Datebook

– Submit Datebook items to pb******@pr*********.com 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, Dec. 20
Red Cross blood drive
When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9 in Felton
Details: The Red Cross will be accepting donations of blood. Use sponsor code: FELTON to schedule an appointment.
Info: 1-800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org
“The Nutcracker” ballet
When: 8 p.m., continues Dec. 21 and 22 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, in Santa Cruz
Details: A classic performance of the Nutcracker ballet.
Cost: $15 and up
Info: www.scbt.org
Saturday, Dec. 21
Holiday Redwood Loop Walk: The Nutcracker
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder Creek
Details: A festive ½ mile walk while listening to the Nutcracker Suite in the famous old-growth redwoods at Big Basin with docent Karen DeMello.
Cost: Free
Info: 338-8860
Photo exhibit reception
When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Cruz’n Cellular, 266 Mt. Hermon Road, Ste. Q in Scotts Valley
Details: A reception featuring an exhibition of photographer Ron Lampi’s collections “Studies in Ice” and “Plant Compositions.”
Cost: Free
Info: 430-0663 or 251-0225
Sunday, Dec. 22
Yin Yoga workshop
When: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Core Fitness and Pilates Studio, 4859 Scotts Valley Drive in Scotts Valley
Details: A gently paced yoga workshop designed to ease pain in creaky joints.
Cost: Free
Info: Register at 431-0850
“Christmas in Heaven” children’s pageant
When: 5 p.m.
Where: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive
Details: A pageant for children and adults written and directed by Shelley Phillips, followed by a festive meal and children’s Christmas crafts. 
Cost: Free
Info: 438-4360
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve service
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Boulder Creek United Methodist Church, 12855 Boulder St, Boulder Creek
Details: A holiday service featuring a children’s musical program. Pastor John Lynch will lead the service of Scriptures and Carols.
Info: 338-6232
Thursday, Dec. 26
Red Cross blood drive
When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Hilton, 6001 La Madrona Drive in Scotts Valley
Details: The Red Cross will be accepting donations of blood. Use sponsor code: HILTONSV to schedule an appointment.
Info: 1-800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org
Sunday, Dec. 29
SLV Museum Volunteer Appreciation Party
When: 4 p.m.
Where: SLV Museum, 12547 Highway 9 in Boulder Creek
Details: A celebration of the volunteers that helped the SLV Museum featuring refreshments and prizes.
Info: 338-8382
Tuesday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve gala
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: Sponsored by Friends of the Boys & Girls Club of the Valleys, the event will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a raffle for a BMW.
Cost: $35
Info: 246-3081
Wednesday, Jan. 1
‘First Day’ hikes at Henry Cowell
When: 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m.
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 North Big Trees Park Road in Felton
Details: Three hikes, one to the San Lorenzo River canyon, the second to the Observation Deck, and the third exploring the lives of the park’s critters. The first two are more for seasoned hikers, while the third is more family friendly.
Cost: $10 for parking
Info: 335-7077
Thursday, Jan. 2
Genealogical Society presentation
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Public Library, 224 Church Street in Santa Cruz
Details: Guest speaker Richard Rands will give a presentation for “Navigating the New FamilySearch.org website”.
Cost: Free
Info: 427-7707 ext. 5794 or www.scgensoc.org
Saturday, Jan. 11
Musical performance
When: 2 p.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s Church, 101 Riverside Avenue in Ben Lomond
Details: Singer/songwriter Evan Zee will be performing family friendly music in the church.
Cost: $15 donation
Info: 338-4590
Thursday, Jan. 16
Health lecture
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Details: Nutritionist Sandi Rechenmacher will discuss the 600 trillion bugs/bacteria community that inhabit your gut.
Cost: Free
Info: 427-7717 or www.santacruzpl.org
ONGOING
Holiday gift-wrapping
When: Fridays through Sundays, and Dec. 20 to 24
Where: Kmart, 270 Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley
Details: Holiday gift-wrapping to support SLV High’s Grad Night.
Cost: Donations
MCT’s It’s A Wonderful Life
When: Nov. 22 to Dec. 15, Fridays and Saturdays 8p.m., Sunday matinees at 2p.m.
Where: Park Hall, 9525 Mill Street in Ben Lomond
Details: A fully staged production and adaptation of the Frank Capra holiday classic.
Cost: $20 general admission; $17 for students and seniors; $10 for 12 and under
Info: www.mctshows.org or www.brownpapertickets.com
Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train
When: Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 29 to Dec. 21; and Sunday to Monday, Dec. 22 and 23 at 5, 6:30 and 8p.m.
Where: Neptune’s Kingdom, Beach Street in Santa Cruz
Details: A 60-minute, fully decorated train ride featuring hot cider, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa.
Cost: $28 for adults, and $22 for children between 2 and 12
Info: 335-4484 or www.roaringcamp.com
Valley Christmas Project Holiday Boutique
When: Weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Weekends 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Valley Churches United Missions, 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond
Details: A boutique selling donated items to raise funds for VCUM’s Valley Christmas Project.
Info: 336-8258 ext. 221
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
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
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: pr*@sa*********.org or 427-7717
Senior line dancing
When: 12 p.m. Tuesdays, 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
Job-seeker workshop
When: 6 to 7 p.m., second Tuesday of each month
Where: Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: Ken Winters hosts a free workshop to help job seekers find work.
Info: www.hirewire.org
Women’s Bible study
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where: Felton Bible Church, 5999 Graham Hill Road, in Felton
Details: Beth Moore leads a Bible study of the book of Esther.
Cost: $15.50 for workbook
Info: 338-6214 or wo***@fe***************.org
Creative Hands
When: 1 to 4 p.m., third Saturday of each month
Where: Felton Bible Church, 5999 Graham Hill Road, in Felton
Details: Participants will learn new skills, such as sewing, knitting and crocheting.
Cost: Free
Info: 338-6214 or wo***@fe***************.org
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, iv***@co*****.net
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
Free laughter yoga
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Luminescence Day Spa and Tea Room, 13140 Highway 9, in Boulder Creek
Cost: Free
Info: Lizzie Lochner, 338-7546
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: da*********@sb*******.net
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 be******@sb*******.net; 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 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 ma**@ma**********.com
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