Community

I have two Japanese maples on my deck. They are not nearly as large as those I had up in Bonny Doon but you have to start somewhere. One is a common acer palmatum seedling and the other a ‘Sanguo Kaku.’ They have not...

Mountain Community Theater is proud to present a black comedy about white trash, Sordid Lives, by Del Shores, directed by Hannah Eckstein.    The production opens at Ben Lomond's historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street, on Friday, September 21, and continues on weekends through Sunday, October 14.  Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. (no Sunday matinee on September 23).  Thursday, September 27 at 8:00 pm is Community Night, with two tickets for $20.00.  For all other performances, General Admission tickets are $20.00, Students and seniors are $17.00. There will be a champagne reception after the show on opening night.  There will be a special talk back with the cast and director after the Sunday matinee on September 30.  The performance is rated PG-13, and contains adult language and subject matter that may not be suitable for young children.  Tickets will be available to the public at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Scotts Valley’s Agape Dance Academy brought the story of “Cinderella” to life over the weekend of June 14-16 at Aptos High School’s Performing Arts Center. Replete with evil stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella (played by Emi Prograce and Olivia Hughes), Fairy Godmother (played by Hannah Ruvo), a cadre of mice and Prince Charming himself (danced beautifully by Zaiah Jones), the entire dance troupe delivered a gorgeous rendition of the age-old fairy tale. Set changes were quick and nearly unseen; the music was boisterous and ebbed and flowed with the characters’ story, and the costumes were dazzling explosions of tulle, satin and sparkles galore. Arden Emhoff, who played the title role, was a study in grace, power and control as she spun through the transforation from under-appreciated housemaiden to a princess in love.

The town of Felton is 150 years old, and townsfolk are gearing up to throw a grand anniversary bash. The town party will include historical presentations of Felton's early days, which will be on display at Felton Community Hall and the Felton Fire Station, 4 bands, dancing, various other entertainment and of course, lots of local food and drink, shopping, kids events, crafts and more.

Let’s get out of our comfort zone when training. Many of us associate training as a chore or we need motivation to workout. Many of us stay in our comfort zone because it’s where we feel safe. Living in our comfort zone helps us...

It’s time for 2001 Movie Trivia. Ready to play? Which movie featured a dog named “Bruiser?”A. ZoolanderB. Monsters Inc.C. Legally Blonde Which film character said, “Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed”?A. Derek ZoolanderB. Bridget JonesC. Elle Woods Which 2001 comedy sleeper hit went...

 There is so much clean up to do around the garden in the fall but I think we should all do something fun. A couple years ago I got an email about when to plant sweet peas. This reader had collected seeds from the wild pea, lathyrus latifolia, and wanted to know when to plant them. Although the flowers of this perennial sweet pea are not fragrant, the culture is the same as all sweet peas. Now’s the time to plant.

When I think of autumn, I think of how the gold leaves of the sycamores and the big leaf maples illumine the forest and the river. And when I think of the river, I think of what Fred McPherson, local naturalist and videographer, has always said; “The river is my teacher.”

When Jonathan Hawkins got the late-breaking news that Roaring Camp Railroads would be dropping its tourist train ticket price to the historical rate of 90 cents for its 60th anniversary, April 6, he suddenly had a new plan for the day. He and his 6-year-old...

The holiday season is a wonderful time for family gatherings and festive parties. The presence of alcoholic beverages is especially more prominent as we enjoy our eggnogs and toast in the New Year. Those who drink responsibly can appreciate the special holiday cheer while...