Published in the April 15-28, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Robert Airoldi
Tourism Alliance founder John McKay let us know that Morgan Hill and the South Valley got across-the-Bay-Area publicity on KKSF radio talk-show star Joel Riddell’s “Dining Around” show. The show was broadcast March 28 during the Santa Clara Valley Passport Weekend event. Riddell was impressed by the wines of our Valley of the Heart’s Delight region. Besides McKay, other people interviewed by Riddell are Gene Guglielmo of Guglielmo Winery, Andy Mariani of Andy’s Orchard, Dan McCraine, owner of Ladera Grill, and Tony Garcia, Ladera Grill executive chef, Thérèse Martin of Martin Ranch Winery, Michael Sampognaro of Morgan Hill Cellars, and Bill and Brenda Murphy of Clos LaChance winery. Listen to the broadcast at www.talk910.com/onair/dining-around-47066/joelriddell-on-the-way-to-the-13450443.
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The Morgan Hill League of Whimsical Placemakers and Gastronomy Association heard all the fuss over a giant spider coming to town. The league wanted to make sure that said spider felt welcome to Morgan Hill (we are a friendly lot). With the help of local wood alchemist Don Jensen, they whipped up a giant-sized Adirondack chair in hopes that she will be comfy and feel welcome. In this Picture Rosy Bergin (of Rosy’s at the Beach fame) takes a break before heading into work for the day. You can see this wonderful piece of art while it is awaiting a coat of paint in front of Continental Stitch on East Third St.
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Educatius International has been promoting world peace through inter-cultural understanding for more than 20 years. The program helps to improve America’s image abroad when foreign students return home with positive memories of the United States and the American people. They bring high school students to the U.S. to spend a year or semester in high school. They live with an American family and learn to view America through our eyes.
For a rewarding experience, consider opening your home and heart to a student who craves to learn the American way. A host family is responsible for providing a room with a bed, dresser and quiet place to study, and a caring environment. Host families are also responsible for meals within the home, but not outside the home. The host family receives a stipend of $700 per student per month to offset any expenses. For more information contact Regional Manager Madelyn Mancini at (408) 607-3320 or through e-mail at [email protected].
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The city of Morgan Hill awarded a grant to nationally-acclaimed Morgan Hill resident and artist Debbie Arambula, as she joins the city’s efforts to inspire and transform downtown Morgan Hill through Creative Placemaking art projects.
When hearing about the temporary placemaking project proposed by the city, Arambula said she jumped at the chance to create something special for Morgan Hill, one of the last agricultural communities in Silicon Valley area. Arambula said she is inspired by the history of the ranchers and farmers who established the town, and pays homage to the past, present and future of Morgan Hill with a fruit label inspired mural, depicting some of the most memorable visuals representing the city, from Villa Mira Monte, to poppy jasper, to French plums to vineyards; they’re all there.
“The mural is my homage to the farmer and farm workers for their never-ending efforts, and that small town community spirit of brotherly love that permeates throughout Morgan Hill,” Arambula said. Stop by the old liquor store on the corner of Monterey Road and Third Street and check out her work.
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Thank you, Rotary Club of Morgan Hill! Your generous members raised a whopping $7,000 to give to the El Toro Boys & Girls Club for after-school programs that help children develop their learning skills.