– Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.
Friday, Nov. 28
Holiday Bazaar
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Boulder Creek Methodist Church, Mountain and Boulder streets in BC
Details: A collection of holiday decorations available at very affordable prices. The sales will benefit a mission project, building a home in Colonet, Mexico.
Info: www.bcumc.com.
Girl Scouts’ “One Warm Coat” Drive
When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 5
Where: Drop off sites are Valero locations on Scotts Valley Drive in Scotts Valley or Mission Street in Santa Cruz, Lightspeed Martial Arts in Scotts Valley and Bonny Doon Elementary School.
Details: Local Girl Scouts are collecting gently used coats and jackets to support Coats for Kids (via Classic Cleaners). Please drop off your coats and jackets (no red or dark blue, please) anytime between Nov. 17 and Dec. 5.
Info: 461-4282
Saturday, Nov. 29
Annual Scotts Valley Educational Foundation Christmas Tree Lot
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday – Friday 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Drive at the corner of Disc Drive.
Details: The lot will feature both Douglas Fir and Noble Fir trees from 3 feet to 8 feet in height, plus 22″ wreaths. The lot is staffed 100% by volunteers, so 100% of the proceeds benefit the Scotts Valley Public Schools. It is a great holiday tradition that supports local education. 
Info: Derek Timm 239-9203
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Sons in Retirement Luncheon
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.
Where: Portuguese Hall; 216 Evergreen at Coral Street (3 blocks past COSTCO)
Details: Catered lunch by Barbara & Co. Ladies Day – Entertainment by the famous Spring Lakes Choir.
Cost: $17
Info: 336-8481 for reservations
Spring Lakes Choir Christmas Concert
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Spring Lakes Park Club House; 225 Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley
Details: The Spring Lakes Choir will be singing two identical concerts, which will feature Popular, Classical, Traditional, Sacred and Secular Christmas music. All are invited to attend.
Thursday, Dec. 4
Spring Lakes Choir Christmas Concert
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Spring Lakes Park Club House; 225 Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley
Details: The Spring Lakes Choir will be singing two identical concerts, which will feature Popular, Classical, Traditional, Sacred and Secular Christmas music. All are invited to attend.
Saturday Dec. 6
Scotts Valley Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
When: 2 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Scotts Valley Community Center; 360 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: We sing, we laugh, we drink cocoa and munch on cookies and cheer as we light up our Community Christmas Trees: our little one at the Scotts Valley Community Center and our huge one on Mt. Hermon Road in front of Kings Village Shopping Center.
Friday, Dec. 7
Grey Bears 40th Annual Holiday Dinner
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; 307 Church Street in Santa Cruz
Thursday, Dec. 11
Age Well, Drive Smart – Senior driver safety program
When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Aptos Branch of the Santa Cruz Public Library; 7695 Soquel Drive in Aptos
Details: The Age Well, Drive Smart Program is designed to provide drivers with the keys to driving safer and driving longer. This program is designed as an educational tool for mature drivers.
Info: Santa Cruz CHP Office 662-0511 to make a reservation
Saturday, Dec. 13
Used book sale
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fireside Room of the Scotts Valley Library; 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: The SV Chapter of the Friends of the Library will be selling gently used books in a variety of categories including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Books, Cookbooks, Crafts, Gardening, Reference and more.  We will also have DVDs, CDs and audiobooks.  Funds raised at the book sale are used to support programs, promote literacy, and of course improve and maintain our lovely Scotts Valley Library. 
Info:
Discover Big Basin Redwoods
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Park Headquarters at Big Basin Redwoods State Park; 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder Creek
Details: Explore some of the park’s less travelled backcountry with docent naturalist Barry Grimm. This hike will be individually tailored to your group–so distance can vary from 2 to 8 miles, depending on your needs.  Heavy Rain Cancels.
Agape Dance Academy Nutcracker Suite Performances
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Henry Mello Center for the Preforming Arts; 250 East Beach Street in Watsonville
Details: Don’t miss out on this special gift of the Nutcracker for your friends and family.
Info: [email protected]
Sunday, Dec. 14
Agape Dance Academy Nutcracker Suite Performances
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Henry Mello Center for the Preforming Arts; 250 East Beach Street in Watsonville
Details: Don’t miss out on this special gift of the Nutcracker for your friends and family.
Info: [email protected]
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Beloved Christmas Stories
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz
Details: Children of all ages will enjoy this funny and heartfelt Willing Suspension Armchair Theater seasonal presentation of poetry and prose.  Included will be A Child’s Christmas in Wales, The Gift of the Magi, poems by Robert Frost, and Ogden Nash, and a letter to Santa from Mark Twain.
Cost: Free, but donations are welcome and will benefit the WEST Performing Arts Scholarship Program
Info: Susan Forrest at [email protected] or Karen Schamberg:  [email protected]
Thursday, Dec. 18
Triple P Workshop: Being a Parent
When: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Mountain Community Resources; 6134 Highway 9 in Felton
Details: Holiday arts and craft, light meal and childcare provider.
Cost: Free
Info: Call 335-6608 for more info and to register.
ONGOING
Mountain Community Theatre Presents “My Three Angels”
When: Nov. 21 to Dec. 14 Friday and Saturdays 8 p.m. and Sunday’s 2 p.m.
Where: Mountain Community Theatre; 9400 Mill Street in Ben Lomond
Details: The play is set at the turn of the 20th century in tropical French Guiana where it’s Christmas Eve and 105 degrees. Three convicts come to the aid of a family in need. Matters are set aright and the benevolent scoundrels prove themselves to be angels to the grateful family.
Cost: $20 for General admission, $17 for Seniors/Students, and $10 for children under 12 years old.  All tickets for Sunday, Nov. 30 are 2 for $20
Info: www.mctshows.org or 336-4777
Touch Team iPad Memory classes at the Library
Monday and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Public Library; 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: Join us in this supportive social setting, for a series of innovative workshops that use Ipads to engage the mind and activate memory. No experience is necessary and iPads are supplied by the library and individual coaches are present to help with activities.
Info: Call to Register 427-7700 x 7615
Girl Scouts’ “One Warm Coat” Drive
When: Nov. 17 – December 5
Where: Drop off sites are Valero locations on Scotts Valley Drive in Scotts Valley or Mission Street in Santa Cruz, Lightspeed Martial Arts in Scotts Valley and Bonny Doon Elementary School.
Details: Local Girl Scouts are collecting gently used coats and jackets to support Coats for Kids (via Classic Cleaners). Please drop off your coats and jackets (no red or dark blue, please) anytime between Nov. 17 and Dec. 5.
Info: 461-4282
Wilder Ranch Tours and Living History Demonstrations
When: Weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park; 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Details: Visit an early day dairy ranch and step back in time to the late 1800’s at Wilder Ranch State Park. You can also play Victorian games or bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, visit the farm animals and see what activities are taking place on the ranch this weekend; You may learn about hand quilting, watch blacksmithing, or wood stove baking techniques.
Info: 426-0505
Scholastic Book Fair
When: November 19 to November 25.  Weekdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Where: San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School; 7155 Hwy 9 in Felton
Details: The theme this year is Sir Readalot’s Castle – Enter the Kingdom of Books. This event is all about making fun, engaging, and affordable books available to our children and families.  Giving kids access to great books and the opportunity to choose their own books will motivate them to read even more.
Info: [email protected] or [email protected]
Center for Animal Protection is recruiting foster families for dogs
Details: The Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE) is recruiting new foster volunteers for dogs awaiting permanent homes.
Info: Nancy Eaton at 684-2421
Redwood Loop Walk
When: Every Saturday at 1 p.m..
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park; 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder Creek
Details: Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Meet at park headquarters.
Cost: Free
Info: 338-8883
Old-Growth Redwood Walks
When: every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park; 101 N Big Trees Park Road in Felton
Details: Experience a guided forest adventure on a docent-led walk through the magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest. This is .8 mile long stroll lasting around 1.5 hours. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Cost: Free
Info: 335-7077
Embroidistry at Om Gallery
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: Om Gallery; 1201 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz
Details: Hand-embroidered interpretations of well-known masterpieces, album covers, and original compositions by Ben Lomond artist Mardeen Gordon.
Cost: Free
Info: Mardeen Gordon at 252-7446
Ultra Beginner Line Dance 12 week session
When: Thursdays from September 25 – December 18
Where: Boulder Creek Rec; 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder Creek
Details: This class teaches the basics of dance coordination, dance vocabulary, and dance rhythms.
Cost: $65
Info: Call Amber at (408) 712-2287, www.DanceBecauseYouCan.com register by email [email protected]
First aid-CPR class
When: Third Saturday of each month
Where: Felton Fire Protection District, 131 Kirby St., in Felton
Details: Ray Soler will lead a class for First Aid and CPR certification for community members. Times and registration details are available online or by phone.
Cost: Free for district residents and employees of businesses within the district; $36 for all others
Info: 335-4422 or www.feltonfire.com
TOPS club meet
When: Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Meeting room in back of the Felton Fire Department
Details: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is a group dedicated to loosing weight by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
Cost: First visit is free
Tai Chi & Chi Gong
When: Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m.
Where: Sky Park behind Parks & Rec.; 361 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: Gentle movement supporting balance, stress reduction, and strengthening.
Cost: $8 drop-in fee
Info: Mary Mulligan 335-9390
Valley Churches United Missions Food Pantry
When: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Valley Churches United Missions Food Pantry, 9430 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond
Details: School supplies and back packs for low-income families in need.
Cost: Free
Info: Preregister at 336-8258 x 221
Scotts Valley Senior Center Book Worms
When: Third Friday of the month, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: A senior-oriented book club organized by the Scotts Valley Senior Center.
Cost: $2 for members, $3 for non-members
Info: 438-8666
Fridays at Five food distribution
When: Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road in Scotts Valley
Details: Food distribution to those in need. Every Friday, tables of groceries will be set up near the carport at the church office.
Info: [email protected] or 438-0646
Line Dance classes
When: Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder Creek
Details: Line Dance Instructor Amber Blavin will lead a weekly line dancing class. No partners are needed to attend.
Cost: $5 per class or donation
Info: (408) 712-2287 or [email protected]
SLV Museum exhibit
When: Wednesday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: SLV Museum, 12547 Highway 9 in Boulder Creek
Details: “Crystals, Caves, and Kilns” explores the natural and cultural history of limestone, lime, and marble in the Felton and Santa Cruz areas.
Cost: Donations
Info: 338-8382
Improv theater games and exercises
When: Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder Creek
Details: Heidi Drew will lead two hours of improvisation theater classes. Beginners are encouraged
Cost: $5
Info: [email protected]
Live jazz at Casa Nostra
When: Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: 9217 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond
Details: Casa Nostra will host live jazz music.
Cost: Free
Info: 609-6132
SLVHS bingo fundraiser
When: Mondays, 4 p.m.
Where: Portuguese Hall, 216 Evergreen Street in Santa Cruz
Details: A weekly 18-game bingo program to benefit the athletics programs at San Lorenzo Valley High School.
Info: 335-4425
Big Basin Trail Crew volunteer day
When: 9 a.m., second Saturday of each month
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder Creek
Details: Volunteers (18 years of age or older) will meet at Park Headquarters to spend a day — rain or shine — working to maintain and preserve the park’s trails.
Info: www.bigbasintrailcrew.org
Boulder Creek Zumba
When: Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder Creek
Details: Cecelia Kelly will lead a weekly Zumba class. Participants will get a great workout in a dance party atmosphere.
Cost: $10
Info: http://ceciliakelly.zumba.com
Senior pinochle game
When: Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: An open game of pinochle.
Cost: $2 for members; $3 for non-members
Info: 438-8666
Free laughter yoga
When: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Luminescence Day Spa and Tea Room, 13140 Highway 9, in Boulder Creek
Cost: Free
Info: Lizzie Lochner, 338-7546
Toastmasters club
When: Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, in Scotts Valley
Details: The Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters meets weekly to help members build confidence as public speakers and leaders.
Info: 435-9308 or http://8203.toastmastersclubs.org
Poetry circle, workshop
When: 2 to 4 p.m., third Saturday of each month
Where: Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: Magdalena Montague, a local poet and teacher, leads classes for prospective poets of all skill levels.
Cost: Free
Info: [email protected] or 427-7717
Senior line dancing
When: 12 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. Fridays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: Biweekly line dancing and lessons are offered by the Scotts Valley Senior Center.
Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembers
Info: 438-8666 to confirm
Zumba for seniors
When: 6 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: An instructor-led Zumba class encourages exercise in a fun, rhythmic environment.
Cost: $3 for members, $5 for nonmembers
Info: 438-8666
Beginning ballet for fitness
When: 4:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays
Where: Agape Dance Academy, 104 Whispering Pines Drive, Room 5, in Scotts Valley
Details: This introductory beginner class emphasizes fitness through dance.
Cost: Free
Info: 359-0850
Line dance, weights
When: 9:45 to 11 a.m.
Where: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond
Details: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembers
Info: 336-8900
Bingo
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: All adults are welcome. The game is sponsored by Project Scout (Senior Citizen Outreach).
Cost: 50 cents per card; one card free with four or more
Info: 438-8666
Tai chi classes
When: 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays
Where: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond
Cost: $3 members, $5 nonmembers
Info: 336-8900
Genealogical society meeting
When: 1 to 3 p.m., first Thursday of each month
Where: Central Branch Library meeting room, 224 Church St., in Santa Cruz
Details: Lectures for beginning to advanced genealogy enthusiasts.
Cost: Free
Info: 427-7707, ext. 5794; or Janine Charlton, [email protected]
Senior exercise class
When: 10 a.m. Mondays and Fridays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road
Info: The class incorporates strength, balance and coordination exercises for complete body conditioning for men and women age 50 and older, led by retired physical therapist Cherry Nittler.
Cost: $2 members, $3 nonmembers
Drop-in meditation group
When: 7 to 8:45 p.m. Mondays
Where: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, Felton
Details: Beginning and experienced students of meditation will participate in 40 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a dharma talk and discussion by Carla Brennan
Info: http://bloomofthepresent.com
Beginners’ line dancing
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Boulder Creek Recreation, 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder Creek
Details: For dancers age 8 and older
Cost: Drop in by donation
Info: [email protected]
Water media art classes
When: 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: Participants will work with watercolor and acrylic paints. Adults of any age and all experience levels are welcome.
Cost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembers
Info: Beverly Martin, 335-0425 or [email protected]; or www.portrait-fineart.com.
Body Freedom qigong
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays
Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park, 122 Covered Bridge Road; on rainy days, The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Qigong is similar to tai chi and is like a standing yoga with gentle, easy movements for flexibility, strength, health and relaxation.
Info: Bonnie Eskie, qigong instructor, 515-4144
SLV Community Band rehearsals
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays
Where: San Lorenzo Valley High School band room, 7105 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Dust off your instrument and try it out. The semester fee benefits school music programs in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Cost: $25 per semester
Info: Jon Christian, 335-3565
Bridge players wanted
Details: Intermediate and advanced bridge players are in demand for ongoing groups in the San Lorenzo Valley. Groups meet depending on availability.
Info: Shelby Charette, 335-5956
Advanced bridge players wanted
When: Noon on Mondays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: Participants can hone their skills against other highly skilled bridge players.
Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembers
Info: 438-8666
Chair and gentle yoga
When: Noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Balance Health of Ben Lomond, 231 Main St. Ste. A, in Ben Lomond.
Details: This gentle yoga program is intended to increase circulation, mobility, balance, strength, awareness and confidence.
Info: Ruth Caudell, 336-3560
Healing tai chi for seniors
When: 9 a.m. Fridays
Where: SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: Gentle, easy movement for health promotion
Cost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembers
Info: Mary Mulligan, 335-9390 or [email protected]
Together in the Park
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays
Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill and Mount Hermon roads, in Felton
Details: Parenting support, information and age-appropriate activities for children up to 5 years old.
Info: Cori Burt, 252-1137
Mindfulness meditation group
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays
Where: Satellite Telework Center, 6265 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Beginning and experienced students are welcome for silent meditation and talk.
Info: Carla, 336-0136
Basic yoga
When: 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Cost: $6
Info: 438-8666
Beginning line dancing class
When: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Fridays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Cost: $2 members, $4 non members
Info: 438-8666
Belly dancing for women
When: 7 p.m. Mondays
Where: Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Experience the power of women dancing with women in a friendly atmosphere.
Cost: $40 for four consecutive classes, $13 to drop in.
Info: 335-4567
Life drawing classes
When: 7 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Details: Both beginners and pros are welcome to drop in. The class features a different model each week.
Cost: $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers, $8 for students with ID
Info: 335-5000 or www.mountainartcenter.org
Raku classes
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Details: The class is weather-dependent, so attendees should call a day in advance. Participants may take bisqueware or purchase pots at the center.
Cost: $18 for members, $20 for nonmembers
Info: Dale Bates, 345-7565
Square dance classes
When: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: German-American Hall, 230 Plymouth St., in Santa Cruz
Details: Go alone, take a partner or go with a group.
Cost: $5
Info: 763-9825 or 408-353-4766
Kidz Korner clothing exchange
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m., third Saturday of each month
Where: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben Lomond
Details: The exchange is for children’s clothes for newborns through 5-year-olds. Those who don’t have clothes to donate may pick up what they need.
Info: Rebecca, 408-875-3450

Previous articleThe Mountain Gardener: A Thanksgiving Poem
Next articleNew Faces

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here