Protecting Pelicans: Mount Madonna Fifth Grade’s Environmental Project • Madagascar Jr: The Show Must Go On

Protecting Pelicans

Mount Madonna Fifth Grade’s Environmental Project

Each year, the Mount Madonna School fifth grade class engages in a yearlong cross-curricular study focused on an environmental topic selected by the students. For 2022-23, students voted to focus on pelicans to raise public awareness and reduce the existential threats faced by these seabirds.

In November, students visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz to learn about marine debris in the Monterey Bay and how it affects the ecosystem. That same day students conducted a cleanup of Cowell Beach, mostly collecting microplastic debris, cigarette butts and pieces of Styrofoam.

This field trip was part of the students’ research, as they are collaborating in small groups to write reports about pelicans, the Monterey Bay habitat, and identify threats to pelicans and conservation efforts underway.

Teacher Jessica Cambell invited representatives from International Bird Rescue to campus to speak to students.

“The presenters helped students to learn more about threats faced by pelicans and the work the organization is engaged in to help protect pelicans and other birds around the world,” said Cambell.

Mount Madonna students will create educational flyers for International Bird Rescue to use at public outreach events. The class will also “adopt” a pelican getting rehabilitation before release.

Cambell said additional collaborations include a possible link for Mount Madonna students with students at other schools located where pelicans migrate.

Another field trip will head to Neary Lagoon Park and Wildlife Refuge in Santa Cruz for a “watershed walk” with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

“Students will work with educators from the natural history museum to build an understanding of how humans impact the watershed and the role we all play in protecting our watershed,” said Cambell. “Students will conduct water quality testing, data analysis, habitat observation and stewardship. This field trip will also be connected to a classroom visit from a museum educator, as we explore the vital role watersheds play in the survival of pelicans and many other species.” n

Madagascar Jr: The Show Must Go On

Even when a power outage occurred on Dec. 10, Mount Madonna School middle-school students staging “Madagascar” refused to give up and invited all the Saturday guests to return for an early Sunday show. It was a great success!

The audiences charmed by musical tale of friendship and teamwork.

Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria, the hip-hip hippo, are best of friends at New York’s Central Park Zoo. When Marty escapes, the other three break free to look for him, only to find themselves reunited on a ship en route to Mother Africa. It’s a musical adventure of a lifetime. n

Photos Credit: John Welch

BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

Bay Federal Credit Union’s Education Scholarship is for students pursuing education and career training opportunities after high school. Up to three applicants will receive $1,500 to pay for expenses directly related to their continuing education.

Those who wish to be considered for an award must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants must submit a completed 2023 Education Scholarship Application and all required documents by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 17.

Award recipients will be notified via phone call and/or email by April 28. See the 2023 Student Scholarship Application for complete details and rules. Questions? Email scholarship@bayfed. com.

CASA LUNCHEON RESERVATION DEADLINE JAN. 25

The Friends of CASA invite you to its annual “For the Love of Children” luncheon on Wed., February 8, in the newly renovated events room at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos.

This luncheon, where the community comes together to learn more about CASA, raises money for the CASA Children’s Fund.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by January 20

The fund is used by our volunteer Advocates to purchase special and essential items such as bicycles, gymnastic and swimming classes, summer camp, back-to-school clothing, eyeglasses, braces, and strollers.

The fund also helps older youth with critical support such as car repairs, clothes for job interviews and tutoring.

Learn more about CASA of Santa Cruz County and the CASA Children’s Fund while enjoying a plated lunch. Reserve tickets for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon by Jan. 25 at www.casaofsantacruz.org/fortheloveofchildren or contact Magi Diego at 831-761-2956 x106 or magi@casaofsantacruz.org.

MLK YOUTH DAY POSTPONED; MARCH TO GO FORWARD

NAACP Santa Cruz County announces that Martin Luther King Jr Youth Day has been postponed until Saturday, Jan. 28, due to potential for heavy rainfall on Jan. 14.

The MLK March for the Dream and commemorative service at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium will take place as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 16, beginning at 10 am.

The march will begin at Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street and end at the Santa Cruz Civic Au-ditorium where participants will commemorate the accomplishments of the past and acknowledge the “fierce urgency of now” in forming a more just America. The program will start at 11 a.m. and end by 1 p.m.

The local NAACP invites organizations to register for the March at: https://forms.gle/MNCz4ocurvLrbtDx6. Volunteers are needed to help monitor the march; sign up at: https://forms.gle/y3kscjRZk14a5HCR7.

FOR NEW MOMS

The Santa Cruz County Nurse Family Partnership is a program to support pregnant women expecting their first baby and new moms with their first baby. For information, call 831-454-4339 or text 831-566-3592.

HELP MATCHINGDONORS.COM

Currently, 270 people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant; those that live wait 7 to 12 years to receive a kidney transplant through the government’s deceased organ donor waiting list.

Many patients receive their kidney transplant within only six months of registering on MatchingDonors. com, which is appealing to people to help by becoming a living organ donor or donating cars, boats, RVs, real estate, or planes to support the nonprofit organization, founded in 2003 and based in Boston.

Supporters include NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who raises money in the memory of his College of San Mateo coach Tom Martinez, who died of a heart attack in 2012 while waiting for a kidney transplant. Visit https://www.matchingdonors.com/life/ for more info.

PAJARO VALLEY ARTS MEMBERS’ EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION

Sunday January 22

2-4 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville • Exhibition displayed Jan. 18 thru Feb. 26 Pajaro Valley Arts is hosting an opening reception for its first exhibit of 2023, New Beginnings. The annual Members’ Exhibit is a favorite tradition, encouraging members to explore a range of topics, insights, and new approaches — apropos as we all begin to emerge from the last three years of Covid-19 isolation.

Curators are Jane Gregorius and Carol Walberg.

The art on view includes: Sculpture, drawing, ceramics, fiber, mixed media, encaustic (wax), print-making, photography, glasswork, and more from 97 of Santa Cruz County’s notable artists.

They are: Mary Altier, Oladire Araoluwa, Susana Arias, Jeff Arnett, Davina Midori Baker, Wendy Ballen, Ruth Bates , Jean Sheckler Beebe, Mike Beebe, Eva Bernstein, Shinehah Bigham, Bonnie Britton, Barbara Brundage, Karen Card, Ruth Carroll, Linda Christensen, Jaki Christeve, Jennifer Colby, Judy Cooper, Erica Crawford, Kati D’Amore, Paul DeWorken, Sarah Diaz-Bastin, Amy Diaz-Infante, Sally Diggory, Mary Jo Dunn-Ruiz, Myra Eastman, Susan Else, Janet Fine, David Fleming, Angela Gleason, Jane Gregorius, Kathryn Hannay, Anita Heckman, Hedwig Heerschop, Joan Hellenthal, Bridget Henry, Robert Irwin, Bianca Jimenez, Elaine Johnson, Lindsay Johnson, Rebecca Jordan, Sefla Joseph, Jadwiga Juszkiewicz, Lynne Karst, Terrie Kvenild, Lucien Kubo, Cheryl Lemon, Diane Levin, Gaby Litsky, Judi Ludewig, Lucinda Lynch, Sheila Malone, Charles Manske, Evelyn Markasky, Francine Marshall, Ann Baldwin May, Suzanne McCourt, Marty McGillivray, Cece McNeil, Ercilia Medeiros, Reiko Michisaki, Keith Millar, Bonni Minardi, Chris Miroyan, Dawn Motyka, Margaret Murray, Bruce Nicholson, Caroline Nicola, Nancy Niles, Melanie Oldach, Becky Schultz Olvera, Rosy Penhallow, Bela Ravikumar, Jane Reyes, Tim Robinson, Josefina Rocha , Jewel Rogers, Suzanna Roth, Nancy Samsel, Jaime Sánchez, Nora Sarkissian, Cristina Sayers, Ann Scobie, Wendy Siegel, Katie Simpson, Randie Silverstein, Judy Stabile, Carol Streib, Lee Taiz, Lynne Todaro, Graciela Vega, Susanna Waddell, Lynda Watson, Melissa West, Chad Williams, Donald Wright. •••

Pajaro Valley Arts, a non-profit organization, is looking for community help to prepare for the presentation.

Requested donations include: Folding Chairs and Tables • Small Refrigerator (with freezer) • Large Monitors/Projector Screens • Painting Supplies (rollers, pans) • Fans If you can help, email admin@pvarts.org or call PVA at 831-722-3062. Art (from left): Mother and Child by Gaby Litsky • Kaleidoscope Sunrise by Randie Silverstein • Turning Point by Cheryl Lemon

RED CROSS JANUARY BLOOD DRIVES

Ben Lomond Jan. 20: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9545 Love Creek Road Santa Cruz Jan. 18: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Jan. 20: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Firefighters at Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St. Watsonville Jan. 17: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.

OPERATION GRATITUDE

Operation Gratitude gives Americans the opportunity to go say “Thank You” to all who raise their hands to serve.

Writing a letter is a meaningful way for Americans to say “Thank You” support for all who serve. It only takes five minutes of your day but will bring lasting joy to the recipients.

Operation Gratitude includes handwritten letters in every Care Package sent to Military and First Responders. In these unprecedented times, our heroes need our unwavering support.

Fill out the form with detailed instructions and labels for shipping. You pay the postage. For more information and ways to show support, see https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/anywhere/ letters/

RESOURCE FOR CAREGIVERS

As families gather for the holiday, people may see grandma or grandpa, their mom or dad, or their aunt or uncle more forgetful or frail and in need of care.

Since 1988, Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center has served Santa Cruz County families of persons living with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other conditions that cause memory loss and confusion.

Trained staff are tuned in to the experiences and issues caregivers face, ready and able to connect, listen and support. The center receives funds from the state Department of Health Care Services. For information, see https://www.delmarcaregiver.org/ or call toll-free (800) 624-8304.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.