Gav presents fine art display

Gavilan College Fine Arts Gallery presents Art Is Essential: The Pajaro Valley Arts Council Member Artists Invitational. Come and enjoy the variety of paintings, sculptures and ceramics now on display at the gallery in the Gavilan College Library, 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard.

The exhibit is on display from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. The free exhibit is closed Saturday and Sunday. It runs through May 9. An opening reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

Details: 848-4724.

Food, wine and fun benefit sports

The 10th Annual South Valley Wine Auction and Food Fest, the premiere wine and food event of the South County, will return Friday April 18 to the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 South Monterey Road.

KBAY Radio's Jona Denz-Hamilton will host the evening from 6 to 10 p.m. Sample delicacies from 10 fine restaurants and at least a dozen award-winning Santa Clara, San Benito and Santa Cruz county wineries. Auction items include artwork, dining certificates, golf outings, salon treatments and wonderful wines. Proceeds benefit all school sports programs at Live Oak and Sobrato High Schools, and Murphy and Britton Middle schools.

Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, and are available at BookSmart and Michelina's Boutique in Morgan Hill, by mail at P.O. Box 1835, Morgan Hill, CA 95038 and online at www.southvalleywineauction.org.

Details: Sharon Stoner at 838-8719.

Presentation fashion show for financial a

Preparations for the 42nd Annual Presentation High School Scholarship Benefit Fashion Show are in full swing. The show features members of Presentation High School's Class of 2008, faculty, parents, board members, alumnae and senior boys from area high schools.

The show features the latest fashions from top name area retailers, and will also include performances by the Presentation Dance Team and Girls Choir. The theme this year, Bloom, is a tribute to the passion and potential of the students of Presentation.

The show raises money to provide financial aid for students attending the all-female Catholic high school, located in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose. Last year's show contributed $151,000 to the school's scholarship fund.

The Friday April 18 event takes place at the Santa Clara Marriott's California Ballroom. The luncheon show begins at 11:30 a.m. and tickets are $95 per person. Dinner festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $165 per person, which includes dancing to sounds provided by C D Boys.

Details: 264-5110 ext. 2428 or visit the school's Fashion Show Web site, www.presentationfashionshow.com.

'The Lorax' comes to Gilroy

The city of Gilroy Community Services Department and Director Erin Cross present "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss in celebration of Earth Day, starring more than 40 young local actors ages 5 to 13. The performances will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and April 25 and 26 in the Gilroy High School Theater. Saturday matinees will also be held at 2 p.m. Saturday and April 26.

Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Gilroy Community Services office.

Details: 846-0449.

Guitarists coming to New Hope

Gilroy Guitar Gallery and Breedlove Guitars presents a musical event featuring renowned fingerstyle guitar player Richard Gilewitz and the amazing Nashville flatpicker Tim May.

The show begins at 7:30 pm, Friday, April 18, at New Hope Community Church, 8886 Muraoka Drive.

Tickets are $15 and available at Gilroy Guitar Gallery, 64 Fifth St., Gilroy or by calling 847-6350.

'Pinocchio' comes to South Valley

South Valley Civic Theatre's Children's Musical "Pinocchio" continues Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, at 8 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse.

The performances will continue Friday and Saturday evenings through May 3 and Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. April 20 and 27. The show features local youths ages 7 through 13.

Tickets are $18 general and $14 students and seniors, and may be purchased online at www.svct.org or at BookSmart in Morgan Hill, the Morgan Hill Community Center, or at the Gilroy Visitors Bureau.

The show was written by Carlo Collodi, with adaptation and lyrics by Jim Eiler, and music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy.

Producers are Terri MIles and Loritta Bonfante Johnson. Artistic and vocal direction by Carol Harris and choreography by Mitzie Imagawa.

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

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.

GHS sober grad night fundraisers

Mark your calendars for two events that raise money for Gilroy High School's Sober Grad Night.

Both events take place Saturday April 19.

The first is Bunco Night, 7 p.m. at Westside Grill. Prizes will be awarded. Appetizers will be served. The cost is $25. Call Monica Villar for tickets at 710-6507.

The second event is a Poker night beginning at 5 p.m. at the Senior Center. Prizes for the winners. The cost is $50, and pizza, salad and soft drinks will be served. Call Dave Villar at 710-6506.

Flower club fundraiser

The South Valley Fleurs Garden Club is holding its annual fundraising plant sale from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the Garden Accents/Grass Farms, 11155 Lena Ave. The club supports national and regional garden clubs as well as many local community and charitable activities including the fire-safe garden maintenance for the Hollister Fire Department; maintenance of the planters at the Gilroy Senior Center; planting and maintenance of the butterfly garden in Morgan Hill; holiday flower arrangements for three convalescent homes; and plants, pots, people, soil and sweat that support planting day for the Live Oak Adult Daycare.

Details: 842-7804.

Book bargains benefit library

Find a good used book at the Friends of the Gilroy Library used book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday. Bags of books are $3.

Details: 842-8207.

Human Rights attorney to speak

Martina Vandenberg, Human Rights Attorney, will speak at the Morgan Hill United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Sunday April 20. She graduated from Gilroy High School (1986) and studied International Relations at Pomona College. She was awarded Truman and Rhodes Scholarships to attend Oxford University where she continued her study of Russian.

Completing her studies in England, she moved to Russia for three years where she worked in the Women's Movement. Upon returning to the United States, Vandenberg attended Columbia Law School. After passing the bar exam in New York, she accepted a position with Human Rights Watch in Washington, D.C. She now works for the law firm Jenner and Block and received an award for her pro bono work in human trafficking. She lives in Washington with her husband and their two sons.

History group meets monthly

A local history group meets the third Sunday of the month at Barnes and Noble, Gilroy. The 90-minute meetings begin at 2 p.m. There will be candy, a quiz and discussion.

April is Civil War month, and on April 20 the group study leader is Joshua Chamberlain.

Gilroy Rotary offers $18K in scholarships

The Gilroy Rotary Club Scholarships and Awards Program will be offering $18,000 in college scholarships to qualified high school seniors graduating in 2008 and entering their first year of college in the fall of 2008. The scholarships will be as follows:

Goldsmith/Gilroy Rotary floriculture scholarship(s): up to $9,000, specifically designed for students planning a career in floriculture, plant science, biology, or a related field. (These awards are also available to Gavilan College students transferring to a four-year college.)

General scholarships: Two $2,500 and four $1,000 for academic achievement and service.

Applicants must live in Gilroy or attending a Gilroy Unified School District school, have an excellent record of service in the community and/or extracurricular activities and graduate high school in June of 2008 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years.

Obtain applications at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce or on line at gilroyrotary.org. Applications must be returned to the Gilroy Rotary Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 1912, Gilroy, CA 95021 by April 25.

Details: (408) 842-2684

Enjoy an evening with children

Hey dads and children (5 years and older), come to Gilroy's All Pro Dad's Day, from 6 to 7 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at First Street Coffee House.

All Pro Dad's Day is a monthly gathering of fathers and their kids with the purpose of growing closer while enjoying refreshments and participating in activities. Some great prizes will be given away.

Details and RSVP: tmannino@covad.net., or www.AllProDad.com.

See the 30th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant

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.

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

Details: 842-1625.

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 for 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.

Frank Sanchez names marshal

The Gilroy Memorial Day Committee announced Frank Sanchez as the 2008 Grand Marshall. He served as a member of the U.S. Army. The theme, "Your Freedom, Their Lives" for the 11th annual Memorial Day Parade, May 26. All community groups, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in commemorating those who fell in the line of duty.

A ceremony will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at Gavilan Cemetery, followed by a parade along 10th Street from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. From 1 to 4 p.m., a Family Fun Day will be held at Christmas Hill Park. It will include music, food, bounce houses for children, a climbing wall, face painting and more.

In addition, a car show will be held at the park following the parade. Car participants may drive their vehicle in the parade and then show them from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Or, just show it at the park. There will be awards given out and there is no entry fee.

Get an application at www.gilroyparade.com

Class of 1958 plans reunion

The Gilroy High School class of 1958 is planning a 50th reunion, June 27 at Eagle Ridge Golf Club.

Details: 842-5357.

Discover joy of a foster family

Learn about becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

Details: Shelda Reynolds at 846-5028, or at Shelda.Reynolds@ssa.sccgov.org,or stop by the Gilroy Family Resource Center, 8833 Monterey Road., Suite. G, Gilroy.

Free table tennis

Enjoy a game of table tennis with seniors 55 and older at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St.

Details: 846-0414.

Scouting in Gilroy

If you're interested in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts, please visit their new Web site at www.gilroyscouting.org

On it you will find contact information and pictures from recent adventures, as well as on-line forms for our flag retirement service and joining.

Brain Injury Support

The Brain Injury Support Group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month at Poblanita Restaurant, 313 Third St. in San Juan Bautista. Anyone who has had a brain injury, stroke or aneurysm is welcome to attend, along with caregivers, family and friends.

Details: Maggie at 623-9271.

Ongoing Events

Thursdays

Narateen meeting in Gilroy

For the children of families and friends of addicts 13 to 20, narateen meetings take place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, at First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Ave., Room 202

Details: 836-7549, or irene_naranon@yahoo.com

Conservative Republicans discuss politics

Conservative Republicans and others are invited to attend the monthly

meeting of the California Republican Assembly the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Please RSVP for location and directions. The objective of the local CRA chapter is to raise political sophistication and keep abreast of politics in the state and the country.

Details: 327-6451.

Fridays

Rock to reggae at winery

The popular Reggae Nights series continues Friday at Hecker Pass Winery's new event center, La Vigna. Find Your Roots, a Santa Cruz-based band, will highlight an evening of entertainment for the younger set. The show begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. DJ Dread will keep the music driving. Food and drinks will be available. There's an $8 cover charge, and youth 16 and older are welcome. Wrist bands are given to everyone upon entrance. Hecker Pass Winery is located at 4605 Hecker Pass Highway.

Details: Carlo Fortino at 930-6777 or visit heckerpasswinery.com.