s free health insurance, discounted crate purchase and other animal care materials. If you would like to help animals like Stanley and his orphaned friends, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community. For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 4655000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m. n

Ray Welch

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2012 / 31

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