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Beauty and Nasty Threes Out There

I wonder why the three "leaf poisons" exist... unless, like ticks they are part of the food chain. Download this image and share with the children to remind them, "If it has three, it's not for me, " and “Three leaves together? Better not touch them!


Go see the wild flowers. Whether it's a field of poppies or a single flower waiting for your appreciation, take in and memorize the awesomeness of spring flowers. Bring sketchbooks, water-color pencils and a small plastic bottle of water along. Wild flowers are a gentle antidote to the busyness of our lives.


About poetry...


I like Spring,

It's my thing.


See! Anyone can write a poem! If you think you can't, there's help at the libraries during National Poetry Month.


Enjoy the weekend , Parmalee

Our Libraries Celebrate National Poetry Month

Celebrate poets and poetry's integral role in our culture.


Local Poetry Month Events:


Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Celebration - April 17th at Cabrillo College


Teen Poetry Workshop: Tinkering with the Tarot Alongside Madeline Aliah - April 12th Felton Branch Library


Poetry Month Educational Resources:


National Poetry Month Site - Poets.org


Poetry Foundation's Learning Lab


Resources from Reading Rockets


Resources from ReadWriteThink


Thank you Librarians!


Trees


I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.


A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;


A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;


A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;


Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.


Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.


by Joyce Kilmer

Crafting Poetry from Simple Pleasures


If you’re ready to mine inspiration from simple pleasures and the everyday, then this workshop is for you. Writers will walk away with a new poem, and writing exercises to dive into for after our workshop to keep the creative energy flowing. Led by Kimberly Gomez - Details

A Mystery Series Ages 8-14 Can't Put Down

Nor Can Their Parents

National Park Mystery Series


"Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. And he has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the heart of Colorado’s wild and rugged Rocky Mountain National Park. Through twists and turns, the mystery unfolds while Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship."


If this introduction to the series intrigues you go here > > >.

Another Spring Reminder

Reducing exposure to ticks is the best defense against tick born diseases. Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). You and your family can take several steps to prevent tick bites. 

Before you go outdoors become well-informed about ticks > > >

APRIL CALENDAR

So many events come in at the last minute,

so be sure to check the calendar in a few days.

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

where we share "last minute event posts."

"Newsies," through April 5, All About Theatre, As Jack Kelly is savoring the last few moments of quiet before the sun rises, he shares with his best friend Crutchie his rooftop view of the city and his dream for a better life out West ("Santa Fe - Prologue"). At dawn, the newsies sing about their life and their work ("Carrying the Banner"), introducing this ramshackle group of young friends. They make their way to the distribution window for the World, where they pick up their daily stacks of papers to sell from Wiesel, who runs the window, and Morris and Oscar Delancey, goons who work for the World. Davey and Les, brothers trying to earn money for their family, meet the newsies and try to learn the ropes. Jack agrees to partner with the boys since Les's young age will help him sell more papers, although Davey is skeptical.

Tickets

Tales 2 Tails, Make appointments for your children to read to patient dogs at your favorite library.

Aptos ~ Capitola ~ Felton ~ Garfield Park ~ La Selva Beach ~ Scotts Valley

LEGO Robotics, Thursdays 3:30 – 5pm, April3 – May 15, Join us at the Boulder Creek Library to explore robotics using LEGO Spike Prime. This is a 6 part series where students will work in pairs to create increasingly complex machines using LEGO pieces. Students will practice engineering skills and learn to program motors using LEGO Spike Prime software to create functional robotics. Ages 8-17. Registration is required & must register for all classes in the series. Details

Through May 14, Tuesday – Friday| 11am – 4pm; Saturday – Sunday | 10am – 5pm, Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders of nature, from diminutive sea slugs to vast habitats. Explore the beauty and fine details of the world around us in the special exhibit featuring works from over 40 local artists in a variety of mediums, all sure to inspire curiosity and deepen connections with science and nature.

The Art of Nature: First Friday, April 4, Free, Get to know Santa Cruz’s WILD SIDE at the Museum of Natural History! Nerd out on your night out during monthly after-hours events, Details

Parent Nest: A guided play and connection series, Fridays, April 7 – 28, 9:15 – 10am, A guided play & connection series. Created specifically for infants and toddlers (from sitting age to 18 months), this four-week series takes place in the serene morning hours before the museum opens. In this distraction-free setting, your little explorer can safely investigate their world while you connect with other parents who understand exactly what this stage of life is like. Details

Live Like Coco Seeks Volunteers for Read Run Repeat, April 26, Details


Quilting with Friends, 1st & 3rd Mondays 11am-3pm, September 16, 2024 – May 5,  Details


Lego Brick Builder Fridays, Fridays, 3-4pm, Details


Pokemon at Live Oak Annex, Thursdays 3-5pm, Details


Skate the Civic, Monday, 6:30 – 9:30pm, Roller skate at the Civic! Details


The Way We Calculated at San Lorenzo Museum, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, 1 – 4pm through June 15, Details


Free Magic Show at Kennolyn Camp, Sunday, April 27, Details

Jazz at the Library, Friday 12 – 1pm, April 4, May 2

Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians! In memory of her husband, bassist and jazz singer, Betty has created the William H. Nadeau Memorial Fund promoting and rewarding excellence in jazz performance. In partnering with the library, the memorial fund is able to bring the wonderful sounds of live jazz music to the community.  Details

The Nature Club for Grades 6-8, Saturdays, April 5, May 10,

The Museum’s Nature Club invites young explorers (6th-8th grade) to discover local habitats and learn about the living world around us! Guided by Museum staff, kids build a connection to nature through hands-on activities, observation, and new friendships. Details

Aptos Chamber 2nd Annual Mutt Strut and Market, Saturday April 5, 1 – 3pm, Join the Aptos Chamber 2nd Annual Mutt Strut and Market. It’s fun for the whole family. Free to walk in. Come check out adoptable dogs. Enter your pup in a fun pet contest, learn from top industry professionals and shop local vendors. Details

Library Revolutionaries Movie, Saturday, April 5, 2 – 4pm, In celebration of National Library Week, SCPL invites you to take a deep dive into the world of Libraries in our Branciforte Branch. Free for All The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. Discussion led by your favorite local Librarians! Registration is recommended, and drop-ins are welcome. Details

Threads of Wonder: Spring Break at the Children’s Museum of Discovery, Monday and Wednesday – Friday 9am – 5pm, April 7, 9, 10, 11, Looking for a magical escape during spring break? Dive into the colorful world of textiles at our “Threads of Wonder” program! While the kids are out of school, transform their free time into an adventure of creativity and discovery. Each day brings new textile treasures to explore – from weaving magical patterns and designing fashion masterpieces to creating your very own bandanas that burst with color. The whole family can participate, creating memories together. Parents, you might just find yourselves getting carried away in the wonder too! Join us for a week where imagination takes flight. Details

Friends Who Scrap: Social Paper-crafting, 2nd Saturdays, April 8 – July 12, 12 – 4pm, Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month for paper-crafting and community with Friends Who Scrap. This social paper-crafting group provides a friendly and supportive environment for all levels of experience. Bring your own project and materials or just come and see what is possible. Some materials are always on hand for the scrap-curious! ​ 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! April