Starting the weekend early, patrons of Ragoot’s Restaurant in
Morgan Hill were treated to a 5pm wine tasting Friday with
winemakers Dan and Terese Martin from Gilroy’s Martin Winery.
Starting the weekend early, patrons of Ragoot’s Restaurant in Morgan Hill were treated to a 5pm wine tasting Friday with winemakers Dan and Terese Martin from Gilroy’s Martin Winery. Serving their ’04 ultra premium syrah from Terese Vineyards, the Martin’s found new patrons and avid wine club members there to support their favorite local winery. Included in the bunch were grape growers Jim and Susan Hendersen, Redwood Retreat neighbors of the Martins and growers of the winery’s sauvignon blanc. Joan and Dan Cloutiei reiterated their intention, saying, “We’re here to support our local wineries!”
Among the early arrivals, Catherine and Richard Arioto joined Bill Corneth, Penny Frisch and consummate community volunteer Jane Martin and her husband Andy. Ragoot’s behind-the-scenes man Bob Issacs enjoyed a moment’s rest and a glass of Martin wine while chatting with Chef Mike Barone. Chef Barone had just put the final touches on a special paring of bistro steak with a Martin Ranch Syrah reduction sauce while host Collene Issacs, co-owner of Ragoots, oversaw the tasting and the dining room activities. Doug and Debbie Stewart of Gilroy stopped in to taste and found Dan eager to describe the process of winemaking and share his barrel room knowledge. Salute to the Martin’s and Ragoots for the classy affair!
One class act that came as a surprise to South Valley was the last minute concert at the Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church featuring the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda, East Africa. Several members of MHPC attended a Watoto concert in San Jose on Saturday night only to have the choir approach them about a concert the next day in Morgan Hill. Well … the phone trees started to light up Sunday afternoon and by Sunday night the concert was packed! Forget Oscar night when you could experience the power of talent live on stage.
Live Oak High School geology teacher Linda Nicholson attended the concert along with front row fans Ray and Leda Wynn. Jack McCarthy, Ann Winzeler, Dawn Antelo, Dorothy Martin, Steve and Nancy Blaser and local real estate agent Shana Boigon shared their enthusiasm in and among the pews. Janet Baker rose to the occasion Sunday morning, offering to organize a dinner before the concert for the young musicians. The kitchen crew’s reward was a beautiful and moving musical thank you sung by the choir in the dining hall after the meal.
Watoto means “children” in Swahili and these precious children ranged in ages six years to 13 years old, all living as orphans in the Watoto Village in Uganda. With more than 1.9 million Ugandan children orphaned due to war and disease, the Watoto Childcare Ministries program gives them homes, house mothers, food and education. As Susan Mutebi, the West Coast Watoto Choir program director explained, “We are here to raise awareness of the plight of children in Uganda and all of Africa. We hope to be nurturing the new leaders of our country.”
Karis Black, a 13-year-old concert attendee, struck up a conversation with Watoto Choir member Annette Nakiyimba, also 13, after the concert. Now that Nakiyimba has visited the United States, Black expressed a desire to visit Uganda. The two girls share a common hope and perhaps a budding friendship.
If you want to learn more about the Watoto Children’s Ministries go to www.watoto.com.
Ciao for now.
