LIVE OAK

Annual glass pumpkin patch returns

The annual glass pumpkin patch will make its return from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz.

The fundraiser, now in its eighth year, will feature hundreds of glass pumpkins that have been made in the studio of local glass artist Chris Johnson. The outdoor event features one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins, gourds, and autumn inspired glass art . All items are available for purchase, and a portion of sales will be donated to the Live Oak Grange to support the work they do to support food sustainability, agro-ecological education, and community resilience.

Admission and parking are free, and the event is wheelchair accessible. Go to chrisjohnsonglass.com/glass-pumpkin-patch/ for information.

SANTA CRUZ

SC Shakespeare production wrapping up

Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s fall production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” closes on Saturday.

Only three performances remain: 7 p.m. Thursday, and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. “The Glass Menagerie” is directed by Santa Cruz Shakespeare Artistic Director, Charles Pasternak and performed at Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz

Tickets range from $20 to $70 and are available at www.santacruzshakespeare.org or through the seasonal box office at 831-460-6399 from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

SOQUEL

Get documents shredded at event

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5, bring any mail that contains personal information and have it shredded at 3333 Soquel Drive, Soquel. Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) will be on hand providing information on the upcoming Medicare annual enrollment period, and information on how to avoid Medicare fraud. Call 831-462-5510 for information.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Presentation to focus on Medicare Part D

Each year Medicare Part D prescription drug plans change. You may be able to find a less expensive plan each year, between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Senior Network Services will host a free presentation giving step-by-step instructions on how to use the Medicare.gov website to find the best, and least expensive plan for the prescriptions you take. Bring your laptop or tablet and follow along on how to navigate the Medicare.gov website.

The presentations is at 11 a.m. Thursday at Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program counselors are highly trained and registered with the California Department of Aging. You must register to attend. Call 831-462-5510 to register. See the Senior Network Services website at seniornetworkservices.org for information.

SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz Fire Department to hold open house

The Santa Cruz Fire Department will hold an open house and barbecue fundraiser 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Station 1, 711 Center St., Santa Cruz.

Meet your local firefighters and enjoy free family fun. The event is set to include a raffle, music, jump house, dunk tank and live demonstrations.

SANTA CRUZ

Metro Advisory Committee seeks applicants

The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District is now accepting applications to fill two vacancies on its Metro Advisory Committee. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30 to be considered. The Metro Advisory Committee is a citizen forum that serves Metro and addresses issues that members of the public raise with respect to services provided by Metro.

Visit scmtd.com/mac to learn more or submit an application.

WATSONVILLE

Latinx Women in Business and Leadership Conference

Pájaro Community Development Corporation and its Regional Women’s Business Center are excited to host the second annual Latinx Women in Business and Leadership Conference at 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Watsonville’s Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main Street, Floor 6, Watsonville.

This year’s theme centers on the critical topics of financial wellness and future financial planning. The conference will feature engaging workshops, a panel of women entrepreneur leaders, and valuable networking opportunities. MariaElena de la Garza, CEO of Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County Inc. will be the keynote speaker. The day will conclude with a celebration of this year’s Mujer Al Mando Award recipient, Maria Catalán, a Latinx farm owner and activist.

The ticket price is $35 per person and includes a light breakfast and lunch. The conference will be presented entirely in Spanish by bilingual and bicultural experts. English translation is available upon request in advance.

Tickets are available at www.elpajarocdc.org or by calling El Pájaro CDC office at 831-722-1224.

CAPITOLA

Benefit dance concert at Senior Center

The Mid-County Senior Center will be hosting a benefit dance and concert featuring Ten O’Clock Lunch Band from 7-9 p.m. Friday at 829 Bay Ave., Capitola.

Tickets are $10 per person and everyone 18 and older is welcome to attend and participate in the dances. Mid County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community.

SOQUEL

Taste of Soquel to raise money for Food Bank

The 15th annual Taste of Soquel, a benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank, runs noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Congregational Church of Soquel, 4951 Soquel Drive.

The event will feature live music by The Earth Rangers, Coffee Zombie Collective, and Extra Medium.

Participating restaurants and food vendors include El Chipotle Taqueria, Tortilla Flats, Jeff Walls’ Family Honey, HOME, Sawasdee Thai Cuisine, Cafe Cruz and VinoCruz, Dorothy’s Desserts, Home Grown and Emozioni Pasticceria. Bargetto Winery, Discretion Brewing, Everett Family Farm (Soquel Cider), Poetic Cellars, Soquel Vineyards, Vino-Cruz, and Wargin Wines will be on hand pouring tastes.

Tickets are $30 for adults and cover all food and beverage tasting. Tickets for people ages 12-20 are $10. The Kidzone will offer music, crafts and games. Visit tasteofsoquel.org or call 831-325-9615 for details including music schedule.