Continuing our music theme, I've just learned that the Cabrillo Music Festival is unique, in fact according to Tom Fredericks, "the only one of its kind in the world. We're a miracle". It is comprised entirely of new music that has not before been heard and involves experienced conductors mentoring beginning conductors. This year it is featuring three young composers and seven new conductors. Much of the festival time is spent rehearsing and in many offerings we are invited to listen in.  In a tribute to Marin Alsop, Cabrillo Festivals' Music Director/Conductor, Tom said she is "blessed and stimulating."

Tom paid a nice compliment to the Santa Cruz Cruz audience, telling me that it is challenging to find an audience willing to listen to new music and calling us "adventuresome and sophisticated, at a stage in our inner journeys where we want something new." Many of the sessions open to the public are free. If you have young musicians in your home, watching conductors learn how to conduct, could be eye-opening and inspiring.  A festival of this magnitude takes a year of effort to pull off.  Let's support it!

If you're going to Fresh Prep Kitchens to pick up a few ready-to-cook dinners --great to have on hand when you're pressed for time-- be sure to meet a friend for lunch prepared by Tanya of Original Sin Desserts.  I had the chicken curry salad.  It's better than delicious!

"Take an umbrella and it won't rain." So goes the saying. We hope it goes for fire prevention also, so we have included an article on preventive fire measures.

Have a lovely weekend, Parmalee

It was 25 years ago that 16 members from the Pajaro Valley got together to develop plans for preserving the History of Agriculture. The first few meetings were held at the Pajaro Valley Historical Association archives on the corner of Third and Lincoln streets with the intention of only preserving the History of Agriculture in the Pajaro Valley. A trip to the King City Agricultural Museum soon changed every one's mind when we saw the words Hudson Landing and Watsonville on their exhibits and maps. We realized then that the Monterey and San Benito Counties had to be included in our mission. The connection is Elkhorn Slough and the Pacific Ocean for shipping of all crops grown in the area.

The agricultural History Project received its non-profit status in 1987 and immediately started to look for a site for a museum. After a search of 12 sites in the area, the present site at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds was chosen and a twenty-five year use agreement was reached in 1991 with the Fairboard.

At the present time the Agricultural History Project has three major buildings that are used to house its collection of over 10,000 artifacts and a multitude of books in the research library. "It is just amazing what can be done when people put their minds to some thing", stated John Kegebein, CEO of the Agricultural History Project.

To celebrate this milestone for the organization AHP will be hosting a special event each month this year. The community is invited to be part of the celebration. All of the events will be family oriented with special activities for children.

The Agricultural History Project is located at the entrance to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville. Call 724-5898 or visit www.aghistoryproject.org for more information.

Mark these dates in your calendar...
August 14 - Movie Night & Ice Cream Social
September 3-5 - Tractors at the Fly-In
September 14 - 19 - Yesterday's Farm at Santa Cruz County Fair
October 30 - Fall Children's Festival
November 13 - AHP's 25th annual Harvest Dinner & Auction
December 3-4 - Santa Cruz Fair Heritage Foundation Holiday Fair

After serious wildfires, it can seem like flames leapfrogged through neighborhoods, leaving some homes unscathed alongside others that have been reduced to rubble. University of California scientists have found that this familiar site is not entirely random.

"You can do a lot to protect your house from a wildfire," said Stephen Quarles, the UC Cooperative Extension wood durability advisor.

With the right information, some advance planning and maintenance, homeowners can increase the chances their houses will be left standing after a wildfire.

"During a wildfire, hot embers can rain down on the neighborhood for hours before the relatively short time - sometimes no more than a few minutes - it takes for the blaze to blow by the home," Quarles said. "From years of observing the aftermath of fires and testing fire-resistant building materials, we have developed a much better understanding about what happens."

Continue for 6 Tips to Keep A Blaze At Bay Even as Wildfire Rages>>>>>>

This is my seven-year-old's mantra this summer: Camp every day! Camp all year round!

That girl is just so darn happy. And no wonder: In school, you have to conform. Camp is about expressing yourself. In school, they try to get rid of your bad habits. In camp, they put up with them or turn them into art projects. In school, they tell you what you're learning will be useful someday. In camp, what you're learning is useful right now!

She has had two great camp experiences this year, and I wanted to write about both of them because we have a whole month left of summer (those of us who don't attend PVUSD), so don't give up on camp yet.  Read on>>>>>>>>>

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

Things you can count on...

Marin Alsop: Just when you think she can't get any better, she does! Her programming choices, sense of humor and ability to put everyone at ease, are as brilliantly honed as her conducting style. There is no place where she feels more inspired or more at home than Cabrillo.

Musicians that soar above the rest: Fantastic players whose passionate commitment to new music unites them as one of the Maestra's favorite orchestras.

The power of the music: Marin believes "there has to be something more than just playing well." She envisions an orchestra that can "play so stunningly that it changes people's lives." And it does.

Composers in the house: This year twelve composers-from across the country and across the globe!

Cabrillo Festival: Year after year delivers edge-of-your-seat performances, a sense of happening, and that quintessential gathering-where old friends and new ones are immersed in a wellspring of creativity.

Things you can count on... Cabrillo Festival 2010 is one of them!