The Farm Bureau, a charitable and potitical group, serves growers in Santa Cruz and northern Monterey counties and also acts as a clearinghouse of information for the public. The organization also offers scholarships, holds poster and poetry contests for kids, and hosts National Agriculture Day in March and the Down to Earth Women's Luncheon in May. A board of directors leads the bureau.
Wild Farm Alliance is an ecological conservation association. It promotes eco-sustainability and wildlife preservation through farm integration.
Pajaro Valley Performing Arts Association is located on the second floor of the Memorial building. There are lots of seats available with reasonable prices. Pajaro Valley Performing Arts Association hosts performances done by international artists as well as local artists. Its goal is to maintain the mello art center, so it can serve the community with its full potentials. Another great thing about this place is that Pajaro Valley Performing Arts Association also offer rental services all year long, for people who want to host their own private events.
The Watsonville chapter of the YWCA has been serving young women and their families in the Watsonville community since 1929. At its current location on East Beach Street since 1952, the Watsonville YWCA is an established presence in the downtown community. The YWCA's mission, to empower women and eliminate racism, is carried out through several programs. The YWCA is home to a community pre-school for children ages 3-5. It also offers an after school program for students who attend MacQuiddy Elementary. The YWCA offers workshops on pregnancy and drug and alcohol prevention at Watsonville schools. The YWCA believes that education is the key to empowerment. The YWCA also raises money through a thrift shop, located at 367 Est Lake Avenue in downtown Watsonville. In addition to its community outreach work, the YWCA rents out its stately building and grounds for special events, such as weddings, conferences and quinceaneras. This historical landmark is a serene oasis off the bustling street and makes a beautiful location for special events.
This center, local union No. 6434, is dedicated to training those professionals who provide care for seniors and people with disabilities in private homes or nursing home facilities. The center provides training and counseling, assisting with finding employment opportunities, employment advancement opportunities, volunteer services and locating other viable options for training centers. The hours of this particular office vary, so call ahead.
This office on Main Street is the local intergroup office for Alcoholics Anonymous. You can find meeting information, some free literature, and AA information about how to stay sober one day at a time.
Teamsters Local 912 is a local labor union. Each local unit creates its own organizational structure and providing educational and support services. This local union represents members in the cannery, food processing and warehousing industries. Meetings are held monthly with different times based on industry.
I.S.T.W. is a non-profit organization devoted to celebrating and preserving Portuguese Catholic culture in Watsonville and the surrounding area. The group takes on various projects in the community and organizes cultural events and activities. Membership is open to all. Its spacious hall and reception area can be rented for events.
The Bockius-Orr Historic House (also known as the Godfrey M. Bockius House) in Watsonville, California is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1870 for Judge Godfrey Bockius, the landmark is the headquarters for the Pajaro Valley Historical Association. The main floor of the house is open to the public for viewing, which features furnishings of the former residents and rotating exhibitions from the historic group's vast collection of dresses, shoes and handbags dating from the 1880s to the 1960s. The public can also view historic artifacts in the Volck Museum, located in the carriage house, as well as check out the Borina archive, a collection of historic information and artifacts of the Pajaro Valley at the Alzora Snyder and Jane Borg Research Center. Families, history lovers, fashion buffs and fans of small, unique museums would enjoy a visit to the Bockius-Orr Historic House.
Parking and public transportation at Bockius-Orr Historic House
Free parking is available on the grounds. The Santa Cruz Metro Route 77 Civic Plaza/Pajaro stops at Watsonville High School, about two blocks west of the historic house.
Best and worst time to go to Bockius-Orr Historic House
The landmark is open three days a week open, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., hence there really is no worst time to visit. If you would like a tour, go on Wednesdays when the volunteer docents are there.
Admission to Bockius-Orr Historic House
Admission is free. The Pajaro Valley Historical Association gladly accepts all contributions.
Must see/do at Bockius-Orr Historic House
Be sure to check every room, including the bathroom, that is open for viewing. Each room has different exhibits of vintage apparel on display. Also, walk around the grounds to view the various gardens, hundred-year-old oak trees and other buildings such as the tank house that once stored water for the residents.
Other places to visit near Bockius-Orr Historic House
Crossroads Books is a small, independent bookstore that sells both new and used books, of which some are by local authors. Gizdich Ranch is known for its delicious apple and berry pies. It also sells sandwiches, fruits and gifts, as well as lets visitors to pick their own apples, strawberries and other fruits that are in season. If you feel like taking a walk on the beach, check out nearby Palm Beach State Park.
Insider tip for visitors to Bockius-Orr Historic House
The entryway to the landmark can be easy to miss. It's on the southside of East Beach Street, which is a one-way street that heads east. Look for the Pajaro Valley Historical Association's sign.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes Take 25 to Hollister, a blog about Hollister, San Benito County and nearby areas.