The people who lived through World War II were known as the
Greatest Generation. Whether they served in the military or waited
at home, all of them were affected in life-changing ways.
Remembering World War II
Gilroy – The people who lived through World War II were known as the Greatest Generation. Whether they served in the military or waited at home, all of them were affected in life-changing ways.
Beginning at 1:30pm, Saturday, May 12, at the Gilroy Library, the public is invited to share memories about experiences on the home or war fronts during that time. Tell the stories behind letters from World War II or a memory of your own or from a friend or relative.
The Gilroy Library started the program in 2005 as part of the Silicon Valley Reads program in which all the communities in the Santa Clara Valley read the same books and discussed them. Both books were based upon World War II themes. Since that time, World War II veterans and other people who remember those years, have come together to share their memories. Some are sharing their stories for the first time. Others are learning things about their parents, friends or relatives that they never knew.
“Each of these gatherings has been profound,” Community Librarian Lani Yoshimura said. “One woman learned that her father had fought in three major European battles during World War II and the names of them when one of the veterans read the information from her father’s army uniform, something she had never known before.”
Everyone is welcome to attend or participate in this event, 7387 Rosanna St. Light refreshments will be served provided by the Gilroy American Association of University Women who are co-sponsoring this event.
Celebrate Day of the Teacher
Gilroy – The Gilroy Unified School District board of trustees will celebrate the Day of the Teacher Wednesday. The district will provide fruit baskets for the teachers and administrators at its school sites to show its appreciation for their work. The National Education Agency – a nationwide organization of education professionals – urges students and families to recognize teachers with such items as a thank-you card, artwork or a small gift.
Time to Get Those Prom Tickets
Gilroy – The last day to purchase tickets to the Gilroy High School prom is Friday. The formal dance – in the theme of “Casino Royale” – takes place from 8pm to midnight, May 19 at the Decathlon Club in Santa Clara. It is open to seniors and their dates. Tickets are $70 for members of the associated student body and $75 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets, students must have a private vehicle consent form – available online – bookroom clearances, high school identification cards and approved guest pass, if applicable.
Details: 847-2424 and www.gilroyhighschool.com.
Shop Until You Drop
Gilroy – The Shop ’til You Drop fund-raiser for teacher appreciation takes place from 3:30 to 7pm, Wednesday, in the Gilroy High School student center, 750 W. 10 St.
For sale will be products such as Mother’s Day floral arrangements, crafts, jewelry, hair extensions and much more. Don’t miss this great opportunity to support GHS teacher appreciation and appreciate yourself or your mom on Mother’s Day. This event is hosted by the Gilroy High School Parent Club.
Free Film Series for Adults
Gilroy – Adults ages 55 and up can participate in a free class/film series through the Gavilan College Department of Noncredit Instruction. Humanities 767, “Film Classics” is designed to study the facts, fantasy, history and trivia of classic and modern films. The background and history of each film and its performance will be compared and contrasted. This class is “open entry” meaning that participants do not have to attend all class sessions.
Instructor Grant Richards is a graduate of Gilroy High School and Gavilan College and teaches film history and film production at Gavilan College.
Upcoming films are: Wednesday, “On Golden Pond;” May 16, “Driving Miss Daisy;” and May 23, “The Usual Suspects.”
All films will be screened at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse on Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 5pm, through June 6. Students can register in class, or may call in advance to 848-4859.
‘Diversity in the Workplace’
Gilroy – Gavilan Employment Advisory Council presents the breakfast seminar ‘Diversity in the Workplace’ with featured speaker Rudy Medina from 7:30 to 10am Wednesday, at San Juan Oaks Golf Club in Hollister.
Details: Coordinator Pam Kenney 846-4590.
Red Cross Mobile Blood Drive
Gilroy – A mobile blood drive will be held from 1:30 to 6:30pm, Thursday at Church Hall located on 8455 Wren. Schedule an appointment.
Details: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go to www.BeADonor.com
Carriers Stamp Out Hunger
Gilroy – Local letter carriers will be collecting food Saturday as part of a nationwide food drive organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service, the AFL-CIO, and Campbell’s Soups.
Anyone interested in participating should leave nonperishable food by their mailbox for pickup Saturday, or bring food to their local post office.
Most needed foods include high protein items such as peanut butter, powdered milk, pasta, meals in a can (stew, chili, soup), tuna, canned foods with pop top lids, low sugar cereal and 100 percent fruit juices.
With the help of more than 700 local agencies and distribution sites, the food collected will be distributed to more than 162,000 individuals including low-income families with children, seniors and individuals throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Tour Mount Madonna School
Watsonville – The private Mount Madonna School is offering tours of its 350-acres mountaintop campus, including its new middle and high school facilities, at 10am Wednesday. The tours are open to all parents and students interested in preschool through 12th grades at the independent, accredited, college preparatory school.
Details: 847-2717 and www.MountMadonnaSchool.org
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
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