SVM1942 by Weeklys

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

OCTOBER 18, 2019

Rewarding Work Volunteers are the heart of hospice organization P4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS P10 | THEATER P12 | REAL ESTATE P19

EDITOR’S NOTE

Selfless volunteerism Modern Medicine, Compassionate Care

It takes a special kind of person to care for the elderly. That selfless attitude is seen every day from the volunteers at Bonita Springs Hospice Care. Writer Kimberly Ewertz caught up with a few of those volunteers in this week’s cover story (page 4), and came away inspired by the stories she heard.

The Gilroy-based facility offers its services to five counties spanning from Fremont to Monterey County, and has served more than 500 patients since opening in 2014. The staff of 35, which includes 10 volunteers, currently cares for 50 patients. ERIK CHALHOUB

Editor, South Valley

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64 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA Mailing address: P.O. Box 516, Gilroy, CA 95021 Phone: 408-842-6400

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Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Editor

Erik Chalhoub Calendar Editor

You need a physicians order to schedule your screening mammogram. If you don’t have a physician, you can make an appointment at one of our community health centers for your clinical breast exam and mammogram referral for if you pay at the time of your visit. only

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Cover Story

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12 Theater

14 Community

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WHAT EVERY PG&E CUSTOMER NEEDS TO KNOW Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, is a safety program that proactively shuts off electric power lines when there is an elevated fire risk. Do you have an emergency kit with nonperishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, medications, flashlights and batteries?

If you own a generator, is it safe to operate?

If anyone in your family depends on electricity for their medical needs, have you made preparations?

All PG&E customers should be prepared for possible power outages that could last for multiple days. If power is temporarily turned off, customers should consider these questions:

Are your mobile phones fully charged? Do you have a portable back-up charger or a solar charger?

Can we reach you in the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff? Update your contact info at pge.com/mywildfirealerts.

Do you know how to open your garage door manually?

Do you have a personal safety plan for all members of your family, including your pets?

OCTOBER 18, 2019

Make sure we can reach you in the event of a PSPS. Please update your contact information at pge.com/mywildfirealerts.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF?

Photos by Steven Ewertz

OCTOBER 18, 2019

TEAMWORK Josephine Matheny

(left) chats with Bonita Springs Hospice Care Volunteer Coordinator Patricia Amaya during a recent visit to Villa Serena of Morgan Hill. Matheny is one of the many volunteers that make up Bonita Springs.

SERVICE FOR THE SOUL Volunteers provide comfort, compassion at Bonita Springs Hospice Care BY KIMBERLY EWERTZ

the community,” Omer said. The facility offers its services to five counties spanning from Fremont to the Monterey/Salinas area, and has served more than 500 patients since opening in 2014, with the majority of those patients residing in Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister. The staff of 35, which includes 10 volunteers, currently cares for 50 patients, 30 of which receive hospice care and 20 who receive home health care, a secondary division of the facility which opened in 2016. Patricia Amaya, Bonita Springs’ volunteer coordinator, is credited with the success of the volunteer program, as well as being “an amazing asset” to the team, according to Omer. Amaya joined the facility in its beginning stages and considers the work she’s doing “very special.” “Not all our elderly people have someone to take care of them and that is heartbreaking, but it feels great to have the opportunity to be that companionship and be the

eyes of our community and take care of the immediate needs of the clients,” Amaya said. “I can’t tell you how much Patricia has helped me during these years,” Omer said, “There are no words.” In her role, Amaya oversees recruiting and training of volunteers. That begins with an independent study workbook consisting of 16 units that introduces the concept of hospice care and helps instill the key component of the hospice philosophy: providing emotional and spiritual support for the patient, and his or her family. After completion of all units, and the competency quiz which follows each unit, volunteers attend orientation and are introduced to senior volunteers. After several weeks of shadowing a senior volunteer on their visits to private homes or nursing facilities, the volunteer is paired up with their own patient. Thanks to the current staff of volunteers, Amaya said the ➝ 6

OCTOBER 18, 2019

hilanthropy runs high in the Gilroy community and Bonita Springs Hospice Care volunteers are a perfect example of that generosity. Although the way they see it, what they receive in return is much more than what they give. Dr. Syeda Omer, CEO and administrator of Bonita Springs, moved to Gilroy from Bonita Springs, Fla. after her father’s valiant battle of nearly 15 years with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s ended on June 19, 2012. “I just felt like I really needed to do something for him,” Omer said. “I wasn’t able to get him back, obviously, so I thought OK, the best way is to do something for people in the same situation he was in, to help others and get that peace of mind.” Two years later the doctor opened Bonita Springs Hospice Care in Gilroy. “We wanted to make sure that we are there to make a difference in

BONITA SPRINGS HOSPICE CARE

CARING HANDS Bonita Springs Hospice Care volunteer Josephine Matheny

OCTOBER 18, 2019

visits with John Tafuri at Villa Serena of Morgan Hill.

facility is able to meet the needs of all their clients. Brandy Kelly, director of patient care services, believes the level of comfort provided by volunteers is unlike any other. “It means a lot to our patients to have someone just sit beside them, they’re not getting paid to be there, they’re not being asked by the doctor to be there, they’re there because they want to be,” Kelly said. Volunteer Mindy Scherr of San Juan Bautista experienced her father’s passing in 2015, and last year joined the Bonita Springs volunteer program as a way to help people with their end-of-life transition. “It’s just been a service of my soul, or for my soul, or maybe both,” Scherr said, adding she spent 10

months caring for her first patient, who at the age of 104 suffered from severe hearing loss and dementia, but still proved to be a great inspiration to her. “She was so cheerful, she loved doing activities, coloring, tactile things,” Scherr said. “She took pride in what she put her energy into.” Gilroy resident Josephine Matheny (Jo) began volunteering almost four years ago and considers the experience extremely rewarding. “To just give a person some comfort by either holding their hand, or playing music, reading to them, and if they’re able, you can play games and just talk,” Matheny said. Music has proven to be very effective even in the case of an unresponsive patient. “You can physically see ➝ 8

O& A

OUT & ABOUT HALLOWEEN CRAWL The sixth annual Halloween Brew Crawl on Oct. 19 features many craft beers and tasty bites.

GILROY

HOLLISTER

MORGAN HILL

BREW CRAWL

WALK & RUN

DANCE PARTY

MOVIE NIGHT

The sixth annual Halloween Brew Crawl throughout downtown Gilroy will showcase more than 20 craft beers located at pour stations, and food including tacos and German fare. Costumes are encouraged but not required; ages 21 and over only. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2-6pm in Downtown Gilroy. Check-in begins at 1:45pm. Additionally, the first 50 designated drivers that sign up will receive goody bags. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y4wbhe4j.

The 30th annual Red Ribbon 5K Run raises awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol in the community while benefiting prevention efforts in local schools. Registration includes a commemorative shirt and medal. Saturday, Oct. 19, the timed race will begin at 8am and the Family Fun Run begins at 8:30am at the Veterans Memorial Courtyard, 649 San Benito St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y3q9xsfk.

“Heard it Through the Grapevine,” Guglielmo Winery’s rock and soul dance and wine party, will feature live music by The Houserockers. Known for their over the top, high energy set lists, The Houserockers fuse together elements of rock, funk, soul and R&B with occasional forays into rap and country. No outside food or beverage is permitted. Saturday, Oct. 19, 6-10pm at 1480 East Main Ave. For information, visit guglielmowinery.com.

The family is invited to head outdoors for an evening under the stars at the City of Morgan Hill’s Family Movie Night, hosted by Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. This free event features a screening of the classic family film E.T. The Extraterrestrial. Attendees are advised to bring blankets, chairs and even dinner. Saturday, Oct. 19, 7pm at Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheater, 17000 Monterey Road. For information, call 408.782.0008.

OCTOBER 18, 2019

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OCTOBER 18, 2019

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VITAL ROLE Patricia Amaya (right) oversees recruiting and training of volunteers. tension drain from their bodies,” Matheny said. Volunteers, on average, visit their patients once a week but the amount of time per visit varies. Depending on the patient’s needs a visit may last up to three or four hours. Matheny’s reward for her donated time is the smile she receives from her patients when she walks into their room. “I enjoy the one-on-one contact with the patients and I find it satisfying and hopefully I can bring joy in the last moments,” Matheny said. Her philosophy is one shared by many of the volunteers regarding the eventual loss of a patient. “You’re always sorry to see them go, but you see them die in peace and that’s all I think you can ask for in life is to die in peace,” Matheny said. A Gilroy resident, mother of two and Bonita Springs’ bereavement counselor, Dyanne Hofstad began as a volunteer intern in 2017. Hofstad’s work as a grief counselor has

greatly impacted her philosophy on life. “You need to love a lot and make wonderful memories with those around you and really be happy,” Hofstad said. “I meet the most incredibly wonderful people, and I am so sorry that that generation is dying off because the stories they have to tell, the things they’ve seen and the differences and the changes.” Katherine Ly, volunteer for the past two years and Gilroy resident, agrees and considers many of her patients “walking history books.” “Just hearing everyone’s stories and their life, even if I only know them for a month I’ve learned so much about them and so much history,” Ly said with a smile, adding, “I’ve learned a lot about Gilroy.” For information about the Bonita Springs Hospice Care Volunteer Program, visit bonitaspringshospicecare.com/ hospice-care-volunteers or call 408-848-1114.

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O& A CALENDAR

OCTOBER 18, 2019

HALLOWEEN GEOCACHE

Open Space Authority will present a family-friendly nature education night— with a Halloween twist. Attendees will embark on an adventure along the valley floor and visit educational stops to gather clues to solve riddles, find geocaches and search for hidden Halloween treasures. Halloween costumes are encouraged at this free, real world, outdoor treasure hunt. Bring flashlights and water to drink. Saturday, Oct. 26, 5:30-7:30pm at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, 550 Palm Ave., Morgan Hill. To register, visit openspaceauthority.org.

GILROY COMMUNITY BBQ The fourth annual Community BBQ at the St. Louise Regional Hospital campus

aims to show appreciation for first responders while allowing attendees to discover some of the services that are available in the community. An afternoon of

food, music and family activities await, as well as an opportunity to meet and personally thank the many first responders dedicated to serving the community. Saturday, Oct. 19, 11:30am-1:30pm at St. Louise Regional Hospital, 9400 No Name Uno, Gilroy. Recognition program begins at 12:30pm; this is an admissionfree event. For information, visit tinyurl.com/yyy3m8v3. KIDS CONCERT Babies and their grownups are invited to talk, sing and play together at a musical concert for kids with award-winning children’s singer/ songwriter MaryLee Sunseri at Gilroy Library. Guests will

enjoy Sunseri’s melodic guitar and fun children’s songs, along with musical activities that build important literacy skills for the littlest of learners. Saturday, Oct. 19, 1:30-2:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit sccl.org.

MORGAN HILL ARTISTIC AFTERNOON The public is invited to enjoy art, meditation, music, food, poetry and unique horse experiences at Take a Chance Ranch’s Open Heart event. Artist Mike Connor will present his most recent collection, “Mindless Brush,” and Ven. Ekkasak, a Dhammakaya

File Art

GHOST WALK

SPIRITS NIGHT

monk from Thailand will lead a special meditation session and discussion. Also enjoy live original music by singer/songwriter duo, Hither and horse experiences throughout the day including a demo. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2pm at Take A Chance Ranch, 975 Llagas Road. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y3nbtsqd.

early for best seating. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7pm at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. For information, visit sccl.org.

The 11th annual San Juan Bautista Ghost Walk features local ghost sightings and paranormal activities. Reservation fees include gift bags and beverages, and proceeds support Rotary San Juan Bautista’s community and internal projects. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26 in Downtown San Juan Bautista, meet at the corner of Third and Mariposa streets. Tours will be offered at five nightly departure times beginning at 6:30pm. For reservations, visit rotarysanjuanbautista.com.

DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR The Santa Clara County Library District presents a three-part Distinguished Author Series featuring acclaimed writers. Sonia Nazario kicks off the series with her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Enrique’s Journey, a story of a Honduran boy struggling to find his mother in the United States. This opportunity to hear from leading authors about their craft is open to the public, and copies of the books may be available for purchase. Seating is limited; arrive

BIRD WALK Open Space Authority presents the Dawn Bird Walk at Coyote Valley, where the landscape will come alive with birdsong as the sun comes up. Attendees will discover many bird species including yellowbilled magpies, Say’s phoebes and American kestrels while strolling the flat Heart’s Delight Trail and a short way up the Arrowhead Trail to experience the view. Bring along water, binoculars and a flashlight or headlamp, and dress in layers. Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:158am at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, 550 Palm Ave. Gates will

open at 6am. For information and to register for this free event, visit openspaceauthority.org.

SAN JOSE DIWALI CELEBRATION Diwali: Festival of Lights will celebrate South Asian culture. Families will learn about Indian culture through folktales, creating rangoli designs, sampling traditional sweets, making henna tattoos and molding Diya lamps. The festival also includes classical and contemporary dance. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, noon4pm daily at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. For information, visit cdm.org. ➝ 13

OCTOBER 18, 2019

CONTAINER GARDENING UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County present the Growing Native Plants in Containers event. There are numerous advantages to growing native plants in the garden, including offering food and shelter to wildlife and aiding to maintain delicate ecosystems. Participants will learn which California Native plant varieties

grow well in containers, produce interesting foliage and flowers or fruit. There is no cost to attend. Monday, Oct. 21, 7-8:30pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.

The Gilroy Party in the Park Series presents Spirits Night, a free community event hosted by South County Youth Task Force and City of Gilroy Recreation. The event includes games, arts and crafts, face painting, a children’s costume contest, raffles and more. Friday, Oct. 25, Halloween celebration 5-7pm and Spirits Night celebration 7-8pm at San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Ave., Gilroy. For information, call Sandra Cruz at 408.500.5034 or Ariana Orozco at 699.287.2739.

THEATER REVIEW

Energetic charm

SV Civic Theatre’s ‘Cinderella’ a memorable opening to 51st season BY SUSAN L. RIFE

Photo by Elizabeth Mandel

SHOWSTOPPERS South Valley Civic Theatre’s production of ‘Rodgers and

OCTOBER 18, 2019

Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ runs through Oct. 26.

here’s something about the sheer joy and enthusiasm radiating from a cast of theater kids singing and dancing their little hearts out in a musical that can charm the most seasoned theatergoer. And the young people who opened South Valley Civic Theatre’s 51st season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Oct. 5 do a terrific job with a version adapted for pre-high school

students. It’s short and energetic, just right for budding princes and princesses (many of whom dressed for the occasion at Sunday’s matinee) who might find their wiggles impossible to contain for a longer show. The Rodgers and Hammerstein score and lyrics are catchy and memorable. Making his directorial debut at SVCT, Daniel McDonald, assisted by his mother Susan McDonald as vocal director, has at his disposal a cadre of young voices who surprise

and delight at nearly every turn. His Cinderella, Riley Brown, has a big voice and a natural ease on the stage that wasn’t shaken even by a wardrobe malfunction that might have rattled a less poised performer. She moves easily from the mistreated yet plucky servant to her stepmother and snobbish stepsisters (“In My Own Little Corner”) to the dazzled yet still quick-thinking belle of the ball as the kingdom’s prince falls for her at first sight (“Ten Minutes Ago”). London

McWilliams’ Prince Charming has a startlingly warm and appealing voice displayed to best advantage in his duet with his future princess, although he could slow down his dialogue delivery a tad. Stealing the show at nearly every opportunity are Angelina Villafranca and Paige DeRosa as Cinderella’s silly stepsisters Portia and Joy. Outrageously dressed in confectionary-colored, beribboned and beruffled gowns that belie their uncouth natures (nose-picking and butt-scratching indeed), the pair bicker between themselves until they turn their joint sneers toward Cinderella. “Stepsisters’ Lament” and “A Lovely Night” let these two youngsters (13 and 12 years old, respectively) really let loose. As the Fairy Godmother, Jillian Puente harmonizes beautifully with Brown on “Impossible,” perhaps the show’s most memorable tune. Elyas Payan as King Maximillian and Ruby Salvatti as Queen Constantina make a charmingly mismatched pair of royals, concerned that their son (who amusingly towers over both of them) is so reluctant to take a bride. Costume credits go to Kimberly Lynch and Adrianne Wilkinson, who have pulled out all the stops for this show, including the inventive transformation of mice to the horses pulling Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage. The program notes that Lynch donated costumes for Cinderella, the Prince, and all tiaras and crowns in memory of her mother, Bobbie. “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” continues through Oct. 26 at South Valley Civic Theatre in the Morgan Hill Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. For information, call (408) 842-SHOW or visit www.svct.org.

O& A CALENDAR

11 swine and seasonal sides. The event will feature live music by Chi McClean, and no-host wine will be available by the glass or bottle. A children’s menu will be offered including hot dogs, chips, fruit and juice. Saturday, Oct. 19, 4-7pm at Dorcich Family Vineyards, 11775 Watsonville Road, Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit dorcichfamilyvineyards.com.

SHIBORI WORKSHOP

The public is invited to learn the ancient technique of Shibori Indigo Dyeing to create a set of four dinner napkins to take home. Students will learn the basics of mixing indigo dye and the Japanese art of folding and binding fabric to create patterns. The workshop includes a complimentary beverage while crafting. Guests may also bring a small piece to dye at the end of the workshop, Saturday, Oct. 26, 1-3pm at Annieglass, 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/yy2voc3s.

EVENTS

PIG ROAST Dorcich Family Vineyards will host its second annual Pig Roast, featuring local

YOUTH PERFORMANCE South Valley Civic Theatre’s youth will perform in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s adaptation of the classic fairytale Cinderella. This production brings new life to the story of a young woman forced into servitude who dreams of, and achieves, a better life, and features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs. The production runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 26 at Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Road. For information, visit svct.org. HARVEST FESTIVAL All families are welcome to join Trinity Christian Center as it presents its annual Harvest Festival. Guests will enjoy games, prizes, music, dancing, a cake walk and lots of candy. Be sure to arrive in costumes for the costume contest! This is an admission-free event. Saturday, Oct. 26, 6pm at Morgan Hill Cultural and Community Center, 17000 Monterey Road. Visit tinyurl.com/y479pldm.

PUMPKIN JUNCTION The family-friendly Pumpkin Junction celebrates the harvest season and explores all that Casa de Fruta has to offer. Guests are invited to find a pumpkin, mine for gemstones at Casa de Miner’s Sluice, ride Casa de Choo Choo and take a spin on Casa de Carousel. The Junction will be held through Oct. 31, 8am-8pm at Casa de Fruta Orchard Resort, 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway. For information, visit casadefruta.com. LIGHTS AND FRIGHTS Swank Farms presents its Trail of Lights and Frights, offering a full Fall Festival experience with a night under the stars. All ages are invited to wander through a starry path filled with Halloween favorites. This family-friendly experience is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Halloween, from dusk-10pm at Swank Farms, The Experience, 4751 Pacheco Pass Highway. For information and tickets, visit swankfarms.com/trail-of-lightsand-frights. OFRENDA EXHIBITS The Gilroy Center for the Arts will remember family members and friends who have passed on at the eighth annual Dia de los Muertos Community Ofrendas & Art Exhibit. The exhibit, at 7341 Monterey St., Gilroy, runs Oct. 15-Nov. 2 with a free event on Oct. 26 from noon-4pm. For information about the event or setting up an Ofrenda, visit gilroycenterforthearts.com.

OCTOBER 18, 2019

SPOOKY FUN Gilroy Gardens’ spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween event is back with even more Boo. Little ones can trick or treat, sing and dance along to a live musical show or take a ride on the Boo Train or other “spookified” rides. A Marketplace filled with Halloween treats, wine, craft beers and more fills out the event. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18, 19 and 20, 5-10pm nightly at Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway. For information, visit gilroygardens.org.

GALLERY OPENING Gallery 1202 will celebrate its grand opening in its new space on Monterey Street, along with a celebration of the closing of its current show “Space in Between,” a photography exhibit by Edward Alfano. Guests will enjoy free wine and beer tastings, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Saturday, Oct. 19, 4-6pm at 7363 Monterey Road, Gilroy. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y6oj33om.

ACOUSTIC NIGHT 95.3 KRTY and DGDG.com will present an acoustic night with singer/ songwriter Eric Paslay and special guest Ingrid Andress. Seating is limited, and attendees are welcome to bring low-backed lawn chairs and blankets. VIP packages are available that include meet and greets with the performers and more. Outside food is welcome and food will be available on site, but no outside beverages other than sealed water bottles. Friday, Oct. 25, 5-10pm at Clos LaChance Winery, 1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin. For tickets, visit tinyurl. com/y4lbmlmx.

MONSTER BALL Head to the Granada Theatre for its Halloween Monster Ball Dance Party, and enjoy an evening of dancing the night away with DJ Dare Run G In The Mix. Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, mini desserts and a no-host full bar. Attendees are advised to wear a Halloween costume for a chance to take home the grand prize. Age 21 and over only; VIP tickets also available. Saturday, Oct. 26, 8pm-1am at the Granada Theater, 17440 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. For information, visit liveloveleal.com.

COMMUNITY

Stacked competition

Submitted photo

STEADY HANDS Julie and Mike Conrad work in their home kitchen for their business, A Slice of Heaven Cakes.

Aromas cake decorators battle it out on Food Network show

OCTOBER 18, 2019

By ERIK CHALHOUB

wo former longtime Morgan Hill residents are battling others on Food Network Canada to see who can bake the spookiest cake. Julie and Mike Conrad, who now live in Aromas, are on the show The Big Bake: Halloween, which is now airing in Canada. The show is expected to be available online later for viewers in the United States. This is not Julie’s first time on the big stage. She was a member of the winning team on Holiday Gingerbread Showdown, which aired on the Food Network in December. Now, the husband and wife duo have joined with friend Mandy Popejoy to form Team Sweet Chaos, which is battling against other hopeful cake artists for $10,000 on The Big Bake: Halloween. The show was filmed in Toronto, Canada in June. Since it is currently

airing on Food Network Canada, Julie can’t reveal who won the competition. The Conrads run A Slice of Heaven Cakes, creating and delivering custom cakes for weddings, birthdays and other special events in the region. Julie said that although she is now a veteran of TV cooking competitions, being in front of a camera on a major network still gives her the jitters. “Sure, I’m nervous,” she said. “I was doing it for the experience, and it was a lot of fun.” She grew up in Morgan Hill and graduated from Live Oak High School. Julie and Mike met and married in the city as well, and both served as paid call firefighters. Mike Conrad retired in December 2016 as a division chief with the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District. Julie, who has always had a love

for cooking and baking, taught her children how to bake when they were members of 4-H. After the children went off to college, Julie’s friends began asking her to bake them cakes for special events. Sensing an opportunity, Julie decided to start a custom cake business, and about 12 years ago, A Slice of Heaven Cakes came out of the oven. Julie said her quest to become the best cake baker and artist she can be has led her across the country, taking classes and meeting other like-minded bakers from around the world. She has also assisted with the construction of an 8-foot-tall cake at the International Cake Exploration Societé’s convention in Mobile, Ala. Like many people, Mike Conrad said he loves eating baked goods. But to actually bake the goods himself was once a daunting prospect. Noting that he had “zero artistic talent,” Mike now helps Julie with the larger aspects of cake-making, such as its structure and special effects, and also delivers cakes to customers. “Once I got started, I realized, ‘Wow, this is kind of fun,’” he said. “I love it. It’s something I never dreamed I would be into.” He credited his wife for teaching him the craft, and added that he is more than happy to help her out. “When you have a wife who’s been really supportive during your 38-year career in the fire service, it’s payback time,” he said. Still, for someone who has spent his career in life-or-death situations, the cake business comes with its fair share of pressure, Mike said, citing a time when he had to carry a wedding cake precariously across a bocce ball court. “I find that delivering a wedding cake is more stressful than crawling through a burning building,” he said. For information, visit asliceofheavencakes.com or foodnetwork.ca/ shows/the-big-bake.

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MOUNTAIN WINES Stefania’s 2009 cabernet is still available.

Stefania marks five years Romeros moved to Day Road from San Jose By LAURA NESS

former San Jose home, before moving to Santa Clara wine country. About 12 years ago, they had the experience of tending a storied vineyard in the Woodside hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, called Chaine d’Or. Here, they grew and harvested chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. A bit of their 2009 cabernet still remains, which includes grapes harvested from both Harvest Moon (on Nov. 4) and Chaine d’Or (on Oct. 25). With extended hang time at both vineyards, the wine has plenty of stuffing to guarantee prolonged staying power. At 10 years old, it’s showing its age beautifully, with dusty aromas of tobacco leaf, roasted peppers and chocolate. It’s plenty chewy, with dark plum and a finish of spiked coffee.

COOPER. GARROD Estate Vineyards 22645 Garrod Road, Saratoga 408.867.7116

Open Daily www.cgv.com

OCTOBER 18, 2019

tefania Romero and her husband, Paul, have been at their Day Road location for five years now. Their tasting room is pure Americana barn, furnished with reclaimed local barnwood and anything else that Paul could find by reaching out on Nextdoor. There’s a beautiful old stove, laden with local crafts. This time of year, you’ll find lavender from San Martin and all manner of pumpkins. Above the back window to the west, a cork garland provides a delightful frame as you sip on locally grown chardonnay, from Dorcich vineyard. Twinkly lights set the mood for a relaxed, unhurried tasting experience. The Romeros began with a small planting of vines at their

Taste Wine Where The Grapes Are Grown!

16 OCTOBER 18, 2019

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(or a relative or friend)

TO BE FEATURED IN OUR VETERANS DAY EDITION! The section is devoted to all U.S. or allied military veterans who are currently South Valley residents or have a connection to this area. Please provide service photos and information (see below) and submit to us for publication in November 8, 2019. This is a great way to honor the veterans in your family or to let us know of your service to our country. If you have access to email, please send information to our editor: echalhoub@newsvmedia.com. Attach photos (jpgs preferred). No email? Complete the form below and mail: New SV Media, 64 W. Sixth St., Gilroy, CA 95020; or drop off materials at the same address. Please label all materials with your name and phone number and submit by Nov. 1, 2019. Name: Phone number: Branch of service: Rank achieved (optional): Dates served: Where did you serve? Special information (e.g. POW)

OCTOBER 18, 2019

his Spanish Colonial-style home was recently put on the market in the Eagle Ridge golf course community. Located at 2781 Club Drive in Gilroy, the 3,350-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and four baths. The two-story Shapell Carnoustie floor plan features the master suite downstairs with a walk-in closet and a door to a garden. The kitchen has an oversized

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