Newsletter – June 2025
Hello!
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance newsletter! Long days, golden light, and the scent of summer in the redwoods—June has arrived in Ben Lomond, and it’s already shaping up to be something special. The long-awaited Wee Kirk Market is set to open on June 1, bringing fresh life and local flavor to the heart of town. Around the Village, volunteers are planning beautification projects, while our small businesses are glowing with fresh paint, new signs, and vibrant community events.
You may have heard rumors that we’re getting our very own Yeshe Jackson mural in the park, and it’s true! He’s working on it right now and should be completed very soon. We promise to let you know about the unveiling event soon! In the meantime, get out there, shop local, and help us build community. You’re looking good Ben Lomond!
~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
Get ready to shop! The Wee Kirk Market 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. Vendors will include: Wildstone Bakery, Solorios Organic Produce, J&M Bagels, Tacos el Jesse, MsElaineous, Alison Parham Watercolors, La Selva Lavender, Camp Thunder, Sicilian Mama Pottery, CalistaCat, Brook Lomond Iris Farm, Wild and Whimsy Crafts, and local landmark Sew Rose (list subject to change.) There will also be live music and a welcoming community vibe. Bring your family, meet new friends, and support local vendors! For more information, visit the Wee Kirk Market webpage HERE.
WALK WITH A DOC
Thursday, June 19, 10:00-11:30am 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 THIS LINK for more information and to register.
BLVA SUPPER CLUB
We had a delightful community potluck at the Highlands Park Senior & Community Center in May, but the 2025 season of the BLVA Supper Club is just getting started! 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! Submit your contact information HERE to express interest in being a host, and see below for opportunities to attend one of the suppers.
Simple Grilled Fare
Sunday, June 22 5pm – 7pm at Racelle LaMar’s house
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.
Rustic Tea party with Japanese and Hawaiian pupu’s
Sunday, June 29 3 PM – 5 PM at Molly Cokeley’s house
Special guest Ron Jon, who has been serving Ceremonial Chinese Tea events at festivals all around California for 25 years will be serving the tea. Ron brings with him the finest organic Chinese Teas, amazing gem stones, and the knowledge of the healing powers of both tea and stone, the part of the world where the stones are mined and where the tea is grown in China. We will be 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 Chinese 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.
SQUARE DANCE & HONKY-TONK
Sunday, June 22, 7pm-9pm (doors open 6:30)
Park Hall Community Center, 9400 Mill Street
Some of you may remember the days of dances at Park Hall or in the park on Mill Street… well, we are happy to say those days are back, so get ready to dance! We have two local bands coming, Summoning Circle and members of Bois Rouge. They will be playing a square dance with a caller for the first hour, followed a honky-tonk so you can two-step the rest of the evening away. There will be beer and wine as well as other beverages and snacks available for purchase. So dust off your dancing shoes and get your tickets HERE!
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 – 5:30pm
Felton Branch Library
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: Creating Healthy Habits that can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline with Dr. Steven Leib, M.D.. Join Dr. Steven Leib, M.D. at the Felton Branch Library and learn how to create healthy habits now that can decrease your risk for cognitive decline in the future. Dr. Leib will discuss the concepts found in books such as The Alzheimer’s Solution by Dr. Dean Sherzai and Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything by B J Fogg, PhD.
OTHER LOCAL EVENTS 🗓
Let’s Eat for Park Hall – Community Day at Aroma!
Wednesday, June 4, 11am – 8pm
You’re invited to a special Community Day at Aroma Restaurant on Wednesday, June 4! Dine in or order takeout anytime that day (they’re open from 11 am to 8 pm), and a portion of all meals will be donated to support Park Hall Community Center. It’s a great chance to connect with your neighbors, support a local restaurant, and invest in a cherished community hub — all while enjoying a fantastic meal. We hope to see you there!
Music in the Park
Sunday June 8, 12-6:00pm
Ben Lomond County Park, Mill Street
Coffee 9 presents Music in the Park with music, beer and tacos. Taking place at the Ben Lomond County Park next to the Library, this event will feature Climbing Trees and Raging Stone.
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/
Monthly Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, June 15, 2025, 8:30 AM – 12 NOON
Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 Highway 9
You can’t get a better deal on breakfast. Come to the Highlands Park Senior & Community Center on the third Sundays of every month, where people of all ages are welcome to 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.
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 🔦
Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
9550 Highway 9
Where else can you go and get food for your pets, beautiful plants for your house and garden and any gift that you need for any occasion? Mountain Feed has it all! And throughout the year they also offer interesting and educational classes including “Summer Planting ~ Free Talk with Jess!” on Saturday, June 7th 9:30. -10:30. Please visit their website mountainfeed.com to RSVP.
La Placa Family Bakery
9280 Highway 9
A beacon of Sicilian charm amidst the rugged beauty of Santa Cruz mountains, La Placa Family Bakery is the place to go for hand-crafted almond cookies (gluten free!), puff pastries, dolci, and delicious thin-crust pizza. And don’t forget espresso drinks and gelato too! Open 7am-8pm Tuesday through Sunday, you can’t go wrong popping in for a treat HERE!
GET INVOLVED 💪
Improving our community is a team effort! Ben Lomond Village Alliance has so many opportunities for you to get involved! Meet new friends and make a huge difference. If you have the skills to contribute to one of the following positions, please email Ariel at secretary@BenLomondVillage.org.
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 – 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, June 26, 6:00 p.m
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:
- Several members attended the RTC’s Rural Highway Safety Plan meeting held on May 20 in Felton. Primary requests from BLVA focused on the need to make minor operational improvements and infrastructure maintenance repairs on Highway 9 at Willowbrook-Locust Lane (crosswalk); Hillside Avenue (crosswalk) and Fillmore Avenue (crosswalk and curb extension on west side) and adding a fourth crosswalk at the downtown traffic signal light. There is a definite trend here on safer pedestrian crossings on Highway 9. The final Safety Plan should be completed and adopted by the RTC in November.
- The RTC and County was informed by Caltrans of its decision to lower the posted speed limit in downtown Ben Lomond to 25mph and extend the zone further north to the Alba Road intersection. Caltrans also plans to replace the missing population signs entering Ben Lomond, possibly locating them near the Twin Bridges (NB) and near California Drive (SB). Speed limit changes are expected this Fall.
- The Walk Ben Lomond sub-committee met with County Assistant Director of Public Works, Steve Wiesner in the field at the Madrone-Newell-Glen Arbor Road intersection on May 29 seeking a crosswalk and walkway improvements in that stretch of Glen Arbor Road where pedestrian crossings are the highest.
And from Kym Morello, Beautification Committee Chair:
Exciting happenings in Ben Lomond Park!
- A Mural in the Park -The restroom mural at Ben Lomond Park, created by Yeshe Jackson, looks fantastic! Come by and check it out.
 |  |
- We received approval from the county for Yeshe to extend the mural above the entrance to the restrooms and down the right side of the building. Stay tuned for a community event in the park to celebrate BLVA’s first art installation. If you would like to contribute to this effort and really make a huge difference in the Park, please consider supporting the effort HERE.
- Twenty-two new native plants were added to the park to replace those that did not survive the fall plantings.
- Sat., June 7: Come help paint the park bathrooms! We are looking for seven volunteers with painting experience to assist in painting the walls of both the women’s and men’s bathrooms. No ladders needed for those of us volunteering to paint! Email secretary@benlomondvillage.org if you would like to sign up.
- A huge thank you to Joseph Overby for priming the ceilings and the upper half of the walls. Joseph will soon apply the finishing coat in June.
- Also in June:The County will resurface and add new lines to the basketball court for basketball and pickleball!
- Landscape in front of Scarborough’s ACE Hardware update: The plans have been finalized. We are currently seeking access to water for the drip line before starting a community weed removal day.
EVENTS COMMITTEE
The Events Committee is working on a big summer event. If you would like to take part in the planning, click HERE.
DONATE
Another way to be involved with the Ben Lomond Village alliance is to support our ongoing initiatives through your financial contribution.
RECENT IMPACT 💥
The Ben Lomond Village Alliance was chosen to be one of the beneficiaries of the Redwood Mountain Faire this year. Sarah, Sherry and Ariel put up posters up and down the valley in the weeks leading up to the faire, and big thanks go out to Jim, Julie, Marianne, Tom, Helene, Justia, Sally, Sherry, Alexander, Courtney, Gill, Tina, Debora, Karla, Linda, Racelle, Michelle, Peter, Ariel, and Jen for putting in volunteer hours Thursday/Friday helping with setup of the faire.
THANK YOU ❤️
We truly appreciate your membership, your engagement, and the steady support you show for the Ben Lomond Village Alliance. Thanks to you, we’re creating meaningful, lasting change right here in our community.
Help us grow our impact—spread the word! Share our mission with your friends and neighbors and invite others 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.
You are receiving this email because you opted in from our website or at an event
Our Mailing address is:
Ben Lomond Village Alliance
PO BOX 66
BEN LOMOND CA 95005
