"Museums and galleries of Santa Cruz County and beyond have joined together in their call for people to come back to their favorite spots, while also discovering new places. These cultural institutions have worked together throughout the pandemic to stay informed, build effective safety protocols for when their doors reopen, and prepare to meet the needs of the community as things reopen. As a group, they look forward to providing safe, healthy, and enriching experiences for all. Read more > >

Want to get out of town and also visit a delightful museum? Visit San Juan Bautista State Historic Park’s museums. They are ready to share local history with us. Four state park museums face the Mission plaza on Second Street, with one all-day fee covering all of them. The reopening is beginning to bring back the tourists who are crucial to the town of 2,000 residents. While there visit one of the restaurants for some great Mexican food! Read more > >

Inspire the children to make May Day flower gifts to hang on the neighbor's doorknob. Tradition suggests they place the bouquet on the doorknob, ring the doorbell and run! Dandelions and wild daisies are welcome!

Have a great spring weekend with your families, Parmalee

by Nicole M. Young, MSW

I’ve been a mother for 21 years, which is hard to believe. Although my kids are still at the center of my heart and mind, my daily routine no longer revolves around them. They don’t need help with eating, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, or going to bed. I don’t check their homework or drive them places anymore. It’s both sad and liberating. And it makes me realize that for many years, taking care of my kids often took priority over taking care of me – which contradicts everything I’ve ever written about positive parenting! So as Mother’s Day approaches, I’m reminding myself and all female caregivers that self-care is essential. No excuses.

This monthly article provides tips for families raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email triplep@first5scc.org.

This past year has been rough. I stopped working to care for our 3-year-old and 8-year-old. My husband is working extra hours, so I’m doing all the parenting, cooking, cleaning, shopping, childcare, and tutoring on my own. I enjoy being with my kids, but it’s exhausting and stressful to be “on” all the time. I’m often in a bad mood, which puts everyone on edge. What can I do? Lauren

Grey Bears welcomes volunteers. https://www.greybears.org/get-involved/volunteer/

The Santa Cruz Animal Shelter has numerous ways to volunteer. https://www.scanimalshelter.org/other-volunteer-opportunities/

Check out Santa Cruz SPCA: https://spcasc.org/volunteer/

Adult education has a ton of fun classes; Check out Cabrillo’s Classes and Workshops: https://www.cabrillo.edu/extension/

Join the library’s Conversation for Change.

Hopefully, local library book clubs open to the public will meet in person soon, meanwhile check out virtual meetings. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/calendar?cid=12721&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=12721&ct=37607&inc=0

Join the Pleasure Point Murder Club, the mystery and thriller book club hosted by Two Birds Books. https://twobirdsbooks.com/community/

Like museums? Chances are there’s one in your town that would appreciate volunteer help. Choose your favorite: https://santacruzmuseummonth.org/

Santa Cruz Volunteer Center: We each have different needs when it comes to volunteering. We're here to help you connect with the right organization and find the perfect fit for your time and interest. We can equip you with right tools to take action on the causes you care about. https://scvolunteercenter.org/volunteer/

CDC Summer Camp Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/summer-camps.html

The Worsening Homework Problem: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2021/04/homeroom-how-much-homework-too-much/618580/