Published in the June 8 – 21, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Robert Airoldi
The Harley Davidson House of Thunder celebrated Armed Forces Day with a Buffalo Soldiers Anniversary Party, Susan Bukus told us. She is a compassionate volunteer for all four-legged critters who helps rescue groups put on pet fairs and facilitate adoptions. It was held to support the men and women who defend our freedom and also to acknowledge and appreciate the history of the Buffalo Soldiers.
The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club was founded in October 1993. The name Buffalo Soldiers was initially selected to pay homage to and ensure the legacy of the African-American military contributions in the post Civil War era. Since then, NABSTMC has grown to more than 93 chapters with 2,000 members across the United States, Hawaii and Nova Scotia.
Their mission, in part, reads …”To include giving back to our communities through charitable deeds and contributions.” Rebekah Children’s Services was given several boxes of donations from the soldiers.
Patti Guinn with Tail Waggin All Breed Rescue brought an amazing bunch of canine critters all ready for their new family. “Sandy,” “Cooper,” “Ben” and “River” found their forever homes. The Bell family adopted the little black and white Chihuahua puppy that is so young she did not even have a name. That’s OK, though, Her new family will give her a unique name that will match her personality. Congrats to all involved.
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Brianna Conrey Donaldson
Brianna Conrey Donaldson, 35, is competing in the Amateur Cliburn piano competition and made the first cut, which now allows her to compete with 70 other pianists from around the world in Fort Worth June 18 to 25. Her mother Janet Conrey said she is thrilled to just to have her make the initial “cut,” but, of course, hopes to see her progress through each day’s competition and just network with other pianists.
She lives in Santa Cruz with her husband and two children and is the director of special programs at the American Institute of Mathematics.
For the competition, she will play Medtner, Fairy Tales, Mozart, K.494 Rondo, Chopin, Ballade No. 4, Brahms, Op. 118, Nos. 1, 2, and 6 and Bartok, Op. 20: Improvisations on Hungarian Peasant Songs. Sounds impressive. Good luck, Brianna!
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The 2016 Summer Photo Contest held by Supervisor Mike Wasserman’s office is here, and he wants to see your favorite photos that show why Santa Clara County is the place to be. He will frame and display the winning photos in his office. Grab your camera (or phone) and show him your favorite images of landscapes, farmers markets, parades, parks, pets and other fun images of summer. The deadline is July 29. Email your photo to [email protected] along with your name, address, and where you took the photo.
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On a personal note, 11 friends and I competed in our 2nd annual Mid-Cal Cup Golf Tournament in Nipomo. Six friends from Southern California — Robert Giambalvo, Mark Harrier, Sal Santangelo, Bill Hall, Kevin Crowell and Paul Hernandez — met six friends from South Valley — Chris Yacenda, Martin Scott, Glenn Scott, Jason Harding, Ryan Bell and myself — for the three-day event. Tied 3-3 after two days in the Ryder Cup-style competition, the boys from So-Cal beat us 5 ½ to ½ Sunday to retain the cup for another year. The trips are a chance to play golf on some quality courses, but more than that they are a chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new friends. The best times are not on the course. They are at the restaurant, the bar or the condo. We had so much fun, there is talk from some that we should play at least twice a year. We’ll see. Not if we don’t get any better. Great job, guys. See you all next year!
