Agapé Dance Presents The Nutcracker • Bank Volunteers at Veterans Village

COMMUNITY NEWS

Agapé Dance Presents The Nutcracker

The holidays are just around the corner, and we all know that marks the return of the perennially exciting ballet The Nutcracker.

This year’s show is going to be extra special for the community at Agapé Dance because it marks their 10th anniversary! Ever since Melanie Useldinger started Agapé Dance in 2012, they’ve been trying to bring their characteristic blend of the rigor of classical ballet and the warmth and care of agapé love.

While this isn’t most of the dancers’ first rodeo, this Nutcracker will be particularly special for one of Agapé’s newest dancers, Yeva Ziniak. Yeva’s family just moved to the Santa Cruz area after the conflict started in Ukraine earlier this year.

After starting ballet on scholarship in the spring, Yeva got to experience the excitement of ballet for the first time dancing in Agapé’s summer production of Swan Lake. Now, she’s working hard to get ready for her very first Nutcracker!

“Working on Nutcracker really gets me excited about the holidays coming up,” says Director Conrad Useldinger, “and all the things I love about the holidays–the community, the quality time spent together–they can really be felt when I’m working with my students and their families on the show. I’m also looking forward to trying mid-week performances. That way, people don’t have to miss all their holiday parties, and it’s so close to Christmas that people can bring their holiday guests to this super fun experience.”

Bank Volunteers at Veterans Village

On Nov. 5, Santa Cruz County Bank employees volunteered at the Veterans Village property in Ben Lomond.

Bank volunteers Doug Fischer, Paul Happich, Brianna Carabba, Irma Freeman, Heather Schnell, Jenny Grove, Sue Quijano and Kim Luke worked under the direction of Keith Collins, Veterans Village director of operations, and current resident veteran Gabriel Barthel to clear debris and enhance fuel breaks under the canopy of redwoods that encircle the residential cabins on the site.

Veterans Village, veteran-owned and operated, currently provides permanent full-time housing for five veterans. It’s a place were veterans dealing with PTSD, isolation, and combat-related trauma seek the help and community they need to thrive.

The six-acre property includes a large main house and ten fully appointed cabins.

A planned project will expand occupancy to 25 veterans and their families.

“We value our partnership with the Veterans Village and the opportunity for our employees to volunteer in a meaningful way for the benefit of the residents,” said Krista Snelling, president and CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank. “We’re proud to be the financing partner for this vital project providing housing for local veterans and look forward to celebrating its completion.” n

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