Ag History Project presents Second Saturday on the Farm
WATSONVILLE — The Agricultural History Project will present its monthly Second Saturday on the Farm this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This month, attendees will be able to decorate and fly their own kite, as well as plant flower seeds around the grounds.
The event will also include tractor driving, wooden cow milking, animals and more.
The Agricultural History Project is located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. in Watsonville.
Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
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Sons & Daughters of Italy welcome guest speaker
WATSONVILLE — The Sons & Daughters of Italy Watsonville Lodge #2016 will welcome Gina DeVecchio as guest speaker during its April 19 meeting.
DeVecchio is the newest member of the KSBW weather team.
An Italian dinner will be provided by Monterey Bay Caterers.
The meeting will be held at the Watsonville Woman’s Club, 12 Brennan St., at 6 p.m.
Dinner is $15 for members and $17 for non-members.
Reservations are required. For reservations, call Diana Casini Keith at 724-1816 by Sunday.
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Gardening class focuses on soil
WATSONVILLE — UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties will hold a class on soil preparation April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Demo Garden, 1430 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville.
UC Master Gardener Delise Weir will discuss the importance of soil as the starting point for a seasonal garden. She will explain why organic matter, pH, and soil structure are each important to soil health.
The talk will also touch on fertility, soil nutrition and practical techniques for converting hard or sandy untouched dirt into fertile, rich garden beds.
Attendees are asked to bring a one-cup sample of soil in a jar with a lid to test.
For information and to pre-register (requested, not required), visit mbmg.org.
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Artists open their studios in San Benito County
AROMAS — Nearly 30 artists will open their doors to the public during the annual Open Studios Art Tour put on by the San Benito County Arts Council on Saturday and Sunday.
This year’s tour features 29 local artists and artisans, from Aromas, San Juan Bautista and Hollister, and showcases works in painting, photography, pottery, jewelry and more.
A preview exhibit is on display at ARTspace, 240 Fifth St. in Hollister, through May 20.
Jane Rekedal is one of 12 artists showcasing their work in Aromas. Twice each year, she opens her doors to the public to show new work created and fired on site.
Using high fired stoneware and porcelain, Rekedal’s pots feature spring flowers as decorative themes, as well as cats, plant forms, and birds in a variety of colors and designs.
Rekedal has been a potter since 1975 and teaches ceramics at Gavilan College in Gilroy, and is active in local arts organizations.
The studio is located at 1560 Cannon Road in Aromas. In addition to Saturday and Sunday, Rekedal will open her studio April 21-22. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all four days.
For information, visit sanbenitoarts.org, email [email protected] or call 636-2787.
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History presentation uncovers Loma Prieta lumber mill
APTOS — The Aptos History Museum’s “Coffee, Tea and History” event will feature the former Loma Prieta lumber mill in Nisene Marks State Park on Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Rio Sands Hotel community room, 116 Aptos Beach Drive.
Professor Marko Meniketti will present the results of a three-year archeological investigation of the mill site.
Admission is $20, or $15 for museum members. Proceeds benefit the Aptos History Museum.
For reservations, call 688-1467.
