APTOS

Community drumming sessions set for Nov. 15

Percussionist, educator and community drumming leader Jim Greiner will conduct the next in his ongoing series of Third Friday Community Drumming Sessions from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday at the Congregational Church of Soquel at 4951 Soquel Drive, Soquel.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Donation is $10. All levels of experience are welcome. Greiner provides hand drums and other percussion instruments, and bring your own favorites, to this family-friendly event. Greiner gives a few fun and easy tips on playing the instruments for beginners. Visit www.SantaCruzDrumLessons.com for information.

SANTA CRUZ

Presentation to focus on Medicare plans

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) counselors will offer a free presentation on how to navigate the Medicare.gov website to discover the most affordable plan for your prescription medications at 11 a.m. to noon Thursday at Highland Park Senior Center, 8500 CA Highway 9, Ben Lomond, 2:30 p.m. Friday at Senior Network Services, located at 1777-A Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 1-2 p.m. Nov. 20 at London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz, and at 6 p.m. Thursday and Nov. 21 via Zoom.

You may be able to find a more affordable plan each year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Attendees must register. To sign up, please call 831-462-5510. For more information, visit the Senior Network Services website at www.seniornetworkservices.org.

WATSONVILLE

Soroptimists to hold meeting at Ella’s at the Airport

Soroptimist International of Watsonville will meet at noon Nov. 19 for a lunch meeting at Ella’s at the Airport restaurant, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville.

.After a brief business meeting, the program will include speaker Eva Jones, founder of Magical Horsemanship, and how she finds balance and healing working with her horses. Learn how Soroptimists provide those services through our Live Your Dream financial awards programs and the Dream It, Be It middle and high school girls career-orientation program. Women in the community are invited to join. For information or to RSVP, contact Renee Mello at 831-840-2479.

Soroptimist International of Watsonville is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist is a coined Latin phrase meaning “best for women.” Watsonville Soroptimists were recognized by the Soroptimist International of the Americas’ Federation for excellence in achievement for our participation in the Live Your Dream, Dream It. Be it. and “Big Goal” programs.

WATSONVILLE

Castro Adobe to hold fall open house

Watch the children’s folklorico group from Alianza Elementary perform at the Castro Adobe Open House, 184 Old Adobe Road, on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the orchard while listening to live music from Bob Gomez, the poet laureate of Watsonville, accompanied by his talented wife Denise. This is also an opportunity to see the Adobe’s completed restoration and newly installed interpretive exhibits. This historic two-story adobe hacienda built in 1849 will offer you a glimpse into the vibrant lives, history and stories of the early Californian Hispanic families.

For more information call 831-226-9669. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Reservations for free self-guided tours are recommended at: santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse.

SANTA CRUZ

City reminds residents to check requirements before tree work

The city of Santa Cruz urges residents planning tree work to verify permit requirements before removing, planting, or pruning trees more than 25%. Permits are required for city street trees and private trees measuring 14 inches in diameter or greater.

Performing tree work without a valid permit may lead to fines, with penalties for unauthorized tree removal or excessive pruning reaching several thousand dollars under Santa Cruz Municipal Code Title 4 and may require retroactive permits. Residents are advised to use only licensed contractors for tree work and encouraged to hire a certified arborist to ensure quality workmanship.

For properties in the state Coastal Zone, contact the Planning Department at 831-420-5100. For properties outside the Coastal Zone, contact Parks & Recreation at 831-420-5270.

For permit details, visit the city of Santa Cruz Tree Permits or contact Urban Forestry at 831-420-5270 or parksandrec@cityofsantacruz.com.

SANTA CRUZ

Seeking volunteers to write ‘Thinking of You’ cards for seniors

Family Service Agency and I-You Venture are calling for volunteers to write fall/Thinking of You cards for seniors in assisted and skilled nursing facilities. Many seniors experience social isolation, and receiving a heartfelt card can truly brighten their day.

A perfect project for families, groups and schools, it provides a meaningful way to spread kindness and lift spirits. Activity items can also help relieve some of the stress and isolation residents may be feeling. Suggestions include crossword puzzles, word search books and adult coloring books. Blankets are also appreciated for warmth and comfort. Donations also accepted.

Items can be dropped at the Family Service Agency/I-You Venture, 104 Walnut Ave, #208, or at the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, Attn: FSA, 1740 17th Ave. (Hours are M-Th 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.) Please submit items by Nov. 13. For more information please contact Nancy Cleveland at 831-459-8917 or Cleveland.n@fsa-cc.org

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