Datebook: What’s going on in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley

Spotlight
Get ready for Santa Claus
Christmas is right around the corner, and Scotts Valley will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Festival.
The festival begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the large tree at 361 Kings Village Road, near Walgreens. There will be a canned-food drive to benefit Valley Churches United Missions, a raffle for a decorated holiday tree, photos with Santa Claus, carriage rides, skating, a barbecue and other festivities. Attendees can donate cans or cash to participate in some of the events, with a can equaling a dollar.
For information: Linda Lovelace, 336-8258, ext. 221.
Saturday, Nov. 28
Scotts Valley farmers market
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 370 Kings Village Road
Info: 454-0566
Free belly dancing workshop
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Hall, 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder Creek
Details: After learning the origins of the dance, there will be a mini class that teaches the basic moves.
Info: Christina Horvat, 338-4144
‘Heritage Tree’ lighting ceremony in Felton
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Highway 9, in downtown Felton
Details: This is the first year the tree will be lit by solar power. After the ceremony, children can have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the Felton firehouse on Kirby Street. There will also be cookies, hot drinks and caroling.
Info: John Fasolas, 335-9024
Silent movie night at Henry Cowell
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Visitor center at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N. Big Trees Park Road, in Felton
Details: Bessie Love stars in “Rubber Tires” (1927), the first in a series of silent movies filmed in the park.
Cost: Free admission; park entrance, $10
Sunday, Nov. 29
Holiday baking for kids
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, in Felton
Details: Phyllis Endicott will help participants make their own holiday pastries to eat and bring home. Group size is limited; call to register.
Cost: $25-$28, plus $6 for materials
Info: 454-7941 or www.scparks.com
Family Movie Day at Boulder Creek Recreation
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder Creek
Details: Showing “Polar Express”
Cost: Free
Info: Christina Horvat, 338-4144
‘Gift of Art’ gallery exhibit open house
When: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Cost: Free
Info: 336-3513
‘Creeping Forest Ramble’ walk at Big Basin
When: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park: 21600 Big Basin Way, in Boulder Creek
Details: Docent Doreen Devorah will lead the 2.5-mile hike. Bring water and hiking shoes.
Info: 338-8883
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Story hour at Ben Lomond library
When: 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Ben Lomond Community Library, 9525 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Info: 336-2665
Coping with Grief during the Holidays
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, in Scotts Valley
Details: Join a group to learn tools for coping with grief. Children 5 through 18 are welcome for a separate group with fun activities.
Info: 430-3000.
Thursday, Dec. 3
Holiday gala dinner and ‘Angel of the Year’ awards
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Scopazzi’s Restaurant, 13300 Big Basin Way, in Boulder Creek
Details: This festive dinner helps raise money for Valley Churches United Missions’ charitable works. Includes live and silent auctions, raffles, door prizes and music. Call to RSVP.
Cost: $50
Info: Linda Lovelace, 336-8258 ext. 221
Sidewalk book sale
When: 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Library, 230-D Mount Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: The sale of used books, DVDs, VHS tapes, music CDs will benefit Scotts Valley Library and Friends of the Library. Most items are priced at $1 to $2.
Info: Elizabeth Walch,
[email protected]
‘Compassion and Wise: An evening of sacred music from around the world’
When: 7 p.m.
Where: San Agustin Catholic Church, 257 Glenwood Drive, in Scotts Valley
Cost: Free
Info: 438-3633
Friday, Dec. 4
‘Parents’ Night Out’ fundraiser
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School cafeteria, 7155 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Enjoy an evening out while your kids are entertained. Proceeds benefit the SLV High School Competition Cheerleaders.
Cost: $15 per child, $25 per family
Info: 818-6356
Saturday, Dec. 5
Scotts Valley’s ‘Tree Lighting Festival’
When: 5 p.m.
Where: 361 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: There will be a food drive, a raffle for a decorated holiday tree, Santa photos, skating, carriage rides, barbecue and more. Partial proceeds benefit Valley Churches United Missions.
Cost: Donate cans or dollars to participate in some events. One can equals one dollar.
Info: Linda Lovelace, 336-8258 ext. 221
Sidewalk book sale
When: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Library, 230-D Mount Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: The sale of used books, DVDs, VHS tapes and music CDs will benefit Scotts Valley Library and Friends of the Library. Most items are priced at $1 to $2.
Info: Elizabeth Walch, [email protected]
Holiday boutique at Fringe Salon
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 75 Mt. Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: Free mini-makovers and hair consultations, plus unique gifts for sale
Info: 600-8508
Winter fair
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Waldorf School, 2190 Empire Grade Road, in Santa Cruz
Details: Live music, candle dipping, elves’ workshop and storytelling
Info: 425-0519 or www.scwaldorf.org
‘Footsteps of the Pioneers’ walk at Big Basin
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park: 21600 Big Basin Way (off Highway 236), in Boulder Creek
Details: Docent Doreen Devorah will lead the easy three-mile walk to the site of Maddock Cabin. Bring water.
Info: 338-8861
Sunday, Dec. 6
Holiday wreath making at Quail Hollow Ranch
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, in Felton
Details: Master gardener Bonnie Pond will lead the wreath making. Bring pine or fir boughs and wire. Decorations will be supplied. All ages welcome; sign up in advance.
Cost: $3 materials donation
Info: 335-9348 or 454-7926
‘Creeping Forest Ramble’ walk at Big Basin
When: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park: 21600 Big Basin Way (off Highway 236), in Boulder Creek
Details: Docent Doreen Devorah will lead the 2.5-mile hike. Bring water and hiking shoes.
Info: 338-8883
‘Tree of Lights Ceremony’ with Hospice of Santa Cruz
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: 940 Disc Drive, in Scotts Valley
Details: Includes music, a quiet reflection and candle-lighting ceremony.
Info: 430-3000 or www.hospicesantacruz.org
‘Christmas Bells are Ringing’ concert
When: 7 p.m.
Where: 220 Elk St., in Santa Cruz
Details: Scotts Valley resident Des Wilson will perform. There will also be a 50-voice choir, hand bell choir, and live nativity scene. Sponsored by The Church of Latter-Day Saints.
Cost: Non-perishable food donation
Info: 420-0722
Tuesday, Dec. 8
‘Waldorf Alive! A walk through the grades’
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Waldorf School, 2190 Empire Grade Road, in Santa Cruz
Details: A tour and observation of classes in session
Info: 425-0519 or www.scwaldorf.org
Saturday, Dec. 12
Downtown Felton ‘Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale’
When: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown, between 6265 Highway 9 and 6205 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Follow the red balloon trail
Cost: Free to attend
Info: 335-9690
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13
‘Holiday Gift and Craft Faire’ at Henry Cowell
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: 6059 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Nature-themed gifts, kids’ activities, toy train and railroad display and live music. Proceeds benefit environmental and cultural education.
Info: 335-0782
Sunday, Dec. 13
Decemberchild benefit concert
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Don Quixote’s, 6275 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Proceeds will benefit the Valley Christmas Project of Valley Churches United Missions.
Cost: $15
Info: Linda Lovelace, 336-9258 ext. 221
Gift-making workshop
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Cost: Free
Info: 336-3513
‘Kids’ Craft Day’ at Boulder Creek Recreation
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder Creek
Details: For ages 2 to 8
Cost: Free
Info: Christina Horvat, 338-4144
Saturday, Dec. 19
CPR & first aid class at Felton Fire Station
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 131 Kirby St., in Felton
Info: Ray Soler, 335-4422 or www.feltonfire.com
Ongoing
Book fair at SLV Elementary School
When: Nov.18 to 24, weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sautrday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School multi-use room, 7155 Highway 9, in Felton
Details: Sale proceeds benefit the school’s library.
Info: Tangi Chapman, 335-5402
‘28th Annual Valley Christmas Project’ boutique
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 1 to Dec. 22
Where: Valley Churches United Missions, 9400 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond
Details: Come shop and drop off donations to help VCUM provide for the needy. Volunteers are also needed.
Info: 336-8258
‘Musical Me’ free sample classes
When: 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 1, Friday Sept. 4 and Saturday Sept. 5 (9:30 and 10:30 only at Boulder Creek Park & Rec)
Where: Scotts Valley Community Center, 361 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley, and SLV District Offices, 325 Marion Ave., in Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek Parks & Recreation, 13333 Middleton Road, in Boulder Creek
Details: Musical Me, a music program for infants, toddlers, preschool children, and their care givers, will have free music classes.
Info: 438-3514
Together in the Park
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays
Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill Road and Mount Hermon Road
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: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben Lomond
Details: Silent meditation and talk. Beginning and experienced students are welcome.
Info: Carla, 336-0136
‘Ageless Artists Exhibits’ at Scotts Valley Library
When: July 1 to August 31, Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Public Library, 230 Mount Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley
Info: 420-5369
Basic and chair 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
‘Ultra beginning’ line dancing class
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Cost: $6
Info: 438-8666
‘Ceramics on the Wheel’ classes
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Details: For beginning to advanced levels — limited to five students.
Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org
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
Tai chi classes
When: 9:45 to 11 a.m. Mondays
Where: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond
Cost: $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers
Info: 336-8900; or Bill Wright, 429-5004
‘Experiments in Clay’ classes
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Details: Hand-building with clay
Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org
Life drawing classes
When: 7 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Details: Beginners and pros are welcome to drop in. Features different model every week.
Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers
Info: 336-3513 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 call a day in advance.
Info: Dale Bates, 345-7565
Ceramic classes for adults
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org
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
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: 831-763-9825 or 408-353-4766
Kidz Korner clothing exchange 
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. every third Saturday
Where: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben Lomond
Details: The exchange is for children’s clothes for newborns to 5-year-olds. If you don’t have clothes to donate, feel free to pick up what you need.
Info: Rebecca, 408-875-3450
Beginning ukulele classes
When: 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. Mondays for new students; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays for advanced students
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond
Cost: $3 suggested donation
Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org