November 15 2011
C O M M U N I T Y N E W S T H AT M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E
Vol 20 No. 22
Serving Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom, Watsonville, & Pajaro
2011 Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Guide
Gathered donated gifts his season, the Volunteer Center invites community members to reach beyond their normal holiday celebrations and create new traditions through volunteering. The Volunteer Center maintains an on-line listing of Holiday Volunteer Annual Opportunities on their Valley website to make the Holiday search for holiday volProjects unteer opportunities Now through quick and easy. This Dec. 22 list will be available now through New Year’s and will be regularly updated throughout the season. To view the listing visit www.scvolunteercenter.org and check out the list of opportunities. Feel free to call the Volunteer Center with any questions about Holiday Volunteering at 831427-5070. ••• he Valley Churches United Missions Thanksgiving Project provides ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal. The Christmas Project provides toys, gifts, basic necessities and food to families, seniors, disabled and homeless.
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AMGEN racers are preparing to make their way to Santa Cruz County in 2012.
COUNTY
IS THE
STAGE 2 DESTINATION
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2012 AMGEN TOUR
AMGEN officials to visit Santa Cruz November 30 to determine where stage 2 will end
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Mad Hatter at Seascape Holiday Tea Party
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Tree Sales Support Schools
been to create a route that not only provides a challenging race for the world’s top cyclists, but one that highlights the beauty and diverse terrain that make up the great state of California as well,” said Kristin Bachochin, executive director of the Amgen Tour of California.
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America’s largest and most prestigious professional road cycling stage race, the seventh consecutive edition of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California will travel more than 750 miles from May 13 – 20, 2012. “Our goal for the Amgen Tour of California has always
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fter reviewing more than 100 submissions from cities throughout California, presenter of the Amgen Tour of California, AEG, has announced the 13 official Host Cities for the 2012 race to include Santa Cruz. Considered
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“Every year we challenge ourselves to raise the bar once again and create a route more challenging than the last, but that’s the great thing about planning a race in California, there is so much from which we can choose.
Aptos AdoptA-Family Make a Difference!
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CommunityNews
Agri-Culture’s 15th Annual Progressive Dinner ‘Unique Venues’ A Success!
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4-8 pm • Tuesday thru Saturday Tuesday Tri Tip Tacos Meatloaf Wednesday Chicken Enchiladas Corned Beef and Cabbage
Friday Salmon and Snapper Fish and Chips
Thursday Roast Turkey Chicken Fried Chicken
Saturday Peppered Ribeye Baked Half Chicken
Open for Breakfast & Lunch 7 days a week! Open until 8 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday
662-2690 (1A — Next to Safeway)
he educational organization, Agri-Culture, held its 15th Annual Progressive Dinner fundraiser on Saturday October 29. The purpose of Agri-Culture is to educate the public about local agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. This year’s theme was “Unique Venues.” Each year the event The Niebling home had spectacular views. sells out with 100 The many guests included: Bill guests transported (via buses) to three different locations not normally open to the Resetar; Susan and Tom Am Rhein, Vice public. The hors d’oeuvres were served at President Naturipe; Susan and Alan the Unique Farming Views - home of Barich; David Vasquez, Sr.; Doug Fisher, Luann Niebling. Dinner was served at the his wife Claudia and Pam Zamani of Santa Unique Redwood Experience – Deer Cruz County Bank; John and Jeannie Camp, hosted by Frank and Loretta Kegebein; Sue King of the County Fair Estrada. Frank spoke about the history of Heritage Association; Elias and Heidi his family’s Deer Camp. The dessert loca- Alonzo; Agri-Culture President, Bill Ringe; tion was the Unique Gathering Place – and Executive Director, Jess Brown and his Marie’s Garden Event Center hosted by wife Laura. Brian King, President of the Gandrup family. Marion Lyng spoke Cabrillo College and board member of about her family ranch and how part of it Agri-Culture served as Master of is being transformed to an event center. Ceremony. Brian and his wife Cristina Later, guests were treated to free local pro- served as co-auctioneers for the evening. Nita Gizdich sold the raffle tickets. n duce.
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2 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
ALS Affecting Veterans he 2012 Presidential campaign is in full swing. We read about it in this newspaper every day. Herman Cain, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and of course President Obama. They all are fighting for their political lives. But with Veterans Day approaching on November 11, what the American public needs to hear about is the campaign our nation’s veterans are waging against Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Yes, the disease that took the life of baseball legend Lou Gehrig is striking our military veterans at an alarming rate. In fact, studies show that vets are twice as likely to die from ALS as the general public. And it doesn’t matter when or where they served in the military - home or abroad, peace or war, from World War I to Afghanistan. There is no treatment. No
LettersToT TheEditor cure; only death in an average of two to five years from diagnosis. We don’t know why vets are more likely to develop ALS. But we do know that greater awareness of this campaign will help in the fight to find the cause, treatment and cure for this horrible disease. On Veterans Day, I hope this newspaper honors these American heroes and tells their story, which largely has been ignored by the media. I urge your readers to visit the Wall of Honor at www.alsa.org. There they will see the faces and read the stories of the veterans who are fighting ALS and those we already have lost to the disease. There they will see the campaign that has not been written about by the press. They will see the stories of people not simply engaged in a political fight, but in a fight for their lives. Sincerely, Bob Dickie n
CommunityNews
Table of Contents
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Cover Santa Cruz is the Stage 2 Destination for 2012 Amgen Tour 2011 Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Guide 2 3
VOL. 20 NO. 22
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APTOS TIMES
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Community News Agri-Culture’s 15th Annual Progressive Dinner ‘Unique Venues’ A Success! Seascape Beach Resort’s Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party – December 11 event to benefit the 2011 Toys for Tots campaign Christmas Ideas for 2011 – Make your dollars count by shopping in your community Submitted by Karen Nevis • Highway 1 Drainage & Guardrail Upgrades from Nov. 15 to March 2012 announced Christmas Tree Sales Support School Programs Making a Difference in a Time of Need! – Aptos Adopt-A-Family: 18 years providing for families in hardship ‘Hard Work, Low Pay, Miserable Conditions’ – California Conservation Corps Marks 35 Years with Work Throughout the State • California has $1.5 billion cash gap ‘Birdies For Charity’ – Golf Fans Support O’Neill Sea Odyssey’s Ocean Youth Program Mountain Community Theater presents Thornton Wilder’s ‘Our Town’ New Director, New Projects – Big Changes at Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County • Ann Pomper retiring as Executive Director of Hospice • Santa Cruz County Bank Collecting for the Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive Just a Common Soldier (A Soldier Died Today) by A. Lawrence Vaincourt Bestselling author featured at annual holiday event – Women in Business program hosting “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” writer • The Turkey – Centerpiece of our Thanksgiving Feast Avoid the Insanity of Black Friday! – Participate in Black FUR-iday And Celebrate by Adopting a New Pet!
Seascape Beach Resort’s Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party
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December 11 event to benefit the 2011 Toys for Tots campaign
eascape Beach Resort is set to once again host their annual Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party to benefit the 2011 Toys for Tots Santa Cruz County campaign. This magical fundraiser, which is based on “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” will take place at the resort on Sunday, December 11. This third annual festive holiday tea party will feature a new production, under the direction of Eileen Tull, with local actors, including children, as Alice, the White Rabbit, and Mad Hatter. The magic of the season will come alive in this annual Holiday Tea Party that will take place at Seascape Beach Resort, One Seascape Resort Drive in Aptos from 12:30 to 3pm. Reservations can be made by going to Seascape Beach Resort’s “calendar of events page” at www.SeascapeResort.com. Tickets are available by going online to Brown Paper Tickets directly at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2062 02. Questions can be answered by calling
Seascape Beach Resort at 831-662-7108. Come and walk through the Queen’s Castle into Wonderland! Party guests will enjoy a hearty and plentiful buffet along with an array of sumptuous desserts provided by well-known community bakers will also be offered in Mad Hatter style! Of course coffee, hot chocolate, sparkling cider, and most importantly, Tea, will be offered while being entertained by these beloved storybook characters. Face painting, crafts, and photo opportunities with the characters in a photo booth will also be included. Raffle tickets will also be sold for opportunities to win fun prizes from local companies. “Toys for Tots” > 9
Letters to the Editor – Page 2 • ALS Affecting Veterans
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Home & Garden Home safety during Holiday travel New Holiday Recipes with Old World Flavor It’s Dungeness Crab Season! • Identity theft prevention tips for the Holiday season Food Safety Tips for Holiday Feasts Sports Wrap • Page 9 – Aptos High School Scoreboard
Business Profiles • Page 16 – The Wardrobe – Where Shopping is Always an Adventure By Gail Penniman
Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 & 29
Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your November Horoscope - Annabel Burton, Astrologer©
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Featured Columnists The Book Bag by Robert Francis – An eclectic array of children’s books… EarthTalk® – Controversy Over Diet Sodas Continues Classical Reflection by Josef Sekon – Three’s Company Proved a Marvelous Musical Treat!
SPCA Featured Pet • Page 31 – Come see what fluff is all about at the SPCA Mall Store
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 3
APTOS TIMES publisher
Patrice Edwards publisher’s assistant
Lindsay Nelson editor
Noel Smith contributing writers
Noel Smith, Karen Nevis, Gail Penniman, Ima Turkey, Annabel Burton, Robert Francis, Josef Sekon layout
Michael Oppenheimer, Mike Lyon graphic artists
Mike Lyon, Michael Oppenheimer production coordinator
Sandra Gonzalez advertising sales
Don Beaumont, Sadie Wittkins, Meredith Pozzi Feldsted office coordinator
Cathe Race distribution
Bill Pooley, Jana Mears
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, printed twice annually and Hospice Magazine, printed once annually, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission. PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions / Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.cyber-times.com Graphics Dept: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: assistant@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com
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“Holiday Gifts” from pg 1
They run Adopt-A-Family, Adopt a Senior Program, and a Christmas food Drive. Volunteers are needed to fill food bags, gift-wrap, for pick up and delivery, clerical support, and distribution help. They are open 7 days a week through Dec. 22. To Volunteer call 336-8258. ••• he California Grey Bears is a non-profit organization made up of seniors helping seniors. The organization’s Holiday Food Delivery is on Dec. 23-24, and help is needed to deliver food to seniors throughout the county. For more information, call 831-479-1055. ••• Adopt A Family Holiday Project Volunteers Needed he Holidays can be a worrisome time for families struggling to make ends meet. The Volunteer Center in partnership with fellow nonprofits, strives to make the holidays brighter for more than 400 local families by providing them with holiday packages of food, clothes, and gifts through the Adopt a Family Holiday Project. You can be the difference and share in the holiday spirit by volunteering to support this annual program. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the project session. Our Adopt a Family Phone Lines are now open Monday through Friday from 10am-4pm until Dec 9. Give a call to adopt a family, donate, volunteer or ask questions. 831427-5075 in Santa Cruz and 831-722-2364 in Watsonville.
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Beach Flats Community Center Annual Thanksgiving Meal oin us for our Thanksgiving dinner with all the Turkey Trimmings. This wonderful, warm celebration is open to all community members, and supports homeless & low-income folks. Volunteers needed to
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment.
Volunteers work on decorations for gift packages.
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help with the welcome table, set up, serving, kids activities and clean up. Dinner will be served from 3-6pm, but we will need volunteers from 1-7pm. Two hour shifts available. Dinner will take place at Beach Flats Park (corner of Raymond St. & Leibrandt Ave/ 160 Raymond Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060). In the case of rain, the meal will be held inside of the Beach Flats Community Center, at 133 Leibrandt Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Community Connection Thanksgiving Meal e are seeking 3-5 volunteers to support with preparing food for the Community Connection Thanksgiving Meal. This is a wonderful, free meal provided to low-income folks in south county @ the Watsonville Veteran’s hall. Traditionally, South County mental health staff serves the meal to the mental health clients in this festive, annual community event. Volunteers are needed to help prepare stuffing and mashed potatoes at the Watsonville Volunteer Center kitchen (located, adjacent to the Veteran’s Hall at 12 Carr Street, Santa Cruz, Ca 95076.) All ingredients and recipes will be provided, volunteers will simply support with the food prep work. Volunteer Shift. Tuesday, 11/22/11, from 9:30-12:30pm. For More Information/To Get Involved: Contact Community Connection Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Glynn @ rglynn@ccsantacruz.org or via phone 831.722.6708
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Holiday Camping Trip Sat, Dec. 10, 9am to Sun Dec. 11, 5pm olunteers ages 18+ are needed to assist with a fun Holiday Camping Trip for developmentally disabled children and adults. Volunteers will spend the night at Camp Krem in Boulder Creek and assist campers with their needs during their overnight visit. Volunteers will help us
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offer a wide array of activities including arts/crafts, music, dance, games, hiking. Volunteers will also assist with supervision, food prep and clean up. Please join us for this festive weekend, featuring tree trimming, a visit from Santa, a talent show and more! Volunteers should be mature, friendly and patient folks who can commit to a full weekend volunteer shift, from 9am on Saturday through 5pm on Sunday. Background Check required. To apply, email us at campkrem@gmail.com.
Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party Sunday Dec. 11 lice, again, will venture into the Rabbit Hole to attend (and help host) the Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party to benefit Toys For Tots in Santa Cruz County, sponsored for the third year by Aptos Seascape Beach Resort. This season, in an effort to involve as many characters as possible, the Mad Hatter is planning a cabaretstyle program, characters roaming tableto-table. This means adding an MC, performers, and yes, even MORE madness! Invited along to the party are the White Rabbit, King & Queen of Hearts, Jack of Hearts and the Caterpillar as character actors (adults please), and you know the rest! Event to benefit Toys For Tots-Santa Cruz County — Experienced child performers, and adults, are welcome to participate as: musical entertainers, · perform dance routines, · magicians, jugglers, and · performing skits that fit the theme. Bring us your creative ideas and talent for consideration! ·Adults needed for Director, Backstage and Production Crew assistance.
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Community Connection Christmas Party Dec. 22 11am - 1pm ooks (12/21 evening and 12/22 morning, deliver to our offices on 12/22 by 10am) (in our kitchen: 12/22: 7-10:30am). We need one to three cooks to prepare a variety of dishes from cranberry sauce to turkey. Cook in the comfort of your home and deliver to our offices for the party or bring your favorite apron and whip it up in our kitchen on the morning of the 22nd. Set Up 12/21 2-5pm: The party planners are seeking two people to help with pre-party set up. This includes hanging decorations, arranging tables and other odd jobs to make our office a magical Winter Wonderland. One or two people are welcome to make detailed adjustments to the party setting just before our guests arrive. This includes setting up tables, preparing food trays, sign making, and other tasks for our elf helpers. Wrapping Gifts 12/21: The Elf Wrapping Crew can expect to become tape masters, red and green paper twirlers, and scissor symphonists. Come transform our purchases into picturesque presents. Please call or email for shift times. n
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“AMGEN” from pg 1
From epic climbs to fast and flat stages to rolling hills and thrilling finishes by the sea, California has it all.” “This race is special because it takes place in one of the most beautiful places in the world – California,” said Chris Horner, Stage 6 will start in Palmdale and 2011 Amgen Tour of California champion. head to Big Bear Lake, which was the site “The Host Cities are always so welcoming of a thrilling stage finish in 2010 when and the crowds are always great, not to Michael Rogers (AUS) of HTC-Columbia mention, they provide some of the tough- secured his place as the race leader. For est racing terrain around! I’m looking for- 2012, new challenges arise as a new climb ward to racing in California again and is thrown into the mix. defending my title in 2012.” Stage 7 of the race will start in This year Stage 1 of the race will start Ontario, another new city for 2012, and in Santa Rosa, hometown once again include a gruelof three-time Amgen Tour ing route to the top of Mt. America’s Premier of California Champion Baldy. During the 2011 Cycling Race Levi Leipheimer. race, Mt. Baldy was the “I’m so proud to have scene of an electric stage May 13 to 20, 2012 the Amgen Tour of finish when American Challenging Route California coming back to cyclists and RadioShack to Take Cyclists Santa Rosa and Sonoma teammates Chris Horner Over More Than County in 2012,” said Levi and Levi Leipheimer 750 Miles of Leipheimer, three-time race crossed the finish line first California Terrain winner (2007, 2008, 2009) and second respectively. and Santa Rosa resident. Tacking on an additional “As host of the overall start on May 13, 10 miles to the route with the start in we’ll have a chance to show off our home Ontario, Stage 7 will likely prove to be the town to the world. I’m looking forward to penultimate stage once again. introducing some of the best cyclists in the Stage 8, the final stage of the 2012 world to some of the best cycling in the Amgen Tour of California, will take place in world – right here in my back yard.” the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, sending Stage 2 takes the riders from San riders in and around L.A. through the sports Francisco to Santa Cruz County for start- and entertainment district which includes ing with the Golden Gate Bridge as a back- STAPLES Center and Nokia Theatre for an drop and once again bringing the route epic overall finish to a thrilling race. back along the picturesque coast of the For 2012, Amgen will return as the Pacific Ocean. title sponsor for the seventh consecutive “The County of Santa Cruz is honored year, continuing to leverage the race to to be selected to host a stage of the Amgen raise awareness of the important resources Tour of California. From Coastal redwoods available to people affected by cancer in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the breath- through its Breakaway from Cancer® initaking beauty of the Monterey Bay, Santa tiative. A leading global biotechnology Cruz County offers a challenging course company with headquarters in California, for the cyclists and spectacular viewing for Amgen’s invaluable support has helped to cycling enthusiasts. With cycling such a ensure the continued success of the race significant sport in our community we and impact beyond the sporting arena. anticipate a great deal of enthusiasm and “Amgen stands ready to collaborate ample local support to make the Santa with this year’s Host City communities to Cruz County stage of this world renowned spread awareness about our company, our event a success” said Santa Cruz County mission to serve patients, and the incrediSecond District Supervisor, Ellen Pirie. ble support services that are available at no Stage 3 heads inland beginning in San cost to people affected by cancer through Jose (the only city to be a Host City each of Amgen’s nonprofit Breakaway from the previous six years of the event) and Cancer partner organizations,” said Stuart ending in Livermore, traversing an entirely Arbuckle, vice president and general mannew part of the State not showcased in pre- ager, Amgen Oncology. vious editions of the race. The Amgen Tour of California continStage 4 will start in Sonora, a new city ues to draw global attention as one of the for 2012, and wind its way south, featuring most anticipated cycling events of the year several new climbs, before what’s sure to – one that attracts Olympic medalists, be a dramatic sprint finish in Clovis. World Champions and the top Tour de Stage 5, the much-anticipated France competitors. Individual Time Trial, will be held in “Everyone always looks forward to Bakersfield, a city that has hosted the the Amgen Tour of California because it Amgen Tour of California before has it all – a challenging route, fierce com-
petition, incredible fans and a beautiful setting,” said Christian Vande Velde, who placed fourth overall in the 2011 Amgen Tour of California. “I feel proud to be an American cyclist right now, when events like this race not only showcase the great racing that takes place here, but the amazing talent as well.” The 13 Host Cities for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California include: Stage 1: Sunday, May 13 – Santa Rosa Stage 2: Monday, May 14 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County Stage 3: Tuesday, May 15 – San Jose to Livermore Stage 4: Wednesday, May 16 – Sonora (new for 2012) to Clovis Stage 5: Thursday, May 17 – Bakersfield (Individual Time Trial) Stage 6: Friday, May 18 – Palmdale to Big Bear Lake Stage 7: Saturday, May 19 – Ontario (new for 2012) to Mt. Baldy Stage 8: Sunday, May 20 – Los Angeles/L.A. LIVE
The largest cycling event in America, the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, which challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 13-20, 2012. Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. n ••• To learn more about our pioneering science and vital medicines, visit http://www.amgen.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen. Founded in 2005 by Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer® is a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship. For more information, please visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com or follow us @BreakawayCancer on Twitter. AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. For more information, visit AEG today at www.aegworldwide.com.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 5
HomeandG Garden
Home safety during Holiday travel W e all fondly remember it young Macaulay Culkin defending his home from rough and tough burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern with a fake dinner party, booby traps and even a hot iron. But while “Home Alone” is a fun holiday movie to watch, it’s also a good reminder of the dark side that the holiday travel and shopping season can bring: home robberies. With the extreme rush and excitement of the holiday season, homeowners focus on shopping and travel rather than the safety of their homes, and basic steps to protect households are often overlooked. On average, 117 million Americans travel during the holidays, spending three to five days away from home while gone. According to resources like the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, studies show that lack of preparation or clear holes in security are the main causes of home
invasion during this time. Victims of these holiday hoodlums say that they would have taken steps to improve the safety of their home had they been aware of its vulnerability. Dropcam, Inc., maker of Wi-Fi video camera and intelligent streaming service, offers the following 10 tips to ensure home owners take the proper steps to keep their homes protected: 1 Leave a key with a friend or relative who can stop by to check that everything is in order; having someone regularly visit the house will deter home invaders. 2 Let close neighbors know how long you will be out of town so they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity or individuals. 3 Research and use “home safety” technology such as a Wi-Fi video camera to keep an eye on things while you’re gone, and Smartphone apps such as ones
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that allow you to turn lights on and off remotely. Stop all home mail and newspaper deliveries. If you have a neighborhood watch service, let them know the days you will be out of town and ask that they check in on your house and walk around the backyard. Double-check that all doors, windows and pet exits are shut and locked before you leave. Use a timer to switch on indoor lights at different times throughout the day to give the impression that someone is home. Remove high value or attractive contents from windows, and bring any bicycles inside the house or garage. Break down boxes of expensive gifts such as electronics, and carefully place them in trashcans so not to advertise to others the gifts under the tree. Be careful who you tell about your travel plans, do not use
social media such as Facebook or Twitter to publicize that you will be out of town and do not give out your home address while traveling. “We unfortunately see an increase of burglaries during the holidays, and many are simply the result of distraction and ill preparedness,” says Gary Miller, former police chief of the Boerne Police Department in Texas. “There are about five million homes burglarized each year in the U.S. and it’s important to use common sense and understand it can happen to you. It only takes one time so you should keep home safety top of mind, especially in December when your home is not only more valuable, but also more vulnerable.” Dropcam’s camera and streaming service is one product you can buy this season that can help you keep a watchful eye on your home. “Having a video monitoring system is a great way to increase your home security,” Miller says. n ••• ARA Content
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 7
CommunityNews
Christmas Ideas for 2011
Make your dollars count by shopping in your community
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Submitted By Karen Nevis
ake Christmas 2011 the birth of a New Tradition As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets his or her hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages that are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Capitola-By-The-Sea
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flatscreen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are bazillion ownerrun restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. R e m e m b e r, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My com-
Downtown Santa Cruz puter could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery “Ideas” > 9
CommunityBrief Highway 1 Drainage & Guardrail Upgrades from Nov. 15 to March 2012 MONTEREY AND SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES — A 14-mile project to install metal beam guardrail and make concrete barrier improvements along Hwy. 1 from Trafton Road in Monterey County to just north of 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz will begin next Tuesday, November 15, Caltrans officials 8 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
announced today. This project will result in overnight alternating lane closures Mondays through Fridays from 9 pm to 6 am. Minimal delays are anticipated. Roadwork is expected to be completed by March 2012, weather permitting. Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through Caltrans construction zones.
SportsWrap
Aptos High School Scoreboard Football
Aptos #1 in Standings Season Record: 9-1, SCCAL 6-0 Aptos 37 – Santa Cruz 6 ptos – 20 First Downs, Rushing yds 59-347, Passing yds 0, Comp-Att-Int 0-1-0, Fumbles-Lost 4-3, Penalties-yds 425 Aptos Scoring – Riggs Powell 1 yd run (run failed) 1:22 1st Q, Powell 17 yd run (Powell run) 9:07 2nd Q, Dustin Samms 5 yd run (Aaron McAnerney run) 4:45 2nd Q, Powell 2 yd run (Brooks Nicholson kick) 0:14 2nd Q Aptos 48 – Harbor 0 Aptos – 14 First Downs, Rushing yds 34-317, Passing yds 204, Comp-Att-Int 7-80, Fumbles-Lost 4-1, Penalties-yds 10-94 Aptos Scoring – Philip Rojas 9 yd run
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“Ideas” from pg 8
and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five-dollar string
(Brooks Nicholson kick) 9:49 1st Q, Riggs Powell 8 yd run (Nicholson kick) 1:44 1st Q, Alec Bonsall 15 yd pass from Powell (PAT failed) 0.40 1st Q, Antonia Andrade 92 yd pass from Powell (Kyle Hunter, run) 2:54 2nd Q, Elijah Marta 66 yd run (Nicholson kick) 4:00 3rd Q, Isaac Destout 11 yd pass from Cody Clifton (PAT blocked) 11:54 4th Q, Joey Aliotti 7 yd run (Nicholson kick) 7:15 4th Q Post-Season Honors SCCAL All League 1st Team Aptos – Setter, Shannon Cotton –
Outside Hitter, Dierdre Wilson – Middle Blocker, Carly DaRosa – Right Side, Alex Bol SCCAL All League 2nd Team – Outside Aptos Hitter, Nikki Miyashita – Middle Blocker, MacKenna Walsh Aptos Season Record 24-8 Aptos def. Live Oak (25-17, 25-15, 26-24) Aptos Scoring – Carly DaRosa 8 kills, 5 digs; Dierdre Wilson 6 kills; Nikki Miyashita 5 kills, 7 digs; MacKenna Walsh 5 kills; Alex Bol 4 kills; Shannon Cotton 17 assists, 8 aces Aptos def. Soquel (25-17, 27-25, 25-20) Aptos Scoring – Dierdre Wilson 13
of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in
ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about? Every dollar we spend at a small
Girls Volleyball
kills, 4 digs; Nikki Miyashita 8 kills, 6 digs, 3 aces; Alex Bol 6 kills; MacKenna Walsh 5 kills, 4 digs; Carly DaRosa 9 kills, 3 blocks, 6 digs, 3 aces
Boys Water Polo
Aptos Season Record 16-9 CCS D-II playoffs Aptos 15 – Burlingame 10 Aptos Scoring – Ben Pickard 7, Jack Pickard 3, Tanner Gilbert 3, Jacob Stockwell 1, Jacob Campos 1, Ian Weckler 9 saves TCAL-Mountain Final Soquel 9 – Aptos 8 Aptos Scoring – Ben Pickard 4, Jack Pickard 2, Tanner Gilbert 1, Jacob Stockwell 1, Ian Weckler 10 saves. n local store is turned over three more times before it leaves. Every dollar spent at a large chain store or online is gone from here forever. I know dozens of small businesses that could use a boost this season, and I’m sure you do too! n
“Toys for Tots” from pg 3
Perhaps best of all will be the wonderful feeling of true giving in knowing that all net proceeds and an unwrapped child’s toy* or cash donation from each participant will help brighten a deserving family’s holiday. Toy donations from last year’s event sold out event brought smiles to the faces of over 500 local children. The cost of this delightful afternoon is $29 for those aged 2-12 and $40 for those age 13 and over. Reservations are required by Friday, December 9. *Toys for Tots requests that for every two guests attending at least one new unwrapped toy be donated. The biggest needs are for children up to 3 years old and girls 9-12. Soccer balls, art sets, board games, etc. are popular with the latter age group. Please, no guns or toys of aggression, and for health reasons Toys for Tots cannot accept unpacked stuffed animals. n ••• More information on the local Toys for Tots organization is available at http://santacruzcounty.toysfortots.org
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 9
Famous Tacos Moreno Across from Sears & the Capitola Mall, Next to See’s Candies
Happy Hour: 4pm-7pm Every Day
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New items are only available in Capitola location.
CommunityNews
Christmas Tree Sales Support School Programs
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his year, 2011, Adam and Christine Furlanic are celebrating their 20th year selling Christmas trees in Santa Cruz County. It started in Aptos in 1992 with Adam’s first experience selling Christmas Trees at the corner of Park Avenue and Soquel Drive where Bay
Photo is currently located. The next year he met Christine when she came to the lot to buy a tree. They sold trees on that same corner until 1998 when Bay Photo was built and their lot moved two blocks down to Monterey Ave. In 2002, they purchased Aptos Village Produce Market in Aptos Village next to the Bayview Hotel. That was the first year that they sold pumpkins as well. They spent a lot of time cleaning up the firewood in the back area and started Aptos Firewood, which they still run today. After 4 years in Aptos, they moved to their current location in Live Oak. “When our first child started school, we realized what a great sense of community there was in Live Oak and we wanted our business to be part of that.” Their two children both attend Live Oak Schools and this has brought to their business a new dimension. Christine became a board member of the Home and School Club and saw firsthand the need for additional funding in the schools. They found a way to incorporate fundraising into their tree business. “Christmas Trees” > 13
The Furlanics
10 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
CommunityNews
Making a Difference in a Time of Need!
Aptos Adopt-A-Family: 18 years providing for families in hardship
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ighteen years ago, a local businessman in Aptos was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. As the cancer progressed, he was unable to work or support his family as the holidays approached. Our community put on a huge Spaghetti feed and the money collected went to help his family. Patrice Edwards of the Aptos Times, and a friend worked tirelessly to collect toys, food, clothes, rent money and more to carry his family through the coming months. He passed away but his family is still here. This was the birth of Adopt-a-Family. Death, illness, a traffic accident, divorce, loss of job, anyone can become unable to manage without help. Members of our community from children to seniors, from mothers to single dads to entire families have been adopted and helped by Adopta-Family. Over the years, there have been hundreds of stories, and thousands of gifts. Gifts of wheelchairs, a handicap accessible van, lifts, food, clothes, toys bikes, rent, phone bills, physical therapy – gifts that helped a family to enjoy the holidays. . One year Adopt-A-Family was able to donate a $4,000 wheelchair lift to a local family. Trees, turkeys, gift certificates – whole neighborhoods have adopted families! Girl Scouts have adopted families. Churches, parents, those who could only give one toy and those who could provide a sizable
check: It’s been wonderful. We live in a very generous community. Those of us who are blessed enough to in such a beautiful area often forget that there are many families, some of whom are our neighbors, that need help. The Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday seasons are a time of celebration. But for some families there are no feasts or Chanukah gifts or presents under a Christmas tree. There is no joy for them in telling their children there will be no special turkey dinner or that Santa isn’t coming this year. In this time of economic distress and tight budgets, remember that there are those in our communities who may have no earnings at all or no place to call home. There are people from all walks of life who undergo changes in circumstances that force them to depend on others to help keep their families from becoming fractured and feeling that there is no hope. That’s where Aptos Adopt-A-Family comes in and connects families with families. Look into your heart and find that by helping others, it makes you a better person and brings the true meaning of the season into your life. Aptos Adopt-A-Family primarily focuses on families having financial challenges due to medical catastrophe within their family. Death or illness in a family is devastating. Such crises can emotionally
and financially cripple them. Our program can step in, find someone to adopt the family, and help out with needed medical equipment, home care, etc. The Aptos Adopt-A-Family committee asks you to adopt a family or just one child, or send your donation in the form of gifts or a check. Everything sent will be given to a family you choose or distributed fairly to others. Sponsors provide their “adopted” family with gifts and sometimes decorations and a tree. Some families even go holiday shopping together! Several of these families have stayed friends over the years. Adopt-A-Family helps by providing gift certificates to local stores along with the gifts that the sponsor family has provided. Please give us a call to find out how you can adopt a family this year or how you can help make this a Merry Christmas for one of our families by donating to the program. If you know of someone in need, please don’t hesitate to call and let us know. All referrals are anonymous.
Eighteen years is not enough. There will always be those in need in our community. Someday it could even be you... Happy Holidays! n ••• You can help! Call Aptos Adopt-A-Family at 688-7549 or send donations to Adopt-AFamily c/o Times Publishing Group 9601 Soquel Drive - Aptos, CA 95003
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Wilder Associates Inc. Property Management Specialist
Yoga Within Exploring the mind-body connection 687-0818
Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic® More zest for life 688-8077
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Salon Aptos Hair and nails for a good look 688-8804
Simply smarter radiant heat 685-9275
Village Liquors
Epicenter Cycling
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Trek bicycles for all types of riders
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APTOS John and Courtney deliver a carepackage.
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STATION
SELECT SHOPPING / APTOS VILLAGE www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 11
CommunityNews
‘Hard Work, Low Pay, Miserable Conditions’
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California Conservation Corps Marks 35 Years with Work Throughout the State he California Conservation Corps has now been around for 35 years, but don’t expect to see balloons or birthday celebrations. Instead, the CCC will mark the anniversary with shovels, chain saws and chippers. The CCC’s motto is “hard work, low pay, miserable conditions ... and more.” True to form, corps members will find themselves commemorating the 35 years
with more work throughout the state. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. created the program in 1976, during his first term. Modeled after the original 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, Gov. Brown envisioned a “combination Jesuit seminary, Israeli kibbutz and Marine Corps boot camp.” Since 1976, more than 115,000 young men and women have participated in the CCC, earning minimum wage for natural resource work and emergency response. Despite the low pay, there are more than 800 applicants currently on the CCC’s waiting list. Corps members have devoted more than 67 million hours to conservation work throughout California, planting 21 million trees, constructing or repairing 9,779 miles of backcountry trails, improving more than 1800 miles of salmon and steelhead habitat, and auditing and retrofitting more than 25
12 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
million square feet of public buildings to reduce energy use. CCC crews may be most visible as they respond to floods, fires, earthquakes, oil spills and pest infestations. Corps members have provided more than 9.6 million emergency hours and assisted with recovery efforts following the Station Fire (2009), the Oakland Hills Fire (1991), the Loma Prieta (1989) and Northridge (1994) earthquakes and many other natural disasters. Corps members — young men and women ages 18 to 25 — work out of 27 different residential and nonresidential sites throughout California. The CCC is the oldest and largest conservation corps program in the country. After a year in the CCC, many corps members are hired by resource management agencies; others have become teach-
ers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and small business owners. There are now second-generation corps members, the sons and daughters of early-day corps members. In recognition of the CCC’s anniversary, corps members from throughout the state submitted more than 1,000 video clips to showcase “A Day in the Life” of the CCC. The footage was shot during a twoweek period in October and includes some vintage video of the late B.T. Collins (CCC director 1979-81) as well as reflections from CCC Director David Muraki. n The video is posted on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHJ6AdZI plI and on the CCC’s website: www.ccc.ca.gov.
hrough the first four months of the 2011-2012 fiscal year, California has fallen $1.5 billion behind in collected revenues according to state Controller John Chiang raising the possibility that triggered cuts in the state budget must take place in January. In October, Chiang said California was $810.5 million (16.3 percent) under expectations in revenues. The state was under its personal income tax estimate by $451 million (12.9 percent) because of lower withholdings and estimated tax payments according to the Franchise Tax Board attributed. Chiang also reported that California spent $1.7 billion more during the first four months than budget writers had expected. According to the budget deal Gov. Jerry Brown signed this past June, the state must automatically reduce its spending on a variety of programs depending on how deep the revenue deficit. If the revenue shortage is from $1 billion and $2 billion, the budget cuts will occur for higher education, social services and public safety. If the shortage is more than $2 billion the budget cuts will also affect K-12 schools and
community colleges. In the budget deal, Brown and California legislature said there would be a $4 billion jump in revenues in the 2011-12 fiscal year, an estimate that seems sure to fall far short of politician’s predictions. However, even if the state is more than $2 billion short in its revenues by December, the Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office could claim that California can make up the revenue gap in the third quarter thereby putting off any or all budget cuts. n
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California has $1.5 billion cash gap
CommunityNews
‘Birdies For Charity’
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Golf Fans Support O’Neill Sea Odyssey’s Ocean Youth Program
irdies for Charity” provides a fun way to support O’Neill Sea Odyssey (OSO)’s free, ocean-going youth science program by pledging an amount per birdie now at the AT&T Pebble Beach golf tournament in February 2012. 100% of collected pledges go directly to OSO, plus the Monterey Peninsula Foundation will provide a 15% match. To pledge funds, go to https://birdies.attpbgolf.com/give.php, click on “Pledge your favorite charity,” then enter O’Neill Sea Odyssey. You can also guess the number of birdies scored and win prizes - including airline tickets and a Florida golf package if you guess correctly. Use the pledge form at https://birdies.attpbgolf.com/pdfs/2011b4c-pledge-form.pdf. Since its inception in 1996 OSO has served over 60,000 youth in the world’s largest classroom; the Monterey Bay. OSO engages 4th - 6th grade students with educational programming in navigation, conservation and marine science on a 65-foot catamaran sailing Monterey Bay, and in a shore-side education center. The need for environmental steward-
ship and leadership is greater than ever. OSO’s program is free, in order to provide our program to kids that would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience marine science at sea. For many of our students, OSO is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants have conducted over 1,800 community service projects. For many low-income students the program provides a strong sense of purpose and 98% of the kids who undertake the program resolve to become stewards of the ocean and watersheds. OSO also boosts academic achievement among the youth it serves: recent study showed that lowincome youth who experience outdoor education have 27% higher science scores than those who don’t. In December 2004, OSO received the California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in Children’s Environmental Education and in May 2005 US Senator Barbara Boxer’s Environmental Champion award. In August 2009 the Adam Webster Memorial Fund received the Special Parent’s Information Network’s “Community Spinners” award for its work with special needs youth. n
“Christmas Trees” from pg 10
“We make flyers for the schools to distribute which gives the tree buyer 10% off their purchase and their child’s Home and School Club gets an additional 10% as well! The schools use if for field trips, student supplies, art and music programs, and assemblies, or however their parent club chooses to spend it. It ends up being a win-win for everyone because not only do our customers get a discount, but the schools get a donation, and the money is staying local instead of going corporate.” So far, they have worked mostly with the Home and School Clubs in Live Oak, but last year there were people from Scotts
Valley to Aptos asking if they could participate. They would love to reach out and support as many kids as possible through sports leagues, daycare centers or other kids clubs countywide. The trees on their lot are Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Fraiser Fir, and Nordmann. This year they plan to feature local Silvertips, Sequoias, and Monterey Pines in addition to their Oregon trees. There are free jumphouses for the kids, visits from Santa, and a petting zoo. n ••• For information on getting your Home and School Club or business involved, visit www.furlanic.com and email Christine Furlanic: Christine@furlanic.com
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 13
CommunityNews
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Mountain Community Theater presents Thornton Wilder’s ‘Our Town’
ome and see this Pulitzer Prizewinning play about the warmth, joy, and sorrow of life, love, and death live on stage at Park Hall in Ben Lomond. Those who hear “Our Town” and think “simple,” or “quaint,” or “high school” are in for a surprise. MCT’s new production of Thornton Wilder’s great, Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is designed to make the play come alive in an intimate, transformed, Park Hall setting, and to breathe great gusts of life into the script that has been produced thousands of times all over the world. MCT is using Wilder’s original script, rather than the more sugary sweet version that is usually performed. This production retains Wilder’s biting commentary on human foibles, as well as his powerful insights into the human condition, juxtaposed with his great compassion and gentle humor. The story is deceptively straightfor-
ward. It depicts the lives of the neighboring Webb and Gibbs families and other inhabitants of the small New Hampshire town of Grover’s Corners. We follow members of the two families as they go about their daily lives, fall in love, marry, and die. But the play is not simple. Characters move easily between the past and present, and between the living and the dead. The dead talk to each other. Using theatrical devices that are as uncommon today as they were when the play was first produced in 1938, Wilder constantly reminds the audience that they are seeing a play, at the same time that he draws them into the characters’ lives and asks them to share the characters’ fears, struggles, triumphs, joys, and losses. As the New York Post said of the original production, “Beautiful and remarkable; one of the sagest, warmest and most deeply human scripts to have
come out of our theater ... A spiritual experience.” “The play has this remarkable ability to make us both laugh and cry by using completely natural language and common, unremarkable occurrences,” says director Peter Gelblum, who returns to Mountain Community Theater after directing 2010’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia. “At the same time, it hits the high points of most people’s lives – birth, marriage, and death – and provides moving, profound insights that we can all apply to our everyday lives.” The cast includes Santa Cruz theater veterans Rita Wadsworth, MarNae Taylor, Michael LaMère, Arindam Krishna Das, Shannon Kerr, Emily Olsen, and Spencer Bullock. Nine performances over three weekends starting December 2nd at Park Hall in Ben Lomond, just 17 minutes away from downtown Santa Cruz. Friday and
Saturday performances are at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees are at 2 pm. Tickets are $18 for general admission, and $15 for students and seniors, except for opening weekend (December 2-4), when prices are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.mctshows.org. n ••• “Our Town” Performances: First Weekend: Fri. Dec. 2 - 8pm; Sat. Dec. 3 - 8pm; Sun Dec. 4 - 2 pm Second Weekend: Fri. Dec. 9 - 8pm; Sat. Dec.10 - 8pm; Sun. Dec. 11 - 2 pm Third Weekend: Fri. Dec. 16 - 8pm; Sat. Dec. 17 - 8pm; Sun. Dec. 18 - 2 pm Mountain Community Theater is Santa Cruz County’s longest continuously running community theater company. MCT is a member-run non-profit organization that derives its support primarily from performance proceeds and charitable donations.
Spencer Bullock and Dahlela Hennig, playing George and Rebecca Gibbs. 14 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
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BusinessProfile
Classy Consignment Comes to Capitola
T HE W ARDROBE Where Shopping is Always an Adventure
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By Gail Penniman
he Wardrobe consignment shop has been open for business for over 15 years and just recently has moved to its new location in the Brown Ranch Marketplace across from the Capitola Mall. The owners are delighted to offer the same high quality consignment clothing, shoes, boots, handbags, jewelry, scarves, hats, sunglasses, belts and more that they have displayed for years. This store is a win-win situation for the shopper as well as the consignee and is a place where fabulous treasures are waiting to be discovered. The Thrill of the Hunt hoppers at The Wardrobe will notice that the shop is beautifully organized into sections by color and the dressing rooms are spacious and comfortable. Consignment shopping brings out the creative side, putting together something from nothing and women often come in, not knowing what they are looking for, but are surprised to find one piece that com-
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pletes an outfit they have at home or are able to create an entire outfit from the garments and accessories they find that day. Every item in the store is selected by the staff that knows what their 20‘s to 60‘s clientele are looking for. Consignment shopping offers more satisfaction than ordinary department store shopping because you are not being told what to buy this season like in a department store and the cost savings is huge. At The Wardrobe, everything is in very good to excellent condition and is usually styled from three years ago or less. They also carry some vintage items. Because every item in the store is unique and since there is always movement of merchandise through sales and new consignment goods, the store looks different every time a shopper visits. “We say that accessories are what bind an outfit together, and we buy a lot of accessories,” the owner says. They carry scarves, wraps, ponchos, necklaces, ear-
rings, bracelets, watches and sunglasses that are not just eyewear, but can double as a headband.
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About Variety and Affordability he Wardrobe has casual to dressy clothing. A professional woman can find an outfit to wear to work, choosing a blazer and separates. They have dresses that are suitable for an evening out with a pair of their heels. For holiday dress, there is a selection of the “basic black dress” that can be tricked out with a piece of jewelry. On the racks at The Wardrobe, one can find clothing from stores at a fraction of what they cost originally. You’ll find lots of cashmere sweaters in beautiful colors, Coach handbags, clothing from Chico‘s, Italian shoes and sexy boots, Lucky, Seven, Joes and Calvin Klein jeans as well as other brands. The brands are always changing as the merchandise moves, but the quality is always excellent. Shopping Here is Green iving clothing, footwear and accessories a second life is part of the green movement. It is also a budget-conscious experience, which makes perfectly good sense these days. And it’s fun! The store hours are 11am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5pm on Sunday. Women can bring in clothing for consignment from 11am to 2pm on Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from 1:30 to 3pm and an appointment is necessary to consign. The store is located at 3555 Clares St. Suite V, just around the corner from Fresh Choice. Telephone: 429-6363. n
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16 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
CommunityNews
New Director, New Projects
Big Changes at Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County
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or the first time in its history, Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County has a “pipeline” of projects for the next few years. In addition to building three townhomes in Scotts Valley, Habitat received a one-acre residentially zoned parcel in the Live Oak area and $900,000 in funding from the County of Santa Cruz. While the project still has to go through planning review and approvals, it is expected that 4-6 single-family units will be built on the parcel. Habitat has built 34 homes in Santa
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Cruz County to date and the units in Scotts Valley and the Live Oak Area will bring the total to over 40 homes. During the last several years, Habitat has been on a steady trajectory of growth and these two projects Melanie Shaffer Freitas will ensure Habitat’s continued and successful development as a prominent local nonprofit affordable housing provider in Santa Cruz County.
In addition to securing the new Live Oak project, another change at Habitat is that the current Executive Director, Melanie Shaffer Freitas, will be leaving Habitat at the end of the year to return to her private consulting practice. She has successfully led the organization during the last several years of sustained growth. According to Ms. Freitas, “Now that Habitat is thriving and has a secure pipeline of new projects, I feel proud of all of my accomplishments and am ready to return to the private consulting practice
that my husband and I have owned for the last 30 years.” Recruitment for an individual to fill the Executive Director position has begun and more information about the Habitat organization and application requirements for the Executive Director position can be found at www.HabitatSC.org. n ••• Founded locally in 1989, Santa Cruz County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and to making adequate, affordable shelter available to families in need.
Ann Pomper retiring as Executive Director of Hospice of Santa Cruz County
nn Pomper, present Executive Director of Hospice of Santa Cruz County (HSCC), has announced her plan to retire to spend more time with her family and pursue personal interests. Her planned retirement date is June 2012. Ms. Pomper has been serving Santa Cruz County for over 23 years and has been with HSCC since 2003. The last eight years under Ann’s leadership have been a very exciting time for the agency. HSCC is proud of the role they and their community partners have played in helping to integrate end-of-life care as a critical component of healthcare in Santa Cruz County. In the last eight years HSCC has witnessed a significant increase in community awareness about their services. Currently, the 100 employees and 300 volunteers of Hospice of Santa Cruz County provide compassionate end-of-life care for over 140 patients daily. “I am honored to have been a part of an organization whose staff, volunteers and community partners have tirelessly championed the availability of patient-centered
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compassionate end-oflife care to everyone who needs it,” says Ms. Pomper. “ I know that the work we have done together in the last eight years has created a strong framework to foster further growth for the agency while Ann Pomper strengthening alliances with our healthcare partners throughout Santa Cruz County.” The nationwide healthcare recruitment company of Witt/Kieffer has been engaged to assist HSCC in the search for a new Executive Director. Witt/Kieffer was chosen because of their 40-year track record for recruiting outstanding CEOs and leaders for non-profits and healthcare agencies committed to improving quality of life and healthcare services. It is anticipated that the Board will select a new Executive Director by Spring 2012. Mary Culley, Board President for
HSCC writes: “We are incredibly appreciative of the significant contribution Ann has made to the agency and end-of-life services in our community. Through her leadership HSCC has put structures and systems in place to ensure our sustainability and ability to provide these necessary services to our community. Both Ann and the Board of Directors are confident that we will find a new leader to help HSCC further strengthen our services and enhance our healthcare partnerships throughout the county. We are grateful that during this transition Ann will have an opportunity to work closely with the new Executive Director, ensuring a transition that is productive and empowering for the whole organization.” n ••• HSCC has provided compassionate, professional care and support for individuals at the end of life and their families for more than 30 years. HSCC relies solely on foundation and community support to raise $1 million each year to cover the costs of community grief support, Transitions care, hospice care
for uninsured and under-insured patients and end-of-life educational and outreach efforts. For more information about Hospice of Santa Cruz County and how they can help your family, call 831-430-3000, or visit them online at www.hospicesantacruz.org.
Santa Cruz County Bank Collecting for the Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive n preparation for the holidays and to help provide much needed nutrition for the 55,000 individuals served by the Second Harvest Food Bank each month, each of Santa Cruz County Bank’s five local banking offices will serve as a community drop off location for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive. The public is encouraged to make cash donations or bring in non-perishable food items to fill the Holiday Food Drive barrels, such as soups, stews, beans, rice,
pasta, cereal, canned meats, tuna, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables. The Bank’s goal is to collect over 10,000 pounds of food for the local Food Bank. All Santa Cruz County Bank locations are stocked with Food Collection barrels and cash contribution receptacles through December 16, 2011. For every $1 raised, four meals are provided. Every full barrel provides 125 pounds of food and feeds over 100 people. Santa Cruz County Bank’s Second
Harvest Holiday Food Drive Collection Locations: Aptos – 7775 Soquel Drive Capitola – 819 Bay Avenue Santa Cruz – 720 Front Street Scotts Valley – 4604 Scotts Valley Drive Watsonville – 595 Auto Center Drive n ••• 2011 marks the eighth year that Santa Cruz County Bank has participated in the Holiday Food Drive.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 17
18 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
CommunityNews
Just a Common Soldier (A Soldier Died Today) by A. Lawrence Vaincourt
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.
And tho’ sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away, And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife, For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life. Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way, And the world won’t note his passing, though a soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young, But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?
A politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives. While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.
It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago, That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand? Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise, Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today. ~~~
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CommunityNews
Bestselling author featured at annual holiday event
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Women in Business program hosting “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” writer he Women in Business program of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual “Giving Luncheon” at the Cocoanut Grove on December 8. The event will feature
John Gray, Ph.D.
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keynote speaker, John Gray, made possible by a sponsorship by Bay Federal Credit Union. John Gray, PhD is the best-selling relationship author of all time. He is the author of seventeen books including the #1 New York Times BestSelling book of the last decade, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, that sold over 50 million copies worldwide. During his presentation, John will tell stories, give advice, sign books and entertain the attendees of this luncheon. The luncheon will also feature a champagne reception and networking. There will be a presentation to the Student of the Quarter and a raffle for fabulous themed baskets donated by the business community to benefit the Women in Business schol-
arship fund. The table sponsor is Core Fitness. In addition, the Committee is asking attendees to donate new and gently used coats to support Coats for Kids, a project created by Classic Cleaners. The event will begin at 11:00 for champagne and networking and will end at 1:30. Cost for Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce members is $37 and $50 for non-members. Members are encouraged to bring friends! Tickets are available online at http://SantaCruzChamber.org or by calling 831-457-3713. About John Gray n his groundbreaking new book, Venus On Fire Mars On Ice; Hormonal Balancethe Key to Life, Love and Energy, Gray reveals the connections between hormone levels and happiness and advises men and women to harness the connections between stress, blood sugar, body fat, and behavior to create lifelong passion and bet-
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ter health. He talks about the differences between the sexes and how they relate to one another and can be explained and managed by our hormones. John is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of communication and relationships, his unique focus is assisting men and women in understanding, respecting and appreciating their differences. For more than 35 years, John Gray has conducted public and private seminars for thousands of participants. In his highly acclaimed books, DVDs, CDs, as well as in his seminars, John entertains and inspires audiences with his practical insights and uses communication techniques that can be immediately applied to enrich relationships. n ••• Summit Entertainment has recently purchased the rights to John Gray’s bestseller Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus with the intention of creating a feature film and TV series. The expected release dates is 2012.
The Turkey –Centerpiece of our Thanksgiving Feast
hen European settlers first arrived on the eastern seaboard in the 1600’s, wild turkeys lived in the eastern part of what is now the United States from Maine to Georgia and west to the Mississippi river and north into the Canadian province of Ontario. They at first incorrectly identified the birds as a type of guinea fowl because of the color. Guinea fowl were also known as turkey fowl because they were originally imported to Central Europe through Turkey. The name turkey fowl, shortened to just turkey, stuck as the name of the American bird. According to what traditionally is known as “The First Thanksgiving,” the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag at Plymouth Colony included turkey, waterfowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. William Bradford noted that, “besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many.” Many of the foods that were included in
that feast have since become staples of the modern Thanksgiving dinner. The use of the turkey in the USA for Thanksgiving precedes Lincoln’s nationalization of the holiday in 1863. Alexander Hamilton proclaimed that no “Citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day,” and many of the Founding Fathers (particularly Benjamin Franklin) had high regard for the wild turkey as an American icon, but turkey was uncommon as Thanksgiving fare until after 1800. By 1857, turkey had become part of the traditional dinner in New England. Commercially grown turkeys are twice the weight of their wild turkey cousins and cannot fly. Wild turkeys live in woods throughout North America as they have been introduced in from coast to coast and are the largest game birds found in this part of the world. They spend their days foraging for food like acorns, seeds, small insects and wild berries and spend their nights in low branches of trees (yes, wild turkeys can fly!). n
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HomeandG Garden
New Holiday Recipes with Old World Flavor
his holiday season, if you’re looking for exceptional new recipes that come together with ease, look to some Old World culinary classics. Dishes like this Cauliflower Caviar and Prosciutto & Pea Bowtie Pasta create a homey, hearty menu that is ideal for any holiday party. Whether it’s an elegant dinner or an
impromptu gathering with friends, these recipes that use meats and cheeses from the Boar’s Head Brand line of Old World Delicacies will bring holiday cheer to all your guests. And they come together surprisingly fast, so they’ll bring a smile to your face, too. Get more holiday-worthy recipes in the Old World Delicacies Recipe Book available at www.boarshead.com. Prosciutto and Pea Bowtie Pasta Serves 4 6 ounces Boar’s Head Prosciutto di Parma®, thinly sliced 16 ounces Bowtie pasta 2 tablespoons Olive oil 2 tablespoons Garlic, finely chopped 1 (9 ounce) package Artichoke hearts, frozen, thawed and drained 1 Red bell pepper, finely diced 1 cup Peas, frozen, thawed 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Boar’s Head Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, shredded While pasta cooks, heat oil in medium skillet and sauté garlic with artichokes and red pepper just until garlic turns golden brown; add peas and cook another minute.
Drain pasta and place in serving bowl. Add artichoke/peas mixture, prosciutto and parsley. Toss gently. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle with cheese and serve. Cauliflower Caviar with Frizzled Prosciutto Serves 8 4 cups Cauliflower florets, chopped coarsely ¼ teaspoon Salt ¾ teaspoon Black pepper, ground 3 teaspoons Olive oil ¼ pound Boar’s Head Prosciutto Cotto Italian Roasted Ham, chopped 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced 1 cup Boar’s Head Gruyere, shredded ½ teaspoon Oregano 1 tablespoon Vinegar, sherry ¼ cup Fresh parsley, chopped 24 leaves Belgian endive Preheat oven to 425oF. Arrange cauliflower florets in a single layer on a metal baking pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until cauliflower is slightly browned. Remove and cool.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto to pan; sauté 10 minutes or until crisp. Add garlic to pan; sauté 1 minute, then drain on paper towel. Chop cauliflower florets into small pieces and add the cheese and oregano. Combine cauliflower mixture, prosciutto mixture and vinegar in a large bowl. Stir in chopped parsley. Spoon 2 tablespoons cauliflower mixture into each endive leaf and serve. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 21
FeaturedColumnist The Book Bag by Robert Francis
The Book Bag by Robert Francis
Dinosaur Discovery: Everything You Need to be a Paleontologist
By Chris McGowan Illustrated by Erica Lyn Schmidt Simon & Schuster. $17.99 (Ages 7-11) s youngsters read this interactive guide they’ll not only discover some interesting facts about such dinosaurs as the allosaurus, apatosaurus, archaeopteryx, parasaurolophus and sinosauropteryx, but they’ll also find over 25 hands- on experiments and activities. Besides making a sedimentary rock and replicating a fossil, the reader will find instructions on how to perform a bone strength test to see why some of a pterosaur’s bones could bear more weight than others. Other activities will help the child understand weight distribution and why a dinosaur’s long tail helped it move around easily and how a crest on the head of a pteranodon enabled it to fly with ease. More than just a description of various kinds of dinosaurs with colorful illustrations, “Dinosaur Discovery” helps the aspiring young scientist not only understand why these ancient creatures were constructed the way they were but how they also managed to survive in a very challenging environment.
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Help Me!
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By Paul Geraghty Trafalgar Square/Andersen. $8.99 (Ages 3-5) et an Africa, this picture book focuses on a group of animals that visit a waterhole on the savanna. As dawn breaks, a crocodile lurks in the grass at the edge of the pool, a herd of elephants lumbers towards the water for their morning bath, and a pack of wild dogs hunt for breakfast. Then a remarkable chain of events occurs that involve some tortoises, a young impala and a hippopotamus. You’ll under-
An eclectic array of children’s books …
stand the title of this book as you read this book. Based on real, documented animal behavior, this story will astound both young readers and their parents. It almost defies credulity, but supposedly this type of behavior has been observed in the wild and it certainly makes for a fascinating picture book!
Chuckling Ducklings and Baby Animal Friends
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By Aaron Zenz Walker. $15.99 (Ages 3-6) he bouncing text and adorable illustrations found in this book will quickly make it a read aloud favorite with preschoolers. “Here’s a puppy. There’s a kitten. A baby bunny is what I am.” This is the text that greets the reader when he or she opens the book. On the following pages a fawn, ducklings, a piglet, a little lamb, a filly and a swimming group of tadpoles await the child. There are far too many animals to list here, but lots of baby critters grace the pages of this volume. Besides enjoying the big, bold illustrations, the youngster can practice naming each of the animals he or she finds here. As a bonus, at the back of the book there is a very helpful two-page spread that features a thumbnail portrait of each featured baby animal and gives the correct name of the little one. For example, a baby swan is a called a “cygnet”, a baby turkey is a “poult” and a little eel is referred to as an “elver”. Children love animals, which means this book will quickly move to the top of the list as your child’s favorite bedtime book. Double the fun by making a game of identifying the baby animals here and perhaps adding your own sound effects!
Come and Eat!
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By George Ancona Charlesbridge. $7.95 (Ages 5-8) veryone has to eat in order to live. But as you’ll see when you read this book, not everyone eats the same things nor do
22 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
they follow the same customs when they sit down at the table. While some people use knives and forks, others use chopsticks or their fingers when they eat. The food they consume can differ greatly from country to country too. This picture book offers a multicultural look at mealtime around the globe. Told through photographs enhanced with a simple text, young readers will be introduced to various food traditions from countries like Mexico, China, India and Sweden. From fieldworkers sitting on the back of a truck to have their lunch and a child in Tibet drinking soup directly from a bowl to colorfully dressed Nigerians reclining on mats as they share a meal of “finger” foods, you’ll discover eating customs can be quite different. Whether it is a holiday gathering, evening meal or special occasion like a birthday, the sharing of food is ingrained in most cultures. In “Come and Eat!” you are invited to sit down and observe the differences in these simple daily celebrations of fellowship and food.
Americapedia: Taking the Dumb Out of Freedom
By Jodi Lynn Anderson, Daniel Ehrenhaft and Andisheh Nouraee Walker. $16.99 (Ages 12 and up) he authors of this fascinating, well-illustrated book serve up a spoonful of humor with lots of solid information about how the country works. This crash course explains some of the critical situations facing not only the U.S. but the world as well. Touching on historical as well as current, headline making events, the reader will discover not only how they unfolded but why they are important. The insights provided cover not only the American electoral system, the global economy and the role of religion in political and economic conflicts but also how
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budding activists and/or youngsters interested in politics can get involved. “What’s the FDIC?” “Who was ‘Deep Throat’?” “Why are so many people fleeing Mexico?” and “Why is health care broken and why does everyone think it’s so important to fix?” are just a sampling of the questions addressed in this book. From the “hot button” issues American love to yell about to economics and foreign affairs, there’s something here for everyone. Any teen that watches “The Daily Show” will love the irreverent approach the authors assume in discussing these issues. Although aimed at middle school and high school students, this book will be of interest to older readers as well. It is funny, informative and enlightening, plus very, very entertaining!
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
By Mo Willems Hyperion, $19.99 (All ages) This special edition features not only the classic story about a little girl and her misplaced stuffed toy but also a CD of the musical stage version of this picture book. The story itself involves a trip to the Laundromat that goes terribly wrong when little Trixie’s Knuffle Bunny ends up in one of the machines. Unfortunately, Trixie hasn’t mastered communicating with her parents quite yet using the King’s English, so when she shouts, “Aggle Flaggle Klabble!” her father doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation. “Blaggle plabble! Wumby flappy? And Waaaa!” don’t convey the seriousness of the problem nor the child’s dilemma either. Fortunately, when they arrive home Trixie’s mother naturally realizes her daughter is without Knuffle Bunny and the frantic search begins. And when the bunny is finally located, none the worse for wear and appreciably cleaner, if a bit soggy, Trixie utters her first recognizable words, “Knuffle Bunny!” On the CD you’ll find such wonderful songs as “Walkin’ Dad with His Girl”, “Washy Washy”, “Don’t Worry” and “Aggle Flaggle Klabble”. There’s a bonus storybook read-along too! n
CommunityNews
Avoid the Insanity of Black Friday!
Participate in Black FUR-iday And Celebrate by Adopting a New Pet!
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n November 25, 2011, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) will host its 1st Annual “Black FUR-iday” Pet Adoption event at SCCAS’ Santa Cruz location, 2200 7th Avenue, from 11am to 2pm. This event is a partnership between SCCAS and local animal wel-
fare organizations Animal Friends true is that black animals are harder to see Rescue Project (AFRP) in cages and kennels or don’t photograph www.animalfriendrescue.org, and as well and therefore their photos don’t get Shelter Relief (ASR) many hits during online searches for comAnimal www.animalshelterrelief.org. All cats, panions. The other theory is that, especially with cats, people still dogs and rabbits with a trace of black Black animals linger and harbor superstitions that black cats bring bad fur will be offered often times are adopted last. luck. for adoption for Animal welfare professionWhatever the reaonly $25! All other cats, dogs and rab- als have long ago termed son, SCCAS, AFRP and bits without black this phenomenon as “Black ASR are looking to bring fur will be half Pet Syndrome,” which attention to the “Black price. describes the lack of interest Pet Syndrome” and get these wonderful aniWhy would an that black animals get when mals adopted. All adopanimal shelter need to tions include promote black ani- they are at a shelter. spay/neuter, microchip mals? Black animals linger and often times are adopted last. (including registration), age appropriate Animal welfare professionals have long vaccinations, Felv/FIV testing (cats only), ago termed this phenomenon as “Black Pet routine treatment for fleas/worms, dog Syndrome,” which describes the lack of license (for dogs only) and a free pet wellinterest that black animals get when they ness exam with local participating veteriare at a shelter. One theory of why this is narians. Also, there are other homeless ani-
mals without black fur that are waiting to be adopted! For more information, please visit www.scanimalshelter.org.
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Be heard by KSCO/KOMY’s audience of decision-making adults. Contact Michael Olson mo@ksco.com • 831-475-1080
Dave Alan, Easton Allyn, Kim Allyn, Gary Arnold, Steve Ashley, Tavia Avila, Sam Badawi, Jamie Baker, Mike Baxter, Dr. David Biles, Sam Blakeslee, Vernon Bohr, Catherine Boult, Jennifer Brewer, Allen Bushnell, Karen Calcagno, Al Carman, Don Carroll, Lisa Carter, Dr Matthew Chalmers, Rosemary Chalmers, Rebecca Costa, Katherine Cunningham, Donald Davidson, Jacques Delacroix, Ron Dornseif, Charley Freedman, Benjamin Fuchs, Jeff Galipeaux, Dr Cory Gold, Bill Graff, Steve Gregg, David Harken, Franklin Harris, Helbart, Pamela Fugitt-Hetrick, Thomas Hughes, Don Husing, Michael Jacobi, Donna Jacobs, Nikki James, Chris Jensen, Dr Pete Keesling, Steve Kuehl, Kristina Kuprina, Michael Larson, Al Lundell, Sun Lundell, Richard Luther, Jim Martin, Joey McMurry, Renee Mello, Dave Michaels, Nada Miljkovic, Michael Milligan, Bill Monning, Dr Stan Montieth, Kelsey Olson, Michael Olson, Ric Orlando, Rick O’Shea, John Pengally, Tom Quinn, Dan Rusanowsky, Michael Sammet, Michael Sarka, Tim Sculley, Edmund Scurich, Rocky Snyder, Jeff Shapiro, Rachael Shelton, Dr Aimee Shunney, Alan Smith, Carol Stafford, Mark Silverman, Susan Simon, Michelle Sousa-Pennuto, Chris Spenser, Teresa Thomae, Kurt Useldinger, Melanie Useldinger, Alex Valesquez, Katia Valesquez, Peter Vokos, Dr Joel Wallach, Rex Walters, Natalia Williams, Doug Winfrey, Kay Zwerling, Michael Zwerling
HomeandG Garden
It’s Dungeness Crab Season!
Add Richer Flavor to Your Holiday Crab Dishes with Avocados
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amily, friends, food and parties – entertaining during the holiday season can be a lot of work, but your party meals don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes all you need is one ingredient that adds a little luxury and a lot of flavor, like avocados. Thanks to the climate and rich, volcanic soil, Mexico produces an especially velvety avocado. Available year round, the Mexican avocado season peaks during the winter months. Take advantage of their creaminess this holiday season and top off a myriad of hors d’oeuvres and dishes for an instant splash of color and flavor. Here are some dishes to get you started: Upgrade a simple bruschetta with small chunks of avocado for a richer flavor. Slice an avocado and serve on a cheese and cracker plate for easy snacking. Bake an English muffin with melted cheese and sun-dried tomatoes then top with chunky avocado for sophisticated pizza bites. Add diced avocado to a side of grains
for a varied texture. Avocados not only add color and flavor to your meals, they are nutrient-dense and provide a good source of fiber, as well. Their good unsaturated fats lower cholesterol and satisfy hunger truly making them the crowning touch to any dish. These crab cake appetizers transform into a luxurious hors d’oeuvre with just a dollop of avocado cream and a few golden cubes. Crab Cakes with Avocado Aioli Recipe courtesy of Pati Jinich of PBS’s Pati’s Mexican Table Yield: 8 crab cakes, 4 servings 2 avocados, fully ripened, halved, pitted, peeled 1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided 2 Serrano chiles or jalapeños, finely chopped, divided 1 garlic clove, sliced 1 /4 cup fresh lime juice Salt and ground black pepper 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 /4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons white onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, cartilage and shell removed 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon olive oil Avocado Serrano Aioli Coarsely chop 1 avocado In blender, combine avocado, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 chile, garlic and 2 tablespoons limejuice; puree until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 12 hours. Crab Cakes In medium bowl, mix egg, breadcrumbs, remaining 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 chile, onion, mustard and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Fold in crabmeat until combined. Shape about 1/3 cup crab mixture into a 1inch thick cake; place in non-reactive baking dish and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.
To cook, pat crab cakes dry with paper towels. In large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add crab cakes; cook until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Slice remaining avocado; serve crab cakes garnished with avocado slices and Avocado Serrano Aioli. n ••• For more tasty ways to top off your meals with avocados, visit www.avocadosfrommexico.com.
carry your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and consider leaving at home other types of cards that may have identifying information on them, like wholesale club cards or library cards. • The holidays mean plenty of extra trash. Shred everything that contains personal, identifying information before throwing it out. • Keep a close eye on your credit card bills. This is especially important during the holidays, when close attention can help you catch any charges you don’t recognize on your statement. An added bonus -
you’ll also be more aware of how much you’re spending and be better prepared to stay within your holiday spending budget. • Monitor your credit. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service that will alert you via email to changes in your credit report. This way you will know quickly if someone else has tried to open a new credit account in your name. • When shopping online, only do business with websites that have security measures in place to protect you. Before you provide any personal or payment information, look for a URL that begins with https (not http) and a lock emblem on the page, typically next to the address bar. • Before you surf the “Net” on Cyber Monday, consider changing your account passwords and keep a list of them in a secure place. Passwords and PIN numbers should be a random mix of letters, numbers and special characters, which makes it harder for identity thieves to guess. Preventing identity theft is important year round, and especially during the holidays. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help ensure your holidays remain bright — and secure. n ARA Content
Identity theft prevention tips for the Holiday season
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hile you’re trekking through the malls or cruising websites looking for great holiday bargains, it may be difficult to remember that not everyone around you is as caught up in the holiday spirit as you are. Some of your fellow shoppers may actually be identity thieves looking to parlay the season’s hustle and bustle into an opportunity to steal your personal information and, ultimately, your money. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that identity theft - the unauthorized use of your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number or credit card number, to commit fraud or other crimes - is approaching 10 million incidents per year. According to the FTC, on average, it takes a victim an estimated $500 and 30 hours to resolve each incidence of identity theft. No one wants to lose that kind of money at any time of year, but those time and monetary costs can be even more stressful during the holidays. “The holidays present a wealth of opportunity for identity thieves,” says Heather Battison, TransUnion’s senior director responsible for consumer education. “The hectic holiday season can poten-
tially expose our personal information to theft in both high-tech ways like phishing scams, and in traditional ones, such as a stolen wallet or mail theft.” Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take now, that will help minimize your exposure to identity theft. While these tips from TransUnion are useful year round, they’re especially important during the holiday season: • When holiday shopping, only carry essential documents with you. Only take your driver’s license and the credit card or cards you intend to use that day. Do not
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 25
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HomeandG Garden
Food Safety Tips for Holiday Feasts
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he federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths annually in the United States are related to food borne diseases – don’t be one of them! Follow these simple safety tips so you and your guests can enjoy the holidays in good health. • Keep hands and food contact surfaces clean • Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw foods. • Thoroughly clean all work surfaces, utensils and dishes with hot soapy water and rinse with hot water before and after each use. Refrigerating and Thawing Foods Danger Zone: Bacteria reproduce rapidly at temperatures between 41 and 135F
• Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry and seafood promptly after purchase. • Perishable items, such as eggs, fresh fruit juices and pre-packaged fruits and vegetables, salad mixes, or fresh soup must be stored under refrigeration. • Thaw frozen meat, poultry and seafood inside the refrigerator in its original wrapping. Thawing a turkey may take two to four days. Turkeys can also be thawed by placing the frozen turkey in a watertight wrapper and immerse in cold – not hot or warm – water until the meat is pliable. Change the water every half hour. • Turkey may be defrosted in the microwave, but must be cooked immediately after microwave thawing. • Cook foods to proper temperatures
• Before cooking, rinse poultry and seafood thoroughly in cold water and drain well. • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat is thoroughly cooked. Food Item Minimum Internal Temperature • Turkey, other poultry or ground poultry 165 F/74 C • Beef, pork, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts and chops 145 F/63 C With a three-minute rest time • Ground beef, veal and lamb 160 F/ 71 C • Stuffed meat, poultry and fish and any
food stuffed with fish, meat or poultry 165F/74 C • Eggs and foods containing raw eggs: Cook eggs until yolk and white are firm; Cook dishes containing raw eggs to 145 F/63 C • Leftovers, 165 F/74 C or until hot and steaming throughout Cooking times in microwaves may vary. Cooking whole, stuffed poultry in a microwave is not recommended. Foods cooked or reheated in microwaves should be stirred or turned occasionally to ensure that all parts of the food are thoroughly cooked. n
Thanksgiving
ACROSS 1. The White House domain 4. American Medical Association 7. Once around 10. "Take a ____!" 11. What the wind did 12. Metal shaving 14. Having wings 15. Goes with interest 16. Hunter, e.g. 17. *Site of Mayflower passengers' colony 19. *Like Friday after Thanksgiving 20. Brown, Dartmouth and Yale, e.g. 21. Cribbage piece
22. Parts of a play 25. "Girl with a Pearl _______," novel 29. NHL's rival, 19721979 30. Truly? 33. America's choice 34. "_____ Is Enough" 36. As opposed to yeses 37. "Bust _ ____" 38. "____ Enchanted," teen novel 39. Carpenter's corner joints 41. Local network 42. Follows deuces 44. Mozart's works, e.g. 46. Pledge 47. Stone-cold _____ 49. More dire 52. *Lincoln declared the final one of Nov. to be Thanksgiving 56. Like "The Biggest Loser" contestants
6. "Shock and ___" 7. Dalai ____ 8. Smart ____ 9. Fringe benefit 10. Accidental happening 11. Colorful mark 12. Cavalry weapon 13. *Early resident of #17 Across 18. Open, as in military operation 21. Ante up 22. *_____ potato 23. Texas is know for making this hot 24. It can be bald or golden DOWN 1. Used for breathing, but 25. "Do it, or ____!" 26. Plural for #33 Across not by people 27. Less bright then 2. No problem supernovae 3. Cockroaches and rats, 28. Scotland is know for e.g. these 4. With winglike exten31. Black tropical cuckoo sions 5. Methamphetamines 32. Land parcel
57. Found in pods 58. Strong desire 59. Fabricca Italiana Automobili Torino, pl. 60. Robert Wagner or Stefanie Powers, 1979-1984 61. Oaf 62. *He designated Thanksgiving as the 4th Thursday of November 63. He followed "Give'em Hell Harry" 64. King Kong
35. *Cause for celebration 37. Turkish monetary unit 39. Feline sound 40. Like full-bodied coffee 43. Central part, pl. 45. The Little Mermaid's nemesis 47. Turf, as in "surf and turf" 48. Chicago's ORD 49. Throw off 50. In the same place (used when citing a reference) 51. In the back 53. Water quantity 54. Malaria symptom 55. Up to the present time 57. 21st letter of Greek alphabet © Statepoint Media
Answers on
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Announcements
Become a CASA Advocate For a child who has been neglected or abused, the world is a lonely place. In santa cruz county there are more than 250 kids living in foster care because they have suffered severe abuse or neglect at home. You can be a friend, mentor, and a powerful voice in court for a child in foster care. Join more than 1,000 members of our community who have been trained to serve children in foster care and as sworn officials of the court. Becoming a Court Appointed Security Advocate means volunteering 3-5 hours a week. For more information, call CASA at (831) 761-2956 today and find out how you can help.
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uicide Prevention of the Central Coast is seeking volunteers for its suicide crisis line! Join a community of volunteers dedicated to providing support for people experiencing loss, suffering, and isolation. Training begins Tuesday, October 11. For more information, call (831) 459-9373
Volunteers Needed
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Volunteers Wanted: Senior Peer Counselors
f you are 55 or older, become a senior peer counselor. Attend free eight week training sessions, beginning September 29th. Learn valuable counseling and listening skills, and help homebound seniors through difficult life transitions. For more information, contact Barbara at (831) 459-9351, ext. 206
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urvivors healing center is a place where people victimized by sexual abuse can heal. The goal of this center is to prevent the sexual abuse of children and youth in our community. SHC is forming new ongoing twelve-week, closed intensive therapy groups for men and women who are survivors of sexual abuse. Call (831)423-7601 to register
Survivors Healing Center
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re you bothered by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon is a 12-Step program for family and friends of alcoholics. There are meetings every day of the week and there are no dues or fees. For a meeting near you call 831-462-1818 or visit www.ncwsa.org/d23. Everyone is welcome.
Al-Anon
Ongoing Events First Mondays of the Month
Lecture Series on "Great Decisions"
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7:00pm-8:30 pm, Episcopal Church of St. John, 125 Canterbury Dr. in Aptos ectures will be lead by Dr. Laina FarhatHolzman, sponsored by Santa Cruz Beach, American Association of University Women. For more information, call (831) 688-0541
Tuesdays
Ocean Gate Zendo
7 p.m., 920 41st Ave., Suite B, Santa Cruz. (next to Family Cycling Center) lease join us on Tues. nights at 7pm beginning with a 30 min. meditation, followed by a Dharma talk. Tea & cookies served after the talk, during a discussion/question period. Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.
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Drop in Grief Support
6:00pm at Aegis, 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos oin other adults who are grieving the death of a friend or family member. Learn helpful tools for coping: Share stories and receive support from people who care. No registration required, please call (831) 430-3000 for information.
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Women Care Drop in Cancer Support
rop in Support Group is a gathering for women with all types of cancer. We offer support for women through all stages from diagnoses through treatment. For more information or to register call (831) 457-2273
Tuesdays thru Fridays, Sundays
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Svaroopa® Yoga Instruction at Aptos Yoga Aptos Yoga, 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd. Ste.23B, Aptos. 831-688-1019 varoopa® Yoga is very different from what most of us think of as yoga. With the support of blankets, beginning students relax into easy poses designed to release the deepest tensions in the body along the spine. This release deeply relaxes the body, quiets the mind, reduces pain, accelerates injury recovery, and promotes better overall health. Classes five days each week. First Class free. For more information, call 688-1019 www.aptosyoga.org
First Tuesdays and Third Wednesdays each month
Orientations to Become Advocates for Children
North County, 5:30-7p.m., first Tuesday of month (for location details contact Danielle at 761-2956 X102) South County, 5:30-7 p.m., third Wednesday of the month at the CASA Office, 294 Green Valley Rd. Suite 326, Watsonville. ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Cruz County needs your help. Volunteer 3-5 hours per week to provide support, guidance, and a powerful voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes
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Second and Fourth Mondays First and Third Wednesdays
Alzheimers Support Groups
Monday: 2:00 - 3:30pm Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00pm Conference Room at Elena Baskin/Live Oak Senior Center, 1777-A Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz acilitated by Jill Ginghofer, this group is for caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimers. 28 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
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because of abuse or neglect. Everyone welcome, men and bilingual folks especially encouraged. To RSVP call 761-2956 Ext. 102, or email Danielle@casaofsantacruz.org
respected and copied documents in our nations history. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/santacruz-freedom-forum or email scfreedomforum@gmail.com
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Aptos Toastmasters
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Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Rio Sands Motel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos. f you have trouble or fear of public speaking, this is a perfect opportunity for you to get over your fears! Call 970-2229 for more information.
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Lectures on Western Civilization
1:30pm-2:30pm, Monterey Peninsula College xciting lectures will cover fascinating topics such as "The Art of Alchemy," as well as "Lord Byron: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know." Purchase free parking tickets at the college, lectures are free.
RR Toastmasters meetings
12:00pm at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. ear of public speaking is the #1 fear in America. Since public speaking fears are so common, realize the tremendous power of influence that you will hold when you master speaking skills. Come and find out how you can lose your fears and realize your full potential at Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters Club.
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Coastal Professionals
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8:00am to 9:30am at Aptos History Museum, Old Dominion Court, Aptos. earn tips and make connections. Local professionals meet weekly to focus on business building and collaboration. Interested business owners, independent professionals and guests welcome. For more information: 621-1153, www.CoastalProfessionals.net
First Wednesday of the Month
Child Welfare Review
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6:00pm- 9:00pm 1400 Emeline Avenue room 206, Santa Cruz. he orientation is designed to review the child welfare system and to give you a chance to have your question answered by child welfare staff. To register to one of the meeting and for directions, please call 454-4024.
Fourth Wednesday each Month
Ongoing Constitution Classes
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7:00 pm Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz iew video lessons of an in-depth teaching about our Constitution, one of the most
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and fix any problems of codependency they face, with the help of christian teachings. Teachings are free and open to all public, Contact Daniel Cubb at daniel@shorelifecc.org
Dated Events
Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club Meeting
12-1:30 p.m. at Seascape Golf Course. ontact Doug at 831- 724-9192 or e-mail dnakashima@razzolink.com for more information.
Second and Fourth Thursdays of the month
Cabrillo Host Lions
7:30pm at the Cabrillo Community Center, Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. ublic is invited to all programs. Contact President Paul Henry 831-688-31 or Past President Barbara Chamberlain at 831-688-3356. For meeting/dinner reservations or information or visit www.cabrillohostlions.org.
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Fridays
Clutterers Anonymous
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5:30-6:45 Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz. ired of Clutter? Stuff piling up? Support is available. CLA meeting every Friday. For more info call 426-1868 FREE
Saturdays
Come As You Are Zen
9-10:30 am, Ocean Gate Zendo, 920 41st Ave. Suite B, Santa Cruz (next to Family Cycling Center) ome as you are Zen focuses on Buddhist practices that enhance our daily lives. This will be an informal talk with time for discussion. Free - donation accepted. Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.
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Aptos Certified Farmers Market
8:00 -12:00pm at Cabrillo College, Aptos. he Aptos Market, with over 80 vendors, is open year round, with the best selections of fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seedlings, flowers, local honey, fresh eggs, fresh fish, artisan baked goods and gourmet foods. In addition, family activities, music, cooking demos by professional chefs, gardening workshops, seasonal fairs and events are a part of the market.
Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market
9a.m.-1p.m. SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Drive www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Sundays
Main Beach Volleyball Club Blenders Program
9:30am - 11:30 am Cabrillo College Gym 5-6th grade coed, 7-8th grade girls. Contact Jan Furman at 831-345-1441
Becoming and Emotionally and Spiritually Healthy Person
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10:30 am Shore Line Community Church, Capitola apitola pastor Daniel Cubb will teach a five part series on overcoming the effects of codependency. The teachings will help those who wants to understand, recognize
Friday November 18 Dominican Foundation Guild Holiday Luncheon
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10:00 am, Cocoanut Grove Grand Ballroom, 400 Beach St. Santa Cruz he Dominican Guild invites you to usher in the holiday season with a Holiday Luncheon and a celebrity speaker, Miss Shirley Jones. The luncheon will also include a silent auction, tree viewing and boutique shopping. Come enjoy the festivities! for more information call (831) 462-7712 or visit www.supportdominican.org
Saturday November 19 Survivors of Suicide Day Conference
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9:30am-11:30 am, La Selva Beach Community Church, 26 Florido Ave. ome recognize National Survivors day. This event is put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. People will be gathering at hundreds of places around the country to acknowledge the loss of someone they love to suicide. Gathering together will help them share in the healing and support of those who have also lost someone they love.
Saturday November 19 Sunday November 20 Sandhill Crane Wetland Tours
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90 minutes before sundown, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve near Lodi ours begin approximately 90 minutes before sundown and run to about 30 minutes after sunset. Pre-tour registration is required online. Reservations for a tour can be made up to six weeks an advance. For more information, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/delta/cranetour
Tuesday November 22 Sons In Retirement(SIR) Luncheon Meeting
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11:30am, Aptos Seascape Golf Course, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos. peaker will be FBI Agent, Paul Caldwell. His topic will be "Some Things You Probably Don't Know About the FBI". SIR is an organization for retired or semi-retired men for which there are no dues or fees to join, no political or religious agendas. Outside activities include golf and bocce. Call 688-0977 for information.
Saturday December 3 Local Artisan Holiday Gift Faire
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12:00pm-5:00pm, 736 Chestnut St. Santa Cruz eet local artists, support local businesses, and enjoy holiday music. Find great gifts, such as jewelry, artwork, handmade skin products, winter tonics & elixirs, local organic edibles, fair trade products, discounted gift certificates, and packages for SCNMC and more! For more information, call (831) 477-1377 or
Your November Horoscope Annabel Burton • Astrologer ©
This month begins on a high note, or at least there is a bit of drama playing out and you are not quite sure how this will turn out. Trust in the power of the Universe to bring you what you need when you need it, but it may be in a guise that you hadn't thought of. Still, you have the ability to create something amazing out of circumstances that initially seem anything but. An eclipse in your sign at the end of the month can be a turning point in your own secret ambitions and your path becomes clearer as the Sun enters your sign on the 23rd. Remember, you are the adventurer or the zodiac!.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Announcements
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The 2012 Aptos History Calendar is finally Available!
6:30. Buy-in only $15. www.soquelsports.com
Tuesdays and Weekends
his calendar, created by Heidi and Dick Garwood of Aptos, features photographs and brief anecdotes describing historical events in mid-county. It also features ads from many local advertisors! Buy it now at seven Aptos locations as well as the Capitola Book Cafe.
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Holiday Tree Walk
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November 25, 26, 27; December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18: train departs at 11:00am & 12:30pm assengers riding the stream train will delight in the tree-lined walk of festive holiday trees displayed atop Bear Mountain. Guests may sip hot cider and view beautifully adorned trees, decorated by area businesses an organizations as they raise funds for their respective organizations. For more information, visit www.roaringcamp.com
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Donate to the Holiday Boutique and Santa's Workshop!
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9400 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomand. he Holiday Boutique remains open from through Christmas! Visit the shop and purchase slightly used items or drop off donations. There are many ways to volunteer, from baking cookies to building senior boxes. For more information, call (831) 336-8258
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Ageless Art Project
rtists/Crafts people volunteers Share your talent and make creative expression possible by leading an art group of care facility residents. Become an Ageless Art Project Volunteer. For information call 459-8917 ext. 208
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SPECTRA Arts Learning
he Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County is seeking stories and anecdotes from people with current or past experience with SPECTRA Arts Learning. These stories will serve as examples of successes students have found through the Council’s SPECTRA program over the years, and may be used to promote the Council’s Arts Learning Resource Directory. If you are an artist, parent, teacher or student with a story to share about your experience with SPECTRA, you are invited to send a brief narrative to Sonia Deetz at the Cultural Council: sonia@ccscc.org.
Ongoing Events
Mondays and Wednesdays
Salsa Rueda Class
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7:00pm at Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. earn Salsa Rueda. For more information visit www.salsaruedasantacruz.com or call 831-457-7432
Tuesdays
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BINGO
6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. BuyIn $25. Also, we have a special BINGO, celebrating our 2nd anniversary, on Sept. 28 at
Live Music on the Esplanade
Paradise Beach Grille 215 Esplanade, Capitola. ive music weekends and acoustic guitar Tuesdays. For schedule and more information: (831) 476-4900 Or visit paradisebeachgrille.com
Wednesdays
Peninsula Banjo Band
7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose orty-seven years of performing in the Bay Area, over 250 popular tunes. Come see our band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Wednesday. No cover. Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) for information about booking the band for Non-profit events (donations are tax deductible). www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org
Fridays
Ballroom Dancing
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7:30- 11:00pm at Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola. ive music by The Rainbows. Refreshments, large floor, friendly atmosphere, free parking. All for a donation of $8 per person.
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First Fridays of each month
First Friday Art Tour
he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place yearround and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries. To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)
Fridays thru Sundays thru Nov. 19
Cabrillo Theatre Arts Presents: The Three Sisters
Friday & Saturday nights at 8:00pm; Sunday Matinees at 2:00pm and a special performance, on Nov. 18 at 10:00 am or ticket information, call (831) 479-6154 or visit www.ticketguys.com Tickets are $15 for students/seniors, $18 for general public
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Every other Friday
Shakespeare Club of Santa Cruz
10:30-12:30 pm, First Congregational Church, 900 High St. Santa Cruz, Starting November 4th hakespeare's club is seeking new members to join in the study of his plays. For more information, visit www.fridayshakespeare.org
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Fourth Friday of each month
Musical Me Inc. Family Jam Night 6:30-8:30p.m. 239 High St.,
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Fourth Saturdays of each month
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Santa Cruz. ring your favorite music to dance to and any instruments you'd like to share or perform with. Sliding Scale donation per family of $10-$25 (all proceeds going to our scholarship fund.) For more information call 831-438-3514.
Writers and Poets Open Mike
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2:00pm-4:00pm, Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St. Soquel riters and Poets are invited to a new monthly open mike reading series. Come and read your fiction, essays, or poetry. For more information, call Jean at (831) 475-4221
Dated Events Friday, November 18 Dominican Foundation Guild Holiday Luncheon
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10:00 am, Cocoanut Grove Grand Ballroom, 400 Beach St. Santa Cruz he Dominican Guild invites you to usher in the holiday season with a Holiday Luncheon and a celebrity speaker, Miss Shirley Jones. The luncheon will also include a silent auction, tree viewing and boutique shopping. Come enjoy the festivities! For more information call (831) 462-7712 or visit www.supportdominican.org
Saturday November 19 Golden West Casino Night
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7:00pm-11:00pm. Aptos Academy Auditorium, 1940 Bonita Dr, Aptos. njoy an exciting evening of gaming, food, and wine. Try your hand at Roulette, Black Jack, Craps, and 3 Card Poker with professional dealers. Winner prizes include a trip to Vegas, air miles, and other great items. The cost of admission includes 50 dollars in play money, hors d'oeurves, and a glass of wine. Raffle tickets, wine and beer bar available. This event is a fundraiser for the tuition assistance and CASA education programs at The Aptos Academy, a non-denominational, WASC- accredited PreK-8th grade school. Ticket price is $40. For information and tickets call 688-1080. www.aptosacademy.org
Holly Day Bazaar
Event starts at 10:00am, 11:00am-1:00pm Lunch will be served, Soquel Congregational
Church 4951 Soquel Dr. he Craft Group of the Congregational Church will be offering their knitted and crocheted infant sweaters, hates, scarves, place matt sets, handmade jewelery, quilted purses, collectibles, berry jams, fudge, cakes, cookies, crafted and hand painted christmas cards. Free Admission, Lunch is $7
Santa Cruz Chamber Players Concert
Saturday: 8:00pm; Sunday: 3:00pm rtistic Director Jonathan Salzedo, along with a micro orchestra of singers, strings, winds and keyboardists, present works by italian composer Monteverdi and his contemporary, Frescobaldi. One of Bach's works will also be played. Tickets available at the door half an hour before the performance, you can also visit www.santacruztickets.com or call (831) 420-5260
Saturday November 19 31st Annual La Selva Beach Faire
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10:00am-4:00pm La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave. his exciting event will include prize drawings, gourmet food, quilting demonstrations, and a book sale. Free admittance, free parking. For more information, call (831) 684-0215
Saturday November 26 Sunday November 27 Santa Cruz Holiday Faire
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Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am3:00pm his holiday faire will feature arts, gifts, crafts and more. Meet the artisans and shop their wares. They will feature their creative treasures, including gifts, jewelry, dolls, toys, wearables, scents, computers, electronics, cameras, candy, and foods. Admission free with donation to Valley Churches United Christmas Food Drive or pay $3 per person. Free for active military families and well behaved children under 13.
Saturday December 3 Vinnie Hanson Book Signing
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1:00pm-3:00pm Cross Roads Books, 1935 Main St. Watsonville ocal author Vinnie Hansen is a recent retiree after 27 years of teaching at Watsonville High School. She will be signing her locally set mysteries featuring intrepid heroine, Carol Sabala, a baker and private investigator. For more information, visit vinniehansen.com, or contact the author vinnie@vinniehansen.com
Sunday December 11 Third Annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party
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12:30pm- 3:00pm, Seascape Beach Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Dr. his 3rd annual festive tea party will feature local actors, including children, as Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter. All proceeds and one unwrapped toy per person will be donated to Santa Cruz Toys for Tots. Donations: $29 ages 2-12, $40 ages 13 and up. For more details, visit www.seascaperesort.com or call (831) 662-7108 n
The influence of Jupiter works well for you at the start of the month. You have the chance to take on something that you would normally not feel confident about, but right now you are certainly not fazed by whatever comes your way. The Scorpio Sun highlights any dealings you have with large organizations or groups of individuals brought together for a common purpose, friends and associates, so any joint endeavour is favoured. The Full Moon on the 11th can be flirtatious and exciting for you. It's time to not take things too seriously and have fun. Foreign travel is also a feature in November.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
While the Sun is in Scorpio, your opportunities are focused on career and professional life. Changes here are for the better and you have the ability to push forward with your ambitions. Making an impact on the world may not be the top of your agenda but it could happen regardless! A lot of what transpires is a result of a chance remark or a synchronistic meeting. Fate plays a part in bringing what you need. New ideas are easy for you to cope with and some of the time you have to share that vision with others who are still catching up. Revolutionary solutions are now the norm!
Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)
This is a time when you can be swayed by argument and you are willing try out new lifestyles and ways of being. You are keen not to be too hemmed in and can be adaptable to change which others find difficult. Indeed you can see the advantages of letting go the past and previous traditions. You have a great meeting of minds with a potential soul mate and look forward to making plans. Allow any conflict at the start of the month to work its way through, which it will. The end of the month you are organized and clearer about what you want, after a period of experimentation.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
You enjoy the pleasures of creating space and letting go of what no longer works for you. You can be quite ruthless in your decision making but it is done with confidence borne from what you have observed and perceived. There is a focus on your finances too, this month, and you find new ways to be clever with your cash and create more, either by buying or selling or providing a service that is valuable to others. Your ruler, Mars, enters Virgo on the 11th and you can be proactively mindful of your health and well being. Good times are to be had in the last week.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
The month begins with you at a crossroads, perhaps a continuation from the previous month. Important changes are going on but the message is that you are in an opportunistic time with the chance to broaden your horizons and explore a little more than usual. This could be unsettling for those around you who prefer to know exactly where you are what you are up to! Your ruler, Venus, spends most of the time in optimistic and fiery Sagittarius giving you the boost you need and confidence to take on what can be a daunting task. Romance is a key feature for those of you who are looking for it.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
You are juggling demands at work and an increasing need to be organized and practical on the home front. As a Gemini, you have clever ways to get the best of both worlds and create a win/win situation. Your ruler, Mercury, enters the seventh house of relationships this month bringing people and situations to you that are fun and informative. Conversation and communication are key and you are travelling around more than usual. This suits you fine and you are inspired by what you discover. Take note of the last week when your luck changes dramatically.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
This is a most creative time for you, when you are inspired to take an art class, get immersed in music and concerts, or otherwise enjoy any activity that isn't work related. New friendships emerge from a shared interest and you are glad to have the opportunity to escape form routine. If you have children, then this month their achievements make you proud. The Full Moon on the 10th in earthy Taurus can be a time for luscious feasts and celebrations. Take note of the 25th when a change of routine at work could herald new responsibilities and more cash.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Your focus is on home and your family life. You are happy to curl upon the sofa under a warm blanket with your loved ones around you and you love the idea of creating a cosy nest to keep out the cold. Links with the past can bring dreams and messages and you are compelled to act on what you discover. Professionally, you get the recognition you fully deserve and a reward because of it, either monetarily or otherwise especially around the Full Moon on the 10th. As the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 23rd you feel inspired and energised, and look forward to the Festive Season.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)
This month brings Mars, the action planet, into your sign. While you have had so many plans and ideas that haven't yet come together, this is set to change and you have renewed vigour and enthusiasm that helps with all that you do. It may be that you come up against opposition but you are more than capable of getting others onside and cooperating with you. While travel can play a key role, it could be that you change your vehicle or visit those places that you haven't been to before. it's a good time to take up a course or hobby too.
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)
Money is on your mind, Libra, and you are doing other things besides your normal job that could bring in the cash. Discover skills you didn't know you had by trying something new. It's a great time to learn and earn. You also do well with networking and marketing. Believe in yourself and have some fun. Life need not be serious, although this may fly in the face of your experience. The Full Moon in Taurus could bring wonders to your love life and in any case, your passion is catching. You make the very best of what you have and turn situations to your advantage.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)
It's time to take stock and make plans and set your intentions for the year to come. it may seem early but while the sun is in your sign, you find that you are most effective and able to bring into being what it is that you want. A little bit of luck is on hand for you! The Full Moon on the 10th brings into focus your relationship and any tensions here are now out in the open. This is a good thing and clears the air. If you are single, then this is the window of opportunity for you. You are fortunate with cash all this month but particularly in the last week. ••• Find Out More www.AnnabelBurton.tv
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 29
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Controversy Over Diet Sodas Continues
hile rumors have circulated for years that diet sodas are unhealthy, researchers have found no direct links between such drinks and specific human health problems. Aspartame (also known as NutraSweet) is the sugar-alternative of choice for most diet soda makers. It’s 180 times sweeter than sugar but contains no significant calories and does not promote tooth decay. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved aspartame in 1974, though health advocates held up its widespread use for over a decade. Over half of Americans consume aspartame regularly in soda and other foods—all told, diet varieties accounted for some 29 percent of the soft drink market for the top 10 sodas in 2010, according to Beverage Digest—so it is certainly reasonable to be concerned about any potential health effects. However, initial reports that implicated aspartame in seizures, headaches, depression, anxiety, memory loss, birth defects, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, methanol toxicity and even cancer turned out to be false (even a hoax), according to a wide range of reputable, peer-reviewed studies and clinical and epidemiological research. Another concern that has been voiced about aspartame is that it produces methanol when metabolized, which converts to formaldehyde (and then formic acid) in the body. But studies have shown that the amount of methanol in aspartame is less than that found in natural sources such as fruit juices, citrus fruits and some fer-
Dear EarthTalk: I drink diet soda but I’m told it’s bad for me and linked to health problems. Is this true and if so can you suggest any healthier alternatives? — Mitchell James, Ronkonkoma, NY
mented beverages, and that the amount of formaldehyde generated is also small compared to that produced routinely by the body from other foods and drugs. While aspartame and diet sodas have not been linked directly to specific health problems, researchers who surveyed the eating, drinking, smoking and exercise habits of some 2,500 New Yorkers between 2003 and 2010 did find that those who drank at least one diet soda per day had a 61 percent higher risk of so-called vascular events (e.g. heart attack or stroke) than those who avoided Diet Coke and other products with aspartame. “If our results are confirmed with future studies, then it would suggest that diet soda may not be the optimal substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages for protection against vascular outcomes,” reported the study’s lead author, Hannah Gardener of the University of Miami School of Medicine. But others say that such a finding constitutes a link, not proof of cause and effect—and that those who have
switched to diet sodas may be replacing the calories they used to get from regular sodas with other unhealthy foods that may be increasing their risk of heart attack or stroke. The takeaway should be that those who drink soda regularly, diet or otherwise, should be sure to exercise and eat right otherwise. Or, better yet…give up the soda entirely. According to Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, healthier choices abound. She suggests starting the day with a glass of 100 percent fruit juice and then drinking skim milk with meals. “Sip water throughout the day,” she recommends. “For variety, try sparkling water or add a squirt of lemon or cranberry juice to your water.” n ••• Contacts: “Miller School Researchers Link Diet Soda and Salt to Cardiovascular Risk,” www.med.miami.edu/news/millerschool-researchers-link-diet-sodaand-salt-to-cardiovascular-risk. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.
Photo Credit: Julesreyes, courtesy Flickr
Researchers have found no direct links between diet sodas and specific human health problems — though certainly much healthier beverage choices abound. 30 / November 15th 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
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SPCA Featured Pet
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Come see what fluff is all about at the SPCA Mall Store
Three’s Company Proved a Marvelous Musical Treat!
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he Santa Cruz County Orchestra rose above their highest mark to accompany the three wonderful soloists on Sunday, November 13, at the Mello Center in Watsonville. This writer would be remiss were not the serious efforts of Music Director John Larry Granger not applauded for preparing the orchestra to meet the challenges offered by the three young soloists. Much has been said and written about these three incredibly talented young artists and the many impressive awards and honors they have deservedly won in competitions will be spared here. The works performed were Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major, Opus 61 (1806) with Nikki Chooi, soloist, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491 (1786) with Aaron Miller, soloist and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in BFlat Minor (1874) with Chetan Tierra, soloist. The Beethoven Violin Concerto opened the concert with a rich, elegant mellifluous sound produced by Nikki Chooi. Runs and trills were smoothly played and highlighted by lovely pairings of bassoon and soloist prior to the recapitulation of the first movement. The first cadenza was impressive with continuous divisi lines and again the French horn and bassoon made their wonderful presence known! Nikki Chooi is a remarkable young artist to heading to the very top of violinists. The Mozart Concerto is the second of two concertos Mozart composed in a minor key. I couldn’t help feel the presence
Classical Reflection by Josef Sekon, DMA
of Robert Schumann in Aaron Miller’s interpretation of this work. The performance was note perfect, but I found the phrasing somewhat mechanical. My judgment is drawn from having listened to CD performances of Murray Perahia and Maria Joan Pires to again familiarize myself with a work I have known and enjoyed for decades. The cadenzas were well realized with plenty of technique and direction. All in all, this was a fine rendition. From the opening moments, the orchestra and Chetan Tierra gave notice that they came more than prepared to pull out all stops in this very special accounting of Tchaikovsky’s very well known concerto! Chetan’s playing kept the audience continuously on the edge of their seats with a blend of poise and incisiveness, combined to come across all the more powerfully. One could easily sense that both orchestra and artist were clearly focused on every dynamic nuance of the composer intended. In the second, more melancholic movement Chetan, created personal moments in which sensitive lines dissolved into a whisper of compassion and liquid catharsis. The relentless Finale offered an extremely compelling account not only of formidable technical control, but a truly stunning artistic explosiveness of color, dramatic, expressive brilliance that negotiated Tchaikovsky’s most extreme demands. A truly remarkable performance! n
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ts furry puppies and fluffy kittens galore at the new SPCA adoption center that recently opened in the Capitola Mall! Meet Pearly, one of the many adorable puppies you may find waiting for a home if you visit our location next to Sears. She is an eight-week-old Toy Poodle who barely looks real! She’s sweet as can be, cute as a button, quiet as a mouse and will mature to be only about five pounds! When visiting you may also run into a group of eight Jack Russell mix puppies that are just ten-weeks-old romping around an x-pen placed by the front window. Some are smooth coated and tri colored while others have crazy wirehair and rich creamy coloring. As you continue through the store, a flash of black and white may catch your eye from over in the kitty condo area where four fluffy kittens jump from hammock to hammock chasing a feather boa. When they tire of playing, they might just curl up in a ball of heads and tails and turn on the purrrr. With all this cuteness around, it’s always a party! The store will have 10-15 animals available for adoption Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aside from the awesome animals, there will be a variety of SPCA merchandise for sale such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, water bottles, bracelets and much more! Local Photographer, Portia Shao will be set up to take beautiful pet portraits against breath taking holiday backgrounds for those who’ve newly adopted or have other pets in need of glamorous portraits. The more the merrier at the Capitola Mall SPCA Adoption Center so come for a visit and take home a new family member if the timing is right. Our adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, an ID tag, collar, a free health exam with a licensed Veterinarian, one month’s free health insurance, discounted crate purchase and other animal care materials. If you would like to help orphaned animals, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community. For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 4655000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m.
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Thanksgiving © Statepoint Media
Chetan Tierra • Nikki Chooi • Aaron Miller
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 15th 2011 / 31
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