A friend brought me a huge squash, two feet long, too big for the refrigerator, so it sat outside in the shade for two weeks. I thought a squash that large wouldn't taste good, so finally on the day before Halloween Eve, I carved out the top, scooped out the seeds etc and gave it two eyes and a happy smile. With a light inside it greeted little ghosts, ladybugs and pirates that night.

Its flesh was almost two inches thick so I simmered the flesh of the cutouts to softness, added a little salt, pepper and  butter. Surprise -it was delicious! Next step was soup with onions, garlic, chipotle peppers, curry, cinnamon, nutmeg and chicken broth --and still there was squash.

I roasted the rest in two huge containers. Fortunately cooked squash freezes well. Now I have a supply for squash pancakes, muffins, bread, cookies and ravioli!  You may like the recipe included for stuffed squash!

A visit to the Kids'n Trees event promises to entertain and educate the children while raising funds for Main Street School.

We like the stories about how entrepreneurs find their niche AND contribute to the local economy, so we are running a series on locals who are part of our "Santa Cruz Parent" resources.  Please send us your "about you" stories.  Also, we think we shall find artistic entrepreneurs at the Seaglass Festival.

"Follow the money!"  You've heard this investigative phrase, right?  Here's a link to research on where the money for education is (not) and what are the ramifications for our students and the nation.

Have a zestful and investigative weekend! Parmalee

by Sarah Guilfoy

"Sarah, you can read any book you want," my grandmother would say. I would go into her collection and almost always pick out "The Giving Tree". More than just a book about a boy and a tree, this book helped teach me how to care for the world around me.

When I was eleven years old, I won an award for my essay and speech on environmentalism. Since then, I've moved beyond elementary school conservationism to larger projects. I've worked in varying areas: from running a school-wide environmentalist program to heading beach clean-ups in San Diego. I am proud to say that my new venture, Seedlings, is my best yet. It combines everything I love about taking care of our earth with my other biggest passion: taking care of children.

I have taken care of children for over 15 years. I have a wide breadth of experience- from occupational therapy aide in a special needs setting to elementary school teacher.

While these positions honored my love of children, they did not honor my love of nature. Seedlings is the combination of both of these. Just like the tree in "The Giving Tree", now it is my turn to give back my love of nature and learning to your children.

About Me...
Want to learn more?
Here are some other facts about me:

~ I run a small blog called "Homemade and Healthy". It can be found at www.homemadeandhealthy.wordpress.com.

~ I have my Bachelor's degree is Psychology with a double minor in Fine Art and Biology. I have my Multiple Subject teaching credential from CSUMB.

~ Running is one of my favorite ways to stay healthy. I am not fast, but I am consistent. I am looking forward to my upcoming 10k on January 1st, 2012.

~ I have three cats (who play mostly outdoors) and one adorable Pomeranian puppy named Hurley. Hurley loves kids almost as much as I do!

~ In addition to First Aid, CPR, and the Preventative Health and Safety Training, I am also trained to use an AED.

~ I love to travel, especially to Central America. My husband and I have been to Costa Rica twice now. We love the "pura vida" lifestyle.

Sarah Guilfoy has just opened Seedlings Eco Preschool, an eco-certified, home-based preschool for children ages 18 months through five years, in Felton.  Visit her website to learn more.

Below is only a partial list

of upcoming events and activities.

Click on our EVENT CALENDAR for more!

Submit your event!

This years festival will feature over 35 Sea Glass and Ocean artists. Each artist is unique to their craft and only authentic, unaltered sea glass is used.

New educational interactive exhibits, ocean film screenings, sea glass lecturers, and a $1000 Prize Piece contest has been added this year.

Come check out this great Ocean inspired event - shop local and support our local ocean! Full bar, food - and plenty of parking!

Nov. 5 & 6, Cocoanut Grove

"PRIZE PIECE" contest for 2011 will have $1,000 purse! "PRIZE PIECE" Contest will be held on Sunday 11/6 with a $500 1st place prize (all prizes being donated by Santa Cruz Sea Glass), In addition to the $500 first prize - 5 cash awards of $100 each will be awarded to the next best 5 pieces. Honorable mention ribbons will also be awarded along with select goodies! There are 11 chances to win a total of over $1000 in cash prizes! Enter your sea glass treasure to win (each entry $2 - no limit to number of entries). Entries must be submitted by the contestant (in-person) on Sunday from 10am-3pm, to the Prize Piece booth located in Space #34.