Gilroyan named to dean’s list
Drew Gumin, of Gilroy, has been named to the Pacific University dean’s list for the fall semester. The dean’s list recognizes undergraduate students in Pacific’s colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business and Education who earn a grade-point average of at least 3.70 and complete 12 or more graded hours, says a press release from the university.
Corona earns academic honors
Logan Corona, from Gilroy, was listed on the Adams State University Vice President’s Honor Roll for the fall 2024 semester. Students must have earned a 3.5 GPA, and carried a 12-credit hour load to qualify, according to the university.
Bach to Blues concert is March 15
Following the successful 20th annual Marian Filice Youth Piano Competition held last weekend, Gavilan College’s Music Program is preparing for its landmark 25th Bach to Blues concert at 7pm March 15 in the Gavilan College Theater.
The college has announced exciting guest performers for this milestone anniversary event. The concert will open with a performance by the Niseishin Daiko drumming group from Morgan Hill, says a press release from Gavilan College. The second half will showcase acclaimed jazz vocalist Kenny Washington.
Washington, a New Orleans native now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is known for his soulful interpretations, remarkable vocal range and impressive scatting ability, says the release. He has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis and has been featured in tributes to Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. His diverse musical background includes gospel, classical, R&B and jazz influences.
What began in 1998 as a performance outlet for music faculty has evolved into a community event that spans musical genres from classical to jazz, flamenco to pop standards.
“Bach to Blues has become a showcase that brings together college disciplines and creates a concert that the community eagerly anticipates each year,” said Maria Amirkhanian, music instructor at Gavilan College and event organizer. “It’s like a musical menu—you’ll certainly find something you enjoy.”
The concert serves as a fundraiser for the college’s music program, with proceeds supporting equipment needs, piano maintenance and other essential resources for music students. The event also provides valuable performance experience for Gavilan music students, who will perform during the show’s opening and intermission.
This year’s concert will feature performances by music faculty including Amirkhanian, Dahveed Behroozi and Albert Marqués, says the press release. The winner of the senior division local prize from the recently concluded Marian Filice Youth Piano Competition will also perform.
The piano competition, held March 2, provided a showcase for talented young pianists from throughout Northern California competing in junior and senior divisions.
Tickets for the Bach to Blues Concert are $10 for students and seniors and $20 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Gavilan College Bookstore, BookSmart in Morgan Hill, the Gavilan Hollister Campus, and online at bit.ly/gavb2b25.
Teen opportunity fair is March 22
The Gilroy Youth Commission presents the annual OpportuniTEEN Fair from 10:30am-1pm March 22 at Wheeler Center Gym, 270 West Sixth Street in Gilroy. The OpportuniTEEN Fair is an event designed for local teens to find out about new job, volunteer and internship opportunities.
Present will be more than 20 businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies sharing their teen-focused opportunities. Also, attendees can participate in a raffle.
The event is free and designed for teens.
Traffic court assistance available online
Santa Clara County Traffic Court litigants can now get assistance via video chat online (in addition to email and telephone services already available), says a press release from Santa Clara County Superior Court.
The CourtCall Virtual Public Counter enables court users to speak face-to-face with a traffic clerk through the court’s website in English and Spanish.
“The implementation of this service will provide a remote experience that closely resembles an in-person visit to the courthouse,” said Presiding Judge Julie Emede. “Clerks will perform the same tasks as they would for individuals physically present, ensuring continuity and efficiency in service delivery.”
Individuals with questions about their Traffic Court matters can get access to the Virtual Public Counter on the court’s website at https://tinyurl.com/yynzspmm.
Hours of operation (excluding court holidays) are 8:30am-3pm Monday-Thursday; and 8:30am-12pm Friday.
Students participate in Elks Lodge essay contest
Gilroy Elks Lodge #1567 hosted three fifth grade students from Rucker Elementary School and one sixth grade student who attends Solarsano Middle School—along with their families and teachers—for the recent Americanism Essay Contest Family Night Award Dinner.
The students were invited to the podium to read their essay they wrote based on this year’s Americanism Essay theme, “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?” They spoke to more than seventy guests at the lodge social night, says a press release from Gilroy Elks Lodge.
All essay writers received a Certificate of Participation from the Elks. Their teachers were presented with a soccer ball for their class by the Lodge Americanism Chairperson and Exalted Ruler.
