Light up the Valley entries due Thursday

The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce will accept entries for its annual Light Up the Valley decorating contest until Thursday, Dec. 10.

Businesses and homes along the Highway 9 corridor can register for the contest at www.slvchamber.org or pick up entry forms at Boulder Creek Hardware, Red Pearl Chinese food, Valley Churches United Missions, Felton Community Hall and Felton Presbyterian Church.

There is a $5 entry fee for the annual contest, which raises money for Valley Churches.

For information: 345-2084.

Gift wrapping for grad night

Proceeds from gift wrapping outside Kmart in Scotts Valley this holiday season will benefit the San Lorenzo Valley High School grad night fund.

Gift wrappers can be found in the Kmart parking lot, 270 Mount Hermon Road, on weekends leading up to Christmas. Depending on the number of parents, students and community members who volunteer, wrappers will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the following dates: Dec. 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 through 24.

Donations are accepted as payment.

Grand jury releases final report

The Grand Jury of Santa Cruz County released its final report Friday, Dec. 4, with responses from the agencies it has investigated.

Among the final reports is one of local interest.

The Scotts Valley School District responded to the report “Alcohol, a Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens,” which called for action from the high school.

The final report was released after Press-Banner press time. Read the full story in the Dec. 11 Press-Banner.

Hospital screens visitors for swine flu

Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz began screening visitors this week for symptoms of the novel H1N1 virus, often called swine flu, at both entrances to the hospital. Visitors have been restricted to those age 16 and older since October.

Visitors who show symptoms of the virus will be asked to return after their symptoms subside.

Patients who enter the hospital for outpatient treatment will be required to wear a surgical mask while in the hospital. The restrictions began Monday, Nov. 30.

Hospice tree provides grief support

Hospice of Santa Cruz County will host its annual Tree of Lights ceremony this weekend for those who need healing and comfort during the holiday season.

The festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the hospice’s headquarters in Scotts Valley, 940 Disc Drive.

“This event offers a unique opportunity for friends and family to share their grief, their memories and their hope with a community who cares and understands,” executive director Ann Carney Pomper said.

For information: 430-3000 or www.hospicesantacruz.org.

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