Aptos Times: December 15 2015

Serving Our Community For 24 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

December 15 2015 • Vol 24 No. 24 • www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Seacliff Village Park Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

Supervisor Zach Friend, Parks Director Jeff Gaffney, Parks Commissioner Kate Minott, Community Activist Pepper Golesh, members of the Seacliff Improvement Association and many local residents were there to help celebrate the long-awaited Seacliff Village Park.

Full Story page 6

Aptos High 2015 Educator of the Year

Each year the Aptos High administration chooses one of our certificated staff members to represent AHS and Region 5 (Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara Counties) at the California League of High Schools Educator of the Year celebration. This year Aptos High Athletic Director Mark Dorfman was nominated and on December 2nd he was celebrated at the annual Region 5 Educator of the Year dinner with 12 other esteemed honorees from our region.

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Journey to the North Pole

This summer a team of researchers from University of California, Santa Cruz joined an international coalition of oceanographers on a historic mission to study the chemistry of the Arctic Ocean. Onboard an icebreaker operated

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No. 24

Volume 24

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27

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Table of Contents

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Cover Journey to the North Pole by Katlin Bowman

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Community News Aptos High School 2015 Educator of the Year by Casey O’Brien Seacliff Village Park Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening by Noel Smith Focus Agriculture, Class XXVI Graduates • Leslie Strohm New SqCWD Financial And Business Services Manager Ocean Science Program’s Impact On Youth Call to Sculptors • FSCCoP Appoints New Directors • PVUSD Welcomes New District Translator • SCCB Brings Joy to Children in Foster Care • Soquel Creek Water District Community Water Plan • Sheriff’s Announcements: Burglary Activity – Vacation Check The Cobbler’s Tale Graffiti Removal Project by Haley Turner Maestro Stewart to Wield Baton Into Next Decade Surf City Sandwich Success Story of the Month Gathering Info from Military Records • Bay Federal Credit Union Accepting Applications for Education Scholarships • Quick-fix dinner for the family Watsonville Wetlands Watch News Meet (Author) Alexander McCall Smith by Edita McQuary PMG Employees Donate 11K Meals to Second Harvest • Santa Cruz Symphony Executive Director Jan Derecho Retiring Red Cross asks for Blood Donations this Holiday Season • Focus Agriculture Accepting Applications for 2016 Seminars Annual Gingerbread House Workshop • Save Our Shores Launches First Gift Catalog Santa Cruz County Distemper in Raccoons • CDPH Warn People Traveling To Hot Regions About Mosquitos

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10 11 12 13 15 17 18 20 21 22 23

In Memoriam 11 Rick Meyer

Wonder of Words 12 California Dreaming by Olivia Pate

Local Sports 16 Nine Mariners Poised to Make Waves at the Collegiate level by Brooke Holmquist • Aptos High School Scoreboard

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28–29 Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 – Your December Horoscope

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Featured Columnists Knowing When to Get Help by Ryan Colligan EarthTalk® – Keeping Green in The Holiday Season Work in Progress by Camille Smith – Learning from Celluloid Conversations 26 The Book Bag by Robert Francis – Some very timely books for readers of all ages and tastes ...

27 Emergency Preparedness & the Holidays by Mike Conrad • Investing in Nutrition and Education by Zach Friend & Michael Watkins 30 How to Improve Your Pet’s Veterinary Visit by Tiffany Mitchener

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Looking for a Home for the Holidays

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Patrice Edwards

publisher

publisher’s assistant Camisa Composti editor Noel Smith contributing writers Katlin Bowman, Casey O’Brien, Noel Smith, Leo Tolstoy (kind of), Haley Turner, Olivia Pate, Edita McQuary, Brooke Holmquist, Ryan Colligan, Camille Smith, Robert Francis, Mike Conrad, Zach Friend, Michael Watkins, Tiffany Mitchener layout Michael Oppenheimer, Bri Bruce graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Bri Bruce production coordinator Liz Senteney, Bri Bruce advertising sales Don Beaumont, Jay Peters office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Camisa Composti

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-weekly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

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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

Cover Story

miles. Seawater creeps into the Arctic from the Atlantic Everyone had a chance to take pic- and Pacific Oceans, freshwater tures with Santa at the North Pole (See from rivers spanning two conphoto #3), some of the Coast Guard crew tinents drains into the basin, members hand delivered letters to Santa seasons of persistent daylight from their children. During the summer and darkness melt and reArctic temperatures were around 10-20 freeze thick sheets of ice each degrees Fahrenheit but could feel like -10 year. These features make the chemistry of the Arctic Ocean with the wind chill.

This was only the fourth time in history difficult to predict and the chalthat a U.S. surface ship has reached the lenging physical environment North Pole, and this summer marked the has thwarted extensive study first unaccompanied mission (previous of the basin.

Temperatures in the Arctic Magic in the sky — Aurora Borealis photographed onboard the journeys required a team of two ships to break through the ice). We did have to break are increasing faster than rest U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class through ice to get to the North Pole, but we of the world – when sea ice Cory J. Mendenhall. had trouble finding ice sheets large enough to and snow melt, the ocean absorbs heat Seawater, snow, ice, phytoplankton, aerosol sample throughout the cruise. Our plan was rather than reflecting solar radiation, which dust, and deep ocean sediment were collected to sample ten ice stations but we were only amplifies warming. Since 1979, sea ice cover and analyzed for dozens of different elements able to do six because the ice was so thin. The in the Arctic has been decreasing by 5% each including contaminants like lead and mercury, expedition was funded by the U.S. National decade, and at this rate scientists predict micronutrients such as iron and cobalt, and Science Foundation as part of the interna- that the Arctic Ocean will be ice free in the radiogenic tracers that will help determine the age and flow pattern of different water tional GEOTRACES program (geotraces. summer within the next 25 years.

The entire Arctic ecosystem will be masses. Many elements measured on these org), a multi-nation effort to understand the affected as sea ice disappears, from apex expeditions have never been examined in this chemistry of the world ocean.

The Arctic Ocean sits on top of the world predators such as polar bears that rely on part of the world and the entire dataset will in one of the most remote and punishing ice floes for hunting, to microscopic sea ice take 2–3 years to complete. n For more information on this expedition, environments on the planet, surrounded algae that make up the very base of the Arctic by land and covered by ice. Water at the food web. To understand how the chemistry life at sea, and working in the open ocean check North Pole is deep! About 4,000 m or 2.44 of the Arctic Ocean will change in coming out hginthesea.wordpress.com and huffingdecades, scientist must first tonpost.com/Katlin-bowman.

••• establish a baseline; a compreStory By Katlin Bowman, Postdochensive analysis of the now to toral Research Scholar, UCSC Ocean measure shifts in the future.

To establish this baseline, Sciences Department Cover Photo: Christmas came early teams from the United States, Canada, and Germany for scientists and Coast Guard members completed cruise transects in onboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy. different parts of the Arctic On September 5, 2015 the Healy became the Ocean this summer, with first U.S. surface ship to reach the North Pole Banana slugs at sea — UCSC Ocean Science alumni (from left): Greg overlapping stations that will unaccompanied. The day was celebrated Cutter, Bill Landing, Anna Aguilar-Islas and current faculty Carl Lamborg, allow researchers to compare with Christmas music, candy canes, a special the quality of their results. showing of Elf, and pictures with Santa.

Katlin Bowman, Maija Heller, Phoebe Lam, and Yang Xiang.

“North Pole” from page 1

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Community News

Aptos High School 2015 Educator of the Year

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By Casey O’Brien, Principal Aptos High School

ach year the Aptos High administration chooses one of our certificated staff members to represent AHS and Region 5 (Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara Counties) at the California League of High Schools Educator of the Year celebration. This year Aptos High Athletic Director Mark Dorfman was nominated and on December 2nd he was celebrated at the annual Region 5 Educator of the Year dinner with 12 other esteemed honorees from our region.

Aptos High is proud to nominate Mark Dorfman Mark Dorfman as our Educator of the Year in 2015. Mark graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in English, and received his J.D. from UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. Realizing that he yearned for a profession where he could make a difference every day, he made the shift from law to education. He was a long-term substitute, English teacher, and then landed at AHS in his current position as the Athletic Director.

Mark has been the Athletic Director at AHS for 27 years. Mark Dorfman is as stellar as they come in every way. He is an exemplary teacher, leader, mentor, coach, friend and colleague for so many. Over the past 27 years as the A.D. he has interacted with over 20,000 student-athletes!

He has hired and rehired every coach in the AHS program in every sport including such unique sports as Surfing, Dance, and Rugby. He has also been an assistant football coach at Aptos for 25 years. Mark currently presides over roughly 700 athletic events a year with over 55 teams in over 25 sports!

During Mark’s 27-year tenure, our teams have won — a lot! Mark has overseen 192 SCCAL Championships (78% of all AHS championships since 1969), 22 CCS championships (only 2 before he arrived), 1 Nor-Cal championship (Girls Volleyball), 1 CIF State championship (Girls Cross Country), and 2 State Mountain Bike championships. In addition, we’ve won 48 CCS Scholastic Team Championships, and 4 CIF State Scholastic Team Championships for sports teams with sky high average GPAs. And while his stats show that winning is important, with Mark it has never been the most important thing.

Mark’s primary focus is to encourage all students to participate in sports and enjoy the sport. His drive and focus leans firmly towards athletics as enrichment to the overall educational experience; one that is meant to be enjoyed and have students grow from.

He has always said and shown statistics that prove that athletics are the best and cheapest intervention for students that money can buy.

“Dorfman” page 8

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Community News Seacliff Village Park Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

Twenty-Year Community Effort Finally Reaches Goal

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Wild Rose

upervisor Zach Friend, Parks Director Jeff Gaffney, Parks Commissioner Kate Minott, Community Activist Pepper Golesh, members of the Seacliff Improvement Association and many local residents were there to help celebrate the long-awaited Seacliff Village Park.

Culminating almost 20 years of work by community leaders including Pepper Golesh and Kate Minott, Santa Cruz County Parks staff, Supervisors Ellen Pirie and Zach Friend, Seacliff Village Park was officially opened to the public at 1:40 p.m. on Thursday December 10.

Located along McGregor Dr. between Searidge Rd and Canterbury Dr., the new Seacliff Village Park is a 1.4-acre facility featuring in this first phase a play area with play structures including swings, a climbing net with a lighthouse theme.

Earth Works Contractors, Inc completed site work for the first phase in less than six months.

Future additions are planned to include a small plaza area, multiple walkways, a picnic area with ADA picnic tables, drinking fountain, bike rack, benches, a sidewalk along McGregor and drought tolerant landscaping throughout the park.

Pepper Golesh and her husband drove two and one-half hours from their current home to attend the ceremonies. “I can’t be more thrilled today,” said Pepper, who led the group Seacliff Needs a Park.

“It took concerned neighbors and friends to get together for this park to become a realization.”

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Zach Friend and son Elliott

Parks Director Jeff Gaffney (left) and Parks Commissioner Kate Minott

Karen and John Hibble of the Aptos Chamber were there with the official ribbon and scissors for the ceremony. The Seacliff Improvement Association President Will Roblin spoke to the assembled crowd during the grand opening along with Parks Director Jeff Gaffney, Parks Commissioner Kate Minott, Pepper Golesh and Supervisor Zach Friend accompanied by his son Elliott.

In June of 2015 the Board of Supervisors provided the final funding to make construction a reality after so many years of community effort. The genesis for a community park for Seacliff was when Pepper Golesh and others realized in 1997 that the area along McGregor Dr. was being planned for development. Not wanting Seacliff to become just another site for a strip mall, the Seacliff Village Plan Committee was formed as part of the Seacliff Village Improvement Association to work with the county in developing the Seacliff Village Plan.

Their effort to formalize a community plan for Seacliff, which included a 3-acre public park, seemed to go down to defeat in 2005 when a special election for Measure V to fund the park and other improvements was defeated by less than 25 votes.

“Seacliff Village Park” page 10

Community News

Focus Agriculture, Class XXVI Graduates N ovember brings graduation to the locally-based national awardwinning Focus Agriculture program. A ceremony and reception was held at the Pajaro Valley Historical Association’s Bockius-Orr house on Beach Street in Watsonville on Friday for Class XXVI of the Focus Agriculture program.

Focus Agriculture, a program of the organization Agri-Culture is a “first-in-thenation” program that allows community leaders to learn firsthand about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. The nine session program covers topics such as ethnic groups in agriculture, labor, new technology, land use, politics, the environment and health care.

The members of the graduating class for 2015 are: Robin Boyle Director of Marketing and Sales, California Certified Organic Farmers Shannon Brady Philanthropy Director, Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center Jimmy Dutra Councilmember, City of Watsonville Marcus Frost Director of Development and Communications, Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History Rebecca Garcia Councilmember, City of Watsonville Javier Gomez Representative, State Assemblymember Luis Alejo Eileen Hill Associate Director, Cabrillo College Foundation Sarah Hulick Horticulture & Agronomy Research Scientist, Dole Fresh Vegetables

Meg Janes Tax Manager, Plantronics, Inc. April Jernberg Soil Conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture Maritza Pozzi-Loyola Private Event Director, Seascape Golf Club Jacob Martinez Executive Director, Digital NEST Sheila McDaniel Land Use Planner, Santa Cruz County Planning Dept.

Rachel Montoya Controller, Sambrailo Packaging Josh Morgan Manager, Café Cruz James Panetta Prosecutor, Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Brian Spector Principal, Spector Corbett Architects, Inc. Jon Sisk SVP- Director of Real Estate/Construction, Santa Cruz County Bank Tom Takano Educator Alec Wasson President, Idea Farming, Inc. ••• he graduation ceremony included a graduation certificate plus an Assembly Certificate prepared and presented by Assemblyman Luis Alejo’s office. President Bontadelli stated, “This was an excellent class. We are appreciative of the speakers and participants for giving their time during the year.”

If anyone is interested in applying for the next class, which will begin in March 2016, please contact the Agri-Culture office at (831) 722-6622 or you can email your

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Leslie Strohm new SqCWD Financial And Business Services Manager

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he Soquel Creek Water District announced the appointment of Leslie Strohm as the new Financial and Business Services Manager. Leslie was promoted from her position as the District’s Supervising Accountant. She has been with the District since 2008. Leslie will be replacing Michelle Leslie Strohm Boisen, who will be retiring in December after more than 13 years with the District.

Leslie has a strong and diverse

Focus Agriculture Class XXV: Top Row: Sheila McDaniel, Jacob Martinez 3rd Row: Sarah Hulick, Maritza Pozzi-Loyola, Eileen Hill, Meg Janes, Robin Boyle, Jon Sisk, April Jernberg • Second Row: Jimmy Dutra, Alec Wasson, Rachel Montoya, Rebecca Garcia, Jimmy Panetta, Josh Morgan • Bottom Row: Tom Takano, Brian Spector, Javier Gomez, Jess Brown Not Pictured: Shannon Brady, Marcus Frost request for an application to agri-culture@ sbcglobal.net. Your name will be placed on

a mailing list for applications that will be released in late November. n

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Community News

Ocean Science Program’s Impact On Youth

For Over 50 Percent Of Students it was First Time On a Boat In the Ocean

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pplied Survey Research (ASR) completed its evaluation of student survey results for O’Neill Sea Odyssey’s (OSO) program for the 2014-15 school year and found that the free, ocean-going science and ecology program had a high impact on participating youth.

OSO engages 4th - 6th grade youth with a hands-on science education field trip on a 65-foot catamaran on Monterey Bay and in a shore-side education center, in addition to ocean science curriculum provided for use in the classroom. It is free, and each class

completes a community service project.

OSO also funds bus transportation to and from our site for lower income schools.

The study measured the results of surveys of students administered before and after the program. “We are pleased that the ASR analysis indicates that our instructors continue to be effective at teaching ocean concepts across several subjects including math and science while inspiring environmental stewardship and advocacy”, said OSO Executive Director Dan Haifley.

Between July 2014 and June 2015, 5,519 students in 207 classes participated in the program. The OSO Student Survey showed that the program was effective in promoting substantial increases in students’ environmental awareness.

Sixty-three percent of the students were Hispanic or Latino, 19% were White, 11% were Asian, Filipino, or Pacific Islander, 2% were African American. For 56%

“Dorfman” from page 5 Mark was the tireless leader of our all-weather track project. His group privately raised over $200,000.00 for our 1st all-weather track. In addition, he has served as Vicepresident of the Aptos Sports Foundation for over 25 years.

They have raised over $4 million for Aptos sports, built the Trevin Dilfer Field, renovated the baseball field, installed lights at the pool, resurfaced the track, and started the Freedom Field project.

Mark was the head Track & Field coach for 13 years, during which we won 21 SCCAL championships. When he retired, he was the winningest coach in AHS history.

His girls’ dual meet record was 85-1, and they started what became the second-longest dual meet win streak in California history (118 dual meet victories in a row). During that time, his boys team was 80-6.

Mark is always striving to learn more has many certifications and additional degrees to show for it — far too many to list here. Mark works year-round and even takes up to a week off annually — otherwise you can find him on campus pretty much daily working to support Mariner Athletes.

Being a coach and AD has had its dangers: Mark has endured six surgeries over the years (one on each ankle, one for each hip, one lower back, and one neck fusion).

This fall he coached from a chair on the football field for part of the season and with all of that he has used very few sick days over the years.

While the athletic program he oversees is and has 8 / December 15th 2015 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Athletic Director Mark Dorfman (left) and Principal Casey O’Brien

been tremendously special, a very special year for Mark was last year — his son Ben’s senior year. Mark had the pleasure of witnessing Ben’s success as both the AD and proud parent. Ben was the league MVP in basketball, all-league in volleyball, won two SCCAL championships, two CCS finals, two Nor-Cal berths, the AHS Athlete-of-the-Year, the Sentinel Athlete-ofthe-Year award, and he was on the Homecoming Court.

(A pretty darn special year for a kid and his proud parents).

of the students attending the OSO program English was not their primary language.

More than half (64%) of students were receiving free or reduced price meals.

Fifty-six percent of participating groups were lower income groups, 29% were middle income groups, and 16% were higher income groups. About half (51%) of students indicated it was their first time on a boat in the ocean. n

Many athletes from recent and the not so recent past readily identify him as the most influential person and role model during their teen years. Students past and present mention his dedication, compassion for all athletes regardless of their on-the-field contribution; his unwavering commitment to the school, team or program, his intellect, his sense of humor, commitment for high achievement in the classroom, and the long, long hours he dedicates to AHS. Mark pushes credit to others when it is due to him and takes the blame when somebody else stumbles. He is a model leader for both athletes and coaches. He lives and breathes the tenets of the Positive Coaching Alliance in preaching disciplined coaching with heavy emphasis on positive words and reinforcement.

Mark often says that his close relationships with the athletes and coaches have changed his life. Mark often refers to, “The beautiful irony of coaching. We go into coaching to effect positive changes in our athletes’ lives, but the fact is, they change our lives just as much, if not more.”

The staff and faculty and community of Aptos could not be more proud to announce our 2015 Educator of the Year — Mark Dorfman. n ••• Past AHS recipients include: Stacy Aronovici - Theater Arts teacher • Reggie Roberts – Special Education teacher • Bob Goeckermann - Science Teacher • Peggy Pughe – Social Studies teacher (now Assistant Principal)

Call to Sculptors ince 2008, the City of Santa Cruz has proudly presented sculpTOUR — a rotating collection of sculptures t h ro u g h o u t downtown that has included marching penguins, rocky dogs, and an assortment of kinetic and interactive works.

The Santa Cruz City Arts program and the Santa Cruz Arts Commission are pleased to invite sculptors to submit proposals for the 2016 installation of sculpTOUR. Prefabricated sculptures will be on display for two years and custom made works selected will be on display for up to four years.

The City of Santa Cruz will provide each selected artist with an honorarium between $1,500-$10,000 - based on installation cost, materials cost and if the work is already fabricated or custom made.

Further details and application are at this link: http://publicartist.org/artist/ call.cfm?id=794 (Applicants will need to create a basic profile - which is free and easy to do - then go to the link. Make sure you enter your state and zip code.)

Deadline is January 15, 2016.

Questions? Contact Beth at publicart@ cityofsantacruz.com or 831-420-5154.

••• FSCCoP Appoints New Directors he Santa Cruz based non-profit, Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks is pleased to welcome two new officers to their Board of Directors. The new Directors are Ray Cancino, CEO for Community Bridges and Fish Williams, Director Fish Williams of Finance for Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley.

Mr. Cancino and Mr. Williams join current Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks Board members Donald Berg; Tom

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Dobrovolny; Katharine P. Minott; and, Ray Pereyra.

Since its founding in the mid-1980s, the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks has been providing financial support and assistance to a range of Santa Cruz County’s recreational park and art programs. This past summer, the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks sponsored 28 swim scholarships for kids eager to learn how to swim.

Currently, Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks is partnering with the SC County Department ofParks, Open Space and Cultural Services and the Cabrillo Host Lions Club. The goal is to support a fundraising campaign to build a permanent bathroom and a concession hut at the Polo Grounds County Park in Aptos.

Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Katharine Minott, FSCCoP President ••• PVUSD Welcomes New District Translator ajaro Valley Unified School District is honored to introduce Ms. Virginia Gonzales, our new District Translator.

Ms. Gonzales’ retired from PG&E after 33 years of service. In 2005, however, she received her Professional Certificate in Translation and Interpretation Studies from Virginia Gonzales the National Hispanic University which solidified the work that she has been performing as an interpreter and translator in our community for many years.

Our community depends greatly on professional translation services and we are excited to add to our staff a person who has vast experience providing those services.

Ms. Gonzales settled in her new office at the District Office on November 30th and says, “It is exciting to serve the community in this capacity. I am very familiar with our community, through my work with PG&E, my involvement in real estate and through

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the variety of translation and interpretation services. I look forward to being a part of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District family.”

PVUSD welcomes Ms. Gonzales to its team! If you see her around take a moment to say ‘Hola!’

••• SCCB Brings Joy to Children in Foster Care anta Cruz County Bank (SCCB) employees embraced the season of giving by delivering gifts, gift cards and cash to CASA of Santa Cruz County for children and youth in foster care. For the past five years, this bank-wide effort, one of many annual giving campaigns the bank spearheads throughout the year, has been championed by Doug Fischer, Vice President and Relationship Manager of Santa Cruz County Bank, who is also a CASA volunteer Advocate.

“Providing gifts for CASA during the holiday season has become an annual tradition for our employees, who so generously fundraise and reinvest in the community we serve on a daily basis,” said Mary Anne Carson, Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing and Community Relations at SCCB. “We are thrilled to see the number of gifts and gift cards increase each year to meet the growing needs of CASA, and to ensure every child has a gift to open for the holidays.”

For more information on CASA, and ways to give, please contact Mary Kashmar, CASA Development Director, at (831) 761-2956, ext.

106 or at maryk@casaofsantacruz.org

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Community Briefs

••• Soquel Creek Water District Community Water Plan he Soquel Creek Water District is excited to announce the release of our Community Water Plan. The intent of this document is to share information with customers about our water challenge and current actions and activities as we move forward with our long-range planning to achieve sustainability by 2040. It is a living document that will be updated as new information becomes available, and as always, we welcome community input.

To explore the Community Water Plan, please go to: http://www.soquelcreekwater.org/ our-water/planning-our-water-future ••• Sheriff’s Announcements Burglary Activity Sergeant Patrick Dimick from Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office he Rolling Green Estates neighborhood experienced two (2) auto burglaries and one (1) attempted residential burglary between 11/29 and 11/30 during the nighttime hours. Please take extra precaution to remove valuables from your vehicles and ensure vehicles and residences are secure. If you see suspicious vehicles or suspicious people in the area please report it to our dispatch at 911 or 831-471-1121.

Sheriff’s Office Vacation Check f you are planning to go out of town for the holidays or on vacation and would like the Sheriff’s Office to conduct extra patrol of your residence while you are gone, please visit the Sheriff’s Office website at scsheriff.com and complete the Vacation Check Request form. Our deputies and dedicated Sheriff’s Office Volunteers will provide extra patrol and check on your residence while you are away. n

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Community News

The Cobbler’s Tale

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ased on a short story by Leo Tolstoy – Once upon a time there was a cobbler, a good and honorable man living in our village. One Christmas Eve he dreamed that the next day, on Christmas, Christ was coming to his humble shop.

On Christmas morning he got up early and went into the woods to gather green boughs to decorate his shop for so great a

Guest. He then laid out a fine woolen cape and some blankets to give to the Lord. Next he lit a fire, set out bread and meat, and put the kettle on to boil.

All morning he waited; then he saw a feeble old man walking by. The cobbler went to his door and invited the old man in to sit and rest by the fire. He gave the old man hot tea and cakes. When he left, the cobbler gave him a package of his best bread and meat.

T h e day became afternoon.

Then he saw a wounded soldier limping slowly down the street, his feet wrapped in bloody rags.

The cobbler called and invited him into his shop.

He unwrapped the bloody rags from the soldier’s feet, and then he bathed and wrapped them in clean cloth.

The cobbler gave the grateful

“Seacliff Village Park” from page 6

Pepper Golesh and Kate Minott

Ten years later on December 10, 2015 those who had not given up the effort for a Seacliff Village Park gathered together for the formal ribbon cutting that showed their victory in the quest to have a neighborhood 1-1/4 acre community park for its residents.

During those ten years County Supervisor Ellen Pirie, parks advocate Kate Minott, local resident Pepper Golesh along with the Seacliff Improvement Association kept the dream alive for the future the 1-1/4 acre park. In 2008, the County released a “Proposed Draft Master Plan” just in time for the economic recession and then the loss of redevelopment funding forced shelving plans for construction of the park. However, the community and the county kept the plan alive for the day when it could become a reality

10 / December 15th 2015 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

soldier the sturdiest shoes in the shop. When the soldier left, he was barely limping and there was a new strength in his step.

As the evening of that long day approached, the cobbler became discouraged. Just then he heard a young woman walking by shivering and crying, and saw that she was carrying a baby in her arms.

The cobbler called to her to come inside and warm herself asking what was wrong.

“Oh, sir,” she said, “My husband died of the fever and I couldn’t pay the rent. The landlord put my baby and I out of our home. I’ve been traveling since early this morning to stay with my parents who live in the next town. But now I’m so tired and hungry, and my baby is so cold, I don’t know if I can make it.”

The cobbler sat her next to the fire and shared his dinner with her. He then took the woolen cape and the blankets he had set aside for the Christ and gave them to the woman to keep her and the baby warm.

Then, he hitched up his horse to his cart and drove the woman to the next town where they found her family.

It was very late and Christmas was over when he finally got home. Sure that he had missed the Christ, he sank to his knees in tears and cried out, “Why,

Lord? Why did you not come? Was I so unworthy?”

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

Immediately after his election as Supervisor in 2012, Zach Friend was made aware of the community’s determination to see a park built on the site. The effort to make the dream a reality finally gained traction when in January of 2014, the county released a detailed Site Plan showing the features and amenities of the future park. Money from the state was found, grants were approved,

and the board of supervisors made the park’s construction a part of the county’s budget.

Now as you go by Seacliff Village Park you will see happy children, parent and residents all taking advantage of this amazing new community resource.

Chances are that three of those enjoying the day there will be Zach and Tina Friend with their son Elliott. n

Community News

Graffiti Removal Project

Looking for Middle School Options?

Come see our creative and innovative program for grades 6-8.

NOW ENROLLING for the 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR.

New Graffiti Program Manager Introduction

H

ello Volunteers and Agency Partners, My name is Haley Turner and I am so happy to be taking over as the new Graffiti Program Manager.

I recently moved back to Santa Cruz from Santa Barbara where I worked at a boutique PR/ Haley Turner marketing firm specializing in nonprofits. It is great to be back in my hometown, and I’m hoping to use my background in PR to get the word out about volunteer opportunities and the resources our program offers.

I look forward to meeting you all and working together to make our community beautiful and graffiti-free!

Sincerely, Haley Turner Program Manager ••• Thanks for Making the Soquel Paint Out a Success n Saturday November 21st, we held a community paint-out in Soquel Village for Family Volunteer Day. We had a small

turnout but our volunteers made a BIG impact.

Together we were able to clean up all the graffiti and trash from under the Highway 1 overpass off of Porter Street in just two hours!

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers for taking time out of your weekend to keep our community clean! And a huge thank you to Turner Painting for donating the paint for our event. n If you are interested in planning or participating in a group paint-out, contact Haley Turner at graffiti@scvolunteercenter.org or at 831-427-0462.

• Experienced, supportive teachers for the “transition years” • Small class sizes • Collaborative, project-based assignments • Focus on healthy mind-body connection through fitness and diet • Interdisciplinary and thematic approach to curriculum • Strong, innovative math and science programs

OPEN HOUSE January 21 & February 25, 2016 7:00-8:30pm 6401 Freedom Blvd., Aptos, CA

8 31.58 8 .932 1 Contact Robert Owen robert.owen@pioneermiddleschool.net See our philosophy and more at www.pioneermiddleschool.net

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In Memoriam

SqCWD Board Member Rick Meyer Dies

I

ENGAGING, CREATIVE, CHALLENGING

CAPITOLA VETERINARY HOSPITAL

O

t is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Soquel Creek Water District Board member Rick Meyer. Mr. Meyer was appointed to the Board in December, 2012, was re-elected to his post in 2014, and was serving a three year term.

He was an instrumental member of Rick Meyer the Board’s Public Outreach Committee and served as an alternate member to the joint desalination task force and the Basin Implementation Group.

Rick was passionate about restoring and sustaining our groundwater basin. He was an intelligent and engaged member of

Pioneer Middle School provides young people with a challenging, creative, and caring academic environment that values social/emotional, intellectual, physical, and artistic exploration.

the Board, the community, and our District family, and he will be missed.

Mr. Meyer is survived by his wife Suzanne and three step-daughters.

Services will be held at a date to be announced. Donations on behalf of Mr. Meyer can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.

Questions may be directed to the District’s Human Resources Manager, Traci Hart, at (831) 475-8501 ext. 131 or tracih@ soquelcreekwater.org, or the District’s Administrative Assistant/Board Clerk, Karen Reese, at (831) 475-8501 ext. 126 or karenr@soquelcreekwater.org n The Board of Directors addressed the Board vacancy at the Dec. 15 regular Board meeting.

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CapitolaVeterinaryHospital.com • CAPVET1@gmail.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 15th 2015 / 11

Community News

Maestro Stewart to Wield Baton Into Next Decade

Santa Cruz Symphony Partners with Music Director for Five More Years SANTA CRUZ — As part of continued actions to further its creative trajectory, the Santa Cruz Symphony Board of Directors announced that Maestro Daniel Stewart has signed a contract renewal for five more years as music director for the 2016–2017 through 2020–2021 concert seasons.

“We are thrilled with Danny’s decision to join us for another five years. His youthful passion and rapport with the musicians and the community have transformed the Santa Cruz Symphony into an ensemble of the highest caliber. Danny’s innovative pro-

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gramming with up-and-coming national soloists is attracting a wider, younger audience.

Sellout concerts are more frequent, with attendees from all over N o r t h e r n California and beyond.

We enthusiastically look forward to many more years!” affirms Board President Dorothy Wise.

Entering his final year under the current three-year contract, Maestro Stewart has successfully blended the music of living composers with classic masterpieces.

A graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program under James Levine, Stewart’s balanced and painterly approach to repertoire has garnered a resurgence of longtime sup-

porters, while building a new generation of devotees in attendance and throughout the media.

Maestro Stewart’s roots as a principal violist and dedication to classical music education have also contributed to expanding the Santa Cruz Symphony’s reach, accessibility and regard. Through the free Open Rehearsals program, music students throughout the Greater Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay Areas witness the workings of a symphony orchestra, with the added benefit of a personal address by the Maestro. United with the Classical Music Classrooms, Mueller Scholarships and Classroom Visits programs—all supported by professional musicians and nuanced instructors—the

The Wonder of Words

California Dreaming

Olivia Pate Miss Grable’s Fourth Grade Class Rio del Mar Elementary School t was a warm day in Disneyland in 2015 and I was getting to go on the ride California Screamin’. I was nervous because it was my first time on a ride I’ve been scared of. When the man said, “Ready, set, scream!” we started going as quick as a cricket screaming our heads off. We went down long hills and another hill and then a big loop. I was feeling queasy from screaming as loud as a lion’s roar. When we went down the last hill, I could see the giant slope. I could feel the bars as I gripped tightly. I could smell the baked goods as I zoomed by. I screamed so hard I felt a little dizzy. When I was done I felt relieved and it was fun. n

I

F U N • F O O D • PA N O R A M I C V I E W S (831)476-3534 | WWW.WHARFHOUSE.COM Located at the end of the Capitola Wharf Open 8am till Close 12 / December 15th 2015 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

educational focus of the Symphony forges ahead under Stewart’s baton.

“I’m very proud of the world-class results our critically acclaimed Santa Cruz Symphony has achieved over our first two seasons together. To serve and create community through music is vitally important, and it gives me great pleasure to help ensure that the future of our vibrant symphony orchestra is ever brighter. I eagerly look forward to our continued journey together!” states Stewart. n ••• Founded in 1958, the Santa Cruz Symphony’s mission is to inspire, educate and engage through artistic excellence, distinctive musical performances, and varied activities that celebrate and enhance cultural vibrancy.

With Maestro Daniel Stewart as Music Director since 2013, the Symphony partners regularly with regional and international guest artists in both traditional and modern concerts. A cornerstone of the performing arts in the Greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas, Santa Cruz Symphony receives frequent critical acclaim. Visit santacruzsymphony.org for more information.

Community News

HappyHolidays!

Surf City Sandwich

Success Story of the Month!

C

Delight your special lady with jewelry from Treasures.

Prices starting at $100

From the Central Coast Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo College

ongratulations to owners Paul and Elaine Figliomeni on the opening of your new business Surf City Sandwich! With the goal to provide a quick service restaurant and superior customer service, the surf-themed eatery features locally sourced ingredients including gourmet sandwiches such as the Surf City Philly and California Chicken, along with delicious salads, clam chowder, and scrumptious desserts.

Located on Soquel Drive and 41st Avenue in Soquel, it also features many local beers on tap including Discretion, Santa Cruz Ale Works and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, just to name a few.

Now open for breakfast!

The Figliomenis received assistance from the SBDC at Cabrillo College to get their business up and running. SBDC Restaurant Advisor Tom Bruce was brought in to strategize their culinary offerings, and SBDC Business Management Advisor Keith Holtaway provided help with the business startup and procuring the necessary financing they were seeking.

Treasures

Fine Jewelry

218F Mt. Hermon Rd. | Scotts Valley, CA

831-438-1355

www.treasuresfinejewelry.com “Thanks to the assistance we have received from Keith and the SBDC, we were able to open our business in Soquel in a high profile location. Keith has been an indispensable resource in the success of our business. His practical knowledge, enthusiasm, patience and understanding has helped us immensely. Also, the Boost Your Restaurant’s Bottom Line classes we attended with Tom Bruce were a very helpful resource for our start-up. We are very grateful to both Tom and Keith for all of their help and support. We highly recommend them for any new restaurant endeavor.” n

Don’t Pay More Than You Need To! Freedom to Choose or Keep your Doctors

Is your plan leaving the area?

Know your options.

In-Home, Office & Evening Appointments Available

Service and Processing Your Application at No Cost to You CALL TO LEARN MORE

Photo Credit: Dan Coyro, Santa Cruz Sentinel

“Strohm” from page 7 An Aptos resident and District customer, Leslie has a unique dedication and concern for the District’s financial integrity and transparency. She is steadfast in her care and attention to our customers and our community. Traci Hart, Human Resources Manager said, “We are proud to select one

of our own for this very important position, as we say goodbye to a valuable member of our team.” n ••• The Soquel Creek Water District was established in 1961. It serves water to 38,000 customers in Capitola, Aptos, La Selva Beach, Opal Cliffs, Rio Del Mar, Seascape, and Soquel.

Website: www.soquelcreekwater.org

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 15th 2015 / 13

14 / December 15th 2015 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community News

Gathering Info from Military Records

Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County Lecture Series

M

ore than 35 million people have served in the military in our country’s history, and each one’s service affected his or her family. If you want to paint an accurate and complete picture of your family’s history, you must investigate the records created as a result of this service. Unlike census records or land records, however, the term “military records” does not desSusan Johnston ignate a single, unique set of records. Instead, they comprise such

Guest Speaker: Susan Goss Johnston • Thursday, January 7, 2016

disparate sources as draft registrations, enlistment papers, muster rolls, pay rolls, hospital records, courts martial, pensions, headstone applications, and medals, just to name a few. Are you ready to go to work?

Susan Goss Johnston was a member of Yale University’s first undergraduate class of women, graduating with a B.A. in physics. She is a 2011 ProGen alumna, has completed the “Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis” course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research and the

National Archives’ lecture and lab course, “Going to the Source,” and attended the National Institute on Genealogical Research.

Johnston is a co-editor of the recently published Source Templates for The Master Genealogist. Her personal research focuses on families in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region, and she specializes in military records. A former Maryland resident, she now lives in California, and continues teaching intermediate and advanced genealogy courses here. She is

a frequent speaker at local meetings and conferences.

This presentation appeals to genealogists of all levels. It will be held from 1-3 in the meeting room upstairs at the Santa Cruz Public Library, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA. n ••• Santa Cruz Library: Downtown Branch 224 Church St, Santa Cruz – General meeting room: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend this free lecture! (Donations are welcome!)

Bay Federal Accepting Applications for Education Scholarships

CAPITOLA — Bay Federal Credit Union is now accepting applications for its 2016 Education Scholarship contest. Three winners will each receive $1,500 to pay for post-secondary education expenses at any accredited college, university, trade/technical school, or career education program in the fall of 2016. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, Jan. 30.

The application must be submitted with supplemental documents and an original

essay on an impactful financial experience. Eligible applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED certificate

by September 1, 2016, and have a Bay Federal Credit Union savings account in good standing when submitting their applications.

The application and additional information are available at www.bayfed.com/ scholarship and at all Bay Federal Credit Union branches.

“This scholarship is a unique opportunity for students of all academic levels to receive money for college or career training after high school,” said Carrie Birkhofer, President and CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union.

“It’s also a great way for students to learn and teach others about personal finance.”

Over the past eight years, the Credit Union has awarded 27 scholarships totaling $22,500. Winners will be notified by February 26, 2016, and will be honored at the Credit Union’s annual meeting on March 29, 2016. n

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution serving over 59,000 members and 1,000 local businesses throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties. Website: www.bayfed.com

Quick-fix dinner for the family

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usy holidays can make for hectic meals, but these recipes will help preserve those precious moments with the family.

Tasty meals are easy when you incorporate the wholesome flavor of all-natural ingredients when serving your family, such as Hunt’s tomatoes.

Here are some tips to help save time with your weeknight dinner prep: • For timesaving recipes, consider both prep time and total cook time. Many dishes can be assembled in minutes, leaving you time to help tackle you other chores before sitting down to dinner.

• An extra set of little hands from a helper can shave minutes off the assembly of your recipe while getting a youngster excited about meal preparation.

• Make what you can ahead of time.

Assemble a dish in the morning and put them in the refrigerator, so all you have to do is put them in the oven at dinnertime.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Prep time: 10 min. – Total time: 45 min.

Servings: 6 1 can (15 ounces) Hunt’s Tomato Sauce 1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, undrained 6 tbls grated Parmesan cheese, divided 6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds total) 3 /4 lb spaghetti, uncooked 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Heat oven to 375 F. “Easy Chicken Parmesan” page 20

Estate Planning • Property Law Personal Injury

9053 Soquel Dr, Suite 206 Aptos, CA 95003 info@buckwalterlaw.com

(831) 688-0163 www.buckwalterlaw.com

PHILIP BUCKWALTER

Of Counsel

Contact us for a free consultation.

NICHOLAS HOLDER

Attorney at Law

Protecting you, your property, and your legacy

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 15th 2015 / 15

Local Sports

Nine Mariners Poised to Make Waves at the Collegiate Level

New Year’s SPECIAL 15 Day Trial UNLIMITED* Personal Training

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708-2323 SeascapePTandFIT.com *Some restrictions apply.

By Brooke Holmquist

N

ine, yes nine, Aptos Mariners signed their letter of intent on November 13, 2015 committing to play college sports next season.

These stellar student-athletes are the reason the Aptos Sports Foundation does what it does. Not only are they gifted athletically, their hard work and dedication has paid off and now they will be representing the Aptos community across the state and country.

Maddy Bol will play for the University of Chicago’s indoor volleyball team. Her two teammates Madi Dueck and Karsen Welle are both on their way to UC Berkeley, Dueck as part of Cal’s inaugural Pac-12 sand volleyball program, and Welle will join the Lady Bear nationally ranked crew team.

Both baseball standouts, Jack O’Boy and Jack Harris signed letters of intent at UC Davis and San Francisco State respectively.

Natalie Wendt will compete on Fresno State’s equestrian team and Ana Calero will join the Spartan Women’s Soccer team at San Jose State.

Continuing the strong Aptos High

running legacy, Mattie Peoples will compete for the UC Santa Barbara women’s track and cross country team.

Finally, Christopher Staka who won the 100-meter backstroke at the CCS Swimming and Diving Championships will swim for the University of Alabama.

These outstanding seniors as well as other student-athletes still competing for Aptos High School will be our future community leaders in some form or another and ASF hopes to continue to provide a

quality student-athlete experience for the youth of Aptos for generations to come.

You can be a part of that transformative growth at the high school, junior high school and youth sports programs through the Foundation’s charitable giving fund. For more on this, please visit: www. aptossportsfoundation.com.

We wish all these Mariners much luck and success at the next level, they will have the support of an entire town behind them! n Photo Credit: Shmuel Thaler

Aptos High School Scoreboard

Football

<< 2015 SCCAL & CCS D IV Champs! >> Aptos Season Record (9 – 4, SCCAL 5-0) Coach Randy Blankenship CCS D IV Finals Aptos 41 – Independence 24 (Dec 4) Aptos Stats: 1st downs 23, Total yds 456, Rushing Plays/Yds/Touchdowns 42/332/3, Passing Att/Comp/Yds/Touchdowns 7-3124-3, Penalties/Yds 0-0, Fumbles/Lost 2-2 CCS D IV Semifinals Aptos 35 – North Salinas 12 (Nov 27) Aptos Stats: 1st downs 25, Total yds 469, Rushing Plays/Yds/Touchdowns 57/292/4, Passing Att/Comp/Yds/Touchdowns 14-11177-1, Penalties/Yds 8-60, Fumbles/Lost 1-1

Basketball

Girls Season Record (5-2) Coach Stefan Hocom Aptos 54 – Pajaro Valley 26 (Dec 15, Hm) 16 / December 15th 2015 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Watsonville Wildcatz Tournament St Francis 72 – Aptos 60 (Dec 12, Finals) Aptos 66 – Watsonville 39 (Dec 11) Aptos 61 – Carmel 37 (Dec 10, Playoffs) Gilroy Mustang Classic Gunderson 56 – Aptos 51 (Dec 5, Finals) Aptos 57 – Terra Nova 55 (Dec 4, Playoffs) Aptos 76 – Oakwood 27 (Dec 3, Playoffs)

Soccer

Boys Season Record (2 – 2) Coach Brian Conin Aptos 8 – Pacific Collegiate 2 (Dec 9, Hm) North Salinas 2 – Aptos 1 (Dec 7, Away) Aptos 7 – Monte Vista Christian 0 (Dec 4, Hm) Kings Academy 4 – Aptos 0 (Dec 2, Hm) Girls Season Record (1-2-2) Coach Jessica Perkin Sobrato 1 – Aptos 0 (Dec 15, Hm) Stats: Shots 1st half Sobrato 6 – Aptos

3; 2nd half Sobrato 6 – Aptos 3; Aptos - Ana Colero, 3 saves St. Francis 4 – Aptos 1 (Dec 10, Away) Stats: Maya Pruett, Goal; Shots 1st half St. Francis 6 – Aptos 3; 2nd half St. Francis 65– Aptos 3; Aptos – Ana Colero, 9 saves Aptos 1 – Fremont 1 (Dec 8, Hm) Stats: Paige Dueck, Goal; Shots 1st half Fremont 4 – Aptos 5; 2nd half Fremont 4 – Aptos 6; Ana Colero, 4 saves Aptos 0 – Los Gatos 0 (Dec 3) Stats: 1st half Los Gatos 6 – Aptos 6; 2nd half Los Gatos 3 – Aptos 3; Ana Colero, 9 saves Aptos 2 – Gilroy 0 (Dec 1) Stats: 1st Goal 22:00 Grace Bowman assisted by Paige Dueck; 2nd Goal 75:30 Maya Pruett assisted by Jade Hinson; Aptos Shots 14; Ana Colero, 3 saves n

Community News

Watsonville Wetlands Watch News

Community Restoration Day Saturday, Dec. 19 e invite you to help restore wetland habitat by planting native plants and removing exotic invasive plants as part of our monthly community workday on Dec. 19. We will work from 9 a.m. to noon, and we always make time for birding or a short hike around the wetlands. We supply the gloves, tools, and a snack. Meet at our Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center (map/directions). If you have questions, please contact Mary Paul at mary@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org or 831-566-4938.

lands from experts, and to receive training for becoming a field trip facilitator. These interactive sessions include Wednesday evening presentations and Saturday morning field trips, visiting sites not normally seen by the public.

Join our dedicated team of trained docent volunteers who help with field trips, lead tours, participate in special events, work in the greenhouse and native plant demonstration garden, conduct water monitoring, and much, much more. For more information, contact Kathy Fieberling at kathy@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org, 831-345-1226. n

W

Noelle Antolin leading a field trip

Volunteers making a difference by helping to restore our wetlands.

••• Wetlands Wildlife Photography Thursday, Jan 7 n Thursday, Jan 7, the Watsonville Wetlands Watch is hosting local wildlife photographers Denise Murphy and Efren Adalem, who will give a slide show of their stunning photographs while they talk about their many adventures and the process of capturing action shots of wildlife in natural settings. They use the local wetlands as the source of their inspiration.

Efren’s sea otter photographs were used in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s otter exhibit and he was a finalist in the International Photo Exhibit in Varna, Bulgaria in 2013. They’ve both won several local photography contests and their photos have been used in the Elkhorn Slough Calendar.

This talk, hosted by the Watsonville Wetlands Watch, is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center.

Admission is free but you must reserve a seat online at www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.org. For more information, contact Kathy Fieberling at 831-345-1226 or kathy@ watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

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Elegant Terns. Efren Adalem

Changing Role for Education Director oelle Antolin has stepped down from her longtime role as Education Director. Antolin has been instrumental to the success of Wetlands Watch’s education work by helping to create and promote innovative and effective wetlands educational programming for students, elementary school through university.

When Antolin started in 2007, the Watch’s education goal was primarily to provide wetlands environmental education curriculum and resources to Pajaro Valley teachers. She saw the potential of the fledgling Wetland Stewards program and promoted the idea of providing direct educational programming to the schools.

Antolin built relationship with the teachers, schools, and school district, and eventually got a contract with the school district for participation and funding.

Since that time, Wetland Stewards has become a model program that has effectively quadrupled in size, and we are now able to hire 12 high school interns each year and train them to be environmental educators for elementary and middle school after-school programs. Over the years, we have seen our Wetland Stewards interns move on to prestigious universities and important jobs.

Antolin was a guiding force behind the citizen-science Project Tierra program, where students and community volunteers get the opportunity to do real hands-on scientific research and monitoring. Project Tierra has been integrated with the science curriculum at Pajaro Valley High School.

The monitoring data collected by the students and volunteers is used by the City of Watsonville, the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Wet-

N

lands Watch for restoration planning and assessment.

In 2011, she was instrumental in launching the Green Careers program for high school students who were not necessarily college bound, but wanted to gain practical work skills and learn about other job opportunities in the environmental arena. We just completed our 3rd year of this successful program.

Noelle Antolin is a creative can-do kind of person and a pleasure to work with. She has resigned from the Education Director position to spend more time with her family and her family business. She will continue to work with the Wetlands Watch as a consultant.

••• Become a Docent Training Starts Wed. January 20 ur 2016 Docent Training Program begins on January 20. Docent training is a fun and interesting way to learn about the natural and cultural history of the wet-

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Docent Bob Culbertson with a student

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 15th 2015 / 17

Community News

Meet Alexander McCall Smith

Author of “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” & Many More Books

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By Edita McQuary

n a rainy Monday evening, November 9, Alexander McCall Smith came to Santa Cruz to talk about his latest book in the “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” series, “The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine.” Peace United Church was completely filled with about 500 fans of the popular novelist.

The New York Times Book Review has commented on his work, “Enchanting...an inspiration to us all...the sweet, chuckling voice of Precious Ramotswe falls gentle on the ear.” And from Entertainment Weekly: “The pleasure of these sweet books lies in the clarity and gravity with which the characters reason through everyday dilemmas.”

Casey Coonerty Protti, owner of the independent Bookshop Santa Cruz, introduced the famous Scottish author by welcoming him with “the first rainfall we have had in five years” so that he could feel at home. She went on to say that he

has written more than 100 books and the “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” series has sold more than 20 million copies world-wide.

Mr. McCall Smith thanked her and said that the word “rain” in Botswana is “pula” and, besides meaning “rain,” it also means money and it means good fortune.

So if someone in Botswana wishes you “pula,” he is wishing you good fortune.

The author turned out to be a delightful older gentleman with a charming sense of humor and a boyish giggle when something amused him. He is quite the raconteur and kept the audience roaring for the better part of three quarters of an hour.

He told of having earned his living as a medical law and bioethics professor before starting his literary career. His books now include the Isabel Dalhousie, the 44 Scotland Street, the Corduroy Mansions, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs

series as well as numerous short stories.

Although Scottish, he has lived and worked in Zimbabwe and Botswana, which gives him a unique perspective on Africa. He especially enjoyed the people and culture of Botswana which is why he based his “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” novels there. He is especially fond of Botswana because, as he says, “There is a respect for human rights and the people are law-abiding.”

As if the writing of more than a hundred books isn’t enough, twenty years ago he and his wife co-founded “The Really Terrible Amateur Orchestra” in Edinburgh. He plays the bassoon, or rather, as he says, “half bassoon,” since he only plays the low notes. When the score calls for high notes, he does not play. It appears the orchestra is made up of musically-challenged people.

“Smith” page 24

Times Publishing Group, Inc., wishes you a

Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

Thank you to all our loyal readers!

18 / December 15th 2015 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Alexander McCall Smith

Featured Columnist

Knowing When to Get Help

By Ryan Colligan, Director, Safe at Home Senior Care

This Holiday Season Reach Out To The Seniors In Your Family

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or most of us independence is an important condition for a comfortable life. We each have our habits and methods of doing things, and life has a rhythm that just “fits” our personalities. But as people age and physical changes occur, we may find ourselves or our loved ones dealing with those changes ineffectively.

Sooner or later the question starts ringing in our heads, “When should I look for help?”

But then we think, “Oh, I don’t need help. I have been taking care of myself my entire life.” Or “I can’t tell Mom or Dad what to do — they would never listen to me. He’s too proud, it’s not time yet, let’s wait.” So we wait and do what we can, all the while still wondering, “When should I look for help?”

This situation comes up all too often in our society. Many seniors struggle with their loss of independence even when they are not capable of caring for themselves without assistance because of changes in their physical condition that come naturally with age. Fortunately, we do not have to guess; here are some common indicators that help us determine when it is time to get help before a crisis situation occurs: Physical Condition: Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a medical condition (i.e. Alzheimer’s,) that affects daily living?

Personal Care: Are showers being taken regularly? Are teeth and hair being brushed and cared for regularly?

Nutrition: Is weight stable and is food being eaten regularly? Does all the food in the refrigerator have current expiration dates or is some food spoiled?

Mental Health: Is there difficulty in expressing thoughts or feelings or using the right words? Are there significant memory lapses (Forgetting the day or year or location) or major mood swings?

Safety, Security & Sanitation: Is the house in a disorderly fashion that might contribute to the risk of falling? Have there been any falls in the past six months? Is trash piling up in and around the house?

Family members often see the changes in the way a elderly family member moves, acts, thinks and responds to situations around them, but dismiss them until one of two things happen: • The family begins to spend so much time helping the senior that they have little time for their own responsibilities or • The senior experiences a major physical or mental crisis like a hard fall when no one is around or become lost when they leave the house.

If you have a concern about even one of the indicators for yourself or a loved one, it is time to be open and honest about the concern. Address the issue and seek assistance before any of these becomes a crisis situation.

Santa Cruz is home to many professional agencies that offer specialized services for seniors in our community. These services enable our elderly population to continue living comfortably, safely and independently. n ••• Safe at Home Senior Care, Inc. 820 Bay Ave., Suite 101 Capitola, CA 95010. Phone: (831) 462-3500. Hours: Weekdays 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. E-mail: info@safeathomeseniorcare.com

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Community News

PMG Employees Donate 11K Meals to Second Harvest SANTA CRUZ — The cash equivalent of eleven thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine meals has been donated by the employees of Physicians Medical Group of Santa Cruz (PMG) to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

“Thanks to donations of money, food, and time from active community members like Physicians Medical Group, Second Harvest Food Bank can provide nutritious, healthy food during the holidays and all year long.” said Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.

PMG’s employee-run Wellness Committee selected Second Harvest Food Bank because of the significant impact it has on the lives of local families. “On a daily basis, the majority of PMG employees are

involved in the health and wellness of our patients through the clinical services we provide,” said Lisa McGrath PMG Community Liaison, “Working with Second Harvest gave us the opportunity to make a difference in a very real way.”

During the four week fundraiser, the PMG Wellness Committee invited Jan Kamman, Corporate & Community Relations Director from the food bank to talk about Second Harvest’s mission which is to end hunger and malnutrition in Santa Cruz County by educating and involving the community.

PMG employees were divided into four teams, each competing for gift certificates from local businesses including a grand prize get-away to the local Chaminade Resort. n

From Left: Jan Kamman, Cathy Elliott, Earen Peterson, Jessica McElveny, Marvin Labrie

Santa Cruz Symphony Executive Director Jan Derecho Retiring SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz Symphony Board of Directors announces the retirement of Executive Director Jan Derecho, effective December 31, 2015. Symphony Board President Dorothy Wise will act as Interim Executive Director as part of the transition strategy and recruitment efforts underway.

“Jan is known as the ‘Symphony Lady’ for a reason. She has been associated with the Santa Cruz Symphony for over 30 years as an attendee, donor, Cabrillo Chorus member, Board member, Board President and Executive Director. I’ve known her for 24 of those years and can definitively say she has been instrumental in making the Symphony what it is today. A huge, heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to our Symphony Lady! We wish you all the best,” states Dorothy Wise.

Under her stewardship, Derecho’s career background in banking helped solidify the Symphony’s fiscal prowess, as well as furthered ticket subscription growth. Equally known, her community involvement, indelible wit and passion for music are her hallmarks, heralded by colleagues, concertgoers and supporters, alike.

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“I’ve chosen to retire at Founded in 1958, the the end of December 2015 Santa Cruz Symphony’s to embark on intriguing mission is to inspire, educate new life adventures. Since and engage through artistic the Symphony is on solid excellence, distinctive footing, and under the musical performances, and strong artistic leadership varied activities that celand talent of Maestro ebrate and enhance cultural Danny, (Daniel Stewart) vibrancy. With Maestro and it has a devoted and Daniel Stewart as Music robust board of directors, Director since 2013, the and capable staff team, Symphony partners regularly I am able to make this with regional and internachoice in good conscience. tional guest artists in both Jan Derecho I am proud of the legacy I traditional and modern conleave as a longstanding passionate Santa certs. A cornerstone of the performing arts Cruz Symphony devotee, and please in the Greater San Francisco and Monterey know I will continue to be so,” affirms Bay Areas, Santa Cruz Symphony receives Derecho. n frequent critical acclaim. Visit santacruzsymphony.org for more information.

•••

“Easy Chicken Parmesan” from page 15 Pour tomato sauce and undrained tomatoes into 13-by-9-inch baking dish.

Stir in 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) Parmesan.

Add chicken; turn to evenly coat both sides of each breast with sauce. Cover.

Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center (165 F). Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on package, omitting salt.

Top chicken with remaining cheeses; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mozzarella is melted. Drain spaghetti. Serve topped with chicken and sauce.

Family Features

Community News

Red Cross Asks for Blood Donations This Holiday Season T he American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to end the year with real meaning by donating blood for hospital patients in need.

Holiday activities, severe weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can pull people away from their regular blood donation schedules.

This creates a greater need for blood donations this time of year, especially around the winter holidays. To encourage donations, all those who come to donate Dec. 23, 2015, through Jan. 3, 2016, will get a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Jamie Czesak made her first blood donation on Dec. 27, 2013.

“As I spent Christmas with my family, I realized how lucky I was to have my health and how we never really know when our last Christmas will be. I decided that I would face my fears and do one of the few things I can do to help save someone’s life, donate blood.”

Healthy donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations. n ••• Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Felton Dec. 18: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9 Santa Cruz Dec. 26: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange #503, 1900 17th Ave Dec. 31: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Watsonville Dec. 28: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson Street

Focus Agriculture Accepting Applications for 2016 Seminars

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pplications are currently being accepted for Class XXVII (27) of Focus Agriculture, a “first-in-thenation” program, designed for selected community leaders to learn about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. The program consists of once-a-month, daylong seminars, held over a period of nine months. Speakers, ranging from elected officials to representatives from environmental groups, address the class. The sessions cover such topics as: • Environment and technology • Ethnic groups in agriculture • Regional diversity of commodities produced • Many farm tours and hands-on experiences.

Twenty-one people will be selected for Class XXVII. In announcing the application process for Class XXVII, Agri-Culture President, Steve Bontadelli, stated, “Many people who are involved in the community are interested in agriculture. Focus Agriculture was created to allow community leaders an opportunity to learn, through

discussions and hands-on experiences, about local agriculture.” Bontadelli continued, “We are proud that the program received a National Award in 2011.”

Alumni of the program include: John Laird, California Secretary of Resources Agency; Zach Friend, Supervisor; 4th District Supervisor Greg Caput; Jimmy Panetta, Monterey County District Attorney; Willy ElliottMcCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank; Bud Colligan, Founder/CEO, South Swell Ventures; Ted Burke, Owner, Shadowbrook Restaurant; Michael Watkins, Superintendent of County Office of Education; and Ceil Cirillo, Tannery Arts Center.

Seminars will be held one full day per

month commencing March 11, 2016 and ending October 21, 2016.

Applications are available online at www.agri-culture.us or at the Agri-Culture office, 141 Monte Vista Avenue, Watsonville and by calling (831) 722-6622. n ••• Applications due Friday, January 15, 2016

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Community News

Annual Gingerbread House Workshop

Seascape Event Donates Toys to ‘Toys for Tots’ in Santa Cruz County

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eascape Beach Resort hosted their annual Gingerbread House Workshop in support of Toys for Tots Santa Cruz County.

“Many children in our area will have a brighter season thanks to the all the abundance of donated toys donated by those in attendance,” General Manager Adrienne Cleary said. “This festive event was attended by families and friends who gathered in a room filled with the smell of freshly baked gingerbread and holiday cheer!”

Seascape Beach Resort thanks Toys for Tots Santa Cruz County for the service they provide in our community. n

Save Our Shores Launches First Gift Catalog Santa Cruz — During the holiday season, giving and receiving meaningful gifts is on the to-do-list. This year, Santa Cruz based marine conservation nonprofit, Save Our Shores (SOS), makes it easy by offering charitable gifts that give back.

“Gift The Gift Of Ocean Health” is the

message behind the organization’s first annual Gift Catalog.

The charitable gifts reflect the many programs and activities SOS provides to protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on a daily or weekly basis.

Gifts range from supporting K-12 marine ecology education programs and field trips, beach or river cleanups, and funding community outreach for clean boating or plastic pollution awareness. Giving the gift of ocean health is easy: 1) Go online: saveourshores.org/gift 2) You choose a gift for a loved-one

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3) SOS sends you a special gift card to dedicate 4) You personalize your holiday message The conception comes from the nonprofit’s executive director, Katherine O’Dea, to expand the organization’s impact and keep the Monterey Bay’s marine environment healthy.

“Your gift will not only give joy to the recipient, it will also give back to the ocean in need,” says O’Dea. “It’s a great way to celebrate this season of love, hope, and renewal.” n ••• Save Our Shores (SOS) is a Santa Cruzbased marine conservation nonprofit dedicated

to caring for the California Central Coast through advocacy, awareness, and citizen action. Your financial support is critical to our success and is 100% tax-deductible. Protect your ocean at saveourshores.org

Health & Fitness

Santa Cruz County Distemper in Raccoons T he Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter announced today that several raccoons have tested positive for distemper in the Aptos and Watsonville area of Santa Cruz County. In addition, there have recently been multiple cases of sick raccoons in the Seabright area of Santa Cruz. These animals will be sent to testing in the near future to determine if they have distemper.

Distemper poses no health risk to humans, but it can affect your companion animals. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter shares the following tips to help prevent your companion animals from contracting distemper: • Vaccinate your dogs and cats.

• Although distemper poses no threat to humans, anyone bitten or scratched by a raccoon must contact their physician immediately.

• Feed pets indoors.

• Those who feed pets outdoors should take special care to remove any leftover food. It can attract infected animals not completely debilitated by the disease.

• Please do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife may lead to large concentrations of animals around food, increasing the spread of disease.

• Restrain your pets; do not allow them to roam. Keep dogs on a leash when outside your property.

• If you observe a sick wild animal, do not approach the animal.

A healthy animal may contract canine or feline distemper from direct contact with an infected animal or its bodily secretions and waste. Under most environmental conditions the virus does not survive long outside the body; therefore, transmission requires close interaction between animals to enable direct contact or aerosol exposure. Many of the

symptoms displayed by an animal with distemper are very similar to symptoms displayed by a rabid animal (only testing of brain tissue can determine if an animal is rabid).

In the initial stages of canine distemper, the major symptoms include high fever, reddened eyes, and a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. An infected dog will become lethargic and tired, and will usually become anorexic.

Persistent coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Symptoms of feline panleukopenia, commonly referred to as feline distemper, include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and sudden death.

Please contact your veterinarian to find out if your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. Report sick or injured wild animals by calling the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 831-454-7303 extension 1. n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, 2200 7th Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Office: 831454-7203. Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

CDPH Warn People Traveling To Hot Regions About Mosquitos

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ravelling to Hawaii, Mexico, Central or South America over the holidays?

Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control would like to ask for your help in publishing an important message for travelers this holiday season.

We would like to urge Santa Cruz County residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes when travelling to the Big island of Hawaii, or anywhere south of the United States (including Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean) during the holidays. There have been many cases of

Dengue and Chikungunya virus in these locations. Both of these viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause painful symptoms, and are a potential public health threat if brought back to California.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is urging Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites if traveling to Mexico or Latin America, where there have been increased reports

of the mosquito-borne diseases Chikungunya and Dengue. Travelers should also be aware that there is currently transmission of dengue on the Big Island in Hawaii, and precautions against mosquito bites are advised; there are no reports of dengue transmission on the other Hawaiian Islands.

“We want all Californians to be extra careful when traveling to these regions and take steps to avoid mosquito bites,” Dr. Smith said. “The mosquitoes that transmit Chikungunya and Dengue are aggressive daytime biters.”

CDPH recommends that travelers prevent exposure to mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older. In addition, make sure that your hotel or lodging has air conditioning or doors and windows with tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.

If you have returned from an affected region and have fever with joint pain or rash within the two weeks following your return, please contact your medical

provider and tell the doctor where you have traveled. If your doctor suspects Chikungunya or Dengue, please protect yourself against mosquito bites until you recover.

This will prevent spread of the virus to mosquitoes and potentially humans here in California. n

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Featured Columnist

Keeping Green in the Holiday Season Dear EarthTalk: The holidays can be so wasteful. What are some ways we can green our celebrations this year?

— Belinda McHugh, Los Angeles, CA

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ipping eggnog, listening to carols by the fire and enjoying the beauty of colorfully decorated homes are all warm memories the holiday season conjures. Yet with the rising popularity of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, millions of people are now increasingly absorbed in the season’s commercialism. The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday sales this year will add up to $630.5 billion. All of this shopping generates a lot of trash. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans throw away approximately one million extra tons of trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. “Simplify the Holidays,” an e-booklet from the Center for a New American Dream (CNAD), reports that nine in 10 Americans believe holidays should be more about family and caring for others, not giving and receiving gifts, yet the average U.S. consumer plans to spend more this year—about $805—on holiday shopping than last year. To help provide meaningful ways to have fun with less stuff this season, “Simplify the Holidays” includes ideas for simple gifts, low-waste

“Smith” from page 18 He suspected we may have some of these musically-challenged people here in Santa Cruz and we may want to start our own very terrible amateur orchestra as well.

If we have trouble finding a conductor, he suggested we look to our prisons and offer someone a commutation of their sentence if they take on conducting our “Santa Cruz Very Terrible Orchestra.”

In the “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” novels, he describes a detective named Clovis Andersen from Muncie, Indiana, the author of a book called, “The Principles of Private Detection,” which Mma Ramotswe takes as her guide. Mr. McCall Smith told us years ago he had attended a crime/mystery writers’ conference in Muncie and

LED lights use 1/50th the electricity of conventional holiday lights and can last for three decades. Credit: Paul Barrows, FlickrCC. wrapping, ways to connect with your idays include carrying reusable totes when children during the holidays, and more. shopping for gifts, and using LED lights, Readers are asked to “consider creating which last 20-30 years and require 1/50th holidays that instill more meaning into the electricity of conventional lights for the season and encourage more sharing, decorating your tree or home. According laughter, creativity and personal renewal.” to CalRecycle, the 2.6 billion holiday cards “It’s not about depriving yourself sold each year could fill a football field 10 of things during the holiday season,” stories high—fortunately, the multitude of Wen Lee, director of online media and e-cards available on the web today provide engagement with CNAD, emphasizes. a no-waste alternative.

Further, the 33 million Christmas “It’s about refocusing on things that really trees the U.S. Environmental Protection matter, and reducing stress.”

Additional easy, stress-free ways to Agency (EPA) estimates are sold in North respect the environment during the hol- America each year don’t have to end up in

was really taken with the Midwesterners he met. “It was the only crime/mystery writers’ conference I attended, where the majority of the audience was knitting.”

He related to us that he loves Italy and likes to travel there to get away from it all to write. A long and hysterically funny story followed which included the author driving a bulldozer through the streets of Pisa, a priest and his family inviting him to dinner at their vineyard and, after quite a bit of wine consumption, an inadvertent bulldozer altercation with the boundary line of the adjoining prestige vineyard.

Well, whether the story was true or not, it had the audience enraptured and in stitches.

Following a short question and answer period, he closed by saying, “kindness is a sort of love in which

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the human heart makes its home.”

The audience was invited to stay and have his newest book, “The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine” autographed and a photo taken with the author.

This was a wonderfully orchestrated event arranged by Bookshop Santa Cruz. Owner Casey Coonerty Protti admitted they’ve been asking him to come to Santa Cruz for years and they finally got him to accept their proposal.

She said, “Bookshop Santa Cruz loves bringing internationallyknown authors to Santa Cruz and (to) find more ways to make connections between authors and their readers. Combine that with the storytelling prowess and humor of Alexander McCall Smith and we know we’d have a wonderful night.” She was so right! n

landfills—some areas have recycling programs that turn Christmas trees into wood chips and mulch, and some companies will home-deliver full-size, potted live trees and pick them up after New Year’s and re-plant them. And with nearly 60 percent of Americans admitting they receive unwanted gifts during the holidays, asking friends and family what gifts they really need or want is an easy way to save waste and minimize time-consuming returns.

Greening your holiday season certainly helps the environment, but research shows it is also good for personal and family wellbeing. The 2002 study, “What Makes for a Merry Christmas?” by psychologists Tim Kasser and Kennon Sheldon concluded that “family and religion provided the greatest benefit to holiday well-being.” Kasser recently told the American Psychological Association (APA): “[Our study] found that to the extent people focused their holiday season around materialistic aims like spending and receiving, the less they were focused on spiritual aims…we also found people reported ‘merrier’ Christmases when spirituality was a large part of their holiday, but reported lower Christmas well-being to the extent that the holiday was dominated by materialistic aspects.” n ••• Contacts: CNAD, www.newdream.org; EPA, www.epa.gov; APA, www.apa.org.

EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss & Roddy Scheer and is a registered trademark of Earth Action Network Inc. View past columns at: www.earthtalk.org. Or e-mail us your question: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

Featured Columnist

Learning from Celluloid Conversations W hat if it’s not your title or age or gender that persuades your people to take on stretch goals? What if it’s not your personality or even your stellar track record? Well, if these aren’t what make things happen, what is? What ignites people to work together to accomplish seemingly impossible outcomes?

Reel Conversations n a recent rainy day, I saw Bridge of Spies. Tom Hanks portrays real-life insurance lawyer James Donovan who, in 1962, successfully negotiated a spy-prisoner exchange between the US and Russia. I remember watching the nightly news about our pilot Francis Gary Powers and his U2 spy plane. (If you haven’t seen the movie, go now.

This is your permission slip. Better yet, ask your boss to take the entire office.)

This real story offers a lesson in leadership: Making things happen begins with a clear commitment.

James Donovan Without any governmental title or clout, and without training in political diplomacy, James Donovan accepted being the negotiator. Why? He didn’t just think that it was a good idea to avoid an international incident that could trigger a war with Russia. He accepted the role because it matched his commitment to serve the greater good.

The negotiation process wasn’t smooth. However, regardless of the roadblocks (“Return our Russian first, then we’ll send you Powers.”), Donovan’s commitment never wavered. His behavior modeled effective leadership.

• He spoke to his Russian counterpart as a person, not as a bureaucrat or enemy.

• He respected the Russian negotiator’s views.

• He managed his emotions.

• He started difficult conversations without knowing how they’d turn out.

• He never felt victimized (they made me do it) by his commitment. He owned it fully.

One of the most telling conversations came when Donovan leans over to his Russian counterpart and says: “We need to have the conversations our governments can’t.” How honest. How risky. How authentic.

No matter how moving these celluloid conversations are, we recognize they are fictional, scripted and rehearsed. Some land on the cutting room floor. When the credits roll, we leave the theatre unencum-

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bered with responsibilities, unaffected by the consequences of the conversations.

Real Conversations our conversations aren’t fictional. Your customers, boss, teammates aren’t characters. There aren’t rehearsals. You don’t have a cutting room. Your conversations have consequences. They set the stage upon which work with gets done well … or not.

At the most fundamental level, creating a workplace reality of trust and productivity requires honoring your word.

Honoring your word is accomplished by doing what you said you would do and by informing others when you see accomplishing the goal is in jeopardy.

Exercise: Anchor What’s Floating Purpose: Create trust and partnership by telling the truth about what you will and won’t do.

Definition: Sometimes a commitment is mushy: “I’ll let you know.” Sometimes a commitment is clear: “You and I will have a one-on-one every other week.” For this exercise, treat both as commitments.

Part 1: Have a conversation with yourself.

Set aside 15 minutes. Make a list of the commitments you’ve made which do not have a “complete-by” time. (Handwrite the list.)

Put a name with each commitment.

List the names of 5 people with whom you work closely and ask yourself: What does (name) think I’m working on? Or, what is (name) expecting from me?

Create a separate list of people outside of work.

Rudolph Abel Put your name on either list because you also make commitments to you.

Part 2: Have a conversation with the people on your list.

Schedule a 15-minute conversation with each person. Tell them the purpose is to make sure you are meeting their expectations.

When you meet: State the purpose.

Remember — This is about you meeting your commitments, not about their commitments.

State each commitment to them. “You asked me for my ideas on the priorities for next year. When do you need them?” Set a by-when and if they say, “Whenever you get to it,” you set a date.

When you’ve covered your list, ask if you’ve committed to something else. Have a conversation to understand their expectation and negotiate the by-when.

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Thank them, end the meeting and do not bring up any other agenda items.

Part 3: Repeat f the person wants to meet with you for the purpose of getting current with commitments, congratulations! You’ve created an environment of openness, with no blame and personal responsibility.

Our conversations create realities. It doesn’t take a big budget or a red carpet.

It does take effort, and giving up some of our ego. n ••• Camille Smith: Office: 831-685-1480 ~ Mobile: 831-251-5190. Leadership Coach,

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Bridge of Spies

Communication Specialist, Facilitator, Speaker.

President, Work In Progress Coaching~Turning potential into results: www.wipcoaching.com

Winter Fun

ACROSS

1. Appear like a chick 6. Unit of electrical resistance 9. “____ the word” 13. Convex molding 14. Honey maker 15. Japanese-American 16. Russian author of “Dead Souls” 17. “C’____ la vie!”

18. English county 19. *Students’ winter delight?

21. *Apres-ski site 23. Goose egg 24. *Snow ____ 25. Olden-day aerosol can propellant 28. Post WWII military alliance

30. Lorraine’s neighbor 35. Word of mouth 37. Drug smuggler 39. “____ ____ a high note” 40. Orange traffic controller 41. Parting words 43. Bookie’s quote 44. Like draft beer 46. Apiece 47. 7 days 48. Made amends 50. Clarified butter 52. Like martini or humor 53. Justice’s garb 55. A late time of life 57. *He stole Christmas 60. *Frosty, e.g.

64. ____ profundo 65. Tropical American cuckoo 67. Index and middle fingers extended

68. Furiously angry 69. Container for liquids 70. Island off Manhattan 71. “Lights out” signal 72. Weary traveler’s destination 73. *Toboggans

DOWN

1. The ____, Washington’s offensive line, 1980s-90s 2. Shakespeare’s hometown river 3. A meal order for takeout 4. Pierrot or Harlequin, e.g.

5. ____ ____, as in breath 6. Be obedient 7. “For ____ a jolly...”

8. Subway in Paris 9. Japanese soup

10. Brezhnev’s country 11. Track event 12. Half dozen 15. Get cozy 20. Remember this battle site!

22. Baseball stat 24. Autumn attraction 25. *Popular hot winter beverage 26. Can be hot or cold, according to meteorologists 27. Ann Patchett’s novel “Bel ____” 29. *Donut-shaped sled 31. *Chionophobia is fear or dislike of this 32. Supplemented 33. Computer programmer 34. Glorify 36. With little fat 38. Make a sketch

42. “Two and a Half Men” star 45. Popular anise-flavored liqueur 49. *He’s busy during cold and flu season 51. Runs off 54. Indian vegetable fritter 56. Inhabit 57. Greek personification of Earth 58. Invitation request 59. a.k.a. The Islamic State 60. *Capricorn or Aquarius 61. Tom, not Tabby 62. Battery fluid 63. Famed loch 64. Club alternative 66. Mother Teresa, e.g. © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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The Book Bag

By Robert Francis

Some very timely books for readers of all ages and tastes …

The Theory of Death

Find Your Balance Point

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By Faye Kellerman William Morrow. $26.99 his 27th installment of the top selling Decker/Lazarus series has a decided academic bent to it.

Former Police Lieutenant Peter Decker has retired from the big city to a lower profile job in upstate New York.

Although he has enjoyed the less frenetic pace and rural lifestyle, Decker has still managed to keep busy with the upstate police. When a nude, male body is discovered in the local woods, the authorities are puzzled about not only who the dead man is but whether this is a homicide or something else.

Called in to aid the investigation, Decker must first identify the body and that’s when a former Greenbury detective, Tyler McAdams, helps out. Staying with Decker, the first year law student hears about the investigation and elects to forsake his law books for a while to lend a hand.

Once the dead man is identified the trail leads to Kneed Loft College and a group of gifted but rather eccentric math prodigies. Decker and McAdams may be a bit in over their heads, as they have to match wits with some scheming academics and sift through some puzzling ciphers and enigmatic formulas. But even in this bucolic setting there is plenty of danger. And, as Sherlock Holmes once observed, when a brilliant mind goes bad, the result can be a very dangerous adversary indeed!

Lila

By Marilynne Robinson Picador. $16 uch praised when it was first released and subsequently awarded the National Book Critics Circle prize, this memorable novel is now available as a less expensive trade paperback.

Author Marilynne Robinson returns to Gilead, the setting of her Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the

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same name, as she recounts the story of a homeless young woman who, after years of being alone, finds solace as the wife of a minister.

Lilia was neglected as a toddler but rescued by a drifter named Doll who brought the child up in less than desirable circumstances. The pair lived life on the run and their marginal existence was punctuated by intense moments of violence and desperation as well as fleeting moments of happiness.

Now after years of a homeless existence, Lila meets John Ames, the minister of a church in Gilead, Iowa, and the two fall in love and marry. The challenge now is reconciling her past existence with this new, small town existence and the judgmental worldview of her husband.

The list of publications that named “Lila” a “Best Book of the Year” is a lengthy one that ranges from “The Wall Street Journal,” “The Washington Post” and the “Christian Science Monitor” to “The Economist” and NPR.

Too Many Toys!

By Heidi Deedman Candlewick Press. $15.99 ulu has so many toys she can hardly move around her room. With each birthday and holiday the toys keep arriving until finally she decides to do something about the excessive collection of playthings.

Not only does she come up with a thoughtful plan but Lulu also solves the problem nicely and feels good about the outcome.

Look around your house and if there are toys everywhere perhaps it might be time to sit down and read this book with

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your child. Toys are fine, but it should not be a contest to see who has the most playthings plus, honestly, how many of them never get used once the box is opened?

Indulgent parents or grandparents will benefit from reading this book with a child in the family. Perhaps both can work together to glean the collection like Lulu does.

Sea Room

An Island Life in the Hebrides

By Adam Nicolson Picador. $ 20 dam Nicolson’s family has owned the Shiants, a cluster of three small islands in the Outer Hebrides, since his father purchased them in the late 1930s.

Reissued with a new afterword, “Sea Room” was first published in 2001 and offers a complete look at the natural and cultural history of this isolated spot off the Scottish Highlands.

Nicolson explains his love of these islands and how he has endeavored to discover as much as he can about their past. There’s more information here about the bird populations, raising sheep and natural wonders of the area than its connection with humans since these islands never attracted many people for extended periods of time.

For those interested in this type of rugged island environment or life in this demanding area of Northern Scotland, this will be a worthwhile read. Those familiar with the fiction of Scottish author Compton Mackenzie may find it interesting that he also previously owned these islands and worked this area into his novels.

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By Brian Tracy and Christina Stein BK Publishers. $22.95 f you feel overwhelmed by the daily job and personal duties, tasks and responsibilities you face and are looking for some relief, this is a little book you’ll want to consider reading.

The way to take control of your life and feel less stressed out is to find your balance point and thus enjoy an existence that is focused on the things that are truly important. The goal of Brian Tracy and Christina Stein is to show the reader just how this can be accomplished.

Offering a series of questions that guide the reader to reflect and focus, along with concrete action steps and exercises, the authors point the way to how anyone can discover his or her balance point and then use it to set new priorities.

Once this is done the individual should not only feel energized but also will feel less stressed out. Being able to accomplish more and operate more efficiently will be a major benefit of this clarification of one’s priorities.

Make Me: A Jack Reacher Novel

By Lee Child Delacorte Press. $28 he protagonist of twenty thrillers, Jack Reacher has become a modern popular fiction phenomenon.

This latest Reacher adventure opens in the most unlikely of places — the small town of Mother’s Rest.

It will take just over 400 pages to figure out what makes this isolated community so interesting to Reacher, but, as his legion of fans know, it will be well worth accompanying the action hero on this journey of discovery.

Along with Special Agent Michelle Chang, Reacher will seek to learn why this out-of-the-way venue is the site of a clandestine burial, which provides the opening scene of the story. And since Reacher is involved, you know there will be more corpses that will eventually need interment! n

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Featured Columnist

Emergency Preparedness & The Holidays

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

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e have heard the warnings that the El Nino winter storms are just around the corner so now is the time to address the hazards that winter can bring and talk about what we can do now to protect ourselves and our property.

If Mother Nature does provide us with an El Niño equal or stronger than the one’s in ‘97 or ’82, we better be prepared.

It’s better to spend time to correct potential problems now than in the middle of night in a pouring rain. Take a look around your property is it ready for the rainy season? Have the gutters on your house been cleaned? Are the downspouts free of obstructions and connected to your drainage system. What does the roof look like?

Now is the time to arrange for repairs or replacement. Will rain water drain away from your home or will it accumulate?

Does drainage from your property impact your neighbor’s property? Is your property ready for the strong winds that we often see during the winter? Take time now to secure loose items in the yard or store them for winter. Have any limbs or trees in question checked and removed if necessary.

Be ready to spend several days without electricity. Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand as well as a landline telephone that requires no household electricity, and a battery operated radio. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney cleaned and inspected, insure that a proper chimney cap and spark arrestor are in place. Check for limbs that may have grown over or near your chimney and trim them back at least 10 feet. Make sure to remove all combustibles away from the fireplace and wall or floor furnaces that may have accumulated over the summer.

During winter storms, do not drive into flooded roads so water won’t stall your car or carry it away. Because as little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet the best advice is to stay put during storms unless told otherwise by local emergency responders. If you live in an area where flooding is possible keep sandbags, plastic sheeting and other materials on hand before the flooding starts.

It’s also the holiday season; everyone is busy with the hustle and bustle that

goes with this time of year. While you are enjoying family and friends this year please take a few moments to ensure their safety.

Statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration shows that during the month of December, 72% of structure fires are residential and the leading cause involves cooking and is closely followed by heating related fires. Cooks can often become distracted during this time of the year, by family, friends and yes even adult beverages. Cooking fires during the holidays

result from food or cooking equipment being left unattended or combustible items like towels, wooden utensils, oven mitts and cook books being left too close to a heat source. Keep all combustibles well away from any heat source and never leave items cooking left unattended, it only takes a few minutes for oil in a pan to reach its ignition temperature and possibly ruin a holiday.

“Prepare” page 31

Featured Columnist

Investing in Nutrition and Education

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n any given day, as many as one in four local children will wonder whether their home will have enough food to feed them or where their next meal will come from. And when food is available, many families faced with increasing rents and high costs of living stretch their dollars with inexpensive food that is high in calories and low in nutrition.

No area of the county is immune to this reality, and all school districts from the San

By Zach Friend, County Supervisor 2nd District & Michael Watkins Superintendent County Office of Education

Lorenzo Valley to the Pajaro Valley have children that come to school for more than just education – they come for their most secure healthy meal of the day.

57 percent of Santa Cruz County students are eligible for either a free or reduced lunch. In addition, many schools provide a free breakfast program to ensure some sense of food security.

There is an important correlation between nutrition and learning. And of equal importance, as a community we share a

strong responsibility to assuring our local children have access to reliable, healthy food options.

Just imagine living with food insecurity - not knowing where your next meal will come from or whether it will be large enough or healthy enough to be optimal. Now imagine a local child, attending school, asked to participate, study and be tested — all without having access to consistent, healthy meals.

Remijio Serna, volunteer for Second Harvest Food Bank

“Friend” page 31

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 15th 2015 / 27

Community Calendar

Aptos Chamber of Commerce Thurs. Jan. 14 2016

January Breakfast Meeting

7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Best Western Seacliff Inn, Aptos oin us for our January Breakfast Meeting, with special guest speaker Second District Supervisor Zach Friend. Learn about the current on goings of Aptos and Santa Cruz County. Be sure to bring business cards and promotional items so that you can network with chamber and community members.

Please call for reservations, 831-688-1467. Cost: $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-members.

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Tues. Jan. 26 2016 January Mixer

5 - 6:30 p.m., Golden Chiropractic 9053 Soquel Dr., Aptos oin us for our first mixer of the New Year at Golden Chiropractic! Free chair massage when you bring in a donation for the Second Harvest Food Bank! Be sure to bring business cards and promotional items so that you can network with chamber and community members.

Cost: $5 for chamber members, $10 for nonmembers.

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Thurs. Feb. 18 2016

February Breakfast Meeting

7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Location: Best Western Seacliff Inn, Aptos oin us for our February Breakfast Meeting, with special guest speaker Frank Zwart, Campus Architect and Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSC. Come and learn about the current state and history of UCSC. Be sure to bring business cards and promotional items so that you can network with chamber and community members.

Please call for reservations, 831-688-1467. Cost: $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-members.

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Wednesday Dec. 23 Thursday Dec. 24

Announcements

Twin Lakes Church Candle Light Service

Nar-Anon

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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 Visit www.naranoncalifornia.org/ norcal/meetings for more info.

Wednesday: 5:30p.m., 7p.m.

Thursday: 3p.m., 5:30p.m. oin Twin Lakes Church for a candle light service followed by a brief intimate service to light a candle for a loved one and reflect on the love of Christ.

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Tuesday January 26

Aptos Branch Sons In Retirement Luncheon

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Ongoing Events Weekdays

CASA Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

writing, communication, and ASA empowers volunteers to interview skills. directly influence life-changing For more information, call profile decisions affecting children in at (831) 479-0393 or visit www. foster care. Court appointed santacruzprofile.org. special advocates are everyday people that, with just a few hours a Business Debtors Anonymous week can have a lifetime of impact 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal for a child who has been abused Church, Parish Hall, 532 Center or neglected. More info www.

Street, Santa Cruz casaofsantacruz.org or call (831) e specifically focus on 761-2956 XT.102 recovering from debting on First Mondays: 2-3 p.m., one’s business. in Watsonville For more information: 831-425Second Tuesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. 3272

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in Capitola Third Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. in Watsonville Third Thursdays: 2-3 p.m. in Santa Cruz Third Fridays: 12-1 p.m. in Aptos

CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates lunch and learn something new from a top notch guest speaker.

Call Greg Horne at (831) 6841834 to RSVP & bring a friend!

count organizer. See website for additional information, www. santacruzbirdclub.org

Dated Events

Sundays

Saturday December 19 Monday December 21 Sunday January 31 Bridal Expo at the Boardwalk’s 59th Annual

First Baptist Church Bible Study Christmas Bird Count

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ome join the 59th Annual 9:45 a.m: Bible Study Chirstmas Bird Count. Birders 11 a.m.: Workshop from all over are expected to 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos participate in this event which irst Baptist Church of Aptos is hosted by the Santa Cruz Bird welcomes you to join their bible Club for this area. Most of the bird study and worshops every Sunday. counting events last from dawn to Call (831) 688-5842 for more dusk and start varying locations.

For information, contact the circle information

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Local Toastmaster Club Member Search

12-1 p.m., Goodwill Conference Room, 350 Encinal Street, SC anta Cruz Orators Toastmasters Club strives to improve members public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Guests are welcome!

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Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

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ASA volunteer Advocates receive 35 hours of specialized training. Court appointed special advocates are everyday people that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or First & Third Mondays neglected.

Caregiver Support Group If you would like to participate 12-1 p.m., PAMF, 2850 Comin the next Advocate training mercial Crossing, Santa Cruz atz Cancer Center, PAMF and contact cita@casaofsantacruz.org Hospice of Santa Cruz County or (831) 761-2956 invite you to attend a Caregiver Wednesdays Support Group for those caring for someone with a serious illness. Aptos Noon Toastmasters When a loved one is seriously ill, 12:00-1:00p.m. Rio Sands Hotel, it can be a challenge for the entire 116 Beach Drive family. In this ongoing support ome join a dynamic, group, we will share stories, supportive group of people learn tools for coping and receive at all levels of experience from support from people who care. beginners to more advanced.

Contact Hospice of Santa Cruz We’re here to help you discover County Grief Support Program. your voice and share it effectively.

(831) 430-3078 Everyone is welcome!

Follow us on Facebook: Facebook.

Tuesdays com/AptosNoonToastmasters or more info: (831) 236-1171 PROFILE of Santa Cruz 2:45pm, 2045 40th Ave. Clares Second Wednesdays St. Capitola eed help finding a job? Join Sons in Retirement PROFILE of Santa Cruz. Its Noon, Elks Club at 150 Jewell St. free and it works. Last year it his statewide group of retired places 126 of its members in jobs, men invites you to be our guest and we can help you too. Ongoing at our monthly luncheon. You’ll workshops will cover resume meet kindred spirits, have a fine

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At the Severinos Restaurant. peaker will be Dr. Steven Crain DC. Dr. Crain has formed a company, “Whole Brain Health” which is a healthy coaching company for seniors in early stages of memory loss. SIR is a club for retired men which has no dues, fees, political or religious agendas.

Call Jack at 688-0977 for more information.

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Bridal Expo

Cocoanut Grove

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et all the information you need to plan the perfect wedding!

More than 100 specialist and service representatives from the Monterey Bay Area are expected to be on hand for the annual expo.

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Announcements Volunteers Needed for the Monterey Symphony

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Arts and Entertainment

band for Non-profit events (donations are tax deductible). www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org

Thursdays

Lucky Steppers Modern he Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love Square Dance music and want to be involved, 6:30 pm, German American Hall, please call (831) 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for 230 Plymouth St. Santa Cruz quare dancing! Try it, you’ll like more information. it! Friendship put to music, event is family friendly. Classes through Jan 29 are free. Teacher Don Benson For more information, contact Sue or Don at (831) 72-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.

Ongoing Events

Ongoing thru Dec. 5

War Comes Home Exhibit

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Modern Square Dancing Class

SLV Museum in Boulder Creek.

7:00pm, German-American Hall his national exhibition about the Santa Cruz, 230 Plymouth experiences of veterans and their all (831) 726-7053 or e-mail families upon homecoming from caller4u@razzolink.com for Civil War era to the present. more information!

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Ongoing thru Dec. 12

Scotts Valley Library Exhibits Ageless Arts

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he SV library will have on display artwork created by the residents at Brookdale Scotts Valley. Residents artwork created under the guidance of Ageless Art Volunteer Gloria Daniels will be on exhibit.

Mondays

Adult Mixed Level Hip Hop

7:15-8:15pm, Deer Park Plaza Suite 53 ome and dance for the love of movement and learn the principles of culture of contemporary hip hop. This class will awaken your inner attitude with loud, heart-pumping beats and dramatic choreography.

Classes are $10-$12. For more info visit www.ceodanceco.com

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Third Monday each month

Stitchers By The Sea Meetings

7 p.m., Live Oak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Rd., Santa Cruz titchers-by-the-Sea, the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, holds meetings open to the public each month.

No admission fees.

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Tuesdays

BINGO

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. Buy-In $15.

Full snack bar available. First Tuesday of each month is special $25 buy in (up to five packs).

Join us! www.soquelsports.com

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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

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Last Thursdays each month

Monthly Argentine Tango at Star Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante

4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene Italian/Argentene Restarante, 21245 East Cliff Dr. his is a night for true “Social Tango.” Order a wonderful meal from the Star Bene Argentine Menu, (or their well known italian menu), and enjoy the ambiance of Argentina and join us in a social tango dance to music from the Golden Age of Tango.

Private instruction and classes by arrangement. For more information, call Michael (831) 239-2247.

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and unique items. Come and check it out! Browse through a wide assortment of treasures including books and photographs, vintage jewelry, clothing, glass and ceramic collectibles, vintage hawaiian kitsch, turquoise, original artwork, and a whole lot of whatnot!

For more info, please contact us at (831) 476-6940 or visit us on Facebook.

Sherry Austin with Henhouse

6-9 p.m., Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn local Americana icon with an exquisite voice, Sherry Austin reminds us in silky, smooth tones about life’s simple pleasures.

Austin on guitar, and a stellar lineup of local taken perform classic folk, country-folk, folk-rock, and standard ballads. Enjoy the Third Sunday of Every Month music in a comfortable, attractive, Science Sunday family-friendly venue just ten Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, minutes from downtown Santa Santa Cruz, 95060 Cruz. eymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of Friday January 8 every month. Topics are presented Saturday January 9 in an entertaining and easy-tounderstand format, with up-to-date D-League Showcase photos, video, and discussion. ive days and 19 games. The 2016 Science Sunday does not meet Showcase features talent from in December. For more info visit NBA D-league teams and is well seymourcenter.ucsc.edu attended by NBA scouts and executives. The hometown Santa Cruz Warriors will be featured in a pair of games January 8th & 9th. Times TBA. www.santacruzbasketball.com

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Dated Events

Friday December 18 Winterpalooza

4-8p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History oin us for an evening filled with the chilliest hands-on crafts and activities. Explore the opening of the Toy Trains exhibit, make your own gift wrap & crafty cards, and buy any last minute holiday gifts from our Teen Art Market hosted by Subjects to Change. Still need that First Fridays each month holiday photo for your 2014 scrap First Friday Art Tour he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa books? Make your memories last in Cruz Institute of Contemporary our ‘Let It Snow’ photobooth. FREE Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The Friday December 18 event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented thru Wed. December 23 local artists from local galleries.

To find out where to participate Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train in a First Friday art tour, visit rain departs from the Santa firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most Cruz Beach Boardwalk, vintage galleries are open 12-9 pm for First excursion cars, adorned with thouFriday viewings.) sands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers Second Saturdays Each Month lend their voices to holiday carols, sip 2nd Saturday on the Farm hot spiced cider and listen tp musical 11a.m.-3p.m., Ag History Project entertainment while Samnta visits the Center at the Santa Cruz County little ones or the young at heart! Bring Fairgrounds the whole family for festive fun! oin us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities.

Each month we select a new theme Saturday December 19 to highlight historical agriculture Sunday December 20 with games, activities, and demHorse Drawn Carriage Rides onstrations that relate. We often have guest appearances from farm Saturdays: 3-5 p.m.; Sundays 1-4 animals like llamas, draft horses, p.m., Downtown Santa Cruz njoy a good old-fashioned sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and more! You are sure to find something fun and entertaining for through Downtown Santa Cruz.

Reserve your seats online. Perfect the whole family.

Check our website and Facebook family outing or a romantic date. page for more details. FREE

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Friday January 8 thru Sunday Jan. 10 Fungus Fair

Friday: 2 pm–5 pm (After-hours event 6pm - 9pm) • Saturday: 10 am–5 pm • Sunday: 10 am–5 pm, Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz eeping the fun in fungus, the annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair unfolds at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Events include cooking demonstrations, guest speakers and you can even bring in mushrooms you’ve found for identification. www.ffsc.us

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Sunday January 17

Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival

1-4 pm, Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove he annual Chocolate Festvial comes to the Cocoanut Grove at the Boardwalk, bringing together local chocolatiers, artisans and aficionados. And don’t miss the workshop “Chocolate Alchemy 101.” The event is sponsored by the UC Santa Cruz Women’s Club, a fundraiser for scholarships. http://womensclub.ucsc.edu/ fundraising/chocolate-festival/ index.html

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Saturday January 23 Sunday January 24 Santa Cruz Symphony: Mahler’s First

Saturday: 8 pm, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium • Sunday: 2 pm Tuesday December 22 Watsonville Mello Center he Symphony’s 58th season Second Sundays Each Month SC Warriors vs. Los Angeles continues with Peer Gynt no. 1 heer on your Santa Cruz Downtown Santa Cruz and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony Warriors, the most advanced Antique Street Fair players in the world outside of the no.1 at the Santa Cruz Civic 9:00am-4:00pm, Lincoln St. Auditorium on Jan. 23rd and on NBA as they compete in a 3,200 (Between Pacific and Cedar) seat facility near the Santa Cruz Jan. 24 at the Mello Center for the he “Original” Downtown Performing Arts. More info Antique Faire is back! Vendors Beach Boardwalk.

Kaiser Permanente Arena at 7p.m. www.santacruzsymphony.org n offer an eclectic blend of antiques

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Your December Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

The worst thing you can hear as the final month begins is that you don’t deserve to be where you are. After all you’ve done to get here, how can anyone call you out like that? You’re totally in your methodical groove midmonth, and it’s no secret that you absolutely love it when a plan comes together. You don’t mean to cause a stir after Christmas, and it’s actually surprising to you when you find out that something you did caused so much drama. It was never your intention to create a scene, but if you did, just apologize and move on in that typical matter-of-fact way of yours.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Everything is up for negotiation as December begins. You haggle to get the best price, and you’re able to reword contracts and rework deals so they work in your favor. You pride yourself on being aloof at times, but when you meet someone in the first week who you have an instant connection with, it’s really hard to play it cool. You have a very unique vision of the world, and the best time to share it is midmonth. Be prepared for the amazing reception your ideas and opinions get. Continue to work behind the scenes as 2015 draws to a close, especially since you’ll be feeling a lot more shy and withdrawn than normal.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You’re ready to ditch the old and bring in the new through the first week of the final month. You have the best intentions to do the right thing through the second week, but there are temptations and distractions around every corner. Your carefully-organized plans come off without a hitch midmonth, and you couldn’t be happier. When everyone shows up when and where they’re supposed to, it brings a big smile to your face. You have great ideas for the holiday, but the details are still a little fuzzy. Go back to the drawing board to put the final touches on your blueprints before revealing them to the world.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You’re one brave pioneer as December begins; when someone asks you to eat something funky or to try a sport you’ve never tried before, your first reaction is “heck yeah, why not?!” You’re really concerned with your status midmonth, but no one is paying as much attention to it as you are. Making an effort to better yourself is a great thing, but not if you’re only doing it to get attention. Money holds you back from doing what you want to do as Christmas approaches, which could be a blessing in disguise. Changing your financial habits now allows for big profits in the future. Go on a thrill ride just before the new year. You love that adrenaline rush!

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You really don’t like to be told what to do to start the month. Most people are somewhat resistant to authority, but, wow, you really resent it right now! A couple of very positive personal days boost your confidence midmonth, which you should be able to turn around and use to further your career in some way. Giving strangers compliments is a fun experiment later in the month, and perhaps the biggest surprise is how good it makes you feel. Wearing a smile is a more attractive outfit than almost anything else you’ve got hanging in your closet. A growing romance makes you feel giddy inside as the new year approaches.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You’re just having a good time as December begins, but other people take you seriously.

Lighten the mood by letting everyone in the room in on the joke. You come across as smart and decisive near midmonth, which is surprising given the whirlwind that’s going on in your head. Your daydreams guide you toward a new job or career on as the holidays approach, and if there’s anyone you know who might be able to give you a good recommendation, don’t be afraid to call in a few favors. Your mind is wide open with the new year on the horizon, which leads to an interesting form of free-flowing consciousness. Your visions are enlightening.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Are people staring at you as the final month begins? You can be a bit excessive if left to your own devices, so it might take a friend to tell you to step away from the buffet or to blink when you’re binge-watching your favorite show to get you to stop. Peer pressure can get the best of you mid-December, and even if you don’t give in it can leave you wondering if you’re ‘good enough’ or ‘normal’ — whatever that means. But the overwhelming answer is that, yes, you are. You stay calm when everyone else freaks after Christmas, which should win you an award of some type. Or at the very least a giant thank you from the people you’re able to rescue.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

You’re surrounded by the popular crowd to open December, but you fit easily into almost any group of people; try not to let your BFF feel left out, though, as you add new friends to your life.

Being helpful to other people is what gets you out of bed midmonth, especially if your efforts get rewarded. You’d love to say you’re doing a selfless thing, but you are a Leo after all, and you like your praise! You can brighten any room you walk into as the holidays approach, but if the smiles and laughter don’t come immediately, be patient. They will. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You don’t encounter a lot of stop signs to start the month, but you might come across one or two that advise you to yield. It’s great that you have so many options in front of you but pausing to smell the flowers every once in a while is a good idea, too. You have a problem sharing later in the month, and if you see someone not appreciating what they have or what someone else worked hard for, it makes your blood boil. You get an A for punctuality as you prepare for the new year, for what it’s worth. Not wasting anyone else’s time is its own reward.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

Don’t ignore that pesky voice inside your head the first week of the last month, because there’s a very good reason that it’s being persistent. It’s easy to want what other people have, but be patient.

Because guess what? There’s a lot to be said for working hard, saving up, and finally being able to afford the luxury items you want. The effort is so worth the wait. You might be giving off some weird vibes as you approach the holidays, and whether or not it’s intentional, people around you are definitely affected by them. Procrastination is inevitable after Christmas, so team up with someone who is more on time and less lethargic than you’re feeling! Snapping out of it isn’t an option.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You love a good secret as December begins, and for some reason you’re a magnet for people who want to unburden their minds with sordid tales of depravity and debauchery. They don’t have to worry, though, because their secrets truly are safe with you. Stumbling upon new ways to organize your stuff or to clean your place is the highlight of your midmonth days. It’s important to do your best work when a boss or teacher is watching just before the holiday, especially if you’ve been looking for an advantage in getting ahead. The end of the month bring challenges that you couldn’t possibly be prepared for, but your ability to persevere no matter what keeps you in the game.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

When your friends and family ask you for advice the first week of the month, you have plenty to say. You’ve been keeping a lot of your feelings to yourself lately, and this is the perfect time to get them out into the open. You have more confused moments than usual half-way through December, and although you really hate to come off as an airhead, you can’t seem to keep track of anything. The more active you are the better around the Christmas holiday, because it keeps your mind from wandering to places it shouldn’t. Distractions are the key to your happiness on these days! Good fortune smiles on you on the brink of the new year. How lucky you are!

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 15th 2015 / 29

Business Guide

CAPITOLA HOME SWEET HOME $289,000! Great 2 Bed/2 Ba. Manuf. Home.

Own a share of this charming retirement community. Close to beach, shopping, dining, transportation, med. offices, and freeway access.

1991 Skyline, # 25700529A(B)D 831-331-0432

Featured Columnist

How to Improve Your Pet’s Veterinary Visit

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o you dread taking your pet to the veterinarian? Does your cat run and hide as soon as the cat carrier appears in your house? Does your dog start shaking with fear as soon as he sees the veterinary clinic’s front door? Does your blood pressure rise with the veterinarian’s persistent questions? The veterinary visit does not have to be full of pet fear and owner angst. Here are a few tips on how to dramatically improve your pet’s visit to the veterinarian.

Before the Visit id you know that a lifetime of positive veterinary experiences starts when your pet is very young?

A kitten should be trained to ride comfortably in a cat carrier. Start with short car rides around the block and gradually increase the distance.

These rides do not need to have a destination; the simple act of riding in a car in a cat carrier is an important feline skill. Always praise your pet for a job well done when she arrives home. A puppy should be socialized even further. Many veterinary hospitals welcome you to bring your puppy to the hospital lobby regularly for treats and a little extra love; this way the veterinary hospital visit is not always associated with the fear of a veterinary exam and vaccinations.

You can also train your pet to tolerate the physical exam. Both cats and dogs should have their ears touched, feet manipulated, mouths opened, eyes looked at, tails examined, etc., on a regular basis by their owners. Praise your pets after touching them. It is best to start this routine when your pet is

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / December 15th 2015 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

By Tiffany Mitchener, DVM

very young, but it is never too late to train an older pet, too. Ultimately, this will help your pet to think of the veterinary physical exam as a normal part of her routine throughout her life.

During the Visit id you know that you, as the pet owner, are an extremely important part of the veterinary appointment? Since our patients cannot talk for themselves, we veterinarians rely on owners for all communication, especially a detailed history. If this is a routine, annual wellness exam, the questions may pertain to previous medical history, current diet, medications, and any newly developing habits. If the patient is sick, the questions may be more specific, asking about when the illness was first observed, any changes to behavior, appetite, thirst, energy levels, eliminations, or other details.

It is important to be truthful in this conversation. The veterinarian is not judging your care of your pet; the veterinarian is there to help you.

If you know that your pet ingested something potentially toxic, speak up!

If your pet has previously diagnosed health problems, let the veterinarian know this important information. If you have any specific concerns, it is important to share these as well.

What are important steps for you, as the pet owner, to do at the veterinary visit?

• Most importantly, Do warn the staff if your pet has become aggressive or tried to bite in the past.

• Do be on time for your appointment.

• Do come prepared to give the veterinary staff your full attention.

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• Do know your pet and come prepared to discuss a detailed history of the current issue.

• Do take notes to share with relatives later.

• Do be flexible with the veterinarian’s time; remember that unexpected emergencies can throw off a veterinarian’s schedule.

• Do bring only the pet with the appointment to the visit. Additional animals in the exam room can distract from your pet’s visit.

• Do get an estimate for the recommended treatments, and do feel free to discuss finances. Most veterinarians understand that caring for your pet can be expensive and would like to help you explore financing options, if needed.

• Do ask questions if you do not understand what the veterinarian is recommending.

After the Visit id you know that you and your veterinarian together should establish a plan for your pet’s care after the appointment?

• You should be certain that you understand this plan and are able to carry it out. It should be made clear to you what the next step is in either diagnosis or treatment with your pet.

• All medications should be explained thoroughly as to what the medication is for, how often it should be given, and what potential side effects to watch for.

• If you are not going to be able to perform some of the treatment at home, then speak up. The veterinarian may be able to modify the recommended therapy.

• If something is unclear, be sure to call the hospital and ask questions. It is also important to follow through with any recommended recheck exams.

Remember that the veterinarian is on your side and wants to help you and your pet. In order to provide the very best care, the veterinary visit requires teamwork on your part as the pet owner, your pet, and the veterinarian. The more effort you put into the appointment, the more helpful it will be for your pet. And then everyone — especially your pet — wins! n

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SCCAS Featured Pet

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As Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows, a pressing need has to be satisfied before someone would give their attention to the

Looking for a Home for the Holidays

ust in time for the holidays! CECIL and OPAL are ready for a warm, loving home!

These pint sized 3 pounders can’t help but fill your heart with love, laughter, and joy! They have lived with a foster volunteer since they were around 3 months old and have been well socialized with other dogs. They are working hard at their house training and will do well with someone who continues to give them consistency.

Given their small size, they would do best in a home with children over 8 who can respect their size and stature. These littermates love each other and could be adopted together or separately. They would do well with a canine companion if adopted singly.

Cecil (A218823) and Opal (A218821) are neutered and spayed, 6 month old, deer head Chihuahuas.

Contact the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter for more information and check out their videos on the website at www.scanimalshelter.org To adopt your new friend, come to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter 2200 7th Ave, Santa Cruz n •••

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location – 2200 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday-Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Watsonville Location – 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12-1) Closed on Sunday SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227.

After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182

crossword on 25 »

“Friend” from page 27

Winter Fun © Statepoint Media

Second Harvest Food Bank delivers healthy produce and nutrition education to Delaveaga Elementary School.

next highest need. Without something as essential as food being provided, students are ill prepared to learn and struggle in school.

This is where the Second Harvest Food Bank comes in. In partnership with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Second Harvest supplements many of the local school free breakfast programs with healthy, reliable food options.

In fact, the Second Harvest nutrition program has grown to 60 sites over the last 20 years, providing over a million healthy meals a year to an average of 7,000 children each month. Second Harvest couples this with nutritional education for families to promote healthier eating habits at home.

Of the families that have participated in the program, over 90 percent are eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and have improved their eating habits overall.

But there is more that can be done.

We can all agree that no child should go hungry in our community. The local school districts and Second Harvest are working to make sure this goal is met.

Now it’s our turn.

This holiday season, let’s help Second Harvest give our local school children more confidence of where their next healthy meal will come from. Call Second Harvest at (831) 722-7110 or visit thefoodbank.org to learn more about the program, participate or donate. n

“Prepare” from page 27 During the holidays we also see the use of open flame in our homes increase, with the use of a fireplace, wood stove and candles causing an increase in items coming into contact with these open flames but also from kids playing with fire. Keep candles away from combustible items and never leave a candle burning when you leave the house or go to bed. Remind children that fire is a very dangerous tool and should not be played with. You may consider taking this time of year and teaching older children the proper use of fire and how to safety start a fire in the fireplace or light a candle under adult supervision.

Christmas tree fires can produce the most dangerous fires of all. A Christmas tree will burn with the same intensity as a pool of gasoline. How fast a Christmas tree fire will spread depends mostly on how dry it is. Keep the tree well away from ignition sources like the fireplace or heater and inspect all lights on the tree and never leave them on while away from home or when going to bed. If you have a real tree, keep it watered and remove a dry tree immediately.

Make sure you always have working smoke detectors in your home, changing the batteries twice a year with the time

change. A holiday gift of a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher may give the gift of life. On behalf of the members of the Aptos La Selva Fire District I would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.

Oh and don’t forget you can spread the joy of the holiday season by stopping by any of the fire stations and donating food or toys for those in need. n ••• For more information please visit; www. usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/holiday.shtm or call your local fire department.

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