Tom Bundros is one of those people with “big shoulders” – a
hard-working man with a keen intellect, Greek heritage and a good
nature who has lent time and talent to this community over and over
again.
Tom Bundros is one of those people with “big shoulders” – a hard-working man with a keen intellect, Greek heritage and a good nature who has lent time and talent to this community over and over again. As a school trustee, he’s been a stellar force for reform and academic rigor in Gilroy’s schools over the last decade. But that characterization sells him so short because his heart for the arts is as big as the party in Greece on March 25, the country’s Independence Day. His decision to seek election came from the best place – a place where his belief in the capabilities of our students crossed paths with frustration about the system and ended up with the question, “What can I do to help?” So, Tom did what he always does, rolled up his sleeves and went to work. Now, he’s battling cancer, has a plan to attend school board meetings remotely (of course he does) and needs our prayers and support. He’s a lucky man with a great family led by his warm-hearted wife, Tina, which will help him through these tough times. Best wishes and get well, soon, Tom.
The Gilroy Foundation will be getting well financially as Karen LaCorte, Gilroy’s version of Wonderwoman, presents an extravaganza fundraiser on Sept. 17 at the Gilroy Elks Lodge. With Karen, the Wow Factor will definitely be in play at her brainchild event dubbed, “A Night in Argentina.” Besides indulging in a reading by “Amelia” the Argentine Tarot Card Reader, and “experiencing” the art of the Argentine Tango, an ice luge is planned. Wikipedia: “An ice luge is a large block of ice with a narrow channel carved through it used to cool a beverage for drinking. A determined quantity of liquid, typically liquor, is poured into a channel at the top of the luge. A few seconds later the drink is dispensed at the bottom of the channel at an ice cold temperature, either directly into an open mouth of a participant or a waiting glass.” Now, that should help Don DeLorenzo, who will indeed be outfitted in an Argentinian tuxedo, drive up the price for an array of amazing auction items, which include a Nob Hill Super Market Sweep (a timed spree when a lucky bidder will fill their basket), a 2008 Smart Car convertible and dinner for 20 at the new Milias Restaurant hosted by Adam Sanchez and Ann Zyburra. Tickets $85 (get them quick) at www.gilroyfoundation.org. If you can’t make it, suggest you support the best community-based organization in Gilroy by purchasing a raffle ticket online. For a $100, a fabulous Argentinian vacation could be yours.
Oh, lunch at the Milias can now be yours, too. The doors are open. But I still think it’s so ironic that almost as soon as a very fine restaurant opened by local people opens its doors to help reinvigorate our downtown, the city starts to tear up the sidewalks right outside. It just makes you scratch your head and wonder what the folks at City Hall are thinking. Fortunately, the Milias is too good to really get stung, but the timing drips with irony.
Ironic, too, the fading of the World Champion San Francisco Giants. All the right strings pulled last year to make that improbable run seem to be turning into all the wrong strings this year. There’s still time, but it’s running out.
Running or walking out to use the Uvas Levee Trail are a whole bunch of people all the time – so many that the city should consider parking slots at the junction of Wren Avenue and Uvas Park Drive. Anecdotally, it’s our most used “park” which is why, perhaps, the Uvas Levee should be a designated park for the purposes of Parks and Recreation discussions. BTW, the Parks Commission, led by Anna Bielecki, continues to reach out to residents. The 2nd Annual Meeting in the Park event is on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. at Rainbow Park on Mantelli Drive. Hot dogs – paid for by the parks commissioners themselves – and a park clean up after the meeting. All are welcome.
That’s true, too, for the 9/11 Remembrance Service scheduled for 4 p.m. at the beautifully renovated amphitheater at Christmas Hill Park. Pastor Malcolm McPhail has done a wonderful job organizing the service to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack, their families and friends and the courageous first responders who led the unimaginable rescue efforts. It’s a time for all of us to remember and reflect on that great tragedy 10 years ago.
One of the ways we can let each other know that we remember, grieve and stand together against the atrocities of that day’s horrible events is to fly the American flag at home on Sunday. Sept. 11. It would be wonderful to see a powerful, heartfelt display of the human spirit and patriotism throughout Gilroy on that day.
Bet Mike and Vic Vanni will be flying Old Glory at Solis Winery that Sunday. For this Labor Day weekend, Saturday-Monday, Sept. 3-5 from 12 to 4:30 p.m. the tables are set up for the annual Syrah and Sausage Grill event. The sausages are absolutely wonderful as is the wine and the casual, rustic atmosphere surrounded by laden grape vines along the south side of Hecker Pass Highway as you’re headed out from town.
In town is Tony Asfour’s Smoke Shop on First Street near Church in the Hecker Pass Shopping Center. Those who enjoy a good cigar should note that the engaging proprietor has a raffle going for one very beautiful large Monte Cristo humidor. It’s $5 a ticket.
And to end on a humorous, albeit tart note, have you heard the new definition of liquidity? Liquidity is when you look at your retirement funds and wet your pants. Sad, but true for so many.
Reach Editor Mark Derry at
ed****@ga****.com
