I’m really excited to introduce you to a new column this month and every month about family financial fitness. It’s something I’ve wanted since we purchased this magazine, a place to help parents and kids learn about finance. Let’s face it, money management is not taught in schools, but it sure should be. It’s one of the most important life lessons but is virtually ignored in classrooms. And it’s not something you want to learn through trial and error, because errors cost! When I was a kid, my grandfather gave me some shares of stock so I could learn about the market. I tracked it every day and read up…
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Shared Adventures Helps Disabled Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The name says it all! What Foster Andersen, founder and CEO, has cultivated over the past 30 years is many Shared Adventures for the disabled community. The non-profit organizes activities for disabled folks so they can do what they thought they couldn’t. This isn’t just activities like rock-wall climbing, sailing, kayaking, whale watching, gardening and archery. Many disabled people struggle with not feeling capable of doing some of the things that those of us who have not suffered some sort of injury, congenital or birth anomaly take for granted. “When I started Shared Adventures, I was filling a void,” said Foster. “The disabled community was so disconnected from itself. I…
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Cigs, Vapes and Now Zyn
Do you know what Zyn is? Have you heard of the “upper-decky lip pillow? If you have tween or teen children or grandchildren, hang on because you need to be in the know. Zyn is the smokeless alternative to vapes, and vapes was the less-noticeable form of smoking cigarettes. Zyn is a nicotine pouch that is placed under your lip like chewing tobacco or tobacco dip. It is less visible than vapes because there are no cartridges or battery pens, and certainly inconspicuous next to cigarettes and smoke. Zyn comes in 2 strengths: 3- and 6-milligram pouches. The nicotine ingredient is very addictive – especially for young tweens. First-time users…
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How Silence Can Speak A Thousand Words
National Day of Silence was a foreign concept to me until my freshman year in high school. National Day of Silence is a national peaceful protest where queer people and allies participate in a vow of silence to bring attention to the discrimination that queer individuals experience. I quickly learned that it is not just about silence; it is a powerful statement. The silence speaks volumes—it is a testament to the struggles, the resilience, and the solidarity of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and its allies. When I first heard of the National Day of Silence, I felt inspired and eager to make the day count for activism and awareness. I was…
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Support Families in Need by Donating Milk
For 50 years the Mothers Milk Bank of San Jose has been providing human milk to babies in need, making it the longest running milk bank in the country. Milk banking has changed over time, with the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) instituting processes to make banked milk safer and more accessible. All milk is tested and pasteurized before use. On May 2, from 10am-2pm, Watsonville Community Hospital will be hosting the Santa Cruz County Breastfeeding Coalition’s annual Milk Drive in celebration of Mother’s DayThis free event will include an opportunity to make Mother’s Day related crafts, win a door prize, or other gifts. The Mother’s Milk…
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Create a Cozy Corner to Increase Peace in Your Home
What is a Cool Down Zone? Everyone needs to take a break sometimes. Creating a cool down zone in your home can be a simple and effective way to normalize big feelings and encourage emotional regulation. This space can be very small and simple; it doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive. You also do not need to have a big home. A cool down zone can be a small corner of a room with some favorite pillows, stuffed animals and books that you already have. The idea is that there’s a spot in your home that is intentionally set up as a place that anyone can go to when…
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Assess Your Stability During Financial Literacy Month
Americans say their financial health is a top priority. Maybe a top source of anxiety, too, as three quarters of us admit to being stressed about our finances. Many of us have become financially unhealthy, or just not acquired the proper money management skills. But that can be remedied in April, which ushers in National Financial Capability Month (It’s a real thing: Congress proclaims it every year). Financial capability and financial fitness go hand in hand. Fitness means effectively managing your money to meet your short-term and long-term needs and wants. The Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) says it involves handling your finances in a way that allows you…
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Kids Day Downtown
Sunshine, sandy beaches, and a laid-back vibe – Santa Cruz embodies the California dream. But beyond the coastal attractions, the Downtown district offers a treasure trove of experiences that make it a haven for families with kids and teens. Many of the folks who run downtown businesses, are also parents. We wanted to know what they do with their kids Downtown. My three kids love the variety that Downtown Santa Cruz has to offer for each of them. For the oldest, the outdoor adventurer, it’s usually to shop for a new wetsuit or a skateboard deck. For my middle kid, the epicurean, it’s to check out the newest restaurant or…
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Aloha Santa Cruz
As we enter springtime, the weather (finally) shifting, plans for summer emerge, and a lovely time to gear ourselves up for fun in the sun. Summer is RIGHT around the corner. (Have you registered for Jr Guards or Camp Capitola yet? ) On a recent adventure to Hawaii, for both business and pleasure – I felt so thankful to get away from the cold, wet, winter we have had and enjoy beach bliss with my family:) . It got me thinking of the ways we can embrace the Aloha vibes at home. Aloha means “love, peace, and welcome it is a main word used all over the islands of Hawaii.…
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Creating Art for Everybody to Enjoy
Public sculpture and mosaic creations inspired by nature have been the specialty of local artist Kathleen Crocetti. Her colorful murals adorn walls, sidewalks, plazas and buildings throughout Santa Cruz County. After a 30-year career teaching art in middle school, Crocetti embarked on community collaborative projects that keep her busy all year around. Q: Did you grow up wanting to make art? A: Kids tend to become what they see as possible. I was lucky because my mom is an artist and so was my grandmother. I grew up in a house full of art and artmaking, in my young mind being an artist was just something that women did, akin…
