I hadn’t seen Karen – or her sister – in a while, but she was a thought that popped up a few times in my mind before getting buried by “the next” of a busy American life. Then, I got an email that directed me to a site and the news written by Liz Fortino Glass: “Karen Covington Fortino had an active, vibrant life as an aqua aerobic instructor, manager of a coffee house, barista and waitress at night. Then, during a routine doctor appointment on June 14, she was diagnosed with extreme hypertension … But that didn’t get her down; she picked up the pieces … found another job at a doctor’s office and began a new journey … a few months later, Karen noticed a suspicious lump in the back of her throat … more bad news; there was a large mass and the diagnosis had progressed to stage 4 (cancer). The only good news: it was 90 percent curable.” “Barista” Karen – I use the term loosely and with affection – made my morning for years at the coffee shop downtown on Fifth and Monterey. Her personality, friendly greetings, banter on the Gilroy issues of the day and hearty laughter coupled with a “cup of Joe” were a true pick-me-up. Her insurance, of course, won’t begin to cover the treatment, so there’s a website called gofundme.com where you can help. A direct link is www.gofundme.com/4wlztk. There’s $6,500 in the help Karen kitty and every bit truly helps.
So help me, I really can’t believe what’s going on at the Gilroy Elks Club. Chef Dave Bozzo, who has improved the food offerings by leaps and bounds for everything from the regular Rotary Club luncheons to the Gilroy Foundation’s huge annual fund raising event to weddings and family gatherings, is getting such an unceremonious barrage of bull that he’s decided to give the job the heave-ho at year’s end. A few disgruntleds with nasty personas in power positions on the Board can’t see the forest through the trees, or the kitchen through the oven in this case. Dave has brought consistency, inventiveness, expanded offerings and a willingness to add new things to the Elks menu. He has worked hard to make the Elks a successful event venue in our community both through word and deed. And now, just as the economy recovers and remodel improvements to the lodge inside and out have made the venue more attractive, a few who poorly rule the roost are going to mess it up. This is a colossal mistake, and the Elks brethren should rise in unison and howl until what’s “done” is “undone” and a person who deserves accolades and respectful treatment is taken care of.
Hellbent on “taking care of” the greedy reputation that casts a pall on the Gilroy Fire Department are Phil King and Ed Bozzo. The two battalion chiefs (Ed is now retired), sued the city for overtime pay. A judge summarily dismissed the suit – essentially letting Bozzo and King and everyone else know that the claims had no merit whatsoever. To most, that was clear from the very beginning, but the two, who are and were paid $100,000-a-year plus, have appealed the decision. It’s a sad slap in the face to the city, the community at large and the Gilroy Fire Department.
Sad, too, is that county government has to have a public relations campaign called, “Pull to the Right for Sirens and Lights.” But I see it far too often. Drivers just don’t get out of the way, even though the rule is simple: pull to the right and get out of the way. If you’re not sure if the sirens are behind you, pull to the right anyway. That slight interruption could save someone’s life.
Our former mayor’s life was a sparkling example of an American who made a difference on so many levels. I would be remiss if I did not mention again that a scholarship fund has been started by the friends of our former mayor, Mike Gilroy. 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 entering the military. The funds will be awarded after an honorable discharge and enrollment in college. You can mail a check to Gilroy Foundation/Mike Gilroy Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 774, Gilroy, CA 95021.
Checked out a few surprisingly delicious red wines at the Morgan Hill Cigar Company and Wine Shop last weekend bottled under the label “Tank House Winery.” The late Garlic Festival Godfather Val Filice, a wonderful cook, had a tank house on the family property that has many a story it could tell, so the name has a certain je ne sais quoi in Gilroy. The small batch wine made in Gilroy from grapes grown in the Lodi area by father-and-son team, Al and Joe Caviglia, is outstanding and the varietals – Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet and a blend called Barrel 24 – run from light and flavorful to an explosion in your mouth. Definitely worth a bottle or two on the holiday dinner table or as a gift.
Keep in mind gifts for those less fortunate. The season to share is upon us and there is opportunity to give generously all around us.
Reach Editor Mark Derry at ed****@ga****.com.
