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.
Great Chefs of the South Valley: Paine’s Chef Serves Soothing Blend of All-American Comfort Foods
Hollister native Rob Stevens was on his way right after college.
Magic, Mayhem and Flying Carpet Rides: “Aladdin Jr.” Onstage
Hop onto a camel or the nearest flying carpet, and let the Mount Madonna School (MMS) middle school production of Disney’sAladdin Jr. carry you to Agrabah, the City of Enchantment. Join Princess Jasmine as she resists efforts to marry her to a visiting prince, and follow along with the street savvy Aladdin as he tries to stay one step ahead of the Sultan’s guards.
