Sue's Coffee Roasting Company presents free entertainment Friday nights. The show take place from 7 to 9 p.m., at Sue's, 7501 Monterey Road

Tonight, see Calaveras, a mix of Victoria's soaring, ethereal vocals and hauntingly beautiful fiddle on pure folk ballads and sultry jazz-fusion torch songs, Greg's energetic and insightful musical treatment of birth, death and everything in between, and Dave's constantly creative lead-guitar commentary.

March 21, see Hobbyhorse, progressive folk/rock with songs that tell stories inspired by world mythology, love and the adventures of the spirit.

March 28, see Jeff Rolka, While the songwriter originally from Detroit, Mich. continues to explore the themes of love and love lost, his music is more fully realized by the talents of his all-star Bay Area ensemble. "Don't Blame Me," "Every Little Thing" and the rocker "3 a.m.," huge in scope and sound. Recording on a variety of instruments, Rolka seamlessly transitions from Indie to an introspective antique vibe.

A 'hip' weekend with SVCT

See South Valley Civic Theater's teen version of the hit sci-fi musical " Little Shop of Horrors." This wacky classic is a perfect vehicle for teen energy, angst and creativity. Bring the family, bring a date … bring your plants, if you dare. (But whatever you do - don't feed them!)

The show takes place at 8 p.m. today and Saturday. Cost $18; seniors and student cost is $14. The show plays at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill.

Details: (408) 842-SHOW or www.svct.org.

Audition for 'Nunsense'

South Valley Civic Theatre is holding auditions this weekend for our upcoming production of "Nunsense," a musical comedy written by Dan Goggin. "Nunsense" is staged by five sisters of a Hoboken nunnery that offers a cornucopia of fun for the entire family.

Auditions are 7 p.m. today, 6:30 p.m. check-in, and at 3 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 check-in, at the new SVCT warehouse, 16840 Joleen Way Building F, Unit 4, Morgan Hill.

There are five women's roles: Rev. Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and Sister Mary Amnesia, the delightfully wacky nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head

Come prepared to sing a song of your choosing. A piano accompanist will be provided. You may also be asked to demonstrate movement or to read a selection from the script.

Performance dates are May 16 to June 14, except Memorial Day weekend.

Details: 683-2817.

Award-winning author talks in honor of Women's History Month

Matilda Butler, co-author of Rosie's Daughters: The "First Women To" Generation Tells Its Story, will use music and photos from 1945-2005 as a historical backdrop for her presentation The Tipping Point in American Women"s History. Butler will share stories and insights from the 100 women she interviewed for her collective memoir of women born during World War II for the program which will be presented Saturday, March 15th at the Westside Grill, 8080 Santa Theresa Blvd. from 2 to 4 p.m.

Rosie's Daughters draws on Butler's 35 years of research training and work experiences. She is an author, life writing coach at the Gilroy Library, social psychologist and entrepreneur. Like the women in Rosie's Daughters, Butler is a member of the "First Woman To" generation and also had to find her way in a world turned upside down by the social, cultural and historic changes of the last 40-plus years. Butler has published more than fifty articles about women and co-authored the award-winning book Women and the Mass Media. Matilda lives in Gilroy and will be joined by her co-author, Kendra Bonnett. Books will be available for purchase and there will be time for the author to sign them. She is donating a portion of the proceeds to scholarships and fellowships at the Gilroy Branch of the American Association of University Women, which is sponsoring the event in honor of Women's History Month. Light refreshments will be served at a cost of $15.

Contact: Reservations are requested by calling Lyn Hackett at 842-4946 or e-mailing lhackett@garlic.com.

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day dinner

The public is invited to a St. Patrick's Day dinner that benefits the St. Joseph's Food Assistance Program. The dinner is Saturday, beginning with a no-host bar at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m., in the St. Mary Auditorium, 11 Firsts St. Donations are $25. Tickets are available at St. Joseph's Family Center, 7950 Church St., Suite A, or call 842-6662.

Find a treasure of a book

Friends of the Gilroy Library Used Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, at the library, 7387 Rosanna St.

Details: 842-8207.

South County democrats meet

The next meeting of the South County Democratic Club is at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the San Martin Lions Club, 12415 Murphy Ave. San Martin.

Details: Swanee 782-1017.

Program needs short-term volunteers

Are you looking for a short term volunteer opportunity that is meaningful and fun? The Role Model Program needs adult volunteers to inspire elementary and middle school students to succeed! Time commitment is just one hour a week for six weeks.

The Role Model Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students to achieve their goals, dreams, and learning that education can open the door to a successful future.

Details: 246-0433 or go on-line to www.therolemodelprogram.org.

March deadline for scholarships approaching

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund application deadline is fast approaching for students planning to attend college this fall. All scholarship applications for the upcoming 2008-2009 academic year must be submitted before midnight, March 15. Current and prospective students may apply online at https://apply.hsf.net.

To be eligible for the HSF General College Scholarship Program, applicants must be Hispanic, plan to enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program at an American accredited institution of higher learning in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and legal residency in the U.S. are required. The average scholarship award amount is $2,500.

Details: Visit www.hsf.net.

Gilroy Library's writing contest

Each year during the Spring, the Gilroy Library invites local writers to participate in a writing contest in conjunction with Silicon Valley Reads.

The theme for the 2008 writing contest is "Forgiveness." As in the novel "The Distant Land Of My Father" by Bo Caldwell, forgiveness may arise out of betrayal and reconciliation.

Gilroy Library invites local writers to explore the theme of forgiveness in a short work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry. The piece should be no longer than 1,000 words. Submissions will be accepted through March 15. A reception will be held during National Library Week (April 13 to 19) and winning entries will be read and posted on the Web.

Details: Gilroy Library reference desk or at www.santaclaracountylib.org/gilroy/forgiveness.html, or write to: forgiveness@library.sccgov.org.

Author to read, sign books

Ruben Dozal Jr. will read excerpts from his book "My Dad's Thoughts: Bits and Pieces of Life," from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, at Curves, 1715 Airline Highway, Hollister. He will be available to sign copies. Dozal was born in Brawley. One of eight children and with little formal education, he began writing through the Adult Literacy Project of Santa Clara County.

Take the family to Farm Day

Bring the children to Farm Day at Huntingh Hollow in Henry Coe State Park and learn all about farm life. See lambs, chickens, goats, rabbits and a miniature horse. Ride a real tractor. Lemonade and cookies will be served.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday

Details: 683-2247, or 779-2728.

Neighborhood resource meetings

The City of Gilroy Housing & Community Development, Gilroy Police Department Neighborhood Resource Unit, Gilroy Gang Task Force and South County Housing invite the public to attend a series of three free sessions entitled "Gilroy Neighborhood Academy 2008."

• Tuesday, March 18: Social Host Ordinance - GPD crackdown on teenage drinking

• Tuesday, March 25: Neighborhood Development - how do I start a neighborhood association, who are the neighborhood leaders and volunteers and how do I start a neighborhood watch?

The meetings take place at the Gilroy Senior Center 7371 Hanna St. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. with presentations from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Reserve a seat today.

Details: Rachel Munoz 846-0524 or rachel.munoz@ci.gilroy.ca.us

Gavilan College Cheerleader Tryouts

Tryouts for the Gavilan College cheerleading team will be held Thursday, March 20th and Friday March 21st, 5 to 8 p.m., with possible finals on Friday March 28th from 5 to 8 p.m. Tryouts will be held on the Gilroy campus in room APE 101 (Mini Gym) in the Gymnasium complex. Applications are available in the Gavilan Library or in the Physical Education/Athletics Office or online at http://www.gavilan.edu/cheer/index.html. Click on Cheer Tryout Packet. Turn in applications on or before March 20th

Details: Rachel Becerra - Advisor (408) 848-4810 - Gavilan Library or Diane Stone - Co-Advisor (408) 848-4876 - PE/Athletics Office

New addition to Miss California competition

The 2008 Miss Gavilan Hills Pageant will include the newly created Outstanding Teen Competition. It is based on talent, interview, school grades and party dress competition. This competition is based on the former Jr. Miss competition. The competition is open to girls ages 13 to 17. The contest will be held March 29, 2008 at Oak Grove High School, in San Jose.

Deadline for entry is March 24.

Young girls ages 5 to 12 can become a princess for the Miss Gavilan Hills Pageant. This is not a competition, rather it is an opportunity for young girls to participate in the pageant with Miss California. There will be a Princess Coronation at Oak Grove High School in the afternoon of March 29 in the afternoon. The princesses will participate in the Miss Gavilan Hills Pageant that night and will act as escorts for the pageant competitors. Last date to sign up is March 24.

Tickets for the 2008 Miss Gavilan Hills Pageant are on now sale. This year will mark the 40th contestant that the Miss Gavilan Hills Pageant has sent to compete at the Miss California Pageant. The program will feature Miss California 1999, Danielle Coney who is a former Miss Gavilan Hills; Miss Stephanie Baldwin, Miss Gavilan Hills 2001; Jackie Geist, Miss Hollywood 2008 as well as Miss Gavilan Hills 2007 along with many others. Twenty-four contestants from throughout the state will compete in the Miss Gavilan Hills pageant with scholarships awarded to the winners, along with a trip to the Miss California competition. The California Outstanding Teen competition and the special presentation of the California Princesses is scheduled for the show as well.

Details and tickets: Joyce Patereau at 842 5671.

Youth group raises funds

Saint Mary's youth group is holding a dinner dance to raise funds for their annual trip to Mexico where they build homes for needy families. This Mexican food dinner takes place from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 29. There will be a raffle and an auction.

Details or to donate: Clorete at 482-0554.

Make a reservation for the Path of the Padres hike

The staff at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area will again be leading the popular "Path of the Padres" hikes some Fridays and most Saturdays and Sundays through April 27. These hikes are open to the public, ages 6 years and older, by advance reservation only. School group hikes may be arranged for Fridays. School group reservations and general public reservations are now open.

The hike begins at the Los Banos Creek Reservoir boat launch ramp at 8 a.m. and returns to the ramp about 3:30 p.m. A pontoon boat carries passengers for about 30 to 40 minutes to the west end of the reservoir. Along the way, short stops are made so the hikers can observe wildlife along the shoreline. The group leaves the boat at the west end of the reservoir for a five-mile round-trip hike. Here one can see the area where, in the early 1800s, the Spanish padres from Mission San Juan Bautista camped on their way to the Central Valley. This hike is moderately strenuous and will take about five hours.

Participants must be in fairly good physical condition. Because Los Banos Creek is crossed several times during the hike, footwear may get wet. Layered clothing and sturdy footgear should be a priority. Hikers should carry a lunch and a minimum of two quarts of water. The hike traverses country that can be very hot and dry, depending on weather conditions, so a hat and sunscreen are recommended.

Throughout the hike, the natural and historic features of the area are pointed out and discussed by the hike leader. The lunch stop is near the historic "baths," deep pools in the creek, carved in bedrock, which gave Los Banos its name. As early as 1805 the mission padres and accompanying soldiers washed and rested here at Los Banos del Padre Arroyo, now simply Los Banos Creek.

Participants have the option of taking a side trip up a steep hill for a spectacular view of the Menjoulet Canyon and the proposed site of the Los Banos Grandes Reservoir. The canyon floor is covered with 576 acres of old-growth Sycamore forest.

Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A reservation fee of $10 per person older than 13 and $7 per child age 6 to 12. A family of five may reserve space for two adults and three children for $25. Space is limited. On the day of the hike, an additional day use parking fee of $6 per car is charged upon entry.

Details: (209) 826-1196 or (209) 826-1197.

Applications available for 30th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association is seeking contestants for the 30th Annual Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant. Contestant applications are available at the Garlic Festival office, 7473 Monterey St.

Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant is a scholarship pageant. Contestants are judged on personal interview, speech, talent and evening gown. In addition to the selection of Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen, scholarships will be awarded to many pageant contestants.

Applicants must be:

• A resident of Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill, Hollister, San Juan Bautista or Aromas;

• A single female who has never been married and has no children;

• A high school graduate by June 2008;

• Between the ages of 18 and 24 as of July 2008.

Deadline to submit a completed application is 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2008.

The Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Pageant is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2008, at the Gavilan College Theater.

Details: 842-1625.

Spring native plant sale

Scores of species of native plants, seeds and bulbs suitable for California gardens are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday April 12, at Hidden Villa Ranch, CNPS Nursery, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. Parking is free. Speak to experts about lawn alternatives such as native perennials, wildflowers and grasses. Native plant books, posters and note cards. Organized by the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Come early for the best selection; bring boxes to carry purchases home.

Details: www.cnps-scv.org, email cnps_scv@yahoo.com, or (650) 941-1068.

Who's Your Hero? American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Seeks Nominations for Local Real Heroes Award Breakfast

American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter is calling on Silicon Valley residents, companies and organizations to nominate individuals, who reside or work in Santa Clara County and whose extraordinary acts of courage or kindness make them a hero to be honored at the 2nd Annual Santa Clara Valley Real Heroes Breakfast on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose.

"A hero can be someone who bravely acts in a time of immediate need or someone who simply lives his or her life in a way that shows they care for those around them. Real heroes are ordinary people whose actions demonstrate the potential that is in all of us. If someone is a hero in your eyes, I encourage you to nominate them'" says Honorary Event Chair, Peter Hero, a senior advisor to the CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Nominations for the heroics act of local residents that took place between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007 are being accepted in the following categories:

• Animal Rescue Hero - An animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, or a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation.

• Education Hero - An adult or youth who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others in a school or other educational setting.

• Good Samaritan - Adult (21 years old and up) - An adult who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others.

• Good Samaritan - Youth (Under the age of 21) - A youth who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others.

• Law Enforcement Hero - A professional law enforcement officer (Sheriff, Police, FBI, Highway Patrol, etc...) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.

• Medical Professional Hero - A medical professional (doctors, nurses, EMT/paramedics, hospital/clinic staff, etc...) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.

• Military Hero - A member of the armed forces (active, reserve, retired, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose life-saving action during active duty status went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.

• Professional Rescuer Hero - A professional rescuer (firefighter, lifeguard, etc...) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.

• Workplace Hero - An individual who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others at his or her place of employment or on a job site.

Real Hero Award recipients will be chosen by a selection committee of leading members of the Silicon Valley community. Heroes are selected based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of Silicon Valley. All nominees must work or reside in the Santa Clara County; the heroic acts may have occurred elsewhere. Self-nominations are not permitted. All nominations will be subject to further verification and validation. All nominee information will be shared with the Heroes selection committee and the general public with a two-minute biographical video.

Nominations for Real Heroes Awards can now be submitted to the American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter online at www.santaclaravalley.redcross.org. You can also download a PDF of the nomination form from the Web site and mail the completed form to Real Heroes Breakfast Selection Committee, American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter, 2731 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134 or fax the completed form to (408) 577-2050.