CAPITOLA

Museum seeking volunteers

The Capitola Historical Museum is looking for volunteers and will hold its 2025 Museum Volunteer Training on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Community Room at Capitola City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave.

The training will go over not only volunteer duties and opportunities but also introduce volunteers to the 2025 exhibition entitled, “The Naughty Surf — Fashion Turning Points 1860s-1960s,” which will trace the evolution of the Victorian bathing costume into the modern swimsuit.

Volunteer docents are the museum’s ambassadors to the community and help support the operation of the museum and promote museum activities. Museum volunteers can contribute in several ways including greeting visitors during two-hour museum desk shifts and/or assisting with special community events and museum projects. At the conclusion of the training, participants are welcome to tour the museum to see the new exhibition under progress. For questions and to RSVP for the training, please send an email to capitolamuseum@gmail.com.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Animal shelter to throw annual pub crawl, adoption special

The Santa Cruz Animal Shelter will be celebrating their 9th annual Saint Pittie’s Party from March 10-17 with a Pit Stop Pub Crawl and adoption special. During the celebration, there will be a $50 adoption fee for pitties and pittie mixes along with a St. Pittie’s goodie bag for lucky pittie adopters. Visit one of the animal-loving establishments and receive a beverage and a glass for $20.

Locations include: Woodhouse Blending & Brewing at 119 Madrone St. in Santa Cruz on March 14 from 3-6 p.m.; Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, located at 103 Kennedy Drive in Capitola on March 15 from 1-5 p.m.; and Venus Spirits Tasting Room at 200 High Road, Santa Cruz on March 16 from 2-4 p.m. For more information, visit scanimalshelter.org/saint-pitties-2025.

BEN LOMOND

Church to offer Ash Wednesday services

On March 5, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., will offer two Ash Wednesday services with ashes, scripture and prayers, an encouraging homily on spiritual renewal and refreshment, and Holy Communion. These will be at noon and 7 p.m. All are welcome, from any church or spiritual background. For more information, visit saintandrewsbenlomond.org.

APTOS

Chili cook-off fundraiser

The Mid County Homeless Coalition invites the community for its 8th annual Great Chili Cook-off fundraiser on Friday — a great evening of fun and good chili, with the local duo Poi Rogers providing live music — at Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Building 7000. Communities are invited to accept the challenge, turn up the heat and compete!

Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded in three categories: beef chili, meat (other than beef) chili and veggie chili. Winners will be decided by People’s Choice vote and Blind Taste Test by celebrity judges. There will also be special honors for Most Spirited Chili Team. Churches and faith communities interested in registering can call 831-325-9615 or email midcountyhomelesscoalition@gmail.com.

Entry cost is $20, and includes chili tastings, cornbread and dessert. Admission for youth ages 12-18 is $10 and free for children 11 and under. The coalition is a group of local faith communities which have gathered together to provide showers for houseless people in mid-county. For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-great-chili-cook-off-twin-lakes-church-tickets-1224366576389.

SANTA CRUZ

Low-cost English classes offered

The Redeemer Anglican Church at 115 S. Morrissey Ave. is offering affordable small English classes to engage students in fun conversations that teach the basics of the English language. Advanced classes are offered, too. Classes meet every Monday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. and run for 15 weeks. Cost is only $15 for materials. Students can join anytime. For more information, email sethschap@gmail.com.

APTOS

Annual ashes to go

On March 5, come by the intersection of State Park Drive and Center Ave. for the “Imposition of Ashes” for Ash Wednesday. Volunteers from St. John’s Episcopal Church will be there from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to perform the brief ceremony to all who stop by. Chocolate hearts will also be given out. For any questions, call Brian Raney at 831-222-0564.

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center benefit dance

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

Bob Folker will teach a beginning East Coast swing lesson at 6:30, free with the $10 cost of admission to the dance. You are encouraged to bring snacks to share. Mid County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community. All ages 18 and over are welcome to participate.

BEN LOMOND

Medicare 2025 updates presentation

Join the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program for a presentation on how to compare plans and hear what is new with Medicare in 2025, on Thursday at noon in Highlands Park Senior and Community Center at 8500 CA-9. HICAP, a program of local nonprofit Senior Network Services, provides unbiased Medicare insurance information throughout California. Presentation is free of charge. Call 831-462-5510 for reservations.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Monterey Bay Dog Training Club obedience class

Nonprofit Monterey Bay Dog Training Club Inc. is offering Dog Obedience training classes starting March 4 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave. in Watsonville, and March 6 in Capitola at the Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave.

The training club offers all stages of obedience training from puppy to advanced. Check out the newest class offered in Watsonville, Trick Dog. Register for classes online. For detailed descriptions of classes, location details and costs, visit montereybaydog.org.