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Choices - Libraries Near You!

Anytime I'm visiting a town new to me, I like to check out the hardware store, any open museums or historical homes of famous people and the library!


Our newest "library" is the Live Oak Annex located at 979 17th Street. Why that's the same address as Simpkins Swim Center! What a great combination: library and recreation!


Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites us to visit their new Live Oak Annex Open House on Saturday, November 23, 11am-1pm to learn about their services. Save the date!


Thanksgiving is in site and I have my side dish assignment, stuffing. The version I make is classic, no exotic oysters or pork sausage to compete with the turkey. I'm sharing!


Reports are coming in that Anastasia the Musical is fabulous! It runs today through this weekend.


You may appreciate "67 Screen-Free Activities for Kids, What to do with kids when it’s dark and cold this winter…"


Have a wonderful fall weekend, Parmalee

. . . And that's what I do, stuffing balls!

In my childhood the chefs in our family “stuffed” the turkey cavity with a bread-based dressing because that’s what generations before them did.


When we were called to set the table, the stuffing in the turkey resting on the sideboard was overflowing with the savory aroma of stuffing. We would pull on the crispy exterior and get a combination of crunchy, moist, buttery, sage-thyme-rosemary spiced stuffing. At that moment the only thing better was the thought of stuffing smothered with turkey gravy.


Nowadays we cook our turkeys solo, no stuffing in their cavities, probably for health reasons or cooking timing. At first we baked it in casserole dishes. Then someone thought of stuffing balls! And that's what I do, stuffing balls. Recipe > > >

Adopt a Family for the holidays

with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County!

We partner with 32 local non-profits and social service agencies to meet the needs of local families struggling in our community. Our partners provide us with a short bio about each family and a wish list of gifts for each family member.


All of these families are struggling with special circumstances such as homelessness, displaced by natural disasters or floods, parents in recovery, parents or children with disabilities, victims of violent crime, families facing serious health challenges, or other hardships.


Sponsors provide families with holiday packages that include grocery store gift certificates, clothing items, a gift for each child, and household items like blankets, towels, or sheets.


Deliver these items to our donation center at the Capitola Mall, December 7th - 10th. 


If you'd like to deliver gifts directly to a family - please contact our office at 831-457-9834 or email adoptafamily@scvolunteercenter.org


Agency partners will continue to add families until November 14th. For a list of partners please email adoptafamily@scvolunteercenter.org

More Information

Take us to the animals at Wilder Ranch

For upcoming ticketed holiday entertainment

skim through the next few weeks

of the calendar.

November Calendar


Don't miss a fun, family event! Follow us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/SantaCruzParent/

Updated!

Where to find

Pre-Cooked Thanksgiving Meals

Goat Hill Fair Antiques and Vintage Show, Friday November 15, Early Goats 8 – 10am, General Admission 10am-4 pm; Saturday November 16, General Admission 9am – 4pm, We will be bringing you a great event filled with fun, and of course a variety of vintage and antique finds! Goat Hill Fair is well known for being an authentic antique/vintage show. Our juried vendors bring the very best in antiques and beautifully display their wares. Guests love the “WOW” factor as they shop from booth to booth. We are also known for our friendly staff and fun vendors. Details and Early Tickets

Anastasia the Musical, 7pm Nov 14, 15, 16; 2pm: Nov 16, Anastasia the Musical is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. This dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family. Details

Santa Cruz Elks Lodge Annual Hoop Shoot, Saturday, November 16, 8:30am: Registration; 9am:Hoop Shoot, Area youth are invited to participate in the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge Annual Hoop Shoot! Santa Cruz Elks Lodge is partnering with the Santa Cruz Warriors to host its FREE Hoop Shoot/Free Throw Contest. The event will be held at Kaiser. The event is free for ages 8-13 years-old and involves a free throw competition. Details

Ice Skating by the Bay, Nov 22 - Dec 31, 11am -to 10pm, Custom House Plaza, Monterey, Celebrate the holidays amidst Monterey Bay's coastline. Skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland right by the Bay. Details



Santa Cruz County Office Of Education

Understanding & Creating with AI, Calling all future tech innovators, Free! Grades 7-12!

Details

Boulder Creek Children’s Clothing Swap, Saturday, November 16, 11:30am-3pm, At the Children’s Clothing Swap bring what you can and take what you need. $5 entry fee per family. Donations can be dropped off at the downtown Rec Center Nov. 11-15, 9am-6pm. Details


2024 La Selva Beach Holiday Fair and Book Sale, Saturday, November 16, 11am – 4pm, Handcrafted jewelry, art, woodwork, bags, ceramics, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books; used book sale for all ages and interests; bake sale, Prize Raffle;Tacos el Jesse and S&B Burgers will sell street food favorites. Details

Gifts from the Garden at Life Lab, Sunday, November 17, 1-4pm, Celebrate the beauty of nature by crafting unique gifts from the garden at this free, kid-friendly event. Everyone will leave with the crafts they create and you will also get a sneak peek of the activities we typically offer during our Summer Camps! Details

Life Lab welcomes donations of materials for their FREE Gifts from the Gifts from the Garden at Life Lab craft workshop.


Acrylic paint, mini pots, scissors, clean cardboard, Elmer's glue, glue guns, glue sticks, watercolor paper, small succulent cuttings, dry beans, and river stones. Details

PAL Holiday Pop Up & Toy Drive, Saturday, November 16, 11am-4pm, Stop by the parking lot between old City Hall and PV Arts. Bring a new unwrapped toy for our Toy Drive. Support local businesses. There will be lots of food vendors, accessories, custom gifts, clothing, toys, and a lot more! Details

Photo Management Workshop, Scotts Valley, Thursday, November 14, 11am – 12pm, Not sure what to do with all your photos (paper or digital)? Come learn tips and tricks to sort, share, and save your photo collection with Photo Manager, Lisa Krigsman, a local member of the professional photo management organization, The Photo Managers. Details

Ice Skate in Union Square! Daily, November 6 – January 25, 10am-11pm, Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is back for its 17th magical season of outdoor skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Details

TWEENAGERS – Mother / Daughter After-School Hike, De La Veaga School – with Snacks! Thursday, November 14, 3:45- 5:30pm, Start at Enchanted Trail Head, Details

Join Santa Cruz Tween Girl Support & Activities Group, at Capitola Beach, Friday, November 15, 4:30-6pm, Details

Paella Workshop & Happy Hour, Saturday, November 16, 2 – 5pm,

Join us for a fun Paella Workshop & Happy Hour with Aniko Ritchie at our family farm in Aptos! Nikki will be guiding us through each step of the process from selecting the freshest ingredients & mastering the art of seasoning, to teaching us the tips and tricks for creating this iconic Spanish dish. Great dish for Christmas Eve! Details

Holiday Barn Dance at Roaring Camp, Wednesday, November 20, 6:30pm, Join us for our first Holiday Line Dance Party in the gorgeous Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp! Instructors from Surf City Line Dance will lead you in a variety of line dances. Details

Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz Family, Our Adopt a Family Website is LIVE! Now’s your chance to make a difference this holiday season by adopting a family in need. Provide joy and essential items to local families facing tough times. Visit our website today and help bring holiday magic to those who need it most! Details

Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! November