December 1 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. 23
Serving Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom, Watsonville, & Pajaro
The Nutcracker ~A Santa Cruz ~ tradition!
The Nutcracker
December 16, 17 & 18 ith the assistance of the Orchestra Manager, Norman Peck, Maestro John Larry Granger gathers the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Orchestra together each year since Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher, moved their Nutcracker to the Civic Auditorium in 2006. Tchaikovsky is renowned for being a master of orchestration, and gives every instrument something special to do. The pleasure of playing the music is something that John Larry Granger encourages, at the same time expecting, indeed demanding, each musician’s best effort. Norman says not only is this production glorious looking, but also because the musicians are in full view of the audience, they are more involved and immersed in bringing this story to the audience. Concert Mistress Kristina Anderson, a local professional violinist, said: “The music, especially for the first violins, is very difficult. The overture to The Nutcracker is on auditions for many major symphonies, and takes practicing every year, no matter how many times one may have played it.”
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Selling Caterpillars to raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank
1,229,916 POUNDS DONATED BY APTOS CONGREGATION! Twin Lakes Church Collects Over One Million Pounds for Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive
Cal Giant
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Aptos Adopt-AFamily 18 Years of Helping
Food Bank equates 3 pounds of food per dollar during the holiday food drive, that’s a million pounds worth of food.” This adds up to almost half of Second Harvest’s total goal of 2.5 million pounds.
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Holiday Cheer for CASA
He asked every person in the church congregation, adults and children, to set aside $1.40 a day for ten weeks. “For our church, that adds up to over $330,000,” explained Pastor Rene. “Since Second Harvest
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ust ten weeks ago, Pastor Rene Schlaepfer of Twin Lakes Church, issued a challenge to his congregation: Donate one million pounds of food to the Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive by Thanksgiving.
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“I told everyone I was praying for total participation, 100%. I even asked the little kids to help out and they had some amazingly creative ideas,” said Pastor Rene.
‘Plaid Tidings’ at Christmas Cabrillo Stage
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Table of Contents
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Cover
1,229,916 Pounds Donated by Aptos Congregation – Twin Lakes Church Collects Over One Million Pounds for Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive The Nutcracker - A Santa Cruz tradition! December 16, 17 & 18
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APTOS TIMES
VOL. 20 NO. 23
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Community News
Christmas with The Santa Cruz Chorale • Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert Holiday Cheer for CASA Children from Cal Giant Employees • Local Kid-Rock Bands Taking Stage in Santa Cruz Aptos Adopt-A-Family – Eighteen years of providing for families in hardship ‘Plaid Tidings’ Christmas Production – Cabrillo Stage Brings Back Audience Favorite A World of Many Colors – New Concert by the Santa Cruz World Choir and Orchestra SPCA Opens Pet Adoption Store in Capitola Mall Second Harvest – The Power of Community Your Holiday Giving Will Last Well Into 2012 By Noel Smith State Wants to Return $17 Million in Undelivered Tax Refunds Hospice of Santa Cruz County Understands the Journey of Grief and the Holidays
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Christmas with The Santa Cruz Chorale oin the Santa Cruz Chorale and friends in celebrating the Christmas season. Friday, December 16, 7 pm Our Lady Help of Christians 2401 East Lake Ave, Watsonville Saturday, December 17 8 pm – Sunday, December 18, 4 pm, Holy Cross Church, 170 High St. Santa Cruz Performing Bach’s Nun komm der Hieden Heiland, Magnificat in D major by Monteverdi, and some wonderful Renaissance Motets and Christmas songs from around the world. The Chorale will be joined by some of the Bay area’s finest instrumentalists. Tickets are available online www.santacruzchorale.org, from members of the Chorale or at the door. General Admission $23, Seniors $19, Students $5 For information call 831-427- 8023
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CommunityBriefs
••• Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert abrillo College Dance Department Presents Annual Winter Dance Concert Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 & 3 at 7:30 PM • Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:00 PM The Cabrillo College Dance Department proudly presents its annual The Winter Dance Concert. The concert features dances by faculty and guest choreographers, performed by Cabrillo College dance students. Guest choreographers include Flex Dance Company’s Leslie Johnson, SambaDa’s Dandha Da Hora, Hip Hop choreographer Marissa Valera, and Damara Vita Ganley, of San Francisco’s critically acclaimed Joe Goode Performance Group. Faculty choreographers include David King, Cid Pearlman and Amy Farhood with her Watsonville Salsa Repertory class. Flex Dance Company and Dixie Fun Dance Theatre will also perform. ~~~ Friday & Saturday, December 2 & 3 at 7:30 PM | Matinee Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:00 PM Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos Tickets: $12 General, $10 Students/ Seniors, $8 Student Activity Card at www.brownpapertickets.com n
Business Profiles 14 Annieglass Custom Glassware for that Perfect Gift – Celebrate With Collection of Santa Cruz Christmas Ornaments By Gail Penniman
20 Frank’s Pharmacy for Superior Service – Always Striving to Improve By Gail Penniman
Sports Wrap 16 County Soccer Teams Battle in Tournament Final – Coach Priscilla 17
Meza to try out for Mexico’s Olympic team • Aptos High School Scoreboard Coastal Collision – Newest Martial Arts Showcase by Noel Smith
Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 & 29
Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your December Horoscope Annabel Burton, Astrologer©
Featured Columnists 18 EarthTalk® – Garlic & Onions May Help to Prevent Some Cancers 22 The Book Bag by Robert Francis – Books with holiday themes for all ages…
25 Work in Progress by Camille Smith – There’s no pill for communication indigestion … only a cure
27 Out & About by Josie Cowden 30 Holiday Fire Precautions & Prevention by Mike Conrad, Division Chief Aptos La Selva Fire District
SPCA Featured Pet • Page 31 – Hope Is All It Takes
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2011 / 3
APTOS TIMES publisher
Patrice Edwards publisher’s assistant
Lindsay Nelson editor
Noel Smith contributing writers
Noel Smith, Gail Penniman, Annabel Burton, Robert Francis, Camille Smith, Josie Cowden, Mike Conrad layout
Michael Oppenheimer, Mike Lyon graphic artists
Mike Lyon, Michael Oppenheimer production coordinator
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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.
CoverStory
“The Nutcracker” from pg 1
She loves seeing the young dancers experiencing the grandeur and sheer danceability of this music as the story of The Nutcracker unfolds. Polly Mahan, who plays viola in the orchestra, was introduced to this holiday tradition as a child. She says, “I was five the first time. I was thrilled and insisted on starting ballet lessons immediately!” She appreciates playing in her own town: “It holds a special charm.” In Santa Cruz, she can enjoy seeing current and former music students both onstage and in the audience. It takes a lot of people working hard to make sure this masterpiece by Tchaikovsky come to life each December. All the musicians agree that Santa Cruz Ballet Theater provides a magical production and that the holiday season would not be complete without The Nutcracker. Maestro John Larry Granger contends that The Nutcracker is one of the great symphonic scores that never gets old; as such, it continues to be a ballet that pleases audiences all over the world. His own rewards in the performance include working with Robert Kelley, Diane Cypher and their dancers and guest artists. “Of course, the greatest reward is witnessing the glow “Food Drive” from pg 1
“One six-year old boy sold his handmade paper kites door-to-door for two dollars each. A junior high kid did chores for neighbors. Two martial arts students held a
on the audience’s faces after they have enjoyed this magical experience.” Co-Artistic Director Diane Cypher says that live music has changed the performance for the dancers. “They are so very fortunate to have the experience of waiting for the conductor’s downbeat before they start to dance and making eye contact with him on certain phrases for tempo. It is a thrilling experience for them and contributes to the electricity of live performance.” Co-Artistic Director Robert
Kelley agrees and adds that there is no doubt that the orchestra brings the story to life in a way that a recording cannot. The fact that the audience can both listen to and watch the musicians along with the dancers makes the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre production even more compelling, especially for children. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre hopes that you will join the orchestra and the dancers to enjoy the gift that is The Nutcracker. n
‘board break-a-thon’ One of my favorites: Four little brothers, aged 2 to 7, sold toy caterpillars they made themselves. They raised over $300 that way!” Adults, equally inspired by Pastor Rene, sold furniture and books online, held
garage sales, and more. One couple sold their old coin collection. Another family decided they would all forgo Christmas presents and give to the food drive instead. The owners of Yogurtland of Capitola donated a portion of one day’s proceeds to the cause, raising over $1500. “This year’s goal is more than Twin Lakes’ combined total from the previous three years,” said Willy Elliott-McCrea, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank. “It was an incredible leap and accomplishment and we are really excited to find out how much they’ve raised.” Just $1 dollar donated to Second Harvest can provide four meals. Every action and every dollar makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. Working together, we build stronger communities. “Residents of Santa Cruz County have been unable to escape the negative impacts of loss of jobs, health benefits and homes. Second Harvest is committed to assuring that our families are able to obtain healthy, nourishing food through these trying times and we can only do it with support from community leaders like those that make up Twin Lakes Church,” said Willy ElliottMcCrea. n ••• For more information: www.thefoodbank.org
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Former and current Holiday Food Drive Chairmen (from left): Bruce McPherson, former California Secretary of State; Ryan Coonerty, Current Chairman & Santa Cruz Mayor; and René Schlaepfer, Pastor of Twin Lakes Church
4 / December 1st 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
CommunityNews
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Holiday Cheer for CASA Children from Cal Giant Employees
California Giant Berry Farms employees are sponsoring the party, providing funding for the supplies, decorations, crafts, food and beverages for a wonderful and carefree day of play. “Our company holds fundraisers throughout the year to support important causes in our community,” says Cal Giant’s Cindy Jewell. “This is just one of the ways our employees can give back, and we are especially happy to help support the children and volunteers of CASA.” The children will decorate home-baked cookies with heaps of frosting and sprinkles, and enjoy a variety of other fun activities and crafts. To help them understand the joy of givCindy Jewell and Sandy Jurach of California Giant Berry Farms ing, the children will decopresent CASA Program Manager Charles Lerner and Board VP Kent Thompson with their check sponsoring CASA’s annual holiday rate picture frames to hold photographs taken of them party for children.
festive party will bring holiday joy to the children served by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) thanks to the employees of California Giant Berry Farms. Each December CASA hosts a holiday party for the children and their adult CASA Advocates. For the second year in a row
by CASA staff to give as gifts to the important people in their lives. “The employees of California Giant Berry Farms have been incredibly generous to CASA and our children,” says Lonnie Truax, President of the CASA Board of Directors. “We could not do what we do without the vital financial support of our caring community here in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley.” The children served by CASA are in the foster care system because they have
experienced abuse or neglect in their family homes. A judge appoints a trained CASA volunteer to speak up for the child’s best interests in court, at school and in the community, and to serve as a caring, steady presence in the child’s life until a safe and permanent home can be found. Next year will mark CASA’s 20th anniversary in Santa Cruz County. Since 1992, CASA volunteers have brought support and mentorship to more than 1,500 children in the foster care system. n
CommunityBrief Local Kid-Rock Bands Taking Stage in Santa Cruz laying the popular game “Rock Band” is not enough for some local kids, so they’ve gotten out from in front of their game consoles to form REAL rock bands. With the help of music instructor Matthew Pinck of Be Natural Music, eight kids, ages 10-14, have come together and formed two bands, which will be showcasing their talents on Sunday, December 4, at 4pm in The Crepe Place – 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz – and Sunday, December 18, at 5pm in Coaster’s Bar & Grill at the Boardwalk Bowl – 115 Cliff Street, Santa Cruz.
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The band 3-Hole Punch showcases the talents of Isabella Edge/vocals, Kieran O’Leary/keyboard, Will Bigelow/bass and Andrew Breeden/drums, featuring cover songs by Foo Fighter, Muse, The White Stripes, AC/DC and more. The band FunKdefiers showcases the talents of Catlynn Noernberg/vocals, Thatcher Dunsmore/keyboard, Versai Knight/bass and Ilias Staheli/drums & alto sax, captivating audiences with their jazz funk renditions of Miles Davis and The Meters. Come and support Santa Cruz’s finest up and coming musicians! n Website: http://benaturalmusic.net/
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CommunityNews
Aptos Adopt-A-Family
Eighteen years of providing for families in hardship
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ptos 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
Adopt-A-Family volunteers deliver gifts and food for the holidays.
you can adopt a family this year or how you can help make this a Merry Christmas
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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. Why “Adopt-A-Family?” 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. Making a Difference! ver 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.
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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. You can help! ighteen years is not enough. There will always be those in need in our community. Someday it could even be you... Help Aptos Adopt-A-Family make this holiday a little brighter for those in need. Call Aptos Adopt-A-Family at 6887549 or send donations to Adopt-A-Family c/o Times Publishing Group, 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003. Happy Holidays! n
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CommunityNews
‘Plaid Tidings’ Christmas Production
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Cabrillo Stage Brings Back Audience Favorite abrillo Stage, the professional musical theatre company, completes their 30th anniversary season with the holiday musical comedy, Plaid Tidings, which performs in the Crocker Theater, December 16 through 30. An Audience favorite, Plaid Tidings is the Christmas version of Stage’s 2008 smash hit Forever Plaid, which will combine two members of the original cast, Max Bennett-Parker and Tad Kistner, with new cast members Matt Dunn and Sean Gorski. The storyline of Forever Plaid centers around four hilarious young male singers from the late 1950s who were killed in a car crash on the way to their first big concert, and then miraculously revived for the chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. In the Christmas version, Plaid Tidings, The heavenly quartet return with their tight swingin’ harmonic renditions of musical hits from the ’50s and ’60s. This nostalgic holiday extravaganza is the very best of Forever Plaid wrapped up in a nifty package with a big bow on top! Stuffed with “Plaiderized” Christmas standards like “Mr.
8 / December 1st 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Santa,“ “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” the boys are back to perform their Christmas Special. At first, they aren’t sure why they’ve returned, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. “Plaid Tidings” > 11
CommunityNews
A World of Many Colors
New Concert by the Santa Cruz World Choir and Orchestra
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he Santa Cruz World Choir and Orchestra is a labor of love for composer and artistic director Stephen Bigger, and his labor is back on display with “A World of Many Colors” taking place at the Rio Theater on December 11. Now in it’s second season, the SCWCO is unlike any other group in the area. Influenced by the visual artistry of performances like cirque du soleil, and the musical impact of groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, SCWCO draws upon the great wealth of talent in the area and brings a unique flavor to their holiday performance. This is not your typical choir. A veteran composer from a musical family many of the works to be performed are original compositions by Stephen Bigger. “ Growing up, music was everywhere, I would be trying to write a song on the piano in my bedroom... “I’d play like eight chords in a progression (probably copping Chopin) and say “dad- what comes next?” and he would say, “its your song. What do you want to come next?” “ I approach composing for the group in a few different ways. Sometimes I will just listen to a certain style of music or a group from a particular region and listen for what is the unique flavor of that culture. I then begin to compose something for the group. Other times, a melody will
get into my head and I have no choice but to get it out. Often, it will be influenced by what I have been listening to.” Stephen’s approach to taking the worlds musical traditions and blending them together is not only echoed in this year’s concert, featuring special guest, The Taiko Ensemble of Watsonville, it is also how Stephen is cooperating with other local groups to grow the audience for all. “ I first met Stephen last year in the Ugly Mug in Soquel. He was sitting next to me talking about the choir and how to market a new musical ensemble,” said Michael Logue, a member of the Santa Cruz Chorale and now also an integral part of the SCWCO. “ I was intrigued, so I introduced myself. We began regular conversations about how we could grow the audience for each our groups by cooperating. In today’s economy it is the only way for the arts to thrive.” n ••• This years SCWCO concert, A World of Many Colors, is December 11, 7 pm at the Rio Theatre 205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. Tickets are $15 in advance available online from www.santacruzworldchoir.com or $20 at the door.
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CommunityNews
SPCA Opens Pet Adoption Store in Capitola Mall
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n November 15, tails began wagging at the new Santa Cruz SPCA store in the Capitola Mall for the holiday season. The 5,000 square foot retail space is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering dog and cat adoptions as well as the sale of jewelry, t-shirts, greeting cards and other SPCA merchandise. Aside from adoptable animals, visitors can also expect to see award winning Santa Cruz photographer Portia Shao at the new store offering holiday pet portraiture for new adopters as well as the public and their pets. High fashion canine garments MyFavoriteCouture made by local designer Anastasia Torres-Gil, will also be on display for sale. Manager of the Capitola Mall, Merrie Ann Millar, invited the Santa Cruz SPCA into their high traffic shopping center because of her love for animals. “I have always had wonderful experiences with SPCA and it’s a chance for everyone to learn more about the organization and what they actually do for our community. The bonus is that this exposure leads to more animals finding “forever” homes.” Millar said. One-day adoption events have been held at the Capitola Mall in the past, but nothing quite like this. “We feel absolutely privileged to have been given this amazing opportunity and plan to put as much effort into it as possible,” said Lisa Carter, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz SPCA. The chance to showcase adoptable ani-
mals while interacting with the public on a large scale is a wonderful and welcome change. “We look forward to being more accessible to the public and for our orphaned animals to have a greater amount of exposure. Running this store in such a well-known place will help us really show people who we are as an organization,” said Carter. The mall also sees the partnership as beneficial. “Retail locations make great alternative adoption centers for people who do not want to visit the shelter. It benefits the mall by attracting visitors that might not come to the mall otherwise,” says Capitola Mall manager, Merrie Ann Millar. Adoption policies and procedures will be followed as normal and the original shelter will continue to run as usual. The Santa Cruz SPCA recently purchased land for the construction of a new home shelter and is currently in the design process. As pet lovers, we are excited to see the world continue to lean in the animalfriendly direction, with big business providing animal organizations and owners alike opportunities directly benefiting their pets. n ••• The Santa Cruz SPCA is a private, nonprofit, no-kill rescue that relies solely on donations. They are located at 2685 Chanticleer Ave in Santa Cruz. Visit their website at www.santacruzspca.org or call 831-465-5000.
“Plaid Tidings” from pg 8
60s. Cabrillo Stage will be showing Plaid Tidings at 7:30 PM evenings, as well as 2:00 PM. matinees. For complete schedule, please go to www.cabrillostage.com. n ••• Cabrillo Stage presents Plaid Tidings, December 16 – 30 Evenings at 7:30 PM, Matinees at 2 PM. Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos Tickets: $16 - $34, plus service fees. Online sales now available. Box office 4796154 or www.cabrillostage.com. NOTE: No performance on Sunday, Dec. 25 Cabrillo Stage is a non-profit, non-union professional summer stock musical theatre company dedicated to presenting full-scale Broadway musicals to the greater Monterey Bay Area by producing a diversity of musical theatre works with the goal of educating as well as giving its audiences quality family entertainment. Producing Artistic Director, Jon Nordgren.
Plaid Tidings director Andrew Ceglio, who also directed the original production, shares his take on the show: “Forever Plaid is more than just a musical revue, it is a story with many themes including compassion, courage, love and friendship. What I love about the show is the journey the characters go through as they progress through the storyline. The ‘Plaids’ were not a famous boy-band when they were alive, but they continued to perform out of a deep love for what they did. The characters, with all their human flaws, follow their dreams and realize that life is what you make it.” Singing in the closest of harmony and executing their charmingly outlandish dance moves, the “Plaids” will keep audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great pop hits and Christmas songs of the 1950s and
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CommunityNews
Second Harvest – The Power of Community
Your Holiday Giving Will Last Well Into 2012
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By Noel Smith
12 / December 1st 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
fter three years of the economic recession, hunger has become a community crisis on the Central Coast. Many residents are faced each day with difficult choices in how to use their diminishing resources; whether it’s for transportation, food, rent, utilities or medicine. Many have to consider limiting their food purchases, which could result in periods of hunger. Such food insecurity often results in the purchase of cheaper, lower quality foods that can increase the risks of malnutrition and obesity. Communities are considered to have food security when everyone has access to culturally appropriate, nutritious food from local, non-emergency sources. Second Harvest Food Security projects help support this goal. To better understand the challenges faced by our hungry neighbors and the agencies that serve them, Second Harvest recently released its 2010 hunger study showing that: • Second Harvest serves 17,200 people each week by through its 200 member agencies. This total has increased 58 percent since 2006 and is now over 55,000 people each month. • 93 percent of these member agencies are staffed entirely by volunteers. • 45 percent of those served are children Second Harvest Food Bank was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. Founded in 1972, Second Harvest began by distributing food from a parking lot in Santa Cruz to groups operating the Breakfast for Kids programs. For over thirty years, Second Harvest has distributed surplus locally grown produce and other food staples to the needy in our community. Second Harvest receives food from local growers and shippers, food industry manufacturers and retailers like local grocery stores, federal food programs, food bank networks, and community food drives like the Holiday Food Drive. Second Harvest Food Bank operations are streamlined and efficient, providing 55,000 clients per month with nutritious food and leveraging every dollar donated
to provide four individual meals for needy families. This is done with a small staff and a low 5 percent overhead. How do they do it? It’s community working together to gather the donated harvest of fresh, frozen and prepared foods. It’s the fundraising gathering in the money needed to pay for food. It’s having professionals at Second Harvest and its member agencies working to coordinate all these efforts of community support and the host of volunteers. Its having leadership that maintains focus on its mission of helping to feed low-income families, children, seniors, and the working poor. All food and funds raised during the Holiday Food Drive will be used to purchase the food that Second Harvest procures, and that our network of 200 agencies and programs distributes throughout Santa Cruz County in the winter months. What foods should be collected? Canned Meat, Fish & Soups • Canned Ready to Eat Meals • Canned Vegetables & Tomato Products • Peanut Butter (plastic container) • Iron Rich Cereal (45% or more of daily value) • 100% Fruit Juice (48 oz. or less plastic bottles) • Canned Fruit (in juice) • Dry Beans (any type) • Enriched Rice or Pasta • Powdered Milk Stories shared at this year’s Holiday Food Drive Kickoff ranged from six-yearold Travis raising hundreds of dollars by going door-to-door in his neighborhood selling homemade kites, to St. Francis High School in Watsonville stepping up to raise 10,000 lbs of food, to Twin Lakes Church pledging to raise 1 million lbs of food in financial and food donations. There are also hundreds of private parties and community fund-raising events. We’re always astounded by the creativity and desire to make a difference that embodies this amazing community of ours. The Power of Community really makes a difference to all who live here whether they are the givers or those whose needs are met by the generosity and sacrifice of others. Find your way to tap into the Power of Community Merry Christmas! n
BusinessProfile
ANNIEGLASS CUSTOM GLASSWARE PERFECT G IFT
Celebrate With Collection of Santa Cruz Christmas Ornaments
FOR THAT
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By Gail Penniman
nnieglass is a local company, famous the world over, that designs and produces hand-made “art for the table” glassware. The many styles of plates, bowls, platters, candle holders and art pieces are the creative gems from glass artist Annie Morhauser who over 30 years ago fell in love with glass as art. Annie graduated from the California College of Arts where she learned the process called “slumping” from which she developed her own patented process. A sheet of flat glass is melted over variously shaped ceramic molds and fired at 1350°F resulting in unique and lovely shapes and the permanent fusing of precious metals into the glass. For over 25 years, Morhauser’s awardwinning glassware has sold worldwide, is found in fine stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, and is used at such establishments as the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton and the Waldorf Astoria. Many celebrities have private collections of Annieglass and in 2006, two pieces from her Shell series became a permanent part of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art collection. New Creations for this Holiday Season Mirror Ornaments: New collection of Santa Cruz Christmas ornaments. These darling new mirror ornaments will only be available at her Santa Cruz and Watsonville stores. Each ornament includes a beautiful ribbon for hanging on the tree and comes individually gift boxed. Votives: As Annie regularly finds inspiration on her tours, it’s no surprise that her many trips to the New Orleans area have inspired the Curlique Oval and Fleur de Lys votives. Both feature clear one-inch thick glass with an antique gold finish that glows when tea candles are lit. The votives make ideal centerpieces for an understated, but elegant event. And since they are chip proof, they’re perfect for lighting up the patio on a frosty fall night. Edgey: This enchanting new collection is the result of countless years of experimentation with glass and gold.
Through her unique creative process, Annie realized that hammering the rims to make jagged edges and then painting the rim with 24 carat gold or genuine platinum would allow the light to catch every tiny angle of the imperfect rim, creating a dancing halo around each piece. Mini Splash Bowl: Constantly inspired by the calm strength of the ocean, Annie introduces the Ultramarine Mini Splash Bowl. Although a “mini,” it still makes a statement. Use as a permanent fixture on your table, on a bookshelf or on your mantel and transport the bold serenity of the ocean into your home. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program: To honor the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 25th anniversary, Morhauser created a series of plates with seahorses and starfish in textured aquamarine glass. Annieglass donates all profits from the sales of this collection to the Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program to encourage environmentally responsible seafood practices. Four new pieces join the Seafood Watch Collection, whose proceeds benefit the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s program of the same name. Show your support for sustainable choices from ocean to
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plate. Wallet-sized Seafood Watch guides list the best seafood choices for healthy oceans, people and the planet, so everyone can make wiser selections and avoid exploiting dwindling resources. The plates are stunning and the program has a great advocate in Annie Morhauser. Local Company, Community-Minded orhauser is as down-to-earth as the blue jeans she wears around the studio with her two Jack Russell doggies in tow. She says that there are things for sale in her shop from $10 up to several hundred dollars – something for everyone. With others in mind, Morhauser has become actively involved in giving back to the local community and has co-chaired the Holiday food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank. Annieglass gives academic scholarships to Watsonville High School and to her alma mater, the California College of Art where she is also a trustee and an advisor for their MBA program. Annieglass annually donates to over 300 charitable organizations devoted to children, education and the arts. Annieglass Tours and Tastings For the Love of Grapes and Glass f you have ever asked yourself, “Is there anything new to do on a weekend?” your answer is here. Every Friday, Saturday and
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Sunday Wine Tasting 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm with award-winning local wines for purchase and tasting and free tours of the Annieglass 15,000 square foot studio twice a day at 11:30 AM and 2 PM. For tour reservations call 831-761-2041 x21 or email tours@annieglass.com. Walkins are also welcome. Be prepared to be amazed at the manufacturing plant inside. Glass arrives on 4,000-pound pallets then each piece is cut, polished or painted by hand. There are no assembly lines. The glassware is bent in very small batches in several individual ovens so that many different kinds of items can be made at the same time. Morhauser employs 20 full time employees and resident artists-in-training who hand make more than 55,000 plates, bowls, serving dishes and decorative accessories annually. See Collections of True Beauty he shops are a treat for the eyes and are arranged in collections. There are the ultra aquamarine pieces in the B.C. and Shell collections and the Nature and Water Lilly series in a soothing shade of light sea foam green. Arabella combines gold and platinum in an elegant filigree style. There are Satin Leaves in three shapes and three colors: gold, silver and copper. With their smooth satin finish, they are jewelry for the table. See the aquamarine slab plates with Asian lines—a perfect presentation for sushi at home or for dessert. The Retro series are oval plates with gold or platinum banding around the rims. Morhauser’s original collection called Roman Antique in gold or platinum banding is now an icon in the design world. It is the collection she first designed and produced 30 years ago and is still the most popular of her creations. Bridal registry at their shops is available and single pieces make great anniversary and birthday presents for people growing or starting a collection. n ••• Annieglass: 310 Harvest Dr., Watsonville on the corner of Harvest Drive & Riverside/Highway 129. Open daily from 10 am-4 pm telephone (831) 761-2041 X21. Downtown Santa Cruz 110 Cooper St. (831) 427-4260. Open Daily 10 am to 6pm Sun 11 am to 5 pm. Visit annieglass.com for 24-hour shopping and gift registry.
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SportsWrap
County Soccer Teams Battle in Tournament Final
Coach Priscilla Meza to try out for Mexico’s Olympic team
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n the District Cup Tournament finals in Morgan Hill, Aptos Tide 99G Team found themselves pitted against Santa Cruz Jaws 99G. After defeating teams from Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, San Jose and Belmont, only the two Santa Cruz County teams were left to face off at 3:15pm championship game. It was a nail bitter both teams played amazing well by not letting the rainy cold weather play a factor. Aptos Tide 99G scored in the first 10 minutes with Santa Cruz Jaws 99G scoring 10 minutes later. Back and forth the two teams played but the score stayed 11 for the rest of the game. In the 10 min overtime, both teams made several attempts but the score remained the same. Then came the Penalty Shootout. After the regulation five kicks from both sides, the game was still tied. When it came down to the sixth player Aptos Tide 99G finally won the game and our Goalie, Amanda Churchill, was named MVP for the tournament.
The six girls who took the penalty kicks were: Mattea Romo, Hayley Hopp, Mia Prichard, Sachi Land, Mariah Sanchez, Lindsey Fierro The coaches this year were Priscilla Meza and John Armstrong. Priscilla is an authentic soccer star and is getting ready to try out for Mexico’s Olympic team this December. The 5 foot 9, 25-year-old former Watsonville High and Cabrillo College star needs financial help to make her dream possible. You can help by donating to her Bank Of America Account #0034561732 under the name Dulce Priscilla Meza. All donations big or small will be greatly appreciated. The Aptos Tide 99G team was fortunate to have Priscilla and John both step in to help us have a team this year. The players were really inspired by her and the parents were impressed with her training techniques.
The Aptos Tide 99G Team: Row 1 (from left) Mattea Romo and Lindsey Fierro. Row 2 (from left) Sara Cabak and Kassandra Hayes. Row 3 (from left) Coach Pricilla Meza (with trophy), Mariah Sanchez, Tera Hall, Katie Farley and Sachi Land. Row 4 (from left) Hayley Hopp, Annika San Miguel, Madelyn Gaeckle, Amanda Churchill, Sydney Livingston, Mia Prichard and Rebecca Williams.
Aptos High School Scoreboard
CIF State Cross Country Championships Aptos Mariners Take Third in State Championships Girls Cross Country team reaches division III goal he Mariners beat out Campolindo, last year ’s D-III champion, 147 to 150, to earn its place on the winner ’s podium. This was definitely a victory for Aptos as they were ranked the No. 6 Division III team before the meet. Finishing in first and second place ahead of the Mariners were Div. III
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champion Palos Verdes with 103 points and Vista Del Lago with 143. The Mariners’ Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL) and Central Coast Section (CCS) D-III champion Nikki Hiltz placed fifth in the field, an improvement of 10 places over last year. Hiltz’s time on the 3-mile course was 17 minutes, 46 seconds with Clare Peabody taking 11th place (18:24) leading the team to its third place finish. Coming in first for the meet in 17:19 was Carrie Verdon of Campolindo win-
ning by 1 second over Karlie Garcia of Oakmont. Mimi Eckhardt of Santa Cruz finished in 25th place running the course in 18:49. Division III Girls Finish Nikki Hiltz (A) – 5th 17:46, Claire Peabody (A) – 11th 18:24, Mimi Eckhardt (SC) 25th 18:49, Yulissa Abundis (A) – 41st 19:09, Jackie Stanger (A) 64th 19:34, Meghan Morse (A) 70th 19:42, Karen Jimenez (A) 177th 21:49, Sara Gruber (A) 192nd 23:03
CommunityNews
State Wants to Return $17 Million in Undelivered Tax Refunds
SACRAMENTO — The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) announced it is holding more than $17 million in returned state income tax refunds. This year more than 52,000 refunds, ranging from $1 to $39,000, have been returned. Typically, refunds are returned because the taxpayer changed residences after filing a tax return. Taxpayers expecting a state refund, or unsure if they received their refund, can check its status at www.ftb.ca.gov. The “Check Your Refund” feature is available in both English and Spanish. FTB reissues returned refunds automatically once a new address is received. MyFTB Account is the fastest 16 / December 1st 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
and easiest method to update your address. If you are unable to update your address using MyFTB Account or if you do not have access to a computer, you may call FTB at 800.852.5711 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to update your address. To avoid this situation in the future,
please ensure we have your most current address on file. Another option is to use direct deposit. This year more than 5.8 million California taxpayers received their refunds through direct deposit, fast and secure. Direct deposit refunds are typically deposited within days into a taxpayer’s financial institution rather than the weeks
SportsWrap
Coastal Collision: Newest Martial Arts Showcase
Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds — December 10
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By Noel Smith
ixed Martial Arts (MMA) returns to the Santa Cruz county Fairgrounds on December 10. The Monterey Bay Fight Club presents coastal Collision 4. Doors open at 6 pm, first fight at 7 pm. A number of local martial art academies and fight clubs will have fighters represented at Coastal Collision 4. Eric Lopez, chose Farley’s Kickboxing Academy (FKA) where he has been a student of Francis Farley, former ISKA World Middleweight champion who held the title for five years. Eric is also being trained by at the academy located at 2551 South Rodeo Gulch Rd #4 Soquel, CA, Ph# 831600-7160, Website: farleyskickboxing.com Richard is a recent Bethany University graduate and is a minister at Grace Temple in Watsonville. His amateur MMA fight record is seven wins and three losses. He strives to live by the famous saying “carpe diem” (Seize the day). MMA Basics ow can one tell if the match is a Mixed Martial Arts fight? First, the gloves are 4 oz if it’s a professional bout and 6 oz for amateurs. Next, the fighters are bare foot and shirtless. The ring is round and is circumscribed by a fence rather than ropes. There is a referee inside with the fighters and lots of screaming fans outside the ring. A match is won when the loser “taps out” (I quit, no mas), gets knocked out, is unable to continue (TKO), won by judges’ decision, stopped by a ring doctor due to an injury, the fighter’s corner throws in the towel, the fight is forfeited, or a fighter is disqualified.
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Eric Lopez • Weight Class 155 lbs
Coastal Collision 4 is an MMA amateur tournament with three 2-minute rounds per match with a one-minute rest period between rounds. Mixed Martial Arts is as the name says, a mix of boxing, wrestling kickboxing. Jiu jitsu and any other martial art you can find. It’s kind of like a barroom brawl with (few) rules and a timekeeper. But its fans and practitioners wouldn’t have it any other way. There are a growing number of fighters in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, which is creating a growing business for the martial arts academies and gaining sponsors for the tournaments. Don’t forget, Coastal Collision 4, December 10, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 6 pm, first fight at 7 pm. n
Farley's Kickboxing Academy
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FeaturedColumnist
Garlic & Onions May Help to Prevent Some Cancers Dear EarthTalk: Given the preponderance of carcinogenic chemicals out there today, is it true that eating certain foods like garlic or onions can actually help prevent cancer?
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— M. Stone, Boston, MA
atural healers have extolled the cancer-preventing virtues of garlic and onions for years, but only recently do we have enough scientific research to draw some conclusions. Several animal studies showing promising results using garlic and other members of the allium family (onions, leek, shallot, and chive) to prevent tumors
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have led to hundreds of studies involving human garlic eaters. While it is near impossible to pinpoint a direct link between garlic consumption and cancer prevention, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that “several population studies show an association between increased intake of garlic and reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast.� To wit, a multi-year study of 25,000 people from Switzerland and Italy found that those who ate the most garlic and onions were up to 88 percent less likely to develop various types of cancer (including cancers of the esophagus, mouth,
throat, colon, breast, ovary, prostate and kidney) than those who said they ate little or none. “High onion intake, for example, was associated with a 56 percent lower risk of colon cancer and a 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to no onion intake,” reports Karen Collins of the nonprofit American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). According to Collins, another study found a 32 percent lower colon cancer risk among Iowan women who ate at least one garlic clove a week compared to others who ate one once a month or less, while an analysis of several studies worldwide “linked a 31 percent lower risk of colon cancer with consumption of about four to five cloves of garlic weekly.” And the results of several studies conducted in China show that that those who eat five cloves of garlic a week are half as likely to develop stomach cancers than non-garliceaters. Meanwhile, AICR reports that isolated components of garlic have shown the ability to slow or stop the growth of tumors in prostate, bladder, colon, and stomach tissue. Just how do allium plants prevent cancer? “Like many vegetables, onions and garlic contain antioxidants that can block highly reactive free radicals from damaging cell DNA and starting the can-
cer process,” reports Collins. “Laboratory studies have shown that onion and garlic compounds can increase enzymes that deactivate carcinogens in the body, enhancing our ability to eliminate carcinogens before they do any damage.” Some researchers, however, say that study limitations—that is, the accuracy of reported amounts and frequency of garlic consumed and the inability to compare data from studies that used different garlic products and amounts—make a definitive declaration on the topic unlikely anytime soon. And without such definitive conclusive proof of a causal link, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will not allow food purveyors to state the health benefits of the garlic in their products on their labels. NCI would like to see betterdesigned human dietary studies using predetermined amounts of garlic to discern potentially effective intakes as well as more studies directly comparing various garlic preparations. “Given this protective potential, the challenge now is to identify amounts that will provide optimal effects,” says Collins. In the meantime, don’t skimp on the garlic and onions. n •••
FeaturedColumnist
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Studies seem to indicate that consumption of onions, garlic and other members of the allium family (leeks, shallots and chives) reduces the risk of certain cancers.
Contacts: National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov; American Institute for Cancer Research, www.aicr.org. 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.
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BusinessProfile
FRANKS’S PHARMACY S Always Striving to Improve FOR
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By Gail Penniman
rank’s Pharmacy has a 25-year history of setting the standard in our community for independent, personalized pharmacy services. Owner Frank Giuliani is still a part of the business, but has taken a less significant role in recent months as his partner John Lindberg has taken on more and more responsibilities. John has a long history in the independent pharmacy arena; his father owned an independent pharmacy and John grew to know the value and importance of the services that are provided outside of the big corporate structures that seems to rule the marketplace. There is Always a Market for Personal Customer Service he same conscientious, friendly staff members are on duty behind the counter at Frank’s today, with as much as 15 years’ experience, greeting customers by name and remembering details of past conversations. In addition to John Lindberg, there are two other pharmacists with the same dedication to one-on-one attention: Cindy Keys with 20 years of service and Tanya Miller with 5 years of service. The three pharmacists work on various schedules, and are dedicated to upholding the tradition of Frank’s Pharmacy. Despite the fact that the pharmacy industry has, to a large extent, been taken
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over by the giant corporations that dictate much of what goes on in the marketplace, there is always a market for personal service. In communities like Aptos and Santa Cruz County in general, people are more aware of the benefits of shopping at locally owned businesses and Frank’s is a prime example of locally owned and operated. How Frank’s Pharmacy is Improving he loyal and supportive customer base at Frank’s enjoys great service that is being enhanced through John’s efforts to do even more to make his customer’s lives easier. The store now has expanded hours, opening at 8:30 instead of 9 and closing at 6:00 instead of 5:30 to accommodate work schedules of the customers. John has upgraded the pharmacy computer system with the most advanced features. With a little effort behind the scenes, he can work with customers’ insurance companies and coordinate the refills of multiple prescriptions so that they can refill automatically at the same time each month. Gone is the bother of multiple trips to the pharmacy when a patient is on more than one medication on an ongoing basis. This innovation saves the patient time and aggravation. John says it takes some work on his part, but he is happy to provide this service at no charge to his customers.
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Another feature of this program is that John can work directly with insurance companies to authorize extra refills in advance for people who are travelling out of the area for extended periods. For customers who are only allowed a 30-day supply at one refill, this is a real benefit. Responding to Customers’ Needs f a doctor orders a medication that is not covered by a patient’s plan, the insurance company requires the doctor to fill out a prior-authorization form before the insurance company will even consider allowing the prescription to be filled. In a chain pharmacy, this problem may take days to weeks to handle and often the paperwork falls between the cracks, causing the patient aggravation while trying to advocate for him or herself. At Frank’s Pharmacy, they do the advocacy for you. If an insurance company informs the pharmacist that the medication requires prior authorization, Frank’s will fax the exact form that the insurance company requires, filled in with all the pertinent information, to the doctor’s office. All the doctor has to do is fill in his portion and fax it to the insurance company. This streamlined approach saves the patient time and needless distress. The state-of-the-art computer system allows patients to access and
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print their medication profile from the pharmacy website. Web-based refill requests are available and there’s an iPhone app for refills as well. When you call Frank’s Pharmacy, however, it is strictly old school. A real human being will answer the phone without the caller having to go through long automated menus. Going the Extra Mile ust inside the front door of the store, Frank’s has installed a locked container in which to dispose of expired or unused medications so that customers can safely dispose of them without worry. These products are incinerated so that none of the chemicals can harm the environment, animals or people. A delivery service is available for a nominal cost and if a patient has a coordinated delivery of several prescriptions filled at the same time each month, Frank’s offers a once per month delivery at no charge. They deliver to Aegis, one block away, on an almost daily basis. Combining old-fashioned personal pharmacy service with 21st century technology, Frank’s will continue in its wellestablished tradition of letting their customers know they are really cared for. n ••• Open Mon-Fri 8:30am to 6pm and Sat 9am to 2pm. Closed Sun. Located at 7518 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Call 685-1100. Visit their website at franksrx.com.
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FeaturedColumnist The Book Bag by Robert Francis
The Book Bag by Robert Francis
A Christmas Homecoming
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By Anne Perry Ballantine. $18 (Rating: Excellent) nne Perry constructs this unusual holiday mystery around Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Christmas is just weeks away and a theatrical troupe has been summoned to the coastal village of Whitby in Yorkshire to perform a special adaptation of “Dracula”. You might remember that this is the fishing village where Stocker’s Count Dracula arrives in England. The daughter of a local millionaire, Charles Netheridge, has written the play and it is all but impossible to perform. With tempers getting shorter and shorter and the weather getting nastier, it appears the play will not make it to the stage. Then a mysterious stranger arrives and takes over the directing chores. Is he a theatrical genius or something else? The production suddenly becomes strangely compelling and a brooding evil emerges under the man’s direction. When a murder mars the rehearsals and threatens the production, it is up to one of the company’s members to play amateur sleuth. Something quite sinister seems to have taken over the inhabitants of Charles Netheridge’s lonely hilltop mansion and totally marred the festive season. The question is whether anything can be salvaged of what is supposed to be a special holiday treat.
Christmas at Timberwoods
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By Fern Michaels Zebra. $7.99 (Rating: Very Good) imberwoods Mall is ablaze with Christmas cheer, but head of security Heather Andrews isn’t celebrating. If frazzled parents, disgruntled Santas and, rowdy teens and the occasional shopping bag snatcher aren’t enough to cause Heather concern, Angela Steinhart has
Books with holiday themes for all ages …
become a big headache. Besides designing the mall’s spectacular holiday displays, Angela is also known for her premonitions, which have a nasty habit of coming true. The young woman has had a vision that tragedy will strike the mall on Christmas Eve. As much as she would like to ignore Angela’s fears and dismiss them as holiday stress, Heather realizes she can’t just ignore the woman’s uncanny certainty that something really, really bad is going to happen at Timberwoods. As the days countdown to Christmas, Heather will need to stay very alert and look for signs that someone is about to outdo the Grinch on Christmas Eve. If she fails, it could be a very memorable holiday in the very worst way imaginable!
and flipping. Great-aunts and uncles are stepping and dipping.” After dancing the evening away, everyone is tired except Rachel. “Biddy-biddy bim-bom bim-bom bop, I’m the only one still dancing at our Hanukkah Hop,” she says.
The 12 Bugs of Christmas
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By David Carter Little Simon. $12.99 (All ages) f you have enjoyed the series of bug popup books created by David Carter, you’ll definitely want to get a copy of this reworking of the traditional holiday song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” Flip open the gailywrapped box on the accompanying page and you see a fruitcake bug in a pear tree! And so it goes. Cuckoo bugs, sneaky
The Hanukkah Hop!
By Erica Silverman Illustrated by Steven D’Amico Simon & Schuster. $12.99 (Ages 3-6) o one loves Hanukkah more than Rachel. While she helps her dad decorate the house and her mom whips up a batch of latkes, Rachel hums a Hanukkah tune. “ B i d d y biddy bim-bom bim-bom bop,” she sings. “I’ll whirl all night at our Hanukkah Hop.” When the house is ready and the food prepared, the family’s guests begin to arrive. “Bubbes and zaydes zoom in by plane. Nieces and nephews ride buses and trains. Great-aunts, second cousins, old friends from afar are arriving by motorbike, camper, and car.” After the menorah is lit and the dreidel song sung, everyone sits down to eat. And, when they are all done, the real fun begins. The four-piece Klezmer Band arrives and once they are set up the dancing begins. “Cousins are twisting and jumping
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the second they became available. This season’s novel finds free-spirited Jacquie Grey heading west to start a whole new life. Her solo road trip is going great until she literally runs into Arizona rancher Choya Barnett. Luckily, no one is injured, but Jacquie’s car needs major repairs and she doesn’t have the money to make them. At this point Choya offers to give her a job taking care of his young son and home until she makes enough money to be on her way again. What choice does Jacquie have? Of course, a temporary job turns into something a little more permanent as the rancher and his new nanny/housekeeper discover an attraction that is very hard to resist. With Christmas just around the corner, perhaps there will be a very special present under the tree for this adventurous young woman. And for Choya and his little boy, this might be one of the best holidays they have had in a long time.
Santa’s New Jet
bugs, snowflake bugs, and so forth. It is when you get to the final days that you’ll see if Carter is up to the challenge. Of course, he is! On the eleventh day you’ll find eleven dainty bugs a-dancing and on day twelve up will pop a tree with a dozen angel bugs a-rising! Whether you collect pop-up books because you love their intricate paper engineering or just like unusual holiday books, this is certainly a little volume you’ll want to buy and share with friends and family.
To Santa With Love
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By Janet Dailey Zenith. $7.99 (Rating-Very Good) uthor Janet Dailey has been writing holiday romances for years. “Searching for Santa”, “Scrooge Wore Spurs” and “Maybe This Christmas” are just a few of the popular titles her readers have snatched up
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By David Biedrzycki Charlesbridge. $7.95 (Ages 3-6) oor Santa! It is almost time to start delivering toys but he is facing some major transportation problems. Not only does his sleigh need major repairs, but the reindeer are also totally out of shape after eating pizza and watching TV all summer. Fortunately, Orville the Elf has a solution to the problem. He and the other elves have designed a special jet that will whisk their boss off on his Christmas Eve journey. Unfortunately, the new mode of transportation isn’t perfect. In fact, it is hard to land on roofs and when the fog sets in, Santa is in a real pickle. In fact, it looks like no more gifts will be delivered unless some old friends can quickly harness up and come to Santa’s rescue. A lot of different spins have been put on Santa’s Christmas journey, but this is one of the more humorous ones. Children and adults will get a few chuckles as they watch how new, cutting-edge technology isn’t always the best solution to a problem! n
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CommunityNews
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Hospice of Santa Cruz County Understands the Journey of Grief and the Holidays
olidays once filled with joy can be a painful time when someone we love has died. Many people who are dealing with loss are often caught in the dilemma between the need to grieve and the pressure to get into the spirit of the season. Hospice of Santa Cruz County understands that many bereaved people simply ask what they can do to get “through” the holidays. Since every individual handles stress and grief differently, there is no one simple answer. Think about how following the same traditions might impact you during this time. You may even consider changing some of them. Linda Donovan, who is now a grief support volunteer for hospice said, “On one holiday season after my husband died, I decided that I didn’t want my daughters to experience the painful reminder that their father would no longer be with us. So, I changed our holiday tradition, and took the girls on a trip to a place we had never been before. We created new memories and had a wonderful time. It may be something as basic as going to a family movie together after a holiday dinner or making a
meal that is totally different than what you have had in the past.” Donovan also recommends the special services that hospice offers during the holidays. “The drop-in grief support group on Coping with Grief during the holidays and many people may find comfort in the Interfaith Memorial Service and the Tree of Lights Ceremony.” Another suggestion: do what is comfortable. “The holidays can create unbearable pressure,” commented Jack Gordon, President of HFA. “The key to coping with grief during the holidays is to find the way that is right for you.” Hospice of Santa Cruz County has several events planned that may provide support throughout an individual’s personal grief journey this holiday season. In addition to our ongoing individual and group counseling, we offer a number of community events during the holiday season to support healing and commemorate those who have died. Hospice Tree of Lights Ceremony Sunday, December 4, 5:30pm At The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz,
7807 Soquel Dr Aptos Hospice’s Tree of Lights ceremony is not only a remembrance service but also a way to raise much-needed funds to support Hospice programs. Family and friends are invited to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on the tree. Each light will represent a thoughtful donation made in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate a special relationship. The trees will remain lit during the entire season as a reminder of the love and memories of special people in our lives. Funds raised provide hospice care for those who are uninsured or underinsured; community-wide grief support, including children’s programs; Transitions care for those not yet ready for hospice; education and outreach. To make a Tree of Lights donation in honor of a loved one, please visit www.hospicesantacruz.org or call 4303082. Hospice Foundation of America also suggests additional steps to help those grieving during the holidays: • Plan for the approaching holidays. Be
aware that this might be a difficult time. • Doing things a bit differently can acknowledge the change while preserving continuity with the past. • Be careful not to isolate yourself and don’t cut yourself off from the support of family and friends. Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides grief support to everyone in need in Santa Cruz County. If you are grieving the death of someone close to you, call HSCC at (831) 430-3000. Let them share how they can help. HSCC relies solely on foundation and community support to raise over $1 million each year to cover the costs of community grief support, Transitions care, hospice care for uninsured and under-insured patients, end-of-life educational and outreach efforts and the We Honor Vets program. Hospice programs include: Transitions: A program designed to ease the concerns of those who are not quite ready for hospice by helping to coordinate care and resources while providing an understanding of the disease processes. “Hospice” > 30
LISTEN & BE HEARD ON ULTIMATE LOCAL RADIO Listen to KSCO’s Happy Hour Commute from 4pm to 7pm
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“Dead Air Dave” Dave Michaels
Local News, King of the Hill Traffic, Sports in Your Shorts, Weather, Music from the Past, Comments about the Present and Your Telephone Calls about Everything 24 / December 1st 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Listen as 89 of your friends and neighbors talk their walk on AM 1080 KSCO
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
FeaturedColumnist
There’s no pill for communication indigestion … only a cure
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By Camille Smith
versations that sound something like this: “Be quiet… it’s too risky to speak up… it’s not my place to say something… he/she/they won’t understand… I’ll speak up next time.” Not only do we listen to the flurry, we believe it’s true and absolutely going to happen. What’s driving this internal snowstorm that freezes us? Many of us believe that being silent is better than risking saying something that might damage the relationship. Here’s the cosmic joke: The silence we invoke to protect the relationship often does more damage than a conversation that’s rough around the edges but wrapped in partnership. Our silence does not salvage the relationship, it sinks it. Our fear that we’ll lose the relationship actually is realized. Sad, isn’t it? Sometimes people have told me one of the myths they have believed is: It’s better to have a bad relationship that no relationship at all. While there isn’t a pill for this kind of laryngitis, there is a cure. Rather than putting something in us, we need to generate something out from us. We need to generate a commitment to who we want to be and how we want to show up. From there, we can then generate a way of communicating that’s summed up by this mantra offered by Susan Scott in Fierce Conversations: Model what I want. Learn the communication Heimlich maneuver: • Stand behind yourself. Take a stand for the kind of communicator you want to be. • Squeeze yourself. If you want openness and honesty from others, be open and honest when you speak. If you want others to reveal their secret agendas, share your hidden agenda first. Squeeze yourself to ask in this way, not others. • Dislodge myths. As you model the way you want to be communicated with, the myths that have kept you silent will be dislodged. Waiting will not dislodge them. Taking new actions Give yourself a communication will. • Use your words. Heimlich! Recognize the phrase? Yeah, that’s what we say to children • Stand behind yourself. who are throwing a tantrum. Maybe being silent, out of • Squeeze yourself. spite and not reflection, is an • Dislodge myths. adult tantrum. The “silent • Use your words. treatment” punishes both parties. Removing the blockage to communication begins with you. I know it may be annoying to keep
uring the changeover in a recent tennis game, one of my buddies reached in his bag and offered his partner some pills, saying “We really need our vitamin A today.” Wanting to join in, I quipped: “A for attitude?” They laughed, “No. A for Advil. Otherwise, we’ll seize up!” It got me thinking. What vitamin could we take for those times when our conversations seize up and words get stuck in our throats? You know… those times when you have something important to say, but don’t know how to say it so you swallow your words. Those times when you want to ask a question, but don’t. Those times when you overhear someone being verbally abused and rather than step in, as you wish you would, you quickly move out of the area to avoid being seen by the parties involved. Here’s what I experience as I help people regain their voice and learn how to deliver and receive difficult messages. When we go silent when we don’t want to, we are listening to a flurry of internal con-
Self-administered Heimlich Maneuver
hearing that it’s up to you. Too bad. You are that powerful. Modeling the behavior you desire from others is risky and rewarding. Risky because you don’t know exactly how the conversation will turn out. That’s uncomfortable. Rewarding because once you experience communicating in the manner you want to be communicated with, you’ll feel a new sense of power (not force), pur-
pose and partnership. That’s addictive. It’s either a tough or sweet pill to swallow when we get that it’s up to us to go first. We have the cure inside us, we just need to cough it up. Give yourself a Heimlich for what sticks in your throat. Be mindful that what comes out models the behavior you want to receive. You’ll stop chocking and breathe a lot easier, I promise. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2011 / 25
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FeaturedColumnist
&About
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Family Service Agency of the Central Coast and the Daisy Auxiliary he Family Service Agency of the Central Coast exists to assist members of the community who are struggling to face life’s challenges. The Agency is there to give a helping hand and some practical encouragement to those in need. For more than five decades, the Family Service Agency has been helping the community of Santa Cruz County by providing counseling, suicide prevention, education, outreach and supportive services.
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The Daisy Auxiliary he Daisy Auxiliary was founded in 1968 as a volunteer organization benefiting the Family Service Agency. The Daisy runs a store in Capitola – an upscale resale boutique selling women’s clothing, purses, scarves, hats, shoes, jewelry, collectibles and more – which is manned entirely by volunteers. It is well worth a visit to rummage around and find that little treasure you can’t live without. All the money from The Daisy’s sales goes to help fund the Family Service Agency. A few weeks ago, I attended a fashion show at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz put on by The Daisy organization. As well as having a great time and seeing lots of friends who work at The Daisy, it was good to know that all the money raised is for a very good cause. Family Service Agency, 104 Walnut Ave., Suite 208, Santa Cruz, 423-9444. The Daisy, King’s Plaza Shopping Center, 1601 41st Ave., Capitola, 462-3686. www.fsa-cc.org.
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Sharp Quick he last thing you need during the holidays is a drawer full of blunt knives. With all the parties, family gatherings and endless meals to be prepared over the festive season, it’s good to have sharp knives that will cut and chop easily. Terry Beech, owner of Sharp Quick, has a speedy knife-sharpening business – and you can find him all over town at farmers markets and outside various stores. Beech had set up outside Staff of Life recently and sharpened several pairs of scissors for me. He also sells beautiful knives – many of them imported from Italy and Germany – that would make great gifts for Christmas. www.sharpquick.com
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Le Chef in Aptos e Chef in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center is the most wonderful little kitchenware store. Almost everything in the place would make a good Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. Owners Keang and Dee Dee Lee have filled their store with and endless list of affordable items – all carefully chosen and attractively displayed. There are kitchen towels, aprons, chopping boards, colanders, scales, casserole dishes, rolling pins, and oven mitts, coffee pots, coffee presses, tea pots, and a fine assortment of teas. Several items caught my eye – a beautiful cheese board with two stainless steel knives for $40; gorgeous pepper mills (handmade in Maine) at various prices; little paring knives with a plastic cover for $5.99; and a good assortment of electric kettles ranging in price from $29 to $100. There are Gelpro kitchen mats for $100 – made in Texas – and even chopsticks. Le Chef, 94 Ranch Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos, 685-1808. Email: lechefkitchen@yahoo.com.
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Le Chef
Aptos Center Holiday Open House n Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1-4 p.m. there will be discounts and raffle prizes at every store in the Aptos Center – including Chic Boutique, Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine, Frank’s Pharmacy, Aptos Natural Foods, Ace’s Flowers, Pacific Coffee Roasting, Blue Moon, Bella Donna and Campus Styling, Heather’s Patisserie, Carried Away and Mark Areias, Shoe Fetish and Patrick James. Santa will be making an appearance; so don’t miss this festive event.
By Josie Cowden
Aptos Center, Soquel Drive, Aptos (in the 700 block).
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Dining Etiquette on’t forget the golden rule of not clearing away a single plate until everybody at the table has finished eating. This is the correct thing to do. Restaurant servers make this mistake all the time –
prompting those left behind to hurriedly finish their food. Even at special events where people should be taking their time over each course – such as weddings and birthday gatherings – diners are always rushed. I call it Dine and Dash! n ••• Josie Cowden is a freelance writer and proofreader. Contact her at ravenone274@comcast.net.
At The Gym
49. Police ___ shot 64. Narrow water-filled 10. Used in angling 28. ____ E. Coyote ACROSS 51. Region of northeast11. ""Iliad," e.g. gorge 30. Silver in a cloud? 1. Can cause mass ern South America 12. Skin cyst 35. Often done cold turkey 65. And not destruction 15. *Exercise of the heart 54. Type of boom 6. *Part of a strength 37. Harsh, as in remark 67. Greek bazaar 56. Pelted, as with eggs 20. Piaf or Wharton 68. Raja's wife 39. Oil tanker training set 57. *Congratulatory 40. "Do ____ others as 69. *Sometimes follows 22. Unagi 9. Ball of yarn gesture 24. Ascetic Muslim injury you would have 13. Fear-inspiring 58. *Listen to one on monk 70. Himalayan country them do..." 14. Husk of corn headphones while 41. _____ like a dark 71. *____ gym, accessi- 25. *Glute exercise 15. It has two doors exercising 26. 1/16th of a pound ble to everyone cloud 16. "Boy _____ World" 59. Bad luck predictor 72. Kicked in yard game 27. Recognized 17. "He ___ and drank the 43. Bog down 29. Vietnam's neighbor 60. Kind of bird 73. Proficient precious Words..." 44. Sour in taste 31. Jodie Foster's "____ 61. It springs eternal? 46. Feed storage 18. Packers QB 62. Try not to fall into Island" (2008) 47. Don't forget to hit this DOWN 19. *Lookout man this 32. It describes the button when done 1. Tailor's actions 21. ____ the Great, king 63. Lot's wife turned siege of Troy 2. Sound from rival of 48. Ennui of Persia into a pillar of this 33. Courage to go on #28 Across 50. *Done to a sparring 23. Rolled grass 64. "To and ___" 3. Black and white treat 34. Light signal partner 24. Colored 52. Bear's winter hangout 4. Catcher's gear, pl. 36. Reality TV actress 66. South American 25. Socialist, abbr. tuber Spelling 53. Conservative talk- 5. Bequeath 38. "Wilhelm ____" by 6. Back seat show host Friedrich von Schiller 7. Jack Sprat couldn't 55. File a suit 42. Agitate 57. Red light, green light do this to fat © Statepoint Media 8. College president 45. *Often done in four 60. *Dumbbells and Answers on 31 » counts 9. Sweet talk plates www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / December 1st 2011 / 27
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Announcements
Sixty-Third Anniversary of Human Rights
or the Month of December, The United Nations Association of Santa Cruz is Celebrating the 63rd Anniversary of the 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights.' The UNA will have a "Peace, Human Rights & Justice" Display at the Santa Cruz Library, 224 Church St. (831 420-5700) and the Aptos Librry 7695 Soquel Dr. Aptos (427-7702)
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Bizaid for AIDS Campaign
November 25 thru December 5 ow in its 21st year, BizAID for AIDS was developed by New Leaf Community Markets and Santa Cruz Aids Project (SCAP) as a way for businesses to support people in Santa Cruz County living with HIV. Participating companies commit to SCAP a percentage of sales or a specific amount to donate during the ten days after Thanksgiving. SCAP provides critical support to people living with HIV/AIDS for free, including referrals, psychosocial support and financial support, plus outreach to high-risk populations to prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted diseases. You can support SCAP by patronizing businesses displaying BizAID for AIDS posters in their windows. More information at: www.scapsite.org
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Become a CASA Advocate
or 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.
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
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.
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Tuesdays
Ocean Gate Zendo
7 p.m., 920 41st Ave., Suite B, Santa Cruz. (next to Family Cycling Center)
join us on Tues. nights at 7pm xciting lectures will cover fascinating topics Plowedlease beginning with a 30 min. meditation, folE such as "The Art of Alchemy," as well as by a Dharma talk. Tea & cookies "Lord Byron: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to 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 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
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Wednesdays
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.
Lectures on Western Civilization
1:30pm-2:30pm, Monterey Peninsula College
28 / December 1st 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
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 respected and copied documents in our nations history. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/santacruz-freedom-forum or email scfreedomforum@gmail.com
Thursdays
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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
will host "Hot for The Holidays," a night of socializing, shopping, and a silent auction that will benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates, in memory of Celestial Cassman, a former salon client and a member of CASA's Board of Directors. $10 in advance, $15 at the door includes gift bag and complimentary glass of wine.
Tuesday, December 6 Aptos Village Tree Lighting
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4:00 pm, Aptos Village Tree (next to Britannia Arms) ome Help Us Light the Aptos Village Christmas Tree! Bring the family on Tuesday, December 6th at 4:00 to Aptos Village for the Aptos Chamber’s Annual Tree Lighting event! Enjoy Christmas caroling with the Twin Lakes Church Youth Choir, hot chocolate, Santa Claus, and the lighting the Aptos Community Christmas Tree! Please bring your favorite cookies to share! We will also be collecting canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank and/or unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
Saturday December 7
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Auditions for the Santa Cruz Youth Symphony
Thursday December 1
here are openings in all sections of the orchestra, including all strings. Scholarship assistance is available. For audition information, email info@sccys.org or call (831) 607-9678
Open House at Aptos Academy
Thursday December 8
Dated Events
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6:00pm-8:00pm 1940, Bonita Dr. Aptos he Aptos Academy invites you to an Open house to meet the schools friendly, inspiring teachers and view a video of the beautiful, five acre campus with a theater, running track, and horse facility. Learn how PreK-8th grade students at this WASC-accredited, non-denominational school are inspired by individualized, arts-enriched academic programs, and daily PE. For more information, call (831) 688-1080, or visit www.aptosacademy.org
Saturday December 3 Local Artisan Holiday Gift Faire at the Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center
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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 visit www.scnmc.com
Holiday Style Event for CASA
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5:00pm-9:00pm, Urban Groove Salon, 575 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz ot Groove Salon and more than a dozen local beauty and health related businesses
Women in Business Annual Giving Luncheon
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11:00am-1:30pm, The Cocoanut Grove he Women in Business program of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual "Giving Luncheon" which will feature keynote speaker, John Gray, sponsored by Bay Federal. John Gray, PhD, is the best selling relationship author of all time. He is the author of 17 books including "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." As our Call to Action, the Committee is asking attendees to donate new and gently used coats to support Coats for Kids, a project created by Classic Cleaners. Cost for Chamber of SC members is $37, Cost is $50 for non-members. For more information, contact the Chamber at (831) 457-3720 or visit www.santacruzchamber.org
Tuesday December 13 Sons In Retirement (SIR) Ladies Holiday Luncheon
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11:30am, Aptos Seasape Golf Course, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos. ntertainment will be the Mele O Ke Kapuna (The Music Of The Elders) band playing holiday and traditional music of the Islands. SIR is an organization for retired men for which there are no dues or fees, political or religious agendas. Call 688-0977 for information. n
Your December Horoscope Annabel Burton • Astrologer ©
This month begins on a high as Venus and powerful Pluto meet, bringing passion and love into your life. You are distracted by this so that other matters are on hold for a while but you are keen to make an impression with long lasting consequences. A situation that is in the balance resolves itself after the 25th and in fact Christmas Day could be a turning point for you as you reflect on the previous months. Your priorities are changing which can have far reaching consequences, and the time for actions starts from the 22nd.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
Announcements
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The 2012 Aptos History Calendar is finally Available!
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.
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
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 6:30. Buy-in only $15. www.soquelsports.com
Tuesdays and Weekends
Live Music on the Esplanade
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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
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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 Nonprofit events (donations are tax deductible). www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org
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hakespeare's club is seeking new members to join in the study of his plays. For more information, visit www.fridayshakespeare.org
Fourth Friday of each month
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Musical Me Inc. Family Jam Night
6:30-8:30p.m. 239 High St., Santa Cruz. ring your favorite music to dance to and any instruments you'd like to share or perform with. Sliding Scale donation per family of $10-$25 (all proceeds going to our scholarship fund.) For more information call 831-438-3514.
Fourth Saturdays of each month
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
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
he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries. To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)
First Friday Art Tour
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
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
Saturday December 3 Sunday December 4 $25 or Less Handmade Gift Sale
Saturday December 3rd at 1543 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz; Sunday, December 4th at The Art Factory, 9099 Soquel Dr. Aptos fter you watch the Parade in downtown Santa Cruz, enjoy this fabulous gift sale. Items for sale will include handmade jewelry, clothing, organic preserves, sea glass treasures, and much more! Fore more information, contact Yvette at (831) 688-8862, or Jenny at (831) 425-0960
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Bargetto Winery 20th Annual Art in the Cellar
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11:00am-5:00 pm, Bargetto Winery hop local artists fine art and gifts in Bargetto Winery's Historic Cellars. Purchase a festival glass and enjoy wine tasting, hot spiced Chaucer's Mead and
Christmas Carolers while meandering throughout our cellars filled with fantastic gift options. Food will be available for purchase, Private Wine Club Reception Saturday, Dec. 3 (6:00pm-8:00pm.)
Sunday, December 4 Corralitos Festival of Lights
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10:00am-6:00pm, Corralitos Community Church, 26 Browns Valley Rd. ome visit the second happiest place on earth! Our festival of lights features music, tasty food, gingerbread houses, and cookie decorating. Santa and Mrs. Clause will ride in on a Fire Truck at 2:00pm for photos, and a fabulous Tri-Tip Dinner will be served from 1:00-6:00pm. For more information call Shirley at (831) 724-7962 or Joyce at (831) 722-2919
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
Sunday December 11 Youth Music Showcase
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3:00pm, Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Dr. Aptos he Santa Cruz County Music Teacher's Association of California presents a concert uniting Santa Cruz's three youth orchestras, Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony, the Santa Cruz Chamber Strings, and the Cabrillo Youth Strings Baroque-Classical Ensemble, as well as solo performances by selected young musicians. The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy the multiple talents of our communities young musicians. Admission is free, for more information contact panofsky@cruzio.com
Wednesday December 14 Good Shepherd Catholic School Presents their Annual Holiday Concert
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6:00pm, 2727 Mattison Lane, Santa Cruz he students at Good Shepherd Catholic School will present their annual Holiday Concert. The preschool through first grade students will perform at 6:00pm, the second through fifth grade students will perform at 7:00pm. Admission is free, for more information please call (831) 476-4000
Saturday, December 17 Santa at the Rio Sands Motel
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2:00pm-5:00pm, The Rio Sands Motel 116 Aptos Beach Dr. anta Clause at the Rio Sands Motel! Free raffle for 2 night stay anytime! Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (800) 826-2077 or visit www.riosands.com n
This month brings a helpful alliance between Neptune in your sign and Saturn. This can have the effect of making your dreams real, and some of your wackier ideas being a working reality. By now you will have done your homework and research on what is important and begin to allow a venture to take shape at last. Venus enters your sign after the 21st and brings a more peaceful and collaborative time, especially when you are dealing with others. After the 22nd, you know your limitations and can work with what you have to greatest effect.
Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)
While much of this month you are thinking about the path you want to take and your direction long term, you are also mindful of how this fits in with your relationship. Mars here has been stirring things up and if you are in a new relationship, then it is in the exciting and passionate time. You are juggling with so many demands on your time it's hard to know how to do as much as you want without being burned out. But you are resourceful and will go with the flow without worrying too much about the consequences. Let intuition be your guide but be grounded in commonsense particularly after the 21st.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
You are more positive and upbeat and looking forward to the season of goodwill. Indeed, you have plenty to keep you occupied and although parties and celebrations may not be quite what you expect, nevertheless you are resourceful enough to make this a happy time for those who feel less than enthusiastic. Initially there may be conflict around a work or health issue, but this doesn't dampen your spirits. You are ambitious and looking for a change regarding work and this could come through in the New Year.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
While you have had the feeling that certain matters have been on hold for a while, this is set to change this month, when your preparations are now on track and your expectations are high. Your personal hopes and wishes are more likely to be fulfilled, but this has a lot to do with other aspects of your life reaching a natural conclusion. Venus links to Pluto at the start of the month and this helps you to feel effective and passionate about what is important and fairly ruthless about what isn't. Harmony prevails from the 22nd onwards.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Relationships are under the spotlight and you could be catching up with past loves or those who have been away for a while. this is a time when team work is best for you and a helpful ally brings you the assistance you need to get a project off the ground at last. Mercury goes direct again after the 14th and those matters that have floundered somewhat are now back on track. Use your resourcefulness to plan ahead for the New Year and enjoy the spirit of Christmas in a simple and creative way.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Intriguing developments at the start of the month could mean new love for some of you, and perhaps a really meeting of hearts and minds for others. Venus in your chart area of relationships bodes well for the month, at least until the 21st. After this time the Sun enters this area. This is a time when you feel less like taking charge and are happy to be guided by your special other. You could do with some serious rest and relaxation and a last minute break is tempting. The lunar eclipse on the 10th in Gemini invites you towards a more spiritual and peaceful time.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The Sun is in the most playful part of your chart initially and you can make the most of this by rediscovering your inner child, making things for Christmas and not being to precious about being perfect or caring what other people think. Mercury is here too, promising plenty of activity and invites and you are witty and great company to be around (nothing new here!). Take note of the eclipse around the the 10th as this puts a focus on your friends and associates. You have an ideal and a vision you want to share to make the world a better place.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)
All month Mars is working its way through your sign. On the one hand you are ready to battle, and on the other you want to create something new and change the way things were done previously. This could get you into all sorts of hot water, but you have what it takes to make things happen. Your relentlessness could leave you feeling somewhat exhausted, so do the right thing and delegate if necessary. You take the initiative, which is fun, and as such you could stir things up at home. Your travel plans are looking great after Christmas Day.
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)
You have been feeling under pressure to do more than you are willing to do and take on board commitments that you are not absolutely sure of. This may mean that others think you are stubborn but you have good reasons. You are protective of your space and don't want to be invaded! Be clear and make sure there are no misunderstandings. The lunar eclipse on the 10th works well for you and allows you to rise above petty squabbles. All is peaceful later and you can enjoy the festive season. You win respect for some hard decisions towards the end of the month.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)
What you hear and understand can have quite an impact on you initially and it's these kind of chance encounters that can lead you down a different path. Take note of how you feel towards someone new and see that there could be a great future collaboration here that you can both benefit from. You are particularly clever with your cash in December and boost your income in ingenious ways, particularly after the 14th. You reach a kind of turning point on the 10th as an idea takes hold. After the 21st, travel is an important feature and you could be changing your mode of transport.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
This month Mercury has been retrograde in your sign, which may have the effect of holding things up a little but also giving you valuable time to rethink something that is important and precious to you. this has an impact on your closest relationship which was helped by Venus in your sign. Now with the lunar eclipse in your opposite sign of Gemini on the 10th certain agreements can be made which enhances your future together. Your focus is on your resources after the 22nd. Counting the cost of Christmas? ••• Find Out More www.AnnabelBurton.tv
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
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Holiday Fire Precautions & Prevention
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By Mike Conrad, Division Chief Aptos La Selva Fire District
t’s the holiday season; everyone is busy with the hustle and bustle that goes with this time of year. So, while you are enjoying family and friends this year, please take a few moments to ensure their safety. Kitchen & Cooking Safety tatistics from the U.S. Fire Administration shows that during the month of December, 72 percent of all structure fires are in residential buildings and the leading cause involves cooking and is closely followed by heating related fires. While you’re busy in the kitchen this year pay close attention to the common causes of holiday cooking fires. Cooks can often become distracted during this time of the year, by family, friends and yes, even adult beverages. On average 54 percent of cooking fires during the holidays will result from either food or cooking equipment being left unattended or combustible items like towels, wooden utensils, oven mitts and cook books being left too close to a heat source. Keep all combustibles well away from any heat source and never leave items cooking left unattended, it only takes a few minutes for oil in a pan to reach its ignition temperature and possibly ruin a holiday. Fireplace, Wood Stove & Open Flame Safety uring the holidays, we also see the use of open flame in our homes increase, with the use of a fireplace, wood stove and candles. With this increase we also see an increase in fire’s not only from the obvious of items coming into contact with these open flames but also from kids playing with fire.
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You’ll Find it here 30 / December 1st 2011 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
“Hospice” from pg 24
Grief Support: Support for Hospice families or to anyone faced with the loss of a loved one. Healthy Understanding of Grief (H.U.G): helps children and teens with their grief by helping them to feel and direct their emotions of loss in a positive and healthy manner.
Be very careful with candles keep them away from combustible items and never leave a candle burning when you leave the house or go to bed. Make sure items are not stored to close to the fireplace or wood stove and if you have children in the home remind them that fire is a tool, a very dangerous tool and should not be played with. Depending on the age of your children you may consider taking this time of year and teaching them the proper use of fire and how to safety start a fire in the fireplace or light a candle, always under adult supervision. Christmas Tree Safety hile the number of Christmas tree fire incidents tends to be low, they can produce the most dangerous fires of all. An average Christmas tree will burn with the same intensity as a 2-foot pool of gasoline. How fast a Christmas tree fire will spread depends mostly on how dry it is. Take a few minutes and search for videos of Christmas tree fires on the internet, you will find many that show a fire in a tree spreading to the entire room in just a couple of minutes. If you have a real tree, keep it well watered and remove a dry tree right away.
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Charity Hospice Care: Helps provide Hospice care for the under and uninsured community. Education and Outreach: A variety of programs that help educate the community about the services that Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides. We Honor Vets: Our newest program identifies the special
Always keep the tree well away from ignition sources like the fireplace or heater and inspect all lights that you place on the tree and never leave them on while away from home or when going to bed. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors ake sure you always have working smoke detectors in your home, change the batteries twice a year, you should have done this in November with the time change. While maybe not as exciting as many other holiday gifts, the gift of a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher may give the gift of life. On behalf of the members of the Aptos La Selva Fire District I, would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. Oh, and don’t forget you can spread the joy of the holiday season by stopping by any of the fire stations and donating food or toys for those in need. For more holiday safety tips, please contact your local fire department or visit Holiday Fire Prevention at www.sufa.dhs.gov/safety/tips/holiday.shtm If you have any questions for Chief Mike, e-mail him at, mikec@aptosfire.com
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needs of Veterans, honoring their services and connecting Vets and their families with benefits and resources. n ••• For more information about Hospice of Santa Cruz County and how they can help your family, call 831-4303000, or visit them online at www.hospicesantacruz.org.
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SPCA Featured Pet
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Hope Is All It Takes
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or five years, this six-year-old tiny toy Poodle named Hope was forced to deliver litter after litter so the owners could sell the puppies for a profit. The last litter was not the money producer her owners had hoped for; instead, it nearly took her precious life and left her orphaned with nowhere to go. After four days of heavy labor, Hope was finally taken to the vet who found that the four puppies inside her had died and were now poisoning her from within. Without surgery, she would die a painful death and without much thought, her owners chose to have her euthanized. The Santa Cruz SPCA was notified of her situation and quickly made the decision to delve into our Second Chance Fund and provide her with the lifesaving surgery she needed. We then vowed to provide her with all the care she needed until we could find her a new home. She now lies comfortably in her bed, recovering from surgery and has proven herself to be the sweetest and most gentle girl we could have ever imagined. She’s quiet and patient and would make the most amazing lap dog for someone seeking out a small and calm companion. She has no problem being in the company of other dogs or cats and doesn’t mind being held or picked up. Hope is in great health but is still on a few medications that will be provided to any future adopter. This sweet girl deserves only the best and will give you so much more. When all else failed, a little hope was found. Our adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, an ID tag, collar, a free health exam with a licensed Veterinarian, one month’s free health insurance, discounted crate purchase and other animal care materials. If you would like to help animals like Hope and her orphaned friends, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community. For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m. n
At The Gym © Statepoint Media
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