South Valley Magazine November 8-14

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

DESIRE TO SERVE

New American Legion commander reflects on time in the military P4

LOCAL VETERANS P9 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS P10 | REAL ESTATE P19

2 NOVEMBER 8, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE

Saluting local vets Joe Loquiao is the new commander of the American Legion Post 217 in Gilroy, and he has plans to increase the members’ involvement.

Writer Wallace Baine spoke with Loquiao as well as fellow veteran Ray Sanchez for this week’s cover story (page 4) in recognition of Veterans Day. The Veterans Memorial

November 19, 9:30 am

Building will host a special barbecue for veterans on Nov. 10, followed by a ceremony the next day.

Turn to page 9 to check out the start of a new Veterans Day tradition for South Valley, where we salute local vets.

ERIK CHALHOUB

Editor, South Valley

MAGAZINE

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

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Campus Tour

• CAIS & WASC accredited • Nonsectarian • Independent, nonprofit school • Bus transportation

408-847-2717 | MountMadonnaSchool.org

Publisher

Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Editor

Erik Chalhoub Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

Jenny Arbizu, Wallace Baine, Ron Erskine, Kimberly Ewertz, Cheryl Huguenor, Laura Ness, Susan Rife, Kate Russell Advertising Account Executives

Carrie Bonato, Scott Harvey, Eileen Katis, Cynthia Runyon

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Design Director

Kara Brown Production Operations Manager

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

Cover Story

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Crush

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Local Veteran

Katherine Manlapaz Cover photograph by:

Marisa Duran Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

10 Calendar 12 Art 14 Seniors 17 Home of the Week

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

advertising@newsvmedia.com Phone:

408.842.9404

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

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NOVEMBER 8, 2019

LOCAL VETERANSÂ

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Joe Loquiao (center, bottom left photo) is the new commander of American Legion Post 217 in Gilroy.

He is shown standing with Henry Mulder (left) and Ray Sanchez.

Brothers in arms Newly-elected American Legion commander aims to increase post participation

BY WALLACE BAINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARISA DURAN

J

oe Loquiao carries photos of his military family in his phone. But he doesn’t have to. They’re literally part of his body.

Tattooed on his left arm are two images of soldiers, one of whom is Loquaio’s brother Robert who served two terms of duty in the Army in Vietnam.

The other is his dad, Donato, who served in the first Filipino-American infantry division that was part of the successful Allied effort to liberate the Philippines from Japan in World War II. Loquiao himself is also a vet—he served in Vietnam in 1970-71—and he’s the newly elected commander of American Legion Post 217 in Gilroy. Loquaio’s term as commander marks a new chapter at the Gilroy post, which serves veterans from Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill, and boasts a membership of more than 300 people.

Elected over the summer and taking up his new position in September, Loquiao is launching a new effort to get more members involved in the Post’s monthly meetings.

He feels a little of the human touch is the best strategy.

“Every person who comes through that door to a

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

meeting,” said Loquiao at the Veterans Memorial Building at Sixth and Eigleberry streets in Gilroy, “I make sure I go talk to them, let them know I’m here. It seems to go a long way.”

Loquiao served as the Post’s first vice commander under former commander Robert Armendariz. He’s also served on the Post’s honor guard, which attends veteran funerals in the South Valley/San Benito area.

On Nov. 10—the day before Veterans Day—the Veterans Memorial Building, the home of Post 217, will be the site of a Veterans’ Appreciation Barbecue, presented by the El Camino Club, a service organization made up of members of the California Highway Patrol.

The following day, Veterans Day, Post 217 will host a ceremony out front of the Memorial Building at Sixth and Eigleberry, presenting the colors and playing taps with guest of honor Gilroy Mayor Roland Velasco. The 11 a.m. ceremony will be followed by a light lunch.

The twin events will mark the first Veterans Day at Post 217 under Loquiao’s leadership. He’s counting on seeing a difference in attendance to the Post’s ➝6

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BROTHERS IN ARMS

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Monday, th November 11 1:30 pm Downtown Hollister This year we are pleased to honor

San Benito County WWII Veterans as our Grand Marshals

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

Additional Veterans Day activities at the Veterans Memorial Building:

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10:00 am Veterans Benefit Fair 10:30 am Banner Presentations 11:00 am Memorial Ceremony 12:00 noon BBQ Lunch

MILITARY MAN Ray Sanchez served at Fort Richardson in Alaska during the Cold War. first-Thursday-of-the-month meetings.

“Since I’ve taken office, more people are starting to come to meetings,” he said. “People are coming up to me and saying, ‘I’m going to be at every meeting from now on.’”

Loquiao, 68, is a native of San Jose and though his father and brother both joined the Army, the military journey for Joe was not a smooth one. He enlisted in the late stages of the Vietnam War before he would inevitably be drafted. But, despite his father’s and brother’s service in the military—or, maybe because of it—Loquiao’s family was against his decision to enlist. His older brother had already done two tours of duty in Vietnam and had returned home with PTSD and persistent health problems, all before young Joe had set off for Fort Ord and basic training.

“He begged me not to go,” Loquiao said. “I even remember him coming down to basic training to try to talk me out of it. He kept telling me, ‘It’s not what you think.

You’re going to hate it.’”

His parents were proud of

Loquiao’s patriotism and desire to serve. But they were apprehensive, too.

“When my brother was in Vietnam,” he said, “my parents were always afraid to watch the news.

They saw the war on TV every day.

When I told them that I was going to Vietnam, it did not make them very happy.”

Enlisting allowed him the privilege to pick his job—or so he thought.

“I was going to be a stock clerk,” he said. “But I never worked a day as a warehouse man. My first two weeks (in Vietnam) were spent in the field. Then they put me in with the 101st Airborne. They gave me an M-16. I did guard duty, went out on patrols, drove trucks, rode in helicopters, everything.”

He survived his tour of duty, but when he came back home, he faced a different kind of conflict.

“I remember the day I came back,” he said. “They gave us the option to take off our uniform if we wanted to. I chose to keep mine on.

And I’ll never forget, I took a taxi ride from Oakland to San ➝ 8

O& A

OUT & ABOUT

MORGAN HILL

WILDLIFE FESTIVAL Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center’s 24th annual Wildlife Fest is its largest fundraiser of the year. This family-friendly event offers a barbecue with all the trimmings, unique items in both live and silent auctions, and craft projects for the youngsters. Saturday, Nov. 9, noon-3pm at the Morgan Hill Buddhist Building, 16450 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill. Photo opportunities with animal Education Ambassadors will be held noon-1pm. For information and tickets, visit werc-ca.org.

GILROY

COMEDY THEATER Pintello Comedy Theater will present The Foreigner by Larry Shue. Hilarious hospitality ensues in this classic stranger comedy when the guests of the Meek’s fishing lodge assume the new guest doesn’t understand them and he overhears everything from the hilarious to the nefarious. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9, 8pm and Sunday, Nov. 10, 2pm at Pintello Comedy Theater, 8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit pintellocomedy.com.

GILROY

BULBS FOR SPRING The UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County’s Bulbs for Spring event will teach gardeners how to add color and make yards pop with the addition of bulbs. Learn how and where to plant bulbs, and discover California native bulbs that will return each year with no summer water. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required. Saturday, Nov. 9, 10-11:30am at St. Louise Hospital Teaching & Demo Garden, 9400 No Name Uno. For information, visit mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.

WILDLIFE FEST Celebrate local

WATSONVILLE

FALL VINTAGE FAIR Enthusiasts of vintage and antique clothing, home decor and more are invited to the Goat Hill Fall Vintage Fair. More than 100 vendors will be spread across three large buildings, representing vintage treasures, antiques, up-cycled items, artisan food and more. Saturday, Nov. 9, 10am-4pm and Sunday, Nov. 10, 10am-3pm at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave. For tickets and information, visit goathillfair.com.

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

wildlife with WERC Nov. 9 at its family-friendly annual Wildlife Fest fundraiser.

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Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary

MAN OF HONOR

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New Date!

More Vendors!

New Food!

Saturday, December 14 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Raffle Drawings New Craft Vendors Thrift Shop Christmas Greenery & much more!

Veteran’s Memorial Building Lunch available 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

File photo

New menu with Hot Dogs, Chips, Soda’s, Cookies and more!

FINAL SALUTE Adam Mendolla (left) is a member of the

VFW 9242 Honor Guard.

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getting a job,” Mimi said. “The minute he would tell them he was a Vietnam veteran, he was denied the position.”

But after “odd jobs as a mechanic” in San Francisco, he was offered a position at Pacific Gas & Electric in Salinas in 1975. He and Mimi moved back to Hollister and raised two children, Adam and Jenny, while he worked for PG&E. He retired in 2006.

It wasn’t until four years ago when Ramirez—who was the Hollister VFW Commander at the time—approached Mendolla about joining the VFW. Mendolla first resisted.

“I didn’t feel that I would fit into such an outstanding organization,” he said.

After some convincing, he joined the VFW and found that while participating in it could be emotional and difficult, it was also fulfilling.

“Most rewarding for me is being part of the Honor Guard,” he said.

“It provides funeral honors for fallen comrades and their families with a final salute, the firing of a volley of three shots, playing Taps, and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag to the family. We have a great group of men and women on the guard: Commander George

Nava, Bernie Ramirez, Joe Ortiz, Chuck and Maria Spandri, Mel Angel, Bryan Morris and myself.”

He has found a network of friends in his fellow VFW members, who he fondly refers to as brothers and sisters, and has become especially close to Ramirez and Ortiz, who are “just like brothers,” he said. “They are there for me, and I’m there for them whenever they are not feeling good. So we have each other’s backs.”

Mendolla has found fulfillment in honoring fellow veterans and welcoming soldiers home to a kind welcome he didn’t have—perhaps explaining why he’s now come to terms with this honor.

“I will be accepting this honor for all the men and women who served this country,” he said. “That is what Veterans Day is all about—honoring these brave men and women.

And we must always remember to tell them ‘Welcome home!’”

The SBC LULAC Council’s Veterans Breakfast will be Nov. 11 at the Hollister Community Center at 300 West St. from 7 a.m. to noon.

Cost for non-veterans is $8; veterans are free of cost. The Veteran Recognition Program will take place at 8 a.m. For information, call 831.673.1977 or 831.596.2914.

VETERANS DAY

Salute to local veterans NAME: Andrew Ray Benson

NAME: Jose Manuel Bernal

BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army National Guard

BRANCH OF SERVICE: Marine Corps (USMC)

RANK ACHIEVED: Specialist

RANK ACHIEVED: Gunnery Sergeant

DATES SERVED: 2006-2012

DATES SERVED: August 1996-August 2016

WHERE DID YOU SERVE? Iraq in 2008

WHERE DID YOU SERVE? All over

NAME: Joseph Casarez

NAME: Keith D. Sinon

BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army

BRANCH OF SERVICE: U.S. Army

RANK ACHIEVED: Specialist E-4

RANK ACHIEVED: 11-B, Infantry

DATES SERVED: 1988-1991

DATES SERVED: 1987-1991, 1995-1999

WHERE DID YOU SERVE? 144th Ord Co., Wildflecken, Germany

WHERE DID YOU SERVE? Ft. Ord, California; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; Ft. Wainwright, Alaska

SPECIAL INFORMATION: Desert Storm Veteran

NAME: Nick Hantzis III BRANCH OF SERVICE: U.S.N.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: This photo was taken when he received his Combat Infantryman Badge for service in Operation Just Cause (Panama invasion).

NAME: Jon Perales

RANK ACHIEVED: RD 2

NAME: Norma Trebino Martinetti

DATES SERVED: 1965-1969

BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army

BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army Air Defense

WHERE DID YOU SERVE? U.S.S. Hornet CVS-12

RANK ACHIEVED: Lieutenant

RANK ACHIEVED: E-4 SP.4

SPECIAL INFORMATION: Operational Intelligence Div.

NAME: Johnny J Alias

WHERE DID YOU SERVE? U.S. Army Amputation Center, Brigham City, Utah SPECIAL INFORMATION: Charge nurse, surgical anesthesia departments

DATES SERVED: June 14, 1967-Feb. 1, 1970 WHERE DID YOU SERVE? Korea, Vietnam, Okinawa SPECIAL INFORMATION: 25 months overseas

RANK ACHIEVED: E4 DATES SERVED: March 15, 1967-Oct. 17, 1968 WHERE DID YOU SERVE? Vietnam - Pleiku SPECIAL INFORMATION: Medic with 1st Med Ambulance Co.

Thank you to all who served our country

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army

DATES SERVED: 1945-1947

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O& A CALENDAR

Photos by Rebecca

PETER PAN JR.

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

Little Theatre Production’s presentation of Peter Pan Jr. is based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale. In the production, Peter and the mischievous Tinkerbell visit the nursery of the Darling children and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars. Peter Pan Jr. runs through Nov. 17 with performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 1pm at Gilroy High School Theater, 750 W. 10th St., Gilroy. Tickets are $12 and reservations are encouraged. For information, visit facebook.com/ LittleTheatreProductions..

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GILROY VINEYARD DINNER Calerrain Wines will host Dinner in the Vineyard, a private, seasonal

four-course dinner paired with Calerrain wine favorites. Friday, Nov. 8, 5:30-8:30pm at Calerrain Wines, 10220 Jean Ellen Court, Gilroy. For tickets, visit calerrainwine.com.

BOOK SALE The Gilroy Library invites the community to the Friends of the Gilroy Library book sale. All ages are welcome to browse the variety of reads.

Proceeds from purchases go toward supporting the collection and programs at the Gilroy Library. The sale is Nov. 9, 10am-1pm at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit sccl.org or call 408.842.8207.

BILINGUAL PLAY Community Solutions is presenting the bilingual play Historias de Mi Madre XII: Inicios (Beginnings.)

The play explores the genesis of critical services for survivors of abuse in South County including

La Isla Pacifica’s inception in 1978, sexual assault program launches in 1981 and service expansions including support to survivors of human trafficking in 2003. Due to mature content, the play may not be appropriate for children. A $10 donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Saturday, Nov. 9, 6:30pm at Gavilan College Theatre, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy. For information, call 408.644.9774.

SAN MARTIN DECOUPAGE CRAFT The public is invited to spend an afternoon creating a decoupage wine bottle at Miramar Vineyards.

Joyce Oroz

ART FESTIVAL

The Aromas Hills Artisans’ annual Art Festival features Christmas spirit, homemade wares, food and music. Attendees can participate in free classes and shop for works by an array of artists showcasing carvings, jewelry, paintings, pottery, succulents, fiber arts and more. The festival also includes homemade soup, chili and baked goods. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17, 10am-4pm each day at Aromas Community Grange, 400 Rose Ave., Aromas. A raffle drawing for a piece of artwork is Sunday, Nov. 17, 2pm. For information, visit aromashillsartisans.com.

Many designs will be available, and finished bottles are suitable for oil, vinegar, liquid soap and more. All supplies, instruction and a glass of wine are included in the class fee.

Space is limited. Saturday, Nov. 9, 1-4pm at Miramar Vineyards, 12255 New Ave. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y3sy9yya.

RANCHO ROVING Get to know the “canyon of gold” on a hike through Rancho Canada Del Oro. The moderate 5.5-mile hike features views of the Santa Clara Valley and Diablo Range as well as oak woodland, creekside habitats and more. Attendees are advised

PICTURES WITH SANTA Families are invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Morgan Hill Library to take their own photos with the famous couple. One pose per family; bring a camera to take the picture. Sign up for one time slot per family online or drop in to see if space is available. Tuesday,

Explore the Coyote Valley region by bicycle on a flat 21-mile loop beginning at the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Participants will bike across the valley floor, travel along the Coyote Creek Trail, make a stop at Spina Farm Stand and more while learning about the history, wildlife, water and agricultural story of the area. Saturday, Nov. 9, 9am-12:30pm at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, 550 Palm Ave., Morgan Hill. For information and to register for this free event, visit tinyurl.com/yxdanq3q.

Nov. 12, 7-7:30pm at Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. To sign up, visit sccl.org.

WATSONVILLE HARVEST ON THE FARM The Agricultural History Project’s November Second Saturday on the Farm celebrates Harvest on the Farm. This free family event features apple tasting, fall crafts and corn stalk grinding. Attendees of all ages will experience the old days of life on the farm with activities including tractor driving, wooden cow milking, wagon rides, a puppet show and more.

This month attendees are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy

for donation. Saturday, Nov. 9, 11am-3pm at Agricultural History Project, 2601 East Lake Ave. For information, visit aghistoryproject. org or call 831.724.5898.

DIMINUTIVE SHOREBIRDS A discussion on “The Secret Life of Snowies: Ecology and Conservation of Snowy Plovers” offers the opportunity to look inside the life of the diminutive Snowy Plover, a federally protected shore bird that nests on sandy beaches from Washington to Baja.

Learn about the species’ ecology, recent research findings and conservation threats. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30-8:30pm at Patrick J. Fitz Wetlands Education Resource Center, Pajaro ➝ 13

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

MORGAN HILL

to bring water and snacks and dress in layers, with good hiking shoes. Rain will cancel. Sunday, Nov. 10, 9:30am-12:30pm at Rancho Canada Del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Road, Morgan Hill. This event is free with donation opportunities, but an RSVP is required. For information and to RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/y4yhoa94.

BIKING COYOTE VALLEY

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ART

Accessible artwork Gilroy gallery opens in historic downtown hotel

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

Erik Chalhoub

WELCOMING SPACE Emily McEwan-Upright is the founder of Gallery 1202, which recently moved into The Neon Exchange in downtown Gilroy.

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

E

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mily McEwan-Upright envisioned a space where creative mothers and mid-career artists can display their work without the pressures and demands of a traditional fine art gallery.

The result is Gallery 1202, which recently moved from the Pixley House on Fifth Street in downtown Gilroy to The Neon Exchange at 7363 Monterey St. and celebrated its grand opening in October.

The gallery, named after McEwan-Upright’s first child’s birthdate

of Dec. 2, was founded in 2017 to complement McEwan-Upright’s tax accounting office that she purchased from her mother.

McEwan-Upright, who had recently completed an artist residency in Texas, used the gallery to display her own work for the first year. In April, Gallery 1202 began showcasing other artists on a rotating basis.

But the plan was always to open a larger, female-focused gallery.

Around the time McEwan-Upright was looking for a new space, she got to talking with Neon

Exchange owner Toni Bowles, who is a client of McEwan-Upright’s tax service. Neon Exchange, a female-focused co-working space that recently opened in the historic Louis Hotel downtown, provides various workstations and desks that are available on a membership basis.

McEwan-Upright said she was eyed a 1,200-square-foot space on the first floor of the hotel that was originally planned as more co-working space for Neon Exchange. When McEwan-Upright approached Bowles with her idea of

moving the gallery there, she said Bowles agreed that it was a perfect fit for the space.

“Toni and her family have been incredibly supportive in this,” she said. “She really believes in what she’s doing, and it’s definitely transferred over to my gallery. This whole thing wouldn’t have happened without their support.

“My family has been amazing. I have a great support network.”

McEwan-Upright said Gallery 1202 strives to support women artists in various stages of their careers, with a focus on those who find it difficult to balance their family duties with their artistic endeavors.

“I base everything on work that I believe in,” she said. “If I believe in someone’s work, and I believe that they have the passion to keep producing art, then that’s who I want.

I want them to believe in what I’m doing as well.”

The gallery’s next show, “Show Me Your Neon,” opens Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 31. As a celebration of Gallery 1202’s new location in Neon Exchange, the group exhibit will showcase images of women from all walks of life.

The gallery, with exhibits rotating every six weeks, will also be a space for special events. On Nov. 23 at 7 p.m., Gallery 1202 will host a host a performance by Flamenco dancer Savannah Fuentes, who will be accompanied by a music duo from Spain, Diego Amador Jr. and Pedro Cortes.

“I want to be a community platform where people feel welcome, where they feel art is accessible for them to view,” McEwan-Upright said.

For information about Gallery 1202, and to purchase tickets for “Sky: An Evening of Flamenco,” visit gallery1202.com.

O& A CALENDAR

11 SIP & SHOP Enjoy holiday shopping at the fifth annual Sip, Shop, and Sparkle—A Holiday Boutique. More than 30 vendors will come together to present a variety of shopping choices to help mark off everyone on that holiday shopping list. Attendees will enjoy complimentary mimosas and appetizers while shopping.

Sunday, Nov. 17, noon-5pm at Old City Hall, 7400 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y67s6lc5.

VETERANS DAY RUN

The Annual Morgan Hill Veterans Day Run will honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States’ armed forces. Participants can walk or run in the 5K or 10K alongside these men and women.

Sunday, Nov. 10, 8am-noon in the middle of E. First Street in Downtown Morgan Hill. For information, visit morganhillveteransdayrun.com.

Valley High School, 500 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville. For information and to register, visit watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

EVENTS

SEWING WORKSHOP The Parent and Child Sewing Workshop at Morgan Hill Library invites children ages 9-12 to make a bunny stuffie with their adult partner. All materials will be provided free of charge. Saturday, Nov. 16, 3:305:30pm at the Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave, Morgan Hill. To register, visit sccl.org/events or the information desk.

OPENING RECEPTION Gallery 1202 presents the opening reception of its group show, “Show Me Your Neon.” This show focuses on images of female empowerment, women supporting other women, day-to-day issues women experience and feminism.

The reception also features live music by Lolah, free wine tasting, food and refreshments.

Friday, Nov. 22, 7-9:30pm at 7363 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information and to RSVP, visit gallery1202.com.

FALL BOUTIQUE Fortino Winery is hosting the annual Fall Boutique in its Barrel Room. Handcrafted items and gifts including pottery, candles, jewelry, art and more will be presented by more than 35 artists and vendors. Attendees will also enjoy music by Carlos Padilla, mulled apple cider, holiday cookies and Fortino wines. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23 and 24, 11am-5pm each day at Fortino

SALAMANDER HIKE The “Salamander Hike” at Mount Madonna will offer participants the opportunity to discover the amphibian night life at the park. Join a park ranger and natural resource coordinator at the Blackhawk trailhead for this evening adventure. Attendees are advised to wear warm clothes and bring a flashlight. Saturday, Nov. 23, 5:30-7:30pm at Mount Madonna County Park, 7850 Pole Line Road, Watsonville. For information and reservations, call 408.482.8783.

HOLIDAY COMEDY The Gilroy Center for the Arts will host the performance of The Hallelujah Girls, written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. In this comedy, five women realize time is precious after the passing of a dear friend.

In an effort to change their lives and achieve their dreams they decide to turn a rundown church into a spa, but each has their own issues preventing them from being motivated. This production runs Nov. 1-Dec. 1 at the Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St. For information and performance schedule, visit limelightactorstheater.com.

HELLO FROM JAPAN Attendees can learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with contemporary culture at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose’s new exhibit, “Hello from Japan!”

The exhibit features the Shinto shrine park and Kawaii Central, a streetscape inspired by Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku district.

Together, the exhibit gives visitors a family-friendly window into Japanese culture and highlights how old and new traditions coexist.

View the exhibit through Feb. 2 at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way. For information, visit cdm.org.

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

ARTISAN DAY Aver Family Vineyards will host Southern California artisans, Vintage Pretty and Hands 2 Home Designs at Artisan Day. Shop Vintage Pretty’s handmade jewelry as well as farmhouse trays and wine caddies created

by Hands2Home. Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17, noon5pm. each day at Aver Family Vineyards, 2900 Soma Way, Gilroy. For information, visit averfamilyvineyards.com.

DECORATION CRAFT Craft enthusiasts ages 13 and up are invited to Adult and Teen Craft Club at Gilroy Library to create a fall-themed centerpiece.

Participants will decorate a cornucopia with ribbon, flowers, pinecones and more. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2-3:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St, Gilroy.

To register, visit sccl.org/events.

OLD-TIME VAUDEVILLIAN Old-time Salty Vaudevillian Baby Gramps will bring his varied repertoire to San Juan Bautista.

Playing an antique, acoustic, steel bodied resonator guitar and singing unique arrangements of rags, jazz and blues from the ‘20s and ‘30s, as well as folk songs, sing-alongs and more, Baby Gramps will keep audiences engaged with energy, humor and spontaneity. Sunday, Nov. 17, 4-6pm at Credo Studio, 1 Polk St., San Juan Bautista. Tickets are $15. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/y4y2yplv.

Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. For information, visit fortinowinery.com.

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ON SENIORS

Volunteer your talent

HELPFUL CITIZENS Many volunteer opportunities are available for those interested.

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

Donating time can be lifechanging

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B y CHERYL HUGUENOR

T

here is a doughnut ad making the rounds these days that ends, “The world runs on Dunkin’s.” While I am no stranger to doughnuts, I think the world actually runs on volunteers. Think of the many dozens of volunteers who help each year at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras, and at every library, school, senior center and animal shelter.

Volunteers help paint over graffiti, work in community gardens, and spearhead all kinds of pancake

breakfasts and spaghetti dinners to raise funds for local non-profits.

Where would our communities be without these amazing citizens?

Here at Live Oak Adult Day Services, our program is immeasurably enhanced by community volunteers. We have musicians, pet therapy groups, students from area schools, choirs, dance groups and guest speakers who share their interests, all to enrich the daily experiences of our seniors.

I would otherwise never know of the immense talent in this neck of the woods. And many of our

volunteers also give of their time to the local museums, to other senior programs, churches and children’s services. One of our longtime volunteers told us years ago that she and her husband had decided that one-third of their time would be devoted to work, one-third to travel and one-third to volunteering. I found that so inspiring.

I remember the San Jose Mercury had a column long ago that listed volunteer opportunities in the area. As a college student I saw a request for drivers to bring seniors to and from a local senior nutrition site. Only a few hours each week was required, so I signed up. I still laugh when I think of the looks on the faces of some of my elderly passengers when I would arrive in my Volkswagen Bug and practically shoehorn them into the back seat. The experience gave me one of those “aha” moments, though, when it dawned on me that I wanted to make a career of working with seniors. That can be one of the unexpected benefits of volunteering—it might just change your life.

Think about your interests, your talents and your time. Do you take vacation slides, make quilts, enjoy reading aloud, play the piano or another instrument (even at a beginner level), collect dolls or model airplanes, know how to draw, or just have a sympathetic ear? There is a place for you, no matter how much or how little time you have to give, and no matter whether you consider yourself talented or not. Call your local school, library, senior program, museum or police department, even if you are not sure what they need. They might suggest something you never even considered, and you might experience that very same “aha” moment yourself.

Cheryl Huguenor is the program director of Live Oak Adult Day Services in Gilroy. For information, visit liveoakadultdaycare.org.

VETERANS DAY

Man of honor

HONORED FOR SERVICE Bernie Ramirez (left) nominated Adam Mendolla as one of

the League of United Latin American Citizens’ Honored Veterans for 2019.

Hollister native one of three veterans to be recognized at annual breakfast

By JENNY ARBIZU

I

honorees will also be in the Veterans Day Parade, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 11 on San Benito Street.

The annual San Benito County LULAC Council’s Veterans Breakfast has been recognizing veterans for 26 years.

When Mendolla first learned of this honor, he was beyond humbled.

“I didn’t feel worthy enough,” he said. “I just feel there are so many out there that should be recognized and honored.”

Bernie Ramirez, however, felt he was more than worthy.

“Anything that comes up, he’s always there,” he said of his friend and fellow VFW (Veterans of Foreign War) member.

Ramirez said it is Mendolla’s participation at local community and VFW events, VFW speech engagements at local schools, and being part of the VFW Honor

The SBC LULAC Council’s Veterans Breakfast will be Nov. 11 at the Hollister Community Center at 300 West St. from 7 a.m. to noon. Cost for non-veterans is $8; veterans are free of cost. The Veterwan Recognition Program will take place at 8 a.m. For information, call 831.673.1977 or 831.596.2914.

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

t’s been 50 years since Adam Mendolla returned home to Hollister from the Vietnam War. Sept. 30, 1969 was when the then-21-year-old entered back into society.

“I got married about three weeks later,” said the Hollister native.

While he celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife, Mimi, with a vow renewal and a party three weeks ago, a celebration for his return home was never a desire for him.

That is until a close friend chose to not only celebrate Mendolla for serving his country, but for also serving his community.

Bernie Ramirez nominated Mendolla to be one of LULAC’s (League of United Latin American Citizens) Honored Veterans for 2019—an honor Mendolla was chosen for as well as fellow Vietnam veterans, Jim Gibson and Ralph Marquez. All three

Guard that prompted him to nominate him for the honor.

“He is well deserving of this award,” Ramirez said.

Mendolla moved to Hollister with his family in 1956 when he was just 8 years old. He attended Hollister schools and graduated from San Benito High School in 1967. Soon after graduation, he was drafted to Vietnam and joined the United States Army.

“I went into the service in March of 1968,” he said. “On October 1 of that year, I was dispatched over to Vietnam.”

Trained as a tank and wheel mechanic in the Army, Mendolla was stationed in the Quảng Trị Province at Camp Evans.

Three weeks after returning home, he married Mimi, and the two moved to San Francisco, where they lived for four years.

It wasn’t until four years ago when Ramirez—who was the Hollister VFW Commander at the time—approached Mendolla about joining the VFW. Mendolla first resisted.

“I didn’t feel that I would fit into such an outstanding organization,” he said.

After some convincing, he joined the VFW and found that while participating in it could be emotional and difficult, it was also fulfilling.

“Most rewarding for me is being part of the Honor Guard,” he said. “It provides funeral honors for fallen comrades and their families with a final salute, the firing of a volley of three shots, playing Taps, and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag to the family. We have a great group of men and women on the guard: Commander George Nava, Bernie Ramirez, Joe Ortiz, Chuck and Maria Spandri, Mel Angel, Bryan Morris and myself.”

15

NOVEMBER 8, 2019

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