This time each year a convergence of sorts happens: practicing random acts of kindness and Veterans Day which is Monday, Nov. 11. It reminds me that as Americans we have the opportunity to deliver random acts of kindness because of the noble sacrifices made by those who have or are serving in the armed forces. They have delivered us our freedoms. When you see a soldier or a veteran, thank them for their great service. Buy them a cup of coffee, breakfast or a beer in the airport if the opportunity arises. And remember, those random acts of kindness. They’re good karma, and they will come back to you.
A kind act from the good folks at the Gilroy Elks Lodge for the vets. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, veterans can enjoy a delicious meal for $5. Salad, bread, dessert and a choice of calamari in a simmering red sauce or roasted chicken. Yep, that’s $5 for a vet and only $10 for non-veteran members and guests. Two speakers will recount their combat service. Open bar at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. RSVP before Nov. 11 at 408-842-9397 so superb Chef Dave Bozzo can order the right amount of food. If you know a vet, this would be a great way to say thanks.
Thankful I got to spend the weekend with daughter Mariah in beautiful Corvallis, Oregon in and around the campus of Oregon State University. The Beavers, unfortunately, played their worst football game of the year Friday night under the lights at rocking Reser Stadium against the Tommy Trojans. But there’s something about the loyal OSU fans, the campus vibe and that postcard stadium that breathes college football which transcends the W-L column. Long after Mariah graduates this June, I’ll be a Beaver fan. Rooting for the underdog is in my nature, anyway. But throw in a stunning campus, a can-do educational attitude and, most importantly, a fantastic college experience for my rugby-playing daughter and I’m over the moon on OSU. My sweatshirt collection is going to last a while, too.
Far longer lasting apparently than the hollow promises of Obamacare – keep your health plan, no rate increases and insurance for all. What a crock. Has been since Day One. It’s Rule One: If you want to pay more for less, add costs and bureaucracy, get the government involved. Unless we reverse course now, everything about American health care is going to be a whole lot worse than it’s ever been.
Never been to an “evening of shopping” at a high school. But Christopher High is hosting a Holiday Boutique on Friday, Nov. 15 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the dining commons with more than 35 vendors selling jewelry, clothing, handbags, sweets and art. Have to applaud the CHS parent club. This kind of event takes a lot of organization and effort. Cash goes to honor roll recognition, staff appreciation, supplies for teachers and senior scholarships.
Speaking of which, a scholarship fund has been started by the friends of our former mayor, Mike Gilroy, who is resting at home and drinking Sprite while in the final stages of his battle with pancreatic cancer. Executive Director Donna Pray and the Gilroy Foundation are handling the fund. It’s hoped that the fund reaches endowment status – $10,000 or more. Then, the money earned as interest can be designated each year for a Gilroy high school or Gavilan College graduate who is heading into the military to serve our country. You can mail a check to Gilroy Foundation/Mike Gilroy Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 774, Gilroy, CA 95021. It’s that simple and that honorable to memorialize the great, great grandson of our city’s founder who became an American war hero and chose to come back and serve this city as a councilman, mayor, unofficial ambassador at large and all-around good fellow.
Gilroy High football coach Brian Boyd is a good fellow by many accounts, giving of his time and talent to many a Pop Warner football player now playing for both the Mustang and the Cougar varsity teams that will compete in the Severance Bowl Friday night. Whether CHS or GHS walks away with bragging rights, what parents, players and coaches should keep in mind is that all involved represent Gilroy, whether clad in royal or teal blue. Play hard, play fair, shake hands, respect your opponent and yourself. It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. Also, let’s set the record straight. A recent letter stated a certain running back carried the ball “47” times suggesting that action as wholly unnecessary in a lopsided victory. Well, that’s not the case according to our stats. Brandon Boyd, the coach’s son, carried the ball 37 times for 325 yards on Sept. 20 against Monte Vista Christian in a 23-19 loss. That’s the most he’s carried the ball this season. Next, 30 carries against Live Oak and Watsonville, a loss and a win, respectively. Have a good spirited game and may both Gilroy teams hold their heads up and deliver firm post-game handshakes in an exhibition of Gilroy class and sportsmanship.
Reach Editor Mark Derry at ed****@ga****.com
