Community

Gilroy’s Garlic Festival was alive and kicking well before Facebook co-creator Mark Zuckerberg could tie his shoes, but folks spearheading South County’s hallowed stinkin’ rose extraveganza know how to flex their social networking muscles.

Jane Rekedal, a local potter and ceramics instructor of 32 years at Gavilan College, will host her bi-annual Aromas Pottery Studio Open House – an event she's held since 1975 – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 1560 Cannon Rd. in Aromas.

Thunder, lightning and rain, oh my.

On April 21, local children are invited to a blood-drive party at Gilroy First Baptist Church with games, a face painter, candy and pizza. Special prizes go to the children who decide to donate blood.

After a working a 17-hour day with no breaks, farm worker and Gilroy resident Rogelio Lona remembers driving home to sleep a few hours before waking up at 4 a.m. to do it all over again.  

Get ready: There’s a cash mob happening in Gilroy.

Looking for ways to give back to the community? There are currently two opportunities to support the Gilroy Compassion Center, a local homeless shelter offering food, clothes and support services to the needy.

Community Solutions, a leading social services agency serving South County, will host its sixth annual Hearts of Gilroy Luncheon and Auction from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club at 2951 Club Dr. in Gilroy.