Editor,

The Scotts Valley Press-Banner is currently accepting essays for its Kids of Summer Essay Competition.

Kiwanis of the ValleysOn April 9, club members attended a terrific joint concert by the Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley High school bands, held at the new SLV Performing Arts Center. Funds from the Kiwanis sponsored Music at Skypark series are vital to the success of music programs in Scotts Valley’s schools, and a euphonium purchased with MASP proceeds was put to good use that evening.On April 17, a special Cajun dinner was held at the Scotts Valley Senior Center. Kiwanis member and Louisiana native, Lisa Ahrweiler, acted as head chef, and whipped up a delicious and authentic meal that was enjoyed by both Kiwanis members and members of the Senior Center.The application period for the Mike Smith Scholarship and the Grabill Sponsorship has closed. The scholarship committee is reviewing the candidates and the winners will be announced soon.Sponsorship recruitment for this summer’s Music at Skypark concert series is in full swing. Many local businesses have already committed to renewing this year, but new sponsors are always needed, as well as event day volunteers. Please contact the club if you can help.The Kiwanis meet at 7 a.m. every Wednesday morning at Bruno’s BBQ. The second Wednesday of each month is an evening meeting — also at Burno’s — at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.kiwanisofthevalleys.org/

Reese Noel Endsley, a 6-pound 15-ounce girl, was born to Rachel Anne Esparza and Shane Dylan Endsley of Scotts Valley at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz. She was born at 10:29 a.m. on April 7, 2015.

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I’d like to talk about several common activities involving our children, how to ensure safety and to avoid unnecessary injury.