Digest

South Valley makes music

Gilroy – South Valley Music Makers once again celebrates music as enjoyment and as a medium for friendship from 1 to 4pm Saturday, at the Music Academy, 7600 Church St. Musicians at all levels of advancement, and in all styles are welcome to perform. Listeners are always welcome.

Details: Candace Fazzio at 848-1064.

Special Gavilan College orientation

Gilroy – Students who are new to Gavilan College, and their parents are invited to attend a one-day only Student-Parent Orientation Day. Students will be able to take their Placement/Assessment Tests and attend a New Student Orientation. Students will receive their test scores the same day, and receive initial advising on course selection. Parents are invited to attend a session on “What to Expect and How to Support Your Gavilan College Student.” Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Event held today, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.

n Placement/Assessment sessions: either 8am or 11am, both in LS 104

n Lunch: 11am to 1pm in the Student Center

n New Student Orientation: 1pm Student Center

n What to Expect and How to Support Your Gavilan College Student: 1pm in SS 206

Details: 848-4735.

Give blood, save lives

Gilroy – A blood drive will be held from 10am to 3pm today, at Church Hall, 8095 Kelton Drive.

Details: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.BeADonor.com.

Mount Madonna Challenge

Gilroy – The South Valley Symphony’s 31st annual running of the Mount Madonna Challenge 6K walk and race and 12K race to be held at the Mount Madonna County Park will be on Sunday, Aug. 27.

Runners will gather at the Sprig Lake picnic area at the base of the park on Highway 152. The 6K walk and run event will commence at 8:30am sharp followed by the 12K run at 9am. The 6K loop course has an elevation gain of 700 feet whereas the 12K loop course has an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. 

Details: Dean Raymond at 847-5564.

Symphony rehearsals begin

Gilroy – The South Valley Symphony will commence rehearsals Wednesday, Aug. 30. Openings exist for violin, viola, and cello and contrabass positions. Openings also exist for French horn, trumpet and trombone positions in the brass section. The woodwind section currently has openings in the clarinet and oboe sections.

All players interested in trying out for these positions should contact John Graham at (831) 623-4062. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:45pm at the Ascension Solorsano band room, 7121 Grenache Way.

Happy Days in San Martin

San Martin – SMNA is holding their 4th annual ‘Happy Days Car Show’ from 11am to 5pm today at the San Martin Country Park, 13865 Monterey Road. Free parking, food, popcorn and ice cream, raffle/silent auction items, petting zoo, vendors and music of the JJ Hawg and the Usual Suspects. There is a $5 admission.

Car registration fee is $35.

Waterfalls and wildlife hike

Morgan Hill – Explore canyon waterfalls and wildlife on a two-mile hike with a ranger at Uvas Canyon County Park from 10am to noon, Sunday. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water. Meet at the day-use parking lot. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

Details: 779-9232.

Send news items to City Editor Robert Airoldi. FAX to 842-2206, mail to Gilroy Dispatch, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020, or e-mail ed****@****ic.com