COMMUNITY NEWS
Bioluminescence M ount Madonna School tenth graders are studying the chemistry and biology of bioluminescence, and learning how scientists explore the deep dark ocean to discover more about where the ability to produce light fits into the lives of sea creatures. This part of the oceanography curriculum prepares students for a night snorkel during a visit to Catalina Island. Part of the experience is shielding all light, allowing their eyes to adjust, then playing with the fireworks that happen when you swirl your hands and feet through thousands of tiny light-producing organisms. Some years the light is so bright that students spend hours at the dockside, swirling the water with an oar or a pool noodle and marveling at the light show. “We are hoping that California Department of Public Health restrictions on school field trips lift by fall, so that we can bring the entire high school to Catalina Island in September,” said teacher Lisa Catterall. “While this is
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Students work on an experiment examining a reaction that produces light. usually a freshman and sophomore adventure, for 2021-22, this re-envisioned learning journey would include all ninth to twelfth grade students.” n
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Organization of the Year
Second Harvest Food Bank
econd Harvest Food Bank stepped up like never before in 2020 to make sure the residents of Santa Cruz County had healthy food during the pandemic. They coordinated with many other nonprofits, churches and schools with more than 35 locations to provide meals for children. Their food distribution at the Fairgrounds and Boardwalk took place weekly with 95,000 people reached each month. Through their Holiday Food Drive, they were able to raise a record 5.5 million meals. When restaurants had to close, Second Harvest distribute fresh produce from growers whose crops would have been thrown away, providing healthy meals to families who would have otherwise gone hungry. Second Harvest also provided healthy meals to CZU fire victims. Read More About Second Harvest Food Bank at: https://tinyurl.com/PVCA-SHFB
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Event of the Year
Holiday Lights
he Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project partnered to create “Holiday
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Lights,” a first-time event to give the community something festive to do during the pandemic holidays. It was an enormous volunteer effort by 89 volunteers who spent a total of 5,398 hours creating and displaying the lights. That included 11 community groups that created incredible lighted displays in hopes of winning first, second or third place awards. Initial expectations were to be open 15 days with 6,000 vehicles and 18,000 guests. After the first weekend’s unbelievable attendance, Thursday nights were added — and by the last night, 12,584 vehicles with 37,752 visitors enjoyed the Holiday Lights. Some visited as many as seven times. One visitor compared it to Disneyland. Local sponsorship made it possible. Read More About Holiday Lights at: https://tinyurl.com/PVCA-holiday-lights ••• The award recipients were nominated by the community with final selection made by the award recipients from the past five years. The executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce decides on the Lifetime Achievement Award. n
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 15th 2021 / 13
