GHS senior takes home Rotary speech prize
Derek Pesta, a Gilroy High School senior won the Gilroy Rotary
Club’s Youth Speech Contest Feb. 5. His five minute speech on the
theme,
”
Rotary Shares,
”
incorporated Rotary’s 4-Way Test that serves Rotarians as a
guide for every day living. Rotary’s 4-Way Test is 1: Is it the
truth?, 2: Is it fair to all concerned? 3: Will it build goodwill
and better friendships?, and 4: Will it be beneficial to all
concerned?
GHS senior takes home Rotary speech prize
Derek Pesta, a Gilroy High School senior won the Gilroy Rotary Club’s Youth Speech Contest Feb. 5. His five minute speech on the theme,”Rotary Shares,” incorporated Rotary’s 4-Way Test that serves Rotarians as a guide for every day living. Rotary’s 4-Way Test is 1: Is it the truth?, 2: Is it fair to all concerned? 3: Will it build goodwill and better friendships?, and 4: Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Analise Zelina, a GHS senior, took second and won $50.
Rotary Clubs of District 5170 sponsor the Youth Speech Contest each year to help young people know the importance of speaking effectively before a group, to expand public knowledge, especially among young people, of what Rotary is and does throughout the world, and to allow high school students the opportunity to compete for $1500.00 in prize money.
The money is awarded with no strings attached, but it is hoped it will be used to further the student’s education.
Pesta won a $100 prize and an opportunity to advance to the Rotary’s Area Speech Contest where he will compete against other Rotary local contest winners. The first place winner of the area contest will then advance to the Rotary Regional Competition.
The two top place winners at the regional competition will then advance to the Rotary District Level Competition on April 18, 2008, at District 5170’s Annual Conference that will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose. At this competition, the first place winner will receive $1000.00, second place $500, third/fourth place $250 each.
Pesta is planning on continuing his education at either Pepperdne or St. Mary’s University, with a focus on Business Administration.
Register now for spring classes
New and continuing students can now register for spring classes at Gavilan College. Spring semester began Jan. 30. Classes are offered days, evenings, weekends and online. Continuing students may register in person or on-line at www.gavilan.edu. New students may register in person at Gavilan College locations in Gilroy, Morgan Hill or Hollister.
Gilroy main campus:
Today: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Details: general information at 848-4800; counseling at 848-4723; financial aid at 848-4727; schedule and registration calendars available at www.lilyholbrookmusic.com or 842-4220.
Casino night benefits GHS baseball
Prizes, food and fun at Casino night from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 9 at Stubby’s, 707 First St. Proceeds benefit Gilroy High School baseball. Cost is $75 a couple, or $50 for single.
Details: 842-3322
Discover adoption and foster care
Rebekah Children’s Services is holding its monthly Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11. Anyone interested in learning how to become an adoptive or foster parent should attend. There are 80,000 children in foster care throughout California who need families. Could they be waiting for yours? Come and learn about the children, our programs, financial support, and training. Please RSVP seating is limited.
Details: www.BeADonor.com (Code: GILROY) to schedule an appointment or call (408) 848-2363 ext. 219.
Comedy night comes to Gavilan
See former Gilroy Unified School Board member David McRae perform, along with a group of comics from throughout the Bay Area, Feb. 23.
They will also hold an open mic session for those looking for a chance to be in front of a live audience. A workshop and auditions will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.
Details: wi*****@sa*******.com.
Learn to become a building inspector
Qualification requirements for a career in Building Inspection is at an all-time high. Certification with the International Code Council is looked at by employers as one of the most valuable attributes testifying to the knowledge and effort made by a potential employee. Gavilan College presents a Residential Building Inspection-ICC Certification Exam Prep, Saturdays, Feb. 23 through April 19, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (no class March 22nd). This is a 40 hour course of instruction preparing the participants to pass the International Code Council’s Residential Building Inspector of 1 and 2 Family Dwelling Exam. Passing of this exam will give international certification with a 3 year certification by the ICC.
The class takes place at Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. The cost is $450, plus $89 for materials.
Details: Rosie Armstrong at 847-2514.
Champagne Sunday at Sue’s
Weaves elements of many popular genres into their uniquely original songs 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29 at Sue’s Coffee Roasting Company, 7501 Monterey St. Their live performances are events. Unstoppably upbeat, the high-energy music keeps audiences on their feet, and they are always invited back. Champagne Sunday loves what they do, and it shows.
Details: 842-4220.
League accepting grant requests
The Gilroy Assistance League is now accepting grant requests for the year 2008. Last year the organization handed out more than $10,000 to various local youth services such as Gateway School, Community Solutions, South Valley Suzuki Music Foundation and others. A formal grant request proposal must be completed and returned no later than Feb. 29. Grant funds are to be used for children and youth services. Funds will be distributed in April 2008.
Details: Forms may be picked up from Starritt Realtors at 7477 Eigleberry St. Completed forms may be returned to the same location or mailed to Patty Giacalone, P.O. Box 2062, Gilroy, CA., 95020-2062.
Annual fashion show benefits children
The Elks Lodge is holding it’s annual Charity Fashion Show, “In the Japanese Tea Garden,” Saturday, March 8, featuring fashions and accessories from local boutiques and stores. This event begins with no-host cocktails at 11 a.m., luncheon at noon and fashion show from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This event is open to all members, their family, their friends and their guests.
All proceeds benefit the Elks philanthropic efforts to help crippled and disabled children. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 8, for $25 per person. The event takes place at the lodge, 2765 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. Tickets will also be sold after Feb. 8 and may be picked up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the lodge office.
See Joyce or Sandy.
Details: 842-9397.
Who’s Your Hero? American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Seeks Nominations for Local Real Heroes Award Breakfast
American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter is calling on Silicon Valley residents, companies and organizations to nominate individuals, who reside or work in Santa Clara County and whose extraordinary acts of courage or kindness make them a hero to be honored at the 2nd Annual Santa Clara Valley Real Heroes Breakfast on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose. The deadline to submit nominations is March 13, 2008.
“A hero can be someone who bravely acts in a time of immediate need or someone who simply lives his or her life in a way that shows they care for those around them. Real heroes are ordinary people whose actions demonstrate the potential that is in all of us. If someone is a hero in your eyes, I encourage you to nominate them'” says Honorary Event Chair, Peter Hero, a senior advisor to the CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
Nominations for the heroics act of local residents that took place between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007 are being accepted in the following categories:
Animal Rescue Hero – An animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, or a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation.
Education Hero – An adult or youth who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others in a school or other educational setting.
Good Samaritan – Adult (21 years old and up) – An adult who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others.
Good Samaritan – Youth (Under the age of 21) – A youth who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others.
Law Enforcement Hero – A professional law enforcement officer (Sheriff, Police, FBI, Highway Patrol, etc…) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.
Medical Professional Hero – A medical professional (doctors, nurses, EMT/paramedics, hospital/clinic staff, etc…) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.
Military Hero – A member of the armed forces (active, reserve, retired, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose life-saving action during active duty status went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.
Professional Rescuer Hero – A professional rescuer (firefighter, lifeguard, etc…) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.
Workplace Hero – An individual who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others at his or her place of employment or on a job site.
Real Hero Award recipients will be chosen by a selection committee of leading members of the Silicon Valley community. Heroes are selected based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of Silicon Valley. All nominees must work or reside in the Santa Clara County; the heroic acts may have occurred elsewhere. Self-nominations are not permitted. All nominations will be subject to further verification and validation. All nominee information will be shared with the Heroes selection committee and the general public with a two-minute biographical video.
Nominations for Real Heroes Awards can now be submitted to the American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter online at www.therolemodelprogram.org.
Tickets for ‘Bach to Blues’ on sale now
Anyone looking forward to a high energy evening of music and dance can reserve tickets for “Bach to Blues 2008.” Now in its fifth consecutive year, is an annual showcase of regional talent, featuring Gavilan College faculty and students and performers from the community. This year’s lineup includes pianist Maria Amirkhanian, guitarist John Garcia, blues vocalist Nate Pruitt with his band, Primary Colors, Art Juncker with the Gavilan College Performance Ensemble, and flamenco guitarist Alberto Marques.
For the first time, the evening will include a performance by dancer Kathryn Waggoner with the Gavilan College Dance Ensemble. In a new tradition, the show will begin with a performance by the winner of the Marian Filice Youth Piano Competition, which takes place the prior week.
The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7, in the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Terese Blvd.
Tickets are on sale at the Gavilan College Bookstore, Porcella’s Music, The Music Tree, and Gavilan College locations in Morgan Hill and Hollister.
V.I.P. Seating is $30 (includes premiere seating and a welcome gift), general admission is $15, and seniors and students are $10.
Tickets may be purchased online at
