56.6 F
Scotts Valley
September 14, 2025

Nature Friendly: Rethinking a walk in the rain

“A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods. I always thought so myself; the Maine woods never seem so fresh and alive as in wet weather. Then all the needles on the evergreens wear a sheath of silver; ferns seem to have grown to almost tropical lushness and every leaf has its edging of crystal drops. Strangely colored fungi — mustard-yellow and apricot and scarlet — are pushing out of the leaf mold and all the lichens and the mosses have come alive with green and silver freshness,” wrote Rachel Carson in “The Sense of Wonder.”

Let’s Go Fishin’: Low water stress

As much as I wish creating rain is under my control, I have to remind myself it is out of my hands. The wonderful weather comes with pleasure until my mind switches from the beach to the river, then I begin to realize a slow underlining feeling of worry and fear. I think this concern is carried by many of us who have concerns that are greater than ourselves and the daily pleasure of nice weather. So many factors relay on regular rain and snow fall totals. It is hard to not wish for rain.

It’s the Law: Honoring those who do good

Once a year in May, a reception is held at Chaminade Resort & Spa to honor a lawyer, or lawyers, who have gone above and beyond to help our community with charitable good works.

July San Lorenzo Valley & Scotts Valley Meal and Food Programs

Tuesdays, noon. Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9, across from Rite-Aid, 335-6900. “Free Lunch Tuesday.”Tuesdays through Saturdays (also fourth Mondays). Valley Churches United, Food Pantry and Food Distribution programs. Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (closed Saturday July 4). First and third Fridays 9 to 11 a.m. are for seniors only. USDA Distribution on fourth Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. For SLV, Scotts Valley, and Bonny Doon residents. Ben Lomond, corner of Highway 9 across from Ben Lomond Market, 336-8258.Wednesdays, 12 to 2 p.m. San Agustin Catholic Church, 257 Glenwood Dr., Scotts Valley (next to the fire station), 438-3633. Food Distribution.Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. St. John’s Catholic Church, down from Rite-Aid, Highway 9 and Russell, Felton. 335-4657. “Thursday Lunch.”Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mountain Community Resources, 6134 Highway 9, across from Rite-Aid, Felton. 335-6600. Food Distribution.Thursdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m., St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. 438-4360. Food Distribution.Fridays, 5 to 6 p.m. GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. 438-0646. "Frfidays at Five" food distribution.Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m. SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 9980 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, north of town, 336-2228. Dinner. Meals on Wheels, hot meals at dining centers in Ben Lomond (Monday through Friday) and Scotts Valley (Wednesday). Meals delivered (if eligible). Reservation required, $2.50 requested donation, for age 60+ (limited exceptions). www.communitybridges.org/meals (464-3180)Grey Bears Brown Bag Program, weekly bag of produce to be picked up in Ben Lomond, Felton, or Scotts Valley. Delivery available for homebound seniors. $30 annual membership fee, for age 55+. www.greybears.org (479-1055). Except as noted, all programs are free of charge -- Schedules are subject to change. Contact: [email protected]

Mountain Gardener: Tried and True

As gardeners, we all approach the new gardening season with enthusiasm and optimism. Then, the rain comes down hard and pelts your new plants into the ground, the nights turn cold again and some of the plants in your garden aren’t so happy anymore. That’s when you need some tried and true plants to star in your landscape, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

Datebook

Saturday, Jan. 22

Talk About Money: Choose an adviser wisely

When I was working as a grocery clerk in my late teens, I saved up $1,000 and opened an account with my father’s stockbroker in Los Gatos. When he asked about my goals, I said, "Just find me something that will go up."

Valley People

Valley People

Scotts Valley High Drama Club brings laughter to stage with fall comedy

As the seasons roll by, Scotts Valley High School’s Drama Department moves into its fall play zone with a show called “Leading Ladies,” which opens this weekend. Set in the 1950s, “Leading Ladies” focuses on two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, who find their...

It’s Your Money: Plan now for a strong, comfortable retirement

“How many jobs have you had in your life?” Tony asked his sister Janis on the old HBO TV series “The Sopranos.”

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News Briefs

News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025

Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...