Newsletter – August 2025

Welcome to the August 2025 edition of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance newsletter! August has arrived in the redwoods, bringing with it the hot days and cool nights we all love about Ben Lomond. Whether you love walking in the woods, strolling through the farmer’s market, enjoying a great meal with friends, or dancing a night away, there’s something for everyone this month. Here are some highlights of this month’s newsletter:

There’s so much to love about August in Ben Lomond—thank you for being part of what makes our Village thrive. Read on for more details about exciting events, volunteer opportunities, and more ways to stay connected and get involved. Let’s make it a month to remember! 

UPCOMING BLVA EVENTS 🗓

WEE KIRK MARKET
Sunday, August 3, 9 AM – 1 PM     FREE
Wee Kirk Church, 9500 Central Avenue
The monthly market at the Wee Kirk Church continues 1st Sundays through October. This month, favorites Solorios Organic Farm, Real Good Fish, J&M Bagels and Wildstone Bakery will be returning, and we’re also excited to welcome some new vendors including Quality Cutlery, Fern Quinn Art, and Mahanahula Creations. Live music by Woodmill will set the mood while you shop and connect with friends and neighbors. Visit our website for a complete list of vendors If you’d like to help make this event happen, sign up to volunteer HERE. We are looking to fill morning and afternoon Greeter positions.

HEARTWOOD YOGA – FREE COMMUNITY SESSION
Sunday, August 3, 10 AM – 11 AM
Wee Kirk Church, 9500 Central Avenue
Heartwood Yoga is teaching a beginning yoga class inside the Wee Kirk Church during the Wee Kirk Market. Donations welcome. Sign up for this special experience HERE.

EAT FOR THE EARTH – COMMUNITY RX FREE
Sundays, August 3, 17, 24, 31
Wee Kirk Church, 9500 Central Avenue
Eat for the Earth will have an informational table at the Aug 3 Wee Kirk Market from 9 AM – 1 PM, and there you can learn more about this program. Community Rx is a proven nutrition education and diet immersion program that helps people improve their health through a healthy plant-based diet. The program includes pre- and post-immersion biometric testing, meal plans and recipes, daily texts, mentorship, and more. The next round of this FREE program runs three Sunday mornings, August 17, 24, and 31 at the Wee Kirk Church in Ben Lomond. Space is limited. Learn more at their Market booth, or register your interest in participation at https://www.eatfortheearth.org/community-rx/.

WALK WITH A DOC
August 21
Fall Creek, Felton
Dr. Steven Leib will be leading another Walk with a Doc at Fall Creek. More info and reserve your spot HERE

SUPPER CLUB FREE
Saturday, August 23 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Ben Lomond County Park, 9525 Mill Street
Ariel Young is hosting this month’s Supper Club. Join us at the park for a community pot luck to celebrate the end of summer! Bring a dish to share and enjoy a dinner with your friends and neighbors. There will be water and sodas available (free) or bring your own refreshments (NOTE: alcohol is not permitted at this event). Please click HERE to RSVP

SQUARE DANCE & HONKY-TONK $10
Friday, August 29 | 7 – 10 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM)
Park Hall Community Center, 9400 Mill Street
The Ben Lomond Village Alliance invites you to an evening of live music, square dancing, and honky-tonk fun! Featuring Summoning Circle with a live caller, followed by toe-tapping two-step tunes from members of Bois Rouge Cajun Band. All ages and experience levels welcome. Beer, wine, sodas, and pie available for purchase. More info and get your tickets HERE! Want to donate a pie? See below in the GET INVOLVED section!

WEE KIRK CONCERT WITH AMANDA WEST $40
Saturday, September 27, 6 – 8:30 PM
Wee Kirk Church, 9500 Central Avenue
Join us for an enchanting musical event at the Wee Kirk Church. The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the garden with background music by local harpist Maureen Atkins. A candlelit performance by guitarist, singer and songwriter Amanda West will then follow in the church. Tickets available for $40. More information and tickets available HERE. 

SAVE THE DATE: BEN LOMOND SCOTTISH HERITAGE DAY FREE
Saturday, October 4, 1 – 5 PM
Ben Lomond County Park, 9525 Mill Street
BLVA is thrilled to host a day of Scottish festivities, including live music, cultural performances, food, beverages, family activities, and more! Stay tuned for more info. 

OTHER LOCAL EVENTS 🗓

NO-COST YARD WASTE DISPOSAL
Saturdays in August beginning August 2
Ben Lomond Transfer Station
In response to requests from the community, Supervisor Martinez worked to dedicate the necessary funding to create a short-term no-cost yard waste disposal program for District 5 residents living in unincorporated areas. Every Saturday in August residents will be able to deliver yard waste generated from the clean-up of residential properties to the Ben Lomond transfer station free of cost. Loads must not exceed 2 tons each, but there is no limit to how many loads can be delivered under this program. For more details, visit the county’s WEBSITE.

FILM: THE CZU FIRE IN THEIR OWN WORDS–FIGHTING FIRES, LOSING HOMES, AND REBUILDING COMMUNITY
Wednesday, August 6, 5PM
Felton Library
The film created and directed by Peter Gelblum and produced by Ben Lomond’s own Mountain Community Theater will be screened to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the CZU fire. More info HERE.

County Supervisor Monica Martinez Office Hours
August 12 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Highlands Park Senior and Community Center
Ben Lomond’s County Supervisor Monica Martinez will be holding office hours at the Highlands Park Senior Center in Ben Lomond. To reduce wait time, Supervisor Martinez is utilizing a reservation system. Click HERE to reserve a 15 minute time-slot in advance. Drop-in visitors are still welcome, and will be seen in order of arrival as time allows between or after reservations.

EXHIBIT: BLACK & WHITE + ONE
Through August 16
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Click HERE to find out more about the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center’s latest exhibit.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Sunday, August 17
Highlands Park Senior & Community Center
All ages are welcome at the monthly pancake breakfast and bake sale. Come support the Community Center and enjoy the best breakfast deal in town! Click HERE for more information.

NEW WORKS WEEKEND
August 15-17
Mountain Community Theater at Park Hall Community Center, 9500 Mill Street
New Works Weekend is Mountain Community Theater’s celebration of new theatrical works, presenting new plays, playwrights, directors, and debuts of all forms from around the region. Tickets and info HERE

CLOTHING SWAP
Saturday, September 6, 11 AM – 12:15 PM (swapping starts 11:15 AM)
Ben Lomond County Park, 9540 Mill Street
Some neighbors have organized a clothing swap! Come on out to the Santa Cruz Mountains Clothing Swap. 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, then this is for you.

 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT 🔦

NOW OPEN: BROOKDALE LODGE CAFE & GRILL
Recently, Brookdale Cafe & Grill celebrated a grand re-opening as both the Cafe and The Lounge at Brookdale Lodge entertainment space came under new management. We’re happy to announce that BLVA friend and supporter restaurateur Mario Ibarra, owner of Aroma Restaurant and Henflings, is now bringing his positive energy, tasty food, and guiding hand to these historic businesses. Be sure to stop by and check out the new menu. They’re open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. (Breakfast & Lunch: 7am-2pm | Happy Hour: 2pm-5pm | Dinner: 5pm-9pm), and they’re located at the Brookdale Lodge, 11570 Highway 9, Brookdale. 

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. SIGN UP to get involved today!

SUPPER CLUB
July saw another amazing supper club with a well-attended Garden Party at Katrina’s house. Don’t miss out on the good food and community building that Supper Club events are cultivating. We’re also gathering recipes for our first annual Supper Club Cookbook!

=== Sign up to be a Host ===
Hosting a Supper Club can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be! Hosts hold dinners (or lunches, or tea parties!) 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 or an interest in hosting, email Ariel at secretary@benlomondvillage.org. 

=== Submit your recipe for the Cookbook ===
Submissions are being accepted now through October 31 for the first annual BLVA Supper Club Cookbook! This cookbook will feature potluck dishes, your entertaining-friends-favorites and desserts, but any family favorite dish will be considered for inclusion. The book will be available for purchase in December with funds going to the Ben Lomond Village Alliance in support of our mission to build community, preserve history, enhance the village, and promote economic vitality here in Ben Lomond. Submit your recipe for consideration HERE. Questions? Reach out to secretary@benlomondvillage.org.

LEADERSHIP 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. Email  secretary@benlomondvillage.org if interested.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
One of the best ways to spend your Sunday morning is to volunteer at the Wee Kirk Farmers Market! Helpers are needed for various roles at the market every month. Sign up HERE

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
All of the Ben Lomond Village Alliance committees always welcome more participation. Visit our Get Involved page for more information about these opportunities!

PIE WANTED
Do you like to bake? We are looking for the donation of a few home made pies for the Square Dance & Honky-tonk on Friday, August 29. If you are able to make a pie and donate for that event, please reach out to Ariel at secretary@benlomondvillage.org 

RECENT IMPACT 💥

BETTER STREETS & BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE – MAKING AN IMPACT!!
The Better Streets Committee’s sub-committee, “Walk Ben Lomond” is awaiting the County’s determination to install a crosswalk with pedestrian-activated flashing beacons where Madrone-Newell intersects with Glen Arbor Rd. If approved it will be the only crosswalk on the nearly 2-mile stretch of Glen Arbor Road at a location where residents cross from each side for recreational walking, boarding METRO buses or just to avoid the heavy traffic on Glen Arbor Road. This is the only intersection that connects to bus stops with a streetlight over the proposed crossing area for safer nighttime crossings. We hope to have the County’s response in the next couple of months.

Another sub-committee of Better Streets continues to work with the County’s Public Works Department regarding repairs to 14 of the 32  streetlights downtown on Highway 9, Mill St. and Main St. While PG&E has indicated that maintenance for some or all of these lights are the responsibility of the County, County staff are still researching billing and permit records to determine if any of the lights are the responsibility of adjacent business owners.  If repairs are planned by the County, BLVA’s highest priority would be to repair the five lights on Highway 9 where pedestrians to traffic is greatest at night.

The Beautification and Better Streets Committee meeting hosted Brianna Goodman, a Planner for the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) at its July 24 meeting for an update on the Highway 9 Highway Safety Plan and an update on funding and schedules for pedestrian improvements on Highway 9 and connecting streets in Ben Lomond. RTC emphasizes letting our voices be heard through surveys, letters or attending meetings. BLVA seeks funding for a project to finalize the plans for future roadway and walkway improvements as has already occurred in Felton and Boulder Creek. BLVA also awaits the posted speed limit to be reduced to 25 mph in Ben Lomond from the Alba Road intersection to Lorenzo Avenue and for new population signs to be installed on the outskirts of town. The Committee was appreciative of gaining an understanding as to why Caltrans improvements go through so many steps, often taking years to decide on the ultimate solution. Ms. Goodman encouraged BLVA members to take the active survey to provide input on safety concerns and possible solutions to Highway 9 in the SLV. The survey can be accessed at:  [www.sccrtc.org/rhsp]www.sccrtc.org/rhsp through 7/31/2025.

The Better Streets Committee continues to emphasize the need for new crosswalk installations at Willowbrook-Locust, Hillside Av., Fillmore Av. and the fourth crosswalk at the downtown signal light. The Committee also plans to meet with County Public Works staff to better understand what can be done to slow the traffic on Mill Street and reduce the running of the stop sign where it intersects Main St.

‘OUT AND ABOUT’ WITH THE BLVA 👠

The Ben Lomond Village Alliance held its first Volunteer Appreciation party in July. We had a potluck & BBQ at board President, Heidi Castagna’s house, and greatly enjoyed celebrating the growth of the organization and the community spirit we’re building here in Ben Lomond! Exceptional volunteers were recognized with a short speech, a gift of one of the new Ben Lomond Village Alliance totes and a fancy certificate. Recipients included Nicole Liebenthal for her Spirit of Service; Joseph Ovebyfor being an Outstanding Volunteer; Mary Eppolito for being an Outstanding Volunteer; Sherry Fleming for being an Outstanding Volunteer; Marianne Wyllie for being and Outstanding Volunteer; and Jen Janisch for her Steadfast Service, We are so grateful for all of our volunteers, it was difficult to pick just a few for special recognition!

 THANK YOU! ❤️

There has been such fantastic turnout at all of the BLVA events this summer! It’s been so amazing to see the community support of the the Wee Kirk Market, the park improvements, and the Square Dance! What a fun and supportive community we have! We look forward to more good times as the year goes on. You can help us grow our impact—by spreading the word about the Ben Lomond Village Alliance! 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

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Ben Lomond Village Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law
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Ben Lomond Village Alliance
PO BOX 66
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Ben Lomond Village Alliance, Inc