SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Youths sought to help shape county policies

Santa Cruz County is seeking people ages 14 to 24 who have a passion for making a difference in their community to serve on the county’s first ever Youth Advisory Task Force.

As part of the “A Santa Cruz County Like Me” project related to achieving diverse and inclusive advisory bodies, the task force will be made up of 15 teens and young adults selected from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives. Participants will hold monthly facilitated meetings throughout the Santa Cruz County to learn about county boards, commissions, committees and department advisory groups; identify the needs and concerns of teens and young adults; explore models of youth engagement in other jurisdictions; and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches and proposals.

Participants must live or work in Santa Cruz County and will have the option to receive a $75 stipend per meeting or earn community service hours. They must be able to attend monthly meetings in various locations throughout Santa Cruz County. Bus passes will be provided to help with transportation to and from meetings.

Applications to join the Youth Advisory Task Force are now open, with a submission deadline of Sept. 20. The task force will meet for the first time in October and work together to make findings and recommendations. The County Administrative Office will then return to the Board of Supervisors with any recommendations based on the work of the task force.

To fill out an application, visit https://tinyurl.com/YouthAdvisoryTaskForce.

SANTA CRUZ

Country music sing-along at senior center

Do you love country music? Then head on down to the Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market St., Santa Cruz, at 2 p.m. Sept. 14-15 for sing-along country style with the best of the Grand Ole Opry. Top songs from Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson are just a few examples of what will be on the hit list.

Come dressed Western style (optional, of course) and join in for a rollickin’ good time. The requested donation is $15 for Market Street Senior Center members and $20 for the general public. Children under the age of 10 are free. Call 831-423-6640 with any questions.

SANTA CRUZ

Distinguished Artists series set to begin

The Distinguished Artists Concert and Lecture Series returns in October for its 39th season, with violinist Itamar Zorman and pianist Alon Goldstein performing music by Dvorak, Ravel and Bernstein to open the season.

The season opening concert will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz. An early bird season ticket discount offer is available until Sept. 1. Individual tickets are available for $40. Go to distinguishedartists.org for tickets and information.

APTOS

Chamber Marketplace on the Green

Where can you find great food, artisans, entrepreneurs, networking opportunities and explore exciting local businesses? Aptos Chamber Marketplace on the Green is the place to meet and advertise your crafts and businesses. The Aptos Chamber of Commerce invites you out to explore its Marketplace on the Green 4-7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos.

Admission is free to the public and includes hands-on networking, appetizers from half a dozen local restaurants, extraordinary raffle prizes, safety demos, and more. Sponsorships and vendor spaces are available.

SANTA CRUZ

Common Roots Farm holds Family Fun Day

People of all abilities are welcome to come and enjoy live music, a scavenger hunt, pony rides for the kids and more as Common Roots Farm holds its Family Fun Day from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 14. The local Banana Slug String Band will be performing for the kids (and those young at heart).

Common Roots is a nonprofit market farm located at 301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz, where people with disabilities join with others to grow healthy food, beautiful flowers, and build friendships that sustain everyone.

Go to commonrootsfarm.org for more information about Common Roots Farm and its Family Fun Day.

SOQUEL

Soquel class of 1974 schedules 50th reunion

The Soquel High School Class of 1974 will hold its 50th-year class reunion from 5-11 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Dream Inn, 175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz.

To sign up, pay and get additional information, visit Soquelhigh1974.com. Contact Penny Stinson at pennymariestinson@gmail.com with any questions.

SANTA CRUZ

Siena House celebrates 25th anniversary with garden party

Siena House, a nonprofit in Santa Cruz that provides a safe haven for pregnant and new mothers experiencing homelessness or housing instability, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a garden party 1-4 p.m. Sept. 29 at Chaminade Resort & Spa, One Chaminade Way, Santa Cruz.

Enjoy light bites, a mimosa bar and live music as Siena House alumni speak to the audience, a silent auction is held, all while taking in the view from Chaminade’s outdoor patio. A Siena House History display will show where Siena House started and the progress it has accomplished.

Tickets start at $100. Go to givebutter.com/c/SienaHouse25 to purchase tickets or to donate.

SANTA CRUZ

Gala will celebrate Santa Cruz Community Health

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz Community Health at a fundraising gala at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz Oct. 5. Early bird tickets are now available for $150. Sponsorships are available. Go to schealthcenters.org/50th-anniversary-celebration/ for tickets and information.

Founded as the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center in 1974, Santa Cruz Community Health is a leading nonprofit provider of high-quality, affordable and comprehensive health services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

APTOS

Village Santa Cruz County to host presentation

Village Santa Cruz County will be hosting a presentation titled Hospital Admissions and Discharges: Your Rights as a Medicare Patient at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Community Foundation, 7807 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

Contact villagesantacruz.org">info@villagesantacruz.org or visit villagesantacruz.org to register.