MBARD announces Spare the Air program
Starting Nov. 3, the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) will begin announcing wintertime Spare the Air alerts for the San Lorenzo Valley in Santa Cruz County.
During a Spare the Air alert, MBARD will ask residents to choose an alternative home heating source, such as electricity, propane, natural gas or pellets.
MBARD will send out notifications by 3pm on days when conditions warrant a Spare the Air alert. Conditions include colder temperatures and the presence of a temperature inversion, which keeps wood smoke pollution trapped close to the ground.
MBARD is implementing this voluntary program to address unhealthy air quality conditions that may occur in the San Lorenzo Valley. Public awareness and response are critical to help reduce pollution levels during stagnant winter conditions.
The program will run from November through February.
To sign up for alerts via email, visit mbard.org and click “Subscribe to Email Lists” under the “I Want To” menu. Call 831-647-9411 with any questions and/or concerns.
Pinning ceremonies to honor local veterans
Hospice of Santa Cruz County has announced a series of pinning ceremonies scheduled for Veterans Day (observed on Friday, Nov. 10) to celebrate the outstanding service and sacrifice of local veterans.
As a level-four partner of the We Honor Veterans program, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, in collaboration with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is dedicated to providing comfort, dignity and quality of life to veterans within the community.
The core objectives of this program are to offer companionship and guidance to veterans under hospice care, ensuring that their unique journeys and services are respected and honored. These goals encompass thanking veterans for their service, affording them opportunities to share their stories, connecting them with available services and benefits, and, most importantly, conducting special pinning ceremonies to recognize and salute their remarkable service and sacrifices.
This year, Hospice of Santa Cruz County has expanded its efforts to include special pinning ceremonies at two senior care facilities, making this Veterans Day even more memorable. The ceremonies will feature a car parade, live music performances by a hospice music therapist and pinning ceremonies to acknowledge and honor the service of all veteran residents.
The events will take place Friday, Nov. 10, at 1pm at Aegis Living, 125 Heather Terrace, in Aptos, and at 2:30pm at Brookdale Senior Living, 100 Lockewood Lane, in Scotts Valley.
Monthly caregiver support group to meet Saturday
If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, a caregiver support group can offer an opportunity to connect with others.
In this facilitated support group, participants will connect with each other as they experience mindfulness practices designed to open the heart to compassionate caring and resiliency. Participants will discuss new information, share stories and discover a deepening connection with their growing caregiver community.
The Scotts Valley caregiver support group meets on the second Saturday of each month, with the next meeting set for Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10-11:30am. These meetings will be held via telephone and Zoom until further notice.
To register or for more information about this and other support groups in the area, call 800-272-3900.
Community Interfaith Memorial Service to nourish heart and spirit
Hospice of Santa Cruz County (HSCC) invites the community to attend a special holiday memorial service to honor loved ones on Wednesday, Nov. 15.
The Interfaith Memorial Service and Candle Lighting begins at 7pm at the Resurrection Catholic Community Church, 7600 Soquel Drive, in Aptos. The event is an opportunity to pause ahead of the busy holiday season, reflect and remember.
“Whether your loved one recently passed or is someone who you have carried in your heart for many years, this memorial service nourishes heart and spirit by honoring both the sadness and joy that comes with remembrance,” according to HSCC.
All are welcome to attend the candle-lighting ceremony, which will be accompanied by music, words of encouragement and reflection to help everyone prepare for the holiday season. This free event will be held in-person with livestream online access.
Guests are welcome to bring a photograph of their loved one to add to the remembrance table at the service. After the candle-lighting service, guests will take their photo and a candle home.
“This memorial is a gathering of people of all faiths and beliefs in our community, regardless of whether your loved one was a hospice patient or not,” stated HSCC.
