Newsletter – May 2025
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance newsletter! This month, we’re seeing exciting momentum all around town. The long-awaited opening of Wee Kirk Market is just around the corner (hello, June 1!), bringing fresh energy to the heart of the village. Volunteers have plans to spruce up public spaces, and local businesses continue to shine—literally and figuratively—with fresh coats of paint, new signage, and community-driven events.
It’s clear: Ben Lomond is BACK! And it’s thanks to YOU—our residents, volunteers, business owners, and supporters—who are rolling up your sleeves and building a future rooted in creativity, care, and collaboration. Read on for the latest events, ways to get involved, and what’s blooming next in our beloved Village.
~The Team at the BLVA
UPCOMING BLVA EVENTS 🗓
WEE KIRK MARKET
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 9 AM – 1 PM Free
Wee Kirk Church, 9500 Central Ave, Ben Lomond
Mark your calendars! The Wee Kirk Market officially opens on Saturday, June 1 at the historic Wee Kirk Church in Ben Lomond. From 9 am to 1 pm on the first Sundays of the month through October, come enjoy a delightful morning of shopping, savoring, and connecting with neighbors. The market offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique finds. There will also be live music, tasty bites, and a welcoming community vibe. Bring your family, meet new friends, and support local vendors – we’ll be announcing a list of vendors soon. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information, visit the Wee Kirk Market webpage HERE.
VOLUNTEER AT THE MARKET!
If you’d like to help bring the Market to life beyond shopping, we have several positions open including Assistant Manager, Greeters, and Monitors. Sign up HERE!
JOIN TEAM BLVA AT THE REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE!
The Ben Lomond Village Alliance has been accepted as a charity to volunteer at the Redwood Mountain Faire and we have two different volunteer opportunities!
Put up posters! We have posters that need to be hung throughout Santa Cruz County—and BLVA will be paid for our time doing so. Email Sherry Flemming at fsherry91@gmail.com if you’re interested in helping with this.
Help with setup on Thurs, May 29 and Fri, May 30! All proceeds from your volunteer time will go to the BLVA, and volunteers will receive a one-day free admission to the Faire. Free parking will be available at Roaring Camp, and additional details will be shared via email closer to the event. Sign up for a 4-hour shift HERE. Note that we’re doing our volunteering the Thursday and Friday before the Faire so you can still come to our first ever Wee Kirk Market on June 1!
SUMMER ART CONTEST
We are excited to announce the Ben Lomond Village Alliance’s Summer Art Contest. We want to see your unique vision for Ben Lomond! Calling all artists! We’re looking for your creative design to represent Ben Lomond for 2025. Submit your artwork by May 20 for a chance to have it featured on tote bags and more, sold at our upcoming events and our local Wee Kirk Market.
Submission Details:
- Deadline: May 20, 2025
- Artwork Format: JPEG or PDF
- Max File Size: 10MB
Submit Your Design HERE
Questions? Reach out to Events@BenLomondVillage.or
BLVA SUPPER CLUB
The 2025 season of the BLVA Supper Club got off to a roaring start in April with a Community Potluck at Park Hall. If you missed that, not to worry, as there are more suppers to come! We will be having another community potluck in May (see details below!).
=== Sign up to be a Host ===
We are looking for additional hosts to fill out the calendar, so sign up today! Supper Club Hosts hold dinners in their homes (or at other locations of their choosing) The type of supper and number of guests is up to the host; it could be anything from a potluck to a fully catered meal or anything in between. Your supper can be a fundraiser for BLVA (required donation set by you) or it can be free. Your creative ideas are welcome! If you have questions email Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org. Sign up to host HERE.
=== Sign up to be a Guest ===
Sunday, May 25 6pm – 8pm at Highlands Senior & Community Center
Community Potluck – The first one in April was so fun, we’re doing it again! Bring a dish to share and gather with your friends and neighbors for an evening of community building and great food! Please bring your own plate/bowl, cup and utensils. Seating is limited to 35 people at the Senior Center, so be sure to RSVP HERE.
Sunday, June 22 5pm – 7pm at Racelle LaMar’s house
Simple Grilled Fare – Come help break in the new outdoor kitchen and patio and enjoy a BBQ at Racelle’s house! Host will provide Salad, sausage, chicken on the grill, ice cream. BYOB.
Seating is limited to 6 guests. Reserve your seat HERE. If seats are all taken and you wish to be added to the waiting list, email Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org.
Sunday, June 29 3 PM – 5 PM at Molly Cokeley’s house
Rustic Tea party with Japanese and Hawaiian pupu’s – A traditional tea ceremony… serving spring rolls, burnt honey-orange Tuiles, Shrimp Maunakea, and more. Please feel free to relax, wander and explore the gardens of Bell Hallow. All pathways lead to the main house where you will be served a Traditional Tea Ceremony in the Glass Tea Room. Enjoy the conversations of your fellow tea goers and the unique flavors that cross your pallet.
Seating is limited to 6 guests. Reserve your seat HERE. If seats are all taken and you wish to be added to the waiting list, email Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org.
WALK WITH A DOC!
Thurs, June 19 10 AM – 11:30 AM Free
Fall Creek State Park
Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program. Each walk takes place at Fall Creek and begins with a short discussion of the latest evidence-based lifestyle approaches to the prevention of chronic diseases and the enhancement of the healthiest lifestyle. For the remainder of the 1.5 mile walk, you will stroll at your own pace while having the opportunity to connect with others in a relaxing and beautiful forest environment. There will be ample time to interact with Dr. Steve Leib to get your general lifestyle questions answered. Upcoming dates are June 19, August 21, and October 16. Group size is limited and advanced registration is required. Please visit https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-04-17 for more information and to register.
OTHER LOCAL EVENTS 🗓
Zig Zag Asian Collection
Friday May 9 & Saturday May 10 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
6500 HIGHWAY 9 STE A, Felton, CA, United States, California 95018
Shop this local, woman-owned Ben Lomond business’ warehouse sale. Zig Zag is opening their parking lot to the public for an incredible warehouse sale. Come browse a treasure trove of colorful fair trade items from Nepal & Thailand; some of them under $5! Unique jewelry, clothing, ethnic artifacts. Zig Zag. We specialize in fair trade apparel from Thailand and Nepal. We offer a wide selection of clothing, handbags, jewelry and home decor. If you would rather make your purchase online, we offer curbside pickup. Keep in mind that you can do pickup with us any time of year. Use code: HANDMADE for 10% off zigzagasiancollection.com
Camp Joy Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 9 am – 1pm both days
131 Camp Joy Rd, Boulder Creek
Every Spring, on Mother’s Day weekend, Camp Joy hosts a plant sale. A fine assortment of organically raised vegetable, flower and herb seedlings is offered. Featured are varieties that are well suited for the San Lorenzo Valley’s unique climate, plus some of our personal favorites as well as other popular varieties. Also for sale are some special perennials in gallon containers. Bouquets of Spring flowers and honey are offered when available. It’s a wonderful time to tour the garden; the roses are dazzling, the perfume of sweet peas fills the air, busy bees are buzzing and there may even be some cute and clumsy little goat kids scrambling about. More information HERE.
Monthly Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 8:30 AM – 12 NOON
Highlands Park Senior & Community Center
Taking place on the third Sundays of every month, people of all ages are welcome to come for a delicious breakfast that supports the mission of the Highlands Park Senior & Community Center. Great food, great price, great cause! No RSVP is required. For more information, click here. Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond See their full calendar HERE.
Santa Cruz Mountains Clothing Swap
Saturday, May 31, 11:00 AM
Ben Lomond County Park, 9525 Mill Street
Dress appropriately for being outside. Swap will be cancelled if it is raining. Start time is 11:00 AM, swapping will start at 11:15 AM and go until all have swapped. All genders of clothing as well as kids clothes and small household items can be brought. Whatever is not swapped, we will each be responsible to take a bag home to donate. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or simply want to support a more sustainable lifestyle, this group is the perfect place for you. Email Tessie with questions or cancellation information: tessiekennedy@ymail.com. Email Sally for any other questions at sallybentz@gmail.com.
Youth Summer Art Classes
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Street, Ben Lomond
SCMAC is offering two weeks of classes in June to choose from for kids ages 7 – 14! Register for a la carte classes to fit your schedule! Or book back to back classes with an optional supervised lunch for a day camp experience. More info HERE. See all of their upcoming events and classes here.
Local Theatre Shines with The Curious Incident
Presented by Mountain Community Theater through June 8
Park Hall Community Center
Mountain Community Theater is proud to announce the second production of our 43rd Season, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a play by Simon Stephens, based on the novel by Mark Haddon. This show, directed by Simon Hayward, is an inspiring and challenging story of an autistic teenage boy learning about the complexities of life. More info here: https://mctshows.org/current-show/
MURS Radio Communication Training
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Boulder Creek Firehouse
Slots are filling for the new MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) Training in Boulder Creek brought to you by SLV Emergency Network (SLVEN). Learn how to effectively use MURS radios for communication during emergencies or community events. This hands-on training is a great opportunity to build your neighborhood’s preparedness and stay connected when it matters most. Don’t miss out on this valuable and practical session! Space is limited. You can register HERE.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT 🔦
Heartwood Yoga Studio in Ben Lomond
9573 Highway 9
Heartwood Yoga is the latest addition to downtown Ben Lomond! The studio offers a variety of classes, including Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga with Weights, and Yin Yoga. Heartwood Yoga aims to create a supportive environment where practitioners of all levels can build strength and make meaningful connections. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or stepping onto the mat for the first time, you’ll find a supportive community ready to grow alongside you. For more information and class schedules, visit their website at www.heartwoodyogasc.com.
Spanky’s – New Menu!
9520 Hwy 9
If you haven’t been to Spanky’s lately, you are in for a treat! They have added some new menu items that will knock your socks off. From the Bacon Grilled Cheese Eggs Benedict to the Double Bacon Bomb Burger, they are living proof that bacon makes everything better (of course you can ask to have it served without if that’s your jam!). With daily specials including things like Chili Verde, Chipotle Beef Huevos Rancheros and Neapolitan French Toast, you can’t go wrong. Open for breakfast and lunch every day, come support a local business and have a fabulous meal.
Pretty Petals Arrangements
7985 CA-9
In case you haven’t noticed, we have a beautiful locally owned flower shop right in Ben Lomond. Opened in September of 2023, Pretty Petals is an enchanting flower shop in Ben Lomond owned by Maria Rios. Maria’s passion for her work is evident in every bouquet she meticulously creates, infusing each arrangement with a touch of creativity and elegance. As she looks towards the future, Maria is eager to share her talent with a wider audience through her upcoming website, where she plans to showcase the beauty and artistry that define her floral creations. In just a short time, Maria Rios has not only established herself as a talented florist in Ben Lomond but has also become an integral part of the community, spreading joy and enchantment through her stunning floral displays. Learn more on their website at prettypetalsarrangements.com
GET INVOLVED
Ben Lomond Village Alliance has so many opportunities for you to get involved! Help us move Ben Lomond forward 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 we’ll pay you in smiles and pride! If you have the skills to contribute to one of the following positions, please email Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org. If you’d like to join a committee, please visit our Get Involved page.
VOLUNTEER OPPORUNITIES
- Fundraising Committee Chairperson – We are looking for a person with a passion for fundraising and a love of Ben Lomond to take on leadership of this committee.
- Treasurer – We are seeking nominations to fill this board position. The ideal candidate would have a background in finance and leadership experience with nonprofits.
- Committee Members – All of our committees – Economic Vitality, Beautification, Better Streets, Fundraising, Events, and Health & Happiness – are always welcoming more participation.
- Visit our Get Involved page for more information about these opportunities!
Upcoming Committee Meetings and Updates
BETTER STREETS COMMITTEE/BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING
Thursday, May 22 6 pm
Wee Kirk Church, 9500 Central Avenue
The Better Streets and Beautification Committees are 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. Here are some updates from our Better Streets Committee Chair Jamie Helmer:
- Speed Limit – Caltrans has informed the County of its findings in recent studies to lower the posted speed limit in Ben Lomond from 30 to 25 mph.
- Walk Ben Lomond Subcommittee – will meet with County officials on May 29 to explore ways to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Glen Arbor at Madrone and Newell
- Pedestrian Safety – BLVA requests full funding to County for walkway improvements on Glen Arbor from Hwy 9 to Pine with lighting
And from Kym Morello, Beautification Committee Chair:
Exciting happenings in Ben Lomond Park!
- A Mural in the Park – We are excited to announce that Yeshe Jackson has received approval to paint a mural on the outside wall of the public restrooms in the park. If you have seen his artwork around the Valley or in Santa Cruz, you know it will be fantastic! Once we raise the necessary funds, Yeshe will take about two weeks to complete the mural. We have secured $1200 in funding so far to support this project, leaving a remaining balance of $1,300. If you would like to contribute to this effort and really make a huge difference in the Park, please consider supporting the effort HERE.
- Picnic Table Refresh – The cement picnic tables have been rearranged and power-washed. Thank you, Santa Cruz County Parks, for moving the tables to a more user-friendly location. And a big shout-out to Joseph Overby for power washing them! They look terrific! We are looking for seven volunteers with some experience to join us in painting the internal walls in May after Joseph has finished painting the ceiling and priming and painting the lower walls. Sign up to join the Beautification Committee to be notified of this volunteer opportunity.
Joseph Overby power-washing the tables at Ben Lomond County Park
EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING
Saturday, May 17th at 10AM
Ben Lomond Park on Mill Street
The Events Committee is excited to be planning more events for the community! Here are some of the things the Events Committee is working on, from our Events Chair Sarah Jansen-Mount. To join the committee, click HERE.
Summer Event Planning
We’ve had some twists and turns in our summer event planning journey, and we’re still looking to settle on a date and final vision for our BLVA summer event. Please join us at our next meeting where we will discuss the latest ideas.
Donate
Another way to be involved with the Ben Lomond Village Alliance is to support the ongoing initiatives to improve the Ben Lomond Village by making a donation.
RECENT IMPACT
A Powerful Evening: “The Power of Small” Screening Packs the House
Kym Morello, Jamie Helmer, Kathy Helmer, Terri Bullock, Shel Milligan, Molly Cokeley and Burgundi Thure attend the screening
On April 18, Park Hall was filled with community members for a moving screening of The Power of Small, a documentary that highlights the strength and impact of small actions and deep relationships. The film’s subject, Terri Bullock, joined us for a heartfelt Q&A that left the audience inspired and deeply connected. Even more exciting? Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we met—and exceeded—a $1,500 matching grant challenge from Shel Milligan and the Morello Family during the event. These funds will go directly toward future events that bring us together in meaningful ways. Thank you to everyone who donated, attended, and shared in the power of small moments making a BIG difference. Be KIND out there!
BLVA Executive Director Blake Holiday asks Terri and Shel questions about the film
‘OUT AND ABOUT’ WITH BLVA
FOOLS ON PARADE!
Sew Rose owner Burgundi Thure invited folks to join her for a first-ever Ben Lomond Fool’s Parade on April 1, and looks like folks heeded the call! After a joyous parade through the Ben Lomond Market, Verutti’s Liquors, Mountain Feed, Ace Hardware and Henflings, they lifted the spirits of drivers on the corner of Highway 9 and Mill Street with waves and laughs. Great fun! Who’s in for 2026?
VOICES OF THE VALLEY
Click HERE to read Molly Cokeley waxing poetic about the first Ben Lomond Village Alliance Community Potluck dinner which took place in April.
THANK YOU ❤️
We are incredibly grateful for your membership, engagement, and continued support of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance mission. Together, we are making a significant impact in our community.
Please help spread the word so the BLVA can reach more people by sharing our mission and work with your network. Follow us on social media, share our posts, and invite your friends and neighbors to join our membership list. Follow us on FACEBOOK and fave us on NEXTDOOR.
If you have questions, would like more information about BLVA initiatives, or have Ben Lomond related announcements (send pictures!) for us to share in our newsletters, please contact Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org.
Thank you for being a part of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance family.
Warm regards,
Ben Lomond Village Alliance
Copyright © 2025 Ben Lomond Village Alliance, All rights reserved
Ben Lomond Village Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Our Mailing address is:
Ben Lomond Village Alliance
PO BOX 66
BEN LOMOND CA 95005
