Arts fundraiser set during holiday event
6th Street Studios and Art Center and eRock School have joined together to host an International Holiday Fete to fundraise for the education program and ceramics studio at 6th Street Studios in downtown Gilroy.
The event takes place Dec. 2 from 2-8pm at 6th Street Studios, 64 W. Sixth St., and will be featured on the “Trail of Treats” during this year’s Holiday Festival and Parade.
This event aims to showcase local artists in the “Celebrate the Holidays” exhibition, host live music from eRock School students, offer a Swedish Dala Pony experience with photo opportunities and ornament decorating, henna artist and more.
“We wanted the community to embrace all of the global celebrations around the holiday season,” 6th Street Studios creative director Mary Richardson said. “The art community is about respecting diversity and unique representation—art is a powerful unifier and this event hopes to enrich the holiday season for everyone.”
6th Street Art Studios is gearing up for new art classes in 2024 that include ceramics, painting and textile art. See class offerings at 6thstreetartstudios.org.
Swedish Dala Pony experience tickets can be purchased at 6thstreetartstudios.org/art-for-sale/p/dala-pony-experience.
ERock School offers music classes for all age ranges and skill levels and the first music lesson is free. For information, visit erockschool.com.
Help plant trees for Arbor Day
The community is invited to help plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day at the Hecker Pass Park dog park on Dec. 6 at 2pm.
The City of Gilroy will be joined by the Parks and Recreation Commission in planting trees at the park. Twelve new trees will be planted, including white alder, valley oak and California live oak.
In preparation for the planting, the Hecker Pass Park dog park will be closed to the public through Dec. 1, and again from Dec. 4-7.
Santa Claus arrives at downtown park
On Dec. 9 from 2-4pm, Gilroy’s downtown pop-up park will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland as “Santa to the Rescue” brings gifts, food, music and more.
The event, organized by Gilroy City Councilmember Fred Tovar, will feature photos with Santa, a toy giveaway, a fire engine on site, Gilroy Gardens ticket giveaways and a live DJ.
Volunteers are needed at the event. To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/p29d3ft6.
Book sale returns Dec. 9
The Friends of Gilroy Library will hold a book sale Dec. 9 from 10am-1pm at the library, 350 West Sixth St.
Books will be $5 per bag for members and $8 a bag for non-members. Membership is $5.
The Isabel Jewell Bookstore is located in the back of the library foyer and is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1-3pm, Wednesday from 1-4pm, Thursday from 10am to 3pm and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10am to 1pm.
Those who are interested in helping at the bookstore can email Jo at [email protected].
Blood drive scheduled in Gilroy
The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.
This time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply, according to the Red Cross. Seasonal illness, winter weather and holiday celebrations often lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it hard to keep up with the demand for blood products.
A blood drive is scheduled at Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gilroy, 7999 Miller Ave., on Dec. 14 from 10am to 4pm.
The public can schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1.800.733.2767.
Those that come to give blood in December will be automatically entered to win a holiday prize package, including a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV.
Behavioral Health Board seeking nominations for awards
The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board is seeking nominations for the 13th Annual Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards.
These awards recognize community members who have made a difference in the lives of people with behavioral health challenges.
Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 12, and can be made at bit.ly/2024HeroesNomination.
The Behavioral Health Board will recognize a total of 11 heroes, one in each of the following categories:
• Agency
• Consumers/Clients
• Educator
• Elected Official
• Faith-Based
• Family Member
• Mover and Shaker
• Young Mover and Shaker
• Media
• Program
• Volunteer
Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards on May 1.
