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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
A Wish for Peace for 2025 | |
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The more years I add, the more I value peace, peace with my family with differing ideas, and the same within my neighborhood, community, state, country and the world.
Historically, achieving peace among nations has been achieved in-between wars. It's a little like that in families only we call them disagreements with a compromise or agreement to review at a later date.
It's exhausting and stupid to fight and kill each other's youth rather than find ways to exchange ideas or at least co-exist. Then there is the problem of just-plain-evil. How is that to be handled? Good people keep trying to stand up to evil, and it keeps raising its ugly head. We keep asking why and keep trying to find the "how" to achieve peace.
Our first circle is our family. We have about 18 years to guide the formation of character and support the talents of our children. This is where the life of a person of peace or strife begins.
The second major social circle for our children is childcare and 13 years of school. From these two formative circles will rise the leaders of our communities, counties, states, businesses, nonprofits, the arts, churches, federal governments and the world. That dear friends is an awesome responsibility and why parenting is the most important job we ever will have. If we are fortunate, good mentors enter our lives.
In Santa Cruz County there's a strong awareness of the skills of families who inspire us with their beautiful, purposeful, loving parenting --and who freely admit to making mistakes and overcoming them. We have an exceptionally conscientious parenting lifestyle.
Peace and joy to all of you amidst the challenges, Parmalee
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Witness a Rare Planetary Alignment on January 25 | |
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It will grace the sky for our viewing. This celestial event will feature Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all lining up in a neat row. While not perfectly aligned, their positioning will create a stunning display.
This display will be visible to the naked eye shortly after sunset with Venus and Jupiter shining the brightest and Mars offering a fiery touch with a reddish hue. It's a fantastic opportunity for stargazers and astro-photographers.
Save the date! Reserve to borrow a telescope from your library now! If you like the universe check out Secrets of Space on Facebook here and here.
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There's a new SCPL puzzle exchange program opening on Wednesday, January 29, 11am-1pm.
Join us on National Puzzle Day to celebrate PUZZLES at the Scotts Valley Branch Library!
Come enjoy jigsaw puzzle-shaped snacks and activities for the whole family.
Learn about the program and grab a puzzle to enjoy at home. Return it at your convenience and grab a new one.
Donations of your gently used puzzles are gladly accepted for the program.
Hint from a volunteer: It helps to have all pieces separated and placed in a plastic zip bag in the box. This and BIG FAT ELASTICS prevent accidental spills.
Participating Branches
Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, La Selva Beach, and Scotts Valley
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Backpacking Adventures in Santa Cruz Mountains, Wednesday, January 1, 9am, Online registration until spaces filled. "Have you been looking for different ways to connect with nature? Is one of your goals for the new year to try something new? Do you want to learn more about your local parks while meeting new people?
Regardless of your experience level, our back country naturalists are ready to lead you through the majesty of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Learn more." Details
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First Day Hikes, January 1, All Day, Santa Cruz Redwood State Parks. Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a new one, we look forward to seeing you in California’s park trails, beaches, mountains and the deserts. Make sure to dress in layers, bring plenty of snacks and water, and appropriate hiking shoes. Visit the latest safety tips for more information. Get the Details
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Mystery Box Monday at MOD, Mondays, 3pm, Calling all curious minds! Get ready for Mystery Box Monday, the fun-filled, brain-bending program that unleashes your child’s inner inventor, artist, and problem-solver! Reserve your spot. Details
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Tales to Tails at our Libraries
Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm, Garfield Park
Tuesdays, 2nd & 4th, 4:30-6pm, Downtown
3rd Tuesdays, 3-4pm, Felton
Wednesdays, 3:30-4pm, Aptos
1st Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30pm, La Selva Beach
Wednesdays, Branciforte (Call for next Wednesday date)
4th Wednesdays, 3-4pm, CapitolaValley
2nd Saturdays, 3:30-4:30pm,
Register for a time: 831-427-7713
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What to Do Instead: Guiding Kids and Teens with Empathy and Trust, January 9, 12-3pm, Whether you have toddlers, teens or in-betweens, this online workshop will help you up your parenting game, so your whole family wins in 2025! Join me for this live online workshop and learn positive, effective ways to guide your children. Details
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Flynn Creek Circus 2024, Families; through January 5; Internationally acclaimed Flynn Creek Circus returns to Capitola with a super star line up in their all new show, ‘The Heavy Drift!’ Family Details | | | |
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Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train & New Year’s Train, through December 31, Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads, Will-Call/Ticketing at the Boardwalk’s Party Room, located to the left of the Main Entrance, Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through Santa Cruz streets. Passengers lend their voices to holiday carols and sip spiced cider while Santa visits with the little ones and the young at heart! Details
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New Year’s Train, December 26-31, Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ will keep spirits bright and help bring in 2025 right. Details
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Chanukah Train, January 2, We’ll share in Chanukah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Chanukah music and enjoying warm latkas and hot apple cider provided by Chabad by the Sea. Play festive games and win prizes! Lighting of the Menorah (15 mins before departure), Chanukah Games, Kosher Refreshments, Dreidel Mascot. Security will be present. Details
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Farley’s Christmas Wonderland 2024, Friday, November 29 – December 31, 5:30 – 8:30pm’ish, Join us at Farley’s Christmas Wonderland. We are a walk-in Christmas display with lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, and a log cabin that Santa uses for his rest stops. We have elves, fairies and a fairy grotto with two waterfalls. On special nights, it snows here. Details
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Toy Trains, Last Day Dec. 29, 12 - 6pm, MAH, Details
125th Audubon Bird Count through January 6, Details
Ice Skating by the Bay, through Dec 31, 11am -to 10pm, Custom House Plaza, Monterey, Details
Ice Skate in Union Square! Daily, through January 25, 10am-11pm, Details
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The White Album Ensemble, Abridged, with Revolver, Sunday, December 29 & Monday, December 30, 8pm – 11:30pm,
This year we will do an abridged version, 16 songs out of 30, making space for the complete “Revolver” lp at 30 minutes, for an opening act. We will utilize a string quartet, and a horn section, to “not cheat” on the accuracy, growing room for the group to express their musicianship, without rearranging the songs. A lovely local tradition, and wonderful Xmas present! history- Read more! Details
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Chanukah Story Hour, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Monday, December 30, 5-6pm, Free, Please join Temple Beth El for a Chanukah Story Hour! We’ll light the menorah, sing the blessings, read stories, and sing songs. Perfect for families with children of all ages! Your RSVP helps us plan for your arrival and keep in touch with any changes. Thank you for registering! Details
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Ring in the New Year at NOON, Tuesday, December 31, 11am-1pm, No need to wait until midnight – Ring in the New Year at NOON! Join us at the Live Oak Library and celebrate in community with crafts, snacks, and a balloon drop as we count down to Noon! Details
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New Years’ Eve Organists’ Kaleidophone, Tuesday, December 31, 4pm, Come to celebrate the New Year with the colorful sounds of the Aeolien-Skinner 3-manual Pipe Organ at Peace United Church of Christ in Santa Cruz. 20th Annual “Organists’ Kaleidophone!” will kick off at 4pm on New Year’s Eve! Several local Organists will entertain you with mosaics of musical styles and genres from the Baroque to the Contemporary, all highlighting the art of organ playing in solo and ensemble settings. Admission is free, and all donations will go to the Organ Maintenance Fund. A traditional reception of Champagne, Sparkling Cider and Chocolates follows!
Donations welcome. Details
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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! January
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