Delightful surprises arise near foothills
After 220 columns about parks, preserves, and trails, I sometimes allow myself to think there are no surprises left. If I haven't been there, I surely must have heard of it. Right? Wrong...again.
Gilroy Presbyterian fundraiser helps support World Vision organization
Although we live in a naturally arid climate, generations of Californians have taken a reliable supply of water for granted. Numerous golf courses and expansive residential lawns are testament to this belief. But the past four years of drought are changing perceptions, and Gov. Jerry Brown’s recent edict to cut our water use by 25 percent has awakened many to the seriousness of the situation. Of course, people in many other countries experience much worse water problems than ours. Because of this, the United Nations observes World Water Day every year in March to bring awareness of the need for clean water in the world’s most impoverished countries. On March 22, a group of 33 children and adults held a fundraiser for the Christian charitable organization World Vision. Sponsored by the youth ministry of Gilroy Presbyterian Church, participants walked from the church on Miller Avenue through downtown Gilroy to In-n-Out Burger wearing special T-shirts and bibs with pictures of African children. According to Youth Director Josh Ferreira, the distance of about four miles is “typical of the journey residents of many African countries must travel to gather water in buckets to carry back to their homes. Much of this water is polluted or contains parasites that can blind or kill those who drink it.” Participants raised over $2,000 in pledges and other donations, money which will go to a village in the East African nation of Kenya. Residents of Bandaptai will benefit for at least 20 years from the clean water provided by this well. Since 1993, World Water Day has been celebrated on March 22. It is a day to make a difference for the members of the global population who suffer from water-related issues. This year’s theme explained how water links to all areas of life. Water is Health: 748 million people do not have access to an improved source of drinking water, and 2.5 billion have no sanitation facilities. Water is Nature: There is too much ecosystem degradation. Pollution from untreated waste and agriculture run-off make unhealthy water, especially in underdeveloped countries. Water is Industry: More water is used to manufacture a car than to fill a swimming pool. Water is Energy: Today over 80 percent of electrical generation is accomplished by thermal power plants where water is heated to create steam to drive generators; additional billions of gallons of water are needed to provide cooling. Water is Food: It takes nearly 4,000 gallons of water to produce two steaks. Globally, agriculture is the largest user of water, accounting for 70 percent of the total (approximately the same share here in California). Inefficient use of water for crop production depletes aquifers, reduces river flows, degrades wildlife habitats, and causes salinization of irrigated land areas. The United Nations has already chosen the following themes for the next three World Water Days: Water and Jobs—2016; Wastewater—2017; Nature-based Solutions—2018. To see a photo of the walkers who participated in the fundraiser, go to www.morganhilltimes.com. Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Email him at chuck.flagg.writer@gmail.com.
Local Haru Matsuri festival celebrates, honors Japanese heritage in South County
During a warmer than usual Sunday in November 1959, members of the Japanese community in Morgan Hill gathered in a garage to share steaming bowls of white rice, renew friendships and celebrate their proud heritage in the first of many events that led to the founding of the annual Haru Matsuri festival.
Technology and tradition co-exist in Gilroy’s classrooms
My greatest accomplishments in third grade were winning the spelling championship and retaining my position as a steady-ender for jump rope during lunch recess. Nowadays, some third graders are focusing on explaining character development in Peter Pan, symbolism in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and being able to name more than ten different shapes. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a weekly classroom volunteer at Navigator's Gilroy Preparatory School (GPS) and the obnoxiously proud mother of a third grade teacher at GPS. My daughter thinks I work in the classroom to help her with her two classes of thirty children. The real truth is that I go for the hugs the kids give me!
Car wash fundrasiers are OK but follow all the rules
Just curious. Saw a carwash fundraising for a church happening at the corner of Church and Welburn. I thought we got in trouble for washing our cars. Guess people don't get the picture. This is on 4/12.
Four paws, two feet, one team: Nonprofit group provides service dogs, training to veterans with disabilities
The slogan of Operation Freedom Paws—”Four paws, two feet, one team”—rings true for veteran Chris Ramirez, a local Marine Corps sergeant who is now currently suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The nonprofit organization matched him with his service dog, Bobby, last June and provided training support
Gilroy Chamber gives new grads a leg up on jobs
Members of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, Gilroy Unified School District, volunteers from the business community and educators all came together last Thursday and Friday to conduct job interview training workshops for nearly 200 high school seniors.
