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November 17

Let's Talk Turkey

At last! It's time to talk turkey, look forward to visiting with family and friends and enjoy a turkey dinner!


My favorite side dish is stuffing with gravy, and also in my world the reasons for having turkey are the second and third meals.


The second is an open face sandwich with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce topped with gravy; the third is turkey soup! You can see my favorites favor the carbs and we all know what that can lead to!


However a friend just sent me an article on why potatoes, pasta and rice may be healthier as leftovers. See what you think > > >


Have a wonderful family and friend Thanksgiving! Parmalee


P.S. Here's a story of kindness to warm your hearts!

A Tip for Staying up with Holiday Events

Brownie, our calendar editor is uploading holiday events. When we compare the number of this year's holiday events submitted to last year's at the same time, we realize that many more are coming --and some at the last minute, in both November and December!

So, a few times a week, go to our homepage, https://santacruzparent.com/, click on Calendar and select Holidays. That will lead you to plays, operas, craft and gift faires, choral performances, holiday light shows, crafting workshops, parades, Santa appearances, and hopefully every family-friendly event we can present! For EVERYTHING, simply click on CALEMDAR.

How are you celebrating Thanksgiving?

I was shopping in the westside New Leaf Market and got the idea of asking other shoppers, "How are you celebrating Thanksgiving?" When I got back to my car I quickly dictated their stories and texted them to myself. Parmalee


Mary - A young mom with three littles helping her answered, "We just moved here and I don't know anyone. All our relatives are back in Virginia. We're so excited to live in a beach town that we're going to have a Thanksgiving picnic on the beach, finger snacks for the kids, turkey sandwiches for my husband and me and pumpkin squares for dessert and best of all I'm getting everything from the deli here."


Jo - "Oh I love cooking, so much so that my family calls me Foodie Jo! I'm 8 months pregnant and my kids are 6, 5, and 3. My in-laws, brother-in-law, his wife and two kids are coming for Thanksgiving and the weekend. I thought about cooking, but it's a bit overwhelming. Thank God my husband told me to “Stop stressing! Find out who caters the whole enchilada.” I did! I called New Leaf and ordered hors d’oeurves, a huge turkey, sides and desserts that would have taken me hours to make. They even have mac 'n cheese for kids. I think the leftovers will carry us through most of the weekend."


Max - A man with white hair with a twinkle in his eyes told me, "That's a good pickup line." I laughed and explained I really was collecting Thanksgiving stories. Max told me he was volunteering at the Community Thanksgiving Dinner on the 23rd at the Veteran's Hall, and by the way, they could use more volunteers, and did I know about their project to permanently house veterans, which would effectively end veteran homelessness in our County. Just then his wife came around the corner with a smile on her face and asked him if he was flirting again!


Jennifer - Ha! Ha! "Confession! We already had our first Thanksgiving dinner in October, sort of a practice run, but really because my men --my husband and two teen boys-- are crazy about the whole food, ambience and aroma of Thanksgiving. We're doing our second Thanksgiving next week. The fun part of it all is that the boys like hanging out and helping in the kitchen. Someday my future daughters-in-law are going to thank me."


Hurrah for creativity! Thank you Mary, Jo and Max and Jennifer!

Books Make the Best Gifts

These book lists are inspiring. Use them to select book gifts to engage young readers' imaginations and love of reading. By the way, I think Books for Brainy Boys is good for ALL BOYS.


Best Friends for Life ~ Great Books for Brainy Boys ~ Books for Smart, Confident and Courageous Girls

November Calendar

Always check for new posts!

O’Neill Cold Water Classic, through November 19, The O’Neill Cold Water Classic,North America’s Longest Running Surf Contest, provides a unique on-site experience at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. Join the spectators at northern California’s iconic point break, hug the cliff railing and witness the world’s top surfers compete. Details

Holiday Lights in the Watsonville Plaza, Friday, November 17, 5 – 6pm, The 2023 Holiday Tree Lighting is Nov. 17 from 5 to 6 PM in the City Plaza. Join us and Santa for festive fun as we light up our beloved City Plaza for the winter holidays. Details

Rockin Gem, Mineral, Jewelry & Fossil Sale, Saturday 10 – 5 & Sunday 10 – 4, November 18 & 19, This is a fascinating event! Members of the club sell rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, jewelry, and other lapidary items at the club’s holiday sale. Admission and parking are free. Details

Family Fun with Tule, Saturday, November 18, 1-2:30pm, Get crafty with tule. Create boats and other crafts using locally harvested plant materials traditionally used by the ancestors of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. All ages are welcome. This program is best suited for children ages 5 years & older and their families. Details

Ornament Making Workshops, Saturdays from 10-11am and 3-4pm, All ages are welcome! Create these beautiful pieces to adorn your packages, a bottle of wine and of course, your Christmas tree! Class includes one hour studio time with various technique instruction, clay and first bisque firing. Book your own private party of 6 or more! Art Factory Details

Thanksgiving Day “Run for Pie” Thursday, Nov. 23, Join us on Thanksgiving Day Run for Pie morning for our 11th annual Thanksgiving Day race! Run For Pie has become one of Santa Cruz County’s favorite holiday traditions. Bring the whole family (or your pet turkey) out to run or walk a 5K in the park. Run for Pie also includes a 1/2 mile Turkey Chase Race for kids. All participants get a slice of pumpkin pie at the finish This event will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. Details

Great Expectations Parenting Group, Saturday, November 18, 1:30 – 2:30pm, Scotts Valley library, is hosting a free parenting group for caregivers raising neurodivergent individuals with behavior challenges and delays from toddlers to teens. Details

United Against Hate, Sunday, November 19, 4pm, Bystander Intervention Training teaches bystanders about the principles of nonviolence and de-escalation techniques. In this training participants learn hands-on skills about how to de-escalate a hate incident before it leads to violence, how to create a safe space, and how to support the person being targeted. Registration required. Details

K-12 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest, Entry deadline 5pm, January 31, 2024, This Contest is open to California residents in grades K-12. There are five grade categories for awards in both art and poetry: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Entries must have a California coastal or ocean theme. Entry deadline 5pm, January 31, 2024, Details

Live Oak Picture Book Scavenger Hunt, November 1 -30, Join us at Live Oak Library to celebrate National Picture Book Month with a Picture Book Scavenger Hunt. Stop by the children’s room and pick up a hunt. Look for the answers in books! Complete the hunt and turn it into the circulation desk to receive a prize. Details

Triple-P Parent Workshops

Setting Healthy Screen Time Limits, Friday, November 17, 5:30 – 7pm

Triple P Workshop: How to Handle Fighting and Aggression, Monday, November 20, 5:30 – 7pm

La Selva Beach Holiday Craft Fair & Book Sale, Saturday, November 18, 10am-4pm, Attention craft lovers! Don’t miss the La Selva Beach Holiday Craft Fair & Book Sale! Discover unique and handmade jewelry, art, and more from over 50 local vendors. Plus, there will be a Used Book Sale featuring books in all genres. And don’t forget to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win fine art and craft prizes donated by vendors! Admission is free, so bring your friends and family for a fun day out and support the library’s teen programs. Details

All 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