How fitting to focus on Heart Health during February. We checked in with Harvard and the Mayo Clinic for information and suggestions on maintaining a healthy heart. Think veggies, fruits, nuts, lean meats, beans, walks, swimming, hiking, sports, etc.! Ditch the chips, sweets, etc except for occasionally. It's not easy, but it's worthwhile!

February also focuses on Black History. We Americans have made great strides in overcoming past inequities, and are still working to improve opportunities and relationships for all people through corrective practices. Let's just make certain that in our zeal to move forward, we treat EVERYONE with respect. Read about the fascinating story of the Buffalo Soldiers and add it to your history knowledge.

Memo to myself, parents & teachers about how to truly effect cultural changes we desire. Within the classical array of subjects we teach (Math; English Grammar, Spelling & Writing; Literature; Art; Music; Science; History; Geography; Gym; Health; Finance; Shop) there is room to welcome and enrich content with newly discovered information thus improving the quality of learning for all.

I look forward to the day when History includes ALL History --all races, all skin colors, all religions, all social movements, all horrors, all the good, all the bad, all cultural and social movements, so that we may finally learn from past mistakes. You also?

Take care of your hearts and enjoy the February love, Parmalee

Tomorrow, February 10th at 4:00 pm, celebrate Black History Month with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Attend in person at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History or on their youtube channel.

Take a closer look into the esteemed and historic regiments of the Buffalo Soldiers. These regiments, made up entirely of black soldiers, will be shared by Aniko Millan of Santa Cruz County Park Friends.

Formed in 1866 after the Civil War, 6 all-Black regiments were created within the US Army to help with westward expansion and protection. The 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry were formed of 1000 men. Most were freed slaves from the north, however, this was also an opportunity for black men to serve in a prestigious role and start anew in the western territories. ​

Only allowed to serve west of the Mississippi, Buffalo Soldiers were chosen to fill the need to protect and build infrastructure for the new national parks that were established. Until 1913 the soldiers managed and protected Yosemite, Sequoia, and General Grant National Parks, therefore becoming the first park rangers.

Aniko Kannan-Millan, a retired Park Ranger and current County Park Friends, Parks & Programs Specialist brings this story alive for us.

#buffalosolider #santacruz #artandhistory #thatsmypark

Before you begin, keep these guidelines in mind: https://www.latimes.com/projects/california-rockhounding-how-to-find-rocks-gems-crystals/

“The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service own many rock collecting sites. The BLM has regulations for casual rock collecting, and you can check the forest service website to find their rockhounding rules for different areas. You should also make sure you’re not rockhounding on private property. Check with your local BLM office to get updated maps and land ownership information.”

Follow leave no trace principles and don’t be greedy with your rock collecting; take only what you love and leave the rest."

Know the regulations if a ranger wants to talk to you: "4307. Geological Features. No person shall destroy, disturb, mutilate, or remove earth, sand, gravel, oil, minerals, rocks, paleontological features, or features of caves except rockhounding may be permitted as defined and delineated in Sections 4610 through 4610.10."

Image: This rock was recently found on one of our beaches.

"The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery in the Capitola Mall is currently in the middle of some strategic 5-year planning. As a part of that, they are conducting focus groups with members of our community during the week of February 13th.

Each focus group lasts about an hour. We are looking for community members who are not necessarily big users of the museum currently, but who have opinions on education, parenting, grand parenting, and cultural organizations in this community. We're sure many of you have interesting ideas and thoughts that you would be willing to share.

The focus groups are conducted by an outside firm so you don’t have to worry about censoring yourselves. If you would be willing to participate we'd love to hear from you: rhiannoncrain@sccmod.org"

Image: Rhiannon exploding our “prehistoric” volcano during a chemistry demonstration for a local 5 year olds birthday!