Gavilan presents Shakespeare

The Gavilan College Theater ensemble, directed by John Lawton Haehl and Bill Klipstine, bring to the stage one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." It portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with the Duke and Duchess of Athens, and with fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest. It contains a play within a play and a world within a world, inviting audiences to enter the world of magic and fantasy and leave wondering "was it all a dream?"

The show continues at 8 p.m. today and May 2, 3, 9 and 10. There is a 2 p.m. matinee May 3.

All shows at the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.

Tickets are on sale at the Gavilan College Bookstore. (Buy one get one free with Gavilan College ASB card). Adult tickets are $12, children and students are $8. A family pack (two adult and two children) cost $30.

Details: 846-4973.

'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 2 and 7 p.m. today in the Gilroy High School Theater.

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

Details: 846-0449.

'Pinocchio' comes to South Valley

South Valley Civic Theatre's Children's Musical "Pinocchio" continues tonight at 8 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse.

The performances will continue Friday and Saturday evenings through May 3 with a Sunday matinee performance at 2 p.m. April 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 last of the popular "Path of the Padres" today and Sunday. 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.

Vendors needed for GavFEST

Local arts, crafts and nonprofit vendors and exhibitors are invited to participate in GavFEST, the annual spring festival and open house at Gavilan College. GavFEST 2007 drew 2,000 visitors. GavFEST 2008 will include bands, food, a college open house, hairstyles and manicures, a soccer tournament, and GaviLAND kids area with reptile zoo, bounce attraction, and climbing wall.

This year's festival has a special environmental theme, "GavFEST Goes Green" and will include environmental and green building exhibits. Admission and parking are free. GavFEST 2008 is Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details: www.gavilan.edu/gavfest or Noemi at (408) 848-4800 ext. 5117.

Art center task force reconvenes

The original Gilroy Arts & Cultural Center Task Force is being reconvened to review the project and to identify possible design and program changes. The center to be built on the northwest corner of Seventh and Monterey Streets has been delayed while a consultant finds more financial options for the project. Joint use possibilities include joining the center with revenue-generating retail, office or residential space, maybe even a partnership with the Gilroy Unified School District. As it stands, the center would set the city back about $25 million, up from the original $9 million the city planned for.

The first meeting will take place from noon to 4 p.m. today, in the City Council Chambers, 7351 Rosanna St.

Spaghetti dinner benefits San Martin

The San Martin Neighborhood Alliance will hold its 6th annual Spaghetti Social today, at the Lions Club Hall on Murphy Avenue.

Each year SMNA invites the "Old-Timers" of San Martin as honorary guests. This enables them (most in their mid-80s to mid-90s to get together with their lifelong friends. 

SMNA has selected MaryAnn Perino (lifelong resident of San Martin) as senior of the year. Her family were farmers in the San Martin community for years.

This is a fundraiser and an entire evening of great food and entertainment. There will be a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for children. 

Details: Vicki Whitman at 683-4466 or Sylvia Hamilton at 683-2667. 

Celebrating 100 years of music

Come celebrate 100 years of music in Gilroy, with an afternoon of music featuring Candace Fazzio on the piano. The program benefits the third grade local history curriculum, for which donations will be accepted.

The concert begins at 1 p.m. today at the Willey House, 140 Fifth St. It will include a sing-along led by Gwen Altenburg Gillot, an ice-cream social during intermission, displays of musical instruments, photographs and curriculum materials and activities for students.

Wineries celebrate spring

Enjoy a day in the country with the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley at their Spring Wine Celebration from noon to 5 p.m. today at Casa de Fruta Country Park. Guests are invited to:

■ Enjoy new releases and barrel tastings

■ Savor New York steak, pasta con pesto, green salad, garlic bread and more.

■ Listen to live music.

■ Meet local winemakers.

■ Visit the wine education booth with scents of wine, barrel making and more.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-548-3813. Group discounts are available. Tickets can also be purchased from any of the participating wineries: Clos LaChance, Cooper-Garrod, Guglielmo, Fortino, Hecker Pass, J. Lohr, Kirigin, Pedrizzetti, Rapazzini, Sarah's, Solis, Sycamore Creek, Thomas Kruse and Casa de Fruta.

Casa de Fruta is located at 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister.

Details: Visit www.wineriesofsantaclaravalley.com

Adopt a lovable pet at San Jose show

The Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter will be at the San Jose Home and Garden Show Saturday and Sunday. Stop by and see the adoptable dogs and cats. Meet Stormy, the kitten that was shot with a BB gun and fractured an ankle. The event takes place at the San Jose Convention Center, 435 S. Market St., booth #826, South Hall B, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Discounted tickets available for $7 at www.fosmas.org/events.shtml

Details: 681-3788, or friendsofsanmartin@yahoo.com

36th Annual Wildflower Show

The two-day Wildflower Show showcases the plant biodiversity of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The region's premier botanical/horticultural event displays more than 400 species of wildflowers and native plants, each accurately labeled, many suitable for the home garden.

There will be free classes on native plant identification, growing wildflowers and gardening with native plants. Books, posters, seeds and note cards will be on sale.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, at Mission College, Hospitality Management Building, 3000 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara. Parking is free in Lot C only.

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

Chicken Festival set for the weekend

The 2nd annual San Juan Bautista Chicken Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. There will be a variety of activities such as crowing contests, entertainment and arts and crafts booths.

A parade is set for Sunday at 11 a.m., and entries are $15. There will also be a chicken queen competition.

Details: Margo Tankersley at the chamber at 623-2454.

Rivers of chocolate coming

The Rivers of Chocolate event will be held Sunday. Don't miss this fun filled day, and support EHC LifeBuilders Youth Programs.

Indulge in delectable chocolates, food and wines from some of the Bay Area's finest, along with music and entertainment including a silent and live auction. Auction items include a 2008 Harley-Davidson Limited Anniversary Edition XL 1200L valued at $10,600, his and hers Tiffany & Co. watches, 50-yard-line 49er tickets to any 2008-2009 regular season game, a one night stay at The Beach House in Half Moon Bay to include two spa treatments, an Apple iPhone and tour and tasting package from Byington Winery & Vineyard

Purchase tickets online today or call (408) 539-2109.

Details: visit www.RiversOfChocolate.org.

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.

Dinner and dance at winery

Lana Wright Competition Dancers, a youth nonprofit organization, will be hosting its 3rd annual dinner and dance event at Guglielmo Winery Sunday. Enjoy a dance show, lunch outdoors at the winery, live and silent auction and fabulous prizes. Proceeds from fundraiser will help the dance team travel to Las Vegas this summer to compete in a national competition.

To make a donation or to purchase event tickets please call 778-1178.

Fun at the Gilroy Library

Enter a Teen Poetry Contest at the Gilroy Library, 7387 Rosanna St. One winner from middle school and one from high school will receive a $25 cash prize. Deadline is April 30. A complete rules and entry forms are available at the library and online at www.santaclaracountylib.org/teen/poetry_contest.

Also, there will be a Cosplay contest and free comic book day at the Gilroy Library, 7387 Rosanna St., Saturday, May 3. Dress like an anime or manga character to enter our Cosplay contest at 2 p.m. for a chance to win prizes. Watch a superhero movie at 3 p.m.

Details: 842-8207.

Landlord and property manager workshop

The City of Gilroy will host a free workshop for landlords and property managers, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna Street. The workshop aims to educate landlords of their responsibility to provide and maintain safe, crime-free rental units, inform about the consequences of failing to address rental issues, provide information on time management and community resources and enhance the quality of life in Gilroy's neighborhoods. The workshop will address issues like crime, drugs, gang activity, abandoned vehicles, loitering, graffiti, overgrown landscaping and changes in population demographics. Refreshments will be provided. Call Community Service Officer Munoz at 846-0524 for details.

Gilroy High prom and grad night fundraiser

Do you have a student that will be attending GHS Senior Prom this year? If so, we urge you to purchase your boutonnieres and corsages from the GHS Sober Grad Night Committee. All proceeds will be going towards the Grad Night event. Corsages cost $15 and boutonnieres are $10. The sale will be going on until Thursday, May 1.

Details and to order: Adrienne Haygood at (408) 898-0081.

Watch birds on Coyote Creek hike

A series of bird walks led by Jane Haley, a National Park Service docent for 20 years and Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center volunteer, will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. May 3 along Coyote Creek, north of Morgan Hill. Participants will have an opportunity to observe migratory birds as well as discover an appreciation of local birds, their habitat and ecological importance. Due to the terrain, these walks are not recommended for young children. The programs are free, space is limited and reservations are required.

Details and to register: contact W.E.R.C. at 779-9372 or visit www.werc-ca.org.

Flower lovers meet in May

The Morgan Hill Flower Lover's Club (including Gilroy and San Martin) will meet at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. All members are encouraged to bring a plant to exchange with fellow members.

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.

Details: 848-4724.

Celebrate 40 years at El Roble

El Roble Elementary will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a day of festivities starting at 1 p.m. May 16 with a parade led by the three "Queens of El Roble," Roberta Bertero, Patti Littlejohn and Mary Garcia, three women who were some of the first teachers.

A ceremony honoring the anniversary will be held at 2 p.m. to be followed by a carnival from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Admission to the carnival is free and open to the community. The school invites former staff, alumni and the public to celebrate at El Roble Elementary School.

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.