A resource for families in Santa Cruz County
...because parenting is the most important job on earth...

Please forward this email to friends,

and invite them to sign up here:

https://conta.cc/3wrLPKr

VIEW ENTIRE NEWSLETTER

Will Our Children Be Safe at College?

I've stayed away from using AI for content and if I ever did use it I'd let you know. It's a point of honor! I enjoy writing and sharing.


However, I decided to explore the topic of anti-semitism in colleges via Constant Contact's offer to try their AI program. After you read the essay, I wish you would send your reactions to me.


It's hard enough to send our young adults off on their own. without worrying if they will be able to learn from the free exchange of ideas and have to fear for their safety. Will Our Children Be Safe at College? > > >


Remember all the years Omega Nu's Ducky Derby has entertained us and raised funds to give back to the community!? This year we need to support them online!


Spring not only brings forth the colorful beauty of nature and also a plethora of events. We are still adding new events so check back.

Have a thoughtful and fun weekend and don't give cookies to the mice, Parmalee

The Lyrid Meteor Showers!

The annual event normally lasts for around two weeks in April. This year, the Lyrids began on April 15 and will continue until April 29.


Normally, dozens of meteors light up the sky every hour during this period, according to NASA. But this shower is also known for rare surges that can bring as many as 100 meteors an hour. Learn more > > >

Ducky Derby 2024, Saturday, April 27 10:30am – 3:30pm, It's VIRTUAL! You can support Omega Nu’s Ducky Derby. On April 27th we will hold multiple VIRTUAL races where you can still win terrific prizes while supporting the community. Please continue to support Ducky Derby through duck adoptions, prize donations, and sponsorships. The community needs all of our continued support. Students heading to college, local charities, and teachers that we support year after year are depending upon us. Details

Ducky Derby 2024, Saturday, April 27 10:30am – 3:30pm, It's VIRTUAL! You can support Omega Nu’s Ducky Derby. On April 27th we will hold multiple VIRTUAL races where you can still win terrific prizes while supporting the community. Please continue to support Ducky Derby through duck adoptions, prize donations, and sponsorships. The community needs all of our continued support. Students heading to college, local charities, and teachers that we support year after year are depending upon us. Details

Be Natural Music at Pono Hawaiian Grill, Thursday, April 25, 4 – 8pm, Be Natural Music will feature their youth Rock and Jazz bands at Pono Hawaiian Grill in Santa Cruz. Local residents are invited to drop by, grab a bite, a drink, and enjoy the music. Details

Make and Explore at the Libraries, Check you nearby library for dates & times. Every week we will have a new project idea for you to make or explore at your libraries. Projects will include Science,  and Arts & Crafts. Details

Food Truck Friday – Skypark, Friday, April 26, 5-8pm, Our biggest community event is hosted the last Friday of each month at Skypark. Food Truck Fridays feature a beer and wine garden 100% benefiting SVEF, live music, face painting by Brenda, a great variety of food trucks and desserts! Something for everyone, come out and play! Live music by Identity Problem! Details

Disney’s Finding Nemo JR, Friday, April 26, 2 & 7pm, Join us for a brand new musical: Disney’s Finding Nemo JR, a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Details


White Sky, Falling Dragon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 7:30 pm; Sat & Sun, 2 pm, April 19 – May 4, Carrying tragedy and hope, a World War II US Army Air Force bombardier returns to his small town and his Chinese family. The first step home is to let go of the past. Details

Earth Day at Elkhorn Slough, Saturday, April 27, 9:30am-4pm,

Celebrate Earth Week with us! Join us for a day of exploring the Reserve and getting involved. Free event, no registration required! Explore our trails on a guided hike, help catalog species in a BioBlitz, or care for pollinators as a Garden Steward! Details

Otterly Artistic: A Kids Collage Workshop, Saturday, April 27, 10am-12pm, Join us for an otterly, art workshop themed around sea otter conservation, with local artist Tina Fuller Somers!

Learn about sea otters, explore block printing and collage techniques, and help create community art that will display in the Sanctuary Exploration Center in May. All ages but geared towards kids aged 8-12.  Details

Spring Mineral, Gem and Fossil Show, Saturday, April 27. 10am-5pm & Sunday, April 28, 10am-4pm, Come to our Spring mineral, gem and fossil show for finished jewelry, gemstones, lapidary supplies and rough stone, fossils, mineral specimens, stone carvings and many other things of interest to “rockhounds.” In addition, there is a rock identification table, demonstrations of stone carving, cabochon making and other lapidary arts, display cases containing examples of items collected or made by club members, plus lectures on various rockhound topics. And for kids, there is a florescent mineral dark room and a children’s activity room, Details

Spring Fling at The Vintage Pick & Art Studio, Saturday, April 27, 11am-5pm, We hope you can join us for this fun day. Featuring Rhonda of Fruitful Life Studio and myself with our up-cycled clothing and accessories. Classes are available. Lots of yummy snacks and beverages -wine of course. Come join us and do a “Make & Take” while you are here. Details

Mutt Strut Parade, Saturday, April 27, 1 – 3pm, Please Join us for a dog wagging & family fun time at the Mutt Strut Parade with vendors! Register your dog Now! Details


Kennolyn Camp Play Day, Magic Show & Raffle, Sunday, April 28, 1 – 3pm, Join us at Kennolyn Day Camp for a time of singing, tour of camp, and magic show! You can also enter our spring raffle for a week of camp. Ages 5-15 are eligible. Details


Looking Ahead

Art of Nature Makers Market, Friday, May 3, 4-8pm, First Fridays are back at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Join us for monthly after hours events on the First Friday of the month. Details


Author Talk with Nidhi Chanani, Friday, May 3, 2:30-3:30pm,

Nidhi Chanani writes graphic novels for kids, including “Pashmina,” “Jukebox,” the “Shark Princess” series and her latest, “Super Boba Cafe.” At this interactive program, kids will get to meet a graphic novelist, learn her process for writing and drawing and see a live drawing presentation. Details


Summit for the Planet – May the Forest Be With You, Saturday, May 4, 9am – 1pm, Join us for an eco-festival featuring a family redwood hike, eco-carnival and much more. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character. Details


Friends of the Scotts Valley Library Book Sale, Saturday, May 4, 10am-3pm, Gently used books, dvds, cds, audiobooks, puzzles and game, Details


Multicultural Fair, Saturday, May 4, 10:30am-3:30pm, A free community celebration aimed at broadening our understanding and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity. Live Music, Dance, Grub, Fashion Show, Student Art, Booths to Explore, Details


On Kids Day, Kids Take Over Downtown, Saturday, May 4, 12-4pm, Exhibitors will be lined up on Cooper Street and Pacific Ave with performances and demonstrations all day long in Abbott Square. Many Downtown businesses will be offering discounts and specials just for kids. Details


Fentanyl High Documentary Screening to Shed Light on Teen Opioid Crisis, May 2, 6:30, Details.

Advance Ticket: www.fentanylhigh.ticketleap.com/

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 ~ May

ALL Family-friendly events!