Local Digest
Make a wish come true
The South Santa Clara County Fire District, paid call firefighters have set up donation trees in many local banks and businesses for the 21st annual Make a Wish Come True, Make A Child Smile gift program. More than 2,200 gifts were collected for local children last year. Visit one of the 22 locations by Dec. 21 and donate a gift for a local needy child.
Details: www.ssccfd.org.
‘The Nutcracker’ hits ADB stage
Antonio Del Buono Elementary School will perform “The Nutcracker” at 6:30 p.m. today and Thursday in the school’s multipurpose room. The Nutcracker Festival, with food and festivities, will precede the performance at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and all are invited to attend.
Shop and benefit Del Buono students
Finish your Christmas shopping at Barnes and Noble today to benefit Antonio Del Buono students. A percentage of sales will help fund reading, arts and GATE programs. Free gift wrapping also available.
Meet Santa in the park
Santa Claus will hear present requests and spread mirth in San Ysidro Park, between 2 and 4:30 p.m. today. All children are invited to the event, held in the recreation room near the intersection of Murray Avenue and Chestnut Street. There will also be music, police officers and firefighters for children to meet, and goodie bags for the first 450 children. Free pictures with Santa.
Details: 846-0524.
Candlelight vigil remembers victims
In remembrance of the victims of drunk drivers and a reminder to the public to not drink and drive during the holidays, join the Community Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership and The Morgan Hill Police Department for a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. today, at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road.
Range of music at GHS Winter Concert
The Gilroy High School Bands will begin their 2007 concert season with their Winter Concert in the GHS Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Admission is free to the event which will feature the talents of the 90 members of the GHS Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.
The music will range from movie music to American folk tunes, to one piece that was written to describe an individual’s driving habits.
Details: 847-2424, ext. 8586.
Input needed for neighborhood plan
The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy team is seeking community input. The plan will be renewed in 2008 for another 5 years. A community meeting to be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday, in the multi-purpose room of Eliot Elementary School, 475 Old Gilroy St.
‘Footloose’ dances at Mount Madonna
Mount Madonna School students will put on a production of ‘Footloose.’ The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Madonna School, 491 Summit Road, Watsonville. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students 16 and younger.
Details: 847-2717.
Unique volunteer opportunities at CMAP
Community Media Access Partnership, serving Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan Bautista, invites residents to volunteer for studio and field productions that will air on community cable channels. No experienced required. Staff will provide training.
Volunteers are need to operate cameras, audio, a graphics program, and to direct live television shows. All ages are welcome.
Those interested can attend an orientation at 4 p.m. Friday, at Gavilan College, room L-139. Cable subscribers can watch the orientation on channel 20. Airtimes are available at www.mycmap.org.
Details: www.mycmapt.org, or at 846-4983.
Songs of Expectation and Celebration
“Christmas Advent at St. Stephen’s” celebration continues at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 7 p.m. Saturday. The evening will begin with a hand-bell concert by Michael Barnes and Ginny Scott, and will be followed by guitar instrumentals and group-singing of favorite Christmas carols. Refreshments follow at St. Stephen’s chapel, 651 Broadway. Free admission.
Details: 842-4415.
Book sale benefits library
The Friends of the Gilroy Library will have a $3 per bag book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, at the Gilroy Library, 7387 Rosanna St.
Details: 842-8207.
Donate a warm coat to the needy
Sunday, local churches (St. Mary, South Valley Community, New Hope, First Baptist, Calvary Chapel, Gilroy Presbyterian and others) are collecting coats for those in need.
Please bring coats to participating churches throughout this week and Sunday. The coats will be given out through the St. Joseph’s Christmas Sharing Event at First Baptist Church Dec. 22. Coats in all sizes and gender are needed (especially children and adult males).
Send digest items to City Editor Robert Airoldi at ed****@****ic.com.
