Count every day a blessing and carry on a fine Gilroy tradition – give
I hadn’t seen Karen – or her sister – in a while, but she was a thought that popped up a few times in my mind before getting buried by “the next” of a busy American life. Then, I got an email that directed me to a site and the news written by Liz Fortino Glass: “Karen Covington Fortino had an active, vibrant life as an aqua aerobic instructor, manager of a coffee house, barista and waitress at night. Then, during a routine doctor appointment on June 14, she was diagnosed with extreme hypertension … But that didn't get her down; she picked up the pieces … found another job at a doctor’s office and began a new journey … a few months later, Karen noticed a suspicious lump in the back of her throat … more bad news; there was a large mass and the diagnosis had progressed to stage 4 (cancer). The only good news: it was 90 percent curable.” “Barista” Karen – I use the term loosely and with affection – made my morning for years at the coffee shop downtown on Fifth and Monterey. Her personality, friendly greetings, banter on the Gilroy issues of the day and hearty laughter coupled with a “cup of Joe” were a true pick-me-up. Her insurance, of course, won’t begin to cover the treatment, so there’s a website called gofundme.com where you can help. A direct link is www.gofundme.com/4wlztk. There’s $6,500 in the help Karen kitty and every bit truly helps.
Railroad event supports the hungry
South Valley residents are invited to an enjoyable event that happens only once a year. On Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a dozen members of the Bay Area Garden Railway Society will open their yards in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Hollister and Salinas for public viewing of their beautiful gardens and elaborate model railroad layouts.
GOLF: Justesen likely done after second round at Frys.com Open
The Live Oak graduate finished 2-over-par 73 Friday at
Guglielmo celebrates 80th anniversary with week full of events
Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill is celebrating its 80th
GETTING OUT: Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail keeps your eyes busy
The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail is a classic Bay Area backpack trip. Any journey that goes from hilltops cloaked with Douglas firs through forests of old growth redwoods, past an 80-foot waterfall to the Pacific Ocean has a lot to recommend it.
GETTING OUT: A surprise along Mount Hamilton Road
It is always a sweet surprise to drop into Halls Valley, the
