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Patrick Rose's earliest memory was of flying a model airplane

Remember when you were a hot, young unattached person hangin' at

Summer Reading ChallengeThere’s still time to “Read for the Win” in the Santa Clara County’s Summer Reading Challenge. Participants can enjoy the many activities scheduled throughout the summer at their local library. All teens and adults enrolled in the program will receive a free tote bag and children 12 and under receive book prizes. All participants will receive free passes to Children’s Discovery Museum. All are welcome to participate in the challenge of reading five books from now until July 31. For complete instructions go to sccl.org/summer2016. Splash 2 DashKids ages 5-13 years old are welcome to join in on the ninth Annual Splash 2 Dash Youth Triathlon. Emphasis is placed on accomplishment rather than results in a “funpetitive” spirit, guaranteed to help build confidence. There are four Swim Bike Run Divisions depending on the age group. Bring a swimsuit, good running shoes and bike with helmet. Participants need to check in at least 20 minutes before the race. The big day is Saturday, June 11 starting at 6:30 a.m. at Sobrato High School, located at 401 Burnett Ave, Morgan Hill. For course maps and registration go to mhreconline.com. On the ProwlLearn about the lifestyles and characteristic of two wild animals, Mountain Lions and Bobcats, living in and around our rural communities. Leave with a better understanding of why it’s important to co-exist with these felines as we encroach upon their natural habitats. Meet with Santa Clara County Staff on Monday, June 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Casa Grande and the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museums are located at 21350 Almaden Rd., in San Jose. Reservations are required. Call (408) 355-2201 or go to parkhere.org. A Day at the RanchDreamor Ranch will open their gates for the Annual Day of Miracles, free for children and their families who struggle with special needs. Dreamor Ranch supports horse rescue and rehabilitation programs along with providing lessons and riding programs. Kids will get a chance to meet and ride these beautiful animals. The day will also include games, singing and visits with other animals such as turkeys, cats, dogs and ducks and enjoy a lunch of Hot Dogs and ice cream. There is no parking on the ranch, but shuttles will be provided. There will be no shortage of smiles on Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 80 Brown Road, San Juan Bautista. For more information and directions call (408) 799-4052 or visit dreamorranch.net.Father’s Day adventureYou can take Dad back in time without using a time machine at San Juan Bautista’s Annual Early Days event. The San Juan Bautista State Historic Park and the Plaza History Association will take you back to the 1800’s to early California Mountain Men encampments. Discover history through clothing, crafts and cooking demonstrations. Enjoy an old-fashioned soda at the Plaza Hotel Saloon or take a horse-drawn wagon ride and experience the transportation of the day. Workers will be dressed in period costume and ready to greet you Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Historic Park. Admission to the park is $3 for adults and free for kids 15 and under. For more information call (831) 623-4881 or visit sanjuanbautistaca.com.

Every once in a while I get on a soap box and today is the

Disney took the delightful fairytale of Beauty and the Beast and created a beautiful animated movie that transported children and adults to another time and place. Broadway by the Bay has taken the Broadway show with the divine music of Alan Menken and clever lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and brought a delightful presentation to the stage in Redwood City.Everyone knows the engaging tale in which Belle finds herself in an enchanted castle where the beast and all the inhabitants are trapped in an animated state because of a witches’ cruel curse which only Belle (unbeknownst to her) can break. Of course, as in all fairy tales, everyone lives happily ever after. But getting there is the fun part.The multiple Tony Award production recreates all the characters from the movie from Lumiere the living candlestick, to the clock, teapot, chest of drawers and delightful rug. Wrapped up in Kelly James Tighe’s fine direction with Adam Elsberry’s creative choreography is a fast moving production that will keep everyone’s attention throughout.A talented cast with Anya Absten as the spunky Belle, John Melis as the obnoxious Gaston, Warren Wernick as Lefeu, Maureen Duffey Frentz as Mrs. Potts, Ray D’ambrosio as Cogsworth, Brendon North as the lovable Lumiere and Daniel Barrington Rubio as the Beast perform as a huge ensemble with great delivery and resilient voices.The impressive orchestra brings in a tight, crisp version of this beloved story. Alan Menken’s music and Howard Ashman, (who died during the making of the original production) and Tim Rice’s lyrics ran away with Academy Awards for the movie and Tonys for the Broadway version with “Be Our Guest,” “Beauty and The Beast,” and “Something There.”The outstanding 18-piece orchestra under the baton of Sean Kana gives the show the professional touch.The the crew backstage also performs heroically. Technical and sound designer Jon Hayward impressively gets his crew to move scenes with absolute ease. Lighting designer Aaron Spivey is always on cue. Costumes by Angela F. Lazear and Leandra Watson are pleasing and colorful.Grab the kids and go and be enchanted. ‘Disney’s Beauty and The Beast’Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway St, Redwood CityPerformances through Nov. 20Information: (650) 579-5565Or visit: www.broadwaybythebay.org

Earlier this summer children attending the Vacation Bible School sponsored by the Morgan Hill United Methodist Church learned about Uganda as part of their mission program. Now they have an opportunity to actually meet children from that African nation.

Last week we went on vacation. Yes, I know this isn’t earth-shattering news. But everywhere we went, people asked us where we were from. And when we answered “Gilroy,” we always got the same reaction:

It's summer! After spending 10 months stuck in school, dreaming