Spotlight

Get ready for Santa Claus

Christmas is right around the corner, and Scotts Valley will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Festival.

The festival begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the large tree at 361 Kings Village Road, near Walgreens. There will be a canned-food drive to benefit Valley Churches United Missions, a raffle for a decorated holiday tree, photos with Santa Claus, carriage rides, skating, a barbecue and other festivities. Attendees can donate cans or cash to participate in some of the events, with a can equaling a dollar.

For information: Linda Lovelace, 336-8258, ext. 221.

Saturday, Nov. 28

Scotts Valley farmers market

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 370 Kings Village Road

Info: 454-0566

Free belly dancing workshop

When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Hall, 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder Creek

Details: After learning the origins of the dance, there will be a mini class that teaches the basic moves.

Info: Christina Horvat, 338-4144

‘Heritage Tree’ lighting ceremony in Felton

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Highway 9, in downtown Felton

Details: This is the first year the tree will be lit by solar power. After the ceremony, children can have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the Felton firehouse on Kirby Street. There will also be cookies, hot drinks and caroling.

Info: John Fasolas, 335-9024

Silent movie night at Henry Cowell

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Visitor center at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N. Big Trees Park Road, in Felton

Details: Bessie Love stars in “Rubber Tires” (1927), the first in a series of silent movies filmed in the park.

Cost: Free admission; park entrance, $10

Sunday, Nov. 29

Holiday baking for kids

When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, in Felton

Details: Phyllis Endicott will help participants make their own holiday pastries to eat and bring home. Group size is limited; call to register.

Cost: $25-$28, plus $6 for materials

Info: 454-7941 or www.scparks.com

Family Movie Day at Boulder Creek Recreation

When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder Creek

Details: Showing “Polar Express”

Cost: Free

Info: Christina Horvat, 338-4144

‘Gift of Art’ gallery exhibit open house

When: Noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Cost: Free

Info: 336-3513

‘Creeping Forest Ramble’ walk at Big Basin

When: Noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park: 21600 Big Basin Way, in Boulder Creek

Details: Docent Doreen Devorah will lead the 2.5-mile hike. Bring water and hiking shoes.

Info: 338-8883

Tuesday, Dec. 1

Story hour at Ben Lomond library

When: 10 to 11 a.m.

Where: Ben Lomond Community Library, 9525 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Info: 336-2665

Coping with Grief during the Holidays

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, in Scotts Valley

Details: Join a group to learn tools for coping with grief. Children 5 through 18 are welcome for a separate group with fun activities.

Info: 430-3000.

Thursday, Dec. 3

Holiday gala dinner and ‘Angel of the Year’ awards

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Scopazzi’s Restaurant, 13300 Big Basin Way, in Boulder Creek

Details: This festive dinner helps raise money for Valley Churches United Missions’ charitable works. Includes live and silent auctions, raffles, door prizes and music. Call to RSVP.

Cost: $50

Info: Linda Lovelace, 336-8258 ext. 221

Sidewalk book sale

When: 2 to 6 p.m.

Where: Scotts Valley Library, 230-D Mount Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley

Details: The sale of used books, DVDs, VHS tapes, music CDs will benefit Scotts Valley Library and Friends of the Library. Most items are priced at $1 to $2.

Info: Elizabeth Walch,

elizabethlw@sbcglobal.net

‘Compassion and Wise: An evening of sacred music from around the world’

When: 7 p.m.

Where: San Agustin Catholic Church, 257 Glenwood Drive, in Scotts Valley

Cost: Free

Info: 438-3633

Friday, Dec. 4

‘Parents’ Night Out’ fundraiser

When: 5 to 9 p.m.

Where: San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School cafeteria, 7155 Highway 9, in Felton

Details: Enjoy an evening out while your kids are entertained. Proceeds benefit the SLV High School Competition Cheerleaders.

Cost: $15 per child, $25 per family

Info: 818-6356

Saturday, Dec. 5

Scotts Valley’s ‘Tree Lighting Festival’

When: 5 p.m.

Where: 361 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley

Details: There will be a food drive, a raffle for a decorated holiday tree, Santa photos, skating, carriage rides, barbecue and more. Partial proceeds benefit Valley Churches United Missions.

Cost: Donate cans or dollars to participate in some events. One can equals one dollar.

Info: Linda Lovelace, 336-8258 ext. 221

Sidewalk book sale

When: 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Scotts Valley Library, 230-D Mount Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley

Details: The sale of used books, DVDs, VHS tapes and music CDs will benefit Scotts Valley Library and Friends of the Library. Most items are priced at $1 to $2.

Info: Elizabeth Walch, elizabethlw@sbcglobal.net

Holiday boutique at Fringe Salon

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 75 Mt. Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley

Details: Free mini-makovers and hair consultations, plus unique gifts for sale

Info: 600-8508

Winter fair

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Santa Cruz Waldorf School, 2190 Empire Grade Road, in Santa Cruz

Details: Live music, candle dipping, elves’ workshop and storytelling

Info: 425-0519 or www.scwaldorf.org

‘Footsteps of the Pioneers’ walk at Big Basin

When: Noon to 2 p.m.

Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park: 21600 Big Basin Way (off Highway 236), in Boulder Creek

Details: Docent Doreen Devorah will lead the easy three-mile walk to the site of Maddock Cabin. Bring water.

Info: 338-8861

Sunday, Dec. 6

Holiday wreath making at Quail Hollow Ranch

When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, in Felton

Details: Master gardener Bonnie Pond will lead the wreath making. Bring pine or fir boughs and wire. Decorations will be supplied. All ages welcome; sign up in advance.

Cost: $3 materials donation

Info: 335-9348 or 454-7926

‘Creeping Forest Ramble’ walk at Big Basin

When: Noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park: 21600 Big Basin Way (off Highway 236), in Boulder Creek

Details: Docent Doreen Devorah will lead the 2.5-mile hike. Bring water and hiking shoes.

Info: 338-8883

‘Tree of Lights Ceremony’ with Hospice of Santa Cruz

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: 940 Disc Drive, in Scotts Valley

Details: Includes music, a quiet reflection and candle-lighting ceremony.

Info: 430-3000 or www.hospicesantacruz.org

‘Christmas Bells are Ringing’ concert

When: 7 p.m.

Where: 220 Elk St., in Santa Cruz

Details: Scotts Valley resident Des Wilson will perform. There will also be a 50-voice choir, hand bell choir, and live nativity scene. Sponsored by The Church of Latter-Day Saints.

Cost: Non-perishable food donation

Info: 420-0722

Tuesday, Dec. 8

‘Waldorf Alive! A walk through the grades’

When: 9 a.m.

Where: Santa Cruz Waldorf School, 2190 Empire Grade Road, in Santa Cruz

Details: A tour and observation of classes in session

Info: 425-0519 or www.scwaldorf.org

Saturday, Dec. 12

Downtown Felton ‘Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale’

When: 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Downtown, between 6265 Highway 9 and 6205 Highway 9, in Felton

Details: Follow the red balloon trail

Cost: Free to attend

Info: 335-9690

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13

‘Holiday Gift and Craft Faire’ at Henry Cowell

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: 6059 Highway 9, in Felton

Details: Nature-themed gifts, kids’ activities, toy train and railroad display and live music. Proceeds benefit environmental and cultural education.

Info: 335-0782

Sunday, Dec. 13

Decemberchild benefit concert

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Don Quixote’s, 6275 Highway 9, in Felton

Details: Proceeds will benefit the Valley Christmas Project of Valley Churches United Missions.

Cost: $15

Info: Linda Lovelace, 336-9258 ext. 221

Gift-making workshop

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Cost: Free

Info: 336-3513

‘Kids’ Craft Day’ at Boulder Creek Recreation

When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder Creek

Details: For ages 2 to 8

Cost: Free

Info: Christina Horvat, 338-4144

Saturday, Dec. 19

CPR & first aid class at Felton Fire Station

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 131 Kirby St., in Felton

Info: Ray Soler, 335-4422 or www.feltonfire.com

Ongoing

Book fair at SLV Elementary School

When: Nov.18 to 24, weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sautrday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School multi-use room, 7155 Highway 9, in Felton

Details: Sale proceeds benefit the school’s library.

Info: Tangi Chapman, 335-5402

‘28th Annual Valley Christmas Project’ boutique

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 1 to Dec. 22

Where: Valley Churches United Missions, 9400 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond

Details: Come shop and drop off donations to help VCUM provide for the needy. Volunteers are also needed.

Info: 336-8258

‘Musical Me’ free sample classes

When: 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 1, Friday Sept. 4 and Saturday Sept. 5 (9:30 and 10:30 only at Boulder Creek Park & Rec)

Where: Scotts Valley Community Center, 361 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley, and SLV District Offices, 325 Marion Ave., in Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek Parks & Recreation, 13333 Middleton Road, in Boulder Creek

Details: Musical Me, a music program for infants, toddlers, preschool children, and their care givers, will have free music classes.

Info: 438-3514

Together in the Park

When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays

Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill Road and Mount Hermon Road

Details: Parenting support, information and age-appropriate activities for children up to 5 years old.

Info: Cori Burt, 252-1137

Mindfulness meditation group

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays

Where: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben Lomond

Details: Silent meditation and talk. Beginning and experienced students are welcome.

Info: Carla, 336-0136



‘Ageless Artists Exhibits’ at Scotts Valley Library

When: July 1 to August 31, Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: Scotts Valley Public Library, 230 Mount Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley

Info: 420-5369

Basic and chair yoga

When: 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays

Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley

Cost: $6

Info: 438-8666

‘Ultra beginning’ line dancing class

When: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays

Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley

Cost: $6

Info: 438-8666

‘Ceramics on the Wheel’ classes

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Details: For beginning to advanced levels — limited to five students.

Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org

SLV Community Band rehearsals

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays

Where: San Lorenzo Valley High School band room, 7105 Highway 9, in Felton

Details: Dust off your instrument and try it out. The semester fee benefits school music programs in the San Lorenzo Valley.

Cost: $25 per semester

Info: Jon Christian, 335-3565

Tai chi classes

When: 9:45 to 11 a.m. Mondays

Where: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond

Cost: $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers

Info: 336-8900; or Bill Wright, 429-5004

‘Experiments in Clay’ classes

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Details: Hand-building with clay

Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org

Life drawing classes

When: 7 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesdays

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Details: Beginners and pros are welcome to drop in. Features different model every week.

Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers

Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org

Raku classes When: 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Details: The class is weather-dependent, so call a day in advance.

Info: Dale Bates, 345-7565

Ceramic classes for adults

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org

Bridge players wanted

Details: Intermediate and advanced bridge players are in demand for ongoing groups in the San Lorenzo Valley. Groups meet depending on availability.

Info: Shelby Charette, 335-5956

Square dance classes

When: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Where: German-American Hall, 230 Plymouth St., in Santa Cruz

Details: Go alone, take a partner or go with a group.

Cost: $5

Info: 831-763-9825 or 408-353-4766

Kidz Korner clothing exchange 

When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. every third Saturday

Where: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben Lomond

Details: The exchange is for children’s clothes for newborns to 5-year-olds. If you don’t have clothes to donate, feel free to pick up what you need.

Info: Rebecca, 408-875-3450

Beginning ukulele classes When: 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. Mondays for new students; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays for advanced students

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben Lomond

Cost: $3 suggested donation

Info: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org