Newsletter – March 2025
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance newsletter! As spring awakens the valley with blossoms and birdsong, we are reminded of the boundless opportunities for growth, renewal, and connection in our beloved town. The longer days and warmer breezes invite us to come together, breathe new life into our shared spaces, and celebrate the spirit of community that makes Ben Lomond so special. At the Ben Lomond Village Alliance, we are inspired by this season of transformation as we continue our work—fostering meaningful community events, preserving our rich history, and advancing initiatives that enhance our town’s infrastructure and economic vitality.
This month, we’re thrilled to share updates on the progress we’ve made, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved to help shape the future of Ben Lomond. Together, we’re creating a village that reflects the heart and spirit of its people. Read on for all the latest news!
Come and enjoy “Tales of Ben Lomond” History Series Part 2
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10 AM – 12 NOON
***Doors open at 9:30, talk begins at 10am sharp***
Park Hall Community Center, 9400 Mill St
Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Ben Lomond! Join us for Tales of Ben Lomond: Part 2 and uncover how visionary businessmen and everyday heroes transformed a rugged mountain outpost into a thriving town between 1890 and 1940. Even if you missed Part 1, you will enjoy this stand-alone presentation.
Presented by historian and Realtor Ronnie Trubek, this engaging talk will transport you to a time of innovation, resilience, and community spirit. Don’t miss this journey into the past—secure your seat today – this event is expected to sell out! Click here to purchase: Tickets
Tickets: $20 Adults | $15 Seniors (65+) & Students (18 & under)
All proceeds benefit Ben Lomond Village Alliance and Park Hall Community Center
Sign up for the BLVA Supper Club
The BLVA Supper Club is getting off the ground! Designed to be a way to foster meaningful connections, strengthen community bonds, support the mission of the BLVA and enjoy some great food together, the Supper Club participants host dinners in their homes (or at other locations). Each month, a different host will curate a unique dining experience, often featuring seasonal ingredients, local flavors, or creative themes. The format and number of guests is up to the host: potlucks, fully catered meals, and other ideas welcome! So far we have Hosts signed up in June and September as well as a Traditional Chinese Tea in May!
We are looking for additional hosts to fill out the calendar, so sign up today! If you want to know more or are interested in being a Host, please email Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org or call 831-218-5172.
Lend a hand for the Native Habitat Restoration @ Highlands Park
Saturday, March 16 10am – 12pm
Be a part of beautifying and restoring a treasured community hub. The Valley Women’s Club Native Habitat Restoration Program has volunteer work days the third Sunday of every month. Click HERE for more information.
Support the SLV Museum with a wonderful meal at Aroma
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 11am – 8pm
Aroma, 9600 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond
Aroma will graciously donate a portion of the proceeds from dine-in and carry-out orders to the San Lorenzo Valley Museum. Bring the whole family for a delicious meal from their appetizing menu – including great options for kids. More info HERE.
Experience “Steel Magnolias” at Park Hall Community Center
Presented by Mountain Community Theater from March 21-April 13
The basis for the Academy Award-nominated film starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, this bittersweet comedy explores the dynamics of life, love, friendship, and loss in a small-town Louisiana beauty parlor. Directed by Peter Gelblum. More info here: https://mctshows.org/current-show/
Check out “WATER: Ebb & Flow”
Through March 22, 2025
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St
Plentiful and taken for granted in some parts of the world and a scarce treasure in others, water is the lifeblood of our earth. Swim on in and see how our local artists depict water in their artwork. Read more about this interesting exhibit HERE.
Respond to the Call for Artists – Spring Into Art Annual Youth Exhibit
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St
Young artists, now’s your chance to share your artwork with the community. Anyone under the age of 21 is invited to submit artwork in any medium. For more information: Mountains Art Center
ENTRY & BRING IN ARTWORK: Sunday, March 30 I 12 – 3 PM
EXHIBIT DATES: April 3 – 26, 2025
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, April 4 | 5 – 7 PM
New Restaurant in Ben Lomond: Dreamers!
After more than a year of sitting empty, the former home of Casa Nostra in Ben Lomond has come back to life, thanks to longtime local resident and restauranteur Allan Strong. After an eight-month renovation fueled by passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of sweat equity, Strong opened the doors to his new endeavor, Guild Kitchen Act 3 Presents “Dreamers,” last month. Currently open for breakfast and lunch 9 to 4 pm at 9217 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond. 831-609-6132.
GET INVOLVED
The Ben Lomond Village Alliance is nothing without its members! Get involved and take our town from awesome to off the charts! Getting involved is a great way to meet/make new friends and make a huge difference in our community. All positions are volunteer, but you’ll be paid in smiles and pride! If you have the skills to contribute to one of the following positions or if you would like to be added to any of our Committee mailing lists, you can send an email to Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org or click the button below.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Sunday, March 16th 2pm
The Events Committee is meeting at the Ben Lomond County Park on Mill Street to do a walk through for planning the return of Sunday in the Park this summer. We will keep you posted on this exciting development!
Thursday March 20th 6pm
The Better Streets Committee will meet at the Wee Kirk Church, 9500 Central Avenue. This committee is dedicated to improving and maintaining Ben Lomond’s infrastructure like streets, sidewalks, essential systems, and facilities that support daily operations, economy, and quality of life.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraising Committee Chairperson – We are looking for a person with non-profit experience and a passion for fundraising and a love of Ben Lomond to take on leadership of this committee. Contact Heidi at President@BenLomondVillage.org
- Treasurer – We are seeking nominations to fill this board position. The ideal candidate would have a background in finance and leadership experience with nonprofits. Contact Blake at Blake@BenLomondVillage.org
- Wee Kirk Market Task Force – The BLVA is ramping up to create a monthly makers/farmers type market in Ben Lomond. Come learn how you can make this exciting project a reality. Contact Blake@BenLomondVillage.org
- Committee Members – All of our committees – Economic Vitality, Beautification, Better Streets, Fundraising, Events, and Health & Happiness – are always welcoming more participation. Signup HERE.
Spread the Word
Help us reach more people by sharing the BLVA mission and work with your network of friends and neighbors. Follow us on social media, share our posts, and invite friends to join the mailing list. Follow the BLVA on FACEBOOK Fave it on NEXTDOOR
Donate
Support the ongoing initiatives to improve the Ben Lomond Village by making a tax deductible donation today.
RECENT IMPACT
With the support of members and volunteers like you, the BLVA has accomplished the following:
Public Works is Working!
If you are walking to get your mail from Highway 9, you’ll see a big improvement at the corner of Main and Central. After a request from our Postmaster Tammy Robustelli (a BLVA Better Streets Committee member) to the County Public Works Department to fill the hole, Alex Sandoval’s streets crew responded. A big thanks to Alex and the County Public Works Department! BLVA’s vision is to someday see a separated walkway from Highway 9 all the way to the Post Office so pedestrians are not forced to compete with traffic. Join the Better Streets Committee today to help plan these improvements and more. Signup HERE.
Jumping Through Hoops!
Local basketball fans are celebrating after the Beautification Committee Chair Kym Morello alerted County Parks about our broken backboard and missing net, and asked for a replacement. Suddenly one morning a few weeks ago, we were thrilled to see a brand new one gracing the court at the Ben Lomond Park on Mill Street. Thank you County of Santa Cruz Parks!
THANK YOU ❤️
The engagement and enthusiasm of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance members is so inspiring. Together, we are making a significant impact in our community.
If you have any questions or have any Ben Lomond-related announcements to share in the next newsletter, please contact Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org. You can also visit the website and fill out the contact form there. BenLomondVillage.org
Thank you for being a part of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance family.
Warm regards,
Ben Lomond Village Alliance
P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and stories from the field!
