It’s the end of August, summer and my first trimester as a
columnist for the Dispatch.
It’s the end of August, summer and my first trimester as a columnist for the Dispatch.
Before moving into the new month, fresh school year and a clean slate of topics, it’s time to wrap up some thoughts …
… First, a sad farewell to Rich Imler. I met him when my kids attended Gilroy schools and later had the opportunity to work with him.
I’ll admit, we tangled a couple of times in the beginning of my teaching career. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that I could learn a lot about educating children and “working the system” from this consummate professional.
The year Luigi Aprea hosted summer school, he needed one more teacher and invited me to join the staff with a promise to help me in any way that he could. I accepted and he did. It was an awesome experience. I’ll never forget that summer and his strategic mentoring.
His influence on Gilroy Unified, our kids and my life will no doubt last a long, long time.
… And then, I continue to be amazed at the emails I get from around the state and the country based on a once-a-week column in the Dispatch. Be careful what you put in print, dear readers, you never know who’ll take the time to read your words and pass judgment on you because of them.
Like the lawyer in New York who decided to send me his “I hate America” newsletter. He wrote one email but never squarely mentioned what I had said to earn a spot on his mailing list. Is he trying to convert me to his anti-American rhetoric? Or, is he aiming for the irritation factor? So far, neither plan is working.
I received a fair amount of emails from around the state after my comments on AB654 (physician assisted suicide.) Some wrote to update or correct information – very much appreciated. Some wrote to tell me their stories and why they felt the way they did on the topic – also very much appreciated. Still others just wanted to thank me for getting the word out on this piece of legislation – now, who doesn’t like an occasional compliment?
Last week I received emails from Wendie Rooney (City of Gilroy Community Development Director) and Greg Polubinsky (City of Gilroy Planner) to let me know that I’m not alone in wanting a town square in Gilroy.
The City’s Task Force has been working for two years to develop a Downtown Specific Plan and have put together a draft that includes a greenbelt as well as two downtown “squares” (one on Martin Street and one on Hornlein Court).
Wendie and Greg sent information on the Task Force Meetings, the plans being submitted and how to get involved. A big thanks to both of you for taking time to respond.
… Lastly, Alaska was wonderful! Flying is a bit like hauling cinder blocks but Cruisin’ is definitely my kind of vacation.
Sitting in Auk Bay outside of Juneau, in Captain Larry’s fishing boat, surrounded by mountains and glaciers, watching a whale roll and spout just 50 feet away, spying a bald eagle on the shore rocks, rod and reel launched waiting for my first bite, rocked gently by the waves on our trolling boat – I was completely awed. (P.S., I did catch my first silver salmon, it’s being smoked and prepared for shipping even as we speak.)
We rode the White Pass train through the rugged Skagway mountains and into Canada. We heard stories of the 60,000 men who came to the Yukon looking for gold and saw the incredible obstacles they met and overcame just for a chance to strike it rich. Historians estimate that only 12 of those adventurers actually became wealthy from the gold found in “them thar hills.” The train ride back down to the small town was quiet – how could we not be humbled by the horrific stories of sacrifice and loss?
We also had a chance to pan for gold as part of the White Pass tour – a lot of fun but more labor intensive than I had envisioned. Mike and I combined our poke and came home with enough flakes to rattle a teensy, tiny canister. Rich? Not from the glittering flecks but with fresh memories and renewed perspectives on life and the things that matter most.
Bonnie Evans has lived in Gilroy with her husband Mike for 21 years. They have two grown children and a black lab named Pepper. Her volunteer work centers around end-of-life issues. To support her volunteer efforts, she teaches for Gilroy Unified. Reach her at bo******@***il.com.
